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AP reports the latest scion of one of America's most powerful political dynasties is trying to convince voters he's something other than what his famous surname suggests.

George P. Bush, Jeb Bush's 37-year-old son who is a grandson of one former president and nephew of another, is launching his political career by running for Texas' little-known but powerful land commissioner post.

But rather than campaigning on the mainstream Republicanism embodied by the family name, Bush says he's "a movement conservative" more in line with the tea party.

As if to underscore the point, he says he draws the most inspiration not from the administrations of his grandfather, George H. W. Bush, or his uncle, George W. Bush, but from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who engineered the 1994 Republican takeover of that chamber.

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Cambio reports the Internet was abuzz last week after President Barack Obama snapped a selfie at Nelson Mandela's memorial service.


To make matters worse, it turned out that the sign language interpreter at the service wasn't actually signing anything at all.

Naturally, the whole thing had SNL spoof written all over it and last night, the show tackled the "series of unfortunate events" in its cold opening.

In the skit, the show has their President Obama character (played by Jay Pharaoh) address the untimely selfie and some other important political issues, such as health care.

While he's speaking, he is joined on stage by a "sign language interpreter" and to be honest, we're not sure how Jay managed to keep a straight face through the whole thing.

Daily Mailreports the film industry is in mourning after legendary film actor Peter O'Toole died at the age of 81.

O'Toole's agent Steve Kenis confirmed the Lawrence Of Arabia star's death, saying he died on Saturday at the Wellington hospital in London after a long illness.

He is survived by two daughters - Kate and Patricia - and a son, Lorcan Patrick O'Toole.

In a statement released earlier, Kate O’Toole said: 'His family are very appreciative and completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of real love and affection being expressed towards him, and to us, during this unhappy time. Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts.

'In due course there will be a memorial filled with song and good cheer, as he would have wished. We will be happy to speak to you all then but in the meantime if you could give Peter O’Toole the respect he deserves and allow us to grieve privately we’d appreciate it.

'Thank you all again for your beautiful tributes – keep them coming.'

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USA Today reports a stunned community was preparing for a prayer vigil Sunday in support of Claire Davis, 17, who was clinging to life after being shot in the head Friday by a fellow student at Arapahoe High School.


The horse lover, babysitter and "great student" remained in critical condition Sunday at Littleton Adventist Hospital. Her school cancelled Monday classes.

August Clary, a classmate and friend, said equestrian is a big part of Claire's life. She has a horse named Graphite she spends long hours training, August said.

"A very sweet girl. She's really smart, really bright," said August, who has known Claire since freshman year. He had government class with her Friday morning. "She wouldn't hurt a fly. She's just a really great girl, and we hope she's gonna be okay."

Hundreds of students, parents and community members filled a local park Saturday night for a candlelight ceremony, expressing shock and pain at the tragedy that unfolded at the Centennial school.

"It didn't feel real until you see everybody (at the vigil)," said Summer Skrzypek. "She was a good friend and was always there if you needed her."
Students sang the school fight song while reminding each other that "Warriors" stick together. They shouted out words of encouragement, held a moment of silence and prayed.

Claire's neighbors were trying to process news of the shooting. Walter Bushnell told The Denver Post that Claire's grandmother had told him Claire was the victim.

"I just thought, 'Oh, my God, it's her' — it's just tragic," Bushnell said. "I'm just in shock."

Matt DeNero, who lives across the street from the Davis home, told the Postshe was outgoing, a good athlete and great student.
"We've watched her grow up since she was 2," DeNero said.

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Washington Examiner reports Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has had the best year of any Republican and virtually anyone in the world, ranking third in Rasmussen Report’s new poll of the of the “most influential” people in the world, behind Pope Francis and President Obama.
In the new poll, Cruz, who made headlines for trying to dismantle Obamacare, was the pick for the most influential of 11 percent. The pope was tops at 23 percent, Obama second at 21 percent.


Among Republicans, Cruz was second behind the pope, with 19 percent calling the freshman senator and Tea Party leader the world’s most influential leader. Just 9 percent of Republicans said the same thing of Obama.

Two other Republicans on Rasmussen’s list, House Speaker John Boehner and newly reelected New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, tied at 3 percent.
Rasmussen: Whom do you consider the most influential person in 2013?

23% Pope Francis

21% Barack Obama

11% Ted Cruz

8% Edward Snowden

4% Vladimir Putin

3% John Boehner

3% Chris Christie

2% Miley Cyrus

2% Kate Middleton

1% Angela Merkel

1% Malala Yousafzai

1% Kathleen Sebelius

0% Bashar Assad

0% Kanye West

0% Lebron James

0% George Zimmerman

12% Some other person

9% Not sure