To Live & To Love

Book of the Month: A Love Rekindled

2011-05-02T07:26:00.001-07:00

Myne Whitman is the most hardworking Nigerian romance novelist. She is also the most active online. Her second romance novel A Love Rekindled is our Book of the Month. You will enjoy it.

Ten years ago, Efe Sagay dreams of winning the United States Visa Lottery, until she meets Kevwe Mukoro in University. Kevwe is happy to remain in Nigeria; only he wants Efe by his side. Over time, Efe finds true love with Kevwe, and promises to marry him. Their dreams unravel when Efe wins an American Visa, and fresh violence erupts between their warring ethnic groups. Now, Efe is back in Nigeria, and she knows it’s a matter of time before Kevwe returns to her life. They finally meet again, but renewed desire is no match for bitter memories of heartbreak. Efe wants the traumatic events of the past resolved before she gives in to rekindled love.

A Love Rekindled is the second romance novel of Myne Whitman, a Nigerian author based in the US.

Myne Whitman is my pen name. I was born and raised in Enugu, Nigeria, where I spent most of my time, studying, reading and daydreaming or climbing trees and playing with the boys. I have a Master's degree in Public Health Research but have chosen my childhood dream of spinning stories. After a few years in Edinburgh, Scotland, I now live with my husband in Seattle, USA. I write and blog full-time, and also volunteer as an ESL tutor for a local charity. I critique with the Seattle Eastside Writers Meet-up and I'm also a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.

The Pacific Northwest of America is a great place but during the drizzling winter rains, I dream of long, hot, Nigerian days and the red palm oil of Banga Soup. A self-confessed adrenaline junkie, I love theme park rides and my wildest ride yet would be the Simpsons at Universal studios, Hollywood. Or maybe it was that reverse bungee jump I did in Scotland, hmm...lol.

In addition to writing popular fiction to get people reading, I am passionate about using the internet and social media to promote the book industry and literacy levels in Nigeria. To this end, I facilitated a session, "Social Media and the Book Publishing Industry", for the Publisher's Forum at the 2010 Garden City Literary Festival, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. I also founded and work as the publisher and managing editor of NaijaStories.com, a critique website for aspiring Nigerian writers.

Click here to buy Myne Whitman's novels

Josie Maran Bares All To Honor Earth Day In “My First Time?”

2011-04-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

New York, NY, April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Josie Maran shows off Argan-beautiful skin for the sake of natural beauty. This Earth Day, Josie Maran reveals the true benefits of her signature ingredient, Argan Oil, by stripping down to her most natural state in an exclusive “My First Time?” video and letting viewers in on an intimate experience she’ll never forget. The video will raise funding for the Women’s Earth Alliance, a unique organization that helps female community leaders worldwide address crucial issues such as food and water safety.

“The Women’s Earth Alliance is very dear to my heart,” says Josie. “That’s why this Earth Day, I’m exposing my beauty secret—Argan Oil—in an effort to raise awareness and funding for this vital cause.”

Every element of Josie Maran Cosmetics, from the packaging to the ingredients, is a reflection of Josie’s dedication to environmental responsibility and this exclusive new video is the next step in Josie’s commitment to green living. More than just the top seller for Josie Maran Cosmetics, Argan Oil is the foundation of Josie’s eponymous line and is at the heart of this Earth Day initiative. For each “Like” of the Argan Oil page on Sephora.com, Josie will make a $1 donation to benefit the Women’s Earth Alliance.

“My First Time?” stars Josie Maran showing her Argan-quenched skin on an exotic, desolate beach in Malibu where the environmentally active model and Josie Maran Cosmetics founder demonstrates the benefits of her star ingredient and beauty secret, Argan Oil, by revealing her healthy, radiant skin to the world this Earth Day.

For each Facebook “Like” of the Josie Maran Argan Oil page on Sephora.com from April 15 – May 31, $1 will be donated to the Women’s Earth Alliance© (up to $25,000USD total) by Josie Maran Cosmetics.

Who: Josie Maran
What: “My First Time?”
When: April 15, 2011 through May 31, 2011
Where: Watch the :60 video at http://bit.ly/josieM
How: “Like” the Argan Oil page at www.sephora.com/go/arganoil
Why: To help raise funding for Women’s Earth Alliance

About Josie Maran Cosmetics: A “chicological” approach to makeup, Josie Maran Cosmetics is a complete collection of pure, natural and evolved cosmetics that is equally chic, luxurious and beautiful. Josie Maran Cosmetics formulas are created with natural, nontoxic and gentle ingredients (including avocado, coconut, flax, jojoba, olive, soybean, beeswax, cocoa butter and shea butter). In keeping with Josie’s philosophy, all of the packaging is as pleasing to the planet as it is to the eye. Each product comes in sleek, rose-colored metallic packaging that is recyclable and/or biodegradable.

The name and logo of Women’s Earth Alliance is used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement expressed or implied of any product or company. © Copyright 2011. Women’s Earth Alliance, a not-for-profit, section 501(c)(3

Media Contacts:
Tractenberg & Co.
Annie Naslund / Dana Turek
212.929.7979
annie@tractenberg.com
danat@tractenberg.com

Suzanne Whang Opens Up about Her Journey with Breast Cancer

2011-04-13T08:59:00.001-07:00

Suzanne Whang. (PRNewsFoto/Suzanne Whang)

13 Apr 2011 13:15 Africa/Lagos

Suzanne Whang Opens Up about Her Journey with Breast Cancer

Popular TV Host and Comedian Suzanne Whang Breaks her Silence, Asks Fans and Friends for Help

PR Newswire

LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2011

LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Suzanne Whang is probably best known as the host of HGTV's #1 show House Hunters for ten years, and from her role as the outrageous and hilarious "Polly" the spa manager on NBC's Las Vegas. She recently spent 6 weeks playing the funny and loathsome wedding planner Carol Cheng on General Hospital opposite her real-life best friend and former Las Vegas co-star Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo. Suzanne is also an award-winning stand-up comic, published author, keynote speaker, ordained minister, and political activist and yes, she was the first person to give Oprah a copy of The Secret . Many fans also remember her as the co-host of ABC's TV's Censored Bloopers with Dick Clark, and as a roving reporter on FOX After Breakfast with Tom Bergeron. After careful consideration and encouragement from her loved ones, this extremely private woman has chosen to openly talk about her 5 year continuing journey with breast cancer. She is also learning a big lesson in humility and is asking her fans and friends for help on her path to recovery.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110413/LA82237)

Suzanne was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. In typical Suzanne fashion, when she got the news, the first thing she said was, "Wow, this is going to be great stand-up comedy material someday." After her lumpectomy, Suzanne named her tumor Igor and sent out a birth announcement to her closest friends. Choosing to approach this challenge holistically, she made major lifestyle changes for the health of her mind, body and spirit. Still, a year later, another tumor appeared. A second lumpectomy was performed in 2009. In February of this year, she was rushed to the hospital, underwent emergency back surgery, and learned that her cancer had metastasized. Her doctors also recommended preventative hip replacement surgery, which she completed three weeks ago.

Suzanne has approached this disease with a great deal of courage, optimism, and humor. She has spent countless hours reading about, researching, and participating in many treatments (Western, Eastern, alternative) throughout her five year ordeal, she has traveled the globe, and she has spent her life savings on her path back to health. She even used revolutionary new technology called ECM (extracellular matrix) powder to successfully regrow skin, tissue and blood vessels in her left breast after her last lumpectomy. Suzanne is currently undergoing concentrated radiation treatment targeting the most affected areas of her body, and is in the process of deciding her next steps.

