ANTM - End of the Season News ! Teyona and Paulina

Now that ANTM is over..It's time to just add my final thoughts...

Teyona Anderson, of New Jersey captured the title on last night's season finale of the wanna-be a model show. This is not the first year in which a winner has been chosen that I personally don't agree with. I will admit though that Teyona was very consistent throughout the competition and always avoided drama. She received a lot of hate from several contestants, because she had what they lacked. She wasn't my favorite to win the modeling competition. My favorite was Celia, but the judges obviously didnt agree and felt although she had amazing style she was just to old to be a model. I also didn't agree with Allison Harvard being in the Top 2. Honestly the girl was a train wreck, Aminat should have been in the final 2 with Teyona. Oh well congrats to Teyona and good luck to all the girls.

In other ANTM news...It seems Paulina will not be returning to the show next season. Paulina was in the words of Mr. Trump "Fired" by Tyra. The reason fired, her ego was way too big. Poor Paulina...who will replace her next. I say bring back Twiggy or hell why not bring back my favorite supermodel, the bitch with all the attitude Janice Dickinson...

Read more below...






Woodstown native Teyona Anderson wins 'America's Next Top Model' competition
by Jennifer Dailey, Today's Sunbeam
Wednesday May 13, 2009, 10:01 PM

After weeks of photo shoots and challenges, Woodstown, New Jersey, native Teyona Anderson is America's next top model.

She battled it out with 12 other finalists over the last couple months on the CW Network's "America's Next Top Model" to win the title tonight. While considered a quiet hometown girl in the beginning, her looks and fierce attitude helped put her on top.
Photo special to Today's Sunbeam/ Frank Ockenfels / The CW & Co.; 2009 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.Woodstown, New Jersey, native Teyona Anderson has won the "America's Next Top Model" competition.

As the winner of "America's Next Top Model," Anderson, 20, will receive a contract with Elite Model Management. She will also receive a $100,000 contract with cosmetics company CoverGirl.

She will also appear on the cover and in a six-page spread in "Seventeen" magazine.
It's been a little over two months since the show started. It began with 13 finalists and ended up with the final three -- Anderson, Allison Harvard and Aminat Ayinde.

The season finale started with the three finalists filming a CoverGirl commercial for the company's new lip stain and a CoverGirl headshot for the campaign of the product.

When it came time for elimination, Harvard was called to safety first putting Anderson and Ayinde in the bottom two. This was the first time Anderson was in the bottom two on the show. However, it wasn't her time to go as Ayinde was sent home.

This put Anderson in the finals against Harvard, known for her large eyes, in a Brazilian fashion show for the title. The two also did their photo shoot for the headshot that the winner will have featured on the cover of "Seventeen."

During the final elimination tonight, the judges went over Anderson's and Harvard's runway walk as well as their portfolio of pictures. Once the judges finished reviewing the body of work between the two young women, they went into deliberation over who should win.

After all was said and done, Anderson came out on top winning the title of "America's Next Top Model" over Harvard.

Throughout the competition, Anderson was a favorite of the judges. From day one, they were mesmerized by her facial features stating her face looks as if it is wind-blown.

Other then her consistency throughout the competition, judges pointed out in their deliberations that Anderson wanted to win the most.

Tyra Banks, creator and host of the show, was a big fan of Anderson's from the beginning.

Anderson was raised in Woodstown, Salem County, surrounded by family as she lived with her mom, brother, uncle, grandmother and grandfather.

Then at the age of 14, her family moved to Elkton, Md., where she would go on to be very active while attending Elkton High School.

As a student at the school, she was on the track and field team as well as the basketball team. Teyona also volunteered at an elementary school.

When Anderson's picture came up showing she had won on tonight's season finale, she was overcome with joy.

In an interview at the beginning of the competition, she said it was her personality that gave her an edge in the competition. She also said she's not the type to let things get to her.

A lot of times in her photo shoots, it was her personality that made it a joy for photographers to work with her.

"I just have a good personality and a lot of energy. I just keep everything moving so I think that gives me an edge over the competition," she said.





Top Model: Celia Says Age Can't Hold Her Back

Thu., May. 7, 2009 11:53 AM PDT by Natalie Abrams
ANTM, Celia Ammerman Tyra Banks/Pottle Productions Inc

Even though Tyra Banks said see ya to Celia Ammerman last night on America's Next Top Model because she thought she was too old to make it to the top, age doesn't seem to be hindering the 25-year-old Kentucky gal one bit. "It doesn't seem to be hurting me at the moment. There is life after ANTM if you're older than 25," Celia says.

She's right about that. Celia was late phoning us today because she was wrapping up her photo shoot for the New York Post. Check this Sunday's Style section for her Post debut.

So how did she feel about Tyra telling her to go into fashion or styling instead of modeling?

"[That] is really sweet, and I would love to do those things as well," Celia says, "but modeling is definitely something that I'm so passionate about and will continue to pursue as long as I possibly can. It's like having a two-headed baby. I love them both the same. If I do either one I'll be happy."

Still, Celia knew how the game was played and wasn't offended by Tyra straight up telling her not to model. "I understand it's a show, so I understand there needed to be a reason that I needed to be eliminated. But I couldn't be offended by that because there's nothing I could do about it. I hate to say it, [but] they knew the entire time how old I was, and they knew how I photographed. With an industry obsessed with age, I felt like this was an opportunity for Tyra to say that age doesn't matter as long as you photograph well and present yourself and have all the facets of modeling. Age shouldn't matter."

Celia did, however, feel there was someone else behind her elimination. "I feel like Ann Shoket had a definite say in who she wanted to be representing Seventeen magazine, and I was not one of them. And Paulina [Porizkova] as well. I really actually like Paulina, but I think near the end, she couldn't see me winning it."

Are you surprised Celia was sent packing last night, or was it long past her time? How about Celia's accusations about Ann Shoket being ageist? Hit the comments with your thoughts.









Paulina Fired From ANTM

Tomorrow's finale won't just be Allison, Aminat, and Teyona's last time on America's Next Top Model, the finale will also be judge Paulina Porizkova's last ANTM appearance. During an apperance on tonight's Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Paulina says she was let go by Tyra Banks and America's Next Top Model.
When Craig Ferguson asked Paulina how it was working with Tyra Banks, Paulina broke the shocking news. "Listen, do you know why I am in Los Angeles...because I am looking for a job. Because I was fired by America's Next Top Model on my birthday." A birthday firing? Ouch!
A quick wikipedia check reveals that Paulina's birthday was April 9th, so the supermodel stunner was fired just over a month ago. It sounds like no love is lost between Paulina and her now former employer, "The reason I was told I was fired was because, it seemed that America's Next Top Model has gotten too fat and they needed to cut some fat and the fat was me." Paulina later said she figured the other reason she was fired was, "My gigantic huge ego. Which I wasn't aware of until I was told by the producers that I have an ego problem." Sounds like it was not a pleasant ending for either party.
Paulina joined America's Next Top Model as a judge during Cycle 10 as a replacement for Twiggy.

