THIRTY of the more than 80 Miss Earth candidates will be in Urdaneta City on October 28, 2007 for the swimsuit competition.
Venue of the swimsuit competition is the Lisland Rainforest Resort located a few meters away from McArthur Highway in Barangay San Vicente in the city.
Join forum on Sandiganbayan's guilty verdict on Estrada plunder case. Post comments here.
Urdaneta Mayor Amadeo Perez Jr. said they would welcome the Miss Earth entourage at the boundary of Urdaneta City and Villasis at 9 a.m.
There will be a motorcade around the city proper. The candidates will stop for a while at the New Public Market before they would proceed to the new Urdaneta City Hall in Barangay Anonas for the tree planting.
Perez said only 600 "paying" viewers/audience (fee includes dinner) would be accommodated inside during the swimsuit competition.
The organizers will set up a big screen outside the main resort to give the public a chance to view live the goings on inside the resort.
Security and traffic plan are in place, the mayor said. A good number of policemen, traffic aides and barangay tanods (watchmen) will be detailed along the highway especially at the area fronting the resort to prevent vehicular accidents.
Perez said the visit of the Miss Earth candidates here would be a big promotion not only for Lisland Rainforest Resort but also for the city as a whole. (Visited in the past years by Miss Earth candidates were the cities of Alaminos and Dagupan.)
Meanwhile, representatives of Carousel Productions visited the resort twice and assessed both its facilities and environs before giving allowing it to become one of the venues of the swimsuit competition.
The resort (others say it is a forest in the city) has 785 fully grown trees to date.
The candidates will spend the night here before they proceed to their next activity venue.
According to Perez, five candidates will be chosen here as finalists to the Miss Earth crown.
The Miss Earth 2007 pageant will be held on November 11 at the University of the Philippines Theater. (LCMY/Sunnex)
Source: Sun Star
Friday, October 19, 2007
Miss Earth-St Lucia off to international pageant
As the people of the Philippines set the stage for the arrival of the 2007 Miss Earth contestants, Miss Earth-Saint Lucia 2007 Oneka McKoy took her first international flight to the enchanting city of Manila, Philippines today (Thursday). Oneka is expected to be in Manila from the October 21 to the November14.Since winning the Miss Earth-Saint Lucia title in early August this year Oneka McKoy has been undergoing rigorous training by pageant director Hanna Fitz. Oneka has been training to achieve internationally competitive walking techniques, and enhancing her question and answer capabilities. During her participation at the Miss Earth pageant Oneka will be expected to compete in the talent competition, where she will play a steel pan medley of “Island in the Sun” and “Woman of the Earth”—the theme song for the Miss Earth pageant. Oneka playing the woman of the earth song is sure to blow the judges away since she will not be expected to know the song.
Oneka’s costume was designed by Hanna and is named “Distinctly Saint Lucia”. The costume depicts our Pitons, flag and wings to symbolize the Amazona versicolour. Hanna says that she wanted a costume that was flexible to travel with and was also streamlined on Oneka because of her height (5”8) and petite frame. Oneka is very excited and grateful for the opportunity not only to visit the magnificent Philippines, but to have an opportunity to be an environmental ambassador for her country. While in the Phillipines, Oneka will be visiting schools to give speeches, visiting communities and making radio and television appearances.
According to Oneka, “My mother has told me that if I do not win this pageant I should stay in Manila”. The organizers of MESPRO International are very confident that not only will Oneka be a good representative for Saint Lucia but that she will exceed the performance of her predecessors. The organizers at MESPRO international say that “it only gets better with time and experience”. Stay tuned for more updates on Miss Earth-Saint Lucia’s performance in the Phillipines. To track Oneka’s performance in Manila visit www.missosologist.com or www.globalbeauties.com.
Caption: Oneka McKoy is currently in Manila for the international leg of the Miss Earth pageant
Source: St Lucia Star
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Down-to-earth Aine hopes to win green title
By Victoria O'Hara
Ulster beauty Aine Gormley will jet off to the Philippines this weekend to try and turn rival competitors green with envy and win the Miss Earth 2007 title.
The PhD student at the University of Ulster in Coleraine recently won the Northern Ireland Miss Earth title.
The 25-year-old, who has a degree in Environmental Science, will now compete against contestants from around the world to try and win the pageant - which has the theme, 'beauties for a cause'.
"I am flying out to the Philippines from London alongside Miss Earth England, Scotland and Wales," she said.
The student from Enniskillen says this was the first beauty pageant she has entered after spotting the competition in an email.
Aine, who is a member of the Environmental Science Association of Ireland (ESAI), the Irish Quaternary association (IQUA), and the Institution of Environmental Sciences, says she would love to win the overall title.
And the academic, who arrives on October 20 for three weeks, says she is excited but nervous about the competition.
"The nerves are really building up now but it is very exciting at the same time, I still can't believe it's all actually happening!"
"So far there are 82 delegates signed up from all over the globe so it should be amazing meeting that many people.
"My mother, boyfriend and two friends will be joining me for the final 10 days, which is fantastic and I'll be really glad of the support at that stage.
"The actual pageant is on the night of November 11 and will be televised nationwide via ABS CBN with international telecasts via STAR TV and the Filipino Channel."
She added: " Parts of the contest, such as environmental platform, national costume, will also be held and filmed during our three-week stay."
Northern Ireland company Belleek Pottery has sponsored Aine and has provided her with a gift for the charity auction. Each competitor is required to bring one representing their country.
"Meave Cleary from Belleek presented me with a limited edition Shamrock 3-Handled Cup from its Archive Collection to celebrate 150 years in business.
"It is absolutely gorgeous and I am so grateful for their generosity," she said.
"I think if I won, it would be fantastic and it offers the chance to try and highlight key environmental concerns as well as represent your country on a global scale."
Source: Belfast Telegraph
Ulster beauty Aine Gormley will jet off to the Philippines this weekend to try and turn rival competitors green with envy and win the Miss Earth 2007 title.
The PhD student at the University of Ulster in Coleraine recently won the Northern Ireland Miss Earth title.
The 25-year-old, who has a degree in Environmental Science, will now compete against contestants from around the world to try and win the pageant - which has the theme, 'beauties for a cause'.
"I am flying out to the Philippines from London alongside Miss Earth England, Scotland and Wales," she said.
The student from Enniskillen says this was the first beauty pageant she has entered after spotting the competition in an email.
Aine, who is a member of the Environmental Science Association of Ireland (ESAI), the Irish Quaternary association (IQUA), and the Institution of Environmental Sciences, says she would love to win the overall title.
And the academic, who arrives on October 20 for three weeks, says she is excited but nervous about the competition.
"The nerves are really building up now but it is very exciting at the same time, I still can't believe it's all actually happening!"
"So far there are 82 delegates signed up from all over the globe so it should be amazing meeting that many people.
"My mother, boyfriend and two friends will be joining me for the final 10 days, which is fantastic and I'll be really glad of the support at that stage.
"The actual pageant is on the night of November 11 and will be televised nationwide via ABS CBN with international telecasts via STAR TV and the Filipino Channel."
She added: " Parts of the contest, such as environmental platform, national costume, will also be held and filmed during our three-week stay."
Northern Ireland company Belleek Pottery has sponsored Aine and has provided her with a gift for the charity auction. Each competitor is required to bring one representing their country.
"Meave Cleary from Belleek presented me with a limited edition Shamrock 3-Handled Cup from its Archive Collection to celebrate 150 years in business.
"It is absolutely gorgeous and I am so grateful for their generosity," she said.
"I think if I won, it would be fantastic and it offers the chance to try and highlight key environmental concerns as well as represent your country on a global scale."
Source: Belfast Telegraph
Model Truc Diem to represent Vietnam at Miss Earth ’07
20-year-old model and student Truong Tri Truc DiemModel Truong Tri Truc Diem has been chosen to represent Vietnam at the 7th annual Miss Earth 2007, which will be held in the Philippines from October 21 to November 11.
20-year-old Truc Diem, the runner-up of Vietnam Miss Photo 2005 and winner of the Best Advertisement Model 2006, is currently a senior at Cetana PSB Intellis as a marketing student.
According to Truc Diem, thanks to her excellent verbal ability in English, her 1.72 meter height and her outstanding posture, she will represent Vietnam well.
She is confident and eager to introduce Vietnamese culture and beauty to a world stage at the contest.
She will wear an evening gown designed by designer Truong Thanh Hai and a traditional Vietnamese ao dai designed by ABC Fashion Co.
Reported by Huy Tuong
Source: Thanhnien News
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Miss Indonesia ranks 15th in 2007 Int`l Beauty Contest
Miss Indonesia ranks 15th in 2007 Int`l Beauty Contest
Tokyo (ANTARA News) - Miss Indonesia Rahma M Landi taking part in the 2007 Miss International Beauty Pageant in Tokyo ranked only the 15th among the other participants from 66 countries.
Chairman of the Indonesian Ladies Foundation Wardiman Djojonegoro made the remark in a meeting with Indonesian ambassador to Japan Jusuf Anwar at his residence here on Tuesday.
Indonesia`s participation in international event was to show that Indonesia promotes its natural culture to the world, said Wardiman, a former education minister.
At the meeting, Wardiman was accompanied by Rahma M Landy and Kusumadewi Sutanto, a member of the jury.
Wardiman further said that Indonesia participated in the beauty contest to promote the dignity of Indonesian women in international contests, and that the essence of beauty in Indonesia concerns smartness in giving added value to the participant in the contest.
He also said that pros and cons on the need of Indonesian women to participate in the international beauty contest had become out of date. Meanwhile Rahma M Landy on the occasion explained her preparations of the whole process for the international contest.
Wardiman said he was not disappointed by what Miss Indonesia has achieved, because every effort has been made.
"I am happily and feel proud, as after being absent in the international event for 30 years, Indonesia has sent me to the even," Rahma M Landy said.
Rahma also said she was very happy as Indonesia won the "best speech" among the other contestants. (*)
Source: Antara News
Tokyo (ANTARA News) - Miss Indonesia Rahma M Landi taking part in the 2007 Miss International Beauty Pageant in Tokyo ranked only the 15th among the other participants from 66 countries.
Chairman of the Indonesian Ladies Foundation Wardiman Djojonegoro made the remark in a meeting with Indonesian ambassador to Japan Jusuf Anwar at his residence here on Tuesday.
Indonesia`s participation in international event was to show that Indonesia promotes its natural culture to the world, said Wardiman, a former education minister.
At the meeting, Wardiman was accompanied by Rahma M Landy and Kusumadewi Sutanto, a member of the jury.
Wardiman further said that Indonesia participated in the beauty contest to promote the dignity of Indonesian women in international contests, and that the essence of beauty in Indonesia concerns smartness in giving added value to the participant in the contest.
He also said that pros and cons on the need of Indonesian women to participate in the international beauty contest had become out of date. Meanwhile Rahma M Landy on the occasion explained her preparations of the whole process for the international contest.
Wardiman said he was not disappointed by what Miss Indonesia has achieved, because every effort has been made.
"I am happily and feel proud, as after being absent in the international event for 30 years, Indonesia has sent me to the even," Rahma M Landy said.
Rahma also said she was very happy as Indonesia won the "best speech" among the other contestants. (*)
Source: Antara News
Miss Universe says 'no' to wearing fur
TOKYO (AFP) — Miss Universe, Riyo Mori of Japan, vowed Tuesday not to wear fur and declared herself an animal lover after a protest campaign by animal rights activists.
"I will say this out loud: I will not wear fur," Mori told AFP. "I love animals and I agree with those who oppose wearing fur products."
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) launched a campaign last week to press Mori to renounce fur, angered that she went on the catwalk with a full-length fur coat.
Mori and other contestants wore the fur coats during the final round of the preliminary pageant in Japan to select the national candidate, the Miss Universe Organization said.
"At that time I wasn't expecting to face this issue so soon as Miss Universe," Mori said.
But Mori said she felt the need to speak out about after being crowned Miss Universe in Mexico City earlier this year.
"I am invited to Fendi's show in China next week and I was encouraged to pick a coat because it will be very cold when I travel there," she said, referring to the Italian fashion house.
"The entire Fendi collection of winter coats which was offered to me to pick from was fur, but I said I would not wear one made with fur," she said.
"I will wear a white jumper that will be lent by Fendi."
PETA is famous for its publicity stunts and for targeting celebrities who wear fur and companies that sell it.
The US-based rights group wrote Mori a letter asking her to "prove that your beauty is more than skin deep" and encouraged its members to send her emails.
Ines Ligron, Miss Universe Japan national director who helped train Japanese contestants, said she encouraged Mori and other candidates to wear the fur coats in the preliminary contest.
Supporting Mori's decision to decline a Fendi fur coat, Ligron said: "She refused even though she was kind of pressured to wear fur."
Mori, 20, has said she wants to use her tenure as Miss Universe to fight HIV and AIDS and that she hopes one day to perform on Broadway.
She added she also wants to draw the attention of pet lovers in Japan, some of whom go to extremes to put name-brand outfits on their dogs and cats.
"I wonder how many children in Africa would starve to death while some people here spend a lot of money on their pets," she said. "We have to think about more than just what's right in front of us."
Source: AFP
"I will say this out loud: I will not wear fur," Mori told AFP. "I love animals and I agree with those who oppose wearing fur products."
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) launched a campaign last week to press Mori to renounce fur, angered that she went on the catwalk with a full-length fur coat.
Mori and other contestants wore the fur coats during the final round of the preliminary pageant in Japan to select the national candidate, the Miss Universe Organization said.
"At that time I wasn't expecting to face this issue so soon as Miss Universe," Mori said.
But Mori said she felt the need to speak out about after being crowned Miss Universe in Mexico City earlier this year.
"I am invited to Fendi's show in China next week and I was encouraged to pick a coat because it will be very cold when I travel there," she said, referring to the Italian fashion house.
"The entire Fendi collection of winter coats which was offered to me to pick from was fur, but I said I would not wear one made with fur," she said.
"I will wear a white jumper that will be lent by Fendi."
PETA is famous for its publicity stunts and for targeting celebrities who wear fur and companies that sell it.
The US-based rights group wrote Mori a letter asking her to "prove that your beauty is more than skin deep" and encouraged its members to send her emails.
