Lady Irene and Other Things You Should Know About Me

As one of the hit songs of the Nigerian singer 9ice was playing in the press, the Publisher of Supple magazine was dancing and the young printers were amused. I was gyrating as well. We were glad and grateful to the Almighty God to see the printing of the second edition of Supple magazine in progress. Supple magazine is going places and will be seen at the next Festival of 3 Continents in Paris from the last week of November to the first week of December.

It has been a beautiful day and I am fine, because I did not allow the delay in some business transactions to upset me. I have financial commitments I cannot ignore and I have to keep my word, because my word is my bond.

Would you like to know why Edgar Allan Poe's "Lady Irene" will be offered for auction in New York City on December 4th? Or Can You Spell 'Nirvana'?



I need a commission or a grant to write my next book, The Metamorphosis of a Love Affair, a true love story. I welcome all inquries.

Jennifer Hudson Identified Nephew's Body

Chicago, IL) Hudson's nephew was found murdered today ending a frantic 3-day search. It was a crushing blow after her mother and brother were found murdered Friday and Jennifer Hudson has the grim task of identifying the bodies. CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports.

Jennifer Hudson's Nephew Has Been Found Dead

Jennifer Hudson needs all the comfort God can give her now, because she has lost another member of her family. The corpse of her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, was found in the back seat of an SUV parked on a street.
"Yes, that's him," she told medical examiner officials as she identified the boy.
More.

When Words Fail Me

Jennifer Hudson

I have been in a state of shock and unbelief since the heart-rending news of the horrifying and terrifying murders of the beloved mother and brother of Jennifer Hudson left me numb on October 24, 2008. Her mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and her brother, Jason, 29, were shot dead at noon inside Donerson's home in Chicago. The AMBER Alert for her missing 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, has been running since her sister Julia reported it.

This gruesome crime has gripped many millions of Americans and such horrible and terrible crimes make me stay far away from America. Only God can comfort the bereaved families.

Related Reports:
Jennifer Hudson offers $100,000 reward for safe return of Missing Nephew

Mother, brother of singer Jennifer Hudson found murdered, others reported missing

Strictly Steps out in London

27 Oct 2008 09:00 Africa/Lagos

Strictly Steps out in London

LONDON, October 27/PRNewswire/ --


- TV Star Karen Hardy Launches Brand New Dance Studio in the Heart of London


- With Photos


"Fans of the hit TV series Strictly Come Dancing will be a step closer to their dreams of tripping the light fandango, as Karen Hardy one of the outstanding dancers from the BBC One show, launches her own luxury dance studio in London"


Karen Hardy, the World Masters Champion Latin American dancer and former Strictly Come Dancing winner with Mark Ramprakash, has created Karen Hardy Studios in response to the enormous rise in popularity of ballroom dancing since the show launched in 2003. The studios aim to bring the dance class experience into the 21st century, offering professional tuition, exciting social events and once-in-a-lifetime dance experiences in a glamorous Chelsea setting.


On December 9, Karen Hardy Studios will roll out the red carpet to all the Strictly celebrities for its launch - a night filled with glamour and glitz at its stunning location at Imperial Wharf on the Thames. From January 2009, the studio will open its doors and offer all dance disciplines, from the salsa to the Paso Doblé, to newcomers and professionals alike. All classes will be taught by professional instructors trained by Karen Hardy herself, and Karen will also teach classes and individuals by special arrangement.


The studios are a cut above the traditional formal, old-fashioned ballroom dancing school, with luxurious touches such as a fully licensed bar, where nervous novices can sip a glass of champagne before class, and stunning interior décor featuring maple flooring, air-conditioning, plasma screen TVs and full length windows revealing the sensational backdrop of the Chelsea riverside. And you won't find a tuneless piano in the corner: each studio is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system to cater for the exciting variety of dance styles on offer.


Members can choose from individual tuition, group classes, social evenings and practice sessions. The studio also caters for corporate events, while those looking for the time of their lives can book one of the studio's luxury gift packages, which include a private lesson, a meal in a hip Chelsea restaurant and a night in a fabulous hotel.


Commenting on the launch, Karen Hardy said:


"With the studio I want to take the dance experience to the next level. We cater for everyone, from first-timers to accomplished dancers, couples, individuals and groups, both young and old.


"This isn't just a dance studio, it's an experience. It's all about luxury, glamour and attention to detail. We want the real experience of dancing to live up to the fantasy and magic that you see on shows like Strictly Come Dancing."


Show business legend Bruce Forsyth CBE has said of Karen:


"I am delighted to hear about Karen's new dance studio in Chelsea, Wilnelia and I cannot stop our toes twitching in expectation. Good luck with it all, Bruce"


Karen Hardy Studios open on 5 January 2009. For bookings and further information, visit http://www.karenhardystudios.com


About Karen Hardy


Karen Hardy competed as a professional Latin American dancer, and is a former World Masters, United Kingdom Open, and Strictly Come Dancing Champion. Karen was awarded the Carl Alan award for services to the dance world in 1995. Karen was named Teacher of the Year in 2002 & 2003 at the Crystal Palace Dance Championships and to date devotes her time to successfully producing new young and inspiring champions in her coaching worldwide.


