Friday, August 29, 2008

Nadia Buari Graces the First Edition of Supple Magazine in Nigeria



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

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

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

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


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



29 Aug 2008 17:52 Africa/Lagos

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

McCain Names Former Miss Alaska Contestant as Running Mate

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


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


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


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


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


Source: The Miss America Organization

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


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



Saturday, August 23, 2008

A Page From A Writer's Diary



Saturday August 23, 2008.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I read her mail silently.

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

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

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

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

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





Friday, August 22, 2008

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


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

22 Aug 2008 13:00 Africa/Lagos

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



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


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


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


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


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


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

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


Web site: Dido Music



In Loving Memory of Stephanie Tubbs Jones


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

Dear Orikinla,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you,

Hillary


Thursday, August 21, 2008

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



21 Aug 2008 05:01 Africa/Lagos

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Source: Silver Curve Records

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


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



She is One In A Million

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



My One and Only Sweetheart deserves a gold medal.

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

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

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

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

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

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


Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Profitable And Unprofitable Relationships




Profitable and Unprofitable Romance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





Tuesday, August 19, 2008

There Were Tears in My Eyes


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

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

Sentebale
Oh, Sentebale!
Forget me not.



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



Monday, August 18, 2008

Jennifer Lopez Exclusive Blog at Self.com


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

18 Aug 2008 16:56 Africa/Lagos


Jennifer Lopez Exclusive Blog at Self.com

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


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


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


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


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


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


Live link:


Jennifer Lopez's Blog


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

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


Web site: Self Magazine



Paps and Celebs





Sunday, August 17, 2008

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


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

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

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


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


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


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


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


Final Results:

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

Second Runner Up: Julia Dalton, Miss North Carolina Teen

Third Runner Up: Lindsey Evans, Miss Louisiana Teen USA

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

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

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



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


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


MISS TEEN USA 2008 CROWNED


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


About Atlantis, Paradise Island Resort, The Bahamas


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


About Miss Teen USA


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


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

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


Web site: Miss Universe



Saturday, August 16, 2008

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


Carnie Wilson

Monday, August 18th

"Carnie Wilson and Embracing Your Big Fat Ass"


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


Tuesday, August 19th

"Tyra Takes Fashion Week: Part Deux!"


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



Wednesday, August 20th

"Sex in Schools"


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



Thursday, August 21st

"Cast of 'Tropic Thunder’"


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



Friday, August 22nd

"The Princess Life"

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



Bollywood's 'Unforgettable Tour' plays New York



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


'Cheetah Girls' Take on Bollywood in New Movie



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



A New Header for Nigerian Times International Forum



Have you visited the Nigerian Times International Forum?

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

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

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

Keep smiling and keep shining!

Cheers and God bless you.


Friday, August 15, 2008

The Meaning of Dreams from A - Z



Dreams - Select A Letter
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Results for A
Dream
Interpretation
1. Abandonment
To dream that you are abandoned suggests that you need to let go of your old attitudes as they may be hindering your personal growth. A more direct interpretation could imply that you have a fear of being left behind or deserted. To dream that you abandon others suggests that you are feeling overwhelmed by decisions and problems in your life.

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

More



Greatest Basketball Players - Hakeem Olajuwon - University of Houston Cougars



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



Dress Your Room in the Hottest Styles This School Year!


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

15 Aug 2008 16:34 Africa/Lagos


Dress Your Room in the Hottest Styles This School Year!

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

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


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

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

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


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


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


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


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


About CosmoGirl


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


About Seventeen


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


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


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

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


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



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



15 Aug 2008 10:00 Africa/Lagos


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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
Favorite Singer

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

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

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

BMI Pop Award
"Sittin' Up in My Room"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1999
BMI Pop Award
for "The Boy Is Mine"

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

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

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

Teen Choice Award
Choice Female Artist

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

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

2001
Stellar Award
Most Notable Achievement, The Norwood Kids Foundation

2002
BMI Urban Award
for "What about Us?"

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

Source: Epic Records

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


Web site: Epic Records
Forever Brandy
Brandy on MySpace



Elvis Presley Is Still #1



15 Aug 2008 11:00 Africa/Lagos


Elvis Presley Is Still #1

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


For more information contact:

Mark Clinton

(206) 579-2716

info@rockintown.com


Source: RockinTown.com

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


Web site: RockinTown



Thursday, August 14, 2008

Big, Beautiful and Inspiring


Queen Latifah

Big, beautiful and inspiring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



The American Dream of Tyra Banks



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

Click here to see more of the photographs

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

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

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


Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Love At First Scent?

Love At First Scent?

August 13, 2008




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


Tuesday, August 12, 2008

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


12 Aug 2008 09:00 Africa/Lagos

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

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


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


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


The second has a Gypsy inspiration.


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


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


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


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


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


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


Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci;


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

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


Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci.


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

Source: Givenchy Haute Couture

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Victims Settle Clergy Sex Abuse Cases With Archdiocese of Chicago

12 Aug 2008 13:14 Africa/Lagos

Victims Settle Clergy Sex Abuse Cases With Archdiocese of Chicago

Settlements name 10 priests, including Daniel McCormack

CHICAGO, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- WHAT


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


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

WHERE

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


Source: Jeff Anderson & Associates

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


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



21 Things Women Need To Know About Wedding Fashion



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


Monday, August 11, 2008

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

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

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


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


To All My Friends On Hi5

To all my jolly good friends on Hi5




Friday, August 08, 2008

21 Things Women Need To Know About Men, Vise Versa



NEXT ON KISSES & ROSES 21 THINGS SERIES:


21 Things Women Need To Know About Sleep

21 Things Women Need To Know About High Heels

21 Things Women Should Know About Wedding Rings

21 Things Women Need To Know About Breast Health

21 Things About Eating Sushi & Drinking Sake

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

21 Things You Need to Know About Women's Health

21 Things To Know About Makeup Lessons

21 Things To Know About Buying A Wig

21 Things Women Need To Know About Wedding Fashion

21 Things About Buying The Right Jeans

21 Things To Know About Accessories For Summer

21 Things Women Must Know About Men

21 Things To Do If Your Friend Gets Breast Cancer

21 Things To Know About Girlfriend Getaways

21 Things Brides Need To Know About Flowers

21 Things To Know About Women's Digestive Health

21 Things You Need To Know To Get Your Kids Fit

21 Things Women Need To Know About Handbags

21 Things To Know To Take Good Pictures

21 Things To Know About Buying A Bra