Miss Gay USofA - Carrie Fairfield.com Post...

Miss Gay USofA kicks off May 19 in Dallas Texas who will win...

Ok so I can't find a post that talks about Top 12 predictions at USofA this year. If its on here, sorry about the duplication. There are a lot of strong entertainers and by the looks of it it looks like its anyone's crown to take. I especially see a few past MGA contestants cracking the 12 this year. Here are my choices in any order...

Stasha Sanchez Top 5
Amaya Mann
Dominique Sanchez Top 5
Dorae Saunders
Leyla O'hara Top 5 and my pick for Miss Gay USofA 2009
Alina Maletti
Natasha Braxton
Coti Collins Top 5
Sasha Andrews Top 5
Summer Knight
Josephine Andrews
Page Passion

On the Bubble on pushing someone out: Tiffany Rachels (would love to see her crack the 12)

Anywho this are my choices....Good Luck to everyone competing. Safe trips to all.

Cheers

Shanna Moakler resigns from post at California USA

Today former Miss USA and Director of the the Miss California USA pageant Shanna Moakler stepped down from the position. The news comes a day after Donald Trump made the announcement that the MUO will not be pulling the reigning Miss California USA Carrie Prejan's crown after risque semi-nude photos appeared all over the internet. Today Moakler, a huge supported of Gay Rights and Gay Marriage made an announcement saying, "Since the press conference yesterday, I had a chance to think about what has taken place, and I feel that at this time it is in my best interest to resign from the Miss California USA organization"

Check out the stories below...







MISS CALIFORNIA FALLOUT: Shanna Moakler Resigns
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JOHN ROGERS | May 13, 2009 05:09 PM EST | AP


FILE - In this May 11, 2009 file photo, Miss California USA Pageant state executive director Shanna Moakler participates in a news conference in Beverly Hills, Calif.

LOS ANGELES — Former beauty queen Shanna Moakler has resigned as executive director of the Miss California USA pageant, a day after controversial titleholder Carrie Prejean (pray-ZHAN) was allowed to keep her crown.

Moakler, a former Miss USA , said in a statement issued by her publicist Wednesday that she no longer believes in the organization.

She had angrily accused Prejean on Monday of violating the contract she signed with pageant organizers by speaking out repeatedly on behalf of organizations opposed to gay marriage and by failing to disclose she had posed nearly nude for photographs as a teenager.

Pageant owner Donald Trump, who could have ousted Prejean, said Tuesday she will remain Miss Calfornia.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Former beauty queen Shanna Moakler has resigned as executive director of the Miss California USA pageant, a day after controversial titleholder Carrie Prejean (pray-ZHAN) was allowed to keep her crown.

Moakler, a former Miss USA , said in a statement issued by her publicist Wednesday that she no longer believes in the organization.

She had angrily accused Prejean on Monday of violating the contract she signed with pageant organizers by speaking out repeatedly on behalf of organizations opposed to gay marriage and by failing to disclose she had posed nearly nude for photographs as a teenager.

Pageant owner Donald Trump, who could have ousted Prejean, said Tuesday she will remain Miss Calfornia.



People: Shanna Moekler resigns pageant post over Trump's decision.
By Tony Hicks
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 05/13/2009 03:29:01 PM PDT
Updated: 05/13/2009 03:32:59 PM PDT

Former Miss USA Shanna Moakler resigned as co-executive director of the Miss California USA pageant Wednesday after her boss Donald Trump allowed Miss California Carrie Prejean to keep her crown.

Good for you, Shannon. Beauty queens have no business posing for nudie pictures. Unless, of course, they go full-frontal, like you did in Playboy.

At a news conference Monday, Moakler accused Prejean of violating her contract with pageant organizers by speaking out on behalf of organizations opposed to gay marriage and by failing to disclose she posed nearly nude for photographs before entering the state pageant.

On Tuesday, Trump defended Prejean's statements that marriage should be exclusive to men and women, saying her position was similar to President Barack Obama's. Although he acknowledged the photos of Prejean were "risque," they weren't bad enough to get her booted.

Moakler, Miss USA 1995, decided after the news conference to quit. "I cannot with a clear conscience move forward supporting and promoting the Miss Universe Organization when I no longer believe in it or the contracts I signed committing myself as a youth," she said in a statement issued by her publicist.

Prejean, who was the first runner-up at last month's Miss USA pageant, created a brouhaha when she responded to a question by celebrity judge Perez Hilton by saying, "I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody
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out there, but that's how I was raised."

Prejean, 21, then spoke without permission in front of crowds opposed to gay marriage, including her San Diego church and the National Organization for Marriage. Then she began missing Miss California events she was contractually obligated to attend. Then she began punching old people and eating puppies.

Trump, who coincidentally really seems to like blondes, blamed some of that on what he said was miscommunication between Prejean, pageant organizers and the outside groups.

Miss CA keeps her Crown...

I hope we can put this whole Carrie Prejean issue to an end.

The Donald has spoken and life goes on. Not everyone agreed with Miss California's final answer on the subject on GAY MARRIAGE. As I said before I am not against Carrie's final answer. She stated her honest opinion on her view on gay marriage and she shouldn't be penalized. As a open gay male, I completely want gay marriage to pass here not just in NYC but throughout the entire country. There are always going to be people who are going to be for or against very delicate subject matters.This is what makes this country what it is. In the end. Carrie also said she doesn't have a hidden agenda and isn't speaking on behalf of any organization supporting the ban against gay marriage.

On to the photos...I agree with Carrie's comments on Headline News..who ever released the photos should be ashamed of themselves. This was clearly an attempt to add hatred to Carrie's character and add fire to flame regarding the issue of Gay Marriage.

I also commend Donald for staying out of the Gay Marriage debate and also inviting Perez Hilton back to the Miss Universe Organization.

This battle of course isn't over and will continue on...

WTF... More WNBA News on Trades

We all know that the WNBA kicks off the 2009 season in less than a month, so with that being said teams are adding and cutting rosters like crazy. One of my favorite players Kelly Schumacher, for Fever and Liberty star, has just been signed to the Washington Mystics, good news for her, however by signing her the Mystics have waived Coco Miller. Will Miller now have the opportunity to join her sister Kelly in Minnesota or will she be rescued by another team? Only time, which is running out, can tell?

Katie Feenstra Mattera signs a contract to play with the Silver Stars after she was waived by Detroit. This is Katie's second go around with the team.

Check out both stories below....


Mystics Add Schumacher to Roster
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Posted May 11 2009 8:01PM

Washington, D.C. – General Manager Angela Taylor announced today the team had added 6-4 Center Kelly Schumacher to its roster. An eight year WNBA veteran, Schumacher has played for the Indiana Fever and New York Liberty. She also won back to back WNBA championships in 2007 and 2008 as a member of the Phoenix Mercury and Detroit Shock teams.