In 2005 Karen was asked to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing. She took BBC Newsreader Bill Turnbull seven weeks through the show and in the Christmas show trained former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Evander Holyfield. The following year Karen showed her true talents and pure love of dance as together with her celebrity partner, cricketer Mark Ramprakash, they took the nation by storm as they took the title of Strictly Come Dancing Champions Series 4.


2007 Karen Hardy and Erin Boag released the first ever Strictly Come Dancersize fitness DVD. This DVD made it to the number one slot in the fitness market and has over 200,000 copies to date.


Pictures accompanying this release are available through the PA Photowire. They can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.


Source: Karen Hardy Studios Ltd

To request further information, interviews with Karen Hardy, images or an invitation to the studio launch event on 9 December, please contact Rachel Matthews: Tel:+44(0)871-218-2341, rachel.matthews@karenhardystudios.com

'High School Musical 3: Senior Year'

Watch the trailer for "High School Musical 3: Senior Year." Video courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures.



Returning cast
Zac Efron as Troy Bolton
Vanessa Hudgens as Gabriella Montez
Ashley Tisdale as Sharpay Evans
Lucas Grabeel as Ryan Evans
Corbin Bleu as Chad Danforth
Monique Coleman as Taylor McKessie
Olesya Rulin as Kelsi Nielsen
Ryne Sanborn as Jason Cross
Chris Warren, Jr. as Zeke Baylor
Kaycee Stroh as Martha Cox
Alyson Reed as Ms. Darbus
Bart Johnson as Jack Bolton
Leslie Wing as Lucille Bolton

New cast members
Jemma McKenzie-Brown as Tiara Gold
Matt Prokop as Jimmy Zara
Justin Martin as Donny Dion

Lana Fuchs Couture Attracts Attention During LA Fashion Week

America's Next Top Model winners Saleisha Stowers and Nicole Linkletter were among the models that presented the Lana Fuchs Couture collection during the Mercedes-Benz fashion week in Los Angeles. (PRNewsFoto/Lana Fuchs) LAS VEGAS, NV UNITED STATES 10/17/2008

17 Oct 2008 19:19 Africa/Lagos

Lana Fuchs Couture Attracts Attention During LA Fashion Week
Celebrities and media applaud Lana Fuchs spring collection.

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Lana Fuchs launched her Spring 2009 line in the Main Tent at the Mercedes-Benz 7th Annual Fashion Week in Los Angeles. Splashed with exuberant colors and handmade embellishments, Fuchs' debut collection, titled "Rhapsody In Bloom," featured a romantic bouquet of ultra feminine shapes juxtaposed with bold prints and floral notes.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081017/LAF521)

America's Next Top Model winners Saleisha Stowers and Nicole Linkletter were among the models that presented the collection on the runway. For the finale, Sudanese model Atong took to the catwalk a silk chiffon and organza bridal gown culminated by a confetti of pastel colored rose petals that rained over her for the epic closing scene to the show.

Fuchs' debut collection received a standing ovation and rave reviews from stylists, editors and celebrities. Those in attendance included Joel Madden, Camille Anderson, Natasha Alam, Angela Simmons, Vanessa Simmons, Dominika Wolski, Lady Victoria Hervey, Pamela Bach, Julia Verdin, Crystal Allen, Simona Fusco, Inna Korobkina, Patricia DeLeon, LA Laker Lamar Odom, tennis professional Jan-Michael Gambill and celebrity stylist George Blodwell.

About Lana Fuchs Couture
Fuchs Spring 2009 collection, titled "Rhapsody In Bloom," features elegant dresses from day to evening, in an array of ultra feminine silhouettes. An avid traveler, Fuchs was inspired to use stunning floral prints after an unforgettable walk through the gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, France. Eastward bound in exotic India, while traveling from Udaipur to Jaipur, she also fell in love with the vivid colored saris, which inspired her spring color palette. Thus, Rhapsody in Bloom came to life in rich silks, delicate chiffons and embroidered lace, with delicious accents of handcrafted embellishments.

