Create a New Forum Owner Login Contribute & Create Your Member account VoyUser Login (see contribute) VoyForums Directory/Categories No-ads: Completely remove ads from your forum VoyForums Homepage VoyForums News Help Desk VoyForums Exchange FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions Search VoyForums

Sunday, November 22, 23:42:18

[ VoyUser Login optional ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, [4], 5 ]

Pageant News & Views II

News & Views 's Horoscopes

Select your sign? AriesTaurus GeminiCancer LeoVirgo Libra Scorpio SagittariusCapricorn Aquarius Pisces

http://www.voy.com/170868/

Subject: Baby for Ali Author: News Media [Edit] Date Posted: 02/22/05 12:06:43pm Swimsuit model Ali Hall, a former Miss Resaca Beach and former cover girl, is expecting her first child in September 2005. She and husband Guy Mocek live outside Atlanta. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Beauty Queen Heads To Prison Author: Mary Tan reports. [Edit] Date Posted: 02/22/05 11:35:38am Beauty Queen Heads To Prison Dee Henderson, a mom, a wife and a former beauty queen will begin serving her sentence for Social Security fraud at a prison in Illinois. She's started an online petition drive in hopes of serving her time closer to home Feb 21, 2005 10:00 pm US/Central (WCCO) A beauty pageant winner, a mother and future prison inmate. All describe former Mrs. Minnesota International Dee Henderson. Monday, she boarded a plane for Illinois, where she will begin serving a 46-month sentence for Social Security fraud. Dee Henderson and her husband wanted to tell their side of the story. “Why did you decide to apply for Social Security Benefits?” asked WCCO-TV’s Mary Tan. “Actually, it wasn’t my choice,” Henderson replied. “I wish I never had.” Henderson said she has experienced chronic pain since a 1995 car accident. At first, she got $3,100 a month through her own disability policy. “I received a phone call from my case worker, who told me part of my obligation under that policy is that I was required to file for Social Security disability, and not only apply, I had to take it all the way through the appeals process,” Henderson said. Henderson applied for Social Security twice. “She would call me and check to see, ‘Have you filled out the application, where’s it at, what’s the status?’” Henderson said. Twice, Henderson was turned down by Social Security. Then, an administrative law judge decided Henderson was entitled to Social Security. She initially received $2,198 each month, which was bumped up to $2,251 in December 1999. “He said, she’s not disabled, but she’s unable to keep a fulltime job because of her chronic illness,” said Ken Henderson, Dee Henderson’s husband. “It would be likely I would miss one day of work a week, because of the unpredictability, because of the pain and therefore, I was unemployable,” Dee Henderson said. “Can you describe the pain for us? Tan asked Dee Henderson. “If you’ve never had a migraine headache, you have no idea what it’s like being inside my head … the women that have migraines can understand what I’m saying, but the other ailments, it’s hard to describe that to people,” Dee Henderson said. Despite those ailments, muscle ache, fatigue, chronic neck and back pain, Dee Henderson stayed involved in pageants. In 1999, she was crowned Mrs. Minnesota International. That same year, Dee Henderson went on vacation with her family. An insurance investigator also went, and secretly shot video of Dee Henderson running down stairs, carrying bulky luggage and diving in the ocean. “What I was actually doing was more like snorkeling … I never put tanks on my back, for that exact reason, that I can’t carry the weight on my back,” Dee Henderson said. The insurance company’s video later became a part of a federal case against Dee Henderson. “We have to eliminate fraud and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas Heffelfinger. “This was a case of fraud and abuse.” Other evidence included an e-mail where Dee Henderson compared herself to the Energizer Bunny, saying, “I will keep going and going and going and going.” Prosecutors portrayed Dee Henderson as a busy beauty queen on the go, making 225 public appearances in 1999 alone. After her reign as Mrs. Minnesota International ended, she directed three beauty pageants and ran her own business. In contrast, Dee Henderson’s reports to Social Security described difficulty with personal grooming, sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, climbing, bending, lifting, reaching and using her hands. “She presented a picture of herself that was deceptive and untrue … she went into a hearing, put her hand up, swore to tell the truth and lied,” Heffelfinger said. Last August, a federal court found Dee Henderson guilty of nine felonies. Her sentence is nearly four years in prison, which was increased because the judge said she had lied repeatedly, and because the payments, unstopped, would have topped $700,000. “They thought I should be in a wheelchair, with a cane, in bed everyday,” Dee Henderson said. Dee Henderson calls her health problems a hidden disability. “When the jury was looking at Dee, she looks fine,” Ken Henderson said. “In fact, I think she looks better than fine and I think it’s hard for people to look inside and see your pain when the outside looks so good.” Dee Henderson said prosecutors offered her a deal before the trial: plead guilty to one criminal count and face a lighter sentence. Dee Henderson turned down the offer. “We were told by our advisors, attorneys, Social Security experts, physical therapists, physicians, ‘She’s disabled,’ and not to be concerned. We followed that advice,” Ken Henderson said. “Yeah, I could have gone the easy way out, but I can’t live with admitting something I didn’t do,” Dee Henderson said. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Dayanara Torres Miss Universe 1993 on Univision tv show "Don Francisco Presenta" Author: Bellisima [Edit] Date Posted: 02/21/05 3:07:52am [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: This beauty is soooooooooooooo much better off without that skank Marc Anthony! Let Jen keep him forever! (NT) -- Cheeks, 02/21/05 3:07:52am

Subject: MISS CHILE GABRIELA BARROS THE BEST IN SWIMSUIT Author: Chile Fan [Edit] Date Posted: 02/20/05 4:34:06pm MISS CHILE GABRIELA BARROS [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Miss Tibet expelled from Miss Tourism World due to Chinese pressure Author: Mcleod Ganj, [Edit] Date Posted: 02/19/05 4:34:04pm Miss Tibet expelled from Miss Tourism World due to Chinese pressure Mcleod Ganj, February 20 2005 Miss Tibet Tashi Yangchen has been expelled from Miss Tourism World pageant due to Chinese pressure. Beijing instructed the Chinese embassy in Harare to object to the inclusion of Miss Tibet in the Miss Tourism World pageant, the pageant's organizers explained in a phone call to the Director of the Miss Tibet pageant. The organisers of the Miss Tourism World finally ousted Tashi Yangchen from the pageant on the 16th of this month. Tashi landed at Harare, Zimbabwe, on the 13th and took part in some of the events. The finale of the pageant is scheduled on the 26th. About 90 countries are participating in the pageant Taiwan is represented in the pageant as Chinese Taipei. It was earlier shown as a separate country but due to Chinese objection it also had to be represented under the current title. Hong Kong is also represented as another representative of China, at the behest of China. Miss Tourism World is a British production chaired by John Singh. Tashi is currently in London enroute to India. Are you a fan of Tashi Yangchen? Her email address: misstibet04@yahoo.co.in [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Congrats to Lynnette. We hope your future is forever healthy and happy! Author: [Edit] Date Posted: 02/19/05 11:15:26am Benjamin Gibbs photographs Lynnettes special day. Lynnette Cole has earned numerous titles, including Miss Tennessee Teen World, Miss Tennessee Teen USA, Miss Teen All American, Miss Tennessee USA, and Miss USA. On Feb. 19, 2005, she will acquire the title of Mrs., when she weds Michael P. O'Nan, a Lexington, Ky., native. They will reside in Franklin, Tenn., where she runs a beauty boutique, La Rue Beauty, and is executive director of the Miss Southern Tennessee and Southern Tennessee Teen pageants. PNB photographer Benjamin Gibbs will photograph the wedding. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Westwood senior to partake in Junior Miss competition Author: By Parna Sarkar-Basu/ Staff Writer [Edit] Date Posted: 02/18/05 4:08:40pm Thursday, February 17, 2005 Westwood High School senior Cecelia Pope is competing in the Junior Miss Competition this month. - Staff photo by Jeff Gahres Cecilie Pope wants to be the state's Junior Miss for 2005, and she has extra incentive to do just that: She wants to bring the title back to town for the second year in a row. The Westwood High senior hopes to receive the crown from Meghan Joyce, the Westwood High graduate who is the reigning Massachusetts Junior Miss. Candidates will gather at Franklin on Feb. 19, for rehearsal and week-long activities, and will be judged in five categories -- interview, scholastics, fitness, talent and self expression. "I think this is the coolest thing to do," said Pope. "It's not just a pageant." Pope said she likes this pageant because it is more than a beauty contest and offers college scholarship. Of all the categories, Pope said she likes the talent and fitness categories. "I like to perform," said Pope, with a twinkle in her eyes. "It's better than just writing essays." Pope said she is looking forward to spending time with the other candidates and rehearsing for the program and the visit to the State House. For the fitness category, the talents will be learn a dance routine, which will include push-ups and sit-ups, she added. "It'll be very tiring, but it'll be fun," said Pope, a former gymnast. Pope said she will be wearing a "black Spanish-looking dress" while performing "Csardas" by Monti on the violin. Parents and staff are excited for Pope. "This will be fun," said mother Carolyn. "She's really looking forward to it. She likes to dress up in ball gowns." Carolyn said she likes this program as it looks at a candidate's academic achievement. Her daughter is a member of the National Honors, National Arts and National Spanish societies, said the proud parent. "She is a talented young women," said Guidance Counselor Maryanne Bowe and wishes Pope luck at the event. Bowe was also the counselor for Meghan Joyce, the reigning state Junior Miss. "They are just self-motivated individuals who seek out opportunities and challenges," said Bowe. Joyce, Massachusetts Junior Miss 2004, was one of top five finalists in last year's national title contest. She is currently studying English at Harvard University and is looking forward to participating in the event and transferring the crown to the new Massachusetts representative. "I am sad it's over," said Joyce. "But it was fun." Joyce said she will continue to volunteer within her community and help coordinate future state programs. Though Joyce has not met Pope, her tip to the contestant is, "Have fun and make friends. Don't take the competition too seriously." Massachusetts Junior Miss is an official preliminary for the America's Junior Miss annual national finals program. The Massachusetts representative will be crowned on Feb. 26 at the Horace Mann Auditorium in Franklin, and will travel to Mobile, Ala., to complete with 49 state winners for the title of America's Junior Miss 2005. Parna Sarkar-Basu can be reached at psarkar@cnc.com or 781-433-8355. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Presenting 2005 Swamp Cabbage Queen and Princess Author: Donna Meister [Edit] Date Posted: 02/16/05 5:31:37pm Top Queen contestants in the 2005 Miss LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival Queen Contest were, from left: second runner-up Lizzy Nobles, 2004 Queen Ashley Rose, 2005 Queen Amanda Pittman, first runner-up Amber Williams. If you missed this year's Swamp Cabbage Queen Pageant contest, you can start kicking yourself now! Promise yourself that you won't let THAT happen ever again! Life is just too short not to take every advantage of being thoroughly entertained, enthralled and captivated. This year's winners were: Queen Amanda Pittman, first runner-up Amber Williams, second runner-up Lizzy Nobles; Most Talented Amanda Pittman Miss Congeniality Lizzy Nobles, Most Photogenic Brittany Stewart. Princess - Rhonda Burton, first runner-up Miesha Pharis, second runner-up Mallory Allen, Most Talented was a tie between Miesha Pharis and Rhonda Burton; Most Photogenic Nicaela Marroquin, Most Ticket Sales Kaleigh Woodward, Most Patron Sales Kaleigh Woodward. Talent winners Miesha Pharis really got the crowd clapping to her "Devil Went Down to Georgia" high spirited, energetic clogging routine. Rhonda Burton was a stunning beauty dancing to "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" in her up-beat, on point ballet number. Amanda Pittman impressed everyone as she sang and danced to a musical theater selection from the Broadway hit Chicago entitled "I Can't Do it Alone." The Jaycees have sponsored the event for the last 39 years. The pageant staff surprised Mrs. Cindy Howard Miller and selected her as the honorary queen on the anniversary of her being chosen first runner-up in 1967. She has spent many countless hours devoted to the pageant over the years. The entertainment produced by the contestants past and present wowed everyone in the audience. The opening song and dance number from the Broadway musical Chicago, "All that Jazz," was a most spectacular way to start the 2005 Swamp Cabbage Pageant. 