In the last five years, Suzanne hasn't let the cancer prevent her from continuing to act, write, host, speak at political rallies, volunteer for her favorite charities, give guest sermons, and perform her award-winning comedy. In fact, just two weeks after her back surgery, and less than two weeks before her hip replacement operation, you could find Suzanne co-hosting live commentary throughout the 2011 Oscar telecast on Oscar.com!

"I plan to create a website for people going through cancer where they can share their stories, resources and experiences, and create a community. Other possibilities include a web series, a documentary, a book, a one-woman show… so that I can take what I've learned and experienced, and share it with the world."

Suzanne has learned many spiritual lessons about surrender, acceptance, asking for help, and receiving the love and support she is so accustomed to giving. Now that she has spent her life savings on medical costs not covered by insurance, and cannot work while she is recuperating, she has thrown pride out the window and is humbling herself by asking her fans and friends for help. It is not common for a celebrity to do this, but Suzanne leads an unconventional life.

There will be a fundraiser performance of 'The Circle" for Suzanne, Sunday April 17th, 2:00 -3:30 pm, at The Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles. Tickets are $35. For more details and to purchase tickets in advance: http://www.wakingupfabulous.com/april17.html

Check out www.SuzanneWhang.com to make donations, and for updates on Suzanne's journey back to health.

SOURCE Suzanne Whang

CONTACT: Jeff Jones, +1-818-257-0671, JeffEJonesPR@gmail.com

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

Elizabeth Taylor dies at 79

2011-03-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Taylor dies at 79

Legendary film actress Elizabeth Taylor has passed away. The Hollywood icon, who was 79, died of congestive heart failure in a Los Angeles hospital, where she had been hospitalized for the last six weeks. The actress, who starred in more than 50 movies and won 3 academy awards, was known for her beauty, glamour, and stormy personal life. She is survived by her 4 children, 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Trendz Info

Happy New Year 2011!

We give all the glory to God for protecting and saving our beautiful and wonderful life to see the dawn of another year and we trust HIM to continue to see us through in the coming years and decades!

We thank God 24/7!

31 Dec 2010 10:00 Africa/Lagos

The Top Baby Names of 2010 Revealed

LONDON, December 31, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- Katie and Amy have fallen out of the list of the top 20 female christian names, it emerged yesterday (30th January 2010).

The monikers of troubled stars Katie Price and Amy Winehouse have been replaced by prettier and less infamous names, Maisie and Isabella.

The highest climber in the list of the most popular girls' names in the UK today is Bella, due in no small part to the lead character in Twilight, played by actress Kristen Stewart. Lacey, as in EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, is also on the up, soaring from number 57 up to 37. Florence is also becoming increasingly popular, moving up 33 places, as is Maisy.

Olivia is still top after 3 years and Sophie is still second. Lily is now third, up from 8th place, with Emily and Ruby completing the top five.

In the boys list Jack has finally been bumped off top spot by Oliver after 16 years in first place. Jack is now second while Harry, Charlie and Alfie, all non-movers, make up the top five.

Another bad year for F1 ace Lewis Hamilton has seen the popularity of his first name drop from 13th to 19th place, whilst his singer girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger fares even worse, with the name Nicole dropping seven places down the girls list to 84th place.

Ollie emerged as the biggest climber - up 56 places to number 53 - while Zachary, perhaps inspired by High School Musical's Zac Efron or even the son of jungle queen Stacey Soloman, has also become more common.

Bobby - the name of the late Jade Goody's son - is another big climber, up 25 places to number 70. And Kai - Coleen and Wayne Rooney's son has stepped up 10 places to number 56, despite his father's indiscretions.

The list was compiled by parenting club Bounty from names given to 423,000 children born in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during 2010.

Yesterday, Faye Mingo, spokeswoman for bounty.com (http://www.bounty.com/) said: ''Our records show that parents are continuing to be influenced by popular culture and celebrity trends.

"The remarkable rise in popularity of names such as Ollie and Florence are most probably due to the X Factor star Olly Murs and the singer from Florence and the Machine experiencing their time in the limelight.

"However, parents are looking to a wide range of sources for influence and also seem to be rediscovering more traditional, 'old-fashioned' names like Ava and Stanley which have been more associated with grandparents in the past.

"Biblical names are also proving popular with Noah rising 20 places to 15th place and Jacob up 7, just missing the top ten."

Olivia is enjoying its third year in top spot after deposing Grace in 2008.

Jessica climbed one place to sixth, while Chloe dropped from fifth to seventh. Ava made it into the top ten for the first time while Grace slipped to ninth from sixth.

Amelia completed the top ten. Lucy was a non-mover at 13 while the next four places were all taken up by new names, including Isabella which climbed eight places to 14th.

Megan, Isla and Freya have all become more popular as has Lilly, most probably inspired by the singer Lily Allen.

On the boys list Jack finally surrendered top spot to Oliver but very little of the rest of the top ten changed. William climbed one spot to eighth as did Daniel to ninth while James slipped two to tenth.

Other names we will be hearing more regularly includes Logan, which climbed seven places to 17th and Oscar, which moved up four to 22nd.

Callum and Liam seem to have had their day - they were the biggest fallers in the top 30, seven and nine places respectively.

And new entries into the bounty.com top 100 lists were Esme, Courtney, Jude, Elliot and Stanley.

Faye Mingo added: "A recent study we ran found that one in five parents regret the names they have chosen for their children, so it's more important than ever for parents to choose a name them and their child will love for the rest of their life.

"It's hard to predict what we'll see next year but it's most probable that celebrities and popular culture will again play a part - and with a royal wedding on the horizon we may well see an increase in Williams and Kates born in celebration!"

See the Top 100 boys and girls names of 2010 and check the latest regional popularity (http://www.bounty.com/baby-names/regional-names) ratings at Bounty's baby names (http://www.bounty.com/baby-names) section which features a host of unique and handy functions to help parents decide on baby names. As well as being able to search names using letters of the alphabet (http://www.bounty.com/baby-names/names-beginning-with), number of syllables, origin, and meaning, parents can also search trend graphs which show if names are declining/growing in popularity as well as popular sibling/middle names for their chosen name, amongst a host of other useful tools.

TOP 100 BOYS NAMES 2010

1. Oliver
2. Jack
3. Harry
4. Charlie
5. Alfie
6. Thomas
7. Joshua
8. William
9. Daniel
10. James
11. Jacob
12. George
13. Ethan
14. Lucas
15. Noah
16. Max
17. Logan
18. Joseph
19. Lewis
20. Dylan
21. Samuel
22. Oscar
23. Ryan
24. Archie
25. Riley
26. Jayden
27. Tyler
28. Jake
29. Callum
30. Liam
31. Alexander
32. Connor
33. Luke
34. Adam
35. Benjamin
36. Matthew
37. Leo
38. Finley
39. Jamie
40. Alex
41. Freddie
42. Mason
43. Harrison
44. Henry
45. Ben
46. Harvey
47. Nathan
48. Isaac
49. Cameron
50. Aaron
51. Theo
52. Edward
53. Ollie
54. Finlay
55. Owen
56. Kai
57. Harley
58. Aiden
59. Michael
60. Toby
61. Sam
62. Leon
63. Kyle
64. David
65. Rhys
66. Evan
67. Bailey
68. Reece
69. Zachary
70. Bobby
71. Ashton
72. Kian
73. Sebastian
74. Luca
75. Kayden
76. Louis
77. Zac
78. Taylor
79. Brandon
80. John
81. Hayden
82. Billy
83. Caleb
84. Jude
85. Blake
86. Joe
87. Louie
88. Jay
89. Christopher
90. Joel
91. Bradley
92. Ellis
93. Corey
94. Elliot
95. Zak
96. Robert
97. Stanley
98. Aidan
99. Jenson
100. Patrick