Ines Ligron, Miss Universe Japan national director who helped train Japanese contestants, said she encouraged Mori and other candidates to wear the fur coats in the preliminary contest.
Supporting Mori's decision to decline a Fendi fur coat, Ligron said: "She refused even though she was kind of pressured to wear fur."
Mori, 20, has said she wants to use her tenure as Miss Universe to fight HIV and AIDS and that she hopes one day to perform on Broadway.
She added she also wants to draw the attention of pet lovers in Japan, some of whom go to extremes to put name-brand outfits on their dogs and cats.
"I wonder how many children in Africa would starve to death while some people here spend a lot of money on their pets," she said. "We have to think about more than just what's right in front of us."
Source: AFP
Monday, October 15, 2007
Vietnamese candidate wins Miss International Image title
The online poll for contestants in the Miss International 2007 pageant contest closed on October 14. Vietnam’s Pham Thi Thuy Duong was the winner, with 65% of the votes.
Commencing on October 9, the online poll received more than 10,700 votes, including over 7,000 or 65% cast for Thuy Duong, 5% for the representatives of the US and Mexico, and 4% for contestants from Venezuela and Hong Kong.
However, Thuy Duong is not among the 12 girls who are forecast to be able to win the Miss International 2007 crown. According to Geocities, Japan’s website on the Miss International 2007 pageant contest, representatives of Belarus, Brazil, Dominican Republic, France, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, Turkey and Venezuela are the top candidates for the Miss International 2007 title. Japan won Miss Photo title on October 3.
Sixty-one beauties on Sunday participated in the rehearsal to prepare for the final night, which will take place at the Prince Park Tower in Tokyo this evening, October 15.
Source: Vietnam News Bridge
Commencing on October 9, the online poll received more than 10,700 votes, including over 7,000 or 65% cast for Thuy Duong, 5% for the representatives of the US and Mexico, and 4% for contestants from Venezuela and Hong Kong.
However, Thuy Duong is not among the 12 girls who are forecast to be able to win the Miss International 2007 crown. According to Geocities, Japan’s website on the Miss International 2007 pageant contest, representatives of Belarus, Brazil, Dominican Republic, France, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, Turkey and Venezuela are the top candidates for the Miss International 2007 title. Japan won Miss Photo title on October 3.
Sixty-one beauties on Sunday participated in the rehearsal to prepare for the final night, which will take place at the Prince Park Tower in Tokyo this evening, October 15.
Source: Vietnam News Bridge
Friday, October 12, 2007
Miss Tibet beauty pageant begins
Dharamsala (PTI): The Miss Tibet beauty pageant began here on Friday with the swimsuit round at the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
Five Tibetan girls are participating in the three-day competition.
The participants have been given special classes in Yoga and a discourse on Tibetan history and culture.
Special arrangements have been made to handle the spectators at the Tibetan Cultural Centre at Macleodganj on the final day of the competition on October 14, said Lobsang Wangyal, the organiser of the event.
Judges for the show are Phil Voit (US), Ajay Singh (India), Andy Harrison (US) and Tara Phien (Singapore).
The beauty contest was organised for the first time in 2001.
Source: Hindustan Times
Five Tibetan girls are participating in the three-day competition.
The participants have been given special classes in Yoga and a discourse on Tibetan history and culture.
Special arrangements have been made to handle the spectators at the Tibetan Cultural Centre at Macleodganj on the final day of the competition on October 14, said Lobsang Wangyal, the organiser of the event.
Judges for the show are Phil Voit (US), Ajay Singh (India), Andy Harrison (US) and Tara Phien (Singapore).
The beauty contest was organised for the first time in 2001.
Source: Hindustan Times
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Vietnam can’t lose with Miss Universe 2008
Dr. Doan Thi Kim Hong and Paula Mary Shugart, Chairwoman of the Organising Board of the Miss Universe pageant contestVietNamNet Bridge – The government has approved Vietnam as the host of the Miss Universe pageant 2008. With $15 million in funding needed, where will the money come from? Dr. Doan Thi Kim Hong, Chairman of the CIAT Advertising and Trade Fair JS Company, which is one of three organising partners of the Universe JS Company, outlines some details.
The government has approved organisation but has it agreed to financially support the event?
According to our plan, which was approved by the government, the funding will be raised by the member companies. However, we can only organise this event with the approval of the Government and under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other relevant agencies.
Miss Universe 2005 in Thailand was half financed ($7 million) by the Thais Government and the rest by organisers but it still incurred a loss of over $1 million despite available infrastructure. Have you and your partners considered the financial burden of this contest, as we have to build all new facilities?
Our funding was raised by the three member companies of the Universe JS Company, the CIAT Advertising and Trade Fair JS Company, VIET CEO, and Hoan Cau Nha Trang. We have arranged the $7 million necessary for the contract between us and the Miss Universe organising board.
After signing, we will set up our own board that will raise funds through sponsorships and investments from both local and foreign companies.
It is estimated that the pageant will draw over 500 businessmen wanting learn about Vietnam’s business and trade environment. Despite possible difficulties and losses, this event will focus international attention on our country and should heighten Vietnam’s global status. That alone meets our definition of success.
As both businessman in and citizens of Vietnam, we are proud of doing our part to market Vietnam’s image to the world.
Do you think that local and foreign companies will invest in this event?
The Universe Company is prestigious and its members have substantial experience in acquiring valuable sponsorship. CIAT has 20 years of experience organising events. We have held many international festivals in Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Vung Tau and Dak Lak so we have diverse and strong relationships with local and foreign companies.
I hope that businesses will see it this as a wonderful opportunity to advertise their brands, not only at home but also to the rest of the world.
What worries you the most about your upcoming October negotiation?
How to meet the deadlines, but with the support of the Government, I feel assured. Moreover, the Miss Universe board expects Vietnam to host the pageant; all that is left are the details.
Sources: Gia Dinh & Xa Hoi) and Vietnam Net Bridge
New Law Sets Rules For Beauty Pageants, Others
Under a new law, Gaming Act 2006, anyone wishing to organise a game of chance including beauty contests, sales promotion, television reality shows and SMS quiz games will need to acquire authorisation from the Gaming Commission first.
Recurring contestants’ complaints about non-delivery of promised prizes, viewers’ doubts over transparency in the scoring of television reality shows and public concerns over the methods used to determine games of chance using mobile phone SMS could be things of the past.
A not-so-new law, Gaming Act 2006, which revised and consolidates the laws relating to gaming activities is beginning to flex its muscle with the coming into being of the Gaming Commission under the Ministry of Interior whose business is to regulate, control, monitor and supervise the operation of games of chance in this country.
Under the law anyone wishing to organise a game of chance including beauty contests, sales promotion, television reality shows and SMS quiz games will need to acquire authorisation from the Gaming Commission first.
For the past few years, considerable furore has been raised in public over unpaid prizes for beauty pageant winners. In one case, a reigning Miss Ghana had to go to court to claim her prize and in another, the organisers resorted to paying the prize in instalments.
In yet another pageant, the contestants were told after the show that they should consider their participation as charity.
“That will not happen again, the Gaming Commissioner Mr Alex Baafour Gyimah told Showbiz, “My office demands that any organiser of such a pageant has to come to talk with us.”
Mr Gyimah said that game of chance organisers are expected to meet three simple requirements. First they are to visit the offices of the Gaming Commission located in Fortune House on the premises of the Department of National Lotteries in Accra to present their proposal to the commission. “At this stage, we will discuss the proposal and determine whether the game can be run.
The second requirement is for the organisers to apply in writing stating the nature of the game, the prizes to be given and the manner in which winners will be determined. Organisers are expected to pay GH¢50 as application fee.
Finally, the organisers are expected to convince the commission that they are adequately resourced to carry out the game of chance and be ready to pay five percent of the net value of prizes to the commission after the event.
“Our job is to protect the public,” Mr Gyimah said. “Our intention is neither to discourage people from going into promotions nor to criminalise promotions” but he was quick to add that the commission has the authority to invoke sanctions for non-compliance as set out in the Gaming Act.
Mr Gyimah expressed satisfaction with the co-operation that his office has so far engaged with almost all of the television stations which carry reality shows on their networks. He said that since the commission sent letters round a few months ago, all prospective organisers of reality shows on television have been to the commission to discuss their shows and to seek authority.
Only a few months old, the commission is yet to take off strongly but even at this stage, Mr Gyimah appears quite satisfied with what has been achieved with regard to their monitoring and supervisory roles.
“We have been quite busy poring over newspaper adverts, listening to radio and watching television for news of any game of chance activities and it is in the interest of organisers and promoters to talk to us first to avoid having their programmes brought to an abrupt end”, Mr Gyimah said.
“We expect honest dealings on the part of game organisers and not to take the public for granted.
Story by Nana Banyin Dadson
Source: Modern Ghana
Recurring contestants’ complaints about non-delivery of promised prizes, viewers’ doubts over transparency in the scoring of television reality shows and public concerns over the methods used to determine games of chance using mobile phone SMS could be things of the past.
A not-so-new law, Gaming Act 2006, which revised and consolidates the laws relating to gaming activities is beginning to flex its muscle with the coming into being of the Gaming Commission under the Ministry of Interior whose business is to regulate, control, monitor and supervise the operation of games of chance in this country.
Under the law anyone wishing to organise a game of chance including beauty contests, sales promotion, television reality shows and SMS quiz games will need to acquire authorisation from the Gaming Commission first.
For the past few years, considerable furore has been raised in public over unpaid prizes for beauty pageant winners. In one case, a reigning Miss Ghana had to go to court to claim her prize and in another, the organisers resorted to paying the prize in instalments.
In yet another pageant, the contestants were told after the show that they should consider their participation as charity.
“That will not happen again, the Gaming Commissioner Mr Alex Baafour Gyimah told Showbiz, “My office demands that any organiser of such a pageant has to come to talk with us.”
Mr Gyimah said that game of chance organisers are expected to meet three simple requirements. First they are to visit the offices of the Gaming Commission located in Fortune House on the premises of the Department of National Lotteries in Accra to present their proposal to the commission. “At this stage, we will discuss the proposal and determine whether the game can be run.
The second requirement is for the organisers to apply in writing stating the nature of the game, the prizes to be given and the manner in which winners will be determined. Organisers are expected to pay GH¢50 as application fee.
Finally, the organisers are expected to convince the commission that they are adequately resourced to carry out the game of chance and be ready to pay five percent of the net value of prizes to the commission after the event.
“Our job is to protect the public,” Mr Gyimah said. “Our intention is neither to discourage people from going into promotions nor to criminalise promotions” but he was quick to add that the commission has the authority to invoke sanctions for non-compliance as set out in the Gaming Act.
Mr Gyimah expressed satisfaction with the co-operation that his office has so far engaged with almost all of the television stations which carry reality shows on their networks. He said that since the commission sent letters round a few months ago, all prospective organisers of reality shows on television have been to the commission to discuss their shows and to seek authority.
Only a few months old, the commission is yet to take off strongly but even at this stage, Mr Gyimah appears quite satisfied with what has been achieved with regard to their monitoring and supervisory roles.
“We have been quite busy poring over newspaper adverts, listening to radio and watching television for news of any game of chance activities and it is in the interest of organisers and promoters to talk to us first to avoid having their programmes brought to an abrupt end”, Mr Gyimah said.
“We expect honest dealings on the part of game organisers and not to take the public for granted.
Story by Nana Banyin Dadson
Source: Modern Ghana
Colombia's beauty obsession reaches even to prison
Inmates take the spotlight at prison pageant
Angie Sanchez, the eventual winner, walks the stage during the prison beauty pageant in Bogota, Colombia. Scott Dalton: For the Chronicle
By JOHN OTIS
BOGOTA, Colombia — You could call her "Miss Death Squad."
Jailed for supplying weapons to illegal right-wing paramilitary assassins, Angie Sanchez is now, in a manner of speaking, a queen of the convicts. The slim 21-year-old took top honors in an annual beauty pageant at the Good Shepherd women's prison here.
A penitentiary may seem an odd place to display glitz and glamour, but the prison's warden puts on the beauty contest each year in an effort to boost the prisoners' morale and break the monotony of life behind bars.
"This is a time when they don't have to think about being in jail and can focus on being beautiful women," said warden Jenny Morantes. The prison holds 1,166 women as well as a handful of toddlers, who are allowed to live with their mothers until age 3.
Besides, comparing beauty is a national obsession in Colombia. The country comes to a near-standstill in November during the weeklong Miss Colombia pageant, while scores of smaller contests crown Miss Coffee and Miss Petroleum, to name just two.
Breaking stereotypes
Most budding beauty queens in Colombia are well-to-do teenagers with a coterie of advisers who prep for months by exercising, dieting, practicing on runways and contemplating cosmetic surgery.
The prisoners, by contrast, are often women from poor or working-class families. Many are in their 20s or 30s. Most are married or divorced. Some have children. Nearly all are tough women doing hard time in the massive, concrete guardhouse.
They eat greasy prison food and get little exercise, making it difficult to obtain or maintain stereotypical beauty queen figures. Some sport tattoos on their arms, legs and torsos.
But as the prison beauty contest nears, they get professional help from hairstylists and manicurists, who volunteer their services.
"These are people, just like everyone else," hairdresser Alfonso Llano said as he twisted braids and used a blow-dryer on one of the contestants. "Maybe they made mistakes, but they are here to pay for their crimes and to move on."
Besides Sanchez, contenders in the recent contest included a mother of three sentenced to 14 months for stealing CDs, a woman convicted of forging documents, and a Spanish tourist imprisoned for trying to smuggle 9 pounds of cocaine to her homeland.
"I needed the money," said Isabel Cavallos, a housewife from Valencia, Spain, who packed the white powder in her suitcase. "But they caught me at the airport."
Sought money, excitement
Sanchez, one of six children born into a family of poor farmers, dreamed of studying languages or working as a forensic anthropologist. But lacking the money for college, she ended up waiting tables at bars and restaurants for $70 a week.
One night, Sanchez met a group of paramilitary militiamen who had fought Marxist guerrillas but later became heavily involved in death squads, extortion rackets and drug trafficking. Sanchez, who was obsessed with Tom Cruise and his Mission: Impossible films, was drawn to their seemingly exciting lifestyle.
