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
Monday, May 04, 2009
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
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|
- Eric Gregory Award 1984
- Scottish Arts Council Book Award (for Standing Female Nude and The Other Country, and again for Mean Time)
- Somerset Maugham Award 1988 (for Selling Manhattan)
- Dylan Thomas Award 1989
- Cholmondeley Award 1992
- Whitbread Awards 1993 (for Mean Time)
- Forward Prize (for Mean Time)
- T S Eliot Prize 2005 (for Rapture)
- Forward Prize (for Rapture)
- Greenwich Poetry Competition (for Words of Absolution)
- Nesta Award 2001
- Lannan Award 1995
- National Poetry Competition 1st prize, 1983 (for Whoever She Was)
- Signal Children's Poetry Prize 1999
- Poet Laureate 2009
| Entertainment Highlights |  |  |
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Girlie! I Don't Want To See Your Sagging Jeans and Sagging Buttocks
This is bad and ugly in public!
Girls Are Ugly in their sagging jeans and sagging buttocks.
I was at the Guaranty Trust Bank at Anthony Village in Lagos to transfer some lump sum of money to my darling when I saw a young woman in black blouse and low-rise jeans. She was good looking at first sight, but as she turned to enter the cash deposit room, what I saw put me off! The upper parts of her black buttocks were showing and she had no underwear! It was a disgusting sight. Suddenly she was no longer a pretty sight! It was undignified for a lady to be so brazen in her dressing in public.
Hello girlie! If you want to wear a low-rise pants, please at least put on a thong and even your whale tail could turn me on! But without an underwear, your buttock cleavage is a turn-off.
I can tolerate this.
Seeing girls and women in low-slung trousers and making a shameless public exhibition of their buttocks and the gluteal cleft between them is below human dignity.
You think you are pretty and sexy and invoke erotic fantasy to make you a public sex object, but my dear sister there is nothing romantic in being half naked in public, because you might be mistaken for a lunatic.
Have you read Half of a Yellow Sun?
Read this classic war novel and tell me about it.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
The Women of Afghanistan Speak Out
Dear Orikinla,
THE WOMEN OF AFGHANISTAN SPEAK OUT
"Afghan women and girls want education. Many risk their lives to go to school... Human rights are not a western concept, but universal and necessary for all human beings "
Dr Sima Samar, chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and Special Human Rights Rapportuer for Sudan.
Kabul, Afghanistan, April 15, 2009: Hundreds of Afghan women stood up to an angry crowd and marched to the Parliament, calling for repeal of a new law restricting women's lives.
For the women of Afghanistan and neighboring areas of Pakistan dominated by the Taliban, recent news has been dire: The new law passed by Parliament and signed by President Karzai, forbidding women to leave the house without their husbands' permission and legalizing marital rape; a 17 year-old woman in the Swat region of Pakistan, flogged for what the local Taliban commander described as a "transgression"; continuing attacks on girls' schools. According to the Feminist Majority Foundation, hundreds of girls' schools have been destroyed and teachers murdered; young girls on their way to school had acid thrown at them.
Reaction to the new law -- and to the attacks on women which preceded it -- has been strong: President Obama said "I think this law is abhorrent. Certainly the views of this administration have been, and will be communicated to the Karzai government... The first reason we are there is to root out al Qaeda...those two things aren't contradictory, I think they're complementary..."
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: "My message is very clear: Women's rights are a central part of American foreign policy in the Obama administration; they are not marginal; they re not an add-on or afterthought...So we will continue to work very hard on behalf of women and girls in Afghanistan and around the world."
Women Senators have spoken up: a bipartisan group, led by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and including Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) sent a letter to President Karzai.
"This law should be reversed immediately," Boxer said. "Not only is this law an attack on individual freedom, but it condones despicable acts against women in their homes. By approving this law, Afghan leaders are holding back the entire country's progress and turning the nation back toward some of the most oppressive practices of the Taliban."
Responding to the public outcry, President Karzai has now promised to review the law. According to his aide, the legislation is not yet law, and will be reviewed so that it will be "consistent with the rights provided in the Constitution -- equality and the protection of women"
The State Departments is monitoring what happens next: "We're glad that President Karzai has agreed to review this law critics say permits spousal rape and severely limits women's rights," said State Department spokesman Robert Wood. "And we'll be watching this closely to see how the process develops."
