Monday, May 29, 2006

Happy Memorial Day!

I may be on the radio, but I don't agree with a lot of stuff I hear on it anymore.

I was driving around a little this morning and heard an announcer say "What is there to celebrate? War?"

I have a feeling this guy was hugged enough as a child. I was. And I understand.

I understand what it is to be grateful to the people that protect you. That keep you from the evil in the world. The gatekeepers that ensure our country enjoys the freedom that allows me to write this statement disagreeing with people in our media.

There should be a day where we celebrate the sacrifice of the brave people that have gone off to war to protect the people and ideals on this country.

I don't know about you, but I have to put out the flag.



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This time, she's exposing her undies on purpose

YOU'LL soon be seeing more of this beauty queen in her lingerie.

Ms Jennifer Hawkins (right), 22, who was Miss Universe 2004, has just signed a three-year, six-figure modelling deal with an Australian lingerie label, Lovable Lingerie, reported the Daily Telegraph in Sydney yesterday.

This will not be the first time she will be seen in her undies.

Click to see larger image
  • File picture
  • Two years ago, Ms Hawkins suffered a 'wardrobe malfunction' during a fashion show.

    She was left wearing little more than a red G-string when the hem of her metallic lace dress got tangled in her stiletto heel, unravelled to the waist and dropped to the floor as she sashayed down a catwalk in Sydney.

    This time, she says she is well-prepared to appear in public in her underwear as the star of an advertising campaign for the lingerie label.

    'That (malfunction) worried me at the time and I was really embarrassed. But it just goes to show it's those little things that make you stronger,' she told the Telegraph.

    Indeed, it was that slip-up that helped her land the lucrative contract.

    The lingerie firm's boss, Mr Michael Gazal, said that the way she handled the situation was 'indicative of her natural personality and sense of fun. It's a good fit with our brand'.

    Ms Hawkins has also contributed to the design of the collection, choosing colours and giving product advice.

    'They're very cheeky and sexy but not too revealing,' she told the Telegraph of the bras and panties.

    Of the upcoming lingerie billboard campaign, she said: 'I've seen those massive billboards before and it's going to be so exciting and a bit weird to see myself up there.'

    Source: http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4136,107314,00.html




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    Miss America and Country Star Brad Paisley Announce MADD's Strides for Change Celebrity Virtual Walk Challenge


    DALLAS, TX (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) - Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry and award- winning country artist Brad Paisley have set the stage for Mothers Against Drunk Driving's (MADD) Strides for Change Celebrity Virtual WalkTeam challenge. Miss America recently joined Paisley at his Santa Barbara, Calif., concert to kick off the campaign in support of MADD.

    Dubbed the Walk of Fame, virtual teams have been formed by Berry, Paisley, country star Naomi Judd, and actor and TV personality Kelly Ripa. Web-based fans can get in step and support their favorite celebrity and a life-saving cause at the same time by joining a celebrity team online at http://www.stridesforchange.org

    Recounting the loss of a close friend in a drunk driving crash, Miss Berry said, "The fact remains that drunk driving is 100 percent preventable, yet it continues as a plague of human behavior that we as a society continue to tolerate." Nearly 17,000 people are killed and a half a million others are injured annually in alcohol-related traffic crashes.

    Miss Berry promoted the celebrity challenge in Nashville, which will host its first ever Strides for Change 5K walk-aimed at raising awareness and money to save lives and prevent injuries due to drunk driving and underage drinking- on Saturday, June 24 at Centennial Park. Nissan North America, Inc., national presenting sponsor of Strides for Change, is helping MADD put on walks in 22 cities nationwide.

    A portion of the proceeds raised by the celebrity teams will go back to the MADD state office of their choice. Judd, a long time supporter of MADD, and Paisley, whose uncle was killed to a drunk driver, chose MADD Tennessee. Berry, who has been a five-year volunteer for her home state chose MADD Oklahoma, and Ripa is dividing her proceeds between New York where she lives and New Jersey where her sister, who survived a drunk driving crash, resides. The celebrity virtual walk team challenge runs through September.

    There are several ways the public can support MADD's Strides for Change walks: (1) Support a celebrity virtual walker by joining their virtual team online; (2) If you live in a host city, you can register to walk or form a team; (3) If you are unable to make the walk, you can sign up to raise money as a virtual walker, anywhere and anytime; or (4) Give a one-time donation to the walks. Please visit the Strides for Change Web site at http://www.stridesforchange.org to register, donate or get more information.

    MADD's mission is to fight drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. More than 300,000 lives have been saved since MADD's founding in 1980. For more information, visit http://www.madd.org .

    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 http://www.missamerica.org

    Source: http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=23883




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    Chechens Crown a Queen

    By Timur Aliyev
    Special to The Moscow Times

    Eduard Korniyenko / Reuters

    Dzhabrailova dancing onstage Saturday after being crowned Miss Chechnya.

    GROZNY — A 15-year-old high school student danced and baked her way to the title of Miss Chechnya on Saturday, beating out twin sisters for the grand prize of a sleek Toyota sedan.

    Zamira Dzhabrailova beat a total of 19 contestants to take the crown at the first beauty pageant held in Chechnya since 1988. The Chechen administration organized the pageant as part of its efforts to show that calm has returned to the war-scarred republic.