Soon, she was working for the gunmen. For double her waitress pay, she became a courier, dropping off weapons to paramilitaries.
The gig ended when a fight broke out at a paramilitary party. Police arrived and found a pistol and a grenade. Sanchez and her colleagues were arrested, and she was sent to Good Shepherd prison on charges ranging from weapons possession to membership in an illegal armed group.
"I never killed anyone," Sanchez said. "And I never thought I'd end up here."
And now, the final question
Despite her derring-do with the paramilitaries, Sanchez said she was nearly too nervous to take part in the beauty pageant. But she was nominated by her colleagues in Cell Block 2, so on the day of the contest she took a tranquilizer.
Wearing a purple evening gown and strutting before hundreds of screaming inmates, Sanchez appeared to win over the audience with her charisma and her answer to a question posed by one of the judges: What does the word "liberty" mean to you?
Speaking into a microphone, Sanchez replied: "It means that we can have new opportunities in life because we all make mistakes."
When the judges announced the winner, Sanchez received a silver crown and a massive boombox. Then, her ecstatic friends from Cell Block 2 paraded Sanchez through the prison on their shoulders.
A few days later, Sanchez reflected on her victory. It hadn't exactly changed her life — she's still behind bars awaiting trial — but she speculated that her crown could come in handy when she returns to court in November to appeal for her freedom.
"Maybe it will help with the judge," she said.
Source: Houston Chronicle
Angie Sanchez, the eventual winner, walks the stage during the prison beauty pageant in Bogota, Colombia. Scott Dalton: For the ChronicleBy JOHN OTIS
BOGOTA, Colombia — You could call her "Miss Death Squad."
Jailed for supplying weapons to illegal right-wing paramilitary assassins, Angie Sanchez is now, in a manner of speaking, a queen of the convicts. The slim 21-year-old took top honors in an annual beauty pageant at the Good Shepherd women's prison here.
A penitentiary may seem an odd place to display glitz and glamour, but the prison's warden puts on the beauty contest each year in an effort to boost the prisoners' morale and break the monotony of life behind bars.
"This is a time when they don't have to think about being in jail and can focus on being beautiful women," said warden Jenny Morantes. The prison holds 1,166 women as well as a handful of toddlers, who are allowed to live with their mothers until age 3.
Besides, comparing beauty is a national obsession in Colombia. The country comes to a near-standstill in November during the weeklong Miss Colombia pageant, while scores of smaller contests crown Miss Coffee and Miss Petroleum, to name just two.
Breaking stereotypes
Most budding beauty queens in Colombia are well-to-do teenagers with a coterie of advisers who prep for months by exercising, dieting, practicing on runways and contemplating cosmetic surgery.
The prisoners, by contrast, are often women from poor or working-class families. Many are in their 20s or 30s. Most are married or divorced. Some have children. Nearly all are tough women doing hard time in the massive, concrete guardhouse.
They eat greasy prison food and get little exercise, making it difficult to obtain or maintain stereotypical beauty queen figures. Some sport tattoos on their arms, legs and torsos.
But as the prison beauty contest nears, they get professional help from hairstylists and manicurists, who volunteer their services.
"These are people, just like everyone else," hairdresser Alfonso Llano said as he twisted braids and used a blow-dryer on one of the contestants. "Maybe they made mistakes, but they are here to pay for their crimes and to move on."
Besides Sanchez, contenders in the recent contest included a mother of three sentenced to 14 months for stealing CDs, a woman convicted of forging documents, and a Spanish tourist imprisoned for trying to smuggle 9 pounds of cocaine to her homeland.
"I needed the money," said Isabel Cavallos, a housewife from Valencia, Spain, who packed the white powder in her suitcase. "But they caught me at the airport."
Sought money, excitement
Sanchez, one of six children born into a family of poor farmers, dreamed of studying languages or working as a forensic anthropologist. But lacking the money for college, she ended up waiting tables at bars and restaurants for $70 a week.
One night, Sanchez met a group of paramilitary militiamen who had fought Marxist guerrillas but later became heavily involved in death squads, extortion rackets and drug trafficking. Sanchez, who was obsessed with Tom Cruise and his Mission: Impossible films, was drawn to their seemingly exciting lifestyle.
Soon, she was working for the gunmen. For double her waitress pay, she became a courier, dropping off weapons to paramilitaries.
The gig ended when a fight broke out at a paramilitary party. Police arrived and found a pistol and a grenade. Sanchez and her colleagues were arrested, and she was sent to Good Shepherd prison on charges ranging from weapons possession to membership in an illegal armed group.
"I never killed anyone," Sanchez said. "And I never thought I'd end up here."
And now, the final question
Despite her derring-do with the paramilitaries, Sanchez said she was nearly too nervous to take part in the beauty pageant. But she was nominated by her colleagues in Cell Block 2, so on the day of the contest she took a tranquilizer.
Wearing a purple evening gown and strutting before hundreds of screaming inmates, Sanchez appeared to win over the audience with her charisma and her answer to a question posed by one of the judges: What does the word "liberty" mean to you?
Speaking into a microphone, Sanchez replied: "It means that we can have new opportunities in life because we all make mistakes."
When the judges announced the winner, Sanchez received a silver crown and a massive boombox. Then, her ecstatic friends from Cell Block 2 paraded Sanchez through the prison on their shoulders.
A few days later, Sanchez reflected on her victory. It hadn't exactly changed her life — she's still behind bars awaiting trial — but she speculated that her crown could come in handy when she returns to court in November to appeal for her freedom.
"Maybe it will help with the judge," she said.
Source: Houston Chronicle
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Activists urge Miss Universe to shun fur
TOKYO (AFP) — Animal rights activists launched a campaign Thursday to pressure Miss Universe, Japan's Riyo Mori, to stop wearing fur, accusing her of promoting cruelty.
Mori, 20, a ballerina by training, wore a full-length fur coat at the pageant in Mexico City where she was crowned this year, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said.
It is encouraging its supporters to e-mail Mori after her office refused to respond to inquiries, the US-based rights group said.
"As Miss Universe, you are expected to be a positive role model who sets a good example," PETA said in a letter to Mori. "Prove that your beauty is more than skin deep."
"By choosing to wear fur, not only are you directly responsible for the deaths of dozens of animals, you're also sending a clear message to everyone who sees you that animals' lives are less important than fashion," it said.
PETA also offered Mori weblinks to gruesome footage from dog and cat fur farms in China.
The Miss Universe Japan office referred queries to Mori's office in New York, where she is based. No one immediately could be reached at the New York office.
Mori has said she wants to use her tenure as Miss Universe to fight HIV and AIDS and that she hopes one day to perform on Broadway.
PETA is famous for its publicity stunts in campaigning for animal rights. It has frequently targeted celebrities and companies that promote fur, most visibly the British fashion giant Burberry.
Source: AFP
Mori, 20, a ballerina by training, wore a full-length fur coat at the pageant in Mexico City where she was crowned this year, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said.
It is encouraging its supporters to e-mail Mori after her office refused to respond to inquiries, the US-based rights group said.
"As Miss Universe, you are expected to be a positive role model who sets a good example," PETA said in a letter to Mori. "Prove that your beauty is more than skin deep."
"By choosing to wear fur, not only are you directly responsible for the deaths of dozens of animals, you're also sending a clear message to everyone who sees you that animals' lives are less important than fashion," it said.
PETA also offered Mori weblinks to gruesome footage from dog and cat fur farms in China.
The Miss Universe Japan office referred queries to Mori's office in New York, where she is based. No one immediately could be reached at the New York office.
Mori has said she wants to use her tenure as Miss Universe to fight HIV and AIDS and that she hopes one day to perform on Broadway.
PETA is famous for its publicity stunts in campaigning for animal rights. It has frequently targeted celebrities and companies that promote fur, most visibly the British fashion giant Burberry.
Source: AFP
Monday, October 8, 2007
Miss Earth: “I’ll return to this beautiful country”
VietNamNet Bridge – “I hope next time the Miss Earth pageant contest will be held in HCM City of Vietnam,” said Miss Earth 2006 Hil Hernandez Escobar.Before coming to Vietnam, what did you imagine about our country?
Miss Earth 2006 Hil Hernandez Escobar: I learnt some knowledge about Asia, typical areas of Asia, including Vietnam while I was at school. My knowledge about Vietnam is not much but before visiting your country, I learnt some information about your country through Miss Water Catherine and on the Internet. I know that Vietnam has many attractive tourist sites. I have had interesting days in HCM City. The friendliness of people here is wonderful.
Before coming here, I heard that a big bridge in your country collapsed, killing and injuring many people. That’s very sad. We have sought more information from our guide and we participated in a fund-raising activity at the tourism exhibition to help the victims.
How is your feeling about HCM City after two days?
Miss Earth-Water 2006 Catherine Untalan: HCM City has so many motorbikes, which surely impacts the environment. But I know that your city has solutions to deal with this current traffic situation, for example building new roads. I think it will contribute to changing your living environment for the better in the future.
Miss Earth Hil Hernandez Escobar: HCM City is a peaceful, safe and friendly city. Today we went shopping. Though it was short it was very interesting. On the way, the thing that surprised me was that your city has so many motorbikes, which is very different from our country, which only has cars.
I also know that your country is campaigning for the selection of Ha Long Bay as a world natural wonder.
Will you vote for our Ha Long Bay? During your trips to other countries will you campaign for the local people to vote for Ha Long Bay?
Miss Earth Hil Hernandez Escobar: Sure (in Vietnamese language), I’ll surely do it.
You said that you will return to Vietnam. When will you return and what will you do to help Vietnam in environmental protection in the role of ambassadors of goodwill for the environment?
Miss Earth Hil Hernandez Escobar: I’ll return to this beautiful country but I’ll come back alone, not with any organiser. I’ve asked myself why I have not done much campaigning about environmental protection. But now I am thinking of the task that I can do immediately: organising operations to advertise tourism of Vietnam and Chile. However, my ability is limited so I need the help of everybody here.
Miss Earth Singapore Nicole Chen: Next time in Vietnam I will launch a movement to protect the health of passers-by. Motorbike drivers in Vietnam need special gauze masks to prevent dust from going into their lungs.
Miss Earth-Water 2006 Catherine Untalan: I think we should diminish the use of plastic-made products because this material is difficult to recycle. For example, if you drink water in bottle like this, we should not use straws. Or when we go shopping, we should not use plastic bags.
What places in Vietnam will you go next time? Will you visit Ha Long Bay?
Miss Earth Hil Hernandez Escobar: Next time if I have more time, I will spend the whole time visiting your country.
Miss Earth Singapore Nicole Chen: It takes just one hour to fly from Singapore to HCM City so if I can, I will come here every month.
A question for Miss Earth Hil Hernandez Escobar. Apart from beauty, what makes you feel self confident and what points of yourself are you not satisfied with?
I’ve gone to many countries and learnt about them but I think I still lack knowledge. Nobody is perfect.
On this occasion, I would like to talk about the Miss Earth pageant contest that I won last year. The last Miss Earth attracted contestants from 90 countries.
I hope next time, Miss Earth will be held in HCM City of Vietnam. That would be a way for us to express our interests in this beautiful country. The workload is huge with contestants coming from dozens of countries and their assistants. But if you try, you can do it.
Source: Vietnam News Bridge
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Five contestants vie for the Miss Tibet 2007
By Phurbu Thinley
Dharamsala, October 5: Of the many events in the month of October in Dharamsala, probably the most glamorous one demanding much attention could well be Miss Tibet Beauty pageant.
This year, five contestants are vying for the beauty title after testing them through seven competition rounds.
Despite much insisted hype by Lobsang Wangyal, the man behind the beauty pageant, to add more contending beauties to his show, the number remains at dwindling low. In fact, for this year, there is one less in number compared to last year’s.
Nevertheless, Lobsang is adamant and is hopeful to add more contestants in coming years, as he promises to continue with the beauty show.
“The enthusiasm with which more than ten women applied is a clear sign of hope to have even more contestants in the future” Lobsang said at the beauty pageant’s press conference.
Deeki Dolma, 20, from Gangtok, Sikkim; Tenzin Dolma, 21, from McLeod Ganj; Tenzin Pema, 19, from Clement Town, Dehradun; Tenzing Dolma, 25, from Gangtok, Sikkim and Tsering Yangzom, 20, from Kollegal, Karnataka are contesting for this year’s Tibetan beauty title.
“To represent and promote Tibet by taking part in Miss Tibet,” is the sole purpose of taking part in the contest for Deeki Dolma from Sikkim.
Tenzin Pema, a BA first-year student in Delhi University, on the other, says her participation is “to encourage other young Tibetans to come forward and be expressive of their own”.
Before the actual final competition rounds would begin from 12 to 14 October, the contestants will undergo a week-long training, which among others includes yoga, dance and catwalk, Lobsang said. A week-long training will be accompanied by orientation on Tibetan history, culture and current affairs, environmental issues, human rights and music and, visits to Tibetan Government-in-Exile, NGOs and institutions.
The contestants were yesterday shown "Miss Tibet in Exile", a documentary film on Miss Tibet pageant, directed by Tashi Wangchuk and Tsultrim Dorjee of Tibet Motion Pictures & Arts.
Miss Tibet 2006, Tsering Chungdak successfully participated in the Miss Earth contest last year and won "Miss Good-Will" title of the pageant.
“We hope to produce yet another memorable edition of the Miss Tibet pageant,” says Lobsang.
Source: Phayul
Dharamsala, October 5: Of the many events in the month of October in Dharamsala, probably the most glamorous one demanding much attention could well be Miss Tibet Beauty pageant.This year, five contestants are vying for the beauty title after testing them through seven competition rounds.
Despite much insisted hype by Lobsang Wangyal, the man behind the beauty pageant, to add more contending beauties to his show, the number remains at dwindling low. In fact, for this year, there is one less in number compared to last year’s.
Nevertheless, Lobsang is adamant and is hopeful to add more contestants in coming years, as he promises to continue with the beauty show.“The enthusiasm with which more than ten women applied is a clear sign of hope to have even more contestants in the future” Lobsang said at the beauty pageant’s press conference.