TOP 100 GIRLS NAMES 2010

1. Olivia
2. Sophie
3. Lily
4. Emily
5. Ruby
6. Jessica
7. Chloe
8. Ava
9. Grace
10. Amelia
11. Mia
12. Evie
13. Lucy
14. Isabella
15. Maisie
16. Poppy
17. Daisy
18. Ellie
19. Ella
20. Megan
21. Isla
22. Freya
23. Charlotte
24. Lilly
25. Summer
26. Isabelle
27. Holly
28. Sophia
29. Millie
30. Erin
31. Katie
32. Amy
33. Scarlett
34. Hannah
35. Lexi
36. Imogen
37. Lacey
38. Molly
39. Eva
40. Brooke
41. Lola
42. Phoebe
43. Layla
44. Emma
45. Leah
46. Abigail
47. Sienna
48. Gracie
49. Amber
50. Jasmine
51. Alice
52. Matilda
53. Elizabeth
54. Anna
55. Madison
56. Rosie
57. Paige
58. Lauren
59. Isabel
60. Bethany
61. Caitlin
62. Georgia
63. Faith
64. Lexie
65. Florence
66. Rebecca
67. Niamh
68. Zoe
69. Maya
70. Skye
71. Maddison
72. Tilly
73. Keira
74. Scarlet
75. Tia
76. Amelie
77. Libby
78. Sofia
79. Sarah
80. Aimee
81. Isobel
82. Esme
83. Zara
84. Nicole
85. Julia
86. Martha
87. Maisy
88. Heidi
89. Abbie
90. Mya
91. Darcy
92. Rose
93. Eleanor
94. Kayla
95. Miley
96. Hollie
97. Eve
98. Bella
99. Evelyn
100. Courtney

TOP 100 BOYS NAMES 2009

1. Jack
2. Oliver
3. Charlie
4. Harry
5. Alfie
6. Thomas
7. Joshua
8. William
9. James
10. Daniel
11. George
12. Ethan
13. Lewis
14. Max
15. Lucas
16. Dylan
17. Archie
18. Joseph
19. Jacob
20. Samuel
21. Liam
22. Callum
23. Oscar
24. Jayden
25. Logan
26. Ryan
27. Jake
28. Tyler
29. Riley
30. Luke
31. Harvey
32. Ben
33. Adam
34. Alexander
35. Benjamin
36. Leo
37. Matthew
38. Noah
39. Connor
40. Alex
41. Jamie
42. Harrison
43. Mason
44. Cameron
45. Owen
46. Henry
47. Nathan
48. Finley
49. Aaron
50. Freddie
51. Issac
52. Sam
53. Finlay
54. Theo
55. Harley
56. Aiden
57. Toby
58. Edward
59. Rhys
60. Michael
61. Evan
62. Kyle
63. Leon
64. Reece
65. David
66. Kai
67. Ashton
68. Bailey
69. Kian
70. Louis
71. Taylor
72. Hayden
73. Brandon
74. Joe
75. Jay
76. Luca
77. Kayden
78. Ewan
79. Joel
80. Sebastian
81. Zac
82. Ellis
83. Josh
84. Aidan
85. John
86. Billy
87. Zak
88. Bradley
89. Kieran
90. Blake
91. Christopher
92. Morgan
93. Caleb
94. Louie
95. Andrew
96. Bobby
97. Gabriel
98. Robert
99. Elliot
100.Jude

TOP 100 GIRLS NAMES 2009

1. Olivia
2. Ruby
3. Sophie
4. Chloe
5. Emily
6. Grace
7. Jessica
8. Lily
9. Amelia
10. Evie
11. Mia
12. Lucy
13. Ava
14. Ella
15. Charlotte
16. Amy
17. Daisy
18. Katie
19. Megan
20. Summer
21. Ellie
22. Isabella
23. Holly
24. Millie
25. Poppy
26. Freya
27. Erin
28. Isla
29. Isabelle
30. Hannah
31. Emma
32. Brooke
33. Molly
34. Phoebe
35. Eva
36. Leah
37. Lilly
38. Abigail
39. Sophia
40. Imogen
41. Maisie
42. Scarlett
43. Lexi
44. Jasmine
45. Lola
46. Layla
47. Isabel
48. Lauren
49. Amber
50. Madison
51. Matilda
52. Elizabeth
53. Bethany
54. Sienna
55. Rosie
56. Anna
57. Gracie
58. Paige
59. Alice
60. Caitlin
61. Georgia
62. Maddison
63. Rebecca
64. Lacey
65. Isobel
66. Faith
67. Libby
68. Tia
69. Keira
70. Lexie
71. Niamh
72. Skye
73. Nicole
74. Aimee
75. Sarah
76. Zoe
77. Eleanor
78. Amelie
79. Julia
80. Eve
81. Maya
82. Tilly
83. Zara
84. Martha
85. Sofia
86. Scarlet
87. Darcy
88. Abbie
89. Victoria
90. Heidi
91. Alexandra
92. Taylor
93. Miley
94. Kayla
95. Mya
96. Lydia
97. Florence
98. Evelyn
99. Rose
100. Courtney

Notes to Editors:

- The top 100 boys and girls names lists were compiled using data
collated from the registered births of Bounty Parenting Club members in
2010

- Bounty (http://www.bounty.com) is the UK's favourite parenting club,
providing information, support and products for young families
throughout the four key-life stages: pre-birth, birth, toddlers and
pre-school

- With 2.5 million members and over 50,000 new members joining
every month, Bounty reaches 9 out of 10 new and expectant parents in
the UK through its Bounty bag sampling

- http://www.bounty.com has 750,000 opted-in members and a further
28,000 new members joining each month
- http://www.bounty.com/baby-names features a host of unique and
handy new functions and tools to help you decide on baby names.
Whether your heart is set on a name and you want to find out more about
its origin or meaning, have absolutely no idea how to go about choosing
a name or simply want to find a name rated by others as 'cool' or
'exotic', Bounty.com is the go-to site for all your naming needs. In
just one click you can search:

- Regional mapping (search the popularity of names throughout the UK
based on where you live)

- Middle names (search for names that are most commonly used as middle
names with your chosen first name)

- Sibling names (search for common sibling names alongside your chosen
first name)

- Rate names according to how 'cool', 'great', 'traditional', 'exotic',
'unique' they are

- Find out nick-names, explore famous people names, and characters
featured in books, TV or film

- Find out who else likes the names you do and ask friends and family to
confidentially rate your favourite names

- Name trend graph showing if names are in declining/growing in
popularity

- Search using letters of the alphabet, number of syllables, origin, and
meaning

- Collate your own 'shopping basket' of preferred names

Source: Bounty UK Ltd

For further information please contact Rachel Burrows on +44-(0)1707-294000, or email rburrows@bounty.com

Sex Education for All

2009-03-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sex education is a broad term used to describe education about human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, reproductive health, emotional relations, reproductive rights and responsibilities, contraception, and other aspects of human sexual behavior. Common avenues for sex education are parents or caregivers, school programs, and public health campaigns.