Lana Fuchs' signature style transcends the world of reality into fantasy. From exquisite dresses to extravagant red carpet gowns, Fuchs continues to design for the discerning woman with a need to dress for every occasion. The Russian-born designer and Las Vegas resident has been creating one-of-a-kind pieces and custom couture since 1995. Since then, Fuchs has been featured in a growing list of international publications, fashion shows and television programs in praise of her talent and spirit. In addition to designing for Lana Fuchs Couture, she is the founder of the Emerald Dream Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization. For more information, please visit http://www.lanafuchs.com/.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081017/LAF521
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN12
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Lana Fuchs
CONTACT: Kenn Henman of aLine media public relations, +1-310-576-1808,
kenn@alinemedia.com, for Lana Fuchs
Web site: http://www.lanafuchs.com/






KISSES & ROSES WEEKEND CHIC GIFT RECOMMENDATION:




OAKLEY THUMP 2 Black Iridium - Sunglasses with digital player - flash 512 MB - WMA, AAC, MP3 - polished white


The world's first digital music eyewear is now available in a new design with the option of even greater memory. Built around the hard-edged style of Oakley's Gascan eyewear, THUMP 2 offers memory storage up to 1 gigabyte. That's 240 songs in a fully integrated design that frees you from dangling cords and wires. Listen to music virtually anywhere with speaker booms that adjust easily for a customized fit, and just swing them out of the way when you need to hear your environment. For all-day comfort, the durable frame is made of lightweight O Matter. Patented XYZ Optics extends clarity to the lens periphery, allowing for contours that open peripheral vision.

The Twilight Saga 1

cullen cast for upcoming movie, TWILIGHT!





Amazon.com Review
The book that started the phenomenon is now available in a deluxe collector's edition! Featuring a ribbon bookmark, cloth cover, ragged edges, new chapter opener designs, and a beautiful protective slipcase, this edition is perfect for fans and collectors alike.

Bella Swan's move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Bella's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Bella, the person Edward holds most dear.

Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers (September 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316015849
• ISBN-13: 978-0316015844
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

My Heroes Are Not Making Headlines

I kept to myself for two days and stayed indoors in the apartment on the third floor.
My publisher had gone to the Eastern state of Abia in Nigeria and I had the time to relax and read The 48 Laws of Power and reflect on the discoveries of Robert Greene. Then I composed the following thoughts.

My heroes are not the newsmakers making headlines
They are ordinary people living ordinary lives
But they are doing extra-ordinary things in their own simple ways.
I see them everywhere everyday
And they are making a great difference along the way.

Everybody has a story, but not everybody will make history
You can get over your misery and live a life of victory.

Let us work together hand in hand
And we will restore the lost glory of our motherland.

My heroes are not engaged in the power struggle of the rat race.
God knows how best to reward the burden bearers of humankind.
They will reap the greatest harvest of the earth.

Caution: Pretty Girls Crossing

Caution: Pretty Girls Crossing

Beauty inspires genius.I adore the Almighty God at the first sight of any object of beauty, from the beautiful face of my darling lover to the dazzling allure of a blossoming pink hibiscus flower in the sunlight. The alluring power of beauty cannot be denied.

The heart of man skips a beat at the sight of a beautiful woman.He swallows lumps of saliva as he ogles at her. His Adam’s apple bulges as his crotch bulges. Gosh!A man almost veered off the main road whilst ogling at a pretty and sexy babe on a street in Lagos. The object of his admiration was the kind of pretty babes my mom called car stoppers, the babes who make drivers to stamp on the brakes in awe!

The desire for a pretty and sexy woman sets a man on fire, burning in the fiery flames of lust. Even the loins of a castrated man burns in the presence of a pretty and sexy woman.

In the daily traffic of commuters in the crowdy and rowdy mega city of Lagos, the pretty girls stand out like the exotic water lilies of the Nile, a pure delight to sight. Drivers often slow down as a pretty woman is about to cross the road. She makes heads to turn on the street.

The best places to see pretty girls and ladies in Lagos city are often the shopping malls, from the Mega Plaza on Victoria Island to the Palms in Lekki. You can also see many of them strolling on the Marina in Lagos, on the Adeniran Ogunsanya Street in Surulere, on Allen Avenue and Toyin Street in Ikeja, on Awolowo Road in Ikoyi and on Adeola Odeku Street on Victoria Island.

The pretty working class ladies in their skirt suits and pantsuits seem to be on fashion parade during the hours of lunch break as they go out walking tall in their low heels or high heels. Watching a pretty working class lady walking down the staircase is worth all your attention in respect of the beauty of womanhood. She looks best if she is chic!Admiring pretty women in their trendy fashion crossing the street makes my day.

What’s next?

Caution: Ugly Girls Crossing?

There are no ugly girls or women in my world.

Anyway, no woman is ugly, except she is ignorant of her own beauty.

Britney Spears Sets the Record Straight in a New Documentary 'Britney: for the Record' Airing Exclusively on MTV on Sunday, November 30th at 10pm ET/P

10 Oct 2008 12:00 Africa/Lagos

Britney Spears Sets the Record Straight in a New Documentary 'Britney: for the Record' Airing Exclusively on MTV on Sunday, November 30th at 10pm ET/PT

NEW YORK, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- In the 90-minute exclusive documentary film, "Britney: For The Record," Britney granted access to the award winning team at @radical.media to tell her side of the story in her own words. The film will not only give viewers a look into what it is truly like to walk in the shoes of one of today's biggest musical icons, but behind-the-scenes access to everything from Britney recording her new album to preparing for her appearance on the "2008 MTV Video Music Awards," and much more. "Britney: For The Record" will air exclusively on MTV on Sunday, November 30th at 10pm ET/PT.