    "The vote was unanimous," said Satsita Israilova, a pageant judge and director of Grozny Public Library. "We are happy about the choice, and we can proudly present our winner to all of Russia."

    Dzhabrailova, a brunette with a broad smile, said she was excited about the opportunity to represent Chechnya at the Miss North Caucasus pageant later this year and, if she wins, the Miss Russia pageant.

    "I want to be a model," said Dzhabrailova, who dances with a folk group, Vainakh.

    Wearing a flowing, yellow traditional Chechen dress, she celebrated her victory with a dance onstage at the Grozny Central Concert Hall.

    The first and second runners-up were 15-year-old fraternal twins Fatima and Dzhanora Khazuyeva, who each took home a Zhiguli. Both are also high school students.

    Zaira Dudayeva, 17, who placed fourth, also won a Zhiguli, while fifth-place finisher Kheda Dadayeva, 16, will go on a trip to Europe. Both are students at Chechnya State University.

    Ilona Chachayeva, a 22-year-old student in Moscow, won a VAZ-2107 for her sixth-place finish.

    Contestants had to demonstrate their ability to dance, read poetry and cook — by baking cakes — and they recorded videos for the judges in which they spoke about their lives. To show their poise, they also fielded general-knowledge questions from the judges.

    All the girls wore traditional Chechen costumes, and there was no swimsuit competition.

    Source: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2006/05/29/017.html




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    Sharing An Inner Beauty

    Ailing Woman Enters Pageant
    May 28, 2006
    By JIM FARRELL, Courant Staff Writer
    MANCHESTER -- After learning that she had a rare and potentially life-threatening lung disease, Gina Starks made an unusual decision.

    She entered a beauty pageant.

    "If someone famous had this disease, maybe some actress, everybody would know about it," said Starks, a 28-year-old self-described stay-at-home mom from Manchester who two years ago first heard the ominous words "fibrosing mediastinitis."

    She has never been in a beauty contest before, but when her first awareness-raising idea fizzled - Oprah didn't write back - Starks signed up for the Mrs. Connecticut pageant that will be held in Hartford next month.

    "I'm searching for ways to get the word out," she said, adding that she has learned that only 300-400 people nationally are currently diagnosed with her disease.

    Starks has a large, irregular-shaped calcified mass of scar tissue between her heart and right lung, which has been rendered nonfunctional because blood cannot reach it. The disorder was likely caused by an abnormal response to an infection.

    ...more...



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    Friday, May 26, 2006

    Diana Hayden on why she avoids parties and adores Rajeev Singh



    We are in love
    Indranil Roy
    Friday, May 26, 2006 18:14 IST


    Diana Hayden on why she avoids parties and adores Rajeev Singh

    What’s up?
    I’m leaving for Spain to co-host the Laureus sports awards. That’s actually the Oscars of sports, I’m extremely proud to represent India there.

    I was also the judge at the Miss Universe contest. For the first time, nine ex-Miss Universes were judging the contest. I’ve also bought a flat in Bandra, I’m doing up it’s interiors. So, yeah, life’s pretty cool.

    But you’re hardly doing any films.
    I’m being extremely careful about the roles I’ve had a terrible experience with my debut film Ab Bas.

    What went wrong?
    I had some reservations with the way it was marketed. If Ab Bas had been promoted differently, it would have been something else. I’m very very proud of my performance, I’m extremely proud of the reviews that I got.

    Are you cut out for Mumbai showbiz?
    After becoming Miss Universe in 1997, I concentrated on the commitments which are a part of the campaign. When I joined the film industry, I hardly knew anyone. It helps if you’re a part of a camp.

    Are you into television anymore?
    No, my contract to host the Biography programme on the National Geographic channel has come to an end. Right now, I’m not doing any more TV.

    Why aren’t you seen and heard more often?
    That’s because I may be a social person but I hate networking. I don’t party, I’d rather read a book.

    Are you still with (model-actor) Rajeev Singh?
    We’re very very happy to be together. It’s my private side, I’ve nothing to hide. He’s a fantastic guy and we are in love.

    What happened to your film Adaa?
    The last thing I know is that the producers were having some financial problems. Perhaps the project has been shelved.

    Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1031436&CatID=7




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    Mauj Brings Miss World 2006

    Mauj Brings Miss World 2006
    Techtree News Staff Email Print
    May 26, 2006
    Mauj Telecom has signed a deal with the Miss World Organisation, as its Exclusive Global Mobile Partner for the upcoming 56th Miss World 2006. According to the deal, Mauj will produce and distribute a range of Miss World-centric mobile content, through its partnership with over 50 operators and portals worldwide.

    The deal was cracked by TWI, a subsidiary of IMG Media, which is a division of IMG, one of the world's premier Sports, Entertainment, and Media Company.

    The Miss World mobile content will be available on 200 plus handsets from all leading manufacturers, and the content will include final and continental show highlights, contestant images and video profiles, audio and video ring tones, wallpapers, screensavers, themes, and a calendar application.

    The content will be created using footage and photographs from the last three Miss World finals, and also exclusive material from the contestants. Miss World 2006 will be held during a four-week period in September, wherein more than 100 of the world's most beautiful young women will compete for the Miss World 2006 title. The Final will be held in Warsaw, on September 30, 2006.