“We are pleased to announce the addition of Kelly Schumacher to the Mystics organization. She brings tremendous size, quality professional experience, and a championship mentality to our team while complimenting our other low block posts. Kelly is extremely versatile, stretches the defense with her face up game, has an extremely high basketball IQ and is a proven winner. She is a good shot blocker and values team,” said Taylor. “Coach Julie Plank had the opportunity to coach Kelly in Indiana and is excited about what she brings to our team. Several teams were interested in signing Schu this season, so we are ecstatic that she was excited about becoming part of our efforts to build a championship organization.”

Schumacher was selected in the first round (14th overall) in the 2001 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever. She has averaged 5.0 points per game and 3.1 rebounds per game during her career. Schumacher has made playoff appearances with the Fever, Mercury and Shock and averaged 3.0 points per game and 2.9 rebounds per game. averaged 3.0 points per game and 2.9 rebounds per game. She finished the 2008 season ranked 13th in blocks and 18th in rebounds.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Schumacher won an NCAA National Championship in 2000 with the Huskies. She is ranked third in career blocked shots (181) on Connecticut’s all-time list. Schumacher was the recipient of the WNBA’s Community Assist Award for her community service during the 2002-03 off-season.

The Washington Mystics will tip off the 2009 season on Saturday, June 6 on the road against the Connecticut Sun. Washington will host the club’s home opener on Sunday, June 7 against the Atlanta Dream. Season and group tickets for the 2009 season are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Mystics Sales Office at 1-877-DC-HOOP1 or by visiting the Mystics website at www.washingtonmystics.com

The Washington Mystics organization is dedicated to providing affordable entertainment, serving as an impactful community partner and maintaining accessibility to positive female role models. Supported by passionate fans, the Mystics are elite, hardworking athletes continually striving to win a Championship.



May 11, 2009
Silver Stars Sign Katie Feenstra Mattera

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Silver Stars have signed center Katie Feenstra Mattera to a free agent contract, Head Coach and General Manager Dan Hughes announced today. Per team policy, terms of the contract have not been released.

“We are pleased to have Katie join the Silver Stars,” said Hughes. “She will add an interior presence with strong rebounding, plus she is an outstanding teammate.”

The Silver Stars first picked up Mattera in a 2005 trade with Connecticut. The 6’8” center spent the 2005 and 2006 seasons with San Antonio, averaging 8.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in 2005, then 7.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in 2006. Following the 2006 season, San Antonio traded Mattera to Detroit for Ruth Riley. Mattera appeared in 34 games for the Shock, averaging 5.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. The Shock advanced all the way to the WNBA Finals that season, losing to Phoenix in the championship round with Mattera starting nine of 11 Detroit playoff games.

Mattera spent the 2008 season with the Atlanta Dream, averaging 6.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in 33 games. Throughout her four-year WNBA career, she has averaged 7.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in 135 games and 44 starts.

The defending Western Conference Champion Silver Stars open the 2009 season on the road at Phoenix before coming home to host the New York Liberty Saturday, June 13 with Dads and Daughter’s night in honor of Father’s Day.

John Lennon Remembered at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex in Soho

Last night Yoko Ono and many others attended the opening of an exhibit dedicated to the late John Lennon entitled John Lennon: The New York City Years. The exhibit features many never before seen items from Ono's personal collection. The exhibit also speaks out about gun violence and ask viewers to add their names to a petition that will be sent to President Obama once the exhibit closes. I highly recommend checking this beautiful and truly inspiring exhibit out.

Check out the full story below...

Yoko Ono unveils John Lennon exhibit in NYC
Updated 16h 57m ago | Comments 10 | Recommend 1 E-mail | Save | Print | Reprints & Permissions | Subscribe to stories like this
All she is saying: Yoko Ono gives a peace sign a chance at the opening of John Lennon: The New York City Years exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex in New York on Monday.
Enlarge image Enlarge By Lucas Jackson, Reuters
All she is saying: Yoko Ono gives a peace sign a chance at the opening of John Lennon: The New York City Years exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex in New York on Monday.


By Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY
NEW YORK — "John was in love with this city, head over heels," Yoko Ono said Monday of her late husband, the subject of John Lennon: The New York City Years, a new exhibit that launched Monday at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC.

Speaking at the annex in downtown Manhattan, Ono said it was "very important for me to make this New York City show complete." To do so, she and curator Jim Henke tapped into collections honoring Lennon at both the Hall of Fame?s museum in Cleveland and the John Lennon Museum in Japan. "And I went through my closet again," Ono said.

The exhibit chronicles not only Lennon's enduring love affair with the Big Apple, but also the trials he faced and his violent death. The ex-Beatle's battle against deportation during the Nixon era, when his anti-war activism was considered suspect, is documented with his green card and previously unseen letters from supporters ranging from Joan Baez to former New York mayor John Lindsay.

There's also a billboard featuring Lennon?s blood-splattered glasses that marked the 20th anniversary of his death. (Ono used the same image on the cover of her 1981 album Season of Glass.)

The decision to include that item "was pretty hard," Ono said. "I thought I might be criticized for it.. .. But it's very important now for people to understand what violence is about."

The discussion was generally lighter, with Ono referring several times to Henke, the Hall of Fame's vice president of exhibitions and curatorial affairs, who sat beside her. "I'm not a curator, I'm just a sideshow," Ono quipped.

Ono noted that Lennon enjoyed the "element of anything goes" in New York, and that she doesn't agree with New Yorkers who lament how the city has changed in recent decades: "Change is New York. I accept that. I've gone through so many changes here."

Speaking after the conference, Ono observed that New York "meant freedom to (Lennon) in some ways. I think he realized even London had elements of conservatism, but here he felt freer. That's why when he came here, it was, 'Whoopee! I'm in New York.' "

In homage to the city that never sleeps, the annex will extend its hours while showing John Lennon: The New York City Years, which as yet has no official end date. The exhibit will be open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Ten Favorite TV Show in 2009 - What I'm Watching

Here is a list of my 10 favorite television shows so far in 2009....

1. Ugly Betty
2. Desperate Housewives
3. America's Next Top Model
4. In The Motherhood
5. Samantha Who
6. I Love Money 2
7. Charm School with Ricki Lake
8. 30 Rock
9. Daisy of Love
10. The Cougar

Ugly Betty: First Rebecca no Ashley... Who's Next?

Ugly Betty is starting to get on my gay nerve. First Rebecca Romijn's contract isn't renewed and she leaves the show. I loved her on the show and just love her as an actress. She also gave transsexuals a place on the main stream tv. Candis Cayne was on DirtySexyMoney for a bit but like all good actresses she faded off the show. But now I just learned that British actress Ashley Jensen has exited the show. Ashley was amazing as Christina so I will start to wonder who will replace Jensen as Betty's sidekick and BFF on the show....I'm sad. Check out the full story below courtesy of The Ausiello Files...