"MTV has had a long history with Britney Spears and our support for her has been unwavering," said Tony DiSanto, Executive Vice President of Series Development for MTV. "We are thrilled she has chosen MTV as the exclusive outlet to share the intimate details of her personal journey for the first time ever."
In an unprecedented three-month shoot where no topic was off limits, acclaimed filmmaker Phil Griffin captured, via personal stories and all-access to her during her day to day life, an intimate look into the artist that reveals those closest to her, gives insight into her music and career and a glimpse into her hopes and aspirations for the future.

"So much has gone on over the last couple of years and there's a lot that people don't know about me that I want them to know." said Britney "I wanted to make this film because I started to feel like I wasn't being seen in the light that I wanted to be seen in. This is an opportunity to set the record straight and talk about what I've been through and where I'm headed."
"Britney: For The Record" will show the reality of trying to live a normal life after all that has been exposed through the media.

To check out an exclusive teaser trailer from "Britney: For The Record" .
Britney Spears' sixth studio album, Circus, on Jive Records will be released on Tuesday, December 2nd, her 27th birthday. The album's first single "Womanizer," was officially released to radio on September 26th.

"Britney: For The Record" is Executive Produced by Larry Rudolph, Adam Leber, Jon Kamen, Frank Scherma, Robert Friedman and Justin Wilkes. Maira Suro, her title is SVP of Series Development, Heather Olander is VP Series Development and Steve Bilchik is Director of Music, Talent & Series Development for MTV.
"Britney: For The Record" will be distributed internationally (excluding North America) by FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and launched at MIPCOM next week.

About MTV
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 26 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries -- giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV has been the number one rated 24 hour ad-supported cable network P12-24 for 16 straight years. Online, MTV.com scored double-digit growth in 2007 and MTV launched ten dynamic online communities and six new virtual worlds. On the go, MTV Mobile is the #1 music brand in the wireless space -- delivering 90% more streams than in 2006. And MTV's successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Wanna know more? Come on in...www.mtvpress.com.

Source: MTV
CONTACT: Melissa Barreto, MTV Press, +1-212-846-7226,
melissa.barreto@mtvstaff.com
Web site: http://www.mtv.com/
http://www.mtvpress.com/
http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?vid=287

Lagos Palaver 2

Helen and Princess.

I have been in Lagos since the last week of August and to be honest to God, there is too much heat and stress in Lagos. The sight of commuters stranded at the bus stop and the traffic congestion make me uncomfortable, because it is not easy to re-adjust to the hustle and bustle of living and working in Lagos after my long stay on Bonny Island where I was really comfortable until the Niger Delta crisis made many of the residents afraid to cross the dangerous Bonny Channel or to even live in the towns of Bonny and Finima.


Most people in Lagos are really "suffering and smiling" as the legendary Afrobeat musical icon Fela Anikulapo-kuti sang in one of his classic songs in the 1970s. But do beggars have a choice? Most of the poverty-stricken majority, suffering and smiling in the mega city of Lagos are living like beggars since their meager wages cannot even provide the daily three square meals to feed one man!


It has not been easy for me to re-adjust to the crowdy and rowdy environment of the mainland of Lagos even if you live in any of the so called Government Reserved Areas (GRAs). The roads in the suburban ghetto of Shomolu are even better than many of the roads in Ikoyi and Victoria Island where many of the streets even stink. So, no where in Lagos can really be compared to the beautiful estate of the Nigeria LNG RA 1 on Bonny Island. But if you have some millions of naira, you can live in any of the Fool's Paradise in Lagos.

I am not lonely in Lagos and thank God for Helen and Princess and other sweethearts in the hot city of Lagos. Helen's clothes are tailor-made for body enhancement, and she is really attractive, but I am missing my one and only Sweetest 24/7!

Women Budget for Beauty During the Credit Crunch

9 Oct 2008 08:00 Africa/Lagos

Women Budget for Beauty During the Credit Crunch

LONDON, October 9/PRNewswire/ -- Purse strings are tightening up and down the country as the credit crunch hits home and a recent survey of 3,500 women aged 16 to 60 reveals it is affecting their beauty choices. In response to the downturn, female consumers are turning to affordable classic brands like Pond's that they trust, can perform a number of functions and contain simple but essential ingredients.
Changing Trends

- The survey by PONDS on current UK beauty buying habits showed
that on average women use 3 products as part of their daily skincare
regime. In a month, across the country, they spend GBP14 on skincare
products, with women in Northern Ireland spending the most at an
average of GBP25 and women in the South West just GBP10.

- 35% of those surveyed across the country are now spending
less than GBP5 a month on their skincare regime, which equates to 16p a
day. A third spend between GBP5 to GBP10 a month or 30p a day, with a
further 20% paying out up to GBP20 a month or 60p per day. The
remaining 15% spend over GBP20 a month.