    Mauj is also developing an exciting virtual reality application that will bring users closer to the experience of preparing for the Miss World contest.

    Miss World Final, the world's largest live annual TV event, had successfully introduced phone and text voting in 2004. Mauj will help power the Miss World 2006 global vote, as the preferred SMS voting partner in a number of territories.

    Julia Morley, chairman, Miss World Organisation, said, "During the past 56 years, we have worked to ensure that Miss World remains at the cutting edge of new developments. In recent years, we have gone interactive, and our phone and text vote has been a massive success. We are delighted to be extending our stake for Miss World 2006, by sealing this global content deal with Mauj Telecom."

    Dippak Khurana, regional head (India and Far East), Mauj Telecom, said, "The Miss World event is one of the most eagerly awaited and widely watched events in the world. Mobile content makes the experience more personal, and brings the event up close for millions of fans around the world. Mauj is extremely honoured to work with the Miss World Organisation, and TWI / IMG to bring this event to mobile consumers worldwide."




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    Pageantry Perfume National Launch Tour Comes to the Bay Area With Jennifer Berry, Miss America 2006

    Press ReleaseSource: Pageantry Perfume

    Pageantry Perfume National Launch Tour Comes to the Bay Area With Jennifer Berry, Miss America 2006
    Thursday May 25, 6:25 pm ET


    Portion of Proceeds Benefits Miss America Scholarship Fund

    WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Pageantry Perfume, developed specifically for the Miss America Scholarship Fund, began a 22-day launch tour May 9 in Los Angeles that culminates with Miss America's visit to the Bay Area May 30 - 31. To help promote this new fragrance, created by Bob Aliano, master of other famous fragrances such as Giorgio of Beverly Hills, Red, and Hugo, Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry will be making special appearances at Longs Drugs, the current California exclusive retailer of Pageantry.

    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. "The Miss America Organization is thrilled to partner with Pageantry Perfume. This partnership supports and broadens awareness of our scholarships that benefit so many young women across the country," stated Art McMaster, CEO of the Miss America Organization.

    Jennifer Berry will begin her Bay Area tour by visiting UCSF Children's Hospital on May 30th followed by a special appearance at Longs Drugs in San Ramon at 2455 San Ramon Valley Road from 2:00 to 3:30. On Wednesday, May 31st she will make special appearances at these East Bay Longs Drug stores:

        -- Danville at 3420 Camino Tassajara  Noon to 1:30
    -- Walnut Creek at 1123 Walnut Creek South California Blvd. 2:00 - 3:30
    -- Walnut Creek at 738 Bancroft Road 4:00 - 5:30

    The public is invited to meet Miss America, learn about the scholarship programs and to experience Pageantry Perfume. Jennifer Berry will autograph bottles of Pageantry, a one of a kind fragrance of soft fruits and florals, with notes of vanilla and amber, which retails at $34.99 for 3.4 Fl. ounces.

    For more information, please visit www.missamerica.org.

    For more information on Pageantry Perfume, please visit www.pageantryperfume.com.



    Source: Pageantry Perfume


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    Mama dearest

    By Gilbert Garcia Pop Music Critic
    May 25, 2006, 20:58

    Club chanteuse Kristine W raises the roof while raising 2 kids


    COME TO MAMA: Kristine W belts it out at Station 4,
    R&B, soul and pop may still have their own diva in-fights, but on the dance charts, there’s no denying what queer fave Kristine Weitz brings to the game. Performing as Kristine W, the sexy former Miss America contestant has to date banked a record nine consecutive number-one dance hits — beating out the seven consecutive chartings from both Janet Jackson and Madonna.

    Last year, when Patti LaBelle performed versions of her favorite songs for the “Classic Moments” album, Kristine W’s “Land of the Living” made the cut, with Weitz herself singing on the track. As the Las Vegas-based chanteuse readied for her upcoming Dallas gig on Friday at Station 4, she discussed her roles as a military booster and unlikely mommy figure.

    How did a Washington beauty queen end up being a gay icon? The gay community chose me. I went from being a big star in the pageant world to a successful Las Vegas performer. Then I went to Europe to pursue my original music and came back to discover I was a gay icon. I never planned on it happening, but it’s been a great marriage.

    You’ve described your life as that of a soccer mom by day, dance diva by night. How do you balance showbiz and raising two kids? I’m blessed to be surrounded by some very supportive people. You can’t raise balanced objective children without a lot of positive people around them. The showbiz part of my life was always second nature to me. And now I share that energy with my children.

    Do you bring your kids to your shows? I do — depending on the event. And when I feel it’s appropriate.

    Any good stories as a soccer mom on the road? I was playing a New Year’s Eve circuit party. From the DJ booth, my daughter Elizabeth said to me, “I’m glad that I’m not down there, because everyone is sweating too much!”
    Another time, at Kansas City Pride, I asked my son what he thought of my show. He said, “Mommy, you were great, and everyone was screaming your name. But did you know the lady next to me had a beard?”
    He was 4 at the time.

    You’ve been a big supporter of the U.S. military. And Memorial Day is just around the corner. If you could play a show for our men and women in uniform, what message would you convey to our closeted gay and lesbian troops? I think that the gay and lesbian troops should know that we are behind them and that they are always in our thoughts. They are our light to freedom and from prejudices of all kind. As for songs, I performed at the American Veterans Awards television special, and I was amazed at how “I’ll Be Your Light” [from Weitz’ self-titled 2003 album] resonated with everyone there.

