Nadia Buari Graces the First Edition of Supple Magazine in Nigeria

The beautiful and radiant Ghanaian star actress Nadia Buari is the cover girl of the new Supple magazine published in Nigeria.

The magazine has a unique style that makes it different in both concept and format. The cover is clear and simple.

The first edition is filled with interviews with Nadia Buari, Christabel Momodu, the ebony black beauty who is the current Miss French Village in Nigeria, the Nigerian fashion designer Frank Osodi, and the Nigerian movie star Emeka Enyiocha. The Hollywood actress Véronique Pierre is writing the Hollywood Insider column. The features are on controversial issues on why career ladies have problems with getting hitched, how to keep your man from late nights, fashion, entertainment, motivation, family and life style, career couselling, Arts and culture, a touching love story and so much more.

Supple is circulated all over Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa with over 144 million people. The major distributors are in Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Umuahia and Awka.

The Miss America Organization is Proud To Announce Former Miss Alaska Contestant, Sarah Heath Palin as Vice Presidential Republican Candidate

29 Aug 2008 17:52 Africa/Lagos

The Miss America Organization is Proud To Announce Former Miss Alaska Contestant, Sarah Heath Palin as Vice Presidential Republican Candidate

McCain Names Former Miss Alaska Contestant as Running Mate

LINWOOD, N.J., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Miss America Organization is pleased to announce that former Miss Alaska contestant, Sarah Heath Palin, has just been named as John McCain's vice-presidential candidate on the Republican ticket. In 1984, Palin was chosen as Miss Wasilla and went on to become the first runner-up in the Miss Alaska Pageant and received the Miss Congeniality award the same year. Her husband, Todd Palin was a judge in the 2008 Miss Alaska Pageant.


Miss Minnesota 2008 Angela McDermott To Perform at the National Republican
Convention on September 1st in Minneapolis -- St. Paul.


The republican delegates elected to represent their states and territories will play a critical role in our nation's democratic process -- and secure a place in political history along with Miss Minnesota, Angela McDermott who will perform the national anthem to mark the opening day celebration of the national convention.


Angie was crowned Miss Minnesota in June, where she was the overall interview and talent winner at the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Pageant. She will compete for the title of Miss America in January 2009 Pageant Live from Las Vegas. She is 24 and is a 2007 graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication.


The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. For more information, go to www.missamerica.org.


Source: The Miss America Organization

CONTACT: Sharon Pearce of The Miss America Organzation, +1-609-653-8700,
Ext 117, Sharon@missamerica.org


Web site: http://www.missamerica.org/

A Page From A Writer's Diary

Saturday August 23, 2008.

I am online, because I work online. I have to report the news from the news agencies and I have to update my news websites and blogs and sell books. This is my life and I love it. It pays my bills and helps me to keep my obligations to our mission fields and charities who need every ounce of support they can get in spreading the word in the Age of Information, but where most people are still ignorant of the realities of our common humanity.

It is still baffling that most of my people in Nigeria are less bothered by the genocide in nearby Darfur, except for the great sacrifices of the brave Nigerian military officers who have been part of the African Union Peace Keeping operations in Darfur and dozens of them have lost their precious lives both in Sudan and even on their way back to their barracks in Nigeria. More people in New York know about the horrors of Darfur than the majority of Nigerian on the streets of Lagos and Abuja.

While I am worried about the plight of the refugees in Darfur, members of my family are more disturbed by the daily threats of the Niger Delta militants. Living on Bonny Island is now high-risk behaviour in these interesting times.

My youngest brother who cannot even locate Darfur on the map pf Africa is asking for petty cash, but does not even care if any of my books is selling or not. Is it not ironic that a young security officer at a bank on Bonny Island is more excited to sell one of my books than my brothers who are more excited about asking for more money and freebies without asking you how you are faring? I told one of my younger brothers, if you want money, go and collect copies of my book and sell them and keep 30% of every copy you sell, but I heard that he hissed at my offer, but he wants me to give him money?

Nigerians who are lazy to read books, but they waste millions of dollars weekly on making pleasure calls and keeping vigils to make free love calls and exchange text messages. Is this the new generation of Nigerian youths we should pin our hopes on?

If the great Nigerian writer and Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka called his own generation, a wasted generation, I wonder what we should call this present generation that is even worse than the wasted generation of Wole Soyinka? Wanderlust youths wasting their time on their vacuous ways of life in romantic escapism. They are pathetic.

I have packed my essential things to return to Lagos. My assignment in the Niger Delta is completed and my long stay here has been very rewarding intellectually and financially. I will only come back to begin the shooting of one of the short documentaries from the researches on the Niger Delta crisis. Bisi Daniels said I should write a novel on the bloody crisis, but I prefer to shoot a short documentary first.

I was thinking how the five children of my younger sister would fare in my absence when I received the e-mail from Katie O’Callaghan, the Assistant Marketing Manager of Ballantine Books. She is informing me of Halima Bashir's war memoir, Tears of a Desert".

I read her mail silently.

"Tears of the Desert" is the first memoir ever written by a woman caught up in the war in Darfur . It is a survivor’s tale of a conflicted country, a resilient people, and the uncompromising spirit of a young woman who refused to be silenced.Born into the Zaghawa tribe in the Sudanese desert, Halima was doted on by her father, a cattle herder, and kept in line by her formidable grandmother. A politically astute man, Halima’s father saw to it that his daughter received a good education away from their rural surroundings. Halima excelled in her studies and exams, surpassing even the privileged Arab girls who looked down their noses at the black Africans. With her love of learning and her father’s support, Halima went on to study medicine, and at twenty-four became her village’s first formal doctor.Yet not even the symbol of good luck that dotted her eye could protect her from the encroaching conflict that would consume her land. Janjaweed Arab militias started savagely assaulting the Zaghawa, often with the backing of the Sudanese military.

Then, in early 2004, the Janjaweed attacked Bashir’s village and surrounding areas, raping forty-two schoolgirls and their teachers. Bashir, who treated the traumatized victims, some as young as eight years old, could no longer remain quiet. But breaking her silence ignited a horrifying turn of events.

Halima is calling the world to action with her story, and I’d like to help her. I’d love to share this book with you – if you’re interested in reading it, please let me know and I will send you a copy.

I replied her that I have read Daoud Hari's "The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur", and he is from the same Zaghawa tribe of Halima Bashir. I told her that words are not enough to describe the horrors and the terrors of Darfur and if I could convince Steven Spielberg to make a film on the genocide in Darfur it would be more illustrative of the catastrophe.

My darling called me and would love to see me in Aba on my way to Lagos. Then I called my younger brother on our financial agreement. He has to refund the petty cash I gave him. It was a loan and not a gift. I have a lot to do and I need more money to do so.

Dido Set to Release New Album, Safe Trip Home, on November 4

Dido, Safe Trip Home. (PRNewsFoto/Arista Records) LOS ANGELES, CA UNITED STATES 08/21/2008

22 Aug 2008 13:00 Africa/Lagos

Dido (Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong) Set to Release New Album, Safe Trip Home, on November 4



LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The new album from Dido, Safe Trip Home will be released by the RCA Label Group on November 4, 2008.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080822/NYF011)


Recorded in Los Angeles and London, Safe Trip Home is co-produced by: Jon Brion (Fiona Apple, Kayne West, Rufus Wainwright, The Eels) Ark, the new production company of Rollo Armstrong (Faithless) and Dido. The record also features a song co-written with Brian Eno.


To coincide with this announcement a track from the album will be available for free download. From Friday, August 22nd "Look No Further" will be available from www.didomusic.com. A single, "Don't Believe in Love," will also be released in both physical and digital formats ahead of the album.


Safe Trip Home is Dido's third studio record, following her globally chart topping albums No Angel and Life for Rent


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080822/NYF011
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN3
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Arista Records

CONTACT: Tom Muzquiz of RCA Music Group, +1-310-449-2638,
Tom.Muzquiz@sonybmg.com


Web site: Dido Music

In Loving Memory of Stephanie Tubbs Jones

Stephanie Tubbs Jones (September 10, 1949 – August 20, 2008.)

Dear Orikinla,

Yesterday, we lost a colleague, a friend, an inspiration, and a champion for all of us. I am deeply saddened by the death of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She was my friend and my sister. She made me laugh, smile and fired up my spirit when I needed it most.

She had a light that shone for the world to see within her and a fighting spirit safely stowed behind her disarming smile. Stephanie had so much integrity and a fiery intelligence that enabled her to become a one-woman force for progress in our country.

Stephanie was a tireless worker, giving a voice to the voiceless and always combating injustice. Stephanie spent much of her life fighting for all Americans and to ensure that everyone had the most precious right - the right to vote.

All of us who were lucky enough to know her and love her can only strive to be as much like her as we can -- to be as passionate, as loyal, as hard-charging, and as joyful every single day.

Stephanie was one of a kind, and we will miss our friend forever.

My family's deepest condolences are with Stephanie's son, Mervyn, her family, and her many loved ones, friends, supporters, and her beloved Ohioans. It is during this tough time that we look back and remember all the memories and blessings that Stephanie brought into our lives. If you have a thought, a story, a prayer, or condolences you would like to share, you can visit our website today so we can rejoice together in the friendship and love that we have for Stephanie. All the notes and memories we gather will be sent to her family on behalf of our extended family.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/action/sharestories/?sc=4010&utm_source=4010&utm_medium=eSend in your thoughts and memories about Stephanie.

Thank you,

Hillary

The 'Obama Girl' is Back for a 'Second Time': Introducing the Woman Behind the Notorious Political YouTube Role

21 Aug 2008 05:01 Africa/Lagos

The 'Obama Girl' is Back for a 'Second Time': Introducing the Woman Behind the Notorious Political YouTube Role

NEW YORK, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to Newsweek Magazine, The Associated Press and AOL, "I Got a Crush... on Obama " featuring Amber Lee Ettinger, was one of the most frequently viewed political videos in America in 2007. After a special guest appearance on Saturday Night Live and earning the #1 spot on E! Channel's "Hottest Women on the Web" list, this viral vixen -- who originally gained notoriety for her presidential candidate-loving performance -- is ready to show another side of herself besides her character by revealing herself to the music world as Amber Lee, the refreshingly real woman behind the sexy political spoof. With a proven ability to motivate the youth of America to take notice of today's important political climate, she's excited to cause a stir yet again with the release of her first single, "Second Time."


Although Amber's role as the "Obama Girl" remains an active and passionate one -- her upcoming appearances at the Democratic National Convention prove to be a continued exhibition of her enthusiasm for the character -- she is excited to introduce her fans to her musical tastes and talents outside of that persona. Silver Curve Records was among the first to take notice of not only her talent, but also her down-to-earth and driven demeanor; quickly adding Amber Lee to their roster, and getting her into the studio to prep and produce her soon-to-be-released debut solo album. With her album preparations under way, Amber has focused on showcasing her vocal talents -- beyond just her lip-syncing glory -- in front of fitting audiences, including a recent performance during the Pennsylvania Primary Election in Harrisburg, PA alongside "Crush on Obama" singer and co-collaborator, Leah Kauffman.


"Second Time," which is now available on iTunes, was produced by Sky Hardasmal, Tommy J. Baldwin, and Jonny Roszak for Silver Curve Records, and highlights Amber Lee's sultry R&B vocals in a pop beat song that is conveniently aimed to take over radio airwaves this Fall, as the heat of November 4th (Election Day) approaches us. However, don't be surprised to hear different styles of music infused in her forthcoming album; she's planning to let her eclectic taste take her music wherever it may, and that may even include her own musical accompaniment, as Amber is also a skilled alto saxophonist.


Ever modest, Amber Lee, who is already part of the new era of "internet super-celebrity spawns," seeks to further that fame by initially releasing her music electronically, keeping with the trend of her growing online domination. When asked why she has decided to venture into the always-competitive pop music industry at this time, Amber Lee thoughtfully replied, "Most people know me as the Obama Girl, and that's only part of who I am. 'Obama Girl' is my character, and it's both a part and a cause I love dearly, but Amber Lee, the singer, is completely separate. I want to prove that I have talent, showcase my voice, and let people see for themselves that I'm more than just the character I portray."


When asked about their newest artist, a representative from Silver Curve Records commented, "We recognized right away that Amber Lee had a special rapport with audiences. Singing was a natural extension of the many ways that she communicates with her fans." And to keep giving her fans more of what they want, she's got a season filled with club performances, promotional appearances, the release of "Second Time" and her new promotional video on YouTube which can be found at


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LLZNSmb8_I which all lead up to the release of her debut album in November, 2008, aptly titled "Queen of the Web."


For more information on Amber Lee Ettinger, please visit: http://www.myspace.com/amberleemusicnow or to download her first single, "Second Time," please visit the iTunes Store (http://www.apple.com/itunes/store). For interviews or any other press inquiries, please contact Jackie Brook at AMP3 Public Relations: 646.827.9594 or Jackie@AMP3pr.com.


About Silver Curve Records: Silver Curve Records is a multi-platform music label, specializing in radio- and dance club-friendly music. The label takes an integrative approach to professional music careers by providing artist development, music video production, multi-faceted marketing, merchandising and career coaching to its artists and songwriters. For more information, please visit http://www.silvercurverecords.com/.