Deeki Dolma, 20, from Gangtok, Sikkim; Tenzin Dolma, 21, from McLeod Ganj; Tenzin Pema, 19, from Clement Town, Dehradun; Tenzing Dolma, 25, from Gangtok, Sikkim and Tsering Yangzom, 20, from Kollegal, Karnataka are contesting for this year’s Tibetan beauty title.
“To represent and promote Tibet by taking part in Miss Tibet,” is the sole purpose of taking part in the contest for Deeki Dolma from Sikkim.
Tenzin Pema, a BA first-year student in Delhi University, on the other, says her participation is “to encourage other young Tibetans to come forward and be expressive of their own”.
Before the actual final competition rounds would begin from 12 to 14 October, the contestants will undergo a week-long training, which among others includes yoga, dance and catwalk, Lobsang said. A week-long training will be accompanied by orientation on Tibetan history, culture and current affairs, environmental issues, human rights and music and, visits to Tibetan Government-in-Exile, NGOs and institutions.
The contestants were yesterday shown "Miss Tibet in Exile", a documentary film on Miss Tibet pageant, directed by Tashi Wangchuk and Tsultrim Dorjee of Tibet Motion Pictures & Arts.
Miss Tibet 2006, Tsering Chungdak successfully participated in the Miss Earth contest last year and won "Miss Good-Will" title of the pageant.
“We hope to produce yet another memorable edition of the Miss Tibet pageant,” says Lobsang.
Source: Phayul
Vietnamese woman stands tall at Asian beauty contest
Tall Vietnamese beauty Tran Thi Huong Giang is becoming a stand-out among the 30-plus contestants gathered in Hong Kong for the 2007 Miss Asia pageant, which wraps up Oct. 28.The 20-year-old, who is a media studies student at Ho Chi Minh City’s University of Social Sciences and Humanities and at 1.8 meter tall, is the second tallest competitor after Miss Uzbekistan.
From Hong Kong she spoke with Thanh Nien.
Thanh Nien: How have you got on with the other girls since coming here a week ago?
Huong Giang: I would say that the contestants are not only beautiful but also really friendly. Japan’s Mikako, 16, has a good sense of humor, while Canada’s 25-year-old Jessica amazes me since she can speak some Vietnamese. I like chatting and I am easy going enough to get along well with everyone here.
Thanh Nien: Jealousy among contestants is common in most beauty contests. Is it happening here too?
Huong Giang: So far, I am sure there hasn’t been any here. The organizers are professional and fair.
Thanh Nien: Does your height give you more confidence and increase your chances of winning?
Huong Giang: It might be an advantage. Besides, I feel confident because of my intellect and dynamism. My friends here are beautiful and there are only a few prizes. Therefore, winning will depend on several factors.
Reported by Da Ly - Translated by Luu Hong
Source: Thanhnien News
Friday, October 5, 2007
Kidnappers, perjury and beauty queens: The stormy saga of Miss Georgia 2007
By Ana Datiashvili
Georgia’s biggest summer news story didn’t involve reneging ex-ministers. It wasn’t about malfunctioning missiles, state privatizations or government shakeups.
The country’s most urgent contretemps revolved around an 18-year-old divorcee and an international beauty pageant.
Unless you spent the summer huddled in a Vardzia cave, you’ve heard bits and pieces of the story. This is all of it.
A questionable victory
On July 14 in sunny seaside Batumi, the Miss Georgia beauty pageant crowned 18-year-old Nino Likuchova its lucky 2007 winner. But when Likuchova placed that peacock-esque diadem upon her head, she contravened five decades of international Miss World bylaws.
Ms. Likuchova was married. Or was she? In Georgia, a simple question often isn’t.
The unwilling bride
The first spark in an inflammatory controversy came when intrepid Alia journalist Dito Tikaradze dug up wedding photos and records of a bitter court case. When the Alia journo called Likuchova to ask about the nuptial stills, he says, Likuchova denied ever being married. The newspaper went ahead and published the story August 2. The abrupt scrutiny forced Likuchova to confront a trauma she would rather have left in her past. The embattled Miss Georgia retracted her denial, and went public with her story: she was bride kidnapped.
“I didn’t have a happy face, and anyone could guess after seeing my pictures that I was not a real bride,” she calmly told the cameras on an Imedi TV talk show. “I agreed to the wedding, because [his family] was menacing me, and I saw that this was the only way to get rid of them.”
He said, she said, he won
Likuchova never explained the history between her and Merab Abashidze. Wedding photos show a blue-suited man, young but with graying hair, half-smiling as he props himself upright with crutches. His 16-year-old bride wears a white veil over an inscrutable face. No one is saying what happened between the wedding day and Likuchova’s day in court. Their church wedding was never legally registered, so the court case was not for a divorce—it was to press charges against Abashidze for abducting her. But after learning her alleged kidnapper faced more than two decades in the slammer, Likuchova recounts, she had a change of heart.
“I would be pitiless, if I let sit him in prison for 22 years,” she later said. “That’s why I decided to change my testimony—but this kindness went against me.”
In a bitter turnaround, Likuchova’s recantation led to her being convicted of perjury and placed on two years’ probation. Abashidze strenuously denies having resorted to kidnapping his inamorata.
“I never did anything to her by force. If I wanted to become her legitimate husband by force, I would have taken her to [the Tbilisi registrar’s office], but we were in church, having our marriage blessed,” Abashidze told tenacious journalists as the story unfolded.
The court believed him. According to Alia, he won the case by showing the court his wedding photographs—and by pointing out the difficulties he, a physically handicapped man, would have in forcing a teenage girl to marry him.
The controversy continues…and continues…
Miss World’s preliminary national competitions are carried out by license holders from Brazil to Angola to Romania. Ia Kintsmarishvili’s Image Center is the license holder of Miss Georgia for five years running.
“I protest against the violence,” Kintsmarishvili said. “Nino [Likuchova] was a victim, so instead of discussing her eligibility, we should think about how many girls are stuck in the same situation, and how they’ll get out if it.”
Despite her apparent concern for victimized young women, Kintsmarishvili kept media attention on the Miss Georgia competition. The pageant organizer convened a series of coquettish press conferences throughout the summer, each time promising to disclose the professional fate of the unfortunate M(r)s. Likuchova—and repeatedly pushing off any final announcements for yet another Image Center-sponsored press event.
By September, the time had come to put the scandal to rest.
The Image Center matriarch went on live TV to make her announcement: the council of esteemed beauty pageant jurists had reached its decision. Miss Georgia Nino Likuchova would keep her sparkling tiara, the council decreed, and the prizes—including a shiny new Peugeot—lavished upon her as the most beautiful woman in Georgia. But she would not be going to China to vie for the global title. Instead, second runner-up and lifelong bachelorette Tamuna Nemsitsveridze will carry Georgia’s hopes and dreams on her size 0 shoulders.
And the first runner-up, Nino Lekveishvili? She too was wed in younger days, the 20 year old admitted. Organizers stripped her of her title, elevating Nemsitsveridze to second place.
Miss World’s international headquarters told the Messenger they’re nothing but sympathetic bystanders in the dramatic tale of Miss Georgia 2007.
“Our reaction here is one of sadness for both the Miss Georgia Organisation and Nino Likuchova and anybody else that is involved in forcing anyone to do anything against their will,” said Julia Morley, a Miss World spokeswoman.
A teenage girl, trying to move on
At just 18, Likuchova is burdened with memories of a tragic wedding and a wrecked modelling career. And yet, coming clean on national television, she asked for forgiveness and understanding.
“I want to apologize to the public, and to the pageant jury…I never felt like I was married. I consulted with priests, and they told me that an obligatory ceremony does not make a real marriage. Getting married was the only way for me to get out of that hell. I was just trying to get back to my family.”
Now, Likuchova is back at university in Batumi, trying to put the entire episode behind her.
She would not put up a fight if they decided to take her title, she says: it’s caused her enough trouble already.
Source: The Messenger
Georgia’s biggest summer news story didn’t involve reneging ex-ministers. It wasn’t about malfunctioning missiles, state privatizations or government shakeups.
The country’s most urgent contretemps revolved around an 18-year-old divorcee and an international beauty pageant.
Unless you spent the summer huddled in a Vardzia cave, you’ve heard bits and pieces of the story. This is all of it.
A questionable victory
On July 14 in sunny seaside Batumi, the Miss Georgia beauty pageant crowned 18-year-old Nino Likuchova its lucky 2007 winner. But when Likuchova placed that peacock-esque diadem upon her head, she contravened five decades of international Miss World bylaws.
Ms. Likuchova was married. Or was she? In Georgia, a simple question often isn’t.
The unwilling bride
The first spark in an inflammatory controversy came when intrepid Alia journalist Dito Tikaradze dug up wedding photos and records of a bitter court case. When the Alia journo called Likuchova to ask about the nuptial stills, he says, Likuchova denied ever being married. The newspaper went ahead and published the story August 2. The abrupt scrutiny forced Likuchova to confront a trauma she would rather have left in her past. The embattled Miss Georgia retracted her denial, and went public with her story: she was bride kidnapped.
“I didn’t have a happy face, and anyone could guess after seeing my pictures that I was not a real bride,” she calmly told the cameras on an Imedi TV talk show. “I agreed to the wedding, because [his family] was menacing me, and I saw that this was the only way to get rid of them.”
He said, she said, he won
Likuchova never explained the history between her and Merab Abashidze. Wedding photos show a blue-suited man, young but with graying hair, half-smiling as he props himself upright with crutches. His 16-year-old bride wears a white veil over an inscrutable face. No one is saying what happened between the wedding day and Likuchova’s day in court. Their church wedding was never legally registered, so the court case was not for a divorce—it was to press charges against Abashidze for abducting her. But after learning her alleged kidnapper faced more than two decades in the slammer, Likuchova recounts, she had a change of heart.
“I would be pitiless, if I let sit him in prison for 22 years,” she later said. “That’s why I decided to change my testimony—but this kindness went against me.”
In a bitter turnaround, Likuchova’s recantation led to her being convicted of perjury and placed on two years’ probation. Abashidze strenuously denies having resorted to kidnapping his inamorata.
“I never did anything to her by force. If I wanted to become her legitimate husband by force, I would have taken her to [the Tbilisi registrar’s office], but we were in church, having our marriage blessed,” Abashidze told tenacious journalists as the story unfolded.
The court believed him. According to Alia, he won the case by showing the court his wedding photographs—and by pointing out the difficulties he, a physically handicapped man, would have in forcing a teenage girl to marry him.
The controversy continues…and continues…
Miss World’s preliminary national competitions are carried out by license holders from Brazil to Angola to Romania. Ia Kintsmarishvili’s Image Center is the license holder of Miss Georgia for five years running.
“I protest against the violence,” Kintsmarishvili said. “Nino [Likuchova] was a victim, so instead of discussing her eligibility, we should think about how many girls are stuck in the same situation, and how they’ll get out if it.”
Despite her apparent concern for victimized young women, Kintsmarishvili kept media attention on the Miss Georgia competition. The pageant organizer convened a series of coquettish press conferences throughout the summer, each time promising to disclose the professional fate of the unfortunate M(r)s. Likuchova—and repeatedly pushing off any final announcements for yet another Image Center-sponsored press event.
By September, the time had come to put the scandal to rest.
The Image Center matriarch went on live TV to make her announcement: the council of esteemed beauty pageant jurists had reached its decision. Miss Georgia Nino Likuchova would keep her sparkling tiara, the council decreed, and the prizes—including a shiny new Peugeot—lavished upon her as the most beautiful woman in Georgia. But she would not be going to China to vie for the global title. Instead, second runner-up and lifelong bachelorette Tamuna Nemsitsveridze will carry Georgia’s hopes and dreams on her size 0 shoulders.
And the first runner-up, Nino Lekveishvili? She too was wed in younger days, the 20 year old admitted. Organizers stripped her of her title, elevating Nemsitsveridze to second place.
Miss World’s international headquarters told the Messenger they’re nothing but sympathetic bystanders in the dramatic tale of Miss Georgia 2007.
“Our reaction here is one of sadness for both the Miss Georgia Organisation and Nino Likuchova and anybody else that is involved in forcing anyone to do anything against their will,” said Julia Morley, a Miss World spokeswoman.
A teenage girl, trying to move on
At just 18, Likuchova is burdened with memories of a tragic wedding and a wrecked modelling career. And yet, coming clean on national television, she asked for forgiveness and understanding.
“I want to apologize to the public, and to the pageant jury…I never felt like I was married. I consulted with priests, and they told me that an obligatory ceremony does not make a real marriage. Getting married was the only way for me to get out of that hell. I was just trying to get back to my family.”
Now, Likuchova is back at university in Batumi, trying to put the entire episode behind her.
She would not put up a fight if they decided to take her title, she says: it’s caused her enough trouble already.
Source: The Messenger
THE REIGNING MISS UNIVERSE ARRIVES IN ST.KITTS
Yes this is correct - St. Kitts!
Miss Universe & the Steel Orchestra. (Photo by Saju N’Galla)
Basseterre, St. Kitts, 5th October, 2007 – St. Kitts continues to welcome the world and the universe to its shores, as the, the reigning Miss Universe Miss Riyo Mori, arrived on the island yesterday.
Mr. Eversley Liburd, CEO of the 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend, extended an invitation to the recently crowned Miss Universe® to be a special guest of honour at the event, which takes place from October 5-7, 2007.
Miss Universe warmly accepted and plans were put in place by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority for her journey to the island and her experience there. She was greeted and welcomed by Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Richard Skerritt who introduced her to Calypso Rose, who arrived on island simultaneously. Calypso Rose is due to perform at the launch of National Carnival(Saturday 6th October). Both Miss Universe and Calypso Rose were presented with extravagant bouquets by Minister Skerritt.
Within hours of her arrival Miss Universe, attended a Welcome Reception in her honour sponsored by Marshalls Restaurant, Beaumont Park and Driftwood. In attendance were local dignitaries, designers, models and the management team of the 2nd annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend. Miss Universe was all smiles as she mingled with her fellow guests and gladly took pictures with those who asked. She made time to take a memorable photo with a young group who provided wonderful music on their steel pans during the night. 