    What’s next? I have a new single coming out that was produced by DJ-remixer Tony Moran. It should be a great summer hit. I also just returned from Los Angeles, where I was in the studio completing my new jazz album. And of course, you can expect me to be appearing across the country this summer — spending time with the fans that gave me all my hits.

    Station 4, 3911 Cedar Springs Road. May 26 at 12:30 a.m. $10 advance, $15 at door. 214-559-0650.




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    TNT takes Miss Universe

    NEWS BRIEF: TNT Latin America has secured pan-Latin television broadcast rights to the 55th Annual Miss Universe Pageant through a deal struck at the LA Screening with Alfred Haber Distribution. The pageant will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on July 23. TNT acquired rights to the 7th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, broadcasting this fall, from Alfred Haber earlier this year.




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    Thursday, May 25, 2006

    Video I created just added to YouTube!

    Check out the Captain Catastrophe film on You Tube:



    Or go to link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05q3vlN2RQ0



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    Memo says Miss America lost $2M. in 2005

    By MICHAEL MILLER Staff Writer, (609) 463-6712

    Published: Tuesday, May 23, 2006
    Updated: Tuesday, May 23, 2006

    ATLANTIC CITY — Going without a pageant in 2005 hit Miss America where it hurt most – in her designer pocketbook.

    The pageant lost $2.1 million last year, according to an internal March 21 memo provided anonymously to The Press of Atlantic City.

    Setting up a new show in Las Vegas pushed pageant week back from September to January. But the move from Atlantic City's Boardwalk to the Las Vegas Strip might have been the tonic the pageant needed. The nonprofit posted net earnings of $405,000 in the first two months of 2006.

    Producing the show at a casino theater in Las Vegas cost just $47,096, a fraction of the nearly $1 million it cost each year to prepare Boardwalk Hall for a live TV show.

    The organization has not yet filed its 2005 tax returns, which are public records. But the memo's estimates were what one might expect from a year without a crowning moment.

    “We did not have a pageant in 2005. We did not have a good year,” pageant president Art McMaster said.

    The memo drafted by pageant treasurer Gary Lax suggested that 2005 was a low financial point in the pageant's recent history. The organization lost $2.1 million, mostly in investments. Its assets have dropped steadily from $12 million in 1999 to just under $2 million last year.

    With a new reality-TV deal and a new slate of Las Vegas board members, the pageant is on the rebound, McMaster said.

    “We feel we've turned this thing around already. But it took getting an interested network involved,” he said.

    ABC dropped the pageant after the 2004 show posted record-low ratings. The pageant struck a deal with Country Music Television to televise the pageant live from the Aladdin Resort & Casino.

    The January show attracted 3 million viewers, a record for the cable network but 7 million fewer than watched the pageant live on ABC in 2004. Unlike past years on network television, CMT re-broadcast the show 10 times. The cumulative effect was millions more people saw the January show than saw it on ABC in 2004.

    “It's encouraging. The sponsors are starting to come back. We're back on the road again. We're on the mend. There are a lot of good things going on with Miss America right now,” McMaster said.

    No date or venue has been announced for the 2007 show. But signs suggest the pageant will remain in Las Vegas at least another year.

    Meanwhile, the pageant appointed five new board members, further cementing its relationship with Las Vegas.

    The organization in April appointed Lynn Hackerman Weidner, the wife of a Las Vegas casino executive. She competed as Miss New Jersey in the 1971 Miss America Pageant. New, too, this year is Lynette Boggs McDonald, a Clark County, Nev., commissioner and a former Miss Oregon.

    Rounding out the appointments is John Bermingham, a Texas businessman; Rebecca King, Miss America 1974 who has a law practice in Denver; and Ryan Wuerch, chairman of a cellular phone company in Durham, N.C., and the husband of Miss America 1996 Shawntel Smith.

    Boggs McDonald said the board of directors is dedicated to making the pageant lucrative.

    “All of us sitting on the board consider ourselves the turn-around team,” she said.

    Her goal is to trumpet the pageant's charitable mission as the world's largest scholarship program for women. The pageant scaled back the scholarship awards granted to this year's contestants. She said she would like to provide more.

    She and Hackerman Weidner pitched the pageant to the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority this year to build local support for the show. She also talked to the other members of the Clark County Commission.

    “Once people get it and they understand the difference between a nonprofit like Miss America and a for-profit like Miss USA, they'll support the nonprofit,” she said.

    With more lead time, Las Vegas can give the pageant the reception she thinks it deserves.

    “If we can solidify a deal to return to Las Vegas, we know we have more time to plan for a parade or some other communitywide events,” she said. “Everyone wants to do more the second time around.”




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    Beauty Pageant Research Analyst Specialist Offers Expert Advice to Win Beauty Contests and Competitions in Digital How-To Ebook

    Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document.


    Vicky Johnson, United States Pageant Reserach Analyst, shares secrets and methods of pageant winners in her latest digital ebook. Among other things that is mentioned is how to approach any pageant with lively self-confidence, information of pageant history, types of pageant, and also the psychology and ways to withstand pressure and emerge victorious with the crown. Research on past pageant winners (e.g. Miss USA) is detailed in the ebook.

