Friday, May 29, 2009

The Steven Spielberg Directed 3-D Motion Capture Film 'The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn' to Open in the U.S. on December 23, 2011



29 May 2009 02:12 Africa/Lagos


The Steven Spielberg Directed 3-D Motion Capture Film 'The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn' to Open in the U.S. on December 23, 2011



- Sony Pictures Releasing International and Paramount Pictures to Begin Overseas Playdates in Late October, 2011 -

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Paramount Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment today announced their release plans for the long awaited 3-D motion capture feature film "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn" directed by Steven Spielberg, produced by Spielberg, Peter Jackson, and Kathleen Kennedy. The highly anticipated film will be released by Paramount in the U.S. on December 23, 2011. The film will launch internationally in late October and early November, 2011 with Sony Pictures Releasing International handling Continental Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and India, and Paramount distributing the film in Asia, Australia, UK and all other English speaking territories.



Steven Spielberg

Starring Jamie Bell ("Billy Elliot") as Tintin, the intrepid young reporter whose relentless pursuit of a good story thrusts him into a world of high adventure, and Daniel Craig ("Quantum of Solace,") as the nefarious Red Rackham, the international cast also includes Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Gad Elmaleh, Toby Jones and Mackenzie Crook.

"The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn," is a Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures production from a screenplay by Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish, and is produced by Spielberg, Peter Jackson and Kathleen Kennedy.

The film, which began production in late January 2009, is the first of a planned series of 3D motion capture films based on the iconic character created by Georges Remi, better known to the world by his pen name "Herge." Executive producers are Nick Rodwell, Stephane Sperry and Ken Kamins.

The second feature in the series is scheduled to be directed by Jackson, with a potential for a third film as well.

Eighty years ago, Herge introduced the world to a unique cast of characters who have been embraced by readers of all ages. The Adventures of Tintin - a series of 24 books, the final unfinished adventure was published after Herge's death, became Herge's life's work. The first adventure was published in 1929. Over 200 million copies have been sold worldwide. The popular series has been translated into 70 languages and still attracts thousands of new fans each year.

Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson will bring Herge's stories to life employing state-of-the-art performance capture technology developed by Jackson's Weta Digital.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group and Worldwide Television Distribution.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 130 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/.

Source: Paramount Pictures

CONTACT: Katie Martin Kelley, EVP, Publicity of Paramount Pictures,
+1-323-956-2821, KMK@paramount.com; or Steve Elzer, SVP. Media Relations of
Sony Pictures Entertainment, +1-310-244-7142, Steve_Elzer@spe.sony.com, for
Paramount Pictures

Web Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/


Thursday, May 28, 2009

Video:Bullfighting Barrels Down the Strip This September



Don Bull Productions Brings Bloodless Bullfighting to Las Vegas September 14-15 for Mexican Independence Day and September 27-30 at the South Point Hotel & Casino

Haga clic aquí para ver este comunicado de prensa en Español.

LAS VEGAS (May 28, 2009) /PRNewswire/ — A storied tradition south of the border and in many countries around the world, bloodless bullfighting courtesy of Don Bull Productions, will make its mark in the United States and Las Vegas in celebration of Mexican Independence Day at the South Point Hotel & Casino September 14 - 15 and return with four more days filled with pageantry September 27 - 30.

Starting with the inaugural Fiestas Patrias at the South Point Arena, Don Bull Productions will present bloodless bullfights, offering spectators the opportunity to witness the best bullfighters or "toreros" around the globe performing their mastery in the entertainment capital of the world. Using specially designed adhesive Velcro pads instead of traditional banderillas, rejones and steel harpoons, competitors are able to preserve the existence of the toros while keeping the excitement and skill of traditional bullfighting alive.

"We are thrilled to be bringing bloodless bullfighting to Las Vegas and are very excited to hold our first events as part of the Mexican Independence Day festivities," said Pedro Haces Barba, president, Don Bull Productions. "See you at the bullfights!"

September 14: Fiestas Patrias will feature some of the most famous bullfighters in the world including Eulalio Lopez "El Zotoluco", Alejandro Amaya and Julio Benitez "El Cordobes."

September 15: An exciting day of bloodless bullfights featuring rejoneadors (horseback bullfighters) Antonio Domecq, Rui Fernandes, and Jorge Hernandez Garate as well as two group exhibitions featuring Forcados de Turlock and Forcados de Mazatlan.

September 27: The Grand Bullfighting Cartel comes to Sin City with Fiesta en España superstars Ortega Cano, Enrique Ponce and Antonio Barrera.

September 28: Bullfighting in Las Vegas featuring the great three of a kind, Javier Conde, Julian Lopez "El Juli" and Federico Pizzaro.

September 29: The Extraordinary Cartel of Luxury featuring Francisco Rivera Ordonez, Julian Lopez "El Juli" and David Fandila "El Fandi."

September 30: The triumphant bullfighters from Spain staring Luis Bolivar, Enrique Ponce and Pedrito de Portugal.

Tickets to Fiesta Patrias start at just $60 and can be purchased by calling (702) 797-8055 or by visiting www.TorosLasVegas.com or www.SouthPointCasino.com. VIP tables and seating are also available with pricing ranging from $375 to $550.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Craig Nyman/Wendy Zamaripa:
702.737.3100
Kirvin Doak Communications
cnyman@kirvindoak.com
wzamaripa@kirvindoak.com


Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Video: Cutera's Pearl Fractional Laser Answers Need for More Youthful Eyes



BRISBANE, Calif. May 27, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Cutera, Inc. (Nasdaq: CUTR), a leading provider of laser and other light-based aesthetic systems worldwide, is driving category innovation with the Pearl Fractional eye treatment. This advanced laser procedure answers growing consumer demand for an aggressive yet affordable solution to what many doctors believe is the top facial aging concern: eyes.

"Pearl Fractional is a unique and outstanding treatment option for the delicate periorbital area, which often shows the first signs of aging and can be the most challenging to treat," said Brian Biesman, M.D., medical director of the Nashville Centre for Laser and Facial Surgery, Nashville, TN, and immediate past president of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. "The treatment works so well because it delivers very nice skin tightening plus it addresses skin quality – improving tone, texture and discoloration for an overall more youthful appearance."