Scoop: Ashley Jensen exits 'Ugly Betty'

Mar 11, 2009, 06:06 PM | by Michael Ausiello

Categories: Ugly Betty

Ashleyjensenuglybetty_l Ashley Jensen is leaving Ugly Betty at the end of the season, and I know this because... she was just cast as a series regular in the CBS comedy pilot Accidentally on Purpose!

A rep for CBS/Paramount confirms that Jensen is joining the cast of Accidentally, which revolves around a San Francisco movie critic (Jenna Elfman) who finds herself "accidentally" pregnant after a fling with a much younger man.

Jensen's Betty departure hardly comes as a surprise. The actress was less than thrilled when Betty moved its production from Los Angeles to New York. In fact, Jensen was the only cast-member not to relocate to the Big Apple full-time -- making for one hellish cross-country commute. Add to that the fact that she was barely visible on Betty this season and you have the makings of what an ABC insider calls "a completely mutual" parting of the ways. (BTW, props to my Frenemy for making my story look extremely dated first reporting Jensen's exit back in January.)

"While we're sad that Ashley will not be returning next season as a series regular, she is still a member of the Ugly Betty family," Ugly Betty exec producer Silvio Horta said in an exclusive statement. "So don't be surprised if you see Christina pop back up in Betty's life."

Thoughts on a Jensen-less Betty? Sound off below!

NY Gets Sidney Spencer from LA

Finally the Liberty make a player deal. The Liberty have acquired Sidney Spencer from the LA Sparks. They also received an additional first round draft pick for 2010. Sidney is an amazing player so I am sure she will easily steal one of the 11 spots.

Here are my top 8 picks
Shameka Christon
Cathrine Kraayeveld
Janel McCarville
Essence Carson
Loree Moore
Tiffany Jackson
Ashley Battle
Kia Vaughn

The other players will probably battle for the remaining 3 spots.... I see these players battling it out...it's sad the league cut the teams from 13 to 11. i understand the economy and this was probably a way to save the league from destruction.

Players on the Bubble...
Jessica Davenport
Sidney Spencer
Erlana Larkins
Lisa Willis
Leilani Mitchell
Abby Waner


Liberty Acquires Guard Sidney Spencer From Los Angeles In Exchange for 2010 1st Round Draft Pick
New York, Los Angeles and Minnesota Complete Three-Team Trade

NEW YORK, NY – May 5 – The New York Liberty has acquired guard Sidney Spencer from the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for the Liberty’s first round pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft, it was announced today by team president and general manager Carol Blazejowski. As per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. Los Angeles has sent the first round pick and forward Raffaella Masciadri to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for guard Noelle Quinn.

Originally drafted by Los Angeles as the 25th overall pick in the second round of the 2007 WNBA Draft from the University of Tennessee, Spencer owns a 7.5 ppg and 3.0 rpg career average. Last season, the 6-3 guard appeared in 33 regular season games with two starts, averaging 13.7 mpg, 5.3 ppg and 1.9 rpg. With a 38.3 three-point shooting percentage she capped her sophomore campaign ranked 11th in the WNBA amongst long range shooters.

New York’s season will open on Sunday, June 7 at 4:00 p.m. against Eastern Conference foe, the Connecticut Sun, in front of the Madison Square Garden crowd. Individual game tickets beginning at $10, are on sale now by clicking here , visiting The Garden Box Office, calling (877) WNBA-TIX or stopping by any Ticketmaster outlet.

Fever sign Tameka Dixon

I was extremely thrilled when I heard that the Indiana Fever signed Comets player Tameka Dixon. Hopefully Dixon will give it her all and be one of the 11 players selected to play this season. Currently there are 15 women vying for a spot. Anyway you look at it l the Fever are definitely putting together an A+ team.

My 8 Fever Picks:
Catchings
Douglas
Bevilaqua
Sutton-Brown
Hoffman
Griffith
T. White
Dixon

The remaining 3 spots are definitely up for grabs but I would love to see Briann January and another rookie make it in.


Here's the full scoop on the signing of Dixon courtesy of Fever.com

FEVER SIGNS THREE-TIME WNBA ALL-STAR TAMECKA DIXON

News Release | May 4, 2009 Three-time WNBA All-Star and one of the league's all-time leading scorers, Tamecka Dixon has signed a free agent contract with the Indiana Fever. Dixon, who has played in the WNBA since its inception in 1997, is 21st on the league's career scoring list with 3,368 points. She has played the last three seasons with the Houston Comets. Per team policy, terms of the contract are not disclosed.

Dixon spent her first nine years in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks, winning championships with that team in 2001 and 2002. She was on the Western Conference All-Star team in 2001, 2002 and 2003. She was selected to start for the West in 2003, replacing the injured Cynthia Cooper. Dixon is among the WNBA's career top 10 in assists (eighth) with 924 and is 20th in league history in steals with 342.

The Indiana Fever celebrates its 10th anniversary season in 2009, opening the summer season at Atlanta on Saturday, June 6 (7:00 p.m.), and hosting the Minnesota Lynx on June 7 (7:00 p.m.) – exactly 10 years after the franchise was founded (June 7, 1999). Led by Griffith, two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time WNBA All-Star Tamika Catchings, Olympic silver medalist Tully Bevilaqua, 2008 WNBA Most Improved Player Ebony Hoffman and two-time WNBA All-Stars Katie Douglas and Tammy Sutton-Brown, the Fever bids for its fifth consecutive playoff appearance in 2009. Season tickets are available at FeverBasketball.com, or by calling (317) 917-2500.

WNBA Lauren Jackson stays in Seattle

So after making everyone in the country wait and wait today it was revealed that Aussie Lauren Jackson will remain with the Seattle Storm for the 2009 WNBA season. I've attached the full story below...

On a side note, there are still several WNBA players who are left standing on the outside looking in, here are just a few:

1. Svetlana Abrosimova - rumors say she is not returning to the WNBA. Very sad she's an amazing player
2. Comet Players: Latasha Byears, Tamecka Dixon, and Mwadi Mabika still haven't been signed to a team.
3. Margo Dydek - Who wouldn't want her?
4. Detroit Players: Elaine Powell, Sheri Sam, and Kelly Schumacher. Kelly is one of my favorite WNBA players, it will be sad not seeing her play in 09.
5. Penny Taylor - may or may not return to Phoenix in 09.
6. Sheryl Swoopes - I was sad when I heard the Storm had waived her. 09 will just no be the same without her, especially after losing the Comets.
7. Nykesha Sales: Another one of my all time favorite players....very sad to see to her go especially after not seeing her at all in 08.