Hon. Prime Minister Denzil Douglas & Miss Universe, Riyo Mori at a Welcome Reception held at Marhsalls, Frigate Bay.(Photo by Saju N’Galla)
Minister R. Skerritt & Miss Universe, Riyo Mori in the VIP Lounge at the R.L.B Airport (Photo by Garth Archibald)
Today Miss Universe will receive a full tour of the island and gain first-hand knowledge of St. Kitts’ scenic natural beauty, rich history and genuinely friendly people. This afternoon, she will speak to approximately 200 teenagers about her causes, which include raising HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women’s health and reproductive issues.
“We’re pleased to welcome the reigning Miss Universe to St. Kitts,” commented Richard “Ricky” Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports & Culture for St. Kitts & Nevis. “As a symbol of success and strength for women across the world, she is certain to inspire and educate our youth. We hope that she will come to love our island during her stay with us and want to come back again.”
Riyo Mori expressed how happy she was to be on St. Kitts and in the Caribbean and was overwhelmed by the hospitality she received on her arrival and throughout. She finds the island breathtaking and has fallen in love with the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
Arrival of Miss Universe
Miss Universe, Riyo Mori & Mr. Eversley Liburd, CEO of the 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend(Photo by Garth Archibald)
Riyo Mori was crowned Miss Universe on May 28, 2007 at the age of 20. Hailing from Shizuoka, Japan, she left home at the age of 16 to study abroad in Canada and reached New York at 19 years old. Through her travels and studies, Riyo has been able to master adapting to different environments, the importance of learning foreign languages and the need for intercultural understanding. She aspires to use her reign as Miss Universe to spread a message of empowerment and independence to women all across the globe.
The 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend is part of the island’s Tourism Awareness Month of activities. St. Kitts Fashion Weekend will include a concert, food fair, wine tasting, beach event, farewell reception and the star-studded runway fashion show at the St. Kitts Marriott Event Center featuring fine clothing by designers from St. Kitts, the Caribbean and the world. Additional details for the 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend will be confirmed in the coming months. Visit www.stkittsfashionweekend.com for the most current information.
Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as water sports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts.
Source: SKN Vibes
Miss Universe & the Steel Orchestra. (Photo by Saju N’Galla) Basseterre, St. Kitts, 5th October, 2007 – St. Kitts continues to welcome the world and the universe to its shores, as the, the reigning Miss Universe Miss Riyo Mori, arrived on the island yesterday.
Mr. Eversley Liburd, CEO of the 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend, extended an invitation to the recently crowned Miss Universe® to be a special guest of honour at the event, which takes place from October 5-7, 2007.
Miss Universe warmly accepted and plans were put in place by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority for her journey to the island and her experience there. She was greeted and welcomed by Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Richard Skerritt who introduced her to Calypso Rose, who arrived on island simultaneously. Calypso Rose is due to perform at the launch of National Carnival(Saturday 6th October). Both Miss Universe and Calypso Rose were presented with extravagant bouquets by Minister Skerritt.
Within hours of her arrival Miss Universe, attended a Welcome Reception in her honour sponsored by Marshalls Restaurant, Beaumont Park and Driftwood. In attendance were local dignitaries, designers, models and the management team of the 2nd annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend. Miss Universe was all smiles as she mingled with her fellow guests and gladly took pictures with those who asked. She made time to take a memorable photo with a young group who provided wonderful music on their steel pans during the night.
Hon. Prime Minister Denzil Douglas & Miss Universe, Riyo Mori at a Welcome Reception held at Marhsalls, Frigate Bay.(Photo by Saju N’Galla) Minister R. Skerritt & Miss Universe, Riyo Mori in the VIP Lounge at the R.L.B Airport (Photo by Garth Archibald)Today Miss Universe will receive a full tour of the island and gain first-hand knowledge of St. Kitts’ scenic natural beauty, rich history and genuinely friendly people. This afternoon, she will speak to approximately 200 teenagers about her causes, which include raising HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women’s health and reproductive issues.
“We’re pleased to welcome the reigning Miss Universe to St. Kitts,” commented Richard “Ricky” Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports & Culture for St. Kitts & Nevis. “As a symbol of success and strength for women across the world, she is certain to inspire and educate our youth. We hope that she will come to love our island during her stay with us and want to come back again.”
Riyo Mori expressed how happy she was to be on St. Kitts and in the Caribbean and was overwhelmed by the hospitality she received on her arrival and throughout. She finds the island breathtaking and has fallen in love with the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
Arrival of Miss Universe Miss Universe, Riyo Mori & Mr. Eversley Liburd, CEO of the 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend(Photo by Garth Archibald)Riyo Mori was crowned Miss Universe on May 28, 2007 at the age of 20. Hailing from Shizuoka, Japan, she left home at the age of 16 to study abroad in Canada and reached New York at 19 years old. Through her travels and studies, Riyo has been able to master adapting to different environments, the importance of learning foreign languages and the need for intercultural understanding. She aspires to use her reign as Miss Universe to spread a message of empowerment and independence to women all across the globe.
The 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend is part of the island’s Tourism Awareness Month of activities. St. Kitts Fashion Weekend will include a concert, food fair, wine tasting, beach event, farewell reception and the star-studded runway fashion show at the St. Kitts Marriott Event Center featuring fine clothing by designers from St. Kitts, the Caribbean and the world. Additional details for the 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend will be confirmed in the coming months. Visit www.stkittsfashionweekend.com for the most current information.
Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as water sports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts.
Source: SKN Vibes
Smith shares Miss USA journey on trip home
Smith to be featured in MTV reality series
By JAMIE DEXTER
The Leaf-Chronicle
Just one year ago, Rachel Smith was just like any other college student.
"I was a college student at Belmont University getting my journalism degree and trying to figure out what my thesis was going to be on and get that out of the way so I could graduate in December," Smith said while standing in front of the Montgomery County Court Complex.
Since then, Smith was crowned Miss Tennessee USA at last year's pageant, then later crowned Miss USA — the second from Clarksville to achieve that honor — and finished fourth runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant.
Saturday, Smith will be handing off the crown to the new Miss Tennessee USA winner.
Things have changed drastically for her since then — she went from "cruising through Clarksville in my Beetle" to arriving for a public appearance in a white stretch limo, escorted by several units from the Clarksville Police Department.
"It's a complete 180," Smith said, showcasing her signature smile that would put even the most nervous greeters at ease.
Since being crowned Miss USA, Smith said she's been up to a whole lot more than could be shared in a few minutes' time — from putting her journalism talents at work interviewing celebrities at a philanthropic summit in Spain to introducing Wyclef John during a concert at Radio City Music Hall.
"I've been in this gig now for 6 months maybe, and so far I've traveled to Kenya for a volunteer project through a non-profit organization in New York called Project Sunshine," Smith said. "I've emceed an event at the White House for Black Music Month ... at a philanthropic event in Spain I got to walk the red carpet at the gala and turn around and interview A-list celebrities there including Eva Longoria, Goldie Hawn, Paris Hilton — It was insane."
She's also featured in a MTV reality television show, "Pageant Place," where cameras capture her life along with the lives of Miss Universe Riyo Mori and Miss Teen USA Katie Blair.
Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner and Miss Teen USA Hilary Cruz are also featured on the show — airing Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.
"It's been interesting," Smith said. "I've been able to do some incredible things during the time of the reality show — some things I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do otherwise."
Smith said the girls don't have a say in the editing process, so she said it will be interesting watching along with the audiences at home.
"They follow us on appearances and catch the drama, or lack thereof, that goes on behind the scenes on the way to events," Smith said.
Despite being a very busy woman, Smith said there are a lot of things she misses about her hometown.
"My family, of course," Smith said. "I miss going down to the Riverwalk with my dog, Zoe ... and just seeing everyone. You couldn't go to Wal-Mart without seeing someone you knew, ya know?"
Smith said that even rang true when she returned to see her family for her homecoming, and she went grocery shopping with her mom.
"I was in my pajamas, just casual grunge clothes, and people were like, 'Oh, there's Rachel Smith,' and taking pictures with camera phones," Smith said, laughing.
Before Smith made her way to meet the other Miss Tennessee USA contestants, she added the fact that Clarksville will always be her home.
"I can't thank you enough for your continued faith and support," Smith said about Clarksville.
"I will always give back to Clarksville ... And if you see me, say 'Hey, what's up,' because I'm always interested in knowing what's going on back home."
Source: The Leaf Chronicle
By JAMIE DEXTER
The Leaf-Chronicle
Just one year ago, Rachel Smith was just like any other college student.
"I was a college student at Belmont University getting my journalism degree and trying to figure out what my thesis was going to be on and get that out of the way so I could graduate in December," Smith said while standing in front of the Montgomery County Court Complex.
Since then, Smith was crowned Miss Tennessee USA at last year's pageant, then later crowned Miss USA — the second from Clarksville to achieve that honor — and finished fourth runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant.
Saturday, Smith will be handing off the crown to the new Miss Tennessee USA winner.
Things have changed drastically for her since then — she went from "cruising through Clarksville in my Beetle" to arriving for a public appearance in a white stretch limo, escorted by several units from the Clarksville Police Department.
"It's a complete 180," Smith said, showcasing her signature smile that would put even the most nervous greeters at ease.
Since being crowned Miss USA, Smith said she's been up to a whole lot more than could be shared in a few minutes' time — from putting her journalism talents at work interviewing celebrities at a philanthropic summit in Spain to introducing Wyclef John during a concert at Radio City Music Hall.
"I've been in this gig now for 6 months maybe, and so far I've traveled to Kenya for a volunteer project through a non-profit organization in New York called Project Sunshine," Smith said. "I've emceed an event at the White House for Black Music Month ... at a philanthropic event in Spain I got to walk the red carpet at the gala and turn around and interview A-list celebrities there including Eva Longoria, Goldie Hawn, Paris Hilton — It was insane."
She's also featured in a MTV reality television show, "Pageant Place," where cameras capture her life along with the lives of Miss Universe Riyo Mori and Miss Teen USA Katie Blair.
Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner and Miss Teen USA Hilary Cruz are also featured on the show — airing Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.
"It's been interesting," Smith said. "I've been able to do some incredible things during the time of the reality show — some things I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do otherwise."
Smith said the girls don't have a say in the editing process, so she said it will be interesting watching along with the audiences at home.
"They follow us on appearances and catch the drama, or lack thereof, that goes on behind the scenes on the way to events," Smith said.
Despite being a very busy woman, Smith said there are a lot of things she misses about her hometown.
"My family, of course," Smith said. "I miss going down to the Riverwalk with my dog, Zoe ... and just seeing everyone. You couldn't go to Wal-Mart without seeing someone you knew, ya know?"
Smith said that even rang true when she returned to see her family for her homecoming, and she went grocery shopping with her mom.
"I was in my pajamas, just casual grunge clothes, and people were like, 'Oh, there's Rachel Smith,' and taking pictures with camera phones," Smith said, laughing.
Before Smith made her way to meet the other Miss Tennessee USA contestants, she added the fact that Clarksville will always be her home.
"I can't thank you enough for your continued faith and support," Smith said about Clarksville.
"I will always give back to Clarksville ... And if you see me, say 'Hey, what's up,' because I'm always interested in knowing what's going on back home."
Source: The Leaf Chronicle
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Miss Universe Canada adds sparkle to 12th annual Bay Street's AIDSbeat
Inga Skaya Miss Universe Canada 2007 and Canadian Idol's Zack Werner to
judge at rock & roll fundraiser for the Canadian Foundation for AIDS
Research October 12th
TORONTO, Oct. 4 /CNW/ - What do lawyers, a Canadian Idol judge and Miss
Universe Canada have in common? They're coming together in Toronto for a
BATTLE OF THE BANDS: AIDSbeat, the wildest party on Bay Street! 1,200 lawyers
are expected to let loose, and raise over $200,000 for the Canadian Foundation
for AIDS Research (CANFAR) on October 12th 2007 at the Capitol Event Theatre.
Inga Skaya Miss Universe Canada will join Canadian Idol judge Zack Werner
and National Post Legal Post writer Jim Middlemiss as celebrity judges of the
BATTLE OF THE BANDS. Mark Holmes of Mod Club fame will host the party,
featuring the eye popping AIDSbeat dancers, painted body models, a performance
by chart-topping pop sensation hip hop master JDiggz and a spectacular fashion
show by Escada featuring Escada Sport and Laurèl. AIDSbeat is presented by
Georgeson, a Computershare Company.
"We are celebrating the 12th anniversary of AIDSbeat," says Patricia
Olasker, AIDSbeat founder and co-chair. "The event shows the best side of the
Toronto legal community - a tradition and spirit of giving and sharing. It
also reveals the truth about lawyers: We are not all about grey flannel
trousers and button-down collars. This is a seriously unbuttoned party!"
Five bands, all featuring lawyers-by-day, will battle for first place.
Prepare to put your hands together for:
The Gavelheads (Morrison Brown Sosnovitch LLP, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Ernst & Young LLP); - The Thin Skulls (McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Investment Dealers Association of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing); - The Right Honourable Jake and The High Court of Soul (Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP); - The Insecurities (Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, Lenczner Slaght LLP) - Prior winners Jonas (Paliare Roland LLP, REMG Entertainment Corporation) as the opening act.
Event and Ticket Sales Information:
AIDSbeat tickets are $40 and available by phone at 416-361-6281 or online
at www.AIDSbeat.com. All proceeds from AIDSbeat support CANFAR, which raises
critically needed funds for HIV/AIDS research. Since inception, AIDSbeat has
raised over $1 million for AIDS research.
AIDSbeat will be held on Friday, October 12, 8:00 p.m. sharp at the
Capitol Event Theatre, 2492 Yonge Street (north of Eglinton).
About Georgeson, a Computershare Company:
Georgeson is proud to be the lead sponsor of this year's AIDSbeat.
Georgeson is the world's leading provider of strategic proxy and corporate
governance consulting services to corporations and shareholder groups working
to influence corporate strategy. Since 1935, Georgeson has specialized in
complex solicitations such as hostile and friendly acquisitions, proxy
contests and takeover defenses. Georgeson leads more M&A transactions globally
than any other firms combined. Georgeson also provides issuers with expertise
in corporate events solutions such as post-merger unexchanged holder programs
and information agent services.