Physicians traditionally treat photo-damaged skin around the eyes with spot laser treatments and dermal fillers. The new approach, pioneered by Dr. Biesman, not only uses Pearl Fractional around the eyes, but directly over the eyelids and under the eyes too.

Dr. Biesman notes that the procedure is especially popular with patients who are approaching a milestone. "A lot of my patients come to me on the 4s and the 9s – 34, 39, 44, 49," he said. "My patients are very pleased that they see immediate, noticeable improvement in a single treatment, with very little recovery time."

Pearl Fractional, utilizing a specialized patented 2790 nm wavelength, received FDA clearance in 2008 and offers physicians a new and beneficial approach to resurfacing the skin. As with all aesthetic procedures, patients should consult a physician experienced in aesthetic laser procedures to ensure that their treatment is safe and effective.

About Cutera, Inc.
Brisbane, California-based Cutera is a leading provider of laser and other light-based aesthetic systems for practitioners worldwide. Since 1998, Cutera has been developing innovative, easy-to-use products that enable physicians and other qualified practitioners to offer safe and effective aesthetic treatments to their patients. For more information, call 1-888-4CUTERA or visit www.cutera.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning Cutera's ability to successfully develop, manufacture, market, sell and service new products worldwide to both its installed base and new customers are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current, preliminary expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause Cutera's actual results to differ materially from the statements contained herein. Potential risks and uncertainties that could affect Cutera's business and cause its financial results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements include its ability to increase revenue, manage expenses and improve sales productivity and performance worldwide; its ability to successfully develop and acquire new products and applications and market them to both its installed base and new customers; unforeseen events and circumstances relating to its operations; government regulatory actions; general economic conditions; and those other factors described in the section entitled, "Risk Factors," in its most recent Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2008. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Cutera undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they were made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

###
Media Contacts:
Maureen Brunner
Cutera Inc.
415-657-5509
mbrunner@cutera.com

Liz Mefford
Rpr Marketing Communications
212-317-1462
liz.mefford@rprny.com


Thursday, May 21, 2009

American Idol Season 8 Winner Kris Allen and Runner-Up Adam Lambert's First Single 'No Boundaries' is Available at iTunes Now


21 May 2009 04:05 Africa/Lagos

American Idol Season 8 Winner Kris Allen and Runner-Up Adam Lambert's First Single 'No Boundaries' is Available at iTunes Now

ITUNES PASS FOR IDOL WINNER ALSO LAUNCHES TODAY FEATURING 'NO BOUNDARIES' (19 RECORDINGS) AND EXCLUSIVE NEW MUSIC AND VIDEO CONTENT THROUGH THE COMING MONTHS

'NO BOUNDARIES' WAS WRITTEN BY AMERICAN IDOL JUDGE, KARA DIOGUARDI, CATHY DENNIS AND MITCH ALLAN AND WAS PRODUCED BY EMAN



LOS ANGELES May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- American Idol season 8 winner Kris Allen, and runner-up Adam Lambert's versions of their debut single "No Boundaries" is available at iTunes now. An iTunes Pass for Kris Allen also launches today, featuring a download of his version of "No Boundaries" (19 Recordings), his debut album when released, and exclusive music and video content through the coming months.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090520/LA20880-a)
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090520/LA20880-b)


With an iTunes Pass, music fans can get new and exclusive music, video and other content from their favorite artists over a set period of time, delivered to their iTunes library as soon as it's available. For the first time, an iTunes Pass is available immediately following tonight's American Idol finale, beginning with Kris Allen's winning single from the show tonight and culminating with his debut studio album.


Fans who purchase the Kris Allen iTunes Pass ($18.99) starting today will receive an instant download of "No Boundaries," and in the coming months will receive exclusive video performances from the 50-city Idol summer tour, the first single and video from the album before it's released, the album itself with special artwork, a special iTunes-only video holiday greeting at the end of the year, and more.


Additionally, Idol winner Kris Allen's version of "No Boundaries" will debut online exclusively on AOL's pop culture news site, PopEater.com.


"No Boundaries" was written by American Idol Judge Kara DioGuardi, Cathy Dennis and Mitch Allan and produced by Eman. "No Boundaries" was performed by both contestants on American Idol on both the Tuesday night performance show as well as the Wednesday night finale.


On Thursday, May 21st "No Boundaries" will be available at all digital music retailers.


Catch Kris Allen and Adam Lambert along with the rest of your top 10 American Idols on tour all summer, kicking off on July 5th in Portland, OR.


"American Idol" is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, executive producer, FremantleMedia North America.


Visit www.americanidol.com for exclusive videos and photos from the audition cities, special behind-the-scenes information and all of your "American Idol" news. For photo requests, please visit www.foxflash.com.


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090520/LA20880-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090520/LA20880-b
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: 19 Entertainment

CONTACT: Roger Widynowski of 19 Entertainment, +1-310-777-1940,
rogerw@19entertainment.com; or Eric Green of BWR Public Relations,
+1-310-248-6150, egreen@bwr-la.com, for 19 Entertainment


Web Site: http://www.americanidol.com/
http://www.foxflash.com/


Men More than Women Willing to Give Marriage a Second Chance

19 May 2009 14:00 Africa/Lagos

Men more than women willing to give marriage a second chance

Poll of Single Online Daters Unveils Who Would Take Another Trip Down the Aisle

MIAMI BEACH, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Sean Penn, Nicholas Cage, Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Demi Moore, and Jennifer Garner have all taken a second trip down the aisle. While the current divorce rate is at its lowest since 1970, still one third of Americans who have ever married have divorced at least once. With wedding season starting at the end of the month, leading online dating websites Date.com (www.date.com), Matchmaker.com (www.matchmaker.com), and Amor.com (www.amor.com), polled its members to see who would be willing to give marriage a second chance after a divorce.


"We were shocked to see the overwhelming response by men willing to take another shot at marriage after a divorce, while women were less inclined to make the commitment twice," said Shira Zwebner, Relationship Advisor for Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. "These results show just how much women's attitudes towards love and marriage have evolved over the years. Today, women are content being in a loving and committed relationship that doesn't involve a trip to City Hall, whereas men need the security of an official marriage to validate the relationship. And, with celebrity role model couples like Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, today's women are confident that their committed relationships no longer have to be State or Religiously sanctioned to be everlasting."