- Furthermore beauty product buyers are moving away from
science-based or trend led ingredient fads and back towards trusted
brands containing simple ingredients. From the women surveyed, 53%
would purchase a product with a few simple ingredients while only 9%
were attracted by the latest technology or scientific ingredients.

Versatile Products
Therefore any products which can perform more than one task and reduce spend is popular with the cash conscious consumer. Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser is perfect as it provides just this in a versatile cream that gently soothes and comforts whilst providing deep cleansing and moisturising. It costs just GBP3.99 and can be used in a multitude of ways such as a moisturising face mask to hydrate parched skin, a cleanser for soft, supple skin and even removes the most stubborn of eye make-up including waterproof mascara. If using in all three ways a pot will last up to a month saving pounds on buying three different products.

"Sales of the Pond's Regener-Activ range has increased by 39% compared to the same period in 2007. Customers are able to purchase an entire anti-ageing routine of four products for under GBP30." Says Peter Reynolds, Marketing Manager for Pond's. "Pond's is one of the oldest and most trusted brands and therefore provides both reliability and affordability."

Pond's is seen as an affordable, trusted brand and in the survey a third said that it was the most nostalgic and trusted product to them.

All products in the Pond's Regener-Activ range contain micro-capsules of marine collagen and pro-retinol designed to act from the inside out to help stimulate natural skin cell renewal and skin radiance. The microcapsules help transport pure anti ageing actives to the deeper layers of the epidermis. This range includes the Day Treatment SPF15, GBP6.49, the Deep Night Treatment, GBP6.49, Anti-Age Skin Perfectioning Serum, GBP9.99 and the Eye Contour Cream, GBP6.99.

With a unique heritage of understanding women's beauty needs, Pond's remains a beauty ritual for millions of women throughout the world.
For more information visit http://www.pondsinstitute.co.uk

Pond's is available in branches of Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Wilkinson and independent pharmacies nationwide.

Notes to Editors
Pond's sales figures provided by one of the largest health and beauty retailers in the UK.
Survey conducted by 72 Point, figures available on request.

Source: Pond's
For further information on Pond's, images or samples please contact: Katie O'Brien or Michelle Ganner at Neville McCarthy Associates Tel: +44(0)20-7940-2900, E-mail: katie@nevillemccarthy.com .

Exclusive Interview: Barack Obama on Health and Fitness

8 Oct 2008 14:00 Africa/Lagos

Exclusive Interview: Barack Obama on Health and Fitness

On Newsstands October 21st, 2008

NEW YORK, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Senator Barack Obama opens up in an exclusive interview in the November issue of Men's Health magazine, on newsstands October 21, 2008, about how health and fitness has driven his success in life, love and leadership. Only weeks from the presidential election, Obama shares how he balances his time on the campaign trail, the promise he made his daughters, how he avoids disappointing others and his personal battle to stay fit and healthy while running for President, which he admits has not been an easy road, "I wish I was getting a 90-minute workout. Most of my workouts have to come before my day starts. There's always a tradeoff between sleep and working out."


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081008/NY37704 )


On Why He Works Out:

"My blood pressure is pretty low, and I tend to be a healthy eater. So I probably could get away with cutting [my workouts] back a little bit. The main reason I do it is just to clear my head and relieve me of stress. It's a great way to stay focused."


On Staying Healthy On The Campaign Trail:


"I wish I was getting a 90-minute workout. Most of my workouts have to come before my day starts. There's always a tradeoff between sleep and working out. Usually I get in about 45 minutes, 6 days a week. I'll lift one day do cardio the next."


On Trying To Quit Smoking:


"There have been a couple of times during the campaign when I fell off the wagon and bummed one, and I had to kick it again. But I figure, seeing as I'm running for president, I need to cut myself a little slack."


"There wasn't some dramatic moment. Michelle had been putting pressure on me for a while. I was never really a heavy smoker. Probably at my peak I was smoking seven or eight a day. More typical was three. So it wasn't a huge challenge with huge withdrawal symptoms."


"Eliminate certain key connections--that first cigarette in the morning, or after a meal, or with a drink. If you can eliminate those triggers, that should help."


On How He Would Improve The Health Of Americans:


"We need to have an awareness built in throughout various agencies charged with improving health. I'll give you a specific example. My grandfather died of prostate cancer. As men age, regular checkups are critical. But it's hard to get them to go in for that mildly unpleasant checkup. Increasing awareness of the difference it could make shouldn't just be the activity of the Department of Health and Human Services."


"A good friend of mine who was the head of the Illinois department of public health designed this wonderful program targeting black men, where health information was provided through barbershops. The idea was that black men underutilize doctors and don't talk about health much. But they go to the barbershop, and that's where they kind of let loose. The department designed programs where clinics at different barbershops would provide various health screenings, talk about prevention. Those kinds of strategies have to be developed and targeted, perhaps, because a lot of the time we're most resistant to going to doctors. That kind of thinking should be embedded in a lot of the work we're doing."