2004 reigning Queen Ashley Rose sang a soulful country song, "With a Broken Wing." She also sang a comical number from Little Orphan Annie, and was joined on stage by her four-year old niece, who added just the right touch for the song. 2004 Princess, Kourtenay Kelting and her mother, Kandis, sang a poignant duet entitled, "There You'll Be," Gifted Elesa Zimmerly did a great job filling in with wonderful vocals. For tradition the 2005 Pioneer Family, the Ballards, Grand Marshall Martha Raye Humphries and Cattleman of the Year, Billy Joe Tyndall were honored and presented to the audience as special guests. If you ever wondered about the youth of LaBelle, the pageant is good place to find out. Poise, intelligence, determination and the talent of these lovely young ladies was obvious to all - not to mention their beauty. Each young lady had her own special beauty and charm. The choice of costumes to go along with their speeches showed off their personality. Their chosen speech was taken from any of the multitude of Broadway shows. Each unique evening gown selected by the "lovelies" seemed to be made especially with each one in mind. Being what these contests are all about, there can be only one top winner. However, hopefully each young lady will take away a sense of accomplishment and the respect of their family and peers for all the hours of hard work that was put in to create such an enchanted evening. Well done! 2002 Swamp Cabbage Queen and Volunteer Pageant Director Cathryn Miller did a fabulous job putting on a delightful event. She had plenty of assistance from her staff, including but not limited to: Brittany Kinney, Tiffany Taylor, Cindy Miller, JerriLynn Merritt, Melinda Orlinski, Donna Hodges, Daniel Rodriguez, Sherri Bennett, Mona and Nancy Tanner. Once again Ken Pickles as the masterful Master of Ceremonies managed to keep the pageant running smoothly. He graciously requested more than once that the audience stay seated while the contestants were performing. Unfortunately, several people were just plain rude and didn't feel his pleas were meant for them. The live circling bat flying near the ceiling of the LHS Auditorium had nothing to do with people moving about. Just an unintended interesting touch! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Silver Springs teen receives crown at gala Author: PETER THOMPSON [Edit] Date Posted: 02/14/05 3:02:53am Silver Springs teen receives crown at gala February 13, 2005 Leah Rose Robinson is congratulated by Warly and Nora Pizarro after receiving her crown at the Carson Nugget on Saturday for Miss Filipino American Association of Carson City. BRAD HORN Nevada Appeal Leah Rose Robinson, 17, of Silver Springs, was crowned Miss Filipino American Association of Carson City and walked away with the $300 prize in a lively contest held in the Carson Nugget ballroom Saturday night. After watching the seven contestants compete in a three-tiered contest ending with a question and answer session, the five judges were faced with the task of determining a winner among the beautiful, wide-smiling group of over-achievers. Robinson, who graduated from high school when she was just 16-years-old, is a student at Truckee Meadows Community College. How did she do it? "I worked my butt off!" she laughed in a pre-contest interview. Though this was the first pageant the teenager has ever entered, she didn't show any overt signs of nervousness - until her name was called and her number was announced as the winner. "I was surprised!" said the arts and science major, still blinking away the disbelief in her eyes. "I was so nervous - I thought there was no way I would win," she enthused. Dressed in a stunning pearl-white evening gown with matching gloves, Robinson was crowned by former Carson City mayor, Ray Masayko, a proud, long-time supporter of the Filipino Association, according to Oscar Canonigo, emcee of the gala. While beauty pageants are synonymous with backstage hair-pulling, toothy cat-fights and fried-eyed stage moms with little conception of reality, the Miss Filipino American Association of Carson City pageant was more like a relaxing celebration - a pleasant wedding of both holiday and reunion. The contest was empowering to the girls involved. "The prize isn't cheapened by some lame old bathing suit contest," said Ruben Madella, keeping his tongue firmly planted in his cheek. It was a chance to enjoy the beauty in the young faces that, Father Donbon Deleon said in his convocation, "reflected the beauty of God." Many of the 500 strong Filipino community came out well-dressed and ready to enjoy generous helpings of food, drink and dancing. The first Miss Filipino American Association of Carson City, Robinson is now setting her sights on the Miss Nevada contest and the $15,000 in grants that go to the winner. From there, it could be on to Miss USA. n Contact reporter Peter Thompson at pthompson@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1215. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Sparks fly over Miss Zimbabwe (UK) contest Author: By Staff Reporter [Edit] Date Posted: 02/13/05 3:15:00pm Last updated: 12/15/2004 21:10:55 THE Miss Zimbabwe UK beauty contest was thrown into disarray this week with claims that winners of last weekend's contest at the Croydon Hotel in London were not Zimbabwean. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Second princess Nonhlanhla Mpofu, Miss Zimbabwe winner Hilda Mate-Kole and the first princess Angel Nxumao (Picture by Alan Mufunde) THE contestant many in the hall thought would win the contest (Picture by Alan Mufunde) To compound an already volatile situation, a company trading as Miss Zimbabwe UK which has conducted the beauty contest for the past nine years has threatened to sue the ZimExpo UK organisers who hosted the pageant on the sidelines of the ZimExpo Business Exhibition. Hilda Mate-Kole, a 22-year-old Business and IT student born in Ghana to a Zimbabwean dad and a Ghanaian mum won the contest, sparking a volley of protests from other contestants who also questioned the quality of judging. "I get the feeling it was pre-arranged," one of the contestants told New Zimbabwe.com. "They cannot say it's a Miss Zimbabwe contest and then go on to recruit foreigners who go on to win under dubious circumstances." It got worse as it emerged that the first princess also has foreign links. Angel Nxumayo, 17, hails from Mpumalanga Province in South Africa and can hardly be called a Zimbabwean. She told New Zimbabwe.com: "My mum is Zimbabwean and my dad is South African." New Zimbabwe.com deliberately delayed naming the winners of the contest while weighing the legal implications. Marcus Mariko who has organised the Miss Zimbabwe UK contest for nine years said: "I feel sorry for the contestants because they have been used by someone wanting to make a quick buck from gate takings while giving them crap prizes. They were robbed." He added: "The issue is with my legal team and the organisers will be dealt with." As if the crisis couldn't get any worse, he announced that he was still forging ahead with his original plans to have a Miss Zimbabwe UK contest on New Year's Eve at London's Custon House Hotel. Written questions have been submitted to the Zim Expo 2004 organisers who have yet to respond [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: 60 beauty queens in Zimbabwe for world pageant Author: Staff Reporter [Edit] Date Posted: 02/13/05 3:11:41pm MISS Zimbabwe Oslie Muringayi Last updated: 02/13/2005 11:32:27 MORE than 60 beauty queens from around the world arrived in Zimbabwe on Sunday for the Miss Tourism World pageant to be held in the resort town of Victoria Falls on February 26. The models bring to 100 the total number of beauty queens that are in the southern African country for the grand occasion, which is being held in Africa for the first time in 20 years. Head of media planning for the Miss Tourism World, Michael Orji,said that 11 more contestants were being expected. He said 21 of the models who arrived on Sunday would proceed to Victoria Falls while the rest would remain in the capital. President of the pageant, John Singh, said the event would provide Zimbabwe with the opportunity to showcase its tourism potential to the world. "The face of the Zimbabwean tourism has changed today as the touch down of these girls is an eloquent testimony to the fact that Zimbabwe is indeed a safe tourist and investment destination," Singh said. Orji said most contestants from Europe were very excited about coming to Africa and Zimbabwe in particular. Zimbabwe's tourism industry has since hailed the move, describing it as positive development that would enable the country to market its unparalleled tourism potential to the world. Tourism is the third largest growing sector in Zimbabwe after agriculture and mining and is fast emerging as one of the country's significant foreign currency earners. This is despite the negative publicity that the country continues to get from its traditional source markets, which are the United States, Britain, Germany and other European countries. Last year, Zimbabwe received 1.27 million tourists and netted in 152.3 million US dollars from the arrivals - Xinhuanet [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: The Miss CUC Scholarship Pageant Author: Tobago Express [Edit] Date Posted: 02/13/05 2:02:25am Antigua: Aleesha-Leslie Henry Guyana: Lynnita George Martinique: Katia Caroujel St Lucia: Sadia Moore St Vincent: Maeron Stephen Tobago: Anisha Hislop Trinidad: Tonia Robinson Venezuela: Jenny Barrios Here's an oxymoron: a Seventh Day Adventist beauty pageant. Well, to be fair, this is not your swimsuit-segment-boob-job kind of shindig. "It's about internal beauty," Del Charles of the Caribbean Union College's public relations department predictably said. The pageant is also about community spirit, cultural awareness and the eight finalists' personal and professional development. So while the delegates won't be required to pose poolside in a two-piece or have their measurements printed in the paper, they are expected to be ambassadors for their countries, school and faith. Each girl will perform. Their evening gowns must be modest. And they are all working on their national costumes and Caribbean Women in History speeches for the final night. It's tuition money, not a tiara, that's at stake in this pageant. The Miss CUC Scholarship Pageant, scheduled for February 27, is just one of the activities slated for the inauguration celebrations of Dr Trevor Gardner, the college's 25th president. But for most students at the Maracas Valley SDA-run school, the Sunday evening show will be the highlight. The event was the brainchild of the College's Drama Missionary Acting Group (Drama MAG). According to group director Bertrand Moses, the members of Drama MAG thought they could produce a pageant that would roll many of their own functions into a different format. "What the group does is try to reach out to the community and use our talents to glorify God," Moses said. "The delegates are doing the same." And with a student community comprising more than 35 nationalities, the pageant and its participants also serve to underline the cultural diversity that's part of campus life. Moses explained that each of the college's national clubs was asked to elect a delegate. The chosen ones were then screened and the long list was whittled away to eight different and dynamic young women. First, Miss Antigua. Aleesha-Leslie Henry is an associate degree student of office technology. The aspiring entrepreneur explained that she chose to attend CUC because of the fusion of academics and spiritual grounding that it offers. "The education here is solid," she said. "The college is affiliated with Andrews University in the USA. And the spiritual background is also important to me. I appreciate that the lecturers also act as counsellors to us." Miss Guyana, Lynnita George, is pursuing a degree in elementary education. "So