The controversial Vanity Fair Cover showing Miley Cyrus's Artistic Pose
First it was the semi-nude photo shoot of Lindsay Lohan posing as Marilyn Monroe that caused so much hullabaloo and crashed the magazine’s website, and I reported it on Kisses & Roses in February. Now, America is gripped by another sensational semi nude photo shoot, this time, that of a 15-year-old American superstar Miley Cyrus, aka, Hannah Montana in the Vanity Fair magazine. Her photographs crashed the magazine’s website as millions of Americans rushed to gaze at the photographs and many people in the MSM and blogosphere are calling for the heads of the photographer Annie Leibovitz and the publisher. They are accusing them of Paedophilia!
Miley Cyrus smiling as she prepared for the photo shoot
The photo shoot was done with the approval of her parents and her father Billy Ray Cyrus even posed for Annie Leibovitz, and I am sure the man got richer for the "Art Exhibition" of her 15-year-old daughter, but the scandal could do collateral damage to the Walt Disney billion-dollar franchise of Hannah Montana and derail the fairytale showbiz career of Miley Cyrus if her management fails to redeem her from this bad publicity.
“I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be ‘artistic’ and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed. I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about.” ~ Miley Cyrus
“Miley’s parents and/or minders were on the set all day. Since the photo was taken digitally, they saw it on the shoot and everyone thought it was a beautiful and natural portrait of Miley.” ~ Annie Leibovitz and the Vanity Fair
This is not the first time it has happened in America and will not be the last time. Life goes on.
I have the YouTube video and the Slide Show for you to see the half naked truth, because seeing is believing. To be honest, there is nothing pormographic about this artistic photo shoot of Miley Cyrus, but I am not saying she is innocent.
You are invited to watch the live concert of the iconic Pop star, Madonna in the Roseland Ballroom on April 30, New York City.
Here is the video of Madonna's No.1 single '4 Minutes' , featuring Justin Timberlake
The details are in the following press release I received last might.
29 Apr 2008 17:43 Africa/Lagos
Madonna April 30 U.S. Performance at New York City's Roseland Ballroom Available to the Public for Free on MSN
Control Room and MSN present Madonna live - exclusively on music.msn.com/madonna; new songs including No.1 single '4 Minutes' unwrapped from Material Girl's highly anticipated Hard Candy CD.
LOS ANGELES, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Madonna's exclusive performance at New York City's famed Roseland Ballroom will be available live to millions of fans via an online broadcast at MSN Music, it was confirmed today by MSN and Control Room, which announced that the show will stream live Wednesday evening, April 30, at 10 p.m. EDT in the United States and will be available on demand to international audiences on May 15. Along with some past hits, Madonna will be debuting several new songs including her 37th No. 1 smash single "Four Minutes" from her upcoming CD Hard Candy, which is scheduled to be released on April 29. The Control Room- produced show will also include never-before-seen rehearsal footage, a pre- recorded interview with Madonna and her full performance, giving fans around the globe unprecedented access to one of the biggest music events of 2008 by simply logging on to MSN Music In Concert.
"Madonna is a legendary performer, and we're thrilled to be bringing this live online broadcast to her fans on the heels of her Hall of Fame induction, her record-breaking 37th top-10 single '4 Minutes,' and in conjunction with the launch of this hotly anticipated new album," said Aaron Grosky, Control Room president. "As experts in bringing live music performances to the Web, Control Room will deliver Madonna fans an online experience that captures the excitement and authenticity of this exclusive show."
Control Room, the leading producer and distributor of world-class entertainment content, delivers nearly 40 live music shows per year to the MSN Music In Concert series. Past performances have included international superstars such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz, Sheryl Crow and many more. Coming in May, fans can watch performances by Jack Johnson and Daughtry. The Music In Concert series (http://music.msn.com/inconcert), which is available in 42 countries and 21 languages through the international MSN network, gives music fans worldwide the chance to see live music performances from their favorite artists.
"MSN Music In Concert is one way we are bringing together the best and most compelling entertainment content on the Web," said Rob Bennett, general manager, entertainment, video and sports, MSN. "Madonna has a huge international following, and we are very excited that we're able to offer the exclusive webcast of her concert to her fans around the world."
About Control Room
As the leading producer and distributor of world-class entertainment, Control Room's live music programming showcases the world's biggest artists from a variety of venues through multi-platform broadcasts via television, broadband and wireless platforms. Control Room has produced and distributed nearly 100 live music events delivering the highest quality productions in the industry with 8-10 camera shoots in Native HD (1080p) and using Dolby 5.1 to ensure the most compelling audience experience. In 2007, Control Room produced the largest entertainment event in history, Live Earth. On July 7, 2007, the 7-continent, 24-hour music extravaganza featured 150 of the world's leading artists to raise awareness for the Climate Crisis with a message of solutions and personal responsibility.
About MSN Video
MSN Video is one of the largest free programmed video services on the Web, watched by more than 12 million unique users per month. In addition to streaming news, entertainment and sports video clips from more than 50 content partners including "The Today Show," FOX Sports, MSNBC, Reveille, Control Room, CBS, News Corp. and Fox Entertainment Group, MSN Video presents a broad array of live events to online audiences worldwide. More than 50 top advertisers support MSN Video, which is available to consumers at no charge. MSN Video is available on the Web at http://msnvideo.com/ to consumers in the U.S. MSN Video is also live in Australia, Canada, France (English and French), Japan, Netherlands, U.K., Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Mexico, Sweden, Belgium, Taiwan, India, Vietnam, Russia and in Spanish in the U.S. MSN Video is coming soon in China, Norway, Argentina, Chile and Columbia.
Overall, MSN, Windows Live and Microsoft.com attract more than 550 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Most recently, MSN partnered with Control Room to stream Live Earth, the largest online entertainment event in history, with over 62 million streams worldwide.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Microsoft
CONTACT: Brynn Vitale of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, +1-212-907-6649, bvitale@waggeneredstrom.com, or Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, +1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com, both for Microsoft
Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/
NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft's corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.
Rumours have been circulating that multiple Grammy Award winner, Amy Winehouse is cheating on her imprisoned husband Blake Fielder-Civil, but she has waved the rumours off in dismissal.
Amy is busy working on the theme song of the next James Bond 007 film, Quantum Of Solace. Amy said she is still in love with Blake and she is not even thinking of dumping him for another man.
Blake Fielder-Civil and Amy Winehouse kissing.
Amy Winehouse has furiously blasted reports she's cheating on her incarcerated husband Blake Fielder-Civil, insisting the couple will be "together forever".
It looks as though men had it right all along: It doesn't take long to satisfy a woman in bed.
A recent survey of sex therapists has concluded the optimal amount of time for sexual intercourse was 3 to 13 minutes. The findings, to be published in the May issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine, cast doubt on the notion that staying power is the key to great sex.
But take caution before celebrating guys,the time does not count foreplay, and the therapists did rate sexual intercourse that lasts from 1 to 2 minutes as "too short."
"Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place." ~ Billy CrystalI have always known that women cheat more than men, even thhough most of them will scream in denial.They are not called the weaker sex for nothing.Most women have weak knees.I have seen them groan and moan once men tickle their fancies.Only about 30 percent of women are faithful to their boyfriends or husbands.The following reports show the reasons they are more unfaithful than men.Most of them are most likely to go back and sleep with their exes. Jamaica Gleaner News - Do women sleep with exes to lower their quota? - Monday April 14, 2008
Quote: Women Are More Likely To Be Unfaithful Than MenWomen are statistically more likely to cheat on partners than men. A study carried out at Oregon, Rutgers and Villanova universities, reported in the journal, 'Sex Roles', found half of women are unfaithful and are more likely to begin new relationships after cheating. Researchers think women cheat to "test-drive" potential long-term partners, but men are more likely to be opportunistic. Women more likely to be unfaithful than men Independent on Sunday, The Find Articles at BNET.com
Most women lack self control in their interactions with men.They would be posing and posturing in their pretence of playing hard to get, but if you did not give up, they would eventually give in like the Nigerian housemate in the Big Brother Africa 2 in 2007. A little intoxicant and stimulant and she was throwing up her legs wide apart for the Richie Boy to have it all.
In fact, I believe if you place food and sex before most women and ask them to choose what they would rather have, most of them would prefer to have sex and starve.
NAMI: Women and Depression; 1 in 8 in Their Lifetime; Twice the Rate of Men
ARLINGTON, Va., April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has released a new brochure, Women and Depression, about major depression in women, addressing causes, symptoms, life stages and treatment. It can be downloaded at www.nami.org/womendepression.
-- 1 in 8 women experiences depression in their lifetime; twice the rate as men, regardless of race or ethnic background. -- Middle-aged Hispanic women have the highest rate of depression symptoms, followed by middle-aged African American women. -- Young Asian American women have the highest rate of younger groups and the 2nd highest rate of suicide among 15 to 24 year olds. American Indians and Alaska Native adolescents are the most likely to attempt suicide and die from it.
"Nearly 18 million Americans experience depression every year," said NAMI medical director Ken Duckworth, M.D. "Some experiences are unique to women, including post-partum changes, infertility, and hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives."
"Information in the brochure will help women help themselves, as well as other women in their lives. All family members benefit by learning more."
"The good news is that with correct diagnosis, most people can be treated effectively. The bad news is that two-thirds of people living with depression don't get the help they need."
Major depression is a medical illness that affects a person's mind, mood, body, and behavior. It is more than "feeling down" because of a recent loss or family, work or financial stresses. It occurs when these feelings become more intense and persist to the point that they affect daily functioning.
NAMI's 13-page brochure highlights symptoms, causes, women of color, life stages, and treatment, with additional sections on seeking professional help, self-help, preventing recurrent depression, and helping other women. Bulk copies of Women and Depression for community education can be purchased online at www.nami.org/womendepression.
Publication of the brochure is supported by an educational grant from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. NAMI does not endorse or promote any specific medication or treatment. Individuals should consult their doctors.
About NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and more than 1,100 local communities.
Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness
CONTACT: Christine Armstrong, National Alliance on Mental Illness, +1-703-312-7893, Christinea@nami.org
You came to me in the robes of Cyclamen But how can I bring you a bouquet of red chrysanthemums? When I have not found any white chrysanthemums in the bouquet of your heart? Do not pluck the petals of my pure daisies with your eyes closed, lest you would be fooled by your wild guesses. Because, you do not need to set your foot on twelve daisies before you can see the dawn of your spring I will give you neither white nor red daisies after the last swallow of summer has flown away from your alcove, lest your dreams of them in autumn leave you heartbroken in winter. In my wanderlust quest for Ivy I did not find you in the bloom of Orange Blossom or in Lemon Blossom But I found you entangled in the paphiopedilum orchids of Phaphos with a garland of Peach Blossom dangling from your ringed neck Like a rose entangled in your own thorns Then I disentangled you before I led you to the lyceum of my Muses They welcomed you with the petals of Apple Blossom cast at your bleeding feet. They wiped your tears away with the golden petals of yellow roses and bathed you in the pool of the Coral Rose. They covered you with the Peach Rose and led you into the bed of my Rose of Persia before I came to you with my bouquet of the white Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.
~ Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Love is the most common word in relationships, but it is also the most abused and misused by humans in their search for love.
A suitor promises the nubile maiden heaven on earth and other fantastic things in his pursuit of winning her hand in marriage. She believes him and they later get married after courtship. Their marriage looks unbreakable, but only time will tell how long they will last.
I have seen beautiful and wonderful couples and they are the models of the ideal marriage.
They can face the challenges of marriage and remain faithful to their matrimonial vows, no matter what happens.
The marriage will determine the future of the family, because marriage is the foundation of the family.
I believe the kind of marriage you have will decide the success or failure of your family in the society.
A well-planned marriage will have a well-planned family and a well-planned family will never be a poor family.
A well-planned marriage starts from courtship and not after the successful wedding. You must know what kind of life partner you want and what kind of partnership you want to establish for a successful life. It would be foolish for a hardworking man to marry a lazy woman or for a hardworking woman to marry a lazy man.
Being pretty and sexy is not beneficial if the woman is not productive at home and at work. The richest woman in the world did not make it by having a pretty face. In fact, the not so pretty, but hardworking and smart woman has ended up very successful and sending the pretty, but less productive and dumb blonde on errands.
The poor state of the Nigerian government can be traced to the upbringing of the public office holders in the corridors of power. What are their family backgrounds? What kind of families are they from? What kind of marriages produced them?
The political problems of Nigeria are sociological.
If you are from a disciplined home, you cannot end up in the stagnant pool of corruption.
The pastor of the Christ Embassy Church on Bonny Island said, parents are responsible for the character development of their children. What kind of parents breed criminals in the public and private sectors?
Love is the key to good parenting. True love and not the fake love based on the bargains you make with your partners.
In Eastern Nigeria, every bride has a price and men marry only the women they can afford to pay the bride price. The brides from upper class families cost more while the brides from the lower class cost less. The suitors are the bidders and the highest bidder often wins the hand of the most attractive bride. But there are exceptions when love decides who should marry the bride.
The brides fall in love with the suitors they have chosen to marry, but their love hardly comes cheap. It has a price tag.
The romantic love celebrated in many Western movies and books hardly become a reality in Eastern Nigeria, even though millions of the singles have the common romantic fantasy of the tall and handsome man winning the heart of the pretty and sexy damsel. They do fall in love or in lust in the higher institutions as long as the male student playing Romeo has bright prospects of graduating and getting a dream job to earn a good salary to afford to marry the Juliet of his dreams, otherwise she would end up in the arms of another suitor who may never look like the hunk on the cover of one of the Barbara Cartland's romantic novels. That is why many of the pretty campus girls from Eastern Nigeria got married to the rich traders in Onitsha, Aba, Lagos, and Kano while their campus boyfriends were still composing applications for jobs. But these marriages of convenience have produced dysfunctional families, because the couples are not often the ideal partners. While she is reading the Financial Times or Vogue, he is gazing at the almanac of the new chiefs in his village. She ends up with unfulfilled dreams, because in most cases she would be forced to give up her tall ambition and submit to his dictates and wits. They are intellectually poles apart. Therefore their children are often caught in-between the contrasting values and virtues of their parents.
These dysfunctional families have not produced the best in human capital development in Nigeria. They have produced Average Joes and Janes.
When the man and woman who are truly in love marry, they produce the best in their family, because they are living and working in the synergy of their love.
Couples in love have been found to be the most productive with stable families and stable jobs.