Seattle Storm Re-Signs Two-Time WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson

May 4, 2009 SEATTLE - The Seattle Storm today re-signed two-time WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson for the 2009 season, Storm Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Brian Agler announced. Per team policy, terms of Jackson’s new contract were not disclosed.

“Lauren is a key to our team’s success and we’re thrilled she has decided to continue her career in Seattle,” said Agler. “She’s an MVP, an All-Star and one of the best women’s basketball players in the world. Her renewed commitment to this organization is a big asset as we continue to work toward bringing another WNBA championship to the city of Seattle.”

Jackson has received numerous accolades during her storied eight-season WNBA career. Most recently, Jackson was named to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2008 – the second time Jackson received the nod. Her first nomination to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team came at the conclusion of the 2005 season. Jackson compiled 147 total rebounds (7.0 rpg), 108 total defensive rebounds (5.1drpg) and 33 total blocks (1.57 bpg) in 21 games for the Storm during the 2008 season. Should she have qualified by playing the league minimum games, she would have ranked 11th (rpg) and 6th (bpg) respectively. Jackson missed five games prior to the WNBA's Olympic break to practice with the Australian National Team, and eight games following the break due to ankle surgery.

“I’m honored to return to the city of Seattle and the Storm organization as I take this next step in my WNBA career,” said Jackson. “To have the opportunity to continue to play under Coach Agler and alongside Sue and the rest of my teammates in front of the most loyal and passionate fans in the WNBA means the world to me. I appreciate the patience and continued support of our fans, and I look forward to celebrating the Storm’s 10th anniversary with them at KeyArena this summer. I can’t wait to return to Seattle and begin working toward another championship.”

Jackson was named the 2007 WNBA Most Valuable Player, receiving a total of 473 points, including 42 first-place votes. For Jackson, the MVP award was her sixth honor of the 2007 season; she was also named the 2007 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and WNBA Peak Performer for both scoring and rebounding. Additionally in 2007, Jackson was a first-team selection to both the WNBA All-Defensive Team and the All-WNBA Team.

Jackson was also named the WNBA's Most Valuable Player in 2003. She is the first professional athlete in Seattle to earn the prestigious award twice. The Seahawks’ Shaun Alexander was the NFL’s MVP in 2005, while Mariners Ken Griffey Jr. (1997) and Ichiro Suzuki (2001) have been honored by the American League as MVPs.

Already recognized as an elite player in the league entering the season, Jackson added to her rapidly-growing legacy with a career year in 2007. She led the league in scoring for the third time in her illustrious tenure with the WNBA, while her 23.8 points per game was a career-best. Her scoring average was more than five points-per-game higher than her career mark (18.6 ppg) entering the season.

An eight-year WNBA veteran, Jackson holds career averages of 19.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.0 blocks. Jackson has been named to the WNBA All-Star Team each year the mid-season classic has been played during her time in the league (2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007). She has also received All-WNBA First Team honors five times (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007) and was a member of the WNBA’s All-Decade Team in 2006.

Jackson, a native of Albury, Australia, won gold medals with the Australian National Team at the 2006 FIBA World Championships in Brazil and 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. She has also won silver medals with the Australian National Team at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, the 2002 FIBA World Championships in China, the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

The Seattle Storm will open its 2009 WNBA schedule on Saturday, June 6 in a 1 p.m. matchup vs. the Monarchs at ARCO Arena in Sacramento. The Storm returns to Seattle on Sunday, June 7 for its first KeyArena home game at 6 p.m., also against the Monarchs. The team’s June 7, 2009 home opener falls on the 10th anniversary of the city of Seattle being selected as one of four cities to receive a WNBA expansion team in 2000.

To see Lauren Jackson play against the WNBA’s greatest opponents, fans can purchase a six-game “All-Star Package” that features marquee matchups against the 2008 WNBA Champion Detroit Shock, the Los Angeles Sparks (with 2008 WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year Candace Parker) and the 2008 Western Conference Champion San Antonio Silver Stars.

Single-game tickets for all preseason and regular season games at KeyArena will go on sale Monday, May 4 beginning at 10 a.m. Six-game All-Star packages and single-game tickets for the 2009 season, starting as low as $14, can be purchased by clicking here.


Jeff Reinking/NBAE/Getty Images

Aun Existe Amor (Love Still Exists)

A beautfiul song




Aun Existe Amor (Love Still Exists) lyrics

Cuando te adormeces junto a mi
Entonces no me quedan dudas
De que aun existe amor

(When you fall asleep next to me
Then I have no doubt
That love still exists)

La indecisi¨Rn que hay en mi
Yo la mandar¨ªa a la luna
Para vivir contigo
La soledad de cada d¨ªa
Que entre l¨¢grimas crec¨ªa
La alejar¨¦ de mi

(The indecision I have in me
I ordered it from the moon
To live with you
The loneliness of each day
That grows between tears
That grows apart from me)

Para amarte a toda costa
Para amarte a cada momento
A pesar de tanto mal
Que gira entorno nuestro

(To love you at all cost
To love you at each moment
Considering all the madness
That runs around us)

Cuando te adormeces junto a mi
Entonces no me quedan dudas
De que aun existe amor
S¨¦ que aun existe amor

(When you fall asleep next to me
Then I have no doubt
That love still exists
Love still exists)

Las discusiones de los dos
Saber qui¨¦n tendr¨¢ la culpa
Que nos importa ya
En nuestro mundo que es muy grande

(The discussions between us
Knowing whom will be blamed
What's important to us

In our world that is so large)
Carino m¨ªo nos amaremos
Mucho mucho m¨¢s...
M¨¢s all¨¢ de la violenc¨ªa
M¨¢s all¨¢ de la locura

(Dear one, we will love each other
Much much more...
Beyond the violence
Beyond the madness)

A pesar de tanto mal
Que no se acabar¨¢

(Considering all the madness
That won't stop)

Cuando te adormeces junto a mi
Entonces no me quedan dudas
De que aun existe amor
S¨¦ que aun existe amor
S¨¦ que aun existe amor

(When you fall asleep next to me
Then I have no doubt
That love still exists
Love still exists
Love still exists)

Para amarte a toda costa
Para amarte a cada momento
A pesar de tanto mal
Que gira entorno nuestro

(To love you at all cost
To love you at each moment
Considering all the madness
That runs around us)

Cuando te adormeces junto a mi
Entonces no me que quedan dudas
De que aun existe amor

(When you fall asleep next to me
Then I have no doubt
That love still exists)

Reply to Carrie Fairfield.com Post

This is my reply as to whether or not a post-op should be able to enter a pageant and still be able to entertain. There were a ton of comments posted, a few were against while many other supported it...so here is what I had to say in regards to the subject.






Does it really matter that Candi is entering AAG? Are people threatened by it? Why else mention it?