Source: Silver Curve Records

CONTACT: Jackie Brook at AMP3 Public Relations, +1-646-827-9594,
Jackie@AMP3pr.com


Web Site: http://www.myspace.com/amberleemusicnow
http://www.silvercurverecords.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LLZNSmb8_I

She is One In A Million

She Is One In A Million
« on: Today at 03:54:34 PM »



My One and Only Sweetheart deserves a gold medal.

Everyday I thank God for the young woman who is the one and only sweetheart I have had since 2006 to date.

She deserves a gold medal for her remarkable spirit of endurance.
She is prettier and sexier than most of the so called sex symbols in the entertainment world.
She is a natural beauty from head to feet.
I thought heaven on earth was a celestial dream until we made love for the first time and never stopped until we fell asleep.
The romantic and erotic experience made me to start calling her Sweetest and I composed a special love song for her that I always sing to her.

I love her more and more and I cannot stop loving her.

She is my first love and I have never felt this way for other women until I met her.
I have had so many female friends and spent years with some of them and I have had a live in lover who is a Nigerian actress, but I have never felt anything special for anyone of them until I met my Sweetest.

I wish our love will last longer, but if it does not last for long, I will always cherish the precious moments I have had with my Sweetest.
She is proudly Nigerian and she is one in a million.

The key to the heart of a woman is to love her faithfully and truthfully.
Just love her heart and soul and do not look back.

Profitable And Unprofitable Relationships

Profitable and Unprofitable Romance

As I was editing this article, I read that Michael Jackson has started battle between Facebook, MySpace, Bebo users, but what you should consider is the success story of Bebo, the social networking website that began from the romantic relationship of Michael Birch when he met the American brunette Xochi at a college bar in London and their loving relationship produced the idea for Bebo in January 2005 and was bought by AOL on March 13, 2008 for $850m (£417m)! This is an illustration of the whole point of this topic on profitable and unprofitable relationships.

We have profitable and unprofitable relationships in life.
Some are caused by unforseen circumstances and others are entirely our choices.
The most important priority is to beware of unprofitable relationships and to end any unprofitable relationship.

Whatever you spend your time or money on is an investment.
How you spend it can make you successful or unsuccessful in life.
Your relationship is an investment.
Whether it is important to you or not does not change the fact that it is an investment.
Whether you like it or not, it is an investment.
It is either a good investment or a bad investment of your time and resources.

You need to sit down for once and evaluate or re-evaluate your relationship with the opposite sex.
Is it worth the time and money you are spending on it?
What are the "pros" and "cons" of your love affairs?
Is she worth it?
Is he worth it?

What are you gaining from dating him or dating her?
Sex apart, what is the benefit?

A very well known Christian minister died in a plane crash in Nigeria whilst visiting his other "wife" that was not known to his legitimate wife. His infidelity cost him his precious life and made his innocent children fatherless and miserable.

How many men have been wasting their time and money on extra-marital affairs?
In fact, many childish and foolish husbands have wasted their monthly salaries on pampering their girlfriends or mistresses.

Most girlfriends going out with boyfriends for the financial benefits can claim that they are having profitable relationships.
But are the boyfriends having profitable relationships?

In Nigeria, unprofitable relationships are responsible for the poverty plaguing the majority of Nigerians and making Nigeria one of the poorest countries in the world in spite of the enormous human and mineral resources.

Millions of Nigerian men waste their quality time and financial resources on unprofitable relationships with girfriends who are not contributing anything at all to their succcess.
A well paid Nigerian man often spends more money monthly on his girlfriend than his wife and children.
An unfaithful Nigerian wife spends more quality time and money on her boyfriend than the time and money she spends at home.
A sugar mummy buys a brand new jeep for her younger lover while one of her children needs medical treatment overseas.
A Nigerian husband buys a brand new car for his girlfriend, but his wife has to take public transport buses, taxi cabs and motorbikes to take their children to school and go to the market to buy foodstuffs for the family. She is risking her life daily for the love of her family, but her husband is wasting his life sleeping with a girlfriend whose high-risk behaviour in the city makes her a possible HIV/AIDS carrier.
The list of such unprofitable relationships is endless.
The relationships are useless.
If they confess what they go through in the course of chasing and dating another woman or another man, you would be shocked.
In fact, many of them have died in horrible and terrible ways.

Let me not prolong this issue, because every wise man and wise woman perfectly understands what is profitable and what is not profitable. Therefore, the choice is yours. I am only addressing this issue, because many of us are ignorant of the great damages such unprofitable relationships have done to individuals, families, communities and even to the rest of the country.

Public officials are misappropriating public funds to pamper and "spoil" their unprofitable girlfriends or mistresses who do not pay tax! Who do not even contribute anything to Nigeria than the fact that they are expendable liabilities.
They have been found guilty of breaking up marriages and leaving children in dire straits in broken homes.
They have given birth to millions of illegitimate children Nigeria did not ask or plan for and creating chaos in dysfunctional familities, committing thousands of abortions of unwanted pregnancies as they are perpetrating and perpetuating rampant corruption and wide spread poverty and also spreading contagious diseases all over Nigeria.
The sooner we get rid of these cankerworms, the better and safer we would all be.
If we do not destroy these evils, these same evils will destroy us eventually.
That is why those engaged in these unprofitable relationships in Nigeria must stop now before it too late.

The men should sit them and sum up the time and money they have spent so far on girlfriends who are not adding any value to your life.

Have you heard of a value-added life?
Any romance that does not add to your life anything of benefit to your family, is unprofitable and not worth it.
End it now.

Mama needs more attention and welfare at home, and you are here spending your precious time and money on shagging your so called girlfriend we all know would not even touch you with a ten feet pole if you could not afford her price.
Hello bro, wake up!
Can she discuss the routines of your daily log in the office?
Can you really sit down and ask for her advice on that memo you received?
Can she do more for you than going shopping, partying and shagging?
Is she your housekeeper and commercial sex worker or a true helpmate/partner?

You have spent N100, 000, N500, 000 or N1, 000, 000 on chasing and dating girlfriends while you have not contributed anything tangible to your poor village where only N500, 000 can give them a borehole for regular water supply or pay the school fees of poor boys or girls in your church or community.

America was not built on unprofitable relationships!
Go and read the history on how America went through The Great Depression and became a super power.
They spent more time and money on profitable relationships.

We are aping the America of today, but we forget that most Americans have paid their dues to their nation, but most Nigerians have not paid their dues to Nigeria. They are busy destroying Nigeria by their unprofitable ways of life, doing us more harm than good.

Is your relationship doing you more harm than good?
Then it is an unprofitable relationship.
End it and you will have a better and safer life.

How many times have you sat down with your sweetheart to plan for the future?
How to manage your salary?
How to manage your shares and other financial interests?
How to manage your health insurance and life insurance?
How to move on to the next level on the ladder of progress and success?

Has she asked you about any of the above?
Besides the cliché of "How now?", "How was today?" or "I hope you are fine?"
Any dummy can ask similar questions.
Has she asked anything more than that on your progress report at work compared to how many demands she has made for her selfish gratification?
She eats into your budget until your budget is no longer worth it.
She gives you stress until you lose focus and may even have premature hypertension at 35!
Hello bro, wake up!

My sweethearts and aunties need to ask themselves similar questions.
Does he care about your welfare and the welfare of your family?
I know boyfiends who do not even know where their girlfriends live!
They simply pick her up and drop her off after having their so called "Good Time".
I was guilty of this many years ago.

Forget all the lovey-dovey mannerisms, because in most cases they are mere impressionism or a game of wits to see who would outsmart the other eventually.
The lovey-dovey ends the day he has had enough and once to move on to the next target or the day she has had her fill of you and she wants to hook a richer target at first sight.

How much a man cares about you depends not on the time or money he spends on you, but on how much interest he has in your health, education, career, family, security and future.
He must want the best for you and he must prove his love for you by doing his best for you.
If he is not committed to the above top priorities, he does no love you.
End the unprofitable relationship before you are trapped.

"Only the best is good enough for us."
~ Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther

There Were Tears in My Eyes

There Were Tears in My Eyes
For Prince Harry who has done so much for the AIDS orphans in Lesotho.

There were tears in my eyes
When I saw you smile.
There were tears in my eyes when I heard your laughter.
There were tears in my eyes when I saw you carry Mutsu
There were tears in my eyes when I saw you plant a tree
There were tears in my eyes when I saw you feed the orphans
There were tears in my eyes when I saw you comfort those who were hurting
There were tears in my eyes when I saw you giving your hand to lift up the fallen.
There were tears in my eyes when I saw the glints in your eyes.
The glints of the loving eyes of your loving mother.
Yes, there were tears in my eyes and I was very happy.
Happy to see you doing what your mother would have done too.
So, with these tears in my eyes I know that God loves you.

Sentebale
Oh, Sentebale!
Forget me not.



Photo: Prince Harry plants a tree with young orphan Mutsu Potsane at the Mants'ase Children's Home Lesotho during his gap year.

Jennifer Lopez Exclusive Blog at Self.com

Jennifer Lopez on the September 2008 issue of SELF Magazine. (Photo: Robert Erdmann). (PRNewsFoto/SELF Magazine) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES 08/18/2008

18 Aug 2008 16:56 Africa/Lagos


Jennifer Lopez Exclusive Blog at Self.com

NEW YORK, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Jennifer Lopez, SELF Magazine's September cover model, launches an exclusive new blog at www.Self.com when the magazine hits newsstands today, Monday, August 18. Lopez, one of SELF's reader picks for the 10 Most Inspiring Women of 2008, will raise money for the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles by competing in her first triathlon with SELF Editor-in-Chief Lucy Danziger.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080818/NYM072 )


Doing the race the same year as she gave birth to twins and as a way to support an important charity combines several of Lopez's personal post-baby goals. She tells SELF, "The babies have actually made me more ambitious. I feel all this newfound inspiration."


Lopez's personal www.Self.com blog features exclusive video and photos taken during her workout program designed by trainer Gunnar Peterson. In the first entry, learn why Lopez is taking on this challenge and see her biking and running in preparation for her big race. In her own words, "I've always loved sports. I used to be on a track team in school. And that's probably why I can think to myself now, Yeah, I can do this, which is totally crazy! The team was a big part of my life back then and taught me so many things. When I look back on my life and what I'm able to do, it's partly because of that early training. It taught me discipline, how to be committed, about striving to win, stamina, all that good stuff."


"Now I've come full circle," says Lopez in her Self.com blog. "I don't expect to win this race; my goal is to finish. I'll probably end up crawling across the finish line, but I'll do it!"


Just 6 months after having the babies, Lopez is totally toned, with sexy muscles and flat, rock-hard abs. Check back to www.Self.com over the next 4 weeks for regular updates on Lopez's race ramp-up and exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photos. Cheer her on as she strives to make her twins proud!


Live link:


Jennifer Lopez's Blog


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080818/NYM072
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: SELF Magazine

CONTACT: Liz Rumble, SELF Magazine, Associate PR Director,
+1-212-286-4229, liz_rumble@condenast.com


Web site: Self Magazine

Paps and Celebs

Stevi Lauren Perry, Miss Arkansas Teen USA Crowned Miss Teen USA(R) 2008 on August 16th

Stevi Lauren Perry, Miss Arkansas Teen USA Crowned Miss Teen USA(R) 2008 on August 16th. (PRNewsFoto/The Miss Universe Organization) NASSAU, PARADISE ISLAND BAHAMAS 08/16/2008
17 Aug 2008 04:51 Africa/Lagos

Stevi Lauren Perry, Miss Arkansas Teen USA Crowned Miss Teen USA(R) 2008 on August 16th

PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Stevi Lauren Perry, Miss Arkansas Teen USA was crowned Miss Teen USA 2008 at the beautiful Atlantis Paradise Island Resort on August 16, 2008. The 18-year old winner is from Hamburg, Arkansas.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080816/NYSA003 )


"Days of Our Lives" star and former Miss Teen USA 2004 Shelley Hennig joined Seth Goldman of NBC's "Entertainment Buzz" to emcee the pageant, and female R&B local sensation TaDa performed.


The judges for this year's competition included: Alina Shriver, Founder of Shriver Art; Farouk Shami, Founder and Chairman Farouk Systems; Heather Kerzner of Kerzner International; Alicia Bridgewater, Bookings Editor at Cosmo Girl Magazine; Duane Gazi, Director of Scouting and Development at Trump Model Management; Eric Parrinello, founder and owner of Bacchanalia Private Dining in Overland Park, Kansas; David Dzanis, Vice President of Coca Cola Client Services at Genesco Sports Enterprises; and Seth Mayeri, Television Talent Veteran.


Throughout the event, the contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview, and the "Top Five" finalists were selected. Hilary Cruz, Miss Teen USA 2007, crowned her successor at the conclusion of this two-hour Miss Teen USA pageant.