Watch the video.
Video courtesy of the Associated Press.
The women of Afghanistan are risking their lives to speak up for their rights; we must continue to speak up for them.
SCIENCE COMES (BACK) TO WASHINGTON
An important policy announcement this week, and a demonstration that respect for scientific evidence and evidence-based decision making has come back to Washington:
The Environmental Protection Agency said formally that carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases "endanger public health and welfare within the meaning of the Clean Air Act." Among the problems they cause: increased drought, flooding, more frequent heat waves and wildfires, and harm to water resources, agriculture and eco-systems.
The proposed finding is open for comment review for 60 days, but I think I have my favorite already:
"'Duh' may not be a scientific term, but it applies here" said Emily Figdor, federal global warming director of Environment America. " EPA has embraced the basic facts on global warming that scientists around the world have acknowledged for years."
A very happy Earth Day to all of us concerned about the health of our families -- and our planet.
EQUAL RIGHTS AT HOME
Next Tuesday, April 28th is Equal Pay Day -- and if you wonder why that day was chosen, April 28 marks how long into the current year American women have to work to catch up with what was earned by men just in the previous year. Think what a difference that equal paycheck would make to your family!
This year, we can celebrate passage of the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the first legislation signed into law by President Obama, which ensures that women have a reasonable chance to sue for pay discrimination. But we could do so much more by acting, to prevent discrimination the first place. The Paycheck Fairness Act, originally sponsored by then-Senator Hillary Clinton, and now led by Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) would strengthen the Equal Pay laws, and help take equal pay from the law books to our checkbooks.
We have a lot more information coming about and actions you can take on Equal Pay and the Paycheck Fairness Act -- stay tuned.
NO LIMITS IS GROWING
We're so proud to announce the next steps for No Limits: our new website will be ready soon, with resources and information about the issues you care about, and a special social networking feature that will make it easier for us all to stay connected.
You can help us grow! When you get the announcement of our new website, will you forward it to your friends?
Sincerely,
Ann Lewis
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Video: Jennifer Lopez Joins the Fight Against Pertussis in New PSAs
Jennifer Lopez Joins the Fight Against Pertussis in New PSAs
Singer, actress and mother teams up with the March of Dimes and sanofi pasteur to launch national whooping cough education campaign
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. and SWIFTWATER, Pa., April 22, 2009 While most parents can't wait to hear their baby's first babbles and coos, there's a first sound that actress, singer and mother Jennifer Lopez is betting no parents ever want to hear - the sound of their baby with pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough. Ms. Lopez has joined the March of Dimes and sanofi pasteur, the vaccines division of the sanofi-aventis Group, to create a national public awareness campaign called "Sounds of Pertussis."
Photo courtesy of StartraksPhoto.com
"Her latest role? Actress, singer, and mother Jennifer Lopez helps launch a new public service announcement (PSA) to raise
awareness about how adults can help prevent contracting and spreading pertussis, also known as whooping cough, to babies. The PSA and more information about the campaign can be found at www.SoundsofPertussis.com."
The new initiative focuses on educating new parents and their families about pertussis, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease for infants. The campaign's centerpiece is a series of television and radio public service announcements (PSAs) featuring Ms. Lopez that are available in both English and Spanish. The PSAs, scheduled to begin airing nationally this month, encourage new and expectant parents to help protect their babies by making sure that anyone who is, or will be, in close contact with a young infant has been vaccinated against pertussis.
"When I learned that many babies who get pertussis catch it from their parents, and how easy it is for adults to get vaccinated, I was shocked," said Ms. Lopez. "New and expectant parents have so many things to worry about. Getting pertussis themselves, or possibly spreading the disease to their own children, shouldn't be one of them. I felt it was urgent to let parents know how important it is that they get vaccinated against pertussis to protect themselves and to help keep their babies safe from this dangerous disease," she added.
Pertussis Makes a Comeback
Between 2000-2003 and 2004-2007, there was a 100 percent increase in reported cases of pertussis. Estimates indicate that there may be as many as 800,000 to 3.3 million total adult and adolescent cases of pertussis in any given year.