In a new nationwide survey of thousands of male and female online daters, ranging in ages from 18-55+, we asked: Harrison Ford finally proposed to Calista Flockhart after seven and a half years of dating! When it comes to second time around, is marriage these days necessary?


Following are the complete results:

Men

Yes 65.4%
No 23.1%
Only if adoption of children are involved 7.7%
Only if the couple is younger than 55 3.8%

Women

No 40.6%
Yes 28.1%
Only if the couple is younger than 55 18.8%
Only if adoption of children are involved 15.6%


About Avalanche, LLC
--------------------

Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine's Day 1997 and has become one of the world's most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 million members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at www.date.com.


Source: Date.com

CONTACT: Shira Zwebner, Relationship Advisor, Avalanche, LLC (Date.com,
Matchmaker.com, Amor.com), Phone: (212) 721-3440, shira@date.com


RED Makes $130mm to Save 4 Million Lives from HIV/AIDS in Africa

Just in - $130mm / 4 million lives


Dear Orikinla


Because of you, and thousands of people like you who have purchased and supported (RED), $130 million has been generated to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. All in just 3 years. Thank you.

With (RED), 100% of this money goes straight to work on the ground in Africa via the Global Fund, the organization we work with. No overhead is taken by either (RED) or the Global Fund - in fact (RED) doesn't even touch this money. It's sent directly to the Global Fund from the brands we work with, like Apple, Gap and Dell. So every time you buy (PRODUCT) REDTM, the money goes straight from your pocket to HIV/AIDS programs in Africa.

How (RED) Works


To date (RED) supported projects have helped reach more than 4 million people impacted by HIV or AIDS in Ghana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Rwanda - it's pretty incredible. Together we have also:


Helped put 111,000 HIV-positive people on antiretroviral therapy

Helped provide HIV testing and counseling for more than 3.4 million people

Helped provide more than 70,000 HIV positive pregnant women with preventative antiretroviral therapy to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission

Supported grants that finance health facilities, train health practitioners and care for children orphaned by AIDS

So (RED) money is doing some pretty extraordinary things, and everyday it's changing the lives of many people who otherwise wouldn't have access to lifesaving drugs, testing, counseling or even basic care. The everyday purchases you choose to make are making a world of difference. Check out our impact calculator to see exactly how much you are helping when you buy (PRODUCT) RED, whether it's an iPod, a t-shirt or a pair of sunglasses - you might be surprised how much it really means.

Buy (RED). Save Lives. It's that simple. And that powerful. But, we need your help and continued support - please help us spread the word.

Thanks again

Angela @ (RED)


Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Too Many Fine Babes for Lagos

Too Many Fine Babes for Lagos

I was born and bred in Lagos state and I have been privileged to travel all over Nigeria since my childhood to date. And I can confirm that there are too many beautiful and physically well endowed young women in Lagos, from the nubile teenage girls to the older young women from different tribes in Nigeria and from other countries.

This morning, this first phone call came from one of them, Funke who looks like the Barbadian R&B, reggae, and pop singer Rihanna intoto and she wants to see me. Then later, I found myself sitting beside another beauty, a mulatto, who looked like an angel in human flesh. She was looking as I typed a text message to tell Funke that I was already scheduled to go straight to MultiChoice/DSTV on Victoria Island before coming to the office of Supple magazine in Shomolu. Then as she was leaving, she turned to look at me straight as if to tell me “I know you know that I am an eyeful of beauty, Look at me well well.” Boy! I was dazed as I gazed at her from her long silky black hair she knotted into a ponytail and her sleeveless black blouse and blue denim pants and heelless sandals; she was too fine from the crown of her head to the toes of her beautiful golden feet. I swallowed lumps of saliva. Then I saw more pretty and sexy babes appearing from left and right on the street and I thought I was in a romantic dream or what could be going on!
My conclusion is, the most beautiful women in Nigeria have invaded Lagos for the summer.

Let me go and see Funke!


Monday, May 18, 2009

Louis Vuitton Facts of Life and Style


Eva LONGORIA,
"Precious" movie luncheon, 15th May 2009,
("Gina" sunglasses and Speedy bag Monogram Eclipse)

  • You can only buy a Louis Vuitton at a Louis Vuitton store, because Louis Vuitton is not distributed through any retail chains or boutiques.

  • Louis Vuitton merchandise never goes on sale. So if you bought any merchandise on sale at a boutique or elsewhere that is not a Louis Vuitton store, it is not the genuine Louis Vuitton.

  • You can take your Louis Vuitton bag for repairs at any Louis Vuitton store worldwide and if confirmed to be authentic, it will be repaired free.

  • You get a life time guarantee on any Louis Vuitton you purchase.

  • There are only 300 Louis Vuitton stores worldwide.

  • Louis Vuitton is on Twitter.



    Louis Vuitton Monogram Graffiti Neverfull GM.


14 May 2009
21:21 Louis Vuitton: Festival do Cinema de Cannes de 2009 Louis Vuitton: Festival de Cine de Cannes de 2009
21:21 Louis Vuitton: Festival de Cine de Cannes de 2009 Louis Vuitton: Festival do Cinema de Cannes de 2009
20:13 Louis Vuitton: Cannes Film Festival 2009 Louis Vuitton bei den Filmfestspielen von Cannes 2009 Louis Vuitton: Festival De Cannes 2009 Louis Vuitton: Festival de cine de Cannes 2009
20:13 Louis Vuitton: Festival de cine de Cannes 2009 Louis Vuitton bei den Filmfestspielen von Cannes 2009 Louis Vuitton: Festival De Cannes 2009 Louis Vuitton: Cannes Film Festival 2009
20:10 Louis Vuitton: Festival De Cannes 2009 Louis Vuitton bei den Filmfestspielen von Cannes 2009 Louis Vuitton: Festival de cine de Cannes 2009 Louis Vuitton: Cannes Film Festival 2009
20:09 Louis Vuitton bei den Filmfestspielen von Cannes 2009 Louis Vuitton: Festival De Cannes 2009 Louis Vuitton: Festival de cine de Cannes 2009 Louis Vuitton: Cannes Film Festival 2009
19:42 Photos: Festival De Cannes 2009 Photos: Festival De Cannes 2009



Friday, May 15, 2009

VIDEO: Allergan, Inc. Announces the 'BOTOX(R) Cosmetic: Express Success' Charitable Education Campaign, Committing $250,000 to the Not-For-Profit Dre




Actress and singer Vanessa Williams serves as campaign ambassador

May 15, 2009 (IRVINE, Calif.) /PRNewswire/ — In honor of working women who have helped make BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) the most popular physician-administered aesthetic treatment for the last seven years , Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN) has announced the "BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success" charitable education campaign. Spearheaded by actress and singer Vanessa Williams, the campaign will benefit the not-for-profit Dress for Success, an organization that helps disadvantaged women succeed in the workforce, through a $250,000 donation from Allergan. The donation will support the organization in its efforts to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

"Dress for Success is about more than providing business attire to women in need. Our mission is to change women's lives by enabling them to express success and confidence in their professional endeavors," said Joi Gordon, CEO of Dress for Success. "We're excited to partner with Allergan and Vanessa Williams to raise awareness of Dress for Success."