Final Results:

First Runner Up: Brittany Pjetraj, Miss South Carolina Teen USA who will
assume the duties of Miss Teen USA 2008 if for some
reason she cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner Up: Julia Dalton, Miss North Carolina Teen

Third Runner Up: Lindsey Evans, Miss Louisiana Teen USA

Fourth Runner Up: Shareece Laree Pfeiffer, Miss Idaho Teen USA

Top Five: Shareece Laree Pfeiffer, Miss Idaho Teen USA
Lindsey Evans, Miss Louisiana Teen USA
Julia Dalton, Miss North Carolina Teen
Brittany Pjetraj, Miss South Carolina Teen USA
Stevi Lauren Perry, Miss Arkansas Teen USA

Top Fifteen: Courtney Parker, Miss Alabama Teen USA
Ashley Stainton, Miss Arizona Teen USA
Stevi Lauren Perry, Miss Arkansas Teen USA
Taylor Atkins, Miss California Teen USA
Danielle Rose Scimeca, Miss Colorado Teen USA
Jillian Leigh Wunderlich, Miss Florida Teen USA
Shareece Laree Pfeiffer, Miss Idaho Teen USA
Lindsey Evans, Miss Louisiana Teen USA
Caroline Lunny, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA
Courtney Morgan, Miss New Hampshire Teen USA
Julia Dalton, Miss North Carolina Teen USA
Taylor Gorton, Miss Oklahoma Teen USA
Elliot Griffin, Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA
Brittany Pjetraj, Miss South Carolina Teen USA
Megan Leigh Myrehn, Miss Virginia Teen USA



Miss Photogenic Teen USA(TM) Award: Sana, Idnani, Miss New York Teen USA. The general public voted at missteenusa.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera.


Miss Congeniality Teen USA(TM) Award: Elizabeth Hollomon, Miss Mississippi Teen USA. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant.


MISS TEEN USA 2008 CROWNED


The MISS TEEN USA(R) 2008 prize package includes: the Miss Universe tiara created by Mikimoto valued at $15,000 dollars; a 2-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy worth more than $100,000 dollars to its acting or film- making programs; eveningwear gowns from Scala, designed by Sherri Hill; a trophy from Rogaska Crystal; year-long supply of Farouk Systems products, makers of CHI, the original Ceramic Technology tools; a four-day/ three-night vacation for two, including airfare, at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas; membership to Gravity Fitness and pampering at John Barrett Salon; fashion portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; consultations with nutritionist and creator of The F-Factor Diet(TM) Tanya Zuckerbrot; dermatology and skincare services by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; consultations with personal stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event wardrobe from leading fashion designers; access to a New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization to further her personal and professional goals.


About Atlantis, Paradise Island Resort, The Bahamas


Atlantis, Paradise Island is the flagship resort of Kerzner International. This unique, ocean-themed destination features a variety of accommodations, all built around a 97-acre waterscape. Atlantis unveiled AQUAVENTURE, a non-stop water experience. The Cove Atlantis, a 600-room resort, features oversized rooms with a step down living space, spectacular designs by acclaimed interior architects Jeffrey Beers and David Rockwell, unprecedented services and amenities, private all-adult and family pools, lavish cabanas and breathtaking views of the ocean. Atlantis is also known as THE culinary destination in The Caribbean with a collection of restaurants from world-renowned chefs including Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Bobby Flay and Angelo Elia. The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops and the largest conference center, meeting and convention facilities in The Caribbean.


About Miss Teen USA


The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE(R), MISS USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) Pageants, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Miss Teen USA spends her year building relationships with organizations devoted to education and action, such as Best Buddies, Girl Talk, Sparrow Clubs and Project Sunshine.


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080816/NYSA003
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN3
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: The Miss Universe Organization

CONTACT: Lark-Marie Anton, +1-212-373-4982, or lanton@missuniverse.com,
or Esther Swan, +1-212-373-4870, or eswan@missuniverse.com, both of The Miss
Universe Organization; or Dara Busch of Rubenstein Public Relations,
+1-212-843-8079, or dbusch@rubensteinpr.com


Web site: Miss Universe

"Carnie Wilson and Embracing Your Big Fat Ass" On Tyra Banks Show

Carnie Wilson

Monday, August 18th

"Carnie Wilson and Embracing Your Big Fat Ass"

Tyra speaks with women who are learning to embrace their bodies -- even though they are not a size zero. First she speaks with singer Carnie Wilson, who after years of battling her weight in the public eye, underwent gastric bypass surgery. Carnie talks about the hurtful comments made after she gained weight during her pregnancy -- and what it feels like to be hounded by the tabloids. Tyra then speaks with two women who have embraced their extra-large derrieres and turned them into moneymaking machines. Plus, the authors of “Embracing Your Big Fat Ass,” encourage two viewers who are self-conscious about their backsides to show off their bodies in a unique way. Tyra also talks with Chloe Marshall, a woman who is making international headlines by becoming the first plus-sized woman in British history to earn a coveted spot in the Miss England pageant, and then a former beauty pageant contestant who dropped out after she was ridiculed on message boards because of her full figure.


Tuesday, August 19th

"Tyra Takes Fashion Week: Part Deux!"

Tyra gives her viewers an inside look at what happens in the famous tents at New York’s Fashion Week -- before the models hit the runway! From checking-in guests to doing a model’s hair and makeup, Tyra rolls up her sleeves to be a stagehand at designer Jill Stuart’s show. She also surprises people on the street when she invites them to attend the exclusive runway shows of some of the hottest designers. Tyra gives her audience a glimpse of who’s who in the front row of these shows -- and what it’s like sitting up front for a Betsy Johnson runway experience.



Wednesday, August 20th

"Sex in Schools"

Tyra spends the hour speaking with high school students on the prevalence of sex on campus. The teens are extremely candid about why they have sex in the classroom, the library and anywhere else they find risky. She speaks to a young man (and his mother) who admits to receiving oral sex from a girl at school. Then a young lesbian reveals to her sister that she has sex with her girlfriends on campus. One girl admits she had to be home-schooled after her promiscuous behavior ruined her reputation and infected her with an STD. She warns Tyra’s viewers on the dangers of rushing into sex. Tyra gives the teens who are not having sex the opportunity to express their feelings of disapproval about their schoolmates’ behavior. Dr. Garry Corgiat is on hand to offer insight and advice to the teens -- and talk about consequences.



Thursday, August 21st

"Cast of 'Tropic Thunder’"

Tyra sits down with actors Ben Stiller and Jack Black, the stars of “Tropic Thunder,” a new action-comedy film about a group of spoiled, egotistical actors who are shooting a Vietnam War movie and find themselves in the middle of a real war. Ben talks about his inspiration for the movie, shares stories about his co-stars and discusses the controversy over fellow co-star Robert Downey Jr.’s role as an African-American. Viewers are also treated to a sneak peek at Tyra’s part in the film. Plus, Tyra has a behind-the-scenes look at her Harper’s Bazaar photo shoot in which she portrays Michelle Obama in iconic First Lady photos -- complete with a Barack Obama lookalike!



Friday, August 22nd

"The Princess Life"
Tyra sits down with actress Tori Spelling to discuss her autobiography, “sTORI Telling,” in which she opens up about infidelity in her first marriage, and how she feels slighted that her multi-millionaire father left her a only small inheritance… plus the tumultuous relationship she has with her mother -- and how it’s been played out in the press. Tori stays on to offer insight as Tyra speaks to families who spend enormous amounts of money and throw elaborate parties for their children -- to discuss if they’re setting up their kids for failure. Tyra also speaks with two stylists who are paid hundreds of dollars just to dress children. Watch as they dress their clients in high-end clothing for a mother/daughter fashion show!

Bollywood's 'Unforgettable Tour' plays New York

Indian film icon Amitabh Bachchan, and a cast of other top-tier Indian stars speak to reporters at a press conference in New York City Thursday. The Bollywood actors are promoting their 'Unforgettable Tour' of North Amnerica. (Aug. 15)

'Cheetah Girls' Take on Bollywood in New Movie

Rising starlets Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, Sabrina Bryan, and an onslaught of the Disney Channel's most famous teen and pre-teen faces graced a festive blue carpet for the Hollywood premiere of 'The Cheetah Girls One World.' (Aug. 14)

A New Header for Nigerian Times International Forum

Have you visited the Nigerian Times International Forum?

Go and see the new header and tell me what you think.

I love it and the concept is exactly what I want Nigerian Times International to be, an international hub for the global village for news, information, features and so much more.

The Africa Channel shows videos of the latest news and information from Africa.

Keep smiling and keep shining!

Cheers and God bless you.

The Meaning of Dreams from A - Z

Dreams - Select A Letter
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
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X
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Results for A
Dream
Interpretation
1. Abandonment
To dream that you are abandoned suggests that you need to let go of your old attitudes as they may be hindering your personal growth. A more direct interpretation could imply that you have a fear of being left behind or deserted. To dream that you abandon others suggests that you are feeling overwhelmed by decisions and problems in your life.

2. Abdomen
To dream of your abdomen symbolizes your natural instincts and repressed feelings. It may mean that there is something in your life that you cannot stomach or having difficulty accepting and you want it out of your system. This dream may also have a direct interpretation where you may be experiencing constipation or indigestion. To dream that your abdomen is exposed signifies vulnerability and trust.

More

Greatest Basketball Players - Hakeem Olajuwon - University of Houston Cougars

Basketball College Careers of Greatest NBA Players of All Time: Hakeem Olajuwon Born in Nigeria in 1963, it was not until 1980 that Hakeem Olajuwon would move to the United States. Obviously playing in Nigeria, there was not heavy U.S. college recruiting being done, however, after Guy Lewis, coach of University of Houston heard about Olajuwon’s power and skill, he was recruited to be a Cougar. In his freshman year, Olajuwon practiced with the team, however did not receive much playing time. After an off-season spent playing and training with NBA legend Moses Malone, Olajuwon would become a different player and a leader at University of Houston.

Dress Your Room in the Hottest Styles This School Year!

IRE HEARST BRAND DEVELOPMENT SORORITY ROW HEARST BRAND DEVELOPMENT SORORITY ROWSorority Row Bedding Collection by Seventeen. (PRNewsFoto/Hearst Brand Development) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES 08/15/2008

15 Aug 2008 16:34 Africa/Lagos


Dress Your Room in the Hottest Styles This School Year!

Teens' Favorite Magazines, CosmoGirl and Seventeen Create Fashion for Your Room

NEW YORK, Aug 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Kick off back to school with great style that you won't just find in your closet! Hearst Magazines, CosmoGirl and Seventeen, are introducing two brand new collections of bedding, designed exclusively for their fashion forward and savvy readers. Now with this versatile and stylish bedding collection, girls can give their room a fabulous makeover that complements their unique style!


IRE HEARST BRAND DEVELOPMENT PINK BED HEARST BRAND DEVELOPMENT PINK BEDPretty in Pink Bedding Collection by CosmoGirl. (PRNewsFoto/Hearst Brand Development) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES 08/15/2008

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080815/NYF057-a )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080815/NYF057-b )

The bedding collections translate the latest teen fashion trends into a range of patterns and styles -- all at affordable prices. CosmoGirl, found at Sears and Sears.com, offers the sporty girl a unique bedroom design with the Dot Com pattern, featuring "dot" graphics and coordinating stripes. And if you are more of a flirty girl, CosmoGirl's Pretty in Pink collection (the name says it all) will be the perfect fit!


Seventeen, sold exclusively at JCPenney and jcp.com, will take your room from ordinary to fabulously boho chic with the Ginger collection, featuring bright colors and bold dots and stripes. The Sorority Row style, also by Seventeen, updates a classic argyle pattern in black, white, and pink, making it ideal for the preppy girl who also has a sassy side!


The Seventeen and CosmoGirl bedding collections feature comforter sets in twin, full and queen sizes as well as bolsters and decorative pillows. Prices for back-to-school range from $19.99 for a decorative pillow to $129.99 for a queen comforter set.


"This year Back to School isn't just about your wardrobe, it's about updating your bedroom to reflect your own personal style," said Ann Shoket, Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen magazine. "Our cool bedding collections allow teens to bring the pages of their most trusted magazine right into their own bedrooms!"


"It is important for girls to feel they can express themselves through their own personal space," said CosmoGirl Editor-in-Chief Susan Schulz. "As girls head back to school and think about redecorating their bedrooms at home, or their new dorm room, I am happy they can turn to a brand they know and trust for products reflecting the latest trends in style and home decor."


About CosmoGirl


CosmoGirl (www.cosmogirl.com) empowers and inspires young women to be leaders in all aspects of their lives. From setting the latest trends to standing up for what they believe in, our readers were Born To Lead. CosmoGirl publishes ten issues annually, as well as CosmoGirl Prom. Teens can also interact with the brand on the digital front, with CosmoGirl.com, CosmoGirl mobile (m.cosmogirl.com), and an original webisode series covering up-and-coming fashion designers. In addition to its U.S. flagship, CosmoGirl publishes 7 editions around the world. The magazine is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com) and one of the world's largest publishers of monthly magazines, with nearly 200 editions around the world, including 18 U.S. titles and 20 magazines in the United Kingdom, published through its wholly owned subsidiary, The National Magazine Company Limited. Hearst reaches more adults than any other publisher of monthly magazines (77.4 million total adults, according to MRI, Fall 2007).


About Seventeen


Seventeen reaches more than 13 million readers every month and is today's largest selling young women's magazine. Seventeen is part of Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com) and one of the world's largest publishers of monthly magazines, with a total of 18 U.S. titles and 145 international editions. Hearst reaches more adults than any other publisher of monthly magazines (76.3 million according to MRI, spring 2005). The company also publishes 19 magazines in the United Kingdom through its wholly owned subsidiary, The National Magazine Company Limited.