Video: A Celebration Fit for a Princess - Disney Parks Celebrate Dream-Come- True Quinceanera for 15 Lucky Girls
Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts Honor Selected Winners with a Grand Red-Carpet Entrance and Enchanted Evening at Disneyland Resort in Southern California
ANAHEIM, Calif., April 25 /PRNewswire/ --
Pretty as princesses, 15 special young ladies from across the United States and Puerto Rico celebrated a Dream- Come-True Quinceanera on Thursday at Disneyland Resort, with a grand red- carpet entrance, an enchanting ceremony in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle and a pixie-dusted dinner party with family and friends. Royal and resplendent, these lucky girls marked their cultural milestone with a dash of Disney magic, as part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration.
Christian De La Fuente escorts Amethyst Lisa Cristina Martinez (R) of Miami, FL and Shalmarie Arroyo of Puerto Rico to their Quincenera celebration at Disneyland. Pixie-dusted dreams came true for 15 young ladies from across the United States and Puerto Rico, with an enchanted star-studded experience at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland)
A tradition in the Latin community, a Quinceanera is a young woman's celebration of her 15th birthday, which marks the transition from a child to a young woman. It is commemorated in a way that distinguishes it from her other birthdays.
The royal evening ceremony at Disneyland Resort was filled with opulence, pageantry and tradition. It began with a dream-come-true moment for any teenage girl -- a celebrity escort along a red carpet that led to the famous Sleeping Beauty Castle. The stellar lineup of stars included Cristina Saralegui, host of "The Cristina Show;" Andy Garcia, acclaimed actor and producer; pop singer Frankie J; actor-dancer Cristian De La Fuente of "Dancing with the Stars" and others.
In the castle forecourt, each birthday girl was greeted by Disney characters and prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Each young lady, elegant and enchanting in her ball gown, danced a special waltz with her father, stepped from her flat shoes into Cinderella-like glass slippers and received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from her mother.
Following the official ceremony in the Castle Forecourt, each of the princesses joined her special guests at a private dinner party in Fantasyland Theater. The unforgettable party included the traditional Quinceanera cutting of the cake and doll ceremony, two important symbols of the transition from childhood to adulthood.
The magic began on Tuesday when the girls arrived, ready to prepare for the grand gala with dress fittings, rehearsals, a princess etiquette seminar, an ice cream social at the Disneyland Dream Suite and plenty of photo opportunities. After two days of fun, bonding and magical anticipation, they were ready for the spotlight and the delightful Quinceanera celebration.
The girls are from California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Texas, Illinois and Puerto Rico. Amethyst Lisa Cristina Martinez of Miami imagined this day for weeks and said, "Dreams aren't impossible." Kassandra Hernandez of Sacramento, Ca., was thrilled to celebrate her coming-of-age with family, a welcome joy after several recent family hardships. And Brenda Prado of Fresno, Ca., said her parents, who are farm workers, were ecstatic that their daughter could enjoy a magical Quinceanera celebration.
The bright lights will keep shining on these lucky young ladies, as their enchanting Disneyland Quinceanera is scheduled to be featured in a one-hour television special on Univision network's "El Show de Cristina," (The Cristina Show). More than 40 international broadcast and news outlets covered the festivities.
To make these dreams come true, Disney Parks launched a national search for prospective princesses in conjunction with selected Univision television news affiliates, Univision.com, Coca-Cola, David's Bridal and "The Cristina Show." Together, they found these 15 special girls to celebrate their magical Quinceaneras at Disneyland Resort.
All eligible princesses-to-be submitted essays explaining why they wanted to have their coming-of-age celebrations at "The Happiest Place on Earth."
To ensure each Quinceanera girl was dressed as a true "belle of the ball," David's Bridal, the nation's leading bridal retailer, provided each of the 15 girls with a ball gown, tiara and shoes. Southwest Airlines provided flights for each young lady and up to seven guests to attend the sparkling soiree. Hewlett-Packard donated limited-edition entertainment notebook PCs to each Quinceanera princess to help her pursue her educational goals and stay connected with family and friends. Kodak provided specially created Quinceanera-themed cameras so that each girl could capture her unique and thrilling memories.
Disney Parks, already a home to lavish ceremonies and magical milestone celebrations for guests visiting from around the globe every year, provides a castle-full of Quinceanera celebration options for young women and their families.
Quinceanera celebrations at Disneyland Resort Hotels or Walt Disney World Resort can be traditional, spiritual, large or intimate. Up to 500 guests can enjoy a Quinceanera at Disney Parks, with popular themes including fairy tale treasures such as "Cinderella" and "Beauty & the Beast" celebrations.
Other custom and lavish options include: -- Disney character appearances, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, dressed in formal or elegant charro attire -- Cinderella's enchanted crystal coach, presented by a quartet of fanfare trumpeters -- An artful cake adorned with Disney princesses or characters -- A towering, 40-foot-wide castle facade creating a storybook setting for a formal dinner -- The Quinceanera girl's name spelled in lights or illuminated balloons -- Intricate ice carvings -- Ornate floral arrangements and table centerpieces
For more information on Disney Parks' Quinceanera product offerings and vacation packages, including the special Labor Day weekend Quinceanera at Walt Disney World Resort, guests may visit Disneyparks.com/quinceanera or Parquesdisney.com/quinceanera. For phone assistance about Quinceaneras at Walt Disney World, call 321-939-4555, and for Disneyland Resort in Southern California, call 866-55-DISNEY.
Media Contacts: Norma Perez Disneyland Resort 714-781-3997 norma.e.perez@disney.com
Mari Santana Walt Disney World Resort 407-719-4056 mari.santana@disney.com
Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/disney/32865 Source: Walt Disney World
CONTACT: Norma Perez, Disneyland Resort, +1-714-781-3997, norma.e.perez@disney.com; or Mari Santana, Walt Disney World Resort, +1-407-719-4056, mari.santana@disney.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution image is available at: http://www.hispanicprwire.com/home.php?l=in Una celebración digna de una princesa: Los Parques Disney cumplen los sueños de 15 afortunadas quinceañeras LOS COMPLEJOS DE ATRACCIONES DISNEYLAND Y WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT HONRARON A LAS GANADORAS CON UNA GRAN ENTRADA POR LA ALFOMBRA ROJA PARA CELEBRAR UNA NOCHE MAGICA EN EL DISNEYLAND RESORT DEL SUR DE CALIFORNIA Click here to view this press release in English.
Celebrar los quince años de las jovencitas es una tradición en la comunidad latina, ya que marca su transición de niña a mujer. Por ello, se celebra de una manera que se distingue de sus otros cumpleaños.
La ceremonia real tomo lugar de noche en el complejo de atracciones Disneyland Resort que estuvo repleto de opulencia, esplendor y tradición. Comenzó cumpliendo el sueño de toda adolescente: caminando por la alfombra roja del brazo de una celebridad hacia el famoso Castillo de la Bella Durmiente. La lista estelar de estrellas incluyó a Cristina Saralegui, presentadora de "El Show de Cristina;" Andy Garcia, aclamado actor y productor; el cantante de pop Frankie J; el actor y bailarÃn Cristián De La Fuente de "Dancing with the Stars" entre otros.
A la entrada del castillo y preparadas para una celebración única en la vida, cada una de la cumpleañeras fue recibida por los personajes de Disney. Cada jovencita, luciendo elegante con su vestido de fiesta, bailó un vals especial con su padre, se quitó su calzado de niña para lucir los zapatos de cristal similares a los de Cenicienta y recibió un hermoso ramo de flores de parte de su madre.