Pertussis is highly contagious and is caused by bacteria which are spread through airborne droplets from the nose and throat. So a cough, sneeze or even talking very close could lead to exposure. In adults, symptoms are usually milder than those found in infants, and pertussis is often mistaken for the common cold or bronchitis. In infants and some adults, pertussis causes severe coughing characterized by the unforgettable "whoop" sound made when gasping for breath after a coughing fit. It creates a sticky, thick mucous that makes it difficult to eat, drink and breathe. The coughing fits can be so violent that infants cannot catch their breath and may turn blue. Pertussis can also lead to other serious complications such as pneumonia, which can require hospitalization. In recent years, 90 percent of pertussis deaths have occurred in infants younger than four months of age.
Because Hispanic babies may be at a higher risk for contracting pertussis, and the risk of dying from pertussis may be higher in Hispanic infants than in non-Hispanic infants, the program is being implemented as a bilingual educational initiative.
"We're very pleased to be working with Ms. Lopez and sanofi pasteur on a campaign that continues the March of Dimes' tradition of championing the health of all babies," said Alan R. Fleischman, M.D., senior vice president and medical director for the March of Dimes. "Pertussis is still prevalent in the U.S. despite routine childhood immunization. Educating parents about the importance of vaccinating themselves and their families to reduce their risk of contracting pertussis and possibly spreading this dangerous disease to infants is an important step in trying to reverse this trend."
Protecting Against Pertussis
While most infants are given routine diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) immunizations, they do not begin the primary series until they are two months of age and may not be fully protected until they have completed their primary series of vaccinations with three or four doses. During this time, they are vulnerable to pertussis. Accordingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults and adolescents 11-64 years of age, especially those who have close contact with an infant, be immunized with a tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster. The CDC also recommends that new mothers get the Tdap vaccination in the immediate postpartum period to protect themselves from pertussis and reduce the risk for exposing their infants to the disease.
Adults who received vaccinations when they were children may mistakenly believe that they are still protected against pertussis, but immunity wears off over 5 to 10 years, leaving them vulnerable to contracting and spreading the disease.
"Despite the CDC recommendations, a 2007 survey showed that fewer than two percent of adults 18 through 64 years of age had ever received a Tdap vaccination," said Dr. Fleischman. "It is our goal with this campaign to ensure that all new parents are aware of pertussis and that they speak with their health-care providers about getting vaccinated."
Sounds of Pertussis
The "Sounds of Pertussis" campaign includes specific elements designed to reach the Hispanic population, which is the fastest growing and largest minority in the U.S. All of the PSAs have been created in both English and Spanish, and the campaign also includes a four-part radio novela that will air on Spanish-language radio stations throughout the country.
In addition to educational brochures, the campaign includes components to directly engage parents in helping to educate their friends and families about pertussis prevention for themselves and the babies in their lives. These components include a recorded telephone message and e-mails featuring Jennifer Lopez available for sharing on the campaign Web site. The video PSA also will also be available online for downloading and sharing.
Parents and other caregivers can learn more about pertussis, hear the sound of pertussis, send "Sounds of Pertussis" e-mails to friends and family and view the PSAs by visiting www.SoundsofPertussis.com.
March for Babies®
As part of the "Sounds of Pertussis" campaign, Ms. Lopez is acting as the Honorary Chairperson of the March of Dimes March for Babies 2009 walks, and sanofi pasteur is a national sponsor of the March. The March for Babies takes place the weekend of April 25-26 in more than 900 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Money raised by March for Babies supports community programs that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies; fund research to help babies begin healthy lives; and provide support to families of babies in newborn intensive care.
"Sounds of Pertussis" booths will be stationed at walks in 25 major cities to help raise awareness of pertussis disease and prevention. These booths will offer information and giveaways to walk participants, as well as continuously show the new PSA. Information about the walks can be found at www.marchforbabies.org.
About March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit www.marchofdimes.com or www.nacersano.org.
March of Dimes and sanofi pasteur are working together on "Sounds of Pertussis" to help protect the health and wellness of adults and infants. For additional information about pertussis and immunization, and the relationship between sanofi pasteur and the March of Dimes, please visit www.SoundsofPertussis.com. The March of Dimes does not endorse specific products or brands.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).
Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, provided more than 1.6 billion doses of vaccine in 2008, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, sanofi pasteur offers the broadest range of vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases. The company's heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us.
For Sanofi Pasteur
U.S. Media Relations
Lori Lukus
T. +1-570-957-0717
lori.lukus@sanofipasteur.com
www.sanofipasteur.us
For March of Dimes
U.S. Media Relations
Michele Kling
T. + 1-914-997-4613
mkling@marchofdimes.com
www.marchofdimes.com
Mother's Day Feature Package
Monday, April 20, 2009
Video: PEEPSHOW Starring Mel B. & Costarring Kelly Monaco, Conceived, Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, Produced by BASE Entertainment
PEEPSHOW
Starring Mel B.
&
Costarring Kelly Monaco
Conceived, Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell
Produced by BASE Entertainment
******************************************************************
Celebrates World Premiere
April 18, 2009
AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO
Las Vegas, NV (April 20, 2009) /PRNewswire/ — PEEPSHOW, the new, sophisticated, ultra-hot show celebrated its world premiere on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Pop superstar and television personality Mel B. originates the role of the "Peep Diva," alongside Kelly Monaco who takes the stage as "Bo Peep," a timid girl who the Diva guides in her transformation into a confident, sensual woman. Alongside Mel B. & Kelly is a sizzling ensemble of sexy PEEPSHOW GIRLS, showstoppers from film, TV, Broadway and beyond who were handpicked to complete a highly-skilled, voluptuous cast unlike any other on The Strip. To top it off, the entire production is backed by a powerhouse all-female rock band playing today's best-known hits and original songs created especially for PEEPSHOW.
"PEEPSHOW is a one-of-a-kind, stunning and seductive production that leaves the audience wanting more," said Robert Earl, co-chairman of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. "PEEPSHOW is a natural fit for Planet Hollywood and we're proud to be the home of this dazzling world premiere."
A highly stylized, full-throttle production show that combines sexy striptease and celebrity with high-level production values and a dash of passion, PEEPSHOW is a collaboration between Tony award-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell and Las Vegas entertainment pacesetter BASE Entertainment.
PEEPSHOW is a perfectly naughty night out for any fan of first class live entertainment – Vegas style! Men, women, couples, groups, parties are all welcome. Don't miss the start of something audacious, with Mel B and Kelly Monaco as the first in a series of sexy and exciting stars.
"We are celebrating the arrival of PEEPSHOW," says Co-CEO of BASE Entertainment, Scott Zeiger. "This show is a departure from anything else in Las Vegas. We employ truly spectacular staging, design and production values, the most beautiful women you have ever seen and a top notch creative team led by Jerry Mitchell."
In addition to choreography and direction from the venerated Jerry Mitchell, acclaimed designer David Rockwell has lent his talents to the show by designing the lavish sets and Showroom, creating a custom environment befitting the naughty fairytale world of PEEPSHOW. Tony award-winning designer Gregg Barnes created seductive costumes, blurring the line between PEEPSHOW and reality.
For more information please visit www.LasVegasPeepshow.com.
The Creative Team:
Jerry Mitchell: Director/Choreographer/Creator
Andrew Lippa: Composer/Musical Supervisor/Arranger
David Rockwell: Scenic Design
Gregg Barnes: Costume Design
Chris Lee: Lighting Design
Acme Sound Partners: Sound Design
Zachary Borovay: Video Design
Josh Marquette: Hair Design
BASE Entertainment: Producer
PEEPSHOW performs at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. with no show on Wednesday. Schedule is subject to change without notice. Tickets range from $65 – $100 + tax, with a VIP package available at $165 + tax per person. Enjoy plush and exclusive cabaret seating at the foot of the stage and your choice of a complimentary specialty cocktail with the PEEPSHOW VIP Package.
Tickets for PEEPSHOW can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or online at Ticketmaster.com, or through The Planet Hollywood Box Office at 702-785-5000 / 877-333-9474. For groups of 10 or more, please call 702- 785-5394 / 866-633-0195 or Groups@BASEentertainment.com. For more information please visit www.LasVegasPeepshow.com.
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