CONTACT:
Rory Roth-Honigfeld
Corbin & Associates
(212) 246-0523
Rory@corbinpr.com


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080815/NYF057-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080815/NYF057-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN4-5
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Hearst Brand Development

CONTACT: Rory Roth-Honigfeld of Corbin & Associates for Hearst Brand
Development, +1-212-246-0523, Rory@corbinpr.com


Web site: http://www.hearst.com/
http://www.cosmogirl.com/

Epic Records Readies the Release of 'Human,' the Long Awaited New Full-Length Album from Grammy-Winning R&B/Pop Superstar Brandy

15 Aug 2008 10:00 Africa/Lagos


Epic Records Readies the Release of 'Human,' the Long Awaited New Full-Length Album from Grammy-Winning R&B/Pop Superstar Brandy

Multi-Platinum Artist's Epic Records Debut Album, 'Human,' Available Online & In Stores Tuesday, November 11

NEW YORK, Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Epic Records proudly announces the release of "Human," the new full-length studio album from the multi-platinum-selling Grammy-winning R&B/pop music superstar Brandy, available online and in stores on Tuesday, November 11.


Brandy's Epic Records debut and first new album since 2004's Grammy-nominated RIAA gold-certified "Afrodisiac," "Human" is a bold new collection of songs reflecting the artist's evolution as a musician and an individual.


"'Human' is my most personal album to date," said Brandy. I have grown so much since my last album. Being able to express myself and my journey through my music is a feeling I can't describe. With this new chapter of my life it feels good to have Rodney, a familiar face, by my side again. He brings out emotions in me like nobody else."


Reunited with executive producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, who first collaborated with Brandy on her 1998 multi-platinum-selling collection "Never Say Never," Brandy has created the most emotionally resonant album of her career with songs and performances reflecting the truth and complexity of her experiences.


"It feels good to be back in the lab with Brandy again," said Rodney Jerkins. "We've always made great records and I'm humbled and honored to be continuing our legacy. The sound might be new, bigger, and more uplifting but we've kept our musical promise by making great songs and great music once again. There is no musical combination like ours!!!"


The album's title is a real life mirror of Brandy as a woman, an artist, a musician and a performer, communicating what it means to be fully "Human": strong yet vulnerable, candid and triumphant, in love with life and in touch with the things of the spirit.


"Right Here (Departed)," the first single from "Human," will impact Pop radio on September 16. The single and ringtone are scheduled to be released on August 26, with a digital pre-order for the album slated the same day.


Other key tracks on "Human" include "Fall," which Brandy co-wrote with the chart-topping British dance/pop singer/songwriter Natasha Bedingfield, as well as the new songs "Long Distance," "Piano Man," and "Torn Down." Brandy's other musical collaborators on Human include Brian Kennedy (Rihanna/"Disturbia"), emerging production whiz RedOne (Kat DeLuna, 2006 World Cup Official Single "Hips Don't Lie" with Shakira & Wyclef Jean), and James Fauntleroy (Jordin Sparks/"No Air").


Born Brandy Norwood in McComb, Mississippi, Brandy moved to California with her family at the age of 4. She was 15 when her first album, the RIAA 4x platinum certified "Brandy," was released in 1994, generating her first four hit singles: "I Wanna Be Down" (#6 - Hot 100, #1 - R&B); "Baby" (#4 - Hot 100, #1 - R&B); "Best Friend" (#34 - Hot 100, #7 - R&B); and "Brokenhearted" (#9 - Hot 100, #2 - R&B), her duet with Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men.


Her second album, 1998's "Never Say Never," reached #2 on the Billboard Top 200, earned her five Grammy nominations, is certified 5x platinum in the U.S., has sold more than 14 million copies worldwide and introduced "The Boy Is Mine," her runaway smash duet with Monica. The first Brandy single to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, "The Boy Is Mine" remained in the top slot for 13 straight weeks, achieved RIAA double platinum status and took home a host of awards including Billboard's R&B Sales Single of the Year, Billboard's Hot 100 Sales Single of the Year, the MTV Award for Best R&B Video and the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.


Her third album, 2002's "Full Moon," hit #1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart, #2 on the Top 200, and became her third straight platinum-selling album.


Having sold more than 25 million albums worldwide -- with 10.5 million of those in the U.S. alone -- since the beginning of her career, Brandy is one of the top-selling female recording artists in pop music history.


Concurrent with her music career, Brandy has enjoyed ongoing success as an actress, notably as the star of the UPN sitcom "Moesha" and the lead in the two-hour Emmy-winning Disney special "Cinderella" as well as a variety of big-screen roles.


Over the course of her career as a recording artist, musician and actress, Brandy has taken home more than 100 awards worldwide notably:


1995
Billboard Music Award
Best New R&B Artist
Best R&B Female
Best New Clip, Rap, "I Wanna Be Down"
Best New Clip, R&B/Urban, "I Wanna Be Down"

Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
Favorite Singer

Soul Train Music Awards
R&B-Hip-Hop New Artist of the Year
R&B/Soul Artist, Female, "I Wanna Be Down"

1996
American Music Award
Favorite New Artist Soul/R&B

Blockbuster Entertainment Award
Favorite Female Artist, R&B
Favorite Female-New Artist

BMI Pop Award
"Sittin' Up in My Room"

NAACP Image Award
Outstanding New Artist
Outstanding Youth Actress in a Television Series for "Moesha," Won

Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
Favorite Song, "Baby"
Favorite Singer

Soul Train Lady of Soul Music Award
Best R&B/Soul New Artist
Best R&B/Soul Album of The Year, Solo, Brandy
Best R&B/Single, Solo, "I Wanna Be Down"
Best R&B/Soul Song of The Year, "I Wanna Be Down"

1997
MTV Movie Award
Best Song from a Film, "Sittin' Up in My Room" (from "Waiting To Exhale")

NAACP Image Award
Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress, "Moesha," Won

Soul Train Music Awards
The Aretha Franklin Award for Entertainer of the Year

1998
Billboard Music Award
Dance Maxi Sales Single of the Year, "The Boy Is Mine"
R&B Sales Single of the Year, "The Boy Is Mine"
Hot 100 Sales Single of Year, "The Boy is Mine"

MTV Europe Music Awards
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, "Moesha," Won
Favorite International Singer, Brandy

1999
BMI Pop Award
for "The Boy Is Mine"

Blockbuster Entertainment Award
Favorite Actress - Horror, "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer"

Grammy Award
Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocal, "The Boy Is Mine"

Image Awards
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, "Moesha"

Teen Choice Award
Choice Female Artist

2000
BMI Pop Award
for "Almost Doesn't Count"
for "The Boy Is Mine"

Congress of Racial Equality Awards
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award

2001
Stellar Award
Most Notable Achievement, The Norwood Kids Foundation

2002
BMI Urban Award
for "What about Us?"

www.foreverbrandy.com
www.myspace.com/foreverbrandy
www.epicrecords.com

Source: Epic Records

CONTACT: Fran DeFeo of Sony Music Label Group, +1-212-833-5784,
Fran.defeo@sonybmg.com


Web site: Epic Records
Forever Brandy
Brandy on MySpace

Elvis Presley Is Still #1

15 Aug 2008 11:00 Africa/Lagos


Elvis Presley Is Still #1

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of the thirty-first anniversary of his passing, Elvis Presley holds a commanding lead in the voting for RockinTown.com's Greatest Rock Artist of All-Time. Presley, who easily out-polled Pearl Jam (2006 winner) and Nirvana (2005 winner) last year could become the first artist to top the survey twice.


Presley, rock n' roll's first superstar, set the bar -- and set it high. With talent to burn and charisma that has never been matched, Presley's catalog continues to log impressive sales worldwide. That his career was able to survive over a dozen bad movies and a slew of toss-off late-70's concert albums is a true testament to his talent and enduring appeal.


Trailing Presley in the voting are Led Zeppelin (#2), Green Day (#3), The Beatles (#4) and Nirvana (#5). Evanescence and My Chemical Romance have a few hundred vote lead over the Rolling Stones who are currently 10th on the list. Over 69,000 votes have been cast for 63 groups or solo acts -- only Presley has garnered more than 10% of the ballots.


"The Top 5 is a pretty eclectic group," said Mark Clinton, RockinTown.com's manager. "There's the King of Rock n' Roll, the Hammer of the Gods, Punk, the Fab Four and Grunge. Rock's breath and scope is encapsulated right there."


Fans are allowed to vote once a day through the New Year's Eve deadline with the annual winner announced on New Year's Day. Voters must be RockinTown.com members but membership is free. Rock fans can go to http://www.rockintown.com/ to register and vote.


RockinTown.com is also polling fans for the Best Artist of 2008. This award goes to a group/performer that has released an album of original material in the past 12 months. Currently, Puddle Of Mudd (for "Famous") leads the voting.


RockinTown.com, an entertainment site, chronicles rock's history from the beginning to the present with over 750 artist bios and a daily rundown of key events in rock history (Today In Rock). Rock fans can exchange views, find like-minded enthusiasts, lobby for favorite bands and review albums in the RockinForum.


For more information contact:

Mark Clinton

(206) 579-2716

info@rockintown.com


Source: RockinTown.com

CONTACT: Mark Clinton of RockinTown.com, +1-206-579-2716,
info@rockintown.com


Web site: RockinTown

Big, Beautiful and Inspiring

Queen Latifah

Big, beautiful and inspiring

This is based on my past experience, so readers should not jump to conclusions.

If I am given a choice of a thin woman, a slim woman and a buxom woman (like Queen Latifah) I will choose the buxom woman.
Call her fat, but I prefer to call her big.
I find big and beautiful women more anatomically inspiring.
How?
Have you seen a big woman and a slim woman before an artist, and the artist can tell you that the contours and colors of the big woman have more depth than the slim woman.
A woman with more depth is more inspiring.

Have you been to a Nigerian Owambe party and you see these big beautiful Nigerian women in the traditional Yorùbá dress of Buba and Iro and shoes?
Have you seen the way heads turn to look at them?
Have you seen them dancing?
Gyrating and swaying their waist?
Gosh!
They are awesome.
And they know that they are ultra-sexy and sexier than the slim ones.

When dancing with the big woman, you can rest your hands on her booty and your hands will not slip away.
But when dancing with the slim woman, you have to hold her waist, because her booty is not large enough to rest your hands and appreciate the physical geography of the round buttocks.

Have you seen a big woman in a towel?
Wow!
I loved to see the one I spent 11 days and 11 nights with in Lagos in the 1990s.
I loved to see her in her towel going to the bathroom.
Then see her in her hot jeans shorts like the one the Jamaican X-rated singer Patra (Dorothy Smith) made popular in the early 1990s.

Next, see her in her night gown and you would be in Cloud 9 and finally watch her lying naked in bed and when you commence making love to her, you can keep going deeper and deeper for as long as you wish.
She has more depth, like a gold mine.
The rest is history.
Have you read the Song of Solomon?
The woman who inspired King Solomon to compose those explicit romantic words was a big beautiful woman and not a slim woman.

Even slim women develop goose pimples when this special breed of big women get close to their guys.

Ask the men who have seen the difference and they will confirm what I am saying.

The American Dream of Tyra Banks

American Dream is the romantic dream of Tyra Banks, 34, as Michelle Obama in the Oval Office if she becomes the First Lady of the United States of America!

Click here to see more of the photographs

Tyra’s Michelle Obama Photos Hit Stands This Week!
Snag your very own copy of Tyra’s “Harper’s Bazaar” spread (available August 16)!
You've seen her strut down the runway, and you've seen her host your fave talk show on your TV screen -- now you can see Tyra working it … in the Oval Office?! Yep, that's right! Our fave television host and supermodel is bringing her fabulosity to the White House!

Tyra posed for a new “Harper's Bazaar” magazine spread, which hits stands August 16. It’s an amazing photo session with replicas of some ultra-famous White House spots. Tyra plays the part of First Lady hopeful Michelle Obama. Tyra even worked her magic behind the camera with a Barack-alike, who looks just like the candidate himself, Illinois senator Barack Obama!

You won’t want to miss these fierce photos! To see the spread with your own pretty eyes, grab a copy of the “Harper's Bazaar” September issue -- on newsstands this week!

Love At First Scent?

Love At First Scent?

August 13, 2008




Can birth control pills lead women to choose the wrong man by changing their attraction to a man's scent? Dr. Rachel Herz talks with Maggie Rodriguez about "The Scent Of Desire."

Madonna Chooses Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci for her 2008 World Tour

12 Aug 2008 09:00 Africa/Lagos

Madonna Chooses Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci for her 2008 World Tour

PARIS, August 12/PRNewswire/ -- Madonna has chosen French Haute Couture house Givenchy for her new "Sticky and Sweet" world tour which starts on the 23rd August in Cardiff (United Kingdom).


Two outfits from Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci have been created for her.


The first is a reference to 'Gangster Pimp' and Art Deco.


The second has a Gypsy inspiration.


"I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given the opportunity to offer the world of Givenchy Haute Couture to Madonna the Icon, the Artist, the Woman for whom I have so much respect and admiration." - Riccardo Tisci


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080811/316531-a )


Gangster Pimp: Frock coat in black stretch satin, trimmed with pleated black silk organza embroidered with jet beads Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci.


Waistcoat in black stretch satin trimmed with black silk fringes embroidered with jet beads and laced up corseted back Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080811/316531-b )


Gypsy: Long hooded cape in black silk taffeta, lined in fuchsia silk taffeta and embroidered with jet stones


Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci;


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080811/316531-c )

Gypsy : Dress in black stretch chiffon trimmed with multicoloured ribbons and fuchsia coloured metal chains worn with a matching necklace


Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci.