Computershare is a global leader in transfer agency, employee equity
plans, proxy solicitation and other specialized financial and communications
services - serving more than 100 million shareholder accounts on behalf of
14,000 corporations in 17 countries.
About CANFAR:
CANFAR is the national charitable foundation whose goal is to raise
awareness in order to generate funds for research into all aspects of HIV
infection and AIDS. CANFAR is the only organization operating in Canada for
the sole purpose of privately funding research on AIDS and HIV infection in
numerous areas including fundamental and applied research, education and
prevention, psychosocial initiatives, care, and community research.
Source: CNW Group
judge at rock & roll fundraiser for the Canadian Foundation for AIDS
Research October 12th
TORONTO, Oct. 4 /CNW/ - What do lawyers, a Canadian Idol judge and Miss
Universe Canada have in common? They're coming together in Toronto for a
BATTLE OF THE BANDS: AIDSbeat, the wildest party on Bay Street! 1,200 lawyers
are expected to let loose, and raise over $200,000 for the Canadian Foundation
for AIDS Research (CANFAR) on October 12th 2007 at the Capitol Event Theatre.
Inga Skaya Miss Universe Canada will join Canadian Idol judge Zack Werner
and National Post Legal Post writer Jim Middlemiss as celebrity judges of the
BATTLE OF THE BANDS. Mark Holmes of Mod Club fame will host the party,
featuring the eye popping AIDSbeat dancers, painted body models, a performance
by chart-topping pop sensation hip hop master JDiggz and a spectacular fashion
show by Escada featuring Escada Sport and Laurèl. AIDSbeat is presented by
Georgeson, a Computershare Company.
"We are celebrating the 12th anniversary of AIDSbeat," says Patricia
Olasker, AIDSbeat founder and co-chair. "The event shows the best side of the
Toronto legal community - a tradition and spirit of giving and sharing. It
also reveals the truth about lawyers: We are not all about grey flannel
trousers and button-down collars. This is a seriously unbuttoned party!"
Five bands, all featuring lawyers-by-day, will battle for first place.
Prepare to put your hands together for:
The Gavelheads (Morrison Brown Sosnovitch LLP, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Ernst & Young LLP); - The Thin Skulls (McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Investment Dealers Association of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing); - The Right Honourable Jake and The High Court of Soul (Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP); - The Insecurities (Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, Lenczner Slaght LLP) - Prior winners Jonas (Paliare Roland LLP, REMG Entertainment Corporation) as the opening act.
Event and Ticket Sales Information:
AIDSbeat tickets are $40 and available by phone at 416-361-6281 or online
at www.AIDSbeat.com. All proceeds from AIDSbeat support CANFAR, which raises
critically needed funds for HIV/AIDS research. Since inception, AIDSbeat has
raised over $1 million for AIDS research.
AIDSbeat will be held on Friday, October 12, 8:00 p.m. sharp at the
Capitol Event Theatre, 2492 Yonge Street (north of Eglinton).
About Georgeson, a Computershare Company:
Georgeson is proud to be the lead sponsor of this year's AIDSbeat.
Georgeson is the world's leading provider of strategic proxy and corporate
governance consulting services to corporations and shareholder groups working
to influence corporate strategy. Since 1935, Georgeson has specialized in
complex solicitations such as hostile and friendly acquisitions, proxy
contests and takeover defenses. Georgeson leads more M&A transactions globally
than any other firms combined. Georgeson also provides issuers with expertise
in corporate events solutions such as post-merger unexchanged holder programs
and information agent services.
Computershare is a global leader in transfer agency, employee equity
plans, proxy solicitation and other specialized financial and communications
services - serving more than 100 million shareholder accounts on behalf of
14,000 corporations in 17 countries.
About CANFAR:
CANFAR is the national charitable foundation whose goal is to raise
awareness in order to generate funds for research into all aspects of HIV
infection and AIDS. CANFAR is the only organization operating in Canada for
the sole purpose of privately funding research on AIDS and HIV infection in
numerous areas including fundamental and applied research, education and
prevention, psychosocial initiatives, care, and community research.
Source: CNW Group
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
After Aziz, who's next in Sush's life?
Sushmita Sen is a woman of substance. She was the one who brought honour to our country by getting the much coveted Miss Universe title. She even dared to adopt a girl, Renee at a very young age. Even though she achieved everything in her life, she was always unlucky when it came to her relationships.Sushmita always dared to speak when questioned about her relationships. In fact there was a buzz that Sushmita was supposed to come up with an autobiography named as 'The Butterfly' that promised to shock all her readers.
Source: India Times Movies
Monday, October 1, 2007
PNM wants Wendy
Former Miss Universe tipped for Valley's seat
Anna Ramdass aramdass@trinidadexpress.com
PROSPECTIVE PNM CANDIDATE: Former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam
Former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam has been tipped as one of the prospective candidates to replace Diego Martin Central MP Ken Valley.
Fitzwilliam, who is currently the Vice President/General manager of Evolving Technologies and Enterprise Development Company Ltd (E-teck) might be one of the "new faces" Prime Minister Patrick Manning spoke about at a PNM political meeting in St Augustine last Friday, it was learned yesterday..
If Fitzwilliam decides to fulfil any political aspirations, the election battle will become a Queen versus Queen scenario as former Miss Trinidad and Tobago representative for Miss Universe Nicole Dyer is an active member of the Congress of the People (COP) and also their public relations officer. It will soon be revealed whether Dyer will contest any political seat when the COP presents its slate of candidates.
Fitzwilliam won the Miss Universe Pageant in 1998 and later became involved in social work. She was honoured by the United Nations with the title UNAIDS goodwill Ambassador, a result of her commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS.
She also a holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of the West Indies and was said to have been doing a remarkable job at E-teck-a Government company mandated to develop Trinidad's non-energy sector through the creation of new industry.
Speculation of Fitzwilliam's candidacy is high in the political arena, "I have heard about it, and if it is true then it will be very interesting," Dyer told the Express yesterday.
The PNM screening committee-blanked Valley, the current MP for Diego Martin and a call for new candidates was made.
Valley was screened as the lone candidate for Diego Martin Central last Thursday at Balisier House, Port of Spain but, was given the boot one day later-on Friday, the day Manning announced that General Elections will be held on November 5.
That very evening Manning told a massive crowd at St Augustine that the PNM will be presenting new faces and future leaders of Trinidad when the party presents its slate of candidates at Woodford Square, Port of Spain this Saturday.
Members of the Diego Martin Central Executive have maintained their staunch devotion and support to Valley and were not surrendering to any "new face" for that constituency seat.
Sources told the Express that Valley who has been fighting for a second chance since a PNM poll rated him as a low performing MP will continue to battle Manning who is hell bent on shaking up and changing the party for the elections.
The party was non committal on Fitzwilliam's candidacy.
"Right now it's an internal process going on and we have no official position in that regard," said PNM's Public Relations Officer Jerry Narace.
"It's news to me" said Valley when told by the Express about Fitzwilliam's possible candidacy.
Valley said he had no comment to make on being blanked by the screening committee.
The Express tried in vain to contact Fitzwilliam yesterday.
Source: Trinidad Express
Anna Ramdass aramdass@trinidadexpress.comPROSPECTIVE PNM CANDIDATE: Former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam
Former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam has been tipped as one of the prospective candidates to replace Diego Martin Central MP Ken Valley.
Fitzwilliam, who is currently the Vice President/General manager of Evolving Technologies and Enterprise Development Company Ltd (E-teck) might be one of the "new faces" Prime Minister Patrick Manning spoke about at a PNM political meeting in St Augustine last Friday, it was learned yesterday..
If Fitzwilliam decides to fulfil any political aspirations, the election battle will become a Queen versus Queen scenario as former Miss Trinidad and Tobago representative for Miss Universe Nicole Dyer is an active member of the Congress of the People (COP) and also their public relations officer. It will soon be revealed whether Dyer will contest any political seat when the COP presents its slate of candidates.
Fitzwilliam won the Miss Universe Pageant in 1998 and later became involved in social work. She was honoured by the United Nations with the title UNAIDS goodwill Ambassador, a result of her commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS.
She also a holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of the West Indies and was said to have been doing a remarkable job at E-teck-a Government company mandated to develop Trinidad's non-energy sector through the creation of new industry.
Speculation of Fitzwilliam's candidacy is high in the political arena, "I have heard about it, and if it is true then it will be very interesting," Dyer told the Express yesterday.
The PNM screening committee-blanked Valley, the current MP for Diego Martin and a call for new candidates was made.
Valley was screened as the lone candidate for Diego Martin Central last Thursday at Balisier House, Port of Spain but, was given the boot one day later-on Friday, the day Manning announced that General Elections will be held on November 5.
That very evening Manning told a massive crowd at St Augustine that the PNM will be presenting new faces and future leaders of Trinidad when the party presents its slate of candidates at Woodford Square, Port of Spain this Saturday.
Members of the Diego Martin Central Executive have maintained their staunch devotion and support to Valley and were not surrendering to any "new face" for that constituency seat.
Sources told the Express that Valley who has been fighting for a second chance since a PNM poll rated him as a low performing MP will continue to battle Manning who is hell bent on shaking up and changing the party for the elections.
The party was non committal on Fitzwilliam's candidacy.
"Right now it's an internal process going on and we have no official position in that regard," said PNM's Public Relations Officer Jerry Narace.
"It's news to me" said Valley when told by the Express about Fitzwilliam's possible candidacy.
Valley said he had no comment to make on being blanked by the screening committee.
The Express tried in vain to contact Fitzwilliam yesterday.
Source: Trinidad Express
Sunday, September 30, 2007
KUALA LUMPUR: Miss Malaysia / World 2007, Deborah Priya Henry, was feted today by franchise holder DDB PR and event manager- Beyond events as part of a mini send-off with friends of the media. Miss Malaysia World leaves for Sanya, China on Nov 2, to participate in a month-long series of activities in the run-up to the Miss World 2007 Grand Finals on Dec 1.Deborah also showed off her elegant evening gown, specially designed by Melvin Lam of Melvin Lam Haute Couture. She will take on the catwalk in the gown, which will compete against 100 others from around the world for the ‘Best Designer Award’.
“This gown is gorgeous, and I feel very confident wearing it to represent Malaysia. Melvin has done an excellent job in designing it,” said Deborah, 21, who is originally from Kuala Lumpur and stands at 5’9”.
Melvin said Deborah has every designer’s dream figure and height. “She looks so natural in the gown that I am sure she will carry it off very well during the competition.”
“I had Deborah in my mind when I designed it. The gown accentuates her figure,” said Melvin, of the outfit, which has colourful batik floral prints and gold trimmings made from silk.
Melvin said the halter neck design emphasizes Deborah’s toned shoulder while the earthy colours complement her natural olive skin tone.
Melvin Lam Haute Couture is also the Official Couturier for Miss Malaysia/World 2007. He is based in Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.
Aside the elegant gown, he will also be sponsoring several other outfits for Deborah’s stay in Sanya which includes Cheongsam, Baju Kebaya, Baju Kurung and other cocktail dresses.
For the Talent Contest at the Miss World Grand Finals on Dec 1, Deborah said she would perform a contemporary Modern Asian Fusion dance called Asmaradana, which is adapted from the movie Puteri Gunung Ledang.
“I have been taking lessons to perfect my dance steps. I attend dancing classes at least three times a week. I have always loved to dance and I am glad that I will be putting my skills into the talent show,” said Deborah.
That aside, she has also been attending Celebrity Fitness Lifestyle and Fitness club, where she exercises regularly to tone her body and look her best.
The 2007 pageant celebrates 48 years of Malaysia’s participation in the Miss World contest, which was founded in 1951. Miss Malaysia/World 2007 executive producer and Model.Com general manager, Amin Hussen, said he is confident Deborah would do well in the pageant.
“As a beauty queen, Deborah is confident, composed and compassionate. She communicates and presents herself very well, and most importantly, she has stage presence. I’m very proud of her, and I’m sure she will make Malaysia proud too,” said Amin.
As Miss Malaysia/World 2007, Deborah is also a World Vision children’s rights advocate, and has helped to increase awareness of the organisation and create a lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities living in poverty.
She has also adopted a child as part of World Vision’s “Adopt A Child” campaign. Since her crowning, Deborah has participated in numerous charity programmes and causes.
DDB Public Relations Sdn Bhd is the Miss Malaysia/World franchise holder while the event is organised by Beyond Events Sdn Bhd and Model.Com. Rapp Collins Malaysia manages the branding and design aspects.
Source: Adoi Magazine
Saturday, September 29, 2007
"African Models Have What It take To Be At The Top"
Rosemary Chileshe is Zambia-born international model living and working in the United Kingdom. A highly sought-after international model whose face adorns several products ‘marketing efforts. As one of the faces of Sleek cosmetics her image has been used worldwide and she successfully led Sleek Campaign in Ghana for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Rosemary is spokesperson for many brands.She won the 2003 Miss Zambia UK beauty pageant. She represented Zambia at the Miss World Beauty Pageant 2004 hosted in China. Rosemary; she was this year’s Zambian envoy to Miss Universe 2007 Beauty Pageant, held in Mexico City, 28th May 2007. She’s been actively involved in charitable work as well as promoting the image of her mother country - Zambia. Outside her modeling commitments, she continues to utilize her influence as a goodwill ambassador with a solid foundation to help the fight against HIV/AIDS and poverty worldwide, with particular attention to Zambia. In July, 2007-Rosemary, Carl Ellis - a fashion designer and Miss Universe Zambia Team visited Orphanages - Kalingalinga (Lusaka). She also addressed an international audience at a Commonwealth Forum to commemorate World Aids Day 2006.
The story of this young Zambia star actually started as a beauty queen. Since she hit the catwalk in the UK in early 2000 it didn’t take long that she got signed on. After winning Miss Zambia UK 2003, Rosemary became a hot cake sought after by many agencies and designers alike, increasing the numbers shows in London, Manchester and around the UK that she was invited to.
Rosemary is a Commercial Property Surveyor. She’s the epitome of commitment, hard work and beauty. Our correspondent, Gbenga Teejay Okunlola, caught up with her recently. Find below interview he has for you.