It's The Home Of Your Dreams!

2008-06-16T04:06:00.000-07:00

It's The Home Of Your Dreams!

Don't Let the Credit Crunch Harm Your Relationship - Keep Taking the Weekend Break

2008-06-16T03:43:00.001-07:00

16 Jun 2008 08:00 Africa/Lagos

Don't Let the Credit Crunch Harm Your Relationship - Keep Taking the Weekend Break

LONDON, June 16/PRNewswire/ -- As part of its 'Campaign for the Real Weekend' a nationally representative survey commissioned by purplehotels and carried out by BMRB* has revealed fascinating statistics about 'weekend break ' habits amongst people in the UK.

Sex - or an increase in intimacy- was cited as a critical reason to take a weekend break by 38% of males and females questioned. Of which 44% of the 25/34-year age group strongly agreed a weekend away would improve the intimacy of their relationship with their partner.

Psychologist and "sex expert" Donna Dawson, says: "Work, in particular, appears to be stressing us out, as well as affecting our close relationships. A complete change of scenery appears to be the remedy for 'revving up' our jaded or non-existent sex lives, by injecting novelty, adventure and much-needed privacy into the proceedings."

A 'loved-up' weekend away also has a marked effect on returning home. Some 45% of women and 39% of men claimed it made them 'feel more able to cope with life' but 37% of respondents 'immediately yearned for another break' (For some, once wasn't enough!)

When asked 'How long after your return does the good feeling last?' 41% felt the 'benefits lasted a few days' whilst 20% of men declared ecstatically the 'good feeling lasted for at least a week'. Interestingly, 30% of men mentioned a great breakfast, the morning after, 'could be a deciding factor when choosing a hotel.'

Purplehotels questioned the need to escape from the stress of life to which the great majority of people (74%) revealed they hoped to grab a "chance to relax", 58% felt a break away would enable them "to feel better about work, life and family" whilst over a third (35%) of people wanted to "learn something new about a different part of Britain".

Understandably 76% of people cited 'value for money' as the most important factor when choosing a hotel; this was followed by 'convenience of location (52%) and friendly staff (38%) as the second and third important factors respectively.

35% of people plan to spend between GBP50 and GBP100 on accommodation for a weekend away, while 26% are prepared to spend over GBP100 and up to GBP150. This fits in well with the great value weekend breaks in purplehotels, which start from GBP29 per room. Guests are encouraged to feel as relaxed or raring- to- go as their hearts desire.

Purplehotels have launched a 'Campaign for the Real Weekend' to promote 'weekends not workends'.

Mike Prager, CEO explains: "Who says the weekend should be limited to Saturday and Sunday? At purplehotels we believe that the weekend is any time between Thursday & Monday & we price it that way too. My final tip is try calling in well to work. Most people at some time call in sick. Call in well and say 'I'm having a couple of days off and I feel great'. Then take off and visit this lovely island of ours!"

*The Survey was commissioned by purplehotels and carried out by BMRB via online Omnibus across 1,000 adults aged 16-64.

Purplehotels is a new 'no frills chic' brand of premium budget hotels with 11 hotels in the UK. Visit http://www.purplehotels.co.uk for further information about the Campaign for the Real Weekend.

Source: purplehotels

Media Contacts: Adhoc PR - Tel: +44(0)2074830030 - Deborah Parritt

Red Roses for Sweethearts, Pink Roses from an Admirer and Carnations for a First Date

2008-05-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

More Americans are Sleeping Thanks to Science

2008-04-22T02:45:00.000-07:00

22 Apr 2008 05:01 Africa/Lagos

More Americans are Sleeping Thanks to Science

ASTHMA & ALLERGY FRIENDLY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM CONTINUES TO EXPAND IN THE BEDROOM

WASHINGTON, April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More people than ever before are buying bedding products that meet established scientific standards -- especially people with asthma and allergies -- in search of a better night's sleep.

Many bedding items such as pillows, comforters and mattress pads contain unwanted chemical ingredients and finishes from manufacturing or packaging, and most bedding also accumulates household allergens during everyday use. For people with asthma and allergies, it can be difficult to sleep through the night without having symptoms triggered by these allergens and irritants.

In the United States alone, there are an estimated 20 million people with asthma and 50 million with allergies. Many triggers such as chemicals and household allergens can aggravate both diseases. Medical experts advise that reducing exposure to allergens and irritants, such as dust mites, pet dander, and formaldehyde should be a critical part of patient's asthma and allergy management plan.

So, for the past 3 years, the asthma & allergy friendly(TM) Certification Program, administered by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in partnership with the international research organization, Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), has been introducing scientific standards for bedding and other types of products. They have also been putting products to the test in independent, accredited laboratories around the world to determine which products are truly more suitable.

Recently, the rapidly expanding asthma & allergy friendly(TM) Certification Program, certified SmartSilk(TM) silk-filled Pillow Protectors and Duvets, adding to the long list of other existing certified pillows, encasements, mattress pads, comforters and more.

Only those bedding items that pass the rigorous scientific testing protocols and meet the strict standards adopted by AAFA are certified asthma & allergy friendly(TM). The distinctive certification mark found on packaging informs consumers that products are more suitable for individuals with asthma, allergies or both. The standards are designed to ensure that products do not contain harmful chemicals, can withstand routine machine wash and dry instructions, and under normal use and care, will not allow household allergens to accumulate at high levels. Each product is labeled to inform the consumer why it has been certified. Bedding products include specific detailed cleaning and care instructions for maintaining them in a low allergen state.

The SmartSilk(TM) silk-filled Pillow Protector and Duvet are the first all natural bedding products be certified asthma & allergy friendly(TM). For more information, or for a list of Certified asthma & allergy friendly(TM) products and the retailers that carry them, please visit http://www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/.

ABOUT AAFA

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is the oldest and largest nonprofit organization in the world fighting asthma and allergic diseases. AAFA provides free information, conducts educational programs, fights for patients' rights, and funds research to find better treatments and cures. Log on to http://www.aafa.org/ for more information.

ABOUT ASL

Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) is a physician led global certification company that prepares independent standards for testing a wide range of products to determine their suitability for asthmatics and individuals with associated allergies. ASL's management team possesses specialist skills in a variety of medical fields including asthma and other allergic diseases.

Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

CONTACT: Angel Waldron, Communications Manager of the Asthma and Allergy
Foundation of America, +1-202-466-7643 x248, angel@aafa.org

Web site: http://www.aafa.org/
http://www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/

Survey Shows How Personal Hygiene Regimens Impact the Environment

2008-04-02T06:05:00.000-07:00

Apr 2008 10:09 Africa/Lagos

Survey Shows How Personal Hygiene Regimens Impact the Environment

SKILLMAN, N.J., April 1 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a survey commissioned by o.b.(R) tampons, women are generating about twice as much waste as men due to the fact that they have double the number of personal products in their medicine cabinet or vanity.

However, while women and men are equally likely to consider themselves environmentally conscious, women are more likely than men to say they are willing to make small changes to their daily lifestyle if they knew it would positively impact the environment.

o.b.(R) tampons are one way women can make a small, but mighty change in their daily habits to help reduce waste and save space in their medicine cabinet or vanity without giving up comfort and protection.