As part of the donation to Dress for Success, up to $50,000 of the total $250,000 donation will be generated through an online drive, with Allergan donating $2 to the organization on behalf of each of the first 25,000 people who visit and register on the campaign Web site, ExpressSuccessCampaign.com. When pledging support on the Web site, people also can enter to win a trip for two to New York City to have lunch with Vanessa Williams, read Vanessa's personal blog as well as get interview and workplace tips.

In addition to the donation, the "BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success" campaign includes a series of educational events featuring campaign ambassador, Vanessa Williams, Dress for Success CEO Joi Gordon and an aesthetic-specialty physician. The events will take place in select markets across the country where consumers will be able to support Dress for Success by donating nearly new professional attire as a cost of entry, while learning about fast and simple tips for working women, including treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic.

"As a working woman and actress, I know how important it is to 'look the part' when interviewing for a new position or in any professional setting. It's no secret that I receive BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments, which is a quick procedure that reduces the two frown lines in between my brows that look like an '11' and give me a tired or stressed appearance," said Ms. Williams. "For me, putting my best face forward means finding ways to help other women express their own success, personally and professionally. That's why I'm so excited to be involved with the 'BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success' campaign benefiting Dress for Success, which has helped more than 500,000 women prepare for, find and keep the job that ultimately leads to financial independence. There is truly no better time to get involved than now, so I ask all women to join our efforts by pledging their support online, joining us at our local events and participating in our New York City launch event."

Vanessa Williams will host the "BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success" campaign launch event with Allergan and Dress for Success on June 30 in New York City's Union Square. The event includes a celebrity "Rack Relay Race" and clothing drive. The public is invited to join Vanessa in the race by donating nearly new professional clothing and registering to race on ExpressSuccessCampaign.com. The first 100 people to pre-register online and participate in the "Rack Relay Race" will receive a certificate for a physician consultation and, if appropriate, a complimentary BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment from a licensed and trained aesthetic-specialty physician. The winning "Rack Relay Race" team also will win an opportunity to have lunch with Vanessa Williams in New York City.

Additional information about the launch and local events is available on the campaign Web site which also features an inspiring animated video featuring Vanessa Williams and three Dress for Success graduates directed by Dex Deboree, a highly acclaimed Grammy®-award nominee.

"We are pleased to launch the 'BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success' campaign on behalf of the women who have helped make BOTOX® Cosmetic the most popular physician administered treatment over the past seven years," said Robert Grant, president of Allergan Medical, a division of Allergan, Inc. "During this time, Allergan has developed many programs to educate women about the product, especially the importance of seeing a licensed and trained physician. Through this campaign, Allergan also will be realizing the important philanthropic goal of helping disadvantaged women around the country fulfill their professional potential and express their success. It's a first of its kind campaign for BOTOX® Cosmetic and we are proud to be partnering with both Dress for Success and Vanessa Williams on this important mission."

For more information about BOTOX® Cosmetic and the "BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success" campaign, please visit www.ExpressSuccessCampaign.com.
About BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (the vertical "frown lines" between the eyebrows) in adult women and men ages 18 to 65. The glabellar lines, which often look like the number "11," can have a negative effect on one's overall facial appearance by creating a sad, angry, or tired impression.

BOTOX® Cosmetic has been ranked as the number one physician-administered, aesthetic injectable treatment2 and 11.8 million treatment sessions with BOTOX® Cosmetic have been recorded in the United States alone.3 High patient satisfaction rates following treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic have been well established with 97 percent of patients indicating satisfaction with the product, according to a survey of approximately 1,000 patients conducted by the research arm of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).4
Important BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Information

BOTOX® Cosmetic is approved for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people ages 18 to 65.
Important Safety Information

BOTOX® Cosmetic injections should not be given to people who have an infection where the physician proposes to inject. They should not be given to people who are known to be sensitive to any ingredient in BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely. If you think you are having an allergic reaction or other reactions, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing, call your doctor immediately. The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.

The FDA on April 30, 2009, in its update to the early communication sent in 2008, gave the following recommendations:

* Understand that dosage strength (potency) expressed in "Units" or "U" are different among the botulinum toxin products; clinical doses expressed in units are not interchangeable from one botulinum toxin product to another.
* Be alert to and educate patients and caregivers about potential adverse events due to distant spread of botulinum toxin effects following local injections including: unexpected loss of strength or muscle weakness, hoarseness or trouble talking (dysphonia), trouble saying words clearly (dysarthria), loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids.
* Understand that these adverse events have been reported as early as several hours and as late as several weeks after treatment.
* Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop any of these symptoms.

Please click here for BOTOX® Cosmetic full product information.
About Dress for Success

Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to more than 90 cities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, the UK and the West Indies. To date, Dress for Success has helped more than 500,000 women work towards self-sufficiency. Visit http://www.dressforsuccess.org to learn more.
About Vanessa Williams:

Vanessa Williams has achieved success in every area of entertainment, including the worlds of music, theatre, film and television. She has sold millions of albums, earning multiple Grammy® Award nominations and countless other awards and honors. She has starred in numerous films, television and Broadway productions and has won or been nominated for the Emmy®, Golden Globe® and Screen Actors Guild® awards and has won two NAACP Image Awards for her role as the deliciously wicked Wilhelmina Slater on the hit ABC series, "Ugly Betty." Concord Records will release her 13th album, "The Real Thing" in June and she recently appeared in the box-office hit, "Hannah Montana: The Movie."
About Allergan, Inc.