I have never had the pleasure of meeting her but have seen her in many videos (and know someone who is very very close to her) and I think she is extremely beautiful, talented, and just a great person. Do I think Candi will win? I am not sure who will win? I do know that after researching this contest a bit, it seems to be a very fair pageant, something I can't say about a lot of pageants. I commend AAG and other systems for allowing post-ops to enter their contest after all its not like Candi or any other post-op can walk into a Miss USA or Miss America pageant or any other "real girl" pageant and compete even though by law she is considered to be female. The world of pageantry will still discriminate against her. Its sad that we would do the same. We have to embrace this. If Candi comes prepared, which I know for a fact she will be, she has just as much of a chance to win as the next person. Good luck to all the ladies

Cheers

Remembering Bea Arthur

I watched The Golden Girls constantly as a kid. It was one of my favorite shows. It still is today. I was really sad when I heard that Bea Arthur had passed away this past weekend. She was a terrific actress, not just on TV but on the Broadway stage also. Tonight the Great White Way went dark in a moment of silence as a way to remember this beautiful lady. You will truly be missed.

Full article courtesy of Playbill.com.....

Broadway to Dim Its Lights April 28 in Honor of Late Tony Winner Beatrice Arthur

By Andrew Gans
28 Apr 2009


Bea Arthur

The marquees of the Broadway theatres will be dimmed April 28 at 8 PM for one minute to pay tribute to the late Tony Award-winning actress Bea Arthur.

Ms. Arthur, who won a Tony Award for her performance as Vera Charles in Mame, died April 25 at the age of 86 following a battle with cancer.

In a statement Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of The Broadway League, said, "We are so fortunate that Bea Arthur's portrayals of memorable roles graced our Broadway stages. With a career spanning so many forms of entertainment, there is no doubt she will be missed by all."


Bea Arthur, Star of Stage and Screen, Dead at 86

By Andrew Gans
25 Apr 2009


Bea Arthur

Tony and Emmy Award winner Beatrice Arthur, who began her career onstage but would later become better known as Maude (on TV's "Maude") and Dorothy Zbornak (on "The Golden Girls") has died, according to the Associated Press. She was 86 and was suffering from cancer.

Born Bernice Frankel May 13, 1922, Beatrice (Bea) Arthur appeared at Off-Broadway's Theatre de Lys in the famed production of The Threepenny Opera, which featured Arthur as Lucy Brown and Lotte Lenya as Jenny.

Ms. Arthur's Broadway career began in 1955 with the original musical Plain and Fancy and continued with roles in Seventh Heaven and Nature's Way, but it was her work as Yente (the matchmaker) in the original 1964 staging of Fiddler on the Roof that won the attention of audiences and critics.

Ms. Arthur won a Tony Award two years later for her performance as the boozy Vera Charles in the original production of Jerry Herman's Mame, which cast Angela Lansbury in the title role. Ms. Arthur would later reprise the role of Vera on film opposite the Mame of Lucille Ball.

Ms. Arthur would return to Broadway only two more times following Mame: in the play The Floating Light Bulb and in her one-woman show Bea Arthur on Broadway, which was nominated for a 2002 Tony Award for Special Theatrical Event.

Broadway's loss, however, was television's gain. Ms. Arthur created two of the more memorable female characters in television history: the women's liberation champion Maude in "Maude" — a character she first created on "All in the Family" — and the divorced substitute teacher Dorothy Zbornak on "The Golden Girls."

She was nominated for a total of 11 Emmy Awards, winning two: one for her work in "Maude" and the second for her work on "The Golden Girls." Ms. Arthur's most recent Emmy nomination was in 2000 for her guest appearance on "Malcolm in the Middle."

In a May 2002 interview with Playbill.com, Ms. Arthur spoke about her acting influences: "My influences were [Lotte] Lenya and Sid Caesar. They affected me very strongly. The thing that she taught me was economy: I used to say, 'What do you do with your arms?' And she said, 'Never do anything unless you can't not do it.' If you're focused on something, really into it, you don't have to worry about what you're doing because it will follow through. Years ago, when I was living in New York and first starting out, I worked on [Sid Caesar's TV] show a couple of times, doing small parts — 'under fives' they called it. If you had under five lines they didn't have to pay you much money. I just watched the man. Such courage! He would do things nobody else had the nerve to do. I learned, 'Yeah, yeah — do it!'"

Ms. Arthur married director Gene Saks in 1950; that marriage ended in divorce in 1978. She is survived by her sons Matthew and Daniel Saks and grandchildren.

Anne Donovan joins Liberty Staff :)

I was really excited to hear that the New York Liberty decided to hire Anne Donovan as Assistant Coach to Patty Coyle. Anne will be an excellent addition to the team. She has a stellar coaching resume: WNBA Championship with the Seattle Storm and most recently a 2008 Olympic Gold in Beijing. For more information read the story below which is courtesy of the New York Liberty.


Anne Donovan Named Assistant Coach
WNBA Veteran & Olympic Gold Medal-Winning Coach Brings Winning Resumé to the Big Apple

New York, NY – April 28 – New York Liberty president and general manager Carol Blazejowski announced today that Anne Donovan has been named assistant coach. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“It is a rare and significant moment for any organization when someone of Anne Donovan's caliber joins its coaching staff, and it is particularly true for the Liberty today," said Blazejowski. "With Patty at the helm, Anne's decades of winning experience and a deep and talented roster, we feel we have assembled the components we need to pursue our ultimate goal – bringing New York the WNBA championship it so richly deserves.”

A Ridgewood, New Jersey native, Donovan’s primary responsibilities with the Liberty will include assisting head coach Pat Coyle in player development, game preparation and scouting, as well as planning practices and individual player workouts.

"I have admired Anne Donovan as a player and coach and am thrilled she will be joining me on the Liberty sidelines," said Coyle. "Anne knows how to teach, motivate and inspire players, and she clearly knows how to win. We look forward to her impact on our franchise and an exciting season for our fans."

Donovan began her WNBA career as the interim head coach of the expansion Indiana Fever in 2000, followed by head coaching positions with the Charlotte Sting (2001-2002) and the Seattle Storm (2003-2007). She amassed a regular-season record of 93-77 (.547) with four playoff appearances in Seattle, including the 2004 WNBA Championship title. Her coaching career began at the collegiate level where she was an assistant at her alma mater Old Dominion for six seasons (1989-1995) before taking the helm at East Carolina University (1995-1998).

“It is very exciting to have the opportunity to return to the east coast and join the Liberty family,” said Donovan. “Since the league’s inception, I have been impressed with how well this organization has been run and I look forward to assisting Pat in putting the most prepared and competitive team on the floor each night.”

Donovan owns a remarkable 132-10 (.930) all-time record on the sidelines for USA Basketball. As an assistant coach, she helped the United States capture gold at the Olympics in 1998 and 2004. While serving as head coach, she led the 2008 U.S. Women’s Senior National Team to gold in Beijing and as a result was chosen with Mike Krzyzewski as co-recipients of the 2008 USA Basketball National Coach of the Year award earlier this year. As a player, she won gold as a member of the 1984 and 1988 U.S. Olympic Teams, 1983 and 1987 Pan American Games Teams, 1986 World Championship Team and the 1978 and 1979 U.S. Olympic Festival East Teams.