Because o.b.(R) tampons do not have an applicator, they generate 58 percent less waste than any applicator tampon. This means that using o.b. tampons saves one pound of waste per year per user -- totaling 37 pounds over a woman's menstrual lifetime. In addition, a box of o.b.(R) tampons occupies roughly one-third the space of a leading applicator tampon box, leaving more room in the vanity.

Here are some other key findings from this survey:

-- Taking Up Space. Women confess to having about 12 products, on
average, in their vanity or medicine cabinet. However, they only use
about six products on a daily basis and admit that they have about five
containers of beauty or personal hygiene products that they never use.
Men, on average, have about seven products in their vanity or medicine
cabinet and use only three on a daily basis.

-- Less Space = More Waste. Forty-two percent of women say their vanity
or medicine cabinet is overcrowded with beauty or personal hygiene
products. More than one in five women (22%) ranked tampons among the
top five beauty or personal hygiene products that occupy the most space
in their vanity or medicine cabinet.

-- It All Adds Up. Women ranked toilet paper or tissues (71%), shampoo
and/or conditioner containers (57%) and cotton balls or swabs (48%)
among the top five beauty or personal hygiene products that create the
most waste. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of women also ranked tampons
among the top five beauty or personal hygiene products that generate
the most waste.

-- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Seventy-seven percent of women say they
recycle to reduce waste, but less than fifty percent of women are doing
other simple things to reduce waste, such as buying products with less
packaging (49%), buying in bulk (49%) or purchasing products with
environmentally-friendly packaging (45%).

-- Go the Extra Mile. Eighty-one percent of women say they would be
willing to make compromises to be more environmentally-conscious, by
either buying a product that is less visually appealing (63%) traveling
further to purchase environmentally responsible items (27%) or paying
more for a product or service (27%).

Using o.b. tampons is one way women can reduce waste and start making a small change that will have a mighty impact on the environment. For more information, go to www.mightysmall.com.

Source: o.b.(R) tampons

CONTACT: Melissa Todisco, Hunter Public Relations, +1-212-679-6600,
ext. 244, mtodisco@hunterpr.com; or Cindy Hallex, +1-908-874-2664,
challex@cpcus.jnj.com, both for o.b.(R) tampons

Web site: http://www.mightysmall.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: (1)The Product Waste survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of McNeil-PPC, Inc. between January 25 and January 29, 2008 among 2,621 U.S. adults ages 18+, of whom, 1,472 are men and 1,149 are women. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Melissa Todisco. (2)Applicable only for super and regular absorbency tampons. (3)Comparison assumes women use an average of 15 super absorbency tampons per month over the course of 12 months in a year. A woman's menstrual lifetime is estimated to be about 37 years. For more information contact Melissa Todisco. (4)Percentage cited refers to a net of respondents who ranked these products among the top five types of beauty or personal hygiene products to occupy the most space in their vanity or medicine cabinet.

America's Best Beaches Share Moment in the Sun

2008-02-28T03:20:00.000-08:00

27 Feb 2008 12:00 Africa/Lagos

America's Best Beaches Share Moment in the Sun

Sunshine State Reigns

NEEDHAM, Mass., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor(R), the world's largest travel community, today announced the top 10 beaches in the U.S., according to TripAdvisor's Popularity Index and TripAdvisor editors.

1. Delightful De Soto: Fort De Soto Park's North Beach, Tierra Verde,
Florida
Just south of St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park's North Beach is a
portrait of tranquility, with a spectacular combination of soft white
sand, calm and clear water, and a laid-back atmosphere. In addition to
the beautiful wide beach, travelers can also enjoy the area's wildlife
and the 105 year-old fort for which the park is named. According to
one TripAdvisor traveler, "The beach was very clean, the water was
clear, and the whole experience was wonderful. Best beach we have been
to so far."

2. Saintly Shores: St. Andrew's State Park, Panama City, Florida
Another pristine beach on Florida's Gulf Coast, this mile-and-a-half
long beach has a child-friendly area in their calm "Grand Lagoon," and
visitors can also ferry out to nearby Shell Island for great
snorkeling. Nature lovers will delight in the remarkable variety of
plants and wildlife at this immaculately-maintained park. As one
TripAdvisor traveler stated, "My husband and I have traveled to many
beaches over the years but this was our favorite. It is beautiful,
breathtaking, and the wildlife we encountered was amazing."

3. Cool Kailua: Kailua Beach Park, Kailua, Hawaii
A classically beautiful Hawaiian beach, Kailua Beach Park features
gorgeous turquoise waters, powder white sand, and palm trees peppering
its broad coastline. With calm surf that hovers around 75 degrees on
average, visitors may never want to leave the water and the beach is
renowned for children and adults alike. As one TripAdvisor traveler
said, "When we arrived at the beach, it was the most beautiful, serene,
well-maintained area I've ever seen."

4. Peach of a Beach: Cumberland Island National Seashore, Cumberland
, Island, Georgia
Featuring miles of peaceful and quiet beachfront, Cumberland Island
Seashore has a uniquely isolated, undiscovered feel. The beach is
ideal for swimming, or to just enjoy a quiet time basking in the sun.
As one TripAdvisor traveler shared, "Cumberland Island is one of the
most beautiful unspoiled beaches on the east coast. The white sand that
extends for miles of endless beach is sublime."

5. SoBe It: South Beach, Miami, Florida
For a hip and sexy beach scene, South Beach is unparalleled. Enjoy the
stunning, warm waters at the beach, but don't forget to indulge in some
of the best restaurants, resorts, and nightclubs you'll find in the
country, just steps away. As one TripAdvisor member recalls, "We both
came back with a beautiful tan and wonderful memories."

6. Tunnels Vision: Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Another Hawaiian paradise, Tunnels Beach is renowned for its
outstanding snorkeling. This picture-perfect beach features cream-
colored sands, a protected half-moon reef, and unbelievable views-
particularly the sunsets. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, "I've never
seen a more scenic backdrop at a beach. The water is amazing; clear and
blue."

7. Drink It Up: Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, Florida
A popular family destination with gentle waves and soft sand, Pensacola
Beach offers an amazingly relaxed atmosphere. The huge beach's clean,
beautiful shoreline invites you to swim, boat, collect shells, or just
lay back on a chair with a good book. As one TripAdvisor member
commented, "This is a beautiful white sand beach with the absolute
clearest water you've ever seen."

8. Good Beach Hunting: Hunting Island State Park, Beaufort, South Carolina
Hunting Island beach is part of a lush and protected nature reserve,
and this secluded barrier island is home to an enormous variety of
wildlife. Great for hiking, biking and camping, visitors will also
want to check out the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse. According to
one TripAdvisor member, "Hunting Island State Park is one of the true
gems of the South Carolina coast."

9. Torrey Treat: Torrey Pines State Beach, San Diego, California
With stunning 300-foot sandstone cliffs towering over golden sands and
Pacific waters, this beach is a California classic. The state beach is
accessible through the lush Torrey Pines State Reserve, which features
remarkable wildlife and trails. As one TripAdvisor member says, "Make
sure to check out the Torrey Pines State Beach-amazing cliffs, clean
sand, and rolling waves-great for swimming and sunbathing."

10.Endless Stunner: Waimea Bay Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii
A spacious, but popular beach, Waimea Bay Beach Park boasts clear
waters and soft, fine-grain sand. Renowned for its gigantic winter
waves made famous in surfing films, this stunning destination is best
enjoyed in the summer months, when its clear waters are at their
calmest. As one TripAdvisor member explained, "Gorgeous is the only way
to describe Waimea Beach. The sand was like golden powder, and the
water was as clear as a pool."