Founded in 1950, Allergan, Inc., with headquarters in Irvine, California, is a multi-specialty health care company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices that enable people to live life to its greatest potential – to see more clearly, move more freely, express themselves more fully. The Company employs more than 8,000 people worldwide operates state-of-the-art R&D facilities and world-class manufacturing plants. In addition to its discovery-to-development research organization, Allergan has global marketing and sales capabilities with a presence in more than 100 countries.
Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements", including the statements by Ms. Gordon, Ms. Williams and Mr. Grant and other statements regarding the "BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success" charitable education campaign. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Allergan's expectations and projections. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, general industry and market conditions; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in the research and development and regulatory processes; challenges related to product marketing, such as the unpredictability of market acceptance for new products and/or the acceptance of new indications for such products; inconsistency of treatment results among patients and the potential for product failures; unknown risks associated with the investigational devices that are the subject of clinical trials; potential difficulties in manufacturing new products; general economic conditions; and governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations. Allergan expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required to do so by law.

Additional information concerning these and other risk factors can be found in press releases issued by Allergan, as well as Allergan's public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading "Risk Factors" in Allergan's 2008 Form 10-K and Allergan's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. Copies of Allergan's press releases and additional information about Allergan is available on the World Wide Web at www.allergan.com or you can contact the Allergan Investor Relations Department by calling (714) 246-4636.

© 2009 Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA 92612. ® marks owned by Allergan, Inc.
Grammy® is a registered trademark of The Recording Academy
Screen Actors Guild® is a registered trademark of the Screen Actors Guild
Emmy® is a registered trademark of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS/NATAS)
Golden Globe® is a registered trademark of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association
APC53TZ09

###

_______________________
1American Society of Plastic Surgeons; "Top Five Minimally-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures" 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008.
2American Society of Plastic Surgeons; "Top Five Minimally-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures" 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008.
3Allergan data on file; Global Regulatory Affairs
4Aesthetic Surgery Education & Research Foundation press release "First-of-its-kind Survey Finds That BOTOX® Cosmetic has Gone Mainstream" Released 04/28/06



Allergan Contacts
Caroline Van Hove (714) 246-5134 (media)
Kellie Reagan (714) 246-2278 (media)
Dress for Success Contact
Erin Moran (646) 233-4954 (media)


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Liberate The Breast Cancer Genes



Liberate The Breast Cancer Genes

ACLU Releases Video Showing How
Restrictive Gene Patents Hurt Women




New York, May 13 /PRNewswire/ — Breast cancer survivor Genae Girard underwent genetic testing to determine whether she's also at risk for ovarian cancer and should have her ovaries removed. But the test didn't come with a second opinion - a problem for any woman facing a decision that will impact her ability to have children. That's because only one company holds the patents on the genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer and no one else can offer this kind of testing without its permission.

Lisbeth Ceriani, a single mom, simply can't afford the more than $3,000 test. Getting the test paid for by insurance can be difficult.

"I'd like to see my 8-year-old daughter go to college," Ceriani says. "But if I have the mutation, there's a huge chance I'll end up with ovarian cancer in the immediate future. I need to have that test so I can get my ovaries out if I need to before anything happens. I don't like those odds."

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit Tuesday charging that human genes by law cannot be patented and that such patents violate the First Amendment. The gene patents impede clinical testing and research. An ACLU-produced video released today lays out the case by telling the stories of researchers, clinicians and individual women negatively affected by the patents. The ACLU has launched the video, "Liberate the Breast Cancer Genes," on its Web site and YouTube channel to help people understand how this lawsuit directly touches people's lives. The stories of Girard and Ceriani, who are plaintiffs in the case, are featured in the video.

"How can it be that a company controls genes? How is that possible?" asks Barbara Brenner, Director of Breast Cancer Action, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

The video outlines the problems experienced as a result of the U.S Patent and Trademark Office granting Myriad Genetics patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Dr. Wendy Chung, Director of Clinical Genetics at Columbia University and a plaintiff in the case, says she too often sees women like Girard and Runi Limary who can't seek second opinions and are given little data to understand what their tests results mean because of the patents.

Limary had breast cancer at 28 and took Myriad's test to find out if it was likely to return and if ovarian cancer is a concern. The result was puzzling: Limary was told she had a genetic variant of "uncertain significance." It turns out other Asian-American women like Limary had also received these results. But because patent-holder Myriad has not determined their significance and others are excluded from doing the testing, these women are left to guess whether their variants warrant removal of their ovaries along with their ability to have children.

Tania Simoncelli, ACLU science advisor, says a lot is at stake if companies like Myriad are allowed to own genes and have a monopoly on everything associated with those genes.

"They own not only the gene, they own any future tests, any future drug, any future therapy, so we are putting our trust in one single company," says Simoncelli. "There are places where the patent system has gone too far. Too much patent protection can in fact trample our civil liberties."

The ACLU expects these gene patents will be declared invalid as a result of this lawsuit.

The video "Liberate the Breast Cancer Genes" can be found at the following links:
YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h6X46-qz14

ACLU blog
http://blog.aclu.org/2009/05/13/liberate-the-breast-cancer-genes

More information about the ACLU's lawsuit can be found online at: www.aclu.org/brca
http://blog.aclu.org/2009/05/13/liberate-the-breast-cancer-genes

Press Contacts:
Maria Archuleta
(212) 519-7808
Rachel Myers
(212) 549-2689


Monday, May 11, 2009

My Queen Will Be 21 Tomorrow

The queen of my heart will be 21 tomorrow and I thank the Almighty God for her beautiful and wonderful life.

She my one and only First Lady and I call her by her initials QMC.
She is one in a million and only heaven knows how much I love her.


Monday, May 04, 2009

'Twilight' vs. 'Slumdog Millionaire'! Top Fan-Nominated Films Get Ready to Rumble at the '2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS'

4 May 2009 15:01 Africa/Lagos

'Twilight' vs. 'Slumdog Millionaire'! Top Fan-Nominated Films Get Ready to Rumble at the '2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS'

Vampire Blockbuster and Oscar Award(R) -Winning Breakout Neck-In-Neck with Both Films Receiving Nominations in 6 Categories

Andy Samberg Hosts the '2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS' LIVE on Sunday, May 31st at 9p.m./8p.m. C

NEW YORK, May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The hit films "Twilight" and "Slumdog Millionaire" get ready to battle it out as MTV: Music Television announces this year's final nominees for the "2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS." Pitting Hollywood vampires against the Mumbai slums, the movies' rabid fans proved their loyalty as they sent both flicks to the head of the cinematic pack with each film receiving nominations in six award categories including "BEST MOVIE," "BEST KISS" and "BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE MALE."