A Naismith Award winner and three-time All-American selection at Old Dominion, Donovan was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA on May 15, 1995. She was one of the twenty-six inductees in the inaugural class of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in June of 1999. Additionally, she is a member of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, the Old Dominion Sports Hall of Fame and the CoSIDA Academic All-American Hall of Fame.

Miss USA 2009 Results

Wow...what a crazy year at Miss USA. For the past two years the winner has fallen at Miss Universe and if we remember in 2007 our representative was booed and hissed all night long. This year the hex was not at Miss Universe but instead at our national competition when Miss California answered her final question on her opinion on gay marriage. I am not against her response at all, she spoke what was on her mind and unfortunately this ended up pissing a lot of people off, including 2 judges. I don't think the issue was her answer but how she phrased it. She needed to choose her words wisely and that she didn't do. As a gay man I would love the opportunity to get married one day but I am ok with people not agreeing with view. I think a lot of the controversy also had to do with the fact that she was representing the state of California, a state that unanimously voted to over turn gay marriage. She was put in a very tough situation and although I disagree with her answer I have to give her props even though it cost her the crown. I will also admit that California placed high in all of my early polls and in the end like Crystal and the rest of the country thought she had it in the bag.

Here are the official results (the ones in bold were in part of my original poll result 20 back in March)....

Winner: Miss North Carolina USA

First Runner Up: Miss California USA

Second Runner Up: Miss Arizona USA

Rest of Top Five: Miss Utah USA,
Miss Kentucky USA,

Rest of Top Ten:
Miss Arkansas USA,
Miss West Virginia USA,
Miss Tennessee USA,
Miss Texas USA,
Miss South Carolina USA,

Rest of Top Fifteen:
Miss Connecticut USA,
Miss Idaho USA,
Miss Georgia USA,
Miss Minnesota USA,
Miss Virginia USA,



I must say I didn't do that bad of a job. I selected 13 of the 15. 4 of which were in the Top 5.

Good Job Me!!!!

Final words...I don't think, and no offense (ha ha that's was Miss California said), that Miss North Carolina, although beautiful and intelligent, will not be able to compete against the rest of the world. She may make the 15 but 10 or 5 I don't see happening.

Miss USA Best Hair Poll...

Log on to www.missusa.com and cast your vote for the 2009 Miss USA Best Hair Winner...

Here are my choices (in no particular order)

Top 10
Vermont
Texas
Virginia
North Carolina
Louisiana
Maine
Kentucky
DC
Florida
California


Top 5
Florida
Vermont
DC
Louisiana
North Carolina

Miss USA Countdown begins... Glam Poll

I am counting the days until I leave for The Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas. This will be my 2nd consecutive trip to the national pageant which is set to air on NBA on Sunday April 19. During an earlier blog post I let everyone know who I felt my Top 10 were. I put everything on Miss Tennessee to win it all.

Recently the pageant unveiled their new and totally awesome website where America can sign up and state their mind. There is also a new poll with new photos of all 51 contestants. America can view the photos and also cast their vote on who they think is their favorite Glam Photo.

My Top 10 (no order)

California
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Maryland
Nebraska
Tennessee
Washington
Virginia
Wyoming

Top 5
California
Vermont
Kentucky
Nebraska
Maryland

Who will win...

Kia Vaughn coming to NY in the WNBA

The NY Liberty have selected Rutgers center Kia Vanughn in the 2009 WNBA Draft!

Read the full article below....

Article courtesy of by M.A. Mehta/The Star-Ledger at http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/04/new_york_liberty_select_former.html

Kia Vaughn was bouncing all over the place in heels with a trademark smile that let everyone know how downright giddy she was to be staying home.

The former Rutgers center was the eighth overall pick by the New York Liberty at the WNBA Draft at NBA Entertainment studios in Secaucus yesterday.


Vaughn, a native of the Bronx, was selected by her hometown team amid rumors that the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx might grab the athletic 6-4 post player.

"I was just excited to play anywhere and play for anyone," Vaughn said. "It was a dream to play here, but I had to face reality that anything was possible and anything could happen. But now my dream has come true."

Vaughn will re-united with former Rutgers teammate Essence Carson, who was the Liberty's top pick last season. The Liberty, like most teams, was intrigued by Vaughn's athleticism and her polished defensive skills.

Vaughn, the Scarlet Knights' all-time leader in games played (135), is one of just four players in program history to top 1,000 points and rebounds. She finished as Rutgers' second all-time leading rebounder and shot blocker.

"She brings size, athleticism and toughness that you need to have in this league to win it all," said Liberty head coach Patty Coyle, a Rutgers alum. "When you get a Rutgers player, they're tough, they understand how to win, and I think they're ready to play at the next level."

WNBA general managers were also drawn to Vaughn's pro-ready physique and untapped offensive potential. Vaughn, who averaged 9.9 points and 7.7 rebounds as a senior, shot nearly 56 percent for her career.

"She's going to take New York by storm," said Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer, who was in attendance. "She has the potential to be one of the best -- if not the best -- center in the country. There is nothing that she can't do and nothing that she can't imagine. There's no amount of work that she won't do."

Stringer admitted there wasn't a ceiling to Vaughn's capabilities at the next level.

"She desires to be so good," Stringer said. "She's not lazy. She's a hard worker... In two years, she'll dominate everything. Because she'll grow. She's not going to be satisfied with anything other than that."

Vaughn's entry into the professional ranks came after a roller-coaster season that included a benching midway through the year. She overcame a disappointing couple months by fueling Rutgers' late-season run to the NCAA tournament.

"I've gotten through it," Vaughn said of her uneven senior season. "I believe that now I can get through anything in life."

Vaughn, who will earn $41,574 in the first of a three-year deal with a team option in the fourth year, could make an immediate impact for a playoff team that finished 19-15 last season.

"I can even imagine it," said Vaughn's mother, Aja Ellington. "It's beautiful. ... She's tough. She's strong. And she never gives up."

In the post-selection celebration, it was hard to tell whether Vaughn or Stringer - who now has two former players close to home -- was happier.

"These guys are hard workers and they're winners," Stringer said. "Sometimes you have to hear about that on the other coast. They're right there in New York. I think I'll be going to New York every week."

Vaughn admitted she couldn't wait for the Liberty's season opener on June 7.

"This is a big leap. And it's my life now," Vaughn said. "I'm definitely ready."

NOTES: Angel McCoughtry of Louisville was the top overall pick by the Atlanta Dream... The Liberty selected Duke guard Abby Waner with their second-round pick (21st overall).

Fat Smash Again?