    Charlottesville, VA (PRWEB) May 25, 2006 -- Before you invest time and money in researching a beauty pageant over the internet or buy books from the Internet or your local bookstores, check out USA Pageant Research Analyst, Vicky Johnson's new digital ebook on pageant resources. With her 10 years of experience in beauty pageant research and partnering with Famous Entity Sdn Bhd, an event management company in Malaysia, a company that research beauty pageants worldwide, the digital ebook is a must have for pageant enthusiasts, family members and also friends of aspring beauty contest participants. The digital ebook could be attained at http://www.famousentity.com/NewBeautyPageant/index.html.

    According to Vicky Johnson, Pageant Research Analyst, "The question I get most ofen is," What is the secret signal that makes the judges believe that the participant deserve to win the crown?" My job is to offer the pageant enthusiasts, may it be participants, judges, organizers of pageants or even the family members trying to help their loved ones before they join the pageant the methods and ways of handling different circumstance or situation in the pageant event.

    The digital ebook, aptly named "Essential Tips and Formula for Pageant Success", details the Pageant Preparation System made for "regular people" with little or no experience in pageants, so that they will quickly discover that getting themselves ready to steal the show in the pageant can be fast, fun, and affordable.

    Written in plain, easy-to-understand language-with no complicated instructions - this informative formula ebook shows the reader everything they need to know to easily out shine the competition and make a remarkable impression on the judges. "You’ll learn all of the basics... how to dress, how to wear your hair, what never to do, how to improve your modeling, how to capitalize on the talent portion of the event and much more. It's extremely user-friendly. All of the information is laid out clearly, and concisely, so you can learn at your own pace and not feel overwhelmed.
    People might even start saying that you are "Studying for Stardom" when they hear about your amazing competitive edge!", declares Vicky.

    "As the mother of an 11-year-old daughter who has competed in 13 pageants, I've been trying to do some research on the best way she can get to the next level. This book has given me everything I need to know and some outstanding information on what to look for. Thank you." says Lavon Baker, a satisfied reader and customer on the ebook.

    "The book could be used even out of the United States or any part of the world as the principles and methods detailed in the ebook are universal and time tested across different cultures. Even in Asia, Europe or Middle East, the pageant enthusiasts can be assured that they will find something in the book to be of use. It is also an informative, enjoyable and entertaining book to read", says Vicky.

    Vicky Johnson has been studying components of pageants for the past 10 years. She has broken the components into easy to understand sections to help the reader of the ebook to understand and implement practical steps in the pageant they could be joining achieve success.

    For information: http://www.famousentity.com/NewBeautyPageant/index.html




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    Miss Florida USA goes on a treasure hunt

    May 25, 2006

    Miss Florida USA 2005 is set to go up against CIA interns and Air Force officers, just to name a few.

    You can see Cocoa Beach's
    Melissa Witek, 23, who received the beauty pageant title last year, when she makes her network reality TV debut in June.

    She and two other Miss USA contestants will team up against other multi-player teams as they search for hidden treasure on NBC's new "Treasure Hunters."

    Here's the premise: Teams travel to historically significant sites hoping to uncover clues and puzzles, all the while trying to avoid elimination.

    Think of it as "The Amazing Race" meets "The Da Vinci Code."

    The series starts with a two-hour premier on June 18, according to series senior press manager Grace Niu.

    For now you can see a preview of the show by searching for Treasure Hunters at YouTube.com.

    Or, since I found it for you, click this below:





    Source: http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060525/COLUMNISTS01/605250302/1005




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    Sunday, May 21, 2006

    Mrs. World Competition Ends in Scandal


    The Mrs. World Competition in St. Petersburg ended with an act of protest by its participants. When the crown was taken away from the declared winner, Andrea Bermudez Romero of Costa Rica, and given instead to Russian competitor Sofia Arzhakovskaya, the majority of the show's participants tore of their ribbons, threw them on the floor and left the stage at the Oktyabrsky Concert Hall.

    Problems plagued the competition from the beginning. First 20 of the 54 participants were unable to receive Russian visas. Then, when the participants were to meet St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matvienko, Deputy City Governor Sergey Tarasov showed up in her place. The ladies gave him gifts of face cream and household goods. The Misses World crown and 49 pieces of jewelry associated with the competition were seized by customs at Pulkovo Airport. The Russian Customs Service claims that the competition's organizing committee failed to fill out the necessary forms for the importation of the items.

    The situation deteriorated at the competition itself, which was broadcast in 70 countries around the world. The decoration was economical and the audience was sparse, in spite of the fact that tickets for the event were free. The American MC was initially not provided with an interpreter, and when an interpreter was found for him, the audience took umbrage at me of his jokes and began to walk out.

    Almost all observers and participants questioned expected the 18-year-old Russian competitor to win, in spite of an unwritten rule that the participant from the host country won't be crowned. Arzhakovskaya's privileged position was clear. She had two bodyguards and a personal makeup artist and her husband, businessman and former candidate for president of Bashkortostan Sergey Veremeenko, hovered near her. When Bermudez Romero was declared the winner of the competition and crowned with the $29,000 replacement crown, competition organizer David Marmell burst onto the stage and demanded that the transmission be temporarily interrupted. Then the order was given on the public address system “Guards, close the auditorium exits. There has been a mistake. The finale will be reshot. The winner is Russia.”