On What He Would Change In The White House:


"We're going to do a thorough evaluation, but it may need an upgrade. The bowling alley, I understand, offers us some potential for expansion."


On Managing His Time on the Campaign Trail:


"I'm part of an organization, and one of the things I really try to push in the organization is to make sure that everybody is focused on the two or three things that are really going to be game changers. I ask them to design my schedule in a way that focuses not just on what's coming at us, but on being active instead of reactive. I think we've been pretty successful. I don't spend a lot of time returning phone calls or e-mails. If somebody needs something, most of the time there's somebody else who can handle it.


"Eliminating TV has been helpful-- I'm still a sucker for Sports Center."


"The most difficult thing is to carve out time to think, which is probably the most important time for somebody who's trying to shift an organization, or in this case, the country, as opposed to doing the same things that have been done before. And I find that time slips away."


On Being a Father and Presidential Candidate:
"The pledge is, they'll get their dog, win or lose."


"Their main concern was, 'When are we going to get a dog?' They did ask about what they called 'secret people,' which were the Secret Service folks. 'Are we going to have to have these people with sunglasses and earpieces following us around all the time?' And I told them, well, not right away. They've adjusted wonderfully. And I've tried to make sure that they haven't had to participate too much in the political process."


"What I've been able to do is create a zone of normalcy for my kids. I have been able to transmit to them my absolute interest in them and my absolute love for them."


"I don't miss the important things. I haven't missed a dance recital. I haven't missed a parent-teacher conference. But there are some things I do miss, and those are some of the tradeoffs you make."


"But, look, there's no question there are sacrifices involved here. I'd like to say that quality time replaces quantity, but sometimes it doesn't. You know, a lot of the best moments of family life happen spontaneously. If you have less time to devote to them, there are fewer of those moments."


What Being A Father Means To Him:


"I would like to think that most of the issues related to my father have been resolved." "That's part of what writing Dreams from My Father was about: understanding him, his own personal tragedy. He wasn't a presence in my life, he was an idea that I had to wrestle with for a long time."


"Somebody once said that every man is either trying to live up to his dad's expectations or make up for his dad's mistakes. And I'm sure I was doing a little bit of both. But I feel that somewhere in my late 20s or early 30s I sort of figured out what his absence had meant. It is part of what I think has made me a pretty good dad. I don't think it would have too much of an impact on my decision-making as president. There's no doubt that it has contributed to my drive. I might not be here had it not been for that absent father prodding me early in life."


On Not Disappointing Himself Or Those Around Him


"I always try to make sure that my expectations are higher than those of the people around me."


"A lot of people have a lot at stake in this election. The American people are having a tough time."


"I never want people to feel as if I've overpromised to them. I try to explain in a real honest way how difficult some of the changes I'm talking about will be. But I never want the effect to be that I'm not working as hard as I can on their behalf...that I'm not continually trying to improve. I'm actually glad for the high expectations."


"One of the interesting things about a campaign like this is that it really does push you to the limit and then some. And it turns out that you have more in your reservoir than you expected."


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081008/NY37704
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN7
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com/
Source: Men?s Health magazine

CONTACT: Allison Falkenberry of Men's Health, +1-212-573-0524,
Allison.Falkenberry@rodale.com; or Meghan Holston of Coburn Communication,
Inc., +1-212-382-4450, Meghan.Holston@CoburnWW.com

American Lawmakers To Pass Law Against Obesity

Photo Credit: Freaking News.Com

As the fears of economic depression increase in America, the critical situation could be the answer to check the expanding waistlines of Americans and in fact American lawmakers are considering Legislation to Reduce Obesity in the Workplace. You think I am joking? Well, read the following report.

7 Oct 2008 15:00 Africa/Lagos

Lawmakers Consider Legislation to Reduce Obesity in the Workplace

Special legislative task force to discuss employer role in weight management

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- As American waistlines expand, there's little surprise that this public health issue poses a challenge to the nation's employers. In some states, including New York and California, government regulators are stepping in to urge businesses to take action.


A special meeting of the California Legislative Task Force on Diabetes and Obesity has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, at the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute in Milpitas, Calif. At this hearing, which will be chaired by California State Assemblyman Joe Coto, experts will testify about the benefits of workplace wellness programs, the role of the employer and the economic impact of this serious public health threat. Task Force members will incorporate this testimony into their discussion and use it as a basis for potential legislation in California.


"The biotechnology industry proudly supports and commends the Legislative Diabetes and Obesity Task Force in their efforts to combat this epidemic," said Joe Panetta, President and CEO of BIOCOM, the association for the Southern California life science community. "The life science industry has been at the forefront in improving and sustaining the health of our workforce through workplace wellness programs. We understand that it makes good business sense and creates a more productive workforce."


American workers want help from their employers to lose weight according to a 2007 national survey of 500 members of the Synovate Global Opinion Panel (SGOP) who are overweight and work full-time outside of the home. Two out of three respondents to this survey report that they are interested in employer-sponsored weight control programs. But less than half (44 percent) of overweight employees have access to these types of programs.