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080811/316531-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080811/316531-b
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080811/316531-c

Source: Givenchy Haute Couture

Press contacts : France: Givenchy, 3, avenue George V, 75008 Paris, Tel. +33-1-44-31-51-80, Fax. +33-1-44-31-49-03; Italie: Karla Otto, Via dell'Annunciata, 2, 20121 Milano, Tel.: +39-02-65-56-981, Fax: +39-02-29-01-4510; US: KCD, 450 West 15th Street, #604, New York, NY 10011, Tel: +1-212-590-5100, Fax: +1-212-590-5101; UK, Karla Otto LTD, 35 Heddon street, London, W1B 4BP, Tel +44(0)207-287-9890, Fax +44(0)207-287-0890; Shanghai: Room 1103, China Coal Mansion 899 Dong Fang Road, Pudong, Shanghai 200 122, Tel: +86-21-6875-1363 ext 203, Fax: +86-21-6876-1613; Hong Kong, GIVENCHY, Unit 913A, Harbour Centre, Tower 1, 1 Hok Cheung Street, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, Tel: +852-2773-2913, Fax: +852-2576-4089; Japan, 3rd Culture, 2-28-5 Ebisu Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 150-0013, Tel: +81-3-5448-9138, Fax :+81-3-5421-0238.



Madonna a choisi Givenchy Haute Couture par Riccardo Tisci pour sa tournée mondiale 2008

Madonna elige Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci para su Gira Mundial 2008

Für ihre Welttournee 2008 hat sich Madonna für Givenchy Haute Couture von Riccardo Tisci entschieden

Madonna sceglie Givenchy Haute Couture di Riccardo Tisci per la sua tournée mondiale 2008

Madonna Chooses Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci for her 2008 World Tour

Madonna Chooses Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci for her 2008 World Tour

Madonna Chooses Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci for her 2008 World Tour

Victims Settle Clergy Sex Abuse Cases With Archdiocese of Chicago

12 Aug 2008 13:14 Africa/Lagos

Victims Settle Clergy Sex Abuse Cases With Archdiocese of Chicago

Settlements name 10 priests, including Daniel McCormack

CHICAGO, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- WHAT


At a news conference, survivors of clergy sex abuse and their attorneys will announce and discuss the settlement of child molestation cases involving 10 priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago: Daniel McCormack, Joseph Bennett, Norbert Maday, Robert Mayer, James Hagan, Robert Craig, Robert Becker, Thomas Kelly, James Steel, and Joseph Owens. Additional information will be provided at the press event.


WHEN
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 11:30 a.m.

WHERE

At the law office of Kerns, Frost & Pearlman, 70 West Madison (Suite 5350), in downtown Chicago (on Madison between Dearborn and Clark)


Source: Jeff Anderson & Associates

CONTACT: Jeff Anderson, Attorney, +1-612-817-8665, cell, or Marc
Pearlman, Attorney, +1-773-368-0142, cell; or Jessica Arbour, Paralegal,
+1-612-281-4945, cell, all of Jeff Anderson & Associates, +1-312-261-4550


Web site: http://www.andersonadvocates.com/

21 Things Women Need To Know About Wedding Fashion

Dallas) Every woman dreams about their wedding and their wedding dress. Here's a list of 21 ways for the bride and her wedding party to look chic on her big day.

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Be as happy as you can, because it helps you to be healthy and have a jolly good life.

Last Friday was a bloody day on Bonny Island as many militants and few civilians were killed as the Nigerian Armed Forces clashed with the militants from the Bight of Bonny to the shores. Two of the civilians were women killed by stray bullets. I was inside the GTB on Bonny Island and the staff received an emergency directive to close immediately. So other customers were not allowed to come inside the banking hall. The lady attending to me was a buxom and pretty young woman in a pantsuit, but she was looking unhappy. She must be in a bad mood. She snapped at a customer who was a very young man who looked like a teenager. I spoke out aloud that she would do better if she treated customers gladly. The customers were innocent of the volatile environment or whatever made her unhappy. The young man smiled and she snapped that she was not in any mood for his cordial and friendly manners. I was shocked by her hostile attitude, but I was concerned too. Many thoughts filled my mind. I was wondering what could be her troubles.
You know that song, Nobody knows the troubles I see, Nobody knows my troubles?
She was not rude to me. Thank God for my grey hair. A young woman dare not disrespect an elder in an African society. Besides, I was looking nice that morning. She looked at me politely as she attended to me.
I was regarding her and looked at her small brown eyes and fingers. I really took time to look at her. She was cool.
I hope no guy upset her or was it the rainy day?
I wanted to do something to make her happy, but I decided to mind my business.
I left to return to where I was staying as jeeps of fully armed Nigerian soldiers were heading to the Bonny seaside where others were battling the never-say-die militants.
I heard the echo of a gunshot in front of the bank.
As I was looking for a taxi-cab, bus or motorbike to take me away from the danger zone, a white jeep stopped for me.
It was a good Christian author and he is also working for the Nigeria LNG Bonny. I thanked God as I entered his jeep and greeted him and a young man in the back seat of the jeep.
"How are you sir?"
"I am fine. I read your posts."
I was glad he reads them.
He said he was coming from his church.
"Your church? The Redeemed Christian Church of God?"
"No. I have started my own church."
"Started your own church? I would rather say you are planting a new church. I hope you have the blessings of the General Overseer?"
"It is not a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The RCCG Pastor of the Bonny Province gave me his blessings."
I nodded and he told me the name of the new church.
He said he was going to the Nigeria LNG Jetty to pick his family.
I prayed that they would not be caught in the bloody conflict in the Bonny Channel.
There were stern looking Nigerian soldiers at the Nigeria LNG Roundabout and others standing battle ready on the major road leading to the jetty and LNG plant.
As I was going into the Nigeria LNG Residential Areas, I saw a Nigerian Army jeep and an ambulance speeding into the main estate.
It was a bloody and stormy Friday.
It was the topic of discussion over the weekend.


I returned to the GTB bank this Monday morning and when I saw the young female banker who was looking angry and unhappy last Friday, she was looking all right, but not bright. She attended to me politely and when I completed my transaction, I cheerfully gave her a glossy copy of The Language of True Love, hoping she would like it. She accepted it and thanked me with a shy smile. I left her to continue with her work, because she was attending to two customers at her desk and two more were sitting nearby waiting for their turn. Her hands were full today, because the weather was fine and no bad news of attacking militants. Making her smile was a delight to sight.
I was already out of the bank when she came to me to thank me again for the gift of the love book.
"Where can others get the book, because I want to keep my own copy to myself?"
"Your security officer bought a copy last Friday and I told him where to get more copies."
I watched her as she quickly returned to her office with a bounce in her steps.
I thanked God she was happy and I hope she would be happier.

To All My Friends On Hi5

To all my jolly good friends on Hi5

21 Things Women Need To Know About Sleep

21 Things Women Need To Know About Men, Vise Versa

NEXT ON KISSES & ROSES 21 THINGS SERIES:


21 Things Women Need To Know About Sleep

21 Things Women Need To Know About High Heels

21 Things Women Should Know About Wedding Rings

21 Things Women Need To Know About Breast Health

21 Things About Eating Sushi & Drinking Sake

21 Things' you need to know about eating sushi and drinking sake.

21 Things You Need to Know About Women's Health

21 Things To Know About Makeup Lessons

21 Things To Know About Buying A Wig

21 Things Women Need To Know About Wedding Fashion

21 Things About Buying The Right Jeans

21 Things To Know About Accessories For Summer

21 Things Women Must Know About Men

21 Things To Do If Your Friend Gets Breast Cancer

21 Things To Know About Girlfriend Getaways

21 Things Brides Need To Know About Flowers

21 Things To Know About Women's Digestive Health

21 Things You Need To Know To Get Your Kids Fit

21 Things Women Need To Know About Handbags

21 Things To Know To Take Good Pictures

21 Things To Know About Buying A Bra

Gwyneth Paltrow talks about role in "Iron Man"

The Year's Hottest New Super Hero Blasts Off in a Thrill-Packed DVD and Spectacular Blu-ray Presentation: IRON MAN

EWSWIRE PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT IRON MAN PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT IRON MAN Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures' worldwide box office sensation IRON MAN soars onto DVD and Blu-ray on September 30, 2008. (PRNewsFoto/Paramount Home Entertainment) HOLLYWOOD, CA UNITED STATES 08/07/2008



List Price: $39.99
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8 Aug 2008 10:52 Africa/Lagos

The Year's Hottest New Super Hero Blasts Off in a Thrill-Packed DVD and Spectacular Blu-ray Presentation: IRON MAN

$315 Million Box Office Smash Debuts September 30, 2008 in Ultimate Edition Two-Disc Sets Exploding with Hours of Behind-the-Scenes Bonus Features, Deleted Scenes, Robert Downey Jr.'s Screen Test and Much, Much More

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Delivering non-stop action and excitement from a Super Hero who boasts not only unique powers, but also irresistible charm, penetrating intelligence and a wry wit, Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures' worldwide box office sensation Iron Man soars onto DVD and Blu-ray on September 30, 2008. Kicking off the fourth quarter, Paramount Home Entertainment presents spectacular Ultimate Edition two-disc sets on both DVD and Blu-ray, as well as in a single-disc DVD. IRON MAN thrilled both critics and audiences around the world with its captivating story and stunning visual effects. Called "spectacular" (Rolling Stone) and "a thrill-a-minute blockbuster" ("Reel Talk"), the film features an all-star cast including Academy Award(R) nominees Robert Downey Jr. (Zodiac, Chaplin), Jeff Bridges (The Contender) and Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow) and Oscar(R) winner Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare In Love) and was directed by Jon Favreau (Elf).


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080808/LAF017)


Earning over $315 million in the domestic box office to date, IRON MAN lifts off with high-speed, high-flying action when jet-setting industrialist Tony Stark survives an unexpected attack in enemy territory and escapes by building a high-tech robotic suit of armor. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man. Straight from the pages of the legendary comic book, IRON MAN is a hero who is built -- not born -- to be unlike any other!


The IRON MAN Ultimate Edition two-disc sets are super-charged with hours of explosive bonus features that take viewers inside the suit of self-made Super Hero Tony Stark and his invincible alter ego. The sets offer the ultimate IRON MAN experience with extensive explorations of the origins of the character in a six-part featurette, as well as a seven-part in-depth look at the making of the film, a revealing documentary on the stellar visual effects, Robert Downey Jr.'s original screen test, deleted and extended scenes, a photo gallery of concept art and behind-the-scenes images on the set and more.


DVD:


The IRON MAN Ultimate Edition two-DVD set is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround with English, French and Spanish subtitles. Total runtime is 125 minutes. Bonus features include:


Disc 1:
-- Feature film
-- Deleted/Extended Scenes

Disc 2:
-- I Am Iron Man
-- The Journey Begins
-- The Suit that makes the Iron Man
-- The Walk of Destruction
-- Grounded In Reality
-- Beneath the Armor
-- It's All in the Details
-- A Good Story, Well Told
-- The Invincible Iron Man [Blu-ray]
-- Origins
-- Friends & Foes
-- The Definitive Iron Man
-- Demon in a Bottle
-- Extremis and Beyond
-- Ultimate Iron Man
-- Wired: The Visual Effects of Iron Man
-- Robert Downey Jr. Screen Test
-- The Actor's Process (scene rehearsal with cast)
-- The Onion "Wildly Popular Iron Man Trailer to be Adapted into
Full Length Film"
-- Image Galleries


Soaring Hi-Def Features on Blu-ray:

One of the most anticipated releases of the year, the IRON MAN Blu-ray presentation offers even more exclusive content for an incredible entertainment experience including a "Hall of Armor" that allows fans to enter the Stark database to zoom in on any of the three Iron Man suits -- or Iron Monger. They can then activate the digital 3-D schematics to check out every weapon and the full high-definition renders let users fly around each suit to explore each of the armors in comprehensive detail.


The "Iron Man IQ" is a user-friendly web application that lets users create and share new multiple choice quizzes based on clips from the film. Fans can also download other users' challenges via BD-Live.


The IRON MAN Ultimate Edition two-disc Blu-ray is presented in 1080p High Definition with English 5.1 Dolby True HD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese subtitles. Bonus features include:


Disc 1:
-- Hall of Armor
-- The Invincible Iron Man (HD)
-- Origins
-- Friends & Foes
-- The Definitive Iron Man
-- Demon in a Bottle
-- Extremis and Beyond
-- Ultimate Iron Man
-- Deleted/Extended Scenes (HD)
-- BD Live:
-- Iron Man IQ

Disc 2:
-- I Am Iron Man (HD)
-- The Journey Begins
-- The Suit that makes the Iron Man
-- The Walk of Destruction
-- Grounded In Reality
-- Beneath the Armor
-- It's All in the Details
-- A Good Story, Well Told
-- Wired: The Visual Effects of Iron Man (HD)
-- Robert Downey Jr. Screen Test (HD)
-- The Actor's Process (scene rehearsal with cast) (HD)
-- The Onion "Wildly Popular Iron Man Trailer to be Adapted into
Full Length Film" (HD)
-- Theatrical Trailers (HD)
-- Image Galleries


Single-disc DVD

The IRON MAN single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround with English, French and Spanish subtitles. Bonus features include the deleted and extended scenes.


Marketing Support:


Paramount Home Entertainment will support the debut of IRON MAN with a comprehensive campaign designed to reach a wide range of consumers. The multi-million dollar blitz will include television, print, radio and online advertising, as well as an array of viral promotions to generate consumer excitement and anticipation leading up to the release. Innovative and engaging displays will be deployed across retail outlets to create an event atmosphere at street and extend the excitement into the holiday season. Additionally, promotional partners including Southwest Airlines, Kragen Auto Parts and Perdue will further extend the IRON MAN message to millions of consumers across diverse retail locations.