many children slip through the cracks because our approach to education doesn't take their learning style or individuality into account," she said. "I believe in discovery learning-helping children to grasp concepts through exploration." Katia Caroujel, Miss Martinique, is one of the few female students of theology at the college. Caroujel said that committing her life to the service of God wasn't a difficult decision. "I believe this is what God wants me to do," she said. "And my focus will be on youth ministry. I think the church often bombards young people, telling them don't do this and don't do that without explaining the reasoning to them." Sharing the truth with young people is one story. Becoming a female pastor is another. Currently, the SDA church does not ordain female pastors. Caroujel thinks that the issue is more social than religious. "When society accepts it, the conference will follow," she said. "I think by the time I'm ready to start there won't be that problem." Miss St Lucia's career ambition is infused by her personal experience. Sadia Moore, a behavioural sciences major, explained that she would like to specialise in social work with particular emphasis on delinquent youth, women and children. "I never had the perfect relationship with my father and my home was never a place I looked forward to going," she revealed. "My field of study helps me to put my past into perspective and it will also help me understand what motivates people and how I can help them." Maeron Stephen represents St Vincent. Ultimately she'd like to be an attorney and columnist. For now, however, she is pursuing a major in English and a minor in communication studies. Stephen reconciles the realms of law and writing like this: "I see things from a different perspective and I like to convince people that I'm right," she said with a confident smile. Trinidad and Tobago are being represented separately in the pageant. Miss Tobago is Anisha Hislop. She has coupled her behavioural sciences major with a minor in biology and hopes to become a child psychologist. Hislop admitted that life in Trinidad is an adjustment even for her. "Things are more laid-back in Tobago," she said. "Everything here is hectic." Miss Trinidad is Tonia Robinson, a behavioural sciences major and business administration minor. Robinson would like to become a psychologist and hopes to infuse a measure of spirituality into her practice. "I will not impose my beliefs on my clients," she said, "but I do believe that we should not neglect our spiritual selves. That's fundamental to wholeness and well-being." Jenny Barrios is pursuing a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. The Venezuelan has two passions--sport and science. She enjoys swimming, badminton and hiking, and envisages a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Barrios is currently ahead of her fellow competitors on the online poll at the college's website, cuc.edu.tt. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: We wish Lynnette a happy and healthy future Author: Team Players [Edit] Date Posted: 02/11/05 4:05:49pm Lynnette Cole has earned numerous titles, including Miss Tennessee Teen World, Miss Tennessee Teen USA, Miss Teen All American, Miss Tennessee USA, and Miss USA. On Feb. 19, 2005, she will acquire the title of Mrs., when she weds Michael P. O'Nan, a Lexington, Ky., native. They will reside in Franklin, Tenn., where she runs a beauty boutique, La Rue Beauty, and is executive director of the Miss Southern Tennessee and Southern Tennessee Teen pageants. Lynnette Cole: Beauty queen reigns on at La’ Rue Beauty Read more about Lynnette... By Hollie Shulick Staff Writer When Lynnette Cole was little, her sisters used to gang up and put makeup on her. In the process, they created something of a beauty monster. " I wanted to look like Whitney Houston, " she says, laughing. It’s a good thing she didn’t follow in that vein. Today, Lynnette is the owner of La’ Rue Beauty, a shop for grown-up girls who still like to play with makeup. And as Miss Tennessee USA 2000 who went on to win Miss USA the same year, she has the pedigree to know what she’s talking about. " I love being a woman. I just think it is so refreshing, " she says. " I think we are luckier than men. That’s just the one thing I’ve learned. " And now that the temperature has definitely dropped, Lynnette has a few suggestions for keeping your skin in fighting form. " The good thing about winter, and this is why I love winter, is that we can put on what I call the ‘full face.’ " For her, that means the works: foundation, powder, eyes, lips and cheeks. " In the winter you can be more playful and fun, " she says. " You can create things with your eyes. You can try some bold colors and some cool colors that work on your eyes, whereas in the summer it’s more about the lips and cheeks. " But above all, skin needs extra hydration in the dry months, so be sure to drink plenty of water. As spring approaches (yes, it will be here eventually), Lynnette anticipates keeping makeup simple to go with that perfectly hydrated face. " The focus is going to be on the skin and making sure it looks radiant, " she says. " Cream blush. Definitely. " Of course, every woman has one item she can’t leave the house without making sure it’s tucked safely in their bag. I’m a lip gloss girl myself, but what are Lynnette’s must-never-be-without items? " Definitely moisturizer, and my lip gloss and my blush. I have to have the blush. " Lynnette carries hard-to-find beauty lines like Julie Hewitt out of Los Angeles, of which she is the exclusive retailer. " It’s not something you can pick up anywhere, " she says of the makeup she carries, all of which she uses herself. " These lines are very good. " But look for more than makeup at La’ Rue. Lynnette wants to make it the ultimate estrogen store. Lingerie is a new entry, and pajamas are on their way. " Ultimately, this is a girly girl’s shop, " she says. " I want to bring in things that make women feel good, like lingerie and pajamas. And not just lingerie for those ‘special nights,’ because we want to look pretty all the time. We want to look pretty under our clothes. " Men are also welcome, especially if they’re shopping for their girlfriends. Regular clients can leave a " wish list " with Lynnette, and she will then guide the men in their lives to the right choices. Lynnette also does makeup application for any age, especially preteens who are just learning that less is more. " Makeup is made to bring out your best features. That’s what we like to do. " And now that her shop is ticking right along, what’s next for Lynnette? A new house and a new husband, both of which should be hers next month. My bet? She’ll look great on the big day. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Sloan Bailey resigns as Miss Nevada USA 2005 Author: Gibson [Edit] Date Posted: 02/11/05 3:50:25pm The Miss Nevada USA organization has announced that Sloan Bailey has resigned as Miss Nevada USA 2005. She has been replaced by Shivonn Geeb, who was first runner-up at the state pageant. No official reason was given. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Elon freshman crowned Ms. South Central Ohio Author: Leigh Ann Vanscoy / Features Editor [Edit] Date Posted: 02/ 9/05 5:16:02pm Have you ever wondered if the movie "Miss Congeniality" actually represents real beauty pageants? Nanciann Strosnider assures us that they are very similar. Nanciann Strosnider, 19, was crowned Ms.South Central Ohio and will attend the Ms. Ohio competition in June. Freshman Nanciann Strosnider was crowned Ms. South Central Ohio and will be attending the Ms. Ohio competition in June. She competed in a swimsuit, formal wear, talent and a twelve minute interview round. As Strosnider's talent she sang "I am Changing" from the musical "Dreamgirls." The Ms. South Central Ohio crown came as a surprise. "I was just doing it for practice," Strosnider said. She said that she competes in pageants for fun and experience and is excited to move on to the statewide pageant. Pageants are a way of life for the 19-year-old Amelia, Ohio, native. Strosnider has been participating in pageants since she was 11-months-old. Both her parents have also been involved with pageants. Her mother previously competed in the Miss Kentucky USA competition and her father judges and also works as an announcer for pageant events. "It was a hobby,” Strosnider said. “We would go to pageants one weekend a month." Besides winning a spot in the Ms. Ohio pageant, Strosnider also took home a $1,000 scholarship and an official Miss America crown. All contestants must hold a platform to raise awareness of an issue they feel is important to their region. Strosnider will spend her reign promoting the preservation of the fine arts programs in public schools. This is a subject held close to her heart being a musical theater major. “I chose the fine arts departments because I am so passionate about it,” Strosnider said. “ I love it so much that it is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” Stosnider’s local school district’s fine arts program has cutback on their programs. “They are only offering a couple music or visual art classes because the fine arts are so expensive,” Strosnider said. "Instruments, sheet music, electric equipment, painting supplies, classroom space and the salary of the teachers is what is so draining to a school's budget.” She hopes school districts will be able to raise money and obtain grants to help support the arts. Contact Leigh Ann Vanscoy at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Jen tames the dragon of fame and fortune Author: By GEMMA JONES [Edit] Date Posted: 02/ 9/05 4:43:16pm February 9, 2005 POISED on a dragon and dressed in a barely-there silver bikini with a buffed male model next to her, hundreds of thousands of sweaty spectators cheered on globe-trotting Jennifer Hawkins in Brazil yesterday. Last week Australia's Miss Universe was in New York – the week before that she was home in Australia. Yesterday she donned the colourful outfit and paraded down the streets of Rio on one of dozens of floats in Brazil's annual Mardi Gras Carnival, along with supermodel Naomi Campbell. In seven months Hawkins has criss-crossed the globe, touring 11 countries to attend everything from HIV summits to fashion shows. Hawkins is juggling her Miss Universe commitments with a new hosting role on Channel 7's The Great Outdoors. She made her debut on Monday night and has already shot segments in New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. A spokeswoman for Channel 7 said Hawkins had been slotting in shoots for the show around her schedule. "We are trying to go along wherever possible," she said. "Viewers will see her on Monday for a Valentines Day story. She'll be ice skating in Central Park in New York and reporting from the back of a horse and carriage." [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Struggle for pageant crown continues Competing companies appear in Superior Court Author: By BEAU YARBROUGH/Staff Writer [Edit] Date Posted: 02/ 8/05 2:59:30pm Photo by Beau Yarbrough - Marisol Villagomez, an 18-year-old Hesperia High School student, was crowned Miss Hesperia Achievement by Lynzee Merritt, the former Miss Hesperia. Villagomez also was chosen as Most Photogenic by the judges. The Miss Hesperia Achievement Pageant took place a week ago at Hook Junior High School in Victorville. There are two different Hesperia women bearing the title of Miss Hesperia. There are two girls with the title Teen Miss Hesperia, two girls with the title Young Miss Hesperia. Two full sets of pageant queens, in fact. The legal battle between the two competing pageants each claiming to crown the real Miss Hesperia, Miss Victorville and Miss Apple Valley had its first day in court last month, but the case is far from settled. On the Wednesday before the Empire Pageants’ January 29 achievement pageant in Victorville, Empire Pageants and competing pageant company Star Power Productions both appeared in San Bernardino Superior Court in Victorville for a ruling on injunction and restraining order motions filed by Star Power head Michaelene Thrush. Thrush’s motions were both turned down, clearing the way for Empire’s pageant to continue. Thrush will continue to challenge Empire Pageants’ claim to the titles, however. “Oh, yeah, definitely,” Thrush said last week. She acquired the Fictitious Business Names for the Miss Hesperia, Miss Victorville and Miss Apple Valley titles in April 2004, after Empire Pageants founder Jones “Jeep” Malone failed to renew them. Thrush claims the FBNs give her company the sole right to use the names. Malone claims that the five years his company held pageants in the High Desert using those names gives him the right. The case should be decided, when the two sides are headed to court for an appearance