Johnson & Johnson has one of the first corporate wellness models that dates back nearly 30 years. "We hope that our example can help other employers evolve beyond flu shots and blood pressure screenings to truly have a positive influence on the well being of the people who work for them," said Susan Tierman, M.D., Medical Director of North America for Johnson & Johnson.


Overweight and obesity is associated with an increased cost of healthcare, lost work days, absenteeism, low productivity and high turnover rates in the workplace. In California alone, the annual cost of medical care attributable to obesity is estimated to be nearly $7.7 billion(1) in a state where more half of all adults (55.9 percent) are either overweight or obese.(2)


"It is important for employers to offer programs with realistic end goals in mind -- specifically that modest, gradual weight loss is best. These types of programs are the best way to help reduce the financial impact of increased health care costs -- and should be a part of every business's employee wellness program," said MRC Greenwood, Ph.D., an obesity expert and co-chair of the Reality Coalition, a consumer advocacy organization aimed at getting consumers to adopt healthy, realistic approaches to weight loss that include diet, exercise, and evidence-based medicine and programs.


About Overweight and Obesity


Currently, approximately 65 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, according to the National Institutes of Health. Research suggests that overweight individuals appear to be on the pathway to obesity.(3,4) Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of developing health problems such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.(5) Factors that can contribute to overweight include an abundance of high-calorie foods, low levels of physical activity, behavior, environment, and genetics.(6) Multiple studies have shown that a modest reduction in weight improves health outcomes significantly in overweight or obese patients.(7,8)


About the Reality Coalition


The Reality Coalition is a group of esteemed experts on obesity, nutrition, diabetes and healthcare policy who share the common goal of advancing an agenda for realistic approaches to weight loss to achieve improved public health.


The Reality Initiative was launched in 2006 and is supported by an educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. The Coalition developed a white paper entitled Help Not Hype: Getting Real About Weight Loss (published in Obesity Management, February 2007), which was introduced in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission at NAASO, The Obesity Society annual meeting in October 2006. Committed to changing the national weight loss dialogue and broadening its sponsorship base, the Coalition is expanding its efforts in 2007 to invite business leaders, private, public, professional and non-profit groups to partner in our work.


Reality Coalition Members include co-chairs Louis J. Aronne, MD, Dr. George L. Blackburn, MD, PhD, and MRC Greenwood, PhD; Arthur Frank, MD, Obesity Specialist; Gary Foster, PhD, Behavioral Psychologist; Barbara Moore, PhD, Nutritionist; Judith Stern, ScD, Nutritionist; Anne Wolf, MS, RD, Dietitian; Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, CNS, Nutritionist; Johanna Dwyer, PhD, Nutritionist; Susan Cummings, RD, Dietitian; Jeremy Nobel, MD, MPH, Public Health Expert; Valentine Burroughs, MD, MBA, Diabetes Expert; Morgan Downey, JD, Obesity Specialist, Shaping America's Health, The Obesity Society, National Consumers League, America On the Move, American Dietetic Association and the American Pharmacists Association.


(1) http://www.healthpolicy.ucla.edu/pubs/files/AdultsObese_FS_120104.pdf
(2) http://www.healthpolicy.ucla.edu/pubs/files/Hlth_CAs_RT_090908.pdf


(3) Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Ogden CL, Johnson CL. Prevalence and trends in obesity among US adults, 1999-2000. JAMA 2002;288:1723-1727.


(4) McTigue KM, Garrett JM, Popkin BM. The natural history of the development of obesity in a cohort of young US adults between 1981-1998. Ann Intern Med 2002;136:857-864.


(5) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Overweight and Obesity." http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/. Accessed 12/22/05.


(6) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Overweight and Obesity: Contributing Factors." http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/contributing_factors.htm. Accessed 12/22/05.


(7) Hauptman J, Lucas C, Baldrin MN, Collins H, Segal K. "Orlistat in the long-term treatment of obesity in primary care settings." Archives of Family Medicine 9:160-167.


(8) NIH, NHLBI. Clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. HHS, PHS; 1998. p. 29-41.


Source: The Reality Coalition

CONTACT: Dave Schemelia of HealthSTAR Public Relations, +1-212-532-0909,
or cell, +1-609-468-9325, dschemelia@healthstarpr.com

Web Site: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity

FRC to Host Panel Discussion on Post-Abortion Mental Health Effects

7 Oct 2008 15:42 Africa/Lagos

FRC to Host Panel Discussion on Post-Abortion Mental Health Effects

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thursday, October 9, at 10:00 am, Family Research Council, will host a panel discussion with leading researchers and clinicians on abortion history and associated mental health effects. Data from numerous studies will be discussed and analyzed to explore associations between abortion and mental health, and substance abuse disorders. Additionally, results from a national poll conducted through the Elliot Institute examining politics and post-abortion awareness will be presented. Join us to learn more about the body of research the American Psychological Association failed to assess in its recent report on abortion and mental health.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080930/FRCLOGO )