About Marvel


With a library of over 5,000 characters built over more than sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics), with emphasis on feature films, television, DVD, consumer products, video games, action figures, role- playing toys and promotions. Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. For more information visit http://www.marvel.com/.


About Paramount Home Entertainment


Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. PHE is responsible for the worldwide sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment products on behalf of various parties including: Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Studios, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, CBS, PBS and Hasbro and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.


For artwork please visit: phepromo.com

IRON MAN
Street date: September 30, 2008
Runtime: 125 minutes
U.S. Rating: PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and
violence and brief suggestive content
Canadian Rating: PG for violence

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080808/LAF017
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN5
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Paramount Home Entertainment

CONTACT: Brenda Ciccone of Paramount Home Entertainment,
+1-323-956-8091, brenda_ciccone@paramount.com


Web site: http://www.phepromo.com/
Marvel

Marvel Comics House of M Collectors Edition DVD

Marvel Comics Civil War Complete Collectors Edition DV...



Actors: Robert Jr. Downey, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English, Persian
Subtitles: Spanish
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number of discs: 2
Rating:
Studio: Paramount Home Video
Run Time: 125 minutes
Average Customer Review:

ASIN: B00005JPS8
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #27 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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Which Bad Behaviors Rankle Golfers the Most?

6 Aug 2008 21:45 Africa/Lagos


Which Bad Behaviors Rankle Golfers the Most?

BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- What frustrates golfers? Slow play, cell phones on the course, slow play, cheaters, golf cart commandos, slow play, unsolicited advice, walking on a golfer's line and ... did we mention slow play?


In Playing Through: A Guide to the Unwritten Rules of Golf (Collins; August, 2008; $19.95), Peter Post calls out bad behavior and sloppy practices that take away from the pleasure of being on the green. Peter Post will be New York for the release of Playing Through, August 18, 19 and 20.


"As an avid golfer and fan of the game, nothing riles me as much as bad manners on the golf course," says Post. "People take the measure of each other according to how they conduct themselves on the green."


Post surveyed hundreds of golfers to confirm what irritates and impresses on the golf course. Each chapter examines a different annoying behavior and gives advice on how to deal with it.


Complaint number one? Slow play. Two-thirds of survey respondents railed against it. Playing Through is a directive to golfers to pick up the pace. How? Be ready to play through when asked, play "ready golf," avoid excess practice swings, mentally prepare for your next shot as you approach your ball, and be on time for your tee time.


In the book, Peter also covers:

-- Top ten behaviors of golfers with bad manners
-- What to do when you hit into other golfers or another golfer hits into
you
-- Dealing with temper tantrums on the course
-- The "no four-putt" rule and what is an acceptable "gimmee"
-- Dealing with cheaters
-- Who not to coach
-- Nassaus, Baseball and Bingo Bango Bongo
-- How to be a spectator at your local tournament or at a professional
event



Chapter 19, "Fun Golf vs. Serious Golf: When to Cut Some Slack" may offend purists. While Post pays homage to the handicap system, he absolves golfers who take liberties with the rules-such as mulligans or the no four-putt rule- from angsting about entering their scores in the handicap system. Post advises new golfers how to navigate the disparity between the "spirit of the game" and the reality of those who enter scores that allow for liberties such as lift, clean and place, divot relief, the leaf-ball, and mulligans.


"Having a horrendous putting day is a near-universal experience. It impacts the a foursome and the pace of play," says Post. "When a good time is marred by the travails of a fellow golfer who's off his game, it's time to offer him an adjustment-even if this means bending the rules."


About the Author:


Peter Post is the great-grandson of Emily Post and an author, seminar presenter and avid golfer (with a 17 handicap). He is a director of The Emily Post Institute, based in Burlington, Vermont. His previous books include the New York Times bestseller Essential Manners for Men, The Etiquette Advantage in Business, Essential Manners for Couples and A Wedding Like No Other. On Thursday afternoons in the summer, Peter can be found with his long-standing foursome at the Burlington Country Club, where he is a member and past board president. He is also a member of the Edgartown Golf Club in Massachusetts.


PLAYING THROUGH: A Guide to the Unwritten Rules of Golf
by Peter Post
Collins, An imprint of HarperCollins
Publication: August 22, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-06-122805-6; $19.95 ($29.95 Canada); 197 pages
www.emilypost.com
www.harpercollins.com
Available wherever books are sold.

Source: The Emily Post Institute

CONTACT: Elizabeth Upham Howell, +1-802-860-1814, elizabeth@emilypost.com
or Teresa Brady, +1-212-207-7170, Teresa.brady@harpercollins.com


Web site: http://www.emilypost.com/


NOTE TO EDITORS: To schedule an interview or appearance call Elizabeth Howell, 802/860-1814, Elizabeth@emilypost.com.

Paris Hilton Responds to McCain's "Celeb" Attack Ad watch!

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

Empire Education Group Announces National Anti-Domestic Violence Campaign

6 Aug 2008 11:00 Africa/Lagos

Empire Education Group Announces National Anti-Domestic Violence Campaign

'Empire Gives Back' supporting 'CUT IT OUT'

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Empire Education Group, the nation's largest system of corporate owned cosmetology schools, is launching a multi-platform campaign called "Empire Gives Back" to support CUT IT OUT, that will benefit nearly 90 communities across the country. CUT IT OUT is a program that teaches salon professionals to recognize signs of domestic abuse and safely refer those clients to people and resources that can help them.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080806/NEW052LOGO )


"As one of this country's leading educators of the next generation of hairstylists, Empire is perfectly positioned to support CUT IT OUT by teaching our more than 11,000 students per year about domestic violence and how to respond when clients are suffering from abuse," said Franklin K. Schoeneman, CEO and Chairman of Empire Education Group. "But we are not stopping at education. We are dedicated to truly making an impact by promoting public awareness of this issue, which is so often hidden from view. Each of our 87 schools will be raising money, supporting women's shelters and helping women learn how to get the help they need."


CUT IT OUT was born because women often develop very close relationships with their hairdressers based on trust. Some even confide to their stylists about abuse at home, rather than their friends and family. CUT IT OUT strives to make sure such stylists know what to do with such frightening knowledge. And Empire is setting out to support this effort by educating its own stylists-in-training on the subject, as well as raising awareness and funds for the cause.


"We salute Empire Education Group and their commitment to spreading awareness to help break the cycle of domestic violence in America. It's a powerful statement about the organization's compassion and community service," said Dianne Mooney, Founder of the CUT IT OUT program. "All of us at CUT IT OUT are grateful that Empire Gives Back has embraced our educational program in service to victims of violence. Cosmetology students are all in a unique and powerful position to spread the word that there's no excuse for abuse."


Empire has worked with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Office on Violence Against Women to launch a comprehensive platform, which includes enhanced student training, public awareness and education efforts, fundraising, victim support, public service announcements, media outreach and an online campaign. Following is an overview of the specific elements of the initiative:


-- Empire will coordinate a national roll out of the CUT IT OUT program to all of its 87 schools across the country. CUT IT OUT instructional sessions will be brought into each of Empire's cosmetology schools reaching more than eleven-thousand students annually.


-- Empire schools will work with the US Attorney's Office to adopt a local domestic violence support organization within proximity to each Empire school. Empire will offer support with local student fundraising events as well as provide no-charge services to women who are in these shelters.


-- Clients seeking support from each "Adopted" domestic violence support organization will also become eligible to receive financial assistance to attend any Empire Beauty School in the country. Quantitatively this educational aid could reach up to half-million dollars per year.


-- All Empire schools will participate in the Empire Education Group National Day of Beauty, on October 11th. On this day, all monies generated from services and sales in all 87 student salons will be donated to a local shelter in the community where the school is located. Empire will also devise an incentive program to generate excitement and support among students, educators and school officials for additional local fundraising efforts year-round.


-- A dedicated website www.empiregivesback.com has been created to offer information about domestic violence, promote awareness for the national campaign, CUT IT OUT and to direct those in need to people, resources and organizations that can provide help. It will also highlight local student events that benefit the cause, as well as raise funds online by selling specially designed items, which will also be available in Empire's student salons across the country.


Empire Education Group


Empire Education Group has provided quality in cosmetology education, offering students the many of finest training tools and facilities. For the past 70 years, Empire has grown to become one of the largest providers of beauty and cosmetology education in North America. With 87 accredited cosmetology schools in 18 states Empire educates over 11, 000 students annually. All locations use exclusive Certified Learning in Cosmetology (CLiC) education curriculum; the company prepares students for successful careers in cosmetology (hair care, skin care, and nail care.)


Schools accredited under Empire Education Group include: Empire Beauty Schools, Artistic Beauty Colleges, Blaine, Chic University of Cosmetology, Concorde Academy, European Academy, The Hair Design School, Martin's College of Cosmetology, Natural Motion Institute, Pierre's School of Cosmetology, and Scot Lewis. For more information and a complete listing of all schools under the Empire Education Group name, please visit: www.empire.edu


For more information on the CUT IT OUT program, please visit http://www.cutitout.org/ .


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080806/NEW052LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Empire Education Group

CONTACT: Maureen Pinchock of Empire Education Group, +1-570-573-4546


Web site: http://www.empire.edu/
http://www.empiregivesback.com/
http://www.cutitout.org/


NOTE TO EDITORS: Photography, posters, training materials, safety cards and interviews available upon request at (214) 252-0900.

Update on Morgan Freeman Surgery and Recovery

Update on Morgan Freeman Surgery and Recovery

American Idol Winner David Cook Teams With Grammy Winning Producer Rob Cavallo on Debut Album Due Out in Fall 2008

American Idol Winner David Cook Teams With Grammy Winning Producer Rob Cavallo on Debut Album Due Out in Fall 2008

I Heart/Love Sex and The City T-Shirt

I Heart/Love Sex and The City T-Shirt


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Design is black and red on a white short sleeve t-shirt. You will find our design features outstanding durability when it comes to resisting cracking, peeling and fading even after repeated washings. T-shirt is a 6.1 ounce pre-shrunk 100% cotton jersey. Ultra tight knit surface. Seamless collar. Taped neck and shoulders. Double-needle stitching. Available in youth and adult sizes.

$14 Million for the Brangelina Twins, Morgan Freeman Injured, Elizabeth Taylor Recovers and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn Passes On

People magazine paid $14 million for the exclusive rights to publish the first photographs of the 3 weeks old twins of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and the couple gave the magazine an intimate interview on the birth of their adorable twins, Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline.


I am sending get well wishes to Morgan Freeman who was badly injured in accident.


Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was on life support, but she is now breathing well and reports say she is getting better.

The Nobel Laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the great soul of modern Russian literature has passed away at 89. I knew about the Russian novelist, dramatist and historian when he won the Nobel Prize in Literature 38 years ago.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

May the great soul of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn rest in peace.

PEOPLE en Espanol Names the Best and Worst Dressed Celebrities of the Year

PEOPLE en Espanol Names the Best and Worst Dressed Celebrities of the Year. (PRNewsFoto/PEOPLE en Espanol) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES 08/04/2008

4 Aug 2008 16:50 Africa/Lagos

PEOPLE en Espanol Names the Best and Worst Dressed Celebrities of the Year

Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Daisy Fuentes, Sofia Vergara, and Eva Longoria Among the Best Dressed

PLUS: Idol's David Archuleta talks about his new found fame 'I've always imagined myself on stage'

- Best and Worst Dressed Issue on Newsstands August 4 -

NEW YORK, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Penelope Cruz, Charlize Theron, and Eva Longoria are named the best-dressed women in Hollywood in the new issue of PEOPLE en Espanol, on newsstands on August 4. Penelope Cruz lands the top spot as the best dressed with Charlize Theron ranked #2. Others on the list include actresses Katie Holmes and Angelina Jolie, and singer Rihanna. Cruz, who next stars in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona along with Scarlett Johansson and real life beau, Javier Bardem (also on the best dressed list), is known for her elegant style at her red carpet appearances.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080804/NYM045 )


The magazine also gives thumps up to women with curves highlighting Ugly Betty's America Ferrera, Grey Anatomy's Sara Ramirez and singer Jennifer Hudson for their great sense of fashion; and celebrates famous moms who recently shed the pregnancy weight and got back into shape like Cate Blanchett, Salma Hayek and Jennifer Lopez. Daisy Fuentes takes top honors in a special reader's poll on www.peopleenespanol.com.


Among the Best Dressed men are David Beckman, taking the top honors, along with actors George Clooney, Javier Bardem and singer Daddy Yankee.


The issue also includes a 'who wore it best' section, putting celebrities head to head for readers to decide who looks best in the same dress. Among them: Christina Aguilera vs. Amanda Bynes in a sleek Herve Leger, and Jennifer Garner vs. Eva Longoria in a strapless Gucci.