TV: Tell our readers briefly about your family and educational backgrounds.
ROSEMARY: The other side of my profession is Property Surveying. I come from a family of Doctors, Engineers, Teachers, Accountants and those pursuing careers in law.
TV: It’s been a few years since you were crowned Miss Zambia UK. Would you say that was a turning point in your life?
ROSEMARY: No, winning Miss Zambia UK in 2003 was a progression to the next chapter. I had been actively involved in modeling prior to then. I was assigned to a Modeling Agency in Manchester that is where everything began; I was introduced to the industry, both its negatives and positives.
TV: Have you changed much since being crowned? If you have, in what ways? Do you enjoy being different? Is it ever an issue that you’re so much more elegantly dressed than your peers?
ROSEMARY: I am still the same Rosemary I have always been; of course with time, you pick up new interests; hence you evolve in your conduct. If anything I have probably changed the meaning of a Crown than the “crowning” changing me, I always say “it is not the crown that makes a person, it is the person wearing it who gives it meaning”. Being different on the other hand is a common factor to everyone; we are all designed in a unique format to everyone; so I definitely do enjoy being me, no one else out there can carry out a task, manage a project etc. the way in which I would; we have different thought processes.
In terms of being more elegantly dressed than my peers: dressing is a personal thing, at the end of the day, you wear what you feel comfortable in; and as a result, you look admirable to everyone else; you can not say “I am more elegant than the next party”, it’s a matter of opinion.
TV : How did you become a professional model? What are your dreams and expectations in modeling profession?
ROSEMARY: Modeling takes a lot of time and discipline. I was initially assigned to a Modeling Agency in Manchester where I was trained and groomed in the basic requirement. I then moved on to do various types of work in beauty pageantry as well as fashion shows. I always make it a point to learn something new from any projects I get involved in. My dreams are not only for me to be a well sought after Model / Ambassador worldwide but to encourage everyone else to follow their dreams, we have all got talents given to us, we just need to take time to realize them and act upon them. My expectations are not of the industry but of myself; you should never expect to get more out of something than you are prepared to put in!
TV : At one time or another, almost every young person dreams of becoming a famous model or actor. What advice would you like to give others who would like to pursue the same line of career as you?
ROSEMARY: It’s interesting you are asking me this; I am actually in the process of holding seminars to encourage young girls in the Yorkshire and Humberside areas, from 8 - 16 on the same issues. I would say it is fundamental to follow your dreams, no matter what you desire to do, I would urge for the basic areas to be covered in Education. Get your education covered, take time to analyze what you want to do and follow it through. Nothing will come easy, you need to exercise patience and allow room for disappointments; it’s through all of these that you will rise up. Once you have your educational background covered, you will always have that to come back to once your dream has reached its expiry lifespan or you realize modeling or if being an actor was not a desired route for you any longer.
TV : What’s the most fascinating experience you have had so far in your career?
ROSEMARY: I have had quite a few. I have to say, I am a very blessed young lady! Every experience encountered has been memorable. Miss World contest offered me opportunity to meet amazing people during the contest; it was not only sharing a stage with Lionel Richie, but also meeting him and sharing a conversation with him! At Miss Universe, it was meeting Mr Donald Trump and again, amazing girls with inspiring ambitions. In my charity work, I have met many humbled people both young and old, it is amazing how many dreams and desires everyone has and the determination they have in making them all a reality is overwhelming.
TV : Many young aspiring models lack self-confidence to build a healthy self-esteem, would you say training is the key ingredient to success? What do you think are the qualities to becoming an established model?
ROSEMARY: There are many aspiring models who lack self-confidence; I know this from my own observation of the industry and from girls writing to me via my website
(www.rosemarychileshe.com).For most of them, lack of self confidence is as a result of lack of support or not knowing where to go for help; for some it is simply being overwhelmed by the amount of personal time and effort they have to invest. Training is important but not necessary a key ingredient because every task calls for a different skill, you need to be adaptable to change and be willing to be taught. The qualities, in my view, of becoming an established Model range from self management, being disciplined and persistent. If you set your goals early on, you will know what paths to follow and when to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to various assignments. Some girls are set on being Models but have no real idea what that means for them; so they get caught up in saying “yes, yes” to everything, they lose their path and become history after a short while in the limelight.
TV : What do you think of African models in comparison to their western counterparts?
ROSEMARY: I believe African Models have what it takes to be at the top. They should not even give room to the thought that since they are Africans, they cannot be as good or as successful. In this industry, however, it a bit unfortunate we have to work twice as much to get to the same level as other counterparts; but that is okay, it means we get so experienced, we almost become a threat!
TV : Overall, despite difficulties in getting sponsorship and adequate support from their governments, many African models still thrive on the world stage due to their courage, tenacity, perseverance and sheer hard work. So, could they make ideal ambassadors for their nations? Could they be suitable role models for African youth?
ROSEMARY: Yes, they would definitely make ideal ambassadors. This all gets down to the person as an individual. The fact that they choose to carry on for the love of what they believe in, whether there is support or not, as apposed to doing something because it looks good, basically for show, warrant them that role.
TV : Tell me what the negative and positive sides in this industry are.
ROSEMARY: Well, I guess like in every industry there is always negative and positive sides. In the modeling industry, I feel the negative is that discrimination is still actively there for minorities. You could be 100% better than the person next to you; however a bigger chunk of your selection process also lies heavily on your ethnic background. The positive sides in my view are the opportunities you get; you are more able to be a spokesperson for your peers, you get a platform to reach out to so many people.
TV : You are Co-founder of the charity organization-R.O.C Foundation, tell me more about it and your partnership with Carl Ellis?
ROSEMARY: I have always been a dedicated charity worker. HIV/AIDS Awareness is an area I feel more of us need to step up and do our bit in educating one another. Carl Ellis is a fellow Zambian, experienced in fashion design and an accountant by profession. We teamed up initially to work on his Mother Africa Fashion Label, where I am currently the face of the label, which is getting a lot of press attention worldwide, especially as it is debuting at South Africa Fashion Week from late August to early September. In getting to know one another, we realized we shared the same passion for our motherland and we both desperately wanted to do something to raise HIV/AIDS Awareness. We decided to set up the ROC Foundation -www.therocfoundation.com with an aim of raising the HIV/AIDS Awareness worldwide and alleviating poverty. Our recent trip back to Zambia was purely focused on finding an existing charity, orphanage etc in Lusaka, one in greater need of financial support so that for 1 year, through the ROC Foundation, we can raise funds and feed it back to that charity or orphanage.
TV : You’ve been involved with some social responsibility and remarkable projects. Are other African celebrities like you in the Diaspora doing positive things for the motherland?
ROSEMARY: I believe so, there are so many people doing remarkable work for charity but they are not “documented” or captured in the public eyes. I admire such traits in people; they do the work and offer their assistance because they simply want to help, they are not seeking credit, it’s the best way to be I believe…. because God sees all that is done.
TV : Has your parents been supportive? Were they proud of you when you became a professional model?
ROSEMARY: Yes, very much! my whole family have always been supportive and encouraging …..
TV : What subjects interested you most as a schoolgirl?
ROSEMARY: Mathematics, English and Business Management. Were my favorites’ because I believed it would offer me a wider choice in specialist routes; as a result, my degree at university was Business Property Management, I now work in a Property Surveying company
TV : There’s widespread corruption amongst African Leaders, Does the thought of entering the political arena ever flash across your mind? Do you feel a strong personal commitment to change in Africa?
ROSEMARY: No, politics is not for me. There are people born for the job, I am not one of them. I do however have a personal desire to change a lot of areas in Africa ;only where my expertise are called for, you can only do so much as an individual.
TV : Models have become extremely powerful as role models, and often something as simple as a change in skirt length can be interpreted as having political significance. What’s your take on that?
ROSEMARY: There are different image you need to portray in various scenarios. If you want to be taken seriously in a business meeting for example, it makes sense to be dressed appropriately, be it, in a suit or a long skirt etc. The bottom line is that you need to “dress the part“; clothes are powerful in their own rights, they could either break you or make you!
TV : Do you have any plans in the pipeline for a fashion label targeting the Africans?
ROSEMARY: Definitely, no definite dates have been penciled for that yet; however plans have been discussed on the subject matter. Currently you could say I am learning the robes whilst fronting the Mother Africa Fashion Label.
TV : How would you describe Beauty and Elegance?
ROSEMARY: Very typical, however it is in the eyes of the beholder! Everyone is beautiful in their own rights, Elegance is a personal trait.
TV : Lack of African/Black Models on Runway. Is this reflective of the industry?
ROSEMARY: Sadly, yes, the Industry calls for patience and persistence; I believe things will change, though slowly but surely.
TV : When you get to a certain point in your career would you become very vocal about the need for more black models in fashion shows and on magazine covers?
ROSEMARY: Most definitely, I am pushing myself to get there first as I believe this is the best way to voice the concern and to show that it can be done. A lot of the times, it is best to have actions than words.
TV : Other than being home of the Victoria Falls and many other magnificent waterfalls, spectacular wildlife, superb safaris, great adventures, rich culture and friendly people, what makes Zambia different from other African nations?
ROSEMARY: Its vast potential for growth, flare of talents, creativity and innovation of its people in trades and textiles.
TV : Tell us things we don’t know about you. And what’s your Christian life like?
ROSEMARY: I am a well rounded person. Monday to Friday, I work 9-5:30 as a Property Surveyor currently dealing lettings, acquisitions and disposals of Industrial Units. My weekends are mostly consumed with travel in respect of my fashion and charity work. I worship with New Apostolic and very active in my work on Sundays, I am in church where I sing soprano in the choir and assist with the Sunday School children from the ages of 10+.
TV : How do you think you managed to break through in modeling and achieve not just success, but early success?
ROSEMARY:I believe my achievements have been through taking time to realize what my aspirations are and being focused enough to be able to turn down certain assignments because they do not fit my desired work ethics.
TV : Miss Universe 2007, (the 56th Miss Universe pageant) was won by Riyo Mori of Japan. As Zuleyka Rivera was crowning Riyo Mori with the official Mikimoto crown, it slipped from her grasp and nearly fell to the floor. Mori was able to catch the crown. What were you thinking in that split moment?
ROSEMARY: “Ooops”, no, I was just so happy for her, with many people on the stage, I did not even see the crown slipping until afterwards in photos etc. I was busy cheering on in the background, the whole experience was overwhelming, the moment of the crowning was a mixture of excitement and being relieved it was all over and I would be going home soon. We were there for a whole month of hard work; it was great whilst it lasted.
TV : Where would you like to see the Rosemary Chileshe in ten years’ time?
ROSEMARY: Rosemary Chileshe is a brand, so you will be seeing her face on billboards, on international runways and fronting cosmetic brands etc..Her name will also be linked to a number of charity activities through her charity - the ROC Foundation. I am also a motivational speaker….. my aim is to move into that arena and encourage the youth to be the leaders that they are for our future generations!
TV : What’s your normal day like?
ROSEMARY: Consumed with hard work from early mornings till late evening and where time permits, spending quality time with loved ones, friends etc.
TV : Are you into any relationship? Is there a Mr. Right at the moment?
ROSEMARY: Yes I am and I believe God has blessed me with a wonderful partner in life.
TV : How do you brace yourself up for some unwelcome opposite sex attention?
ROSEMARY: I never tolerate it, I am very upfront and always make it clear from the beginning that I am all about the business at hand.
TV : Who is your role model and why?
ROSEMARY: First and foremost, our heavenly Father, only through him is everything possible; my family as a whole because they are supportive and always encourage me to follow my dreams and finally but not least, my friends, through their achievements and dreams, am also inspired to move forward.
TV : What’s your definition of a ‘classy woman’?
ROSEMARY: Confident; one with self respect; being able to laugh at her own misfortunes; taking responsibility for her own mistakes etc being mysterious and business minded.
TV : When people ask what you do for a living, how do you describe your occupation?
ROSEMARY: I tell them, “I do everything from Property, Fashion to Charity work”. In more straightforward terms, I am a Property Surveyor by 9 - 5:30 profession and on my other side; I am an established Fashion Model and a dedicated Charity worker.
TV : Can you talk about what those benefits were that you saw in the early stages of your modeling career?
ROSEMARY: Having a platform to stand on and be heard.
TV : What else would you like to add?
ROSEMARY: Through my charity work, I was awarded GAB (Gathering of Africa’s Best) Award in 2006. You can visit my website and view all of my past work and future assignments on: www.rosemarychileshe.com; also you can read about my charity- the ROC Foundation - www.therocfoundation.com
Source/Credits: Gbenga Teejay Okunlola and Modern Ghana
Worldwide steroid sting catches Australian bodybuilders in its net
By Jacquelin Magnay
A FORMER Mr Australia, a former Miss World Figure and a Manhunt International model are among 29 Australians caught up in a huge 18-month international crackdown on steroids and other sports drugs from China.
Raids in 10 countries have shut down a widespread internet drugs trade and rocked the blackmarket in sports drugs.
Doug Nicoll, the national investigations manager of Australian Customs, said the "overwhelming flood of performance image enhancing drugs into Australia has now been arrested to a steady stream".
The 29 Australians charged include personal trainers and body builders. Among them are Glen Purtell, 44, who was Mr Australia 1995, and Diane Shipway, 39, a former Miss World Figure, who have pleaded guilty to importing steroids. Brendan Brophy, 29, a model from the Gold Coast who ran second in the 2003 Australia Manhunt International model of the year, has also been charged.
With the Beijing Olympics looming, the United States led a sting operation involving Australia, Germany, Denmark, Mexico, Canada, Belgium, Sweden and Thailand. It centred on the distribution of bulk raw drugs from three Chinese locations. The Chinese Government co-operated with the investigation, allowing US officers to infiltrate one laboratory that was producing human growth hormone.
The focus was on smuggling of drugs, but the raids led to electronic evidence of buyers' names. The World Anti-Doping Agency and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority are collaborating with customs to see if any sportspeople are involved.
The chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency, Dick Pound, said he hoped authorities could turn over a list of names in time for the agency to take action against any athletes before the Beijing Olympics, which start next August.