    The crowning of Arzhakovskaya was filmed with only about ten competitors on the stage and catcalls from the audience.
    by www.kommersant.com


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    Russia’s Beauty Crowned Mrs World 2006


    Mrs Russia Sofia Arzhakovskaya of Moscow, 18, was crowned Mrs World 2006 in Octyabrsky Concert Hall, St. Petersburg, May 1, ITAR-TASS reported.

    Graduate of Ufa dancing school and today’s free dancer, Sofia became a Mrs only a year ago, once she married a large businessman. In addition to the crown, she won a $6000 sheepskin coat and a set of jewelry. The Vice Mrs World title went to Mrs Costa Rica and challengers from Finland, Kenya and China were named among the top five beauties of the world.

    En route to the title, the competitors were performing in the national costumes, swimsuits and evening dresses. But the jury, where Russia was represented by Olympic Champ Svetlana Zhurova and Miss Russia 2005 Alexandra Ivanovskaya, also paid attention to the optional contests, including competitions in culinary art, bowling and hockey.

    The grand show that lured beauties of 34 countries was held in Russia for the first time in history. No Russian had won it before this contest.
    by www.kommersant.com


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    Miss North Dakota wrapping up a whirlwind year

    An AP Member Exchange Feature By AMANDA LUCHSINGER
    Williston Herald

    She was more or less "tricked" into pageantry through enticing scholarship opportunities. Now, Jacqueline Marie Johnson is about to wrap up a whirlwind year by passing the crown to a new Miss North Dakota.

    The state pageant to name her successor is scheduled June 8-10 in Williston.

    "I can't stress enough how many doors have opened and how I've grown in the process," Johnson said of the past 12 months. "I can only hope that whoever is Miss North Dakota 2007 can have just as wonderful of an experience as I have had, and that she shares a part of herself, her unique characteristics and personality with the state.

    "It's is going to be a very difficult, bittersweet week for me," she said.

    When Johnson was a senior at Fargo North high school, she recalled, her counselor told her of a great scholarship opportunity.

    "She told me, 'There's an interview portion to make sure you're well qualified for the scholarship and there's also a talent part,' Johnson said. "She left it at that, and I later found out that I was enrolled as a contestant in the Miss Fargo pageant."

    She never would have competed if she had known it was a pageant, she said.

    After being crowned Miss Fargo in March 2004, Johnson went on to win the interview portion as well as the swimsuit preliminaries in the 2005 Miss North Dakota pageant to be named first runner up.

    She completed her first year at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., where she chose to double major in chemistry and psychology with the intention of entering medical school and minoring in music. Johnson decided to try again at the Miss North Dakota title, since she had come so close.

    "I competed at another local and won Miss Red River Valley, advancing in June 2005 to Miss North Dakota. Now, 12 months later, I've had the greatest experience of my entire life," she said.

    Johnson said the highlight of her reign has been touring the schools across the state. She said she will have reached more than 50,000 students when she wraps up her touring this month.

    "You decide, 'I'm going to give a year to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' and you just hope that the year is fulfilling," she said. "It's been an amazing school tour. It's been so great that I've gone back to a number of schools more than once this year. And more have invited me back next year as a motivational speaker."

    Johnson's message has been about the importance of blood donation. And, nearly every day for the past 12 months, she has met someone who has been affected by that.

    Johnson helped organize blood drives within the schools throughout the year with the assistance of her national partner, United Blood Services.

    "Since I was 17 (the legal age to donate blood in North Dakota), I've been working on this platform," said Johnson. "It's what I'm passionate about."

    During her senior year in high school, she helped set up a blood drive with United Blood Services as a student council project.

    "I thought, 'What a wonderful way to band together and save lives,'" she said. "I thought we should be doing more of this."

    Now she can recite statistics on the need of blood around the world, nation and state, Johnson said she has a new realization of the importance of donating blood.

    "I wanted to take my role and help others become more aware as well," she said.

    Johnson advises other pageant contestants to choose a platform they are passionate about, and partner with a national organization if possible.

    In a year filled with influencing people and life-changing experiences, Johnson was able to pick out two moments from her year as Miss North Dakota 2006 that stood out.

    One involved the life story of 7-year-old twins named Haley and Logan, who were born severely premature. Their mother now works at United Blood Services.

    "They were in need of many blood units and Logan also needed surgery at two weeks of age," Johnson explained. "I asked if I could use their story in the tour to help raise awareness."

    With the twins' mother, Johnson wrote the story to present. Photos of the babies were enlarged and used as visuals.

    "To see a picture of these babies that fit in the palm of a hand and whose dad could slip his wedding ring up to their shoulder, and then to see an after picture seven years later ... it was amazing how that impacted kids," she said.

    Johnson was invited to speak at Logan and Haley's elementary school in West Fargo.

    "To see the looks on the faces of their classmates and teachers who had no idea that these two individuals would not be here today if it weren't for blood donors - and then to see the results in their school blood drive, which had a wonderful turnout, really made me stand back and say, 'What a great story,'" she said.

    The other story Johnson remembers is from an area high school where she was invited to talk about peer pressure and making decisions.