in front of a jury. “We need it to be proved that I have the names,” Thrush said. In an attempt to further bolster her claim, she recently filed with the U.S. Patent Office. “I know what his papers say that they’re claiming.” Malone could not be reached for comment by press time. Beau Yarbrough can be reached at beau@hesperiastar.com or 956-7108 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT Author: KORI [Edit] Date Posted: 02/ 7/05 5:32:06pm Be the next: Teen, Miss, Mrs. Florida International 2005! Visit us at : www.mrsflorida.us [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Sylvia Owori Bows Out Author: Kalungi Kabuye [Edit] Date Posted: 02/ 5/05 2:20:33pm February 4, 2005 She came, we saw and wondered. Now the question is-did she really conquer? When Sylvia Owori announced late last week that she was giving up organising the annual Miss Uganda pageant, it marked the end of something really remarkable. Or was it? Sylvia Owori Managing Director "It really was a remarkable last four years for us," Miss Uganda Ltd's Public Relations Manager and herself a former Miss Uganda, Jessica Kyeyune, said. "It might be difficult for someone, who was not part of it to really appreciate it, but what Sylvia has done for Miss Uganda pageant is something of a milestone. We had a great team and essentially brought beauty pageants out of the back streets and made them one of Uganda's biggest social activities. Unlike in the past, there were no misunderstanding amongst the organisers and definitely no money squabbles. Now it's over and we all have to move on. Sylvia definitely changed the face of fashion beauty in Uganda." She has come a long way. When she showed up in Kampala in 1997 and invited the press to a luncheon, nobody knew who Sylvia Owori was. She organised the Red Rat concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval that got washed out by the rain. Then she opened up a shop on Wilson Road, and got Eva Mbabazi, dressed in all kinds of slinky wear, to stand outside it. That was when the crowds started coming and taking notice. In 1999, she showed up at the Rock Gardens with Eva Mbabazi in tow, wearing nothing, but a fishnet dress, and caught the attention of the country. Who is she, everybody wanted to know. Some girl out of London, it was said. That same year she met with Face of Africa chief scout Jan Malan and as a result got invited to design for that modeling contest the following year. The finals were in Cape Town, South Africa and she was there. On her return, she teamed up with a very young and slender fashion-school graduate named Santa and soon launched the Ziper Modeling Agency. Owori had been to several international fashion shows all over Europe and the United States and tried to bring that glitz and glamour to Kampala. "I've been there and wanted Uganda to share with me what the best in high society can be," she said at one time. "Why can't we have what New York, London or Paris has? What does it take?" In 2001 she decided to organise the Miss Uganda contest. The story is told how she went to meet the board of directors of MTN dressed in torn, though fashionable jeans and a skimpy top. How did she convince a bunch of stuffy executives, all dressed in sober suits, to put so much money in her effort? "People think Sylvia is all hype, short skirts and skimpy clothes, but she is a very hard-nosed businesswoman and has some very good persuasive skills," a confidant said. "She is very focused and has a very strong drive. If she sets her mind on doing or getting something, she will do it whatever it takes. She never gives up." According to that person, who did not want to be named (many of the people that worked with her were unavailable for comment), that drive and focus was one of the reasons the Miss Uganda pageant has been a success the last four years. Miss Uganda Ltd was essentially a partnership of three, according to Kyeyune, Miss Uganda 1990. While she dealt with the girls and general administration, Mukasa Nseera dealt with the production. Sylvia dealt with the financial side and general operations. General operations included making sure the stage was built the right way, and the lights were adequate, or firing anybody, who did not shape up. In the last two pageants, she also designed all the clothes the contestants wore on stage. She also designed the gown the winner wore at the Miss World competition. But it was getting the corporate world involved that was Owori's major coup. Before she took over the Miss Uganda pageant in 2001, it had not been held for over three years. With a tradition of money squabbles and all kinds of scandals, nobody wanted to touch it. "Sylvia convinced the corporate world this was something they wanted to be involved in," Kyeyune said. "Of course, we had to make sure it was worth it. 2001 was a sort of dry run after that, it got easier. The fact that she had Pir Munk-Nielsen for a fiancée did not hurt, either." MTN Uganda and Uganda Breweries were the original main sponsors, with Sudhir and Jyostna Ruperelia also participating. Uganda Breweries withdrew after two years and Nile Breweries joined in. After MTN also withdrew, Nile Breweries became the major sponsor. Along the way, Total and Fair & Lovely also came aboard. The finals at the Speke Resort Munyonyo were always the high point of the year and became the climax of Uganda's social calendar. It also generated several copycat events, but somehow these never quite got the same shine. Cash problems, unpaid performers and general mayhem reigned, again. So, with Sylvia and the Miss Uganda Ltd team gone, shall we go back to that kind of thing? "What we showed, mainly, is that it can be done and properly," Kyeyune said. "We may not be involved in the organisation, but we shall always be around to give help or advice. I'll tell you, it is a difficult thing to actually let it go. We shall all miss it very much, even Sylvia herself." While we knew Owori because of Miss Uganda, many overlooked the fact she was a fashion designer of some repute. According to her friends, the reception she received at last year's Kenya Fashion Week was the turning point. "She really raised some dust at the Kenya Fashion Week," one said. "There she was, with her designs on the front pages of three of the biggest newspapers in the region. Then she got invited to participate in the Cape Town Fashion Week, Africa's biggest and we knew the writing was on the wall for Miss Uganda. There was no way she was going to find the time for it." [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Carnival Queen Author: [Edit] Date Posted: 02/ 5/05 3:07:53am Deborah Nandah parades in her costume "Pride of The Nation: We Pan," from the band Ah Feeling It, to capture the Carnival Queen title at Skinner Park ,San Fernando, on Wednesday night. And South King of the Band Photos: TREVOR HACKETT AFTER playing Queen of the Bands for 15 years, Deborah Nandah never thought she would capture a title. Maybe that's why, when her name was announced winner of the San Fernando Queen of Carnival 2005 she just stood in shock. "I just stand up and stared. I was in shock. It was only when they kept calling me on stage, then it really sunk in, that I had won the title," said an excited Nandah yesterday. At the show dubbed the South Dimarche Gras at Skinner Park, San Fernando, Brian London retained the South Calypso Monarch title which he won last year. He sang his popular "Tsunami" and "We Shall Overcome". The South King of the Bands title, for the second year running, went to Leroy Preito. He won with his creation "Magazany-The Bizarre Buffon King of all Clowns". This is his fifth title since he began playing with Fireworks Promotion in 1999. Nandah had played mas almost all her life and began playing queen 15 years ago. First she played with Miguel Marchan's band, then Leslie Bobb, then with Neville Hinds in Port of Spain for three years. For the next ten years, she stuck with the San Fernando band of Owen Hinds, a relative of Neville's. Nandah of Duncan Village, San Fernando, said: "Now that I have tasted winning, I look forward to capturing more titles." Her winning costume "Pride of The Nation: We Pan", from the band Ah Feeling It, was designed by Howill Pooran, and decorated by Crystal Gordan and Nandah herself. The beautiful red, white and black costume was a tribute to pan personalities who through their hard work over the years, made the pan the national instrument. Nandah, is among six south queens competing for the national Carnival Queen title, the final of which takes place in Port of Spain on Sunday. Describing his win as thrilling, Preito promises "good competition" for competitors for the national title come Sunday at the Dimanche Gras. QUEEN Category: 1st - Deborah Nandah - Pride of the Nation "We Pan". 2nd - Rosemarie Kuru- Jagessar - "Zanaru - Lady of the Plains". 3rd - Peola Marchan - "Shamrock Surprises". KINGS category: 1st - Leroy Preito - "Magazany - The Bizarre Buffon King of all Clowns". 2nd - Owen Hinds Jr - "Beauty and Splendour". 3rd - Lionell Jagessar Jr - "Za-Rahula - Keeper of the Treshold". CALYPSO MONARCH: 1st - Brian London - with "Tsunami" and " We shall Overcome." 2nd - Rondell Donawa 3rd - Marsha Charles. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Miss Congeniality Deluxe Edition Author: Warner Home Video [Edit] Date Posted: 02/ 5/05 2:54:03am Miss Congeniality Deluxe Edition From: Warner Home Video FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE "Wildly entertaining! Sandra Bullock is relentlessly funny and infinitely charming!" - Mark S. Allen, UPN-TV Unpolished. Unkempt. Unleashed. Undercover. Miss Congeniality Deluxe Edition DVD Debuts March 15 from Warner Home Video Hit Comedy Arrives Packed with Extras including Additional Scenes, Two Documentaries, Sandra Bullock Commentary and an Exclusive Sneak Peek at Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous Burbank, Calif., January 5, 2005 –Miss Congeniality – the $207 million worldwide box-office hit starring Sandra Bullock debuts March 15 in a Deluxe Edition DVD from Warner Home Video (WHV). This charming comedy will be available for $24.98 SRP. The Miss Congeniality Deluxe Edition DVD is loaded with extra features including sneak peek footage of the highly anticipated sequel Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous, three additional scenes, two commentaries, two documentaries, a Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Beauty Queen quiz hosted by William Shatner and more. The DVD also includes a bonus instant movie ticket for up to $12 off the admission to Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous. In addition, a Miss Congeniality Gift Set will include the Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous CD Soundtrack. The Gift Set will be priced at $39.92 SRP. A leading actress whose unique style of physical comedy has been compared to that of comedy legend Lucille Ball, Sandra Bullock has consistently scored with critics and audiences alike for her performances in such films as the blockbuster Speed, as well as While You Were Sleeping, Murder by Numbers, 28 Days and the box office smash Two Weeks Notice. Sandra Bullock earned her second Golden Globe nomination for her role in Miss Congeniality as bumbling FBI agent turned beauty pageant contestant Gracie Hart. The film also features an all-star cast including Academy Award® winner Michael Caine (The Cider House Rules, The Quiet American), Benjamin Bratt (Catwoman, Traffic), William Shatner ("Star Trek") and Candice Bergen (Sweet Home Alabama, "Murphy Brown"). Synopsis When a terrorist threatens to bomb the Miss United States pageant, the FBI rushes to find a female agent to go undercover as a contestant. Unfortunately, Gracie Hart (Bullock) is the only female agent who can "look the part" despite her complete lack of refinement and femininity. Gracie prides herself in being "just one of the boys" and is horrified at the idea of becoming a girly girl. To assist her with the emergency assignment, the bureau enlists the help of Victor Melling (Caine), an obsessive and pompous pageant consultant, to transform Gracie from "Dirty Harriet" to a glamorous beauty queen. Transformation complete, Gracie must get comfortable with the mercilessly driven and perfectly coifed contestants, infiltrate the pageant and thwart the terrorists. DVD Special Features Sneak Peak at Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous Do You Have What it Takes to be a Beauty Queen? Quiz hosted by William Shatner Three Missing Scenes Two Documentaries Preparing for the Pageant The Pageant Two Commentaries: Sandra Bullock and Co-screenwriter Marc Lawrence Director Donald Petrie Theatrical Trailer Languages: English, French & Spanish Subtitles: English, French & Spanish Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous CD Soundtrack Songlist Estero – "Wikked