Who: Priscilla K. Coleman, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University;
Catherine T. Coyle, RN, Ph.D., Alliance for Post-Abortion

Research & Training; Tom McClusky, Vice President for Government Affairs, FRC; David Reardon, Ph.D., Elliot Institute; Vincent M. Rue, Ph.D., Institute for Pregnancy Loss; Martha Shuping, M.D., Shuping & Associates


What: Panel Discussion: Post-Abortion Mental Health Effects, Awareness, and Politics


When: Thursday, October 9, 2008
10:00am - 12:00pm

Where: Family Research Council
801 G St, NW
Washington, DC 20001

RSVP: 1-800-225-4008
http://www.frc.org/

*Complimentary lunch will be served*

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080930/FRCLOGO
Source: Family Research Council

CONTACT: J.P. Duffy or Maria Donovan, both of the Family Research
Council, +1-866-FRC-News


Web Site: http://www.frc.org/

Go Red For Women Cheers on Toni Braxton as She Dances Her Heart Out

SWIRE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION TONI BRAXTON AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION TONI BRAXTONSix-time Grammy winner and "Dancing With The Stars" competitor, Toni Braxton, supports Go Red For Women because of her personal struggles with heart disease. The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women gives women the power to fight their No. 1 killer. Choose to beat heart disease at GoRedForWomen.org. (PRNewsFoto/American Heart Association) DALLAS, TX UNITED STATES 10/06/2008


6 Oct 2008 19:46 Africa/Lagos

Go Red For Women Cheers on Toni Braxton as She Dances Her Heart Out

Spokeswoman Wears Dancing Shoes to Fight Heart Disease - the No. 1 Killer of Women

DALLAS, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women cheers on national spokesperson Toni Braxton, as she competes on "Dancing With The Stars." The Grammy-award winning R&B vocalist is a passionate supporter of Go Red For Women because of her personal struggles with heart disease. "I am dancing to celebrate my own triumph over heart disease and raise the consciousness of America's women that they have the power to beat our number one killer. We have the power to choose life."


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081006/DC37174 )


WHAT: More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combined, including cancer, yet studies show that only 21 percent of women view heart disease as their greatest health threat. That's why Toni Braxton has teamed up with the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women to provide knowledge and tools to help women make simple life-saving choices in their daily lives.


WHO: The winner of six Grammy Awards, Toni Braxton is a Billboard chart-topping singer and Broadway actress, selling over forty million records worldwide. For "Dancing With The Stars," she teams up with season one champion, Alec Mazo, who returns for his fourth season. Toni has worked with the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women as a national spokesperson since 2005.


WHEN: ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" airs weekly on Monday and Tuesdays at 8/7 p.m. Central.


WHY: "More than 42 million American women are living with one or more types of cardiovascular disease," said Nieca Goldberg, M.D., Go Red For Women spokesperson, author and medical director of the New York University Women's Heart Program. "Last year more than 460,000 women died of cardiovascular disease -- that's about one per minute. It's time women understand they are at risk and make healthier choices for themselves and their families."


Additional Information: To learn about the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women visit GoRedForWomen.org.


Go Red For Women is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc.

About Go Red For Women

Since 2004, Go Red For Women has captured the energy, passion and intelligence of women to work collectively to wipe out heart disease -- the No. 1 killer of women. We want millions of women across America to take heart disease personally. Go Red For Women engages women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. Healthcare providers, celebrities and politicians also elevate the cause and spread the word about women and heart disease. For more information about Go Red For Women, please call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278) or visit GoRedForWomen.org. Go Red For Women is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc.


About the American Heart Association


Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers, and all other cardiovascular diseases claim nearly 870,000 lives a year. In fiscal year 2006-07 the association invested more than $554 million in research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs to help all Americans live longer, healthier lives. To learn more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081006/DC37174
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: American Heart Association

CONTACT: Megan Lozito, +1-214-706-1359, Megan.Lozito@heart.org, or
Leslie Holland, +1-214-706-1438, Leslie.Holland@heart.org, both of the
American Heart Association


Web Site: http://www.americanheart.org/
http://www.goredforwomen.org/



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Tears of the Desert

Come here my love,
I have a song for you.
Come here my love,
I have a dream for you…

With such beautiful and soulful words of innate passion, Halima Bashir, MD, begins the lucid prose of her vivid memory of the poetic beauty of her childhood and Zaghawa family in Darfur in her unforgettable war memoir Tears of the Desert, but we are soon gripped by the gory horrors of her picturesque true life story as a ruthless Sudanese soldier stabbed a knife into her thigh as she kicked him in his groin in her desperate resistance against being raped by these devilish Sudanese soldiers on rampage in Darfur.

Click here to order for the Tears of the Desert,: A Memoir of Survival in Darfur.

Thanks to Katie O'Callaghan of Random House for sending me the hardcover edition of Tears of the Desert.