    "Two girls stayed after to open up and share stories they had told no one in their entire life, about sexual abuse or being pressured to do drugs and alcohol. That they felt I was approachable, and that they could open up, share, cry, get advice and keep in touch was a great honor," she said.

    Both girls have kept in touch and are on a positive track, she said.

    "Just making one difference makes the year worth it," she said.

    Music has always been a passion for Johnson. She learned to play the cello school, and performed with the All-State Orchestra all four years of high school.

    Johnson said playing the cello while representing North Dakota on stage in front of 8,000 people live and 22 million television viewers was an unbelievable feeling.

    When she returns to school in the fall, she will rejoin the symphony at Gustavus Adolphus College and give cello lessons.

    As someone who never took a speech class before, Johnson said she has uncovered a hidden passion over the past 12 months - public speaking, especially to children.

    "To get in front of a group of kids and hold their attention for three hours and have a good time doing it... I never imagined that would be something I would like so much," she said.

    The experience has been so positive that she has thought twice about her career path.

    "I'm very driven and I always knew I wanted to be in the pediatrics and medical field. But taking the role of a motivational speaker has been a secret passion I never knew I had," she said. "When you get a taste of the real world, it makes you ready for more."

    As sophomore next fall, Johnson said, she will return to Gustavus Adolphus to finish her double major, although she will experiment with an education course.

    "I believe my dealings with people this year has taught me much more than eight to 10 years of college could teach me," she said.

    Even after passing the crown to a new Miss North Dakota, Johnson may have more time to spend with her family. Her father, Gary, who escorted his daughter in the evening gown competition in the Miss America pageant, is an account executive for Newman Outdoor Advertising; Her mother, Caroline, is a homemaker and "a botanist at heart," Jacqueline said. She has two sisters, 15-year-old Cassandra and 4-year-old Lauren.

    "Watch out North Dakota," Jacqueline said of her little sister. "She already walks around the house in high heels with her nails painted pink and a cell phone."

    Source: http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/14629198.htm




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    DOHERTY TO PRESENT GRADUATE TROPHY


    Posted by Harnesslink Admin 11:11 AM 21-May-2006 NZST

    Kelly Doherty, whose parents both work in the racing industry, will be presenting the trophy to the $225,000 Graduate winner on Saturday night (May 20) at the Meadowlands.

    The 19-year-old Doherty, who was crowned Miss New Jersey Galaxy in February, will be representing the state in the Miss Galaxy pageant this summer in Orlando, Florida.

    Doherty’s parents are Paul and Roxanne Doherty. Paul is the trainer for the Ray Schnittker Stable. Roxanne works in the operations department at the Meadowlands. The Dohertys, including younger sister Emily, reside in Ringwood, New Jersey.

    Kelly Doherty, who was also a semi-finalist in the Miss New Jersey USA pageant, recently completed her sophomore year at the University of Rhode Island where she is double majoring in secondary education and history.

    Doherty, who was listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, has been active in civic and community programs at college. She serves on the executive board of Alpha Delta Pi, she volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House in Providence and is a founder and member of Rhode Rides, a new organization whose goal is to eliminate drinking and driving.

    Carol Hodes

    Source: http://www.harnesslink.com/www/Article.cgi?ID=38224




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    Friday, May 19, 2006

    VIDEO: Miss Russian Bikini 2004






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    Pageant show suits Univision


    'Belleza Latina' host Giselle Blondett (l.) with Barbara Bermudo, who'll host red-carpet show leading to pageant.

    Look out, "Miss America"!

    Next season, Univision will launch a reality show, "Belleza Latina," which will blend a reality show with a beauty pageant.

    "Beauty pageants are a staple of Latin culture," "Belleza Latina" host Giselle Blondett said. "But viewers want to get to know the women behind the sash."

    And will they.

    The contest will gather "the most gorgeous Latin women in the U.S. in a fierce competition," according to the network's description of the show, which will air on weekends.

    Ironically, for years, the folks who run the "Miss America" pageant have tried to boost the audience for the fading concept by adding reality twists.

    "Belleza Latina" is one of two new entertainment programs being added to Univision's weekend lineup in the fall, it was revealed yesterday.

    The other, "Cantando por Un Sueño," is a spinoff of last season's "Bailando por un Sueño," which itself was similar to "Dancing With the Stars." This season, rather than dancing, contestants will sing. They'll be paired with real celebrity singers, who will coach them to perform on television. The twist, however, is that the people are competing not for the spotlight but to reach their goals, which are usually to help a family member.

    Aside from the reality fare, the network will add four new prime-time novelas, according to Alina Falcon, Univision's executive vice president.

    "Nobody does more top-rated prime time telenovelas than Univision," said Falcon, noting the trend with English-langage networks attempting to get into the novela business. "Our success does not lie in a format, but in unique cultural connections."

    Coming next season are:

  • "Heridas de Amor," the story of a love-hate relationship set against bitter rivalries, family disarray and financial ruin.

  • "Duelo de Pasiones," a series filmed on a coffee plantation in Mexico.

  • "La Verdad Oculta," a tale of a wrongfully imprisoned ex-con and a beautiful woman who may or may not aid him.

  • "La Fea Más Bella," which is billed as a nontraditional novela about a girl who goes from being the "ugly duckling to a lovely swan."

    Univision will also add a family sitcom "Qué Madre, Tan Padre," about a father who loses his job and must stay at home with the kids while Mom goes to work.