Para lograr que estos sueños se conviertan en realidad, los Parques Disney lanzaron una búsqueda nacional para encontrar a las posibles princesas con la colaboración de estaciones afiliadas de Univisión, Coca-Cola, David's Bridal y "El Show de Cristina". Juntos, encontraron a estas 15 jovencitas especiales para celebrar sus mágicas fiestas de quince en el complejo de atracciones Disneyland Resort.
Para garantizar que cada quinceañera luciera como la verdadera "bella de la fiesta", David's Bridal, la tienda de vestidos de novia más importante del paÃs, le dio a cada una de las 15 niñas, el vestido, la tiara y el calzado. Southwest Airlines donó los boletos de avión a cada jovencita y un total de siete invitados para asistir a la sensacional velada. Hewlett Packard donó computadoras Notebook PC de edición limitada a cada una de las Quinceañeras para ayudarlas a seguir sus metas educativas y mantenerlas en comunicación con sus familiares y amigos. Kodak proveyó cámaras especialmente creadas con motivos de quinceañeras para que cada jovencita pudiera capturar sus únicos y apasionantes momentos.
Apariciones de los personajes de Disney, incluidos Mickey Mouse y Minnie Mouse, vestidos en sus atuendos formales o elegantes trajes de charro. El encantado carruaje de cristal de Cenicienta, presentado por un cuarteto de sensacionales trompetistas Un ingenioso pastel adornado con las princesas o los personajes de Disney
Una imponente fachada sobre el castillo de 40 pies de ancho con la ambientación de un cuento para una cena formal El nombre de la quinceañera escrito con luces o globos iluminados Elaboradas esculturas en hielo Decoración con arreglos florales y centros de mesa Si desea obtener más información acerca de lo que los parques Disney tienen para ofrecer a las quinceañeras, incluyendo paquetes turÃsticos y una oferta especial para una Quinceañera en el fin de semana del dia del trabajo en el Walt Disney World Resort, visite Disneyparks.com/quinceañera o Parquesdisney.com/quinceañera. Para ayuda telefónica sobre Quinceañeras en Walt Disney World, llame al 321-939-4555, y para el Disneyland Resort en el Sur de California llame al 866-55-DISNEY.
Rachael Ray, With Special Guest President Bill Clinton, to Open 'One Night Only' Pop-Up Restaurant to Benefit Her Yum-o! Organization
Five Teenage Cooks to Develop and Prepare the Evening's Menu Along with Iron Chef Michael Symon
Special Musical Guest Carly Simon
'Rachael Ray' to Air Episode on May 7th Devoted to Restaurant Opening
NEW YORK, April 25 /PRNewswire/ --
On April 28th, Emmy nominated Rachael Ray, host of the hit CBS TV Distribution series "Rachael Ray" is giving a group of aspiring teenage chefs the biggest challenge of their lives: the chance to open their own restaurant, design the menu and prepare a full dinner service for an exclusive group of patrons, including President Bill Clinton.
"We came up with the idea of opening a special pop-up restaurant so that we could provide a group of cooks and our viewers at home a glimpse into what it's like to run a kitchen," said Ray. "We are also so excited that Yum-o!'s longstanding partner, President Bill Clinton and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, will be on hand to take part in what we hope becomes an annual event."
Selected by producers of the "Rachael Ray" show, a group of young cooks from around the country will be flown to New York City, where they will work to transform Barbuto Restaurant -- located at 775 Washington Street in New York City -- into Cafe Una Notte (or Cafe One Night).
Appropriately named, this exclusive dining experience will open its doors to 70 patrons for just one dinner service and will benefit Ray's Yum-o! organization, whose mission is to empower kids and their families to develop healthier relationships with food and cooking. Through its core work areas of Cook, Feed and Fund, Yum-o! educates kids and their families about cooking, works to feed hungry American children and establishes scholarships for kids looking to further their education in the culinary and hospitality industries.
Under the guidance of Ray and Food Network's Iron Chef Michael Symon, the cooks will learn about all that goes into opening a restaurant space -- from design to decor. They will also create a special menu from scratch and prepare it for guests at the April 28, 2008 event.
The opening will coincide with the April 29, 2008 launch of Rachael Ray's newest cookbook, "Yum-o! The Family Cookbook," designed to get both kids and parents cooking and eating healthy recipes together. All of Ray's proceeds from the sale of the cookbook will also go directly to support the initiatives of the Yum-o! organization. Ray is the best selling author of more than 14 books.
In April 2007, Rachael Ray's Yum-o! organization and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation -- a partnership between the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association -- teamed up to help families become aware of the healthier food choices available for all income levels in homes, communities and in schools and to enable kids and parents to take control of their meals and to get excited about preparing healthier, fun, affordable foods.
The "Rachael Ray" show will air a special episode dedicated to Cafe Una Notte on May 7, 2008.
About the Rachael Ray Show
The daily, one-hour syndicated "Rachael Ray" show, appears in more than 194 markets representing 99% of the country and has been cleared through 2010. Taped in front of a live studio audience in New York City, "Rachael Ray" is distributed and produced by CBS Television Distribution in association with Harpo Productions, Scripps Networks and Watch Entertainment. Janet Annino is executive producer. CBS Television Distribution is a unit of CBS Corp. For more information, please visit http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/.
About the Yum-o! organization
Yum-o! is Rachael Ray's nonprofit organization that empowers kids and their families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking by teaching families to cook, feeding hungry kids and funding cooking education and scholarships. By providing the tools to create easy, affordable and delicious meals, Yum-o! is changing the way America eats. For more information about the Yum-o! organization, please visit http://www.yum-o.org/.
Source: Yum-o! organization
CONTACT: Charlie Dougiello, Director of Publicity, +1-917-332-3155, cdougiello@kingworld.com, or Lauren Nowell, Manager of Publicity, +1-917-332-3156, lnowell@kingworld.com, both for Rachael Ray for Yum-o! organization
Web site: http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/ http://www.yum-o.org/
My niece, Rachael, is growing up so fast that I can hardly keep up! She's going to have her elementary school graduation soon and well, she had a small incident with the opposite sex... She didn't know who to talk to. She didn't want to go straight to Liz, her mom. So she talked to me about it. Liz and David were going out for a romantic dinner that night so I had to babysit Rachael. She was first acting funny, like she had something to say. She wasn't doing a very good job of hiding it, either--she's someone who speaks her mind whenever a thought hits her.
Sensing her unease, I asked her, "What's on your mind, Rachael? Is there something you want to talk about?" Rachael was quiet at first. "Well... something happened at school the other day..." she was hesitant to share, so I just kept quiet to give her time. "I got kissed by a boy." I didn't know what I was supposed to say. So I just said, "Oh, was he any good?" trying to act normal. "What's good? I dunno. But he's cute," she said. I started smiling. "It happened after school, we came out of the class late that day. We were working on a group project together for the science fair. We just finished writing our report and sticking pictures on the poster board. My teacher went out of the class for a second, and that's when Tommy kissed me," Rachael looked up at me, uncertain.
Then she asked, "What was your first kiss like, Uncle Bob?" Another surprise. "Um... well, Megan and I were playing on the monkey bars, and a couple of our friends dared us to kiss while we were on there. I think we were in first or second grade. I was shy, but Megan swung over and kissed me smack on the lips. I was so shocked I almost let go of the bar," Rachael started giggling and asked, "That's so sweet. Did you guys ever go out?" "No, we've always been friends. That's how it'll be, I think." And I asked, "So, are you going to tell your mother about Tommy?" Rachael started smiling again and said, "Ya, I think I'll tell both of them tomorrow." I'm just glad she felt she could talk to me. That was very important to me.