Lil' Grrrls" Natasha Bedingfield - "I'm A Bomb" P!nk - "Trouble" Spiderbait – "Black Betty" Paul Anka - ("You're) Having My Baby" Carl Carlton - "She's A Bad Mama Jama" Ohio Players - "Fire" Thelma Houston - "Don't Leave Me This Way" The Staple Sisters – "I'll Take You There" Ike and Tina Turner – "Proud Mary" Patti LaBelle - "New Attitude" Liza Minelli – "Cabaret (Live)" [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Beauty queen's arrest shocks Puerto Rico Author: Henry Pierson Curtis [Edit] Date Posted: 02/ 4/05 5:09:12pm Beauty queen's arrest shocks Puerto Rico The host of a variety show on Univision is accused of shoplifting at Islands of Adventure. By Henry Pierson Curtis Sentinel Staff Writer Posted February 3 2005 The months-old shoplifting case against a former Miss Puerto Rico became international news this week after she was booked into the Orange County Jail. Brenda Robles' mug shot ran on the front pages of two of Puerto Rico's largest daily newspapers Tuesday, a day after her booking in Orlando. Television quickly spread the news across Latin America about how Robles, a host of Univision TV's Que Suerte! variety show, was charged last summer with stealing toys, trinkets and T-shirts from a store at Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure. Robles, 29, has been suspended from the show, one of the island's most popular programs every Sunday, as a result of her arrest, the show's production company said Wednesday. "This is stunning," said Lucy Romero, 56, standing Wednesday evening in Old San Juan's Plaza Colon. "She had everything, including a natural beauty. The island is just shocked." Rumors of the pending arrest spread in Puerto Rico when a tabloid-style TV program, Channel 4's SuperXclusivo, ran a story about the case in Orlando against an unnamed celebrity. Everything came together Wednesday when Robles' photo appeared on the front page of Primera Hora, Romero said. Scandal has kept step with the beauty queen's career ever since she lost her Miss Puerto Rico crown in 1994 by showing up pregnant for the Miss Universe contest. Universal Studios would not comment on the arrest, which occurred shortly before midnight July 27 inside one of the theme park's stores. Arrests at theme parks are so common that they rarely draw public attention. But Robles essentially guaranteed hers would draw attention when she skipped a court date in September and prosecutors issued a nationwide warrant for her arrest. According to Orlando police records, Universal's private security force watched as Robles, her three young children and their nanny, Lorelei Rodriguez, 19, pushed a baby carriage through the Trading Company. "Robles approached a display where she removed one blue tank top valued at $19.95 and a pair of shorts valued at $25.95," a report stated. "Rodriguez then concealed the tank top and shorts along with numerous other items, utilizing a Spider Man towel." A security guard stopped the group. Beneath the towel, the guard found merchandise valued at $837, the report stated. Robles and Rodriguez could not be reached for comment. Vanessa Vazquez Yuret and Ray Quintanilla of the Sentinel staff contributed to this report. Henry Pierson Curtis can be reached at hcurtis@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5257. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Dealer drives Miss New York mad Author: By Eugene Driscoll [Edit] Date Posted: 02/ 4/05 4:36:46pm Christina Ellington Anybody out there have an extra car lying around? A beauty queen needs new wheels. Christina Ellington, a 2000 graduate of Danbury High School, was crowned Miss New York in June. She qualified for the pageant because she lived in New York City while attending New York University, where she studied musical theater at the exclusive Tisch School of the Arts. In addition to winning a $10,000 scholarship from the pageant, Ellington won a car. Actually, she won the right to use a car for a year, donated by a generous auto dealer in Watertown, N.Y., where the Miss New York pageant is held. Now don't get her wrong. She is very happy with her 2004 Dodge Stratus. She didn't even want to name the dealership that donated it because she was afraid of making them look bad. "I didn't want anything fancy — just something that could get me to the appearances," Ellington said. However, the car came with strings attached. Those strings are preventing Miss New York from spreading her message about education reform (her Miss New York platform). She can't take the car into New York City. She can't take the car out of state. In fact, the car isn't for personal use at all. The thing is, being Miss New York is a full-time gig. Ellington doesn't have a car of her own. She has constant personal appearances and occasional store appearances. She even appeared in "The Wiz" at Danbury High School. "If you're Miss New York, you're really too busy to be doing anything else," she said. Apparently the folks at the auto dealership, a business about 30 minutes from the Canadian border, don't like the looks of New York City. "I think they are afraid of it being stolen or things happening to the car," Ellington said. And apparently beauty queens aren't always the strongest drivers. "Unfortunately, we had some issues last year when Miss New York had a couple of accidents," she said. Calls to Dealmaker Dodge, the upstate New York car dealer that donated the car, weren't returned by deadline. Ellington pays for gas, oil changes and other maintenance. She's under the dealership's insurance policy. But because Ellington went to school in Manhattan for four years, she's made it a point to appear at city schools. However, she can't drive her car into the five boroughs. Neither could the previous four Miss New Yorks, who were all from New York City. When heading into the city for a Miss New York appearance, Ellington drives to Metro-North train stations in Brewster and White Plains, N.Y. Then she has to find a way from Grand Central Station to wherever she's heading. "It can be very difficult for me to get on trains and lug luggage around," she said. "You have to take a bus or a cab or something out to the school and then head all the way back." Meanwhile, her parents live in Danbury. Technically, she's not supposed to drive the car to see them, but doing so hasn't presented any problems. "We're only about five miles over the border," she said. "They've been pretty lenient about that." Ellington is searching for another car dealer that would be willing to let her use a car until June, when her reign ends. "I've had a wonderful year and I want to do even more," she said. To learn more about Christina Ellington, log onto www.christina-ellington.com. Contact Eugene Driscoll at edriscoll@newstimes.com or at (203) 731-3348. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Ms. Bikini Super Series Author: Stage Door Productions [Edit] Date Posted: 01/31/05 5:33:01pm During the 2005 season, the Fitness Universe Pageant, Model Universe and Ms. Bikini Universe will assist those affected by the tsunami disaster by donating 10% of all contestant membership and all promoter event license fees. The donations will be allocated equally to local charities in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand who's citizens are most severely affected by the tragedy. In this New Year, let us count our blessings and help those in need in their time of need! Ms. Bikini Super Series The popularity of the Ms. Bikini America takes on a whole new dimension this season with the addition of the Super Series. DUB - The Original Automotive Lifestyles Magazine will host Ms. Bikini Super Series in conjunction with their car show tour. Sponsored by Pepsi, BFGoodrich, Boost Mobile, Rockstar Games, BUD Light and Budweiser, each of the 11 events will entertain thousands of people and the beautiful bikini ladies will be part of the automotive television, internet and magazine promotions. Because of a the busy Super Series schedule, each event will be limited to 50 contestants. Entry forms will be available January 17. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Woman Beats Out 12 Men For 'Sexiest Plumber' Title Author: De-Press-Son [Edit] Date Posted: 01/30/05 3:14:07am Woman Beats Out 12 Men For 'Sexiest Plumber' Title Lori Sardinha-Costa Is Massachusetts Native 'Sexiest Plumber' Lori Sardinha-Costa January 12, 2005 FALL RIVER, Mass. -- A Massachusetts native has been crowned the nation's new princess of plumbing. Lori Sardinha-Costa of Fall River defeated 12 men to take the title of "Sexiest Plumber," an honor recognized in New York City Monday. Sardinha-Costa was back on her home turf Tuesday, reliving some of the competition, including telling the judges that she wants to make the world a better place. "Whenever I go over to houses, I want to fix what's wrong. I want to save the world," she said. Sardinha-Costa is the daughter, sister, and niece of plumbers. When other girls were playing Chutes and Ladders as children, she was playing pipes and wrenches, she said. "Every little girl thinks of winning a beauty contest, but I never thought I'd win a beauty pageant like this," she said. Sardinha-Costa said she's already getting calls from men asking her to come over to fix a clogged pipe. But before you clog the pipes, Boeri said, think of this -- she's still an apprentice and works with her father. The contest was held by one of the nation's leading toilet makers, American Standard. And what better prize for a plumber than a trip for two to the most famous bowl of all -- the Super Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Halle Berry Author: Interview [Edit] Date Posted: 01/28/05 1:16:56am A woman whose combination of talent, tenacity, and beauty has made her one of Hollywood's busiest actors, Halle Berry has enjoyed a level of success that has come from years of hard work and her share of career pitfalls. Berry's interest in show business came courtesy of her participation in a number of beauty pageants throughout her teens, including the 1986 Miss U.S.A. Pageant. A native of Cleveland, OH, where she was born to an African-American father and white mother on August 14, 1968, Berry was raised by her mother, a psychiatric nurse, following her parents' divorce. At the age of 17, she appeared in the spotlight for the first time as the winner of the Miss Teen All-American Pageant, and subsequently became a model. Berry won her first professional acting gig on the TV series Living Dolls, and then appeared on Knots Landing before winning her first big-screen role in Spike Lee's Jungle Fever. It was on the set of the film that she first earned her reputation for her full commitment to acting, reportedly refusing to bathe for weeks in preparation for her portrayal of a crack addict. Following her film debut, Berry was cast opposite Eddie Murphy in Boomerang (1992) as the comedian's love interest; not only did she hold her own against Murphy, but the same year she did acclaimed work in the title role of the Alex Haley miniseries Queen, playing a young woman struggling against the brutal conditions of slavery. After a comedic turn as sultry secretary Sharon Stone in the 1994 live-action version of The Flintsones, Berry returned to more serious fare with her role in the adoption drama Losing Isaiah (1995). Starring opposite Jessica Lange as a former crack addict battling to win custody of her child, who as a baby was adopted by an affluent white couple, Berry earned a mixed reception from critics, some of whom noted that her scenes with Lange highlighted Berry's own shortcomings. However, critical opinion of the actress' work was overwhelmingly favorable in 1998, when she starred as a street smart young woman who comes to the aid of a bumbling politician in Warren Beatty's Bullworth. The following year, Berry won even greater acclaim -- and an Emmy and Golden Globe -- for her turn as tragic screen siren Dorothy Dandridge in the made-for-cable Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. Unfortunately, any acclaim Berry enjoyed was overshadowed by her widely publicized brush with the law in February of 2000, when she allegedly ran a red light, slammed into another car, and then left the scene of the accident. The actress, who suffered a gash to her forehead (the driver of the other car sustained a broken wrist), was booked in a misdemeanor court in early April of that year. Fortunately for Berry, her subsequent onscreen work removed the spotlight from her legal troubles; that same year, she starred as Storm in Bryan Singer's hugely successful adaptation of The X-Men. Working alongside a cast that included Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Famke Janssen, and Anna Paquin, Berry was hailed for her work as the first African-American comic book heroine on the screen. Acclaim was not quite as forthcoming for her work opposite John Travolta in Dominic Sena's