MTV will up the cinematic fun quotient this year by debuting the two new categories "BEST SONG FROM A MOVIE" and "BEST WTF MOMENT." Fans will get the chance to vote on such movie soundtrack hits as "The Climb" from "Hannah Montana: The Movie" as well as pick this year's most jaw-dropping "WTF" movie moment that left audiences speechless such as the naked break-up scene in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." The 18th annual awards show will be executive produced by Emmy Award(R) winning producer Mark Burnett. Hosted by Andy Samberg, the "2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS" will be broadcast LIVE from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA on Sunday, May 31st at 9p.m./8p.m. C.

"This is the first year we've put the nominee decisions in the hands of our audience. From 'Twilight' to 'Slumdog' -- this year's ceremony belongs to our most avid movie fans," said Van Toffler, President, MTV Networks Music, Logo and Films Group. "Our viewers' unending enthusiasm for the movies they love is why we've given them the platform to select the nominees for this year's show."

The "2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS" marks the first year in which the final nominees were decided on by the fans. From May 4 - May 27, viewers can visit MovieAwards.MTV.com (www.MovieAwards.MTV.com) to vote for their favorite film moments and actors but the category of "BEST MOVIE" will be a fight to the end as voting for favorite film of the year will remain open throughout the LIVE show. MovieAwards.MTV.com is the official site for the "MTV MOVIE AWARDS" where fans can visit to vote and stay to check out show promos starring Andy Samberg and some of today's hottest celebs, get up-to-date info and watch MTV News nominee interviews. During the voting window fans can also head over to facebook.com/mtv, myspace.com/mtv, Flixster and IMDB.com for a special "Movie Awards" social module that will enable them to cast their votes, take polls, watch promo videos, get special news and tweets about the show and special links to "Movie Awards" contests.

Nominees for the "2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS" are:

BEST MOVIE (voting stays live throughout the 2009 Movie Awards ceremony)
-- The Dark Knight
-- Director: Christopher Nolan, Producers: Charles Roven and Emma
Thomas (Warner Bros. Pictures)
-- High School Musical 3: Senior Year
-- Director: Kenny Ortega, Producers: Bill Borden and Barry Rosenbush
(Walt Disney Pictures)
-- Iron Man
-- Director: Jon Favreau, Producers: Avi Arad and Kevin Feige
(Paramount Pictures)
-- Slumdog Millionaire
-- Director: Danny Boyle, Producer: Christian Colson (Fox
Searchlight)
-- Twilight

-- Director: Catherine Hardwicke, Producers: Wyck Godfrey, Greg
Mooradian and Mark Morgan (Summit Entertainment)

BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE
-- Angelina Jolie - Wanted (Universal Pictures)
-- Anne Hathaway - Bride Wars (20th Century Fox)
-- Kate Winslet - The Reader (The Weinstein Company)
-- Kristen Stewart - Twilight (Summit Entertainment)

-- Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount
Pictures)

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE
-- Christian Bale - The Dark Knight (Warner Bros. Pictures)
-- Robert Downey Jr. - Iron Man (Paramount Pictures)
-- Shia LaBeouf - Eagle Eye (DreamWorks SKG/ Paramount Pictures)
-- Vin Diesel - Fast & Furious (Universal Pictures)

-- Zac Efron - High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Walt Disney Pictures)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE FEMALE
-- Amanda Seyfried - Mamma Mia! (Universal Pictures)
-- Ashley Tisdale - High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Walt Disney
Pictures)
-- Freida Pinto - Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight)
-- Miley Cyrus - Hannah Montana: The Movie (Walt Disney Pictures)
-- Vanessa Hudgens - High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Walt Disney
Pictures)

-- Kat Dennings - Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (Columbia Pictures)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE MALE
-- Robert Pattinson - Twilight (Summit Entertainment)
-- Taylor Lautner - Twilight (Summit Entertainment)
-- Ben Barnes - The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Walt Disney
Pictures)
-- Dev Patel - Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight)

-- Bobb'e J. Thompson - Role Models (Universal Pictures)

BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE
-- Amy Poehler - Baby Mama (Universal Pictures)
-- Anna Faris - The House Bunny (Columbia Pictures)
-- James Franco - Pineapple Express (Columbia Pictures)
-- Jim Carrey - Yes Man (Warner Bros. Pictures)

-- Steve Carell - Get Smart (Warner Bros. Pictures)

BEST VILLAIN
-- Derek Mears - Friday The 13th (Warner Bros. Pictures)
-- Dwayne Johnson - Get Smart (Warner Bros. Pictures)
-- Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight (Warner Bros. Pictures)
-- Johnathon Schaech - Prom Night (Screen Gems)

-- Luke Goss - Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Universal Pictures)

BEST FIGHT
-- Anne Hathaway vs. Kate Hudson - Bride Wars (20th Century Fox)
-- Christian Bale vs. Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.
Pictures)
-- Ron Perlman vs. Luke Goss - Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Universal
Pictures)
-- Robert Pattinson vs. Cam Gigandet - Twilight (Summit Entertainment)

-- Seth Rogen and James Franco vs. Danny McBride - Pineapple Express
(Columbia Pictures)

BEST KISS
-- Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy - Wanted (Universal Pictures)
-- Freida Pinto and Dev Patel - Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight)
-- James Franco and Sean Penn - Milk (Focus Features)
-- Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson - Twilight (Summit Entertainment)
-- Paul Rudd and Thomas Lennon - I Love You, Man (Paramount Pictures)

-- Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron - High School Musical 3: Senior Year
(Walt Disney Pictures)

BEST WTF MOMENT (New Category)
-- Amy Poehler - Baby Mama, Peeing In the Sink (Universal Pictures)
-- Angelina Jolie - Wanted, Curved Bullet Kill (Universal Pictures)
-- Ayush Mahesh Khedekar - Slumdog Millionaire, Jumping in the Poop Shed
(Fox Searchlight)
-- Ben Stiller - Tropic Thunder, Tasting the Decapitated Head (DreamWorks
SKG/ Paramount Pictures)