The Best Dressed Women of 2008:
1. Penelope Cruz, Actress
2. Charlize Theron, Actress
3. Kate del Castillo, Mexican actress
4. Eva Longoria, Actress
5. Lili Estefan, Univision TV host
6. Katie Holmes, Actress
7. Sofia Vergara, Colombian actress
8. Lucero, Mexican actress
9. Candela, Telemundo TV host
10. Daisy Fuentes, model (www.peopleenespanol.com users choice)

The Best Dressed Men of 2008:
1. David Beckman, Athlete
2. Javier Bardem, Spanish actor
3. George Clooney, Actor
4. Mauricio Islas, Mexican actor
5. Shalim, actor
6. Wisin, Reggaeton artist
7. Yandel, Reggaeton artist
8. Daddy Yankee, Reggaeton artist
9. Anthony, Dominican lead singer of Aventura
10. Felipe Viel, Telefutura TV host



The issue also features celebrities whose bad sense of fashion made headlines. Paris Hilton and Britney Spears appear on the magazine's worst dressed list for second year in a row and newcomer Janet Jackson is criticized for her fashion mishaps. Voters on www.peopleenespanol.com selected Cuban actress Niurka Marcos as the worst dressed celeb.


The September issue of PEOPLE en Espanol also includes the hottest insider tips and trends from today's top celebrity hair, makeup and fashion stylists. Learn how to get that celebrity look with fall inspired trends at a fraction of the cost. For all of the hottest looks in fall fashion and beauty check out this month's PEOPLE en Espanol. (Page 60)


OTHER STORIES IN THIS ISSUE:

David Archuleta on Top

David Archuleta, the first Hispanic contestant to make it as a finalist on American Idol, talks to PEOPLE en Espanol about his newfound fame, how he almost did not make it, and his plans for the future. "I've always imagined myself on stage," says Archuleta, who at 17-years-old, placed second, after David Cook, on the hit reality show series.


Even after millions of votes and his "Archie" fan club, he still remains humble. "I thought nobody liked to hear me sing," says Archuleta. However, his accomplishments are nothing short of a miracle. About a year and a half ago, Archuleta received medical treatment for paralysis in his vocal cords. "The doctor said there is somebody up there who wants him to sing because, medically speaking, he should not be able to," says Archuleta's father.


He's now gearing up for the American Idols Live! Tour 2008 and will also start recording his first album as a solo artist. "I feel a connection when I hear other people singing. If I can accomplish that, it would make me feel so good," says Archuleta. (Page 143)


All this and much more in the September issue of PEOPLE en Espanol. For daily news and scoops, please visit PeopleEnEspanol.com.


PEOPLE en Espanol was launched in 1996 as a special issue, and today has become the top-selling Hispanic magazine in the United States. Published 11 times a year, PEOPLE en Espanol's guaranteed circulation is 515,000 and reaches more than six million readers every month with its editorial mix of Hispanic and popular entertainment, fashion and beauty trends, and compelling human-interest stories. PEOPLE en Espanol delivers original editorial content that captures the values, contributions and impact of today's Hispanics in the U.S. For daily news, photos, exclusive behind-the-scenes video and celebrity scoops, visit www.PeopleEnEspanol.com -- now also available in English.


Contact:

Elvis Lizardo
212.522.9658
elvis_lizardo@peoplemag.com

Amy Galleazzi
212.522.3689
amy_galleazzi@peoplemag.com


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080804/NYM045
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: PEOPLE en Espanol

CONTACT: Elvis Lizardo, +1-212-522-9658, elvis_lizardo@peoplemag.com, or
Amy Galleazzi, +1-212-522-3689, amy_galleazzi@peoplemag.com, both of PEOPLE en
Espanol


Web site: http://www.peopleenespanol.com/

Annie Lennox Celebrates Solo Hits With First-Ever Retrospective

4 Aug 2008 19:16 Africa/Lagos

Annie Lennox Celebrates Solo Hits With First-Ever Retrospective

Two New Songs and Deluxe CD/DVD Edition Available Exclusively With This Collection

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The Annie Lennox Collection paints a vivid portrait in song of the most successful female British artist in pop music history. Available September 16 from Arista Records, this 14-song retrospective brings together the acclaimed artist's finest solo work on a single disc for the first time, and includes a pair of new songs available exclusively with this release.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080804/NYM124 )


"It seems like the time has come to release the Collection this year," Lennox says of her first best-of set. "I'm very proud of these songs. They are timeless and have become 'classics' in their own right."


Spanning 15 years, The Annie Lennox Collection also available in a Deluxe CD/DVD edition includes hits from her four top-selling solo albums Diva (1992), Medusa (1995), Bare (2003) and last year's highly praised Songs of Mass Destruction. The timeless music selected for this collection uniquely reflects the essence of the singer's instantly recognizable brand of soul music on tracks like "Why," "Walking on Broken Glass" and "No More 'I Love You's'" -- a song that earned Lennox one of her four Grammys.


The retrospective also includes two new songs that Lennox recorded specially for this collection. The first, "Pattern of My Life," was written by Tom Chaplin of Keane, who allowed Lennox to change the title of his song for this collection. The second is a cover of "Shining Light," a song originally recorded by Ash in 2001. "I first discovered this song by Ash about six years ago, and I simply couldn't stop listening to it. It's so exultant that it virtually shimmers," Lennox says.


Among the many highlights on The Annie Lennox Collection is "Sing," a song that references The SING Campaign, a humanitarian organization Lennox founded to raise awareness and support for the AIDS/HIV pandemic in Africa. "We're still in the early stages, but this is a lifelong commitment on my part," Lennox says. "I'm coming out from behind my singing voice to express myself in broader terms and help give a voice to those who don't have the same opportunities as I do."


A dynamic activist, Lennox recently received the Red Cross Services to Humanity Award, was named the 2008 Glamour Inspirational Woman of the Year and sang for Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebration this summer in London. Lennox will again take the stage for a very special cause September 9 in New York and September 21 in London, when she performs as part of Peace One Day's concerts to herald the organization's goal of fostering non-violence.


In her 26-year career, both as a member of the groundbreaking Eurythmics and as a solo artist, the Scottish lass born on Christmas Day has amassed sales of more than 78 million albums worldwide. Her towering achievements also include 34 hit singles, four Grammy Awards, 11 Brit Awards and five Ivor Novello Awards. The superstar has also won an Academy Award and one Golden Globe.


THE ANNIE LENNOX COLLECTION

Track Listing


1. "Little Bird"

2. "Walking on Broken Glass"

3. "Why"

4. "No More I Love You's"

5. "Precious"

6. "A Whiter Shade of Pale"

7. "A Thousand Beautiful Things"

8. "Sing"

9. "Pavement Cracks"

10. "Love Song for a Vampire"

11. "Cold"

12. "Dark Road"

13. "Pattern of My Life"

14. "Shining Light"

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080804/NYM124
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN18
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Arista Records

CONTACT: Tom Muzquiz, RCA Music Group, +1-310-449-2638,
Tom.Muzquiz@sonybmg.com; Roger Widynowski, 19 ENTERTAINMENT, VP of Music / TV
Publicity, +1-310-461-1788, rogerw@19entertainment.com

You Have Been Given to the Covenant

1 Aug 2008 13:20 Africa/Lagos


'You Have Been Given to the Covenant': Spiritual New Book Combines Scripture with Inspirational Advice

YELLVILLE, Ark., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- "Where would one go without the Lord?" asks Prophetess Lee Ann Bunch in her new book, "You Have Been Given to the Covenant: The Way of the Cross" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com/). Her answer? "There is no place. He is our refuge, He is our constant help in the time of need."


Follow Prophetess Bunch as she combines classic passages from the Old and New Testament and relates them to modern life. "The Bible says that people perish because of lack of knowledge," Bunch writes. "The truth is revealed."


Bunch believes that the last days have been prophesied, and we are living in them. She stresses the importance of preparing oneself spiritually for what is coming and wrote "You Have Been Given to the Covenant" to promote this understanding, an undertaking she knows is not always easy: "Jesus is forever with you, yearning and desiring to help you with your every need. But, we often times push Him back. And He cannot move in our lives," she writes.


Bunch warns readers to heed the advice in Jeremiah 1:14,16 about worshipping false idols:


Then the Lord said unto me, out of the north an evil shall break forth
upon all the inhabitants of the land.

And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness,
who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and
worshipped the works of their own hands.


She then relates Jeremiah's words to modern society:

I tell you, there are people who have forsaken Jesus Christ! They have
gone after the things of the world. This is the burning of incense to
other gods. They are gathering up all the things they can get. Only in
the end, to be burned. They are worshipping all the things that they are
doing for themselves, and all that they have made with their own hands!


According to Bunch, there is only one way to achieve joy and glory: acceptance of Jesus Christ. She implores her readers to join her in her walk of faith throughout the pages of "You Have Been Given to the Covenant":


When you have totally given yourself over to the Lord, all your desires,
all your dreams, and all the things the world requires, then you have
found the treasure hid in the field. And His name is Jesus! And you shall
be filled with wine and milk. The wine representing His spirit, which
gives power to overcome. The milk is satisfaction, which is being
satisfied with the word of God. Understanding it, obeying it, and loving
it! Being satisfied, that is all you need, He fills your every desire. So
with overcoming power, having everything we need, we are filled with joy
unspeakable, full of glory.



About the Author: "I am just a pen on history's pages," says Prophetess Lee Ann Bunch. "I am a vessel that done what the Lord told me to do. I wrote down on paper what He wanted to say. He is the true Author, not me. I give him all the glory. It is His book, not mine." For more information, visit http://www.leeannbunch.com/.


AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher (http://www.authorhouse.com/) for emerging, self-published (http://www.authorhouse.com/GetPublished/FAQ.aspx) authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.


EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Promotional Services Department
Tel: 888-728-8467
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)



This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.


Source: AuthorHouse

CONTACT: Promotional Services Department of AuthorHouse, +1-888-728-8467,
Fax: +1-812-961-3133, pressreleases@authorhouse.com


Web site: http://www.authorhouse.com/
http://www.leeannbunch.com/

AIDS Increasing Among Gays and Bisexual Men in the United States

Wikipedia Photo of Gay Couple

The latest report on the spread of HIV/AIDS in the US indicates an alarming rate of the pandemic among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender/transsexual people. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was bred in the sexual revolution of the last century and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was then seen as the homosexual plague. The following report is a must read not only for the GLBT communities, but also for the rest of us, because the use of contaminated hypodermic needles is increasing.

3 Aug 2008 14:08 Africa/Lagos


Growing Epidemic in Gay and Bisexual Men in the United States Heightens the Call for a National AIDS Strategy Bridging Race and Sexuality

MEXICO CITY, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the wake of disturbing news about higher HIV rates in the United States, people living with HIV and allies are calling for a national AIDS strategy that confronts the homophobia, violence and bias at the heart of the U.S. epidemic.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the new figures released on Saturday, August 2 reflect a "stable" epidemic, albeit one with a higher level of annual infections than previously estimated. However, the data reveal an ongoing and persistent increase in rates of infection among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), many of whom are Black and/or Latino.


"The new estimates confirm that a vast majority of new infections in the U.S. occur in gay and bisexual men, and that Blacks are significantly more heavily impacted than other racial/ethnic categories. However, the data fail to clearly link the two, perpetuating a longstanding, damaging polarization," explained Walt Senterfitt, CHAMP board co-chair and an epidemiologist living with HIV who served as a Visiting Scientist at CDC's Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. "We need CDC to clearly show the HIV incidence numbers in gay men and other MSM of color."


"A substantial number of Black people infected every year are gay or bisexual, and a substantial proportion of gay and bisexual men infected are Black. In fact, the heaviest impact is at the nexus of the two - being both black and a man who has sex with men. Yet this population is significantly marginalized, even stigmatized within both larger populations of which it is an integral part. A national AIDS strategy must tackle this fundamental challenge," he added.


Advocates state that CDC's response to the new estimates, despite acknowledgement of the U.S. epidemic as majority gay/bisexual, does not challenge the pervasive homophobia that the federal government refuses to confront. They point to research on gay men who experience bullying and violence in adolescence and later have higher rates of drug use, intimate partner violence, and HIV/AIDS. According to the National Anti-Violence Project, there was a 24% increase last year in the number of victims reporting anti-LBGT violence.


"The rising incidence in our communities is a direct result of years of policies and programs that demonize and ignore the sexual health needs of gay men, especially African-American and Latino gay men who bear the brunt of the epidemic in the United States. Gay men of all colors face significant health disparities that directly impact the incidence and prevalence of HIV in their lives," said Jim Pickett, Director of Advocacy at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. "We must prioritize a holistic, asset-based gay men's health agenda that goes well beyond a 'navel to knee' focus. We must also address their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health needs that, when neglected, foster conditions in which HIV thrives."


Activists note that the national AIDS program of the Mexican government's public health department sponsored public campaigns against homophobia in subways and buses, television spots, school programs and by working with telenovela and movie producers.


"If this socially conservative country, with far fewer resources than its wealthy neighbor to the north, can ambitiously confront homophobia with government sponsorship and funding, why can't the United States?" asked Coco Jervis, CHAMP's Director of Policy.


"CDC talks of the need to develop more and better prevention messages, including more prevention interventions for Black gay men and gay men of all races. But such strategies will never be sufficiently effective or taken up by those most at risk until - and unless - homophobia is directly confronted," added Kenyon Farrow, National Public Education Director for Queers for Economic Justice.


"Instead, politicians of both parties and the Department of Health and Human Services have caved into pressure from right-wing politicians, squelching not only sexuality research but anti-homophobia and pro-sexual diversity messages in HIV prevention and general health promotion alike. Will our next administration buck this trend, or will it be more of the 'business as usual' that's decimating my community?"


The Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP) is dedicated to HIV prevention justice, bridging HIV/AIDS, human rights, and struggles for social and economic justice to ensure the development and use of a broad and effective range of HIV prevention options in the next decade. CHAMP sponsors AIDS2008.com, a community blog at the 2008 International AIDS Conference.


Source: Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project

CONTACT: United States: Julie Davids, CHAMP: 646-431-7525,
jdavids@champnetwork.org, or Johnathon Briggs, AIDS Foundation of Chicago:
JBriggs@aidschicago.org; or Mexico City: Walt Senterfitt, CHAMP: 323-683-0490,
wsenterfit@aol.com, or David Ernesto Munar, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, 312-
334-0933, dmunar@aidschicago.org


Web site: http://www.champnetwork.org/
http://www.aids2008.com/

Skin Health: Priceless

Skin Health: Priceless

San Jose Teen Wins $45,000 Quinceanera Party From Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless "My Fabulouse Quince" contest winner Athaly Ramos of San Jose, California. (PRNewsFoto/Verizon Wireless) SAN JOSE, CA UNITED STATES

2 Aug 2008 04:23 Africa/Lagos

San Jose Teen Wins $45,000 Quinceanera Party From Verizon Wireless

Hip-hop sensation Sean Kingston to perform at teen's private coming-of-age party for 200 friends and family

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than six million text and online votes, 14-year-old San Jose teen, Athaly R. has been crowned winner of the Verizon Wireless "My Fabulous 15" contest. She has been awarded a dream-come-true Quinceanera party valued at approximately $45,000. The party package includes food for 200 guests, a formal dress, transportation to and from the party; pink LG Venus cell phones for Athaly's court of closest friends, and a private, live concert by hip-hop artist Sean Kingston.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080801/AQF048)


"I still can't believe I won this," said Athaly. "There were so many amazing candidates. I am honored to have been chosen. My family is so happy. No one in my family has ever had a party like this!"


Athaly came to the United States from Mexico with her family when she was seven-years-old, speaking no English. Today, she is proud of having learned the language fluently and attends school regularly. Although she has always dreamt of a Quinceanera party, she knew that her parents couldn't afford it and that was the reason she never asked them for a celebration. Her father was recently diagnosed with a health condition, which caused further financial strain on the family. Athaly said that winning this Fabulous 15 party would make her the happiest girl in the world and her only hope, just like thousands of teenagers in the United States, was to win "My Fabulous 15" party and celebrate her coming of age.


"The response has been extraordinary," said Oscar Madrid, director of marketing for Verizon Wireless. "More than six million text message votes and 500,000 online votes were cast to pick the winner. Participation was much higher than we expected. Almost 3,000 teens from Los Angeles, San Jose/San Francisco, Phoenix, Denver and Portland entered to win."


Two runners-up, Martha G. from South Gate in Los Angeles County and Jessika R. from Orange County, have won pep rallies at their respective schools. These events include a DJ, green screen, Dance Dance Revolution video game and other giveaways.


About Verizon Wireless


Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 68.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 70,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080801/AQF048
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN10
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Heidi Flato of Verizon Wireless, +1-925-279-6545,
heidi.flato@verizonwireless.com; or Ximena Ossa, +1-310-473-4422,
Ximena.Ossa@rlpublicrelations.com, for Verizon Wireless


Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/

Producer William Buster Announces a Historic Runway Fashion Event - A Prelude to Fashion Week

Iconic Black Cocktail Dresses and Accessories from FOREVER IN FASHION, 1955-1965, phographed in New York's Iconic Grand Central Terminal. Wardrobe by William Buster. Photography by Michael Kweicinski. (PRNewsFoto/William Buster) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES 08/01/2008

1 Aug 2008 19:24 Africa/Lagos

Producer William Buster Announces a Historic Runway Fashion Event - A Prelude to Fashion Week

Benefiting NYU Langone Medical Center and the Museum of the City of New York

A SALUTE TO NEW YORK FASHION 1925-1965

NEW YORK, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ --
THE TITLE OF THE EVENT:
FOREVER IN FASHION -- HOW NEW YORK DRESSED THE WORLD 1925 TO 1965

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080801/NYF058 )

PROGRAM:
Scene 1: ART DECO STYLE, 1925 TO 1949

Scene 2: THE CLASSIC BLACK DRESS, A SALUTE TO AUDREY HEPBURN STYLE, 1950 TO 1965


MEDIA CONTACT: William Buster, extensive press images available. Available for TV, Radio, Print interviews. Preview Images: Go to www.theatermania.com, type Forever In Fashion in the search box.


PHONE: (347) 880-2840, EMAIL: bb5248@yahoo.com

DATES:

Thursday AUGUST 21, to Sunday AUGUST 24, 2008. Four performances. Complimentary champagne on opening night. General Seating. Runtime: 80 Min w. Intermission between scenes.


LOCATION:
THE PRODUCER'S CLUB, THE GRAND THEATER. Non-handicapped accessible.
358 West 44th Street in the Theater District, between 8th and 9th Avenues.


TIMES: Thursday through Saturday Evenings at 8 PM. Closes after Sunday Matinee at 3 PM, 8/24/08.


TICKETS: ONLINE NOW: www.theatermania.com. ORDER BY PHONE: (212) 352-3101, or (866) 811-4111 Toll Free. Cash only at the door. PRICES: $50 Adults, $40 fashion and retail professionals, $30 students and seniors. Group Discounts available. Call 347.880.2840 for information.


PRODUCED, DIRECTED AND COORDINATED BY: William T. (Bill) Buster, in his New York debut. The producer will donate a third of ticket sales to NYU LANGONE MEDICAL CENTER in gratitude for their help in saving his life after a bout with a severe, disabling respiratory illness since 2006.


Partial proceeds from items sold to benefit THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, Fashion and Textile Exhibitions, for the preservation of the lost artistry of the American Garment Industry.


SYNOPSIS: A must-see for everyone who is a lover of fashion design and fashion history, those working in fashion design, retail, or students, this is a rare and detailed opportunity to see, on a runway, an unprecedented collection of American Vintage fashions created and sold in New York and throughout North America. A living tribute and a wake-up call, this event is the best testament to what has been lost in the tragic redevelopment of the historic Garment District. The show is created by Bill Buster, an Award-Winning designer in Film, Theatre, Television and Opera. The event is a spectacular theatrical runway retrospective of the classic fashions that defined American Elegance and still inspire the runway collections shown today around the world. Presented on four consecutive dates, this is presented as a living tribute to the New York Fashion District and the history that was made there. There will also be available for sale a boutique of vintage fashions, collectible accessories and home decor objects from the eras covered in the show. Join us for a champagne reception before and after the show opening night, Thursday, August 21. A sale of some fashions from the show will follow the closing matinee performance, Sunday August 24. Long before there was a Fashion Week, The New York and American Garment Industry reached a level of artistry and craftsmanship that is evident in the over 200 complete vintage outfits from 1925 to 1965, featuring day and evening wear, dresses, gowns, furs, jewelry, handbags and hats. Carefully chosen to reflect the least extreme and most timeless lines and styles that still inspire every major designer in fashion, the show is presented in two scenes. See above.


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080801/NYF058
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: William Buster

CONTACT: William Buster, +1-347-880-2840, bb5248@yahoo.com


Web site: http://www.theatermania.com/

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Amazon Presents the Classic "The Tales of Beedle the Bard", Standard Edition

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Standard Edition

In December 2007, J.K. Rowling unveiled The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a very special book of five fairy tales illustrated by the bard herself, embellished with silver ornaments and mounted moonstones. Amazon was fortunate to come into possession of one of the original copies, and it was our privilege to share images and reviews of this incredible artifact. Now J.K. Rowling is giving millions of Harry Potter fans worldwide cause for celebration with a new edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, available December 4, 2008.

Offering the trademark wit and imagination familiar to Rowling's legions of readers--as well as Aesop's wisdom and the occasional darkness of the Brothers Grimm--each of these five tales reveals a lesson befitting children and parents alike: the strength gained with a trusted friendship, the redemptive power of love, and the true magic that exists in the hearts of all of us. Rowling's new introduction also comments on the personal lessons she has taken from the Tales, noting that the characters in Beedle's collection "take their fates into their own hands, rather than taking a prolonged nap or waiting for someone to return a lost shoe," and "that magic causes as much trouble as it cures."

But the true jewel of this new edition is the enlightening and comprehensive commentary (including extensive footnotes!) by Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, who brings his unique wizard's-eye perspective to the collection. Discovered "among the many papers which Dumbledore left in his will to the Hogwarts Archives," the venerable wizard's ruminations on the Tales allow today's readers to place them in the context of 16th century Muggle society, even allowing that "Beedle was somewhat out of step with his times in preaching a message of brotherly love for Muggles" during the era of witch hunts that would eventually drive the wizarding community into self-imposed exile. In fact, versions of the same stories told in wizarding households would shock many for their uncharitable treatment of their Muggle characters.

Professor Dumbledore also includes fascinating historical backstory, including tidbits such as the history and pursuit of magic wands, a brief comment on the Dark Arts and its practitioners, and the struggles with censorship that eventually led "a certain Beatrix Bloxam" to cleanse the Tales of "much of the darker themes that she found distasteful," forever altering the meaning of the stories for their Muggle audience. Dumbledore also allows us a glimpse of his personal relationship to the Tales, remarking that it was through "Babbity Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump" that "many of us [wizards] first discovered that magic could not bring back the dead."

Both a wise and delightful addition to the Harry Potter canon, this new translation of The Tales of Beedle the Bard is all that fans could hope for and more--and an essential volume for the libraries of Muggles, wizards, and witches, both young and old.

Net proceeds from this Standard Edition and the Collector's Edition support of the Children's High Level Group, a charity co-founded in 2005 by J K Rowling and Emma Nicholson MEP to make life better for vulnerable children. (The Children's High Level Group is a charity registered in England and Wales under registered charity number 1112575.)

Inspiring Lingerie - Triumph Awards Midori Matsuo, 20, Japan, for the Most Inspiring Lingerie Design

31 Jul 2008 15:53 Africa/Lagos

Inspiring Lingerie - Triumph Awards Midori Matsuo, 20, Japan, for the Most Inspiring Lingerie Design at the International Final of the Triumph Inspiration Award '08 in Beijing

BEIJING, China, July 31/PRNewswire/ --



- Viktor & Rolf, Helena Christensen, Ellen von Unwerth, Sarah From Colette, Lv Yan and Jan Rosenberg Among the High Profile Judging Panel to Choose the Winner


- Cross reference: Pictures are distributed via EPA (European Pressphoto Agency) and can be downloaded free of charge at: http://www.presseportal.de/pm/56445/?keygroup=bild -


On July 31st, fashion and design students from 31 countries and regions around the world, presented their showpieces to the world in a fabulous catwalk show at the Triumph Inspiration Award '08 in Beijing. An inspiring expert judging panel, consisting of the Dutch design duo Viktor & Rolf; Danish top model Helena Christensen; German fashion photography icon Ellen von Unwerth; colette's chief purchaser and creative director Sarah from Colette, and Chinese top model and actress Lv Yan together with Triumph's Jan Rosenberg, came to the decision which design piece deserves to be called the most inspired, and inspiring, of them all in 2008. Awarded their prizes by gold-medallist Linford Christie and actress Michelle Lee, the show was a true spectacle in pre-Olympic Beijing.




Midori Matsuo, 20, Japan, convinced the judging panel to be the winner of the Triumph Inspiration Award '08 with the design "Under Skin" and will pocket not only a cash prize of Euro 15,000 but also a career boosting limited edition of the winning piece. Midori Matsuo, 20, Japan, will see the showpiece adapted and interpreted by the Triumph design team, leading to series production of the set and would be sold in selected Triumph stores worldwide.Theresa Bachler, 21, Germany, with the design "Once Upon a Time..." will receive Euro 10,000 and Stine Fagervik-Rosen, 28, Norway, with "Desire for Beautiful Trash" will receive Euro 5,000.




All finalists from Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania met and competed in pre-Olympic Beijing on July 31st, 2008, at the avant-garde 798 Art Zone situated in the Dashanzi Area. Here in Beijing's bohemian quarter, the final was celebrated in the Factory Hall 706, which will be home to Switzerland's National House during the Olympic Period, the >House of Switzerland<.


At the grand final of the Triumph Inspiration Award '08, all competing finalists were under the scrutiny of the demanding juries. The international jury judged all entries according to the same criteria: innovation and creativity in interpreting the design theme "female fascination", individuality and uniqueness, concept, aesthetics, quality in design and execution, as well as presentation. "What we love most is the fact that the students were asked to free themselves of the commercial side of things - almost no restraints were put on their creativity", stated Viktor & Rolf.


The grand final the Triumph Inspiration Award, inaugurated this year, is a global design competition created by the lingerie specialist Triumph International. The Award challenges students from prestigious international design schools to create a conceptual showpiece-set, comprising of an under-wired bra and brief, dedicated to the design motto for 2008: "Female Fascination".


Triumph International is one of the world's largest underwear manufacturers. The company enjoys a presence in over 120 countries with its core brands Triumph(R), sloggi(R), Valisere(R) and HOM(R). Triumph employs more than 43,000 people and achieves a turnover of CHF 2.5 billion (2007).


http://www.triumph-inspiration-award.com


http://www.triumphinspirationaward.com


For more information please contact: karin.lukarsch@triumph.com or call: +49-1719751293


Source: Triumph International AG

For more information please contact: karin.lukarsch@triumph.com or call: +49-1719751293



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