"These spectacular beaches stand out for their world-class sand, breathtaking water, and all-around relaxing environments," said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor. "Many of these beaches are off the beaten path, so travelers should pack their beach bags and head there before word gets out."

About TripAdvisor Media Network

TripAdvisor(R) Media Network, operated by TripAdvisor, LLC, attracts nearly 30 million monthly visitors (source: comScore Media Metrix, Digital Calculator Report, July 2007) across eight popular travel brands, TripAdvisor(R) sites, bookingbuddy.com (TM), cruisecritic.com(TM), independenttraveler.com(TM), seatguru.com(R), smartertravel.com(TM), travel- library.com(TM) and travelpod.com(TM). TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 25 million monthly visitors, five million registered members and 10 million reviews and opinions. Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover 280,000+ hotels and attractions and operate in the U.S. (http://www.tripadvisor.com/), the U.K. (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/), Ireland (http://www.tripadvisor.ie/), France (http://www.tripadvisor.fr/), Germany (http://www.tripadvisor.de/), Italy (http://www.tripadvisor.it/), and Spain (http://www.tripadvisor.es/). TripAdvisor(R) Media Network provides travel suppliers with graphical advertising opportunities and a cost-per-click marketing platform. Collectively, the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network have won hundreds of awards and accolades from press and industry, worldwide. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network are operating companies of Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) .

TripAdvisor, Seatguru, Travel-library and Travelpod are either registered trademarks or trademarks of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Bookingbuddy and Smartertravel are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Smarter Travel Media LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Cruise Critic and The Independent Traveler are either trademarks or registered trademarks of The Independent Traveler, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

Source: TripAdvisor

CONTACT: Consumer, Brooke Ferencsik, +1-781-444-1113 x275,
brooke@tripadvisor.com, or Trade & Business, Brian Payea,
+1-781-444-1113 x388, bpayea@tripadvisor.com, both of TripAdvisor

Web site: http://www.tripadvisor.com/

AIDS Action Calls President's FY 2009 Budget Request Shameful

2008-02-05T00:42:00.000-08:00

5 Feb 2008 01:04 Africa/Lagos

AIDS Action Calls President's FY 2009 Budget Request Shameful

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

In President Bush's last State of the Union Address, he referred to the administration's "unfinished business." One week later, it is clear from the President's FY 2009 Budget Request that the unfinished business of this administration includes a complete failure to address the health and well being of people and communities affected by and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in the U.S. The President's budget for domestic HIV/AIDS programs is inadequate to meet the growing needs of the epidemic here. It is, in short, utterly shameful. The President's budget reflects the absence of a National AIDS Strategy that is focused on ending the epidemic and caring for all those affected. Instead, the President's budget targets for dismissal of the needs of our most stigmatized and marginalized people.

AIDS Action Council is shocked that President Bush's Fiscal Year 2009 (FY2009) budget proposes either flat funding for or drastic cuts to HIV/AIDS programs while the HIV epidemic continues to ravage communities nationwide, especially African American and Latino communities. The proposed $8 million cut in the Ryan White CARE Act Title I (Part A) program will harm metropolitan areas most impacted by HIV/AIDS as they struggle to provide HIV care and treatment. The cut of $1 million for domestic HIV prevention programs is proposed as we await the release of new HIV surveillance numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that are expected to show an estimated increase of 20 thousand new HIV infections annually in the United States to more than 60,000 new cases annually.

At a time when the number of people living with HIV/AIDS is at its highest, including 500,000 people not receiving HIV care and with resulting demand for a trained HIV health care workforce at its peak, the President's budget proposes to decrease funding for AIDS Education and Training Centers (AETCs) by $5 million, which would diminish the number of trained HIV/AIDS providers in minority and rural communities.

"President Bush should know by now that HIV continues to increase in this country because we have not set aside the proper amount of funds with the proper national AIDS strategy to address our diverse epidemic," said AIDS Action's Executive Director, Rebecca Haag. "If he wanted to address the unfinished business of those living with HIV in the United States he would have submitted a very different budget. We now look to our U.S. Congress to stand tall and do what is right and fund HIV prevention, treatment and CARE in this country. Ignore President Bush's final budget and increase the HIV domestic funding portfolio."

Source: AIDS Action

CONTACT: Diego Sanchez of AIDS Action, +1-617-450-1524, +1-617-835-1455
(m), dsanchez@aac.org

Web Site: http://www.aidsaction.org/

AIDS Ignorance: One-Third of Adults Admit Little or No Knowledge of Pandemic

2007-11-29T10:09:00.000-08:00

29 Nov 2007 16:00 Africa/Lagos

AIDS Ignorance: One-Third of Adults Admit Little or No Knowledge of Pandemic

Survey: The More You Know, the More You Care About AIDS

World Vision U.S. President Issues Call to Action for World's Leaders to 'Put a Face on the Pandemic'

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

More than 25 years after HIV was discovered, one-third of the people in seven wealthy nations admit they know little or nothing about the global HIV and AIDS epidemic, and one-fourth believe the problem is "greatly exaggerated," according to a survey released today by World Vision, the international humanitarian organization.

Ironically, 80 percent of the respondents believe their governments should do much more to help children orphaned by AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses around the world, but only 44 percent are willing to pay more in taxes to help fund prevention, treatment, research and care.

"This survey reconfirms what all of us on the front lines of the AIDS battle know -- leaders must put a face on the pandemic because, for people to take action, AIDS must affect them in a personal way," says Richard E. Stearns, president of World Vision, U.S. "While some of these survey results present daunting challenges, we can be encouraged with the finding that the more people know about AIDS, the more compassionate they are toward those directly affected by it."

In addition, the survey, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, the global polling and market research firm, reveals that 90 percent of the respondents believe there is a "moral obligation" to try to prevent people from being infected with the AIDS virus.

"The fact that nine out of 10 across all seven nations agree on this issue of a moral obligation is extraordinary," says Sam McGuire, senior vice president of Ipsos Public Affairs. "These are extremely high levels and it shows that we must continue striving to find a solution."

The seven nations surveyed were: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, all members of the G-8. Russia, the eighth member, was not surveyed because of financial considerations.

Stearns noted that the World Vision "Index of Concern" finds Canada leading the seven nations for the highest level of empathy its residents feel toward those affected by the AIDS crisis. Following Canada, in order, are: France, Germany, USA, Italy, UK and Japan. The World Vision "Index of Concern" is a proprietary index that combines into one measure six facets of concern about HIV and AIDS globally.

At a United Nations press conference today, two days before World AIDS Day (December 1), Stearns urged all world leaders -- not those of only the seven nations surveyed -- to take note: Seventy percent of those surveyed believe their governments should place a "high priority" on education programs for children.

"AIDS is the greatest humanitarian disaster of our time, maybe of all time, and children represent our greatest hope in turning the tide against this deadly disease," Stearns says. "Orphans and vulnerable children are the 'echo boom' of the pandemic, and much more must be done to protect them from exploitation and provide opportunities for the future. To the leaders of the seven governments whose citizens were surveyed, to the leaders of the UN and World Bank, to my NGO colleagues, when history judges us, we all will be asked, 'What did you do to help them and stop the calamity of AIDS?'"

Ipsos interviewed more than 3,000 people for the survey. The margin of error is +/- 2 percent.

Today's release of the report marks the launch of the World Vision Global Vigil, leading into World AIDS Day. The 24-hour vigil in New York and 16 other cities around the globe aims to raise awareness about the estimated 6,000 children who lose a parent to AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses every day.