Getting a book reviewed by the highly coveted reviewers of The New York Times is determined more by the names of the publishers than the qualities of the book. An ordinary book published by Random House or a scrap book from Simon and Schuster will most likely be reviewed, but a masterpiece published by a small and unknown publisher will never be noticed by these so-called first class reviewers whose literary criteria for selecting books should not be the sine qua non of literary excellence in contemporary fiction and non-fiction, because it is more of playing to the gallery of the American publishing syndicate than intellectual pedantry.
The New York Times standard for Making the Cut is no literary benchmark for the best works in prose, poetry or drama, but simply another capitalist tool of the American mainstream media to uphold the social hierarchy of their hypocritical American intelligentsia. They stage-manage the whole process and they dictate what makes the cut or not.
What makes The New York Times Best Selling List is not the quality of the book, but who wrote it and who published it. Even a collection of nonsense by a noise making American celebrity and published by any of the elitist publishers makes the list. What an American intellectual sham!
Here is the question on the literary criteria of The New York Times Book Review and the smart answer from the Book Review Editor. ..................
Q. How do you decide what books to review — out of the thousands you receive every week? Perhaps this is just the classic journalistic question of what constitutes news, but beyond picking the obvious celebrity authors, what subtle criteria do you use to choose from among the many unknowns? Do reviewers you've used before ever suggest books to you? Thanks again. Love the Review.
— Steven Ager, M.D. Philadelphia, Pa.
A. The first thing to say is that the Book Review has space, in any given week, for some 20 to 30 reviews, which sounds like a lot but in reality means we cover only a fraction of the books sent our way. Once the books reach us the process is rather simple. Each week three of us — the deputy editor, Bob Harris, our senior editor, Dwight Garner, and I — sort through the many galleys or advance reading copies that come in and distribute them, setting aside some for ourselves but passing the great majority along to our five preview editors, who all have specialties (in areas ranging from experimental fiction and poetry to history, science, philosophy, sports and popular culture, among others). A couple of weeks later, after the individual previewers have had a chance to evaluate all the books they've been assigned, they meet with the three of us and advise us which books should be reviewed. We then discuss possible reviewers. The previewers also write up brief reports on each book they've "skipped." Now and then Bob, Dwight, or I will take a second look at a skipped book and suggest that it be reviewed, after all. But most of the time we accept the verdicts of our colleagues, because they know the book best and also are so well versed in the area or field the particular author is working in.
Sometimes reviewers do suggest books, but since we see just about everything, and see it far ahead of time, it's not often an "outsider" knows about a book before we do. ..........................
But the fact is, 90% of the titles never make it to their desk, except the few ones recommended by the errand boys or publicists of the major publishers in the US.
- 500 million people worldwide are currently infected with hepatitis B or C - This is over 10 times the number infected with HIV/AIDS - Between them, hepatitis B and C kill 1.5 million people a year - One in every three people on the planet has been exposed to either or both viruses - Most of the 500 million infected do not know
24 Apr 2008 13:10 Africa/Lagos
Why the World Should Ask 'Am I Number 12?'
GENEVA, Switzerland, April 24/PRNewswire/ --
- More Than 200 Patient Groups Launch Global Viral Campaign
The World Hepatitis Alliance and over 200 patient groups around the world are asking 'Am I Number 12?' (http://www.aminumber12.org) to increase awareness of the shocking statistic that one in 12 people on the planet are living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C and yet the majority of those infected are unaware.
Three weeks ahead of World Hepatitis Day on Monday 19 May, the World Hepatitis Alliance is launching a viral campaign aimed at getting people talking about the fact that approximately 500 million people globally are living with either hepatitis B or C. The World Hepatitis Alliance is asking people to sign-up to http://www.aminumber12.org to show support for the campaign but also to receive valuable information about a disease that kills some 1.5 million people a year.
The 'Am I Number 12?' campaign has already kicked off in 64 countries and high-profile campaigns are being coordinated from Sydney to Serbia and from Beijing to Buenos Aires. Charles Gore, President of the World Hepatitis Alliance, said that with 1.5 million people dying every year, chronic viral hepatitis could no longer be ignored. "Through the 'Am I Number 12?' campaign and activities around the world on 19 May we aim to put hepatitis B and C firmly on the global healthcare agenda," Mr Gore said.
Mr Gore continued that unlike other disease areas, awareness of hepatitis B and C remains inexplicably low: "We believe that, unless awareness improves, we won't make any progress in reducing the enormous and largely preventable death toll. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C should have the same profile as HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB and should really be up there alongside those diseases in the WHO's millennium goals."
Did You Know?
- 500 million people worldwide are currently infected with hepatitis B or C - This is over 10 times the number infected with HIV/AIDS - Between them, hepatitis B and C kill 1.5 million people a year - One in every three people on the planet has been exposed to either or both viruses - Most of the 500 million infected do not know
World Hepatitis Day
World Hepatitis Day will be observed on Monday 19 May and marks a brand new, entirely patient-led initiative. The day has been launched in response to the concern that chronic viral hepatitis has nowhere near the level of awareness nor the political will to tackle it that is seen in HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. This is despite the fact that the numbers chronically infected with, and annually killed by, hepatitis B and C viruses are on the same scale. 'Am I Number 12?' campaign materials are available in over 40 languages - for logo images, postcards, posters and banner ads please contact the World Hepatitis Alliance at worldhepday@fleishman.com
World Hepatitis Alliance
World Hepatitis Day is being coordinated by the World Hepatitis Alliance, a newly established Non-Governmental Organisation which represents more than 200 hepatitis B and hepatitis C patient groups from around the world. The World Hepatitis Alliance is governed by a representative board of patient groups from seven world regions: Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, North America, South America, Australasia & Western Pacific. For more information visit World Hepatitis Day on Monday 19 May.
Contact Information:
International - Lorna Croft, T: +44-20-7395-7067, E: worldhepday@fleishman.com .
Ang Lee's Lust, Caution Captures Outstanding Film Honors at the 2008 JCPenney Asian Excellence Awards(R)
Tony Leung, Sharon Leal, B.D. Wong, Lindsay Price, Sonja Sohn, Rex Lee, Cheryl Burke and JabbaWockeeZ are Among the Night's Big Winners at the Star-Studded Event
JCPenney Asian Excellence Awards(R) to Air on E! Entertainment Television Thursday, May 1 at 6 p.m. ET/PT
LOS ANGELES, April 24 /PRNewswire/ --
The 2008 JCPenney Asian Excellence Awards(R) was held at UCLA's Royce Hall yesterday, attracting some of the hottest stars in film and television. Hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba (Dancing with the Stars) and Bobby Lee (MADtv), Hollywood players came out in force to honor Asian and Asian Americans' accomplishments in the arts and entertainment, sports and business. The 2008 JCPenney Asian Excellence Awards will air on E! Entertainment Television on May 1 at 6 p.m. ET/PT, 5 p.m. CT and will be available on Comcast on Demand, beginning May 7.