    There will also be a new game show, "Buenas Tardes," in which five families face off in a series of competitions.

    And on Nov. 2, Univision will air the Latin Grammys, which will emanate live from New York.

    "Primer Impacto" co-anchor Barbara Bermudo will host a red-carpet show leading up to the big event.

    Originally published on May 18, 2006




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    Wednesday, May 17, 2006

    Not quite a model moment

    michelle
    Model Michelle Andrewartha and Vanessa Bockmann are bound for the Miss Universe competition.


    17may06 MODELS Michelle Trewartha and Vanessa Bockmann were caught in awkward positions when they found out they'd made the cut for the Australian Miss Universe finals.

    Michelle, 22, had just crashed her car into a Range Rover, while Vanessa, 20, was in the shower and had to dash for the good news call.

    The girls will join model/designer Eliza Joy and 2005 Miss World SA winner Susie Collins at the finals in Melbourne from June 8 to 10.

    Michelle has picked up a secret weapon for the comp - new boyfriend and personal trainer Dan Thompson.

    And the former basketballer is working hard to impress.

    Once the competition starts, Michelle plans to wow the judges with a bright blue, crushed silk "mermaid" dress, designed by Lena Lekkas. Vanessa is yet to choose an outfit.

    -Lauren Novak




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    Sunday, May 14, 2006

    The beauty of Lebanon in Australia

    The winner, Mary Boumelhem (right).

    The winner, Mary Boumelhem (right).
    Photo: Steve Lunam


    By Sarah Smiles
    May 15, 2006

    THEY primped and they preened, and after a few champagnes backstage strutted their stuff before an enthusiastic crowd of more than 500 people.

    The sixth annual Miss Lebanon Australia beauty pageant, held at the Croatian Club, in the Sydney suburb of Punchbowl on Saturday night, kicked off as 11 contestants marched down the catwalk in short, military-style khaki dresses to clapping and wolf whistles.

    A few wobbled nervously on their heels, but by the time they had completed the swimwear and evening wear sections, they were floating down the aisle like naturals.

    Rawiya Dirani, 20, a business student, said she felt the event had given her a newfound confidence in her heritage.

    "This pageant has changed me," she said. "Some Lebanese, especially with the racism in Australia, think, 'Should I say I'm Lebanese or not?' But now I feel OK to say I'm Lebanese. I'm out there, and I'm flaunting my stuff." Natasha Mansour, 20, an accounting student, said winning the Miss Lebanon Australia title would enable her to have a voice within and outside her community.

    "Our culture is portrayed as a culture that is violent, but we're not violent at all," she said. "I could be a good role model."

    The women were judged according to their "elegance, poise, character and intellect" by a panel of judges that included the Lebanese-Canadian musician Maasari, who confessed he was "in love" with Australian-Lebanese women.

    The contestants were asked questions that reflected concerns in their community, such as whether they supported abortion or sex before marriage.

    They were also asked to identify what they considered to be the biggest crisis facing Australia. "We wanted to know their opinion on the Cronulla riots," said David Nader, 30, one of the organisers.

    The winner was Mary Boumelhem, 18. She receives a ticket to the Miss Lebanon beauty pageant in Beirut.

    Source: http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/the-beauty-of-lebanon-in-australia/2006/05/14/1147545209350.html




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    Regional beauty pageant goes 'GLOBAL'

    published: Sunday | May 14, 2006


    - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
    Founder of the Miss Global International/Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Contest Lachu Ramchandani (third left) with (from left) Chantal McDonald, Amoy Moulton, Miss Jamaica Global; Emma Subratie, Miss India Global; Melissa Kidd, Miss Germany Global; and Massiel Peralto, Miss Puerto Rico Global. The contest launch was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

    THE PAGEANT ambassador has spread his wings even further.

    Montego Bay businessman Lachu Ramchandani is spearheading the first Miss Global International beauty pageant to be held on June 10 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. The contest is the evolution of the Miss Commonwealth Beauty Pageant which Ramchandani also founded in 2004. The response and calls from countries outside the commonwealth was so huge, there just had to be a metamorphosis.

    So 23 lovely ladies from as near as St. Lucia and as far as Uganda will enter the tournament with their talent, grace and, of course, their beauty. Four of the contestants were present at the launch of the competition, held at the Pegasus, New Kingston, on Wednesday night. The theme for the pageant is 'Uniting The World Through Beauty And Tourism'.

    LINK TO TOURISM

    Director of Tourism Paul Pennicook feels that the pageant offers a different link to tourism and will provide the chance for Jamaicans to showcase the island and ensure that tourists leave with a positive image of the country.

    The ladies will have a hectic time when they arrive in Montego Bay on June 5. The next two days, they are off to Negril to visit locations such as Beaches Sandy Bay, Sandals Whitehouse (St. Elizabeth) and Negril Escape. The contestants will perform their talent pieces where the best seven or eight items will be selected for the grand final. On Thursday, June 8, they will venture to Ocho Rios where they will enjoy Dolphin's Cove and Dunn's River before heading into Kingston.

    The beauties will make various courtesy calls, be hosted by some of the island's prominent businessmen and social big wigs and participate in rehearsals and grooming sessions all within a whirlwind six-day span.

    Source: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060514/social/social2.html




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