During each event, participants will read the names of several hundred children who have been orphaned. As the events move around the globe, the cumulative number of names read will grow until, at the final event on Friday morning, the last of 6,000 names will be read, symbolizing the number of children who will have lost a parent to AIDS and related illnesses that day.

About Ipsos Public Affairs

Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world. Ipsos Public Affairs is one of the company's five research specializations. It specializes in corporate reputation, issues management, strategic communications and sociopolitical trends, serving the needs of corporations, non-profit organizations, public relations firms, news media and governments. Its toolbox for conducting tailor-made solutions includes rapid turnaround quantitative polling, qualitative focus groups, online panels, elite and stakeholder interviewing, syndicated subscriptions, and proprietary research techniques. Ipsos Public Affairs is well known as the polling partner of The Associated Press, the world's oldest and largest news organization.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization, dedicated to helping children, their families and communities reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice worldwide. We serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. World Vision has been addressing the international AIDS crisis for nearly 20 years. The organization's first programming helped Ugandan children orphaned by AIDS and their foster families; provided care for HIV-infected infants and children in Romania; and helped young women and girls in Thailand escape prostitution. Today, World Vision has AIDS programs in more than 60 countries, and last year, served nearly 2 million people with HIV-prevention education, and AIDS care and assistance. For more information, please visit http://www.worldvision.org/press.

Source: World Vision

CONTACT: Gardi Wilks, +1-708-366-8389, +1-708-205-5020 (cell),
gardi@wilkspr.com, or Tina Weinheimer, +1-708-366-1084, +1-708-241-4382
(cell), tinawpr@aol.com, or Candice Hill Buchbinder, +1-708-445-9839,
+1-708-220-6119 (cell), candicepr@earthlink.net, all for World Vision; or Jan
Butter, +1-212-355-4596, +1-626-623-9449 (cell), jan_butter@worldvision.org,
or Dean Owen, +1-253-906-8645 (cell), dowen@worldvision.org, or Rachel Wolff,
+1-253-815-2072, +1-253-394-2214 (cell), rwolff@worldvision.org; or Laura
Blank, +1-646-245-2496, lblank@worldvision.org, all of World Vision

Web Site: http://www.worldvision.org/

Talk of the Town: The Tallest Christmas Tree

2007-11-15T11:17:00.000-08:00

15 Nov 2007 19:53 Africa/Lagos

Photos: Tallest Christmas Tree and the Oldest Holiday Boat Parade in the U.S. are Holiday Happenings in 'The O.C.'

Southern California's Newport Beach Becomes a Fantasyland of Holiday Lights - on Land and Sea!

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ --

The famed coastal resort destination of Newport Beach in Orange County, California, welcomes the 2007 holiday season with a combination of events that have become eagerly anticipated wintertime traditions. To the delight of residents and visitors alike, Newport Beach hosts the oldest holiday boat parade in the U.S. and what is believed to be the tallest Christmas tree in the nation.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/nbcvb/30804/

Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Southern California's premier Mediterranean style open-air shopping center with views of the Pacific Ocean, again boasts what is thought to be the nation's tallest Christmas tree, a grand 115 ft. white fir direct from the forests of northern California's Mt. Shasta. The impressive tree features 17,000 lights and ornaments, weighs approximately 20,000 lbs. and takes a 10-man crew nearly two weeks to decorate. The enormous tree will make its home in the Bloomingdale's Courtyard of Fashion Island.

The majestic tree officially debuts on Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17 during the retail center's annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event will feature Santa's arrival and a song and dance spectacular by the California Conservatory of the Arts. Festivities begin at 6 p.m.

In keeping with an environmentally sensitive philosophy, Fashion Island works closely every year with Victor's Strictly Custom Christmas Trees and the U.S. Forestry Service in finding the towering tree. Victor's replants an average of 10 trees for every one tree harvested, and trees are only removed from designated timber areas where harvesting will have no detrimental impact on the environment. In addition, Fashion Island's Christmas tree will be recycled into mulch after the holidays, as is done every year.

If there was ever an aquatic equivalent to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade or the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, it must be the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. There are over 20 holiday boat parades from coast to coast across the country (from Seattle to Maine, D.C. to Florida) but the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is the granddaddy of them all. Called "One of the top holiday happenings in the nation" by The New York Times, the water-borne procession is the oldest holiday boat parade in the United States and perhaps the most spectacular, delighting generations since 1908.

The parade sails into its 99th holiday season on Wednesday, December 12 through Sunday, December 16 at 6:30 pm each evening in Newport Harbor. With the theme of 'Twas the Lights Before Christmas,' the visually stunning parade is expected to again attract an audience of over one million spectators over the five consecutive evenings. View last year's parade at http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/.

Presented by Simple Green, Fidelity Investments and Traditional Jewelers, the parade features over 100 festively lit and decorated boats -- ranging from small skiffs to enormous multi-million dollar yachts (some boat owners through the years have spent over $50,000 to decorate their vessels!). The colorful parade winds its way nearly 14 miles around the harbor to give viewers in restaurants, yacht clubs, on public beaches, and in private homes an incredible sight.

The backdrop for the parade is the annual "Ring of Lights" contest of beautifully decorated estates surrounding the harbor. With its judged categories and prizes, the competition has brought out fierce but friendly rivalries among neighbors and is almost as celebrated as the parade itself.

About Newport Beach

Newport Beach, located 45 miles south of Los Angeles and 85 miles north of San Diego, epitomizes the true essence of southern California living at its finest with a wide variety of visitor accommodations, attractions, world-class dining and shopping, one of the largest small yacht harbors in the world and inviting year-round weather.

Watch the Video
Source: Newport Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau

CONTACT: Audrey Leoncio, Marketing & Public Relations Manager of Newport
Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau, +1-949-719-6100, audrey@nbcvb.com; or Tim
O'Day, Principal & Executive Consultant of O'Day & Associates, Inc.,
+1-714-783-7415, tim.oday@odayandassociates.com, for Newport Beach Conference
& Visitors Bureau

Web site: http://www.visitnewportbeach.com

2007 Avon Foundation Awards Celebration: Special Musical Performance by Award-Winner Jennifer Hudson

2007-11-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

2007 Avon Foundation Awards Celebration

Honoring Leaders in the Causes of Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence

New milestone announced: more than $580 million raised and awarded worldwide

Special Musical Performance by Award-Winner Jennifer Hudson

NEW YORK, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

Leaders in the fight against breast cancer and domestic violence were honored last night at the seventh annual Avon Foundation Awards Celebration, which took place at 583 Park Avenue in New York City. Since 2001, the Avon Foundation Awards Celebration has raised $14 million, including $2 million this year. Hosts were Andrea Jung, Chairman & CEO, Avon Products, Inc. and Carol Kurzig, Executive Director, Avon Foundation, and the event featured a musical performance by award-winning actress and Avon Imari brand spokesperson Jennifer Hudson.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071031/NYW063 )

Other notable attendees included: Paul Harrington, CEO of Reebok International; Michelle Cross Fenty, wife of Washington D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty; Monica Thompson, wife of renowned Georgetown University Basketball Coach John Thompson, Jr; and Andrea Hyde, President of US division, French Connection and daughter of Nina Hyde, longtime fashion editor of The Washington Post, who lost her battle to breast cancer in 1990. A special video message from Avon Foundation Honorary Chairperson Reese Witherspoon was included in the program.