Here are all the winners of the 2008 JCPenney Asian Excellence Awards(R):
OUTSTANDING FILM - Lust, Caution - Director, Ang Lee
OUTSTANDING FILM ACTOR - Tony Leung, Lust, Caution
OUTSTANDING FILM ACTRESS - Sharon Leal, This Christmas
OUTSTANDING TELEVISION ACTOR - B.D. Wong, Law & Order, SVU (NBC)
OUTSTANDING TELEVISION ACTRESS - Lindsay Price, Lipstick Jungle (NBC)
SUPPORTING TELEVISION ACTRESS - Sonja Sohn, The Wire (HBO)
SUPPORTING TELEVISION ACTOR - Rex Lee, Entourage (HBO)
FAVORITE TV PERSONALITY - Cheryl Burke, Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
FAVORITE REALITY STAR - JabbaWockeeZ, America's Best Dance Crew (MTV)
In addition, the Asian Excellence Awards presented two honorary awards. YouTube co-founder Steve Chen was presented with the Pioneer Award and Olympic Figure-Skating Champion Kristi Yamaguchi received the special Inspiration Award. Quentin Tarrantino presented a special tongue-in-cheek "Half Asian Award" to actor/comedian Rob Schneider.
Live performances during the event included JabbaWockeeZ, an all-male dance crew that gained fame by appearing on America's Got Talent and then went on to win the MTV hip hop dance reality series America's Best Dance Crew earlier this year. Also, the street dance group KABA Modern, a top finalist in America's Best Dance Crew show, and rapper Roscoe performed. In addition, internationally known actress and singer Tia Carrere sang two songs from her 2008 Grammy-nominated Hawaiian music album Hawaiiana.
The Asian Excellence Awards also included such celebrity presenters and attendees as Steven Seagal, Quentin Tarantino, Kelly Hu, Lindsay Price, Sonja Sohn, Verne Troyer, B.D. Wong, Andre Royo, Ian Ziering, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bobby Lee, Jack Yang, Rob Schneider, Daisy Fuentes, Roger Fan, Russell Peters, Devon Aoki, Sharon Leal, Tamlyn Tomita, Bai Ling, Cheryl Burke, Cristian de la Fuente, Se7en, Daisy Fuentes, Will Yun Lee, Michelle Krusiec, Michael Yo, Brenda Song, Rex Lee, Navi Rawat, Jack Yang, Michaela Conlin, James Saito, and Teresa Cheung.
About the Asian Excellence Awards(R)
The Asian Excellence Awards(R) is the only annual nationally televised event celebrating the outstanding achievements of Asians and Asian Americans in film, television, music, and the performing arts. Welly Yang is the creator and executive producer of the Asian Excellence Awards (R), working with Syd Vinnedge Productions. Teddy Zee and Hugh Wright are Executive Producers. Greg Sills is the Supervising Producer. Grace C. Lee, Jane Mun, Eddie Delbridge and Cindy Hwang are Producers.
JCPenney will be supporting the 2008 Asian Excellence Awards(R) as the exclusive retail sponsor for the second year in a row. Other sponsors include Anheuser-Busch, State Farm, The Korea Times, Courvoisier, Verizon Wireless and Shen Consulting, Inc.
About JCPenney
JCPenney is one of America's leading retailers, operating 1,073 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com, and the nation's largest general merchandise catalog business. Through these integrated channels, JCPenney offers a wide array of national, private and exclusive brands which reflect the Company's commitment to providing customers with style and quality at a smart price. Traded as "JCP" on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company posted revenue of $19.9 billion in 2007 and is executing its strategic plan to be the growth leader in the retail industry. Key to this strategy is JCPenney's "Every Day Matters" brand positioning, intended to generate deeper, more emotionally driven relationships with customers by fully engaging the Company's 155,000 Associates to offer encouragement, provide ideas and inspire customers every time they shop with JCPenney.
Source: The Asian Excellence Awards
CONTACT: Patricia Frith of Patricia Frith Marketing, +1-818-876-0480, pfmarketing@roadrunner.com; or Teresa Wiedel of AZN Television, +1-303-712-5457, teresa.wiedel@azntv.com, both for The Asian Excellence Awards
N.B: Ang Lee's Lust, Caution is based on the novella of the same title by the Chinese writer Eileen Chang, (張愛玲) who spent more than twenty years to write Lust, Caution which was based on Chang's English short story, The Spyring, which was finished in the 1950s but remained unpublished until March 2008 by Muse Magazine.
PRNewswire, London, April 23. BRUSSELS - Breath-taking Nelson Mandela painting by artist Peter Engels put up for 46664 AIDS charity. Price $95,000, www.peterengels.eu. (PRNewsFoto/MarathonArtPR) BRUSSELS BELGIUM 04/18/2008 23 Apr 2008 08:12 Africa/Lagos
Mandela's Portrait, Painted by Artist Peter Engels, put up for "46664" Charity
BRUSSELS, April 23/PRNewswire/ --
Nelson Mandela will be 90 soon. "Time for the most impressive painted tribute", says artist Peter Engels. The result is a breath-taking canvas of 78.7 x 39.4 inch (=200 x 100 cm), painted with the pallet knife, which is Peter Engels' unique signature.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080423/301385 ) Mandela's birthday will be celebrated on Friday 27 June with a concert in London Hyde Park, hosted by Will Smith. Also present will be Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, Keane, U2, Eminem, the 2 of the remaining members of Queen and many other celebrities. Artist Peter Engels hopes to be able to hand over a cheque on probably the most exciting and talked about concert of 2008. Half of the painting's selling price goes to the Mandela AIDS organisation "46664" (Mandela named his organisation after the number he had in prison on Robben Island). A pretty serious amount because the unique work of art will probably sell for no less than 60.000 euros. Peter Engels: "The buyer not only supports the AIDS fund, he will also acquire an exceptional piece of art: the largest portrait of Nelson Mandela ever painted with the pallet knife."
"In spite of his respectable age, Nelson Mandela has a vivid appearance," Peter Engels says. "Time and a turbulent life have indeed engraved his face, but he still has that friendly look. The stars in his eyes twinkle. His smile is warm and he has a glowing charisma. For me it is a real pleasure and an honour to paint his characteristic head. Putting this painting up for charity is my way of contributing to 46664."
Peter Engels and his Mandela portrait appear on the world's largest billboard of Times Square in New York. He is the first pallet knife painter featuring on these superscreens. View the painting and a picture of Times Square on http://www.peterengels.eu
Peter Engels creates his 'Vintage Portraits' in a unique style very much his own, using his sepia colourite to produce astonishing large scale close-ups of well-known characters. For the Mandela portrait he receives many congratulations from all over the world. They say that Peter Engels goes beyond merely painting Mandela's physical features; he captures the man's inner soul... http://www.peterengels.eu
Contact: Marathon ArtPR Karin Schwithal +32(0)3-653-33-77 +32(0)479-80-71-72 ArtPR@peterengels.eu http://www.peterengels.eu Artist; Peter Engels +32(0)477-42-58-58 info@peterengels.eu Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080423/301385
Source: Marathon ArtPR
Contact: Marathon ArtPR, Karin Schwithal, +32(0)3-653-33-77, +32(0)479-80-71-72, ArtPR@peterengels.eu, http://www.peterengels.eu; Artist; Peter Engels, +32(0)477-42-58-58, info@peterengels.eu
N.B: When I was about to blog the above report, my younger brother, the Big Boy Franklin UcheChukwu Eke called me to watch the interview with the Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka on Moments With Mo
She alleged that her idea for the improved "brassiere" - patent No. 6,733,362 - came out of necessity in August 1999, when she wanted a bra to hide under a dress for the christening of triplets David, Thomas and Alexis who are now 9 years old.