After failing miserably last week at my attempt of losing weight one week ago I decided to try it one more time. I know I can do this I mean its not rocket science right? I just need to get my ass up and get motivated and say "I can do this". So here we go...let me see what happens this week.

Cheers,

Politcs and Pageants.....Comment from CF.com post

IN A PERFECT WORLD...

It's really sad that MGA always gets the blame for this. But to be just a little open, isn't Continental, EOY, USofA that way also?

All pageant contestants pay dues I think a part of it is about growing and showing your dedication to that system. Sometimes judges tend to be repeated and they start to know whose who. If they give you comments they expect you to learn and come back. These ladies and gents spend a lot of money just to walk away with that single title. I must commend all the contestants who go back year after year trying to achieve their goal of being MGA or Miss Continental or EOY. It's not an easy road.

For MGA they have Coti but he finally said no, but what about the others Chantel, China, and of course Victoria. Other winners like Sabrina, Raquel and Charity The same thing at Continental....Monica Munro, Yoshiko and Danielle Hunter went back year after year and through that process they grew and grew. Regine and Sasha are still competing. EOY had Ashley and Dee Ranged. USofA also had Ashley, Necole and Roxy to name a few.

I can't say whether or not these pageants are rigged or not and there have been some really bad results in the past.

Finally I would love a PLUS girl to win one of the three small girl titles. I can see it now your new Miss Continental is _______(Chelsea Pearl or Chevel Brooks) or your new Miss Gay America is _________ (I say Kristina or Porkchop), or how about Miss Gay USofA is _______________ (Angel Sheridan or Charity Case).

Just my two cents.

Oh My God Becky...Look At His...

Day 1 of that crazy weight loss thing saw me getting up at 545. Talk about crazy. I actually didn't get out of bed until 645. Got out the Wii and measure myself and wasn't happy with what I saw. I gained pounds over a 2 month period....talk about going in the wrong direction. In the next 2 months my goal is to lose a total of 22 pounds. This would put me at 189. My overall goal as mentioned previously is 175. Well its time to get going on Doc Ian's crazy regimen and see if I can stick it out. Cycle 1 (the first part) will last a total of 7 days. At that point I will reweigh and myself and see where I am at. Time to workout.

The Fat Stops Here....It's Time To Go To The Extreme

For years I have been struggling with my weight. I'm always dieting here and dieting there. Trying this and trying that. It's really crazy. I will start a diet and it will last a day or two before I give up. Stress controls everything when it comes to my weight and I end up giving up. Last year I weighed 230 pounds. I was very disgusted in myself. I was bloated and well my clothes weren't fitting. I was so depressed. Since then I have lost some weight I am now at 203, however I am still not comfortable in my skin and I got a long way to go. My goal weight is 175. So I am 28 pounds a ways. My height I am not sure about , I'm either 5'10 or 5'11 not sure. But my BMI is high and says I am am overweight (29.9) on the verge of obesity. However if you were to look at me you couldn't tell that I was a fat guy.

Ok so the point of this entry is to say I am going to try Dr. Ian Smith's Extreme Fat Smash Diet. For the next 9 weeks I will follow the diet to the "T" and see where it lands me. I will try my best not to cut any corners along the way and I will post my progress on here. I am also using Bally's Total Fitness, The Biggest Loser Cardio Max DVD, and Wii Fit.

Let's see if I can do it. The journey starts tomorrow at 6am.

Miss USA scheduled for April 19 in Sin City

The Miss USA Pageant is just one month away and I am excited to attend this years pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada. Last year Texas's (my home state) Crystal Stewart would easily walk away with the coveted title after her 5th attempt at the Texas title Did you know over 151 contestants compete every year in the Texas preliminary. Talk about competition.
I knew from the moment that I attended rehearsals Crystal would walk away with the title leaving all of her competitors in the dust. Unfortunately, Crystal, a heavy favorite to win the Miss Universe title in Vietnam, would fall on stage during the evening gown competition and lose it all. This is the second year in a row a contestant representing the US would fall during the evening gown competition. Remember in 2007 Rachel Smith would also fall in her evening gown. Unlike Smith who placed 3rd runner-up Stewart would go onto to finish in 8th place.

It's now time to take a look at the ladies competing at the years pageant. Here are just a few of my favorites. Since its hard to tell a lot from just a photo I am going to call it my Miss USA Photogenic Picks...

Top 20

Arizona
Arkansas
California
Connecticut
DC
Georgia
Hawaii
Iowa
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Oklahoma
Ohio
Nevada
Minnesota
Louisiana
Texas
New York

Top 10
New York
Texas
Nevada
Washington
Tennessee
South Carolina
Iowa
Georgia
DC
California

Top 5
Texas 3rd Runner Up
Georgia 1st RunnerUp
Washington 4th Runner Up
Tennessee Winner
DC 2nd Runner Up

Early Prediction Winner: Miss Tennessee

RIP Natasha Richardson :(

Actress Natasha Richardson dies after skiing accident
The wife of actor Liam Neeson and member of the Redgrave theatrical family was 45.
By John Horn
6:03 PM PDT, March 18, 2009

Natasha Richardson, the luminous British actress from one of the world's great acting families, whose performances ranged from the high-brow drama "The Handmaid's Tale" to the lightweight comedy "The Parent Trap" and the Tony-winning Broadway production of "Cabaret," died Wednesday. She was 45.

The wife of "Schindler's List" actor Liam Neeson and the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave and the late film director Tony Richardson died at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. The cause of death was not announced, but she had been hospitalized after suffering a devastating brain injury while skiing Monday.

"Liam Neeson, his sons and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha," said a statement released by publicist Alan Nierob. "They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."

Courtesy of LA Times




"What good is sitting alone In your room?
Come hear the music play.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum,
Come to the Cabaret.

Put down the knitting, The book and the broom.
It's time for a holiday.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum
Come to the Cabaret.

Come taste the wine, Come hear the band.
Come blow a horn, Start celebrating;
Right this way, Your table's waiting.

What good's permitting Some prophet of doom
To wipe every smile away.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum,
So Come to the Cabaret!

I used to have a girlfriend Known as Elsie,
With whom I shared A four sordid rooms in Chelsea
She wasn't what you'd call a blushing flower...
As a matter of fact she rented by the hour.

The day she died the neighbors Came to snicker:
"Well, that's what comes from too much pills and liquor."
But when I saw her laid out like a Queen,
She was the happiest... corpse... I'd ever seen.

I think of Elsie to this very day.
I remember how she'd turn to me and say:
"What good is sitting all alone in you room?
Come hear the music play.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum,
Come to the Cabaret.

And as for me, And as for me,
I made my mind up, back in Chelsea,
When I go, I'm going like Elsie.

Start by admitting, From cradle to tomb
It isn't that a long a stay.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum,
It's only a Cabaret, old chum
And I love a Cabaret.