During the evening, Jung announced a new milestone: total funds raised through Avon philanthropy worldwide have reached an unprecedented $580 million. Fundraising programs include the annual Awards as well as the US Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series (which raised more than $45 million in 2007), the global Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer, the Need for Speed: Relay Against Domestic Violence, fundraising products and special events.

The Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a leader in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence, and the Avon Foundation and Avon together are the largest corporate supporter of the breast cancer cause. Key programs are the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which since 1992 has supported access to care and finding a cure in more than 50 countries, and Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence, which was launched in July 2004. The Avon Foundation also supports emergency and disaster relief.

"This evening is to let those who have battled breast cancer and those who have faced domestic violence know that they are not alone in their struggles, and to celebrate the women and men who share our commitment to eradicate breast cancer and end the cycle of violence," stated Jung.

Avon Foundation Awards Recipients

Since 2001, the Avon Foundation has recognized individuals, organizations and companies for leadership in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence. This year, the six awards are:

-- Medical Advancement in Breast Cancer Award to the Capital Breast Care
Center in Washington, DC, which since 2003 provides quality care at no
cost to the underprivileged and minority population of Washington, DC,
a city with a death rate from breast cancer 65% above the national
average. The CBCC serves women who would otherwise not have access to
services such as mammograms, genetic testing and patient navigation.

-- The Global Corporate Leadership Award to Reebok International, a
longstanding and steadfast advocate for empowering women and advancing
their health and wellbeing. In the US, Reebok has been a strong
supporter of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and launched a fundraising
line of "pink ribbon" footwear, apparel and accessories that benefit
the Avon Walk. In 2008, Reebok becomes "Official Global Footwear and
Apparel Sponsor" of the Avon Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer,
which this year included events in 51 countries.

-- The Community Advocate Award to the New York City Mayor's Office to
Combat Domestic Violence, which coordinates domestic violence services
provided by New York City agencies and more than 200 community-based
organizations to hold batterers accountable and create solutions that
prevent domestic violence. The success of the OCDV has made it a
national model for programs nationwide.

-- The Women's Empowerment Award to Avon Sales Representative Rhonda
Henderson of Dallas, Texas, who has made it her mission to raise funds
and awareness for breast cancer by incorporating it into everything she
undertakes. Rhonda has participated in seven Avon Walk for Breast
Cancer events and raised over $62,000. Her goal for 2008 is to organize
100 people for "Team Believe" in the first-ever Avon Walk Houston.

-- A new award this year was the Avon Foundation Hall of Fame for
companies that have shown a consistent, significant commitment to the
Avon Foundation mission. The inaugural Hall of Fame inductee is Peace
Mark, a leading international watch company headquartered in China that
has shown outstanding leadership and support.

-- Special recognition was made to the restoration of domestic violence
and breast health services in areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina, with
honors for Tulane University and Baton Rouge Area Foundation. An
update on Hurricane Katrina: Two Years Later was introduced in a video
message by Avon Foundation Honorary Chairperson Reese Witherspoon, who
was born in New Orleans. The Avon Foundation has supported 15 domestic
violence organizations and several health care agencies to restore
critically needed services to the devastated area.

About the Avon Foundation

The Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their families, now focused on breast cancer and domestic violence, and support also for emergency and disaster relief. Through 2007 Avon global philanthropy in 50 countries worldwide has raised and awarded more than $580 million. There are two flagship programs: the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which supports access to care and finding a cure; and the Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program focused on domestic violence awareness, education, direct service and prevention programs. For more information: 866-505-AVON or visit www.avonfoundation.org.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071031/NYW063
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Avon Foundation

CONTACT: Lauren Thayer of Lisa Lori Communications, +1-212-925-2300,
thayer@lisalori.com, for the Avon Foundation; or Liz Bonofiglio of the Avon
Foundation, +1-212-282-5666, Elizabeth.bonofiglio@avonfoundation.org

Web site: http://www.avonfoundation.org/

Too Much Violence in Movies is Turning Our Kids Into Monsters

2007-10-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

The Virginia Tech massacre and other terrible tragedies done by pupils and students were caused by the bad movies the killers have seen on TV or at the cinema. And the latest in Cleveland is a 14-year-old suspended student, "dressed in black, opened fire in his downtown high school today, wounding four people as terrified schoolmates hid in closets and bathrooms and huddled under laboratory desks. He then killed himself" reported the Baltimore Sun and I am showing the video in the Current News. Watch the report and comment.

~ Orikinla Osinachi

Civil Rights Pioneer Rep. John Lewis Endorses Clinton
Information is temporarily unavailable.
Associated Press Story Mischaracterizes Hillary's Comments on Iran
Information is temporarily unavailable.
Expanding Access to the American Dream: Hillary's Plan to Make College Affordable for America's Families

We All Bleed Red

2006-12-01T00:32:00.000-08:00

No sex
No Vex.

BEWARE OF HIV/AIDS!

Do You Appreciate Art?

2006-10-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Art is larger than life and art is the celebration of the heart, soul and spirit of life.

There can be no joy in life without the appreciation of life. Because the Art of Living will determine the nature of your life.

What is Art?
The culture of nature?
The awesome hub of the universe?

God is the first and greatest artist and all artists are the instruments of the God of all creation.

There is too much lip service and eye service on the Internet. Because, most people come online posing and posturing in impressionism and even Claude Monet would have been confused. You cannot appreciate it until you collect it and treasure it.

Here is an ideal Art Appreciation blog Arts Collection - Posters, Art Prints, and Framed Art Leader and you can visit to find out more on Art Appreciation and Art Collection.

I have four of my books published this year and the most popular is Scarlet Tears of London and it is only $10 a copy.

It is available on Google and Amazon and other booksellers.
Just read it and tell me about it.

Linda Ikeji: The Bold And Beautiful Trend Setter In Nigeria

2006-05-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

The beautiful and wonderful African beauty Linda Ikeji is poised to make history as her glossy society and style magazine Fashion, Modeling and Beauty (FM&B) is going to be launched in Nigeria this summer and the venue is the prestigious Golden Gate in Ikoyi on the Lagos Island. And from our telephone conversation, the event is going to be the talk of the town among the Nigerian glitterati and literati. Because, Linda Ikeji has done a marvelous work in the packaging of the FM&B magazine with the features of the notable fashion icons in Nigeria and abroad.

Linda insisted that I should write some complimentary notes on the power dressing style of former military ruler of Nigeria, Gen. Ibrahim Babaginda. We went over the magazine with the Art Director and Art Editor to make sure that the FM&B is a page turner and a collector's item. FM&B is full of exciting and thrilling features.

Linda Ikeji is the highest paid model in Nigeria, the President/CEO of Black Dove Communications Limited/Black Dove Models and the proud publisher of the Fashion, Modeling and Beauty (FM&B)magazine that is the first of it's kind in Nigeria. And she is 25. I thank God for her life.

If you want to come to the launching of Linda Ikeji's awesome FM&B magazine at the Golden Gate on the Lagos Island in Nigeria, just let me know. It's strictly by invitation.

MARIA CAREY: THE LATEST INTERVIEW ON HER NEW CD

2005-09-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Mariah Carey - Tim Etheridge
July 14, 2005, 1:02:18 Mariah Carey - stunningly beautiful, hugely talented, the most successful female recording artist, often described as a diva,yet Mariah Carey remains intensely private. Femalefirst takes a close look at Mariah Carey in this exclusive special feature...

Mariah Carey is