Rusty Payne, a spokesman for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, said: "Everybody recognised the timing. We don't work with our heads in the sand. Olympic officials have been very interested in this and are obviously very pleased."
The US operation, called Operation Raw Deal, resulted in the closure of 56 steroid laboratories, the seizure of 11.4 million units of steroids and 242 kilograms of raw steroid powder as well as $US6.5 million ($7.3 million) in cash.
In the final stages of the operation this month, 124 people were arrested, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced in Washington.
In Australia, Operation Kasha resulted in more than 1400 separate seizures of steroids, growth hormone and other performance and image-enhancing drugs, the execution of 145 search and seizure warrants, and the charging of 29 people with a range of prohibited import offences. Most of the 200 members of Australian Custom's investigative unit were involved in Operation Kasha.
"The international operation demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities throughout the world are treating steroid smuggling," Mr Nicoll said.
Operation Kasha involved raids on properties throughout Australia. Many of those charged in Australia are still before the courts.
Brophy faces jail if convicted of importing and trafficking steroids and human growth hormone. Brisbane District Court heard earlier this month that he imported growth hormones and steroids four times in August and September last year.
He is on bail awaiting trial and is yet to enter a plea.
Glen Purtell and Diane Shipway pleaded guilty to importing anabolic steroid clomifene citrate and more than 100 vials of human growth hormone after customs intercepted mail and conducted raids on their Brisbane premises. They were fined $14,000.
The Sydney bodybuilding brothers Johnathon Kyriacou and Adrian Kyriacou were fined a total of $34,000 for importing hundreds of vials of steroids when they appeared in the Sydney Downing Centre local court in May.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
A FORMER Mr Australia, a former Miss World Figure and a Manhunt International model are among 29 Australians caught up in a huge 18-month international crackdown on steroids and other sports drugs from China.
Raids in 10 countries have shut down a widespread internet drugs trade and rocked the blackmarket in sports drugs.
Doug Nicoll, the national investigations manager of Australian Customs, said the "overwhelming flood of performance image enhancing drugs into Australia has now been arrested to a steady stream".
The 29 Australians charged include personal trainers and body builders. Among them are Glen Purtell, 44, who was Mr Australia 1995, and Diane Shipway, 39, a former Miss World Figure, who have pleaded guilty to importing steroids. Brendan Brophy, 29, a model from the Gold Coast who ran second in the 2003 Australia Manhunt International model of the year, has also been charged.
With the Beijing Olympics looming, the United States led a sting operation involving Australia, Germany, Denmark, Mexico, Canada, Belgium, Sweden and Thailand. It centred on the distribution of bulk raw drugs from three Chinese locations. The Chinese Government co-operated with the investigation, allowing US officers to infiltrate one laboratory that was producing human growth hormone.
The focus was on smuggling of drugs, but the raids led to electronic evidence of buyers' names. The World Anti-Doping Agency and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority are collaborating with customs to see if any sportspeople are involved.
The chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency, Dick Pound, said he hoped authorities could turn over a list of names in time for the agency to take action against any athletes before the Beijing Olympics, which start next August.
Rusty Payne, a spokesman for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, said: "Everybody recognised the timing. We don't work with our heads in the sand. Olympic officials have been very interested in this and are obviously very pleased."
The US operation, called Operation Raw Deal, resulted in the closure of 56 steroid laboratories, the seizure of 11.4 million units of steroids and 242 kilograms of raw steroid powder as well as $US6.5 million ($7.3 million) in cash.
In the final stages of the operation this month, 124 people were arrested, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced in Washington.
In Australia, Operation Kasha resulted in more than 1400 separate seizures of steroids, growth hormone and other performance and image-enhancing drugs, the execution of 145 search and seizure warrants, and the charging of 29 people with a range of prohibited import offences. Most of the 200 members of Australian Custom's investigative unit were involved in Operation Kasha.
"The international operation demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities throughout the world are treating steroid smuggling," Mr Nicoll said.
Operation Kasha involved raids on properties throughout Australia. Many of those charged in Australia are still before the courts.
Brophy faces jail if convicted of importing and trafficking steroids and human growth hormone. Brisbane District Court heard earlier this month that he imported growth hormones and steroids four times in August and September last year.
He is on bail awaiting trial and is yet to enter a plea.
Glen Purtell and Diane Shipway pleaded guilty to importing anabolic steroid clomifene citrate and more than 100 vials of human growth hormone after customs intercepted mail and conducted raids on their Brisbane premises. They were fined $14,000.
The Sydney bodybuilding brothers Johnathon Kyriacou and Adrian Kyriacou were fined a total of $34,000 for importing hundreds of vials of steroids when they appeared in the Sydney Downing Centre local court in May.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
Friday, September 28, 2007
Courtside charmer
By Giovanni Paolo J. Yazon
BEAUTY and brains are “two Bs” that’ll always be attached to the name of Catherine Untalan.
Beauty: This 21-year-old came close to winning a world beauty title. Cathy, her nickname, finished second runner-up in the Miss Earth pageant in November last year, which makes her the highest-placing Filipino candidate in this prestigious global search, to date.
Brains: She graduated cum laude with a degree in psychology at the University of the Philippines in Diliman; she’s now pursuing further studies in environment and natural resource management at UP’s Open University.
Add another B for basketball!
No, this six footer’s not an inclusion in this year’s lineup of the UP Lady Maroons, but she’s a delightful addition to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ new breed of courtside reporters along with Tracy Abad (University of the East), Rizza Diaz (National University), Vanna Lim (Ateneo de Manila University), Andi Manzano (Far Eastern University), Diane Querer (University of Santo Tomas), Sharon Yu (De La Salle University) and Aaron Atayde (Adamson University).
Cathy gives details on just about everything that happens on court—that sports commentators don’t get to see—like when one of the Fighting Maroons slashes his way to the basket or posts defenses!
The beginning
“It’s my fondness of basketball that motivated me to give courtside reporting a try. [I said to myself that maybe] it’d be interesting to see a courtside reporter that’s as tall as the basketball players,” she begins. “I auditioned during my last year in college [May of 2005, when ABS-CBN Sports advertised that they’d be having a screening].”
Cathy got a call from ABS-CBN after a year. “When they called me, they were unaware that I was already a beauty queen (she smiles).” As the cliché goes, the rest is history. She became a courtside reporter for the San Beda Red Lions team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association last year.
When asked if her NCAA stint helped her express ideas impeccably during her interviews at the Miss Earth pageant, Cathy says she thinks so. Months after she relinquished her crown as Miss Philippines-Earth of 2006, she again received a call from ABS-CBN Sports, inviting her to be a courtside reporter in this year’s season of UAAP, but this time for the UP Fighting Maroons. “I just hope that I’d be given another chance next year… it’s our [UP’s] 100th year!” she enthuses.
Her role models include sports anchors Dyan Castillejo and Luigi Trillo.
Must-haves
“You must be a college student, you have to look good in front of the camera, you have a working knowledge of the game [especially the terms commonly used], and you must be able to handle the pressure on court… because you will write your own spiels. We [courtside reporters] are also required to attend the practices of our respective teams. But overall, it’s fun!”
And speaking of fun, Cathy reveals some of her bloopers: “I read wrong names [of players] or swap the names of sports anchors. [While reporting for the Red Lions], I walked towards the camera while talking. The crew then asked me, Cathy, bakit ka naglalakad? I also used to say ‘thank you’ [after every report]. So they would tell me na kung mag-report daw ako pang-beauty pageant (she giggles).
“[But] what I like most about this job is that I get to show another side of my personality—the active [sporty] and cowboy side, especially when I tag along with the players. Frustration na rin, because I never had the chance to pursue any sport.” Cathy’s recruited to become part of the UP women’s basketball team. “…But I just tell them courtside reporter na lang ako (she smiles).”
The challenging part
“[There are times that] I tend to lose myself… nadadala ako ng game, but I still have to report. Coming from a champion team in NCAA last year, it’s [like it’s] hard to accept that my [present] team lost,” she sighs.
Should a courtside reporter come from the school that he or she is giving an account of? “There are two advantages: First is the school spirit, mas feel mo kasi and you’ll fight for your school through thick and thin. Second is the accessibility, since you know some people in your school, mas madali ang access to attend meetings or practices ng team. [On the contrary] you still have to deliver your reports well [than just having these advantages].”
And if you want to be a courtside reporter, Cathy says: “Do it not because of a vested interest [that you have a crush on a certain player, which is actually a running joke]. Do it for your school and do it for yourself. Practice a lot.”
Before we parted ways, Cathy gave this writer a sample of her favorite spiel: “I may be too optimistic in saying this, but I believe that even though it’s already the last quarter, the UP Fighting Maroons are still ‘gonna try and give all their best ‘til the very end of this game!”
Source: Manila Standard Today
BEAUTY and brains are “two Bs” that’ll always be attached to the name of Catherine Untalan.
Beauty: This 21-year-old came close to winning a world beauty title. Cathy, her nickname, finished second runner-up in the Miss Earth pageant in November last year, which makes her the highest-placing Filipino candidate in this prestigious global search, to date.
Brains: She graduated cum laude with a degree in psychology at the University of the Philippines in Diliman; she’s now pursuing further studies in environment and natural resource management at UP’s Open University.
Add another B for basketball!
No, this six footer’s not an inclusion in this year’s lineup of the UP Lady Maroons, but she’s a delightful addition to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ new breed of courtside reporters along with Tracy Abad (University of the East), Rizza Diaz (National University), Vanna Lim (Ateneo de Manila University), Andi Manzano (Far Eastern University), Diane Querer (University of Santo Tomas), Sharon Yu (De La Salle University) and Aaron Atayde (Adamson University).
Cathy gives details on just about everything that happens on court—that sports commentators don’t get to see—like when one of the Fighting Maroons slashes his way to the basket or posts defenses!
The beginning
“It’s my fondness of basketball that motivated me to give courtside reporting a try. [I said to myself that maybe] it’d be interesting to see a courtside reporter that’s as tall as the basketball players,” she begins. “I auditioned during my last year in college [May of 2005, when ABS-CBN Sports advertised that they’d be having a screening].”
Cathy got a call from ABS-CBN after a year. “When they called me, they were unaware that I was already a beauty queen (she smiles).” As the cliché goes, the rest is history. She became a courtside reporter for the San Beda Red Lions team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association last year.
When asked if her NCAA stint helped her express ideas impeccably during her interviews at the Miss Earth pageant, Cathy says she thinks so. Months after she relinquished her crown as Miss Philippines-Earth of 2006, she again received a call from ABS-CBN Sports, inviting her to be a courtside reporter in this year’s season of UAAP, but this time for the UP Fighting Maroons. “I just hope that I’d be given another chance next year… it’s our [UP’s] 100th year!” she enthuses.
Her role models include sports anchors Dyan Castillejo and Luigi Trillo.
Must-haves
“You must be a college student, you have to look good in front of the camera, you have a working knowledge of the game [especially the terms commonly used], and you must be able to handle the pressure on court… because you will write your own spiels. We [courtside reporters] are also required to attend the practices of our respective teams. But overall, it’s fun!”
And speaking of fun, Cathy reveals some of her bloopers: “I read wrong names [of players] or swap the names of sports anchors. [While reporting for the Red Lions], I walked towards the camera while talking. The crew then asked me, Cathy, bakit ka naglalakad? I also used to say ‘thank you’ [after every report]. So they would tell me na kung mag-report daw ako pang-beauty pageant (she giggles).
“[But] what I like most about this job is that I get to show another side of my personality—the active [sporty] and cowboy side, especially when I tag along with the players. Frustration na rin, because I never had the chance to pursue any sport.” Cathy’s recruited to become part of the UP women’s basketball team. “…But I just tell them courtside reporter na lang ako (she smiles).”
The challenging part
“[There are times that] I tend to lose myself… nadadala ako ng game, but I still have to report. Coming from a champion team in NCAA last year, it’s [like it’s] hard to accept that my [present] team lost,” she sighs.
Should a courtside reporter come from the school that he or she is giving an account of? “There are two advantages: First is the school spirit, mas feel mo kasi and you’ll fight for your school through thick and thin. Second is the accessibility, since you know some people in your school, mas madali ang access to attend meetings or practices ng team. [On the contrary] you still have to deliver your reports well [than just having these advantages].”
And if you want to be a courtside reporter, Cathy says: “Do it not because of a vested interest [that you have a crush on a certain player, which is actually a running joke]. Do it for your school and do it for yourself. Practice a lot.”
Before we parted ways, Cathy gave this writer a sample of her favorite spiel: “I may be too optimistic in saying this, but I believe that even though it’s already the last quarter, the UP Fighting Maroons are still ‘gonna try and give all their best ‘til the very end of this game!”
Source: Manila Standard Today
Overseas judge for 2007 Miss Cayman Pageant
Broadway star, beauty pageant veteran and actress, Lisa Mandel, has offered her services in the judging of the 2007 Miss Cayman Islands Pageant, on Saturday, 29 September at the Lions Centre.
From America’s Junior Miss to Miss Arizona, Ms Mandel also has an extensive background in theatre and film. She has starred in shows such as “The Will Rogers Follies”, “Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, and the global smash hit, “Mamma Mia!”
Ms Mandel made her Broadway debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, understudied the role of Ulla in The Producers, and portrayed the evil nurse, Hilda Schmitt, on As the World Turns.
“We’re pleased that Ms Mandel is here to be a part of our pageant,” Miss Cayman Committee’s Chairperson Jacqui Terry said.
“With her impressive experiences and background, our contestants will have a great opportunity to learn about international pageants.”
Source: Cayman Net News
From America’s Junior Miss to Miss Arizona, Ms Mandel also has an extensive background in theatre and film. She has starred in shows such as “The Will Rogers Follies”, “Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, and the global smash hit, “Mamma Mia!”
Ms Mandel made her Broadway debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, understudied the role of Ulla in The Producers, and portrayed the evil nurse, Hilda Schmitt, on As the World Turns.
“We’re pleased that Ms Mandel is here to be a part of our pageant,” Miss Cayman Committee’s Chairperson Jacqui Terry said.
“With her impressive experiences and background, our contestants will have a great opportunity to learn about international pageants.”
Source: Cayman Net News
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)