cheesy thriller Swordfish, which touted itself as the first movie to feature Berry baring her breasts. Unfortunately, it didn't allow for equal exploitation of the talents that Berry possessed above her collarbone. Berry again bared more than her character's inner turmoil in Monster's Ball (2001), a romantic drama directed by Marc Forster that starred the actress as a woman who becomes involved with a racist ex-cop (Billy Bob Thornton) who oversaw the prison execution of her husband (Sean Combs). Berry earned wide critical praise for her work in the film, as well as Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for Best Actress. And though she may have lost out to Sissy Spacek in the Golden Globes, her night at the Oscars found Berry the favored performer as took home a statue for Best Actress. A momentous footnote in Academy Award history, Berry's win marked the first time an African American had been bestowed that particular honor. ~ Rebecca Flint, All Movie Guide [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: How can a woman be an ITEM? Author: Srabanti Chakrabarti [Edit] Date Posted: 01/13/05 2:16:17am Design: Uday Kuckian From being a dusky eyed model in a Bengali magazine to the Gladrags Supermodel of the Year to an item bomb, it has been a long journey for Koena Mitra. Two years, innumerable ramp walks, ad campaigns, music videos and a couple of films later, Koena has made her mark in Bollywood. And it has a lot to do with her steaming dance numbers in Road and Musafir. "I always wanted to become an actress. I had planned the initial part of my career very well. I knew that if you win a beauty pageant, half of your job is done -- the media attention, the confidence, the platform… That's why I participated in the Gladrags Supermodel contest. I was fortunate to win it and get a one-year contract with Maureen Wadia," Koena explains. "And you cannot become a Bollywood star without staying in Mumbai. But it is not easy to suddenly pack your bags and relocate to Mumbai. The Gladrags crown helped me settle down in Mumbai." Post the Gladrags contest, Koena appeared in music videos like Stereo Nation's Ishq and Jassi's Channo and commercials like Maruti Alto, ACP Whiskey and Clinic All Clear. It was in one of these ads that Ram Gopal Varma noticed Koena and approached her for the item number in Road. "The song Khullam khulla was a turning point in my career," she says. "No one refuses an offer from Ram Gopal Varma. Neither did I. But unfortunately, I was branded as an item girl. "I have serious objection to being called an 'item girl.' How can a woman be an 'item'!" Koena exclaims. "The word should be removed from the dictionary. Madhuri Dixit was a graceful dancer. Do you call her an item?" But, post-Road, most of the offers Koena received were item numbers like Aisa jadoo dala re (from Rajkumar Santoshi's Khakee), the title song in Karan Johar's production Kaal and a song from Ketan Mehta's The Rising. "I did not want to be typecast. So I took a sabbatical from films and returned to modeling. In fact, I thought that if I did not get any good film offers, I would quit films." The Bong Babe even considered marriage! And that's when she landed Sanjay Gupta's Musafir. I was very excited after Sanjay read out the script. Though the film was a hero-oriented action-packed movie, I realised that my role was important. Earlier Sanjay had offered Plan to me, but I declined since there was no potential in that role." And Koena relaunched herself in Bollywood. She admits that the film did not win much critical acclaim, "But it was successful in creating a 'buzz' in Bollywood. The Saki re song has already become a rage. So if you ask me, Musafir has done what it should have for a newcomer like me." But things may not have turned out the way they did. "I was offered the lead role in Pooja Bhatt's Cabaret -- a film she was planning on a bar girl's life. There were numerous auditions and screen tests for the film and finally, I was selected. The entire process took more than six months. Finally, Pooja asked me to sign a contract, which would prohibit me from doing other films simultaneously. "I refused to sign, so Pooja asked me to carry on with my plans and told me she would get back to me. I learnt later that Mallika Sherawat had been signed for the role. I respect Pooja immensely as a filmmaker, but since I had come so close to her during the screen tests, I had expected at least a phone call from her." But Koena has no regrets about Cabaret. "The shooting has not even started yet, Musafir has released and now, I am awaiting the release of my second film, Insan on January 14." I play Ajay Devgan's wife in Insan -- a simple, modern housewife. It is not a glamorous role. Apart from a love song, I don't have any song and dance sequences," she says. "Rajkumar Santoshi offered me this role. I was so surprised that I asked him why he offered me this role!" Santoshi explained that a good director has to be a good visualiser as well and he felt Bengali women look best in sarees. Since this role demanded that look, Koena was an automatic choice. The dusky actress adds she would like to do Bengali films as well. "I am waiting for the right script," she says. "But if Reenadi (Aparna Sen) offers me a role in her film, I will do it without even reading the script. She is a very sensible filmmaker." Koena seems to have a busy year ahead. "In February, I will start shooting for David Dhawan's Shaadi No 1. It is a comedy and very different from the other films I have done. It is devoid of sex and skin! In April, I will shoot for a film with Nagarjuna." [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: A Dream Model: Nicole Kidman Author: Fashion Addict [Edit] Date Posted: 01/ 7/05 1:09:38pm A dream model for any fashion designer and photographer this model-turned-actress in one of the most established and powerful stars in Hollywood. Years ago it seemed that she would be continuously overshadowed by her famous ex-husband Tom Cruise, but her stunning performances have proved her an actress in her own right. Like most Hollywood stars of today, Nicole`s career launched with modeling. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Nicole was 4 years old when her family moved to Australia, where Nicole and her younger sister was raised under strict rules. Hard as it is to believe, Nicole felt extremely awkward and out of place while growing up. As a child her figure was not proportionate, and she stood at a lanky height compared to her classmates. Her pale complexion did not make matters any better for young Nicole. Nicole made her acting debut in 1983, in the Australian film Bush Christmas. She made quite a lasting impression on her fellow Australians, who still watch the film on television every December. By the time she dropped out of high school to pursue a full-time acting career and tend to her mother who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, Nicole had already become a star Down Under. She soon became recognized across the globe in the United States, when she appeared in the 1989 thriller, Dead Calm. Finally growing into her figure and becoming the red headed beauty we know today, Nicole next appeared in the film Days of Thunder, which would mold her life in more ways than one. In the racecar flick, she stole co-star Tom Cruise's heart both on and off screen. The couple were married after a brief courtship in 1990, and remained happily married for 10 years. Nicole and Tom starred as husband and wife (not too much of a stretch) in the psychosexual drama Eyes Wide Shut, classic director Stanley Kubrick's final film. The much anticipated film drew mixed reviews, despite the fact that it took most of 1997 to film. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Britney ready to unveil sexual effects for Bollywood with Ash, Rani and Preity Author: Pam Bhandari, Special Correspondent [Edit] Date Posted: 01/ 5/05 5:26:10pm Britney Spears Priety Zinta Ash Rai Rani Mukherjee January 05, 2005 Britney finally may be ready for Bollywood. An Indian expatriate group planning to enter the Bollywood movie market with big forex money and big bang plans to create a starter movie with Britney, Ash, Preity and Rani. Britney will be in the centerpiece with others learning to create the Hollywood style sexual effects from her. The movie has an interesting story based on some Internet sites. An international singer visits India for mega concerts. In Mumbai someone steals her belongings and passport. The three Indian girls in rescue the international beauty. SRK and Hrithik who live next door gets a crush on the beauty. A love parallelogram happens. Britney moves back to New York. Later when Ash comes for Miss Universe in NY she realizes that she was really in love with Britney. The movie continues with passion and romance of Rani, Preity and SRK. The final scenes are in NY where Ash and Britney finds each other. The movie is still at the planning stage but when given the proper shape, it will be box office killer. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: The Miss Dog Beauty Pageant Author: Jammin on Jimmie [Edit] Date Posted: 12/23/04 3:09:45am They say every dog has its day, but these pretty pooches are actually getting their very own night. Thursday just happens to be that night as some stunning females from every state in the union strut their fluff in "The First Annual Miss Dog Beauty Pageant" on FOX. Judging by the rehearsals, there could be some hairy moments when these four-legged beauty queens go paw-to-paw for coveted titles like "Miss Congeniality," "Most Photogenic," and "Most Talented." Executive producer Eric Schotz says the fur could really fly in the evening wear competition. But don’t expect any bikinis. He says, "We went swimsuit and it started getting a little funky because the waxing just go out of hand." Come the end of the night, one of these gorgeous creatures will be crowned "Miss Dog 2004" And with Seinfeld star John O'Hurley and foxy "Good Day Live" star Jillian Barberie serving as emcees, this pageant promises to be a real howl. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: MRS MICHIGAN UNITED STATES Author: Harrison Productions [Edit] Date Posted: 12/12/04 3:44:26pm Click on the picture to take you to the site. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: The new Miss Paraguay 2004 Author: New in the News [Edit] Date Posted: 12/ 3/04 5:37:42am Miss Paraguay, Tania Domaniczky was crowned Reina Sudamericana 2004 last night in Cochabamba, Bolivia. The 20 year-old Social Communication student is 5'9" tall and will be representing Paraguay in the upcoming Miss World Pageant in China, for which she is slated to leave next week. The First Runner-Up was Miss Colombia, Mónica Jaramillo, while the Second Runner-Up was Miss Bolivia, Nuvia Montenegro. The Third Runner-Up was Miss Brazil, Catarina Guerra and The Fourth Runner-Up was Miss Peru, Lucía Alva. Miss Paraguay also took the Best Costume title, while Miss Brazil was named Miss Amity. Miss Costa Rica won the Miss Elegance award while Miss Venezuela was named Miss Cyber Press by Global Beauties. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Miss South Trinidad stripped of title Author: Keino Swamber [Edit] Date Posted: 11/28/04 3:47:05pm Jenna Marie Andre, right, Miss South Trinidad 2003 and Trinidad and Tobago delegate to Miss Earth 2005, places the tiara on the new Miss South Trinidad 2004, June Lightbourne during a function held at the Edge Night club, La Romaine, yesterday. The pre Miss South Trinidad 2004, Ginger Richardson, has been stripped of her title. Her crown now lies on the head of June Lightbourne who was given the title at The Edge at Paria Suites, La Romaine, yesterday. Lightbourne 19, a clerk employed with SK Contractors, will begin preparing immediately to be screened for the 2005 Miss Trinidad and Tobago/Universe pageant. In a statement, franchise holder Fermada Mohammed, said a decision was taken to strip 16-year-old Richardson of the title because of "her inability to cope with and effectively execute her training, duties and responsibilities which accompanies the title". Mohammed said she was disappointed by the turn of events which led to the title being taken away from Richardson. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Amelia Vega Author: Simply Stunning [Edit] Date Posted: 11/25/04 5:08:37am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Miss India World 2004 Etka Author: India is producing some beautiful girls. [Edit] Date Posted: 11/24/04 9:51:53am Ekta Height: 5’6.3/4 th Weight: 50.5 kgs Age: 23 yrs Statistics: 31-25-34 Education: I am a BMM graduate (2003). Work Experience: I have modelled for TV ads including Livon Silky Potion and Amul Bodywarmer. I have also done ad campaigns including Sunsilk promo, VIP Footloose, Liberty Footwear, Colgate etc. Besides a couple of ramp shows I have anchored the ‘A to Zee’ programme on Zee News. What significant educational / career activities are you currently undertaking? I have finished my graduation in Advertising and I am currently modelling. Career Objective / Future Plans: I want to be a good model or an actress. Where do you see yourself five years from now? I hope to be doing well in modelling or in the film industry. How would you describe yourself? I am a calm and quiet person. I’m also good at heart, very confident and straightforward. I do what I feel is right and am an optimist. Why have you decided to participate in the Pond’s Femina Miss India Contest? I think it’s the biggest platform for models in India. What do you hope to achieve for yourself by participating in the Contest? I hope that I would definitely become Miss India because I am worth it. Hobbies & Sports: I love dancing, listening to music, cooking, drawing, playing badminton and watching movies. How would you define beauty? The beauty within a girl is her real beauty. Talents and Achievements: Camay Model Hunt 2003- Super Hair. Inter-school dance competition 1996. Which one person do you look upto and why? I look upto Sushmita Sen because I feel she is a good human being, a great model and a great orator too. What was the happiest moment of your life? When I won a diamond in a cloth store and when I got selected to participate in the Pond’s Femina Miss India 2004. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Author: Pageants Galore [Edit] Date Posted: 11/18/04 4:44:50pm Miss Black Teen USA National Pageant DATE 8/3/2004 TO 8/8/2004 LOCATION TBA Atlanta Georgia USA AGE Age: 14 TO 19 CONTACT PERSON: Andrea Tate CONTACT PHONE: (678)476-0104 Must be single without any children. http://www.missblackteenusa.org/ [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Crowning achievement, indeed! Author: Stage hands [Edit] Date Posted: 11/16/04 4:56:08pm Miss Teen USA 2003, Kari Ann Peniche, will appear nude in November's issue. Based on the preview pic in October's issue, she kinda looks like Carmen Electra's little sister. That's not a bad thing. Wonder how Playboy got her to shed her gown and tiara? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: former Miss Universe 2000 Eunice Olsen Author: AFP/HO [Edit] Date Posted: 11/13/04 3:21:07pm Miss Singapore 2000 television game show host Eunice Olsen, seen here in 2000, has won a spot in the nation's parliament in what may be one of the easiest contests of her career. SINGAPORE (AFP) - A former Miss Universe contestant and television game show host Eunice Olsen has won a spot in the nation's parliament in what may be one of the easiest contests of her career. The government named Olsen on Wednesday as one of nine "nominated members of parliament" to serve a two-year term starting in January, meaning she will become an MP without having to fight an election. Aside from the 84 elected MPs, Singapore's political system allows for nine nominated MPs who are appointed by a special parliamentary committee to reflect independent, non-partisan views. At age 27, Olsen, who won the Miss Singapore Universe title in 2000 and has since co-hosted the local version of the Wheel of Fortune game show, will become the youngest member of parliament. Aside from her high-profile media and beauty pageant career, the Straits Times newspaper said Olsen spent a lot of time doing volunteer work that included counselling troubled teenage girls and raising funds for charity. The other nominated MPs include Nature Society president and civil society activist Geh Min, Amalgamated Union of Public Employees general secretary Teo Yock Ngee and various business leaders. The People's Action Party has been in power since the nation became independent in 1965 and continues to dominate local politics with 82 of the 84 elected seats in parliament. With virtually no effective political opposition, the nominated MPs are seen as channels for airing minority or special interest views [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: From Miss Sweetheart to the universe Author: Stage hands [Edit] Date Posted: 11/10/04 1:13:47pm From Miss Sweetheart to the universe By Christopher Moore / Tribune Staff Writer Tuesday, October 12, 2004 WALTHAM -- If last year's Latino Festival Queen has her way, the next few years could see one of Waltham's own becoming Miss Massachusetts or even Miss Universe. Medely Ortiz, queen of the 2003 Latino Festival run by Latinos en Accion, is competing this month for the title of Miss Sweetheart LULAC 2005. LULAC, which stands for League of United Latin American Citizens, provides scholarships, conducts citizenship drives and helps to develop low-income housing for Hispanic groups across the country. Ortiz was one of 12 girls within the Massachusetts chapter of LULAC selected to compete for the title. A panel of judges conducted individual interviews of all applicants on Sept. 25, and from the pool selected the 12 semifinalists. On Oct. 22, Ortiz and the other 11 contestants will compete to be one of the five who will go on to the finals, with Miss Sweetheart 2005 to be chosen in March 2005. "It's been a wonderful experience," said Ortiz, 15, of the process so far. "That (the interview) went extremely well. I was confident in myself, I knew what I was talking about. They asked me questions and I was straightforward with them and let them know how I felt." Ortiz said she hopes to become a lawyer someday to help the Hispanic community fight for rights and access to jobs. "I also think that, by me doing this pageant, I'm being a leader," she said. "All the Hispanic people that think low of themselves should know that they don't have to be any type of person to do something. They can be who they are. When I get older, I think maybe I'd want to be Miss Universe or Miss Massachusetts, and by doing LULAC it's inspiring me to head to a good route." Ortiz, a Waltham High School sophomore who plays soccer and runs the hurdles in track, said her family and friends have support her endeavor. Jim Auld, a detective with the police department and a Ortiz's former coach in the Middlesex Youth Soccer League, said Ortiz's work ethic and principles set her apart from other players. "Honestly, I'm not exaggerating a bit, this kid is a high quality kid," said Auld. "She's got a very strong personality and a very strong set of principles as to what she believes is right and wrong. She is just a born leader, that's the first thing I instantly noticed. She would play so hard that it would almost shame other kids into playing as hard as she did." As intimidating as Ortiz is to play against, Auld said, she also showed a high degree of compassion. "She's a champion for the underdog," said Auld. "If she thought that someone was being mistreated, she would confront the person about it. I have a lot of respect for the girl." Weida Henderson, Ortiz's older sister and the secretary for Latinos en Accion, thinks her sister has a very good chance to win the Miss Sweetheart competition. "She's a good aunt, she's a good sister," said Henderson. "She'll do a great job if she wins. She wants to be a lawyer when she grows up to represent her Latino community, because not a lot of them can understand the law and protect themselves. A lot of children don't think of helping their own, and she's going to be there 100 percent for them." In order to advance to the finals on Oct. 22, Ortiz will have to appear onstage before another panel of judges to be rated on her appearance, composure, attendance at LULAC events and answers to various questions. If she is one of the five finalists who compete on March 12, she will also have to compose an essay, give a presentation on the career path of her choice and display a talent. "This is not Miss America," said Regla Gonzales, LULAC state director. "This is very competitive in talent and personality. They have to do essays. They have to memorize part of our (LULAC's) constitution and bylaws." If she wins, she will participate in the LULAC youth convention taking place alongside the general LULAC National Convention in June 2005. "So they really get to see politics in action," said Gonzales. The semifinals of the Miss Sweetheart LULAC 2005 competition will be held Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Dedham. For more information, contact Regla Gonzales at 617-327-6760. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Miss Georgia USA 2001 a Playmate! Author: Stage hands [Edit] Date Posted: 11/10/04 10:23:14am Yet another beauty queen poses for Playboy and this time, she's a Playmate! Tiffany Fallon, Miss Georgia 2001, will be Miss December. We certainly been getting our fair share of brunettes this year. Hey Hef, what gives? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Aussie beauty bumps Trump Author: By TONY JOHNSTON [Edit] Date Posted: 11/ 8/04 10:53:05am 16may04 AN Australian television beauty has revealed how she rejected the advances of one of the world's flashiest entrepreneurs, Donald Trump. Stunning Laura Csortan, who presents The Great Outdoors can laugh about it now, but who knows what might have been had she succumbed to the advances of the billionaire, now finding renewed fame as host of the hit reality show The Apprentice? The Donald, as Trump, 57, is known in New York business circles - recently announced his engagement to model Melania Knauss, 33. As the co-owner of the Miss Universe pageant with the NBC network, Trump has had plenty of chances to trawl for prospective partners - which is how he met the Csortan. Adelaide-born Csortan was 21 when she represented Australia in the final of the Miss Universe contest in New York six years ago. She eventually won the Miss Congeniality Title (for the most likable personality). "We saw him (Trump) every second night," Csortan said. "He's actually a really lovely guy. "Somehow he got my phone number, and (after she returned home to Adelaide) he called me. "He wanted me to come and stay in New York as his guest. "It was quite funny, actually, because I was with a girlfriend coming back from a weekend on a houseboat when my mobile rang. "My girlfriend answered and said, 'It's Donald Trump.' I thought she was joking. I asked who it was really." Csortan took the call, but was far from swept off her feet. "I was actually quite scared," she said. Caution prevailed and she said, "No thanks". Then, the girls had a good giggle. It was not lost on Csortan - or her mum Judy, either - that their Hungarian heritage was obviously part of the attraction. Trump's previous wife, Ivana, is Hungarian, and his current partner Knauss is from the neighbouring country of Slovenia. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: When “Miss” Is Not Enough Author: Mootie [Edit] Date Posted: 10/28/04 6:43:49pm Miss Malaysia/Universe 1990 Anna Lin is aiming to be a missus now. And not just any missus but Mrs Malaysia. The Mrs Malaysia 2004 pageant will be held at the Crown Princess Hotel in Kuala Lumpur this Wednesday. In 1990, Anna Lin won the Miss Malaysia/Universe beauty pageant when she was just 20 years old and represented her country at the finals held in Los Angeles. Today, 14 years later, she’s still stunning and confident and is ready to try herself at another beauty contest. “Just because you’re older and married with children doesn’t mean you have to give up looking good or taking care of your health. I make a point to exercise daily and am quite careful with my diet. While I wouldn’t say I am a health fanatic, I do avoid fatty foods and eat things in moderation,” says Anna, as reports The Star. Mother to 22-month-old twins, Lin still manages to run her own cafe, do yoga and ballet, swim 30 laps, work out at least an hour at the gym every day, and observe a careful skincare regimen. “I guess if you’re happy inside, it would also be reflected outside. At this stage of my life, I thought it would be fun and interesting to try out for the beauty pageant ... again. My husband is very supportive and I’m hoping for the best,” said Anna. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: VenusDivas.Com, Announces Plus-Size Model Contest Author: Mootie [Edit] Date Posted: 10/28/04 6:41:05pm VenusDivas.Com, Announces Plus-Size Model Contest October 2004 -- VenusDivas.com, an online magazine dedicated exclusively to the full figured community, announces its new contest, DREAM BIG. “DREAM BIG is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the plus size woman,“ commented Valery Foley, VenusDivas.com cofounder and CEO.“ This contest offers a unique opportunity to change the public and media image of the curvy community by introducing them to confident, successful and dynamic Venus Diva Role Models.