-- Jason Segel and Kristen Bell - Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Naked
Break-Up (Universal Pictures)

BEST SONG FROM A MOVIE (New Category)
-- "Jai Ho" - AR Raham, Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight)
-- "The Wrestler" - Bruce Springsteen, The Wrestler (Fox Searchlight)
-- "The Climb" - Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana: The Movie (Walt Disney
Pictures)

-- "Decode" - Paramore, Twilight (Summit Entertainment)

2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS: Total Number of Combined Category Nominations

Twilight 7
Slumdog Millionaire 6
High School Musical 3: Senior Year 5
The Dark Knight 4
Wanted 3
Baby Mama 2
Bride Wars 2
Get Smart 2
Hannah Montana: The Movie 2
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army 2
Iron Man 2
Pineapple Express 2
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 1
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button 1
Eagle Eye 1
Fast & Furious 1
Forgetting Sarah Marshall 1
Friday The 13th 1
The House Bunny 1
I Love You, Man 1
Mamma Mia! 1
Milk 1
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist 1
Prom Night 1
The Reader 1
Role Models 1
Tropic Thunder 1
The Wrestler 1
Yes Man 1

Mark Burnett serves as Executive Producer for the "2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS." Audrey Morrissey is Co-Executive Producer. Lee Rolontz is Executive Producer for MTV, Garrett English is Executive in charge for MTV and Jane Mun serves as Producer. Robin Reinhardt-Locke is Celebrity Talent Executive.

Official sponsors of the "2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS" include Coca-Cola(R), Kia Motors, Nikon, Orbit(R) gum, Taco Bell(R), T-Mobile USA, and Venus. Orbit is a registered trademark of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.

Organized by Laurie Ziegler of Branded Entertainment Marketing, nominee gifts for the "2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS" are provided by Netflix and Jil Sander Eyewear by Marchon.

About MTV:

MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 27 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 is the number one rated full-day ad-supported cable network for P12-24. Online, MTV.com averaged 8.5 million monthly unique visitors during the first quarter of 2009 -- up +6% from Q4/2008 and up +6% year-over-year. Total video streams for the first quarter of 2009 increased 21% over the same time period last year. 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

About Mark Burnett Productions:

Mark Burnett is a leading executive producer for primetime television, cable and the internet, and has produced over 1,100 hours of television programming which regularly airs in over 70 countries around the world. Mark Burnett (President of Mark Burnett Productions) has revolutionized television with continuing hits such as Survivor (CBS), The Apprentice (NBC), Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? (FOX), which is currently being produced in 52 countries, and the daytime syndicated hit Martha. In the summers of 2007 and 2008, MBP entered the world of award shows, when Mark Burnett served as executive producer for the MTV MOVIE AWARDS. Since 2001, MBP has garnered a total of 51 Emmy nominations with Mark receiving 2 wins, along with 4 People's Choice Awards. Mark Burnett has been named one of the most influential people in the world by TIME magazine and named TV Guide's most valuable player. He has won both BRANDWEEK'S Marketer of the Year Award and the prestigious ROSE D'OR FRAPA Format Award. In 2007, Mark Burnett was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. In 2008, Mark was honored with the announcement that he is to receive a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. In 2009, MBP has garnered new series, including Shark Tank (ABC), StarMaker (MTV), Bully Beatdown (MTV), How'd You Get So Rich (TV Land), Expedition (History), Wedding Day (TNT), Toughest Cowboy (Spike) as well as new pilots for FOX and CBS.

Source: MTV

CONTACT: Noelle Llewellyn, +1-212-846-7166,
Noelle.Llewellyn@mtvstaff.com, Stephanie Berman, +1-212-846-7175,
Stephanie.Berman@mtvstaff.com, both of MTV Communications

Web Site: http://www.mtv.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: TO APPLY FOR CREDENTIALS GO TO: WWW.MTVPRESS.COM


Friday, May 01, 2009

Carol Ann Duffy Becomes Britain's First Female Poet Laureate


Carol Ann Duffy


1 May 2009 10:19 Africa/Lagos


Carol Ann Duffy, CBE appointed new Poet Laureate

London, 1 May/GNN/ --

DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT News Release (64/09) issued by COI
News Distribution Service on 1 May 2009

Her Majesty The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Professor
Carol Ann Duffy as the next Poet Laureate. Carol Ann Duffy, who succeeds
Andrew Motion as Laureate, is appointed for a fixed-term of ten years.

An acclaimed poet and playwright, Duffy is the author of numerous award-winning
poetry collections, plays, and fairy tales and poetry for children. Awarded an
OBE in 1995 and a CBE in 2002 for services to Poetry, she lives in Manchester
where she is Creative Director of the Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan
University.

Carol Ann Duffy has asked for her annual honorarium as Poet Laureate to
be paid to the Poetry Society to help fund an annual prize for the best
collection of poetry published each year. She is working with Buckingham
Palace on this idea, and further details will be available in due course.

The Prime Minister said:

"I'd like to congratulate Carol Ann Duffy on her appointment as the first
Poet Laureate of the 21st century and, of course, as the first woman to
hold the post. Poetry as an art form has inspired, excited and comforted
people of all ages and backgrounds for so many centuries and Carol Ann
follows in a tradition set by some of the most distinguished writers in the
English language. She is a truly brilliant modern poet who has stretched our
imaginations by putting the whole range of human experiences into lines that
capture the emotions perfectly and I wish her well for her ten year term."

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said:

"Carol Ann Duffy is a towering figure in English literature today and a superb
poet. I am delighted that she has accepted the Laureateship. She will be a
very worthy successor to Andrew Motion whose approach to the role has done
so much to revive public interest in the post. His achievement has been
outstanding and I pay tribute to his exceptional public service during his
period as Laureate.

"He is succeeded today by someone who, in my view, has achieved something
that only the true greats of literature manage - that is to be regarded as
both popular and profound. It's a measure of her reach and impact on our
national life that her poems can be the subject of serious academic study and,
at the same time, be just as at home when families gather for the landmark
events of their lives.