"I needed it. I looked around for it. I obsessed over it. Some women, they walk around with straps hanging out. That's not me. I didn't like bra straps. That's a pet peeve," Katerina Plew said.
The controversial suit was filed in Manhattan Federal Court yesterday, Monday April 21, 2008.
Ms. Plew showed the sample of her patented design to prove that Victoria's Secret Very Sexy 100-way Strapless Convertible Bra, was copied from her "bra" of detachable straps with hooks and numerous eyelets that allow the user 100 different ways to wear it. Instead of buying a bra to match each dress, users just replace the straps.
Plew's bra has an apparatus for connecting a pair of shoulder straps. The Victoria's Secret model comes with three sets of straps, which allow the bra to be used in any number of styles, including as a halter or strapless, and sells for $50 and $56.
Plew claimed that she had mailed a copy of the design of her strapless bra to executives of the company with the DVD of a model wearing it and she was given an appointment, but they later canceled the appointment. A year later, she was stunned to see the exact design of her bra in the Victoria's Secret shop near her home in Selden, Long Island.
Solange Knowles AKA SoL-AngeL Set to Release Sophomore Album SoL-AngeL and The Hadley Street Dreams on August 26th
VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE, 'I DECIDED,' PRODUCED BY PHARRELL, BEING SHOT - IN LOS ANGELES ON TUESDAY, APRIL 22ND
SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 21 /PRNewswire/ --
Talented singer, songwriter, artist, and entrepreneur, Solange Knowles AKA SoL-AngeL, is ready to set the world on fire with a sound that is sure to breathe life into a sometimes stagnant music scene. With her sophomore set, SoL-AngeL and The Hadley Street Dreams, on her new label home of Geffen Records through Music World Entertainment, Solange takes us through a walk in yesteryear with an uber modern twist. SoL-AngeL and The Hadley Street Dreams is due for release on August 26th.
On SoL-AngeL and The Hadley Street Dreams, SoL-AngeL enlisted help from producers and songwriters that she knew would capture the sound she wanted to project instantly; but getting them to believe in her wasn't easy.
"I literally had to beg Cee-Lo to listen to my music but once he did he signed on immediately," states the giddy SoL-AngeL. "We wrote and recorded 'T.O.N.Y' and 'Sandcastle Disco' (produced by Soul Shock) that same week. Producer Jack Splash joined in to produce 'T.O.N.Y' and went on to produce two more songs for me: 'Would've Been the One' and 'Ode To Marvin,' my special take on Mr. Gaye's 'What's going On,' both of which I wrote with Splash and Makeba."
For the remainder of the album SoL-AngeL went on to work with Pharrell for the finger-snapping, feel-good first single "I Decided," Lil Wayne makes an intoxicated guest appearance on "Champagnechronicnightcap," Bilal helps write and appears on "Cosmic Journey" and "Wanna Go Back," which Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry lends vocals to, and Raphael Saddiq produces the soulfully insightful, "Same Song, Different Man," which features Estelle.
"By the end of the project, I had worked with all of the producers and artists I had ever dreamed of including Q-Tip, Boards of Canada and Mark Ronson," states SoL-AngeL. "When I got a call saying the legendary Lamont Dozier would take the time out to write with little old me I was ecstatic beyond words."
The video for "I Decided," directed by the creative Melina, will offer the viewer a glimpse of who Solange, the visionary, really is: It is the ultimate pop art piece. Its psychedelic, it's adventurous, it's colorful and not so colorful, it's intelligent, and it's the inner makings of Solange. "I love pop art; in fact I am a painter myself and have several pieces under my belt that I haven't put on display but soon plan to." The "I Decided" video deals with pop culture from the 60s to the future. It displays SoL-AngeL in settings from American Bandstand, to the Civil Rights Movement, to New Wave, and finally a "Cosmic Journey" future.
SoL-AngeL's love of music started at an early age when she became a classically trained ballerina and a jazz, tap, and modern dancer. She began touring internationally as a dancer for Destiny's Child when she was 13 years old and then she began to mix and match musical styles she experienced in Europe, Africa, Asia, Mexico and Australia with what she loved from America which was sounds from the 60's and 70's. Her influences from that era range from Shuggie Otis -- who made the original "Strawberry Letter 23," to The Supremes and the Marvelettes, to Dusty Springfield, to Marvin Gaye, and to Minnie Riperton. A wide range of sounds from a young lady that will definitely give you what you least expect.
Source: Interscope Records
CONTACT: Tresa Sanders of Interscope Records, +1-212-841-8272, tresa.sanders@umusic.com; or Chanel Green of Music World Entertainment, +1-310-402-7326, chanel.green@musicworldent.com, for Interscope Records
NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, press kits, and interviews and to RSVP video shoot coverage on Solange AKA SoL-AngeL please contact IGA: Tresa Sanders @ 212 841 8272 and via email at tresa.sanders@umusic.com or Music World Entertainment: Chanel Green @ 310 402 7326 and via email at chanel.green@musicworldent.com.
From Orikinla Osinachi: Solange has been married and divorced with a son Daniel, and the father of the boy is college-football player Daniel Smith.
'Take Your Jeans Off' for a Good Cause With the Levi's(R) Brand and Goodwill Industries(R)
Jeans Exchange Program Kicks Off The Levi's(R) Brand Annual '501(R) Day'
SAN FRANCISCO, April 21 /PRNewswire/ --
When shoppers take their jeans off between April 24 and May 1 and bring them to select Levi's(R) stores nationwide, they'll receive a 20 percent discount off a new pair of Levi's(R) jeans. The denim collected during Levi's(R) "Take Your Jeans Off" campaign will be donated to Goodwill Industries(R) to be sold in local Goodwill(R) stores. Proceeds from the sales will help fund Goodwill job training programs that benefit hundreds of thousands of people each year. The "Take Your Jeans Off" program is part of Levi's(R) long-standing commitment to community involvement and is intended to encourage customer participation in Levi's(R) annual "501(R) Day".
"Social responsibility and supporting local communities are corporate values that have been woven deeply into the fabric of Levi Strauss & Co. since the company was founded more than 150 years ago," says Mark Breitbard, President of Levi's(R) Brand, Retail. "Partnering with Goodwill Industries(R) this year is exciting because it gives consumers the opportunity to join in this tradition by donating their used jeans to support Goodwill's(R) job training and career advancement programs."
"When you clean out your closet for Goodwill(R), you are investing in your community by supporting employment programs that benefit people who want to work but need Goodwill's(R) help to find a job," say Jim Gibbons, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "And at the same time, thanks to Levi's(R), you are benefiting from great savings on new Levi's(R) jeans."
The Levi's(R) Brand's partnership with Goodwill Industries(R) is part of Levi's(R) annual "501(R) Day" volunteer efforts. Levi Strauss & Co. employees have a rich history in volunteerism. Employees at Levi Strauss & Co. contribute more than 40,000 hours of service each year on 64 Community Involvement Teams around the world.