“ “In the past 6 years, we have connected with phenomenal curvy women,” reported Raul Amador, VenusDivas.com cofounder and CFO. ,“Through DREAM BIG, we offer them a platform in which to share their accomplishments and voice.” Four DREAM BIG winners are chosen per year and will experience what it feels like to be a Venus Diva Princess for the day! Star treatment begins with being primped, styled and dressed in the latest designer fashions. Next, star treatment continues as our winner sits for a photo session with the talented New York photographer Luke Jones and a heart-to-heart interview with our very own Diva Maddy. “We love working with curvy women to learn their stories and bring out their inner beauty. Our goal is to make our DREAM BIG winner look as good as she feels!” commented Maddy. The winner’s DREAM BIG story and pictures will appear in an upcoming issue of the Venus Diva Online Magazine. The url For Venus Divas is http://www.VenusDivas.com [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Beauties With A Cause: Winner of Miss World Contest Announced Author: Gotti Girl [Edit] Date Posted: 10/28/04 6:36:37pm Priscilla Meirelles, a 21-year-old medical student from Brazil, was named Miss Earth 2004 on Sunday, October 24. The beauty pageant, launched three years ago in the Philippines to promote environmental concerns, was held in suburban Quezon City, north of Manila, and welcomed 60 participants this year. The competition, lavish in handing out titles, named Yanina Gonzalez, a 24-year-old marketing student from Paraguay, Miss Fire; Murielle Celimene, an 18-year-old student from Martinique, was Miss Air. Miss Water title went to Stephanie Lesage, a 20-year-old social economics student from Tahiti. Cash prizes were $20,000 for Miss Earth 2004 and $2,000 for each of the three runners-up. The svelte crowd favorite won the nod of the judges after she answered the question: “On a quiet night, you could hear the sounds of nature talking to you. What do you think is its message and what would you like to tell it back?” “Nature is crying. Love is missing, people don’t respect each other. Other people don’t respect nature and life. That is why nature is reacting to what people do to her. Love is what would solve our problems,” she said. During three and a half weeks in the Philippines, contestants helped to clean a beach of trash, did farm work, planted mahogany trees, biked to promote clean air and released schools of fish into a reservoir in the north ahead of Sunday’s event, reports Asia News. Vida Samadzai of Afghanistan, who was one of the contestants last year and was condemned in her conservative homeland for appearing in a bikini, joined the group 10 judges this time, saying the controversy upheld her advocacy for women’s rights. There was no Afghan participant this year. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Brave Afghan Miss Earth Contestant Struggles For Women’s Rights Author: Fox News [Edit] Date Posted: 10/28/04 6:34:27pm An Afghan woman, condemned in her conservative homeland after appearing in a bikini in Miss Earth 2003, was among 11 judges chosen to pick the winner of this year’s contest held on October 24. 26-year-old Vida Samadzai was the first Afghan entrant in an international beauty contest for 30 years, joining more than 50 other women in the Philippine capital last year to participate in the Miss Earth pageant that requires candidates to be aware of environmental problems facing their respective countries. The only other Miss Afghanistan was Zohra Daoud, who joined the Miss Universe contest in 1972. In a radical departure from the conservative image of Afghan women, Samadzai appeared in a red bikini down a catwalk last year to qualify for the contest. She failed to make it to the semifinals but won a special “beauty for a cause” award, largely for her women’s rights work. “I would like to make people aware that as Afghan women we are talented, intelligent and beautiful,” said dark-haired Vida. Afghan officials condemned Samadzai claiming she betrayed Afghan culture by appearing in the beauty contest and warned she could face prosecution if she returned to her native country. At Sunday’s coronation night the young women’s rights activist wore a gown, saying: “I don’t know if they’ll have a problem this time because I’m not showing any skin or wearing a swimsuit”. Samadzai said that, although she felt uncomfortable in the scanty outfit, she did it to qualify for the contest and raise awareness of the plight of women and children in her homeland. She helped found the US-based Afghan Woman Organization which aims to educate Afghan women on their rights and raise funds for educational facilities being put in the key areas of Afghanistan. Vida was born and raised in Afghanistan, but left for the United States in 1996 to escape the turmoil of civil war and the rise of the Taliban religious movement. She studied at California State University, Fullerton, but her volunteer and fund-raising activities have prevented Vida from returning to school to finish a course in speech communications and international business. Although unable to return home so far, Samadzai said: “ I opened a door, I'm happy and I love it.” [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Author: Just in [Edit] Date Posted: 10/26/04 11:17:52am "Swan" Therapist got PH.D from unaccredited California outfit. MAY 14--The Los Angeles doctor Fox Television has tabbed to provide "psychological counseling" to contestants on "The Swan," its controversial plastic surgery makeover show, received her Ph.D. from a California correspondence school that was described this week as an unaccredited "diploma mill" by congressional investigators, The Smoking Gun has learned. Therapist Lynn Ianni, it turns out, is not a doctor, she just plays one on TV. On the network's web site, Ianni introduces herself in a short video clip: "My name is Dr. Lynn Ianni and I'm the therapist for 'The Swan.'" Referring to her repeatedly as "Dr. Ianni," the 47-year-old's Fox biography notes that she has over "25 years of professional experience" and maintains an L.A. practice that helps "clients explore such complex issues as improving self-esteem, enhancing intimacy, overcoming trauma, recovering from addictions, stress management and much more." Since 1986, Ianni has been licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a marriage and family therapist. The bio states that Ianni received her bachelor's degree (in psychology and elementary education) from the State University of New York and then got her master's in 1978 from Notre Dame. Twenty years later, "Dr. Ianni went on to get her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from California Coast University," the bio notes. But the Santa Ana school isn't your standard institution of higher education. California Coast "does not require formal on-campus attendance or classroom attendance" and its degree programs "have not been designed to meet any particular local, state, or national licensing or credentialing laws," according to a 2003-04 school catalog. In fact, the for-profit California Coast charges a flat fee for particular degrees (Ianni's 1998 doctorate would have set her back about $4000). According to its web site, California Coast no longer confers Ph.D.s, though a master's is priced at a reasonable $3975 ($4525 for non-U.S. residents). Prospective students are often recruited via advertisements placed in in-flight magazines. In a May 11 report entitled "Diploma Mills," the U.S. General Accounting Office disclosed how hundreds of federal employees--including some with senior-level posts--had obtained degrees from unaccredited outfits like California Coast. The GAO investigations, conducted at the request of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, noted that, in some instances, advanced degrees were obtained in an effort to secure promotions. When TSG called California Coast to ask about the harsh GAO assessment, we were directed to Dr. Murl Tucker, vice president of academic affairs. Alas, Dr. Tucker did not return phone messages--perhaps he was tied up with commencement festivities. In a brief TSG interview, Ianni said that, "to the best of my knowledge," California Coast was "Western States approved," an apparent reference to the non-profit Western Association of Schools and Colleges, which is one of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools in the U.S. WASC has accredited 147 colleges and universities in its region, including schools like UCLA, Stanford, and Berkeley (a WASC official told TSG that California Coast has never been accredited--nor even applied for eligibility). Ianni said she was unaware of the GAO report, adding that she would have to speak with a Fox publicity representative before answering more questions. On "The Swan," female ugly ducklings submit to facelifts, breast augmentation, liposuction, Lasik eye surgery, lip injections, tummy tucks, laser hair removal, root canal, Botox shots, and other procedures in a bid to reach the reality show's series-ending beauty pageant. As they undergo this radical (and often painful) transformation, contestants are seen consulting weekly with Ianni, who said in recent interviews that she provides "psychological counseling" to the makeover subjects, "women who have never been able to seek or benefit from therapy in the past." Such public treatment of women with self-esteem, sexual, marital, and other serious issues does not worry Ianni, because, as she assured USA Today last month, "It's not about exploiting anybody--inside or out." In the online video clip, Ianni gushes that "The Swan" is a "dream come true because I get to say something one time and instead of it only reaching one person at a time, it gets to reach the person I'm speaking to and 20 million viewers. It's wonderful, a very good feeling." [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Author: Amelia's fan club [Edit] Date Posted: 10/25/04 11:27:53am Miss Universe - Amelia Vega’s dream is to become a successful singer and According to music producer Emilio Steffan (Gloria Steffan’s husband) she is going to be one. “After listening to Amelia's voice I believe she is going to be a star” said Emilio Steffan. Emilio has launched stars such as Shakira , Ricky Martin among others that have reached the ultimate fame. Good luck to Amelia! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Michigan Pageant Author: Mi Fan [Edit] Date Posted: 10/22/04 4:25:19am Michigan Pageant [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: http://community.webshots.com/s/image20/1/84/47/203018447lUINqQ_ph.jpg (NT) -- picture link, 10/22/04 4:25:19am

Subject: Contestants Compete For Miss Gay Universe Title & 21 Countries Represented Author: IBS Network [Edit] Date Posted: 10/19/04 2:51:52pm India's repreOrganizers in Peru stage a Miss Gay Universe pageant featuring representatives from 21 different countries. The contest features transsexuals and is one of the largest pageants of its kind in Latin America. Lidia Zaray, won the competition. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Author: Just trying to learn how to post pics... Hope this works [Edit] Date Posted: 10/18/04 8:09:59am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Mrs Gulley, please stop!!! I understand your pain, but this must stop or someone will hold you liable. Author: Judy [Edit] Date Posted: 10/15/04 6:29:36am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: it seems like not too many people think that highly of crystal as the winner, so who else were your favorites. Author: i think crystal will do great at miss USA....good luck sweety! [Edit] Date Posted: 10/12/04 6:21:03am [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Yes Sweety, Good Luck. Remember not to trip over your gown, (or whose ever you borrow). And most importantly, know your home state and how to spell it! -- Concerned Mary, 10/12/04 6:21:03am

Subject: Former Miss Hawaii-USA to stand trial on drug charge Author: Associated Press [Edit] Date Posted: 09/23/04 5:31:06pm Tiffini Hercules, Miss Hawaii USA 1998, was taken to the Kailua Police Substation yesterday after her drug arrest. HONOLULU (AP) _ A former Miss Hawaii U-S-A will stand trial next week on drug charges. Tiffini Limahai waived her right to a preliminary hearing yesterday. She will go to trial on Monday on charges of second degree promotion of a dangerous drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. Limahai was known as Tiffini Hercules when she was crowned Miss Hawaii U-S-A in 1998. The 30-year-old former beauty queen and her husband, John Limahai Junior, were arrested a week ago in a police raid at their Kailua home. Yesterday District Judge Christopher McKenzie ruled that John Limahai Junior should also stand trial on third degree promotion of dangerous drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. He's scheduled to be arraigned on October fourth. (Copyright 2004 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.) [ Post a Reply to This Message ]