"Carol Ann Duffy is also, of course, a spell-binding performer and writes
truly wonderful storybooks and poetry for children. I have no doubt at
all she will carry this forward and bring a new generation to poetry."

Carol Ann Duffy said:

"I'm very honoured and humbled to become Poet Laureate, not only when I think
of some of the great poets who have occupied the post since the 17th Century,
but when I think of some of the wonderful poets writing now. The continuance
of the Laureateship is important because it properly draws attention to the
central role that poetry can play in the lives of ordinary people. Poetry is
all around us, all of the time, whether in song or in speech or on the page,
and we turn to it when events, personal or public, matter most. In accepting
this Laureateship, I hope to contribute to people's understanding of what
poetry can do, and where it can be found."

Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham, recommended the appointment of Carol Ann
Duffy to the Prime Minister following the consultation carried out by the
Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

It is expected that Carol Ann Duffy will meet The Queen for an Audience at
Buckingham Palace in the coming months.

The honorary Royal post of Poet Laureate is awarded to a poet whose work is of
national significance. The laureateship came into existence in 1668 when King
Charles II gave John Dryden the official title. Past Laureates have included
Dryden, Wordsworth, Tennyson, Betjeman and Hughes. The role has changed over
time - originally the office involved writing court odes to mark occasions
such as the Sovereign's birthday, but today the position is purely honorary.

Andrew Motion was the first laureate to be appointed for a fixed-term,
rather than a lifetime. The appointment was changed following the death of
Ted Hughes, as the fixed-term gives more poets the opportunity to serve.

Notes to Editors
1. The honorary Royal post of Poet Laureate is awarded to a poet whose work is
of national significance. The appointment is made by HM The Queen, and, as is
usual with this appointment, Her Majesty acts on the advice of her Government.

2. DCMS carried out the consultation process on behalf of the Royal Household
and sought advice from academics, key poetry and literary organisations and
others in the sector, including: Apples & Snakes, Arts Council England, Arts
Council of Northern Ireland, Association for Commonwealth Literature and
Language Studies, Association of Scottish Literature Studies, Australian
Poetry Centre, British Council, Edinburgh International Book Festival,
Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru, League of Canadian Poets, National Poetry Day,
New Zealand Poetry Society, Poetry Archive, Poetry Book Society, Poetry School,
Poetry Society, Poetry Trust, QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority),
Royal Society of Literature, Scottish Arts Council, Scottish Poetry Library,
Society of Authors (including the Society of Authors in Scotland), Southbank
Centre, The Welsh Academy and academics from the Centre for Research into
the English Literature and Language of Wales (Swansea University), National
Centre for Writing (University of Glamorgan), University College London,
University of Cambridge, University of Leeds, University of Oxford, and
University of Warwick.

3. Following the consultation process, DCMS discussed the most nominated
poets with Arts Council England, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, British
Council, Scottish Arts Council and The Welsh Academy.

4. The Culture Secretary made the recommendation following the consultation and
with consideration for the views of the Arts Councils and British Council. The
Prime Minister put the recommendation to HM The Queen for approval.

5. DCMS has been monitoring correspondence about the laureateship from other
interested parties and the public. There was not, however, a public vote to
determine the holder of the post.

6. DCMS supports the laureateship by funding the annual honorarium
(approximately £5,750). DCSF has supported Andrew Motion's work in schools and
colleges and the Department would provide support for the new Laureate if she
chooses to use her tenure to act as an advocate for poetry in education. The
level of financial support would be agreed with DCSF, the Royal Household
and the Laureate.

7. Carol Ann Duffy was born in Glasgow in 1955. Her family moved to England
when she was 5 and she grew up in Stafford with her four brothers. In 1977
she received an Honours Degree in Philosophy from the University of Liverpool
and since that time she has devoted herself to writing poetry for both adults
and children. She has also worked occasionally in Theatre, notably with Tim
Supple in their adaptations of Grimms' Tales. Since the birth of her daughter,
Ella, in 1995, Carol Ann has written several illustrated fairy tales for
children and her writing for children is just as important to her as her adult
poetry. Carol Ann lives in Manchester, where she is Creative Director of The
Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University, a post she hugely enjoys.

8. Carol Ann Duffy has received numerous awards for her work, among them
The Somerset Maugham Award, The Dylan Thomas Award, an Eric Gregory Award,
A Cholmondely Award, The Whitbread Prize for Poetry, The Forward Prize,
The Signal Award for Children's Poetry, and The T.S. Eliot Prize. She has
received an OBE and a CBE for services to Poetry and is a Fellow of the
Royal Society of Literature.

9. Carol Ann has published over 30 books including:

for adults:

Standing Female Nude, Selling Manhattan, The Other Country, Mean Time,
The World's Wife, Feminine Gospels, Rapture, New Selected Poems

as editor:

Hand In Hand, Out Of Fashion, Overheard On A Saltmarsh, Answering Back

for children:

Meeting Midnight, The Oldest Girl In The World, The Good Child's Guide To
Rock'n'roll, The Hat, The Lost Happy Endings, The Tear Thief, The Princess's
Blankets.

This autumn also sees the publication of New And Collected Poems For Children
(Faber) and To The Moon, an anthology of lunar poems (Picador).

10. In the coming weeks, Carol Ann is giving poetry readings at The British
Library, Chepstow, York, the Bollington Festival, The Word Festival in
Aberdeen, the Hay Festival, the Wycherley Festival for Children, The Wordsworth
Trust, for Worcester Hospice, The University of Sheffield, The Hull Festival,
Luvy Cavenish College, The Isle of Wight, and is running writing courses
at Arvon's Moniack Mhor in Scotland and at The Welsh Writing Centre at
Ty Nywyyd. She goes in August to read at The Edinburgh International Book
Festival and to perform a 10-day children's poetry show, with the musician
John Sampson, on The Fringe. In the autumn, Carol Ann will undertake, with
other poets including Gillian Clarke and John Agard, a 40 day-plus poetry
tour for GCSE students.

11. Carol Ann Duffy can be contacted through her agent Peter Straus, of
Rogers, Coleridge & White, on 020 7221 3717.

Press enquiries: 020 7211 6276
Out of hours telephone pager: 07699 751153
Public enquiries: 020 7211 6200
www.culture.gov.uk

2-4 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5DH
www.culture.gov.uk


Source: Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Bibliography

Awards



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