"501(R) Day" is a day to encourage both employees and consumers across the country to take part in a variety of volunteer activities. Held each year on May 1 (5/01), the name "501(R) Day" is adopted from the legendary Original 501(R) jean which was invented by Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873. On May 1, hundreds of employees from Levi Strauss & Co. headquarters and offices across the country will volunteer with nonprofit organizations in their local communities. Employees will participate in dozens of programs from providing companionship to isolated elders through the Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly organization to gardening at the AIDS Memorial Grove.
In San Francisco, Goodwill(R) assistant store managers will "shadow" Levi Strauss & Co. employees at the Levi's(R) Store in Union Square to learn about everything from store operations and greeting customers to stocking the displays. The Goodwill(R) managers, who also train program participants for jobs in the retail industry, will then apply their lessons learned to the Goodwill(R) program.
About "Take Your Jeans Off" For a Good Cause
From April 24 through May 1, consumers can drop off their gently-worn denim -- including jeans, jean jackets, jean skirts, jean shirts, etc. -- at select Levi's(R) stores in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. For a complete list of participating Levi's stores please visit www.levi.com. In exchange for donating any denim clothing item, consumers will receive a 20 percent discount off a full-priced pair of Levi's(R) jeans (limit one discount per customer during the event).
About Levi Strauss & Co.
Invented in 1873 by Levi Strauss, Levi's(R) Jeans are the original, authentic jeans. They are the most successful, widely recognized and often imitated jeans products in the history of apparel. Levi's(R) Jeans have captured the attention, imagination and loyalty of generations of diverse individuals in more than 110 countries around the world and continue to do so today through jeanswear innovation. Levi Strauss & Co. has been leading innovation for more than 150 years. For more information about the Levi's(R) brand, its products and the Levi's(R) Stores, visit levi.com.
About Goodwill Industries(R)
Goodwill Industries(R) International is a network of 184 community-based, independent member organizations in the United States, Canada and 14 other countries. Each organization serves people with disabilities, low-wage workers and other job seekers by providing education and career services, as well as job placement opportunities and post-employment support. Through its services, the network helps people overcome barriers to employment and become independent, tax-paying members of their communities. In 2007, more than 1 million people benefited from Goodwill's(R) career services. Goodwill Industries(R) International reported an estimated $3 billion in revenue and channels 83 percent of its revenue directly into its programs and services. To find your local Goodwill(R), use the online locator at www.goodwill.org or call (800) 664-6577.
Source: Levi Strauss & Co.
CONTACT: Erica Archambault of Levi's(R) Brand Public Relations, +1-415-501-7678, earchambault@levi.com; Lauren Lawson of Goodwill Media Relations, +1-240-333-5266, lauren.lawson@goodwill.org
Is It Wrong To Ask About The Characters of the Ex-Lovers of Your Girlfriend?
I am a writer and writers are naturally very inquisitive and receptive. We like investigations. Investigations and questions have given answers and solutions to the numerous problems of life on earth.
I asked my "wife" about the kind of men her ex-boyfriends were and even asked her how she has been relating with them. Is she still communicating with them or not? Is she having any other lover or lovers? Simple fact-finding questions.
I am very open minded and transparent.
I usually ask her if she has dated or even slept with another man or men behind my back, so that I would be warned before sleeping with her to avoid contracting whatever she might have contracted from another man or men. But she became angry. But I did not mean any harm.
I told her my life and future meant the whole world to me and it would be foolish and stupid to let illicit sex ruin my life. So, it is only wise to ask life saving questions on sexual relationships between your regular lover and other lovers. It would be foolish and stupid to believe that your partner can never have an affair.
It is important to me, because I am far away from her and I have only slept with her twice since we met two years ago and she iis the only woman I have slept with since 1999 to date.
I can vouch for myself since I know myself and my medical history.
Why I prefer to remain faithful to one woman is for the great fear of STDs, AIDS and other known and unknown elements one can contract through sexual relationships.
I know how wayward men and women could be since Adam and Eve.
A man may be married to an Alpha Woman who is well educated and of high class, but he can still be foolish and stupid to sleep with a prostitute like the disgraced former governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer.
I find it shocking for a man to mess around with any monkey and ape in skirts or pants and still go and sleep with his Alpha woman.
Have you ever paused to ponder how those mad women still get pregnant on the street? The same man who slept with the mad woman and impregnated her would have returned home to sleep with his wife or his girlfriend.
I have a cousin who slept with the street girls in Lagos city and returned home to sleep with his wife who is a senior manager in one of the biggest companies in Nigeria. She went to the best universities in Nigeria and she is very beautiful and faithful to him, but he will disrespect her to the extent of messing aroud with half-educated ugly girls I cannot even shake their hands!
There are so many baffling or appalling horrible and terrible things humans do for sex. In 30 minutes it would be over, but the consequences could do you more harm than good. Think twice before you sleep with anybody, regardless of their looks or class.
We need to fear all these dangers and consequences of illicit sexual intercourse. So, you have the right to ask all the necessary questions and do all the necessary investigations for your own safety and security before marriage and during marriage.
I respect women and actually put them on a high pedestal, but once I discover that you do not have scruples and you can sleep and mess around with any man without any dignity and integrity, I will disgrace you.
You can be safe, but do you know if he is safe? Forget all the sweet words and lies. Forget all the expensive gifts and outings. Forget the dashing looks, posh cars and luxury apartments. Do you know the characters he has been sleeping with before you and even while still seeing you?
I knew a Nigerian billionaire who had beautiful wives from the upper class and he was still sleeping with dirty women in unhygienic places.
The sooner we expose these characters, the better and safer others would be, lest they continue fooling and harming the ignorant ones.
It is only wise to ask my "wife" sensitive questions after 19 months apart.
If I can be faithful, that does not mean she can be as faithful as I am, because we are two different human personalities and I cannot use my standards to judge her.
"Have you had fun with any other man or men in my absence?" It is a good and safe question to ask her. Your future will be more secure if both of you are open minded. There cannot be trust when one of the partners is not honest and transparent or is afraid of the truth. No truth, no trust.
A girlfriend was seeing me years ago, but I did not want to sleep with her, because if I have no intention of marrying a woman, I will not sleep with her. She met one of my cousins and slept with him. I only asked her if she loved him and she nodded affirmatively. She has her life to live. When my cousin dumped her, I still comforted her until she chose to go out with one of my Muslim friends and I did not stop her.
My life is very simple. I only ask for two things. Honesty and transparency.
If you have anything for or against me, spell or spill it out and let us deal with it before it is too late. But if you are dishonest and not transparent that would be bad and then you are unrepentant, you have only made the case worse.
There is nothing wrong in discussing sexual relationships with your partner.
"Yes darling. I had an affair while you were away." "I hope you did not contract any disease or even demomic elements?"
Call it infidelity, betrayal or whatever label in the dictionary, but confessing your wrong doing or sin would be better than concealing it.
The word of God says, we should confess our sins to one another and forgive each other.
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. ~ Proverbs 28:13 (New International Version)
If you are unfaithful to your partner, please confess the truth to him or her. Covering or hiding it will only make things worse whenever he or she finds out.
Please, if your partner has been unfaithful, forgive your partner once he or she confesses and repents. Continue with your partner or move on with another worthy partner. Do not make things worse by harming him or her.
My life means more to me than having a heart attack over sex.
There is nothing wrong in asking your partner whether he or she has been faithful to you or not.
Free your mind of the festering thorns in your heart.
There are no roses without thorns. Remove the thorns and you will have a bountiful bouquet of beautiful roses, that would be a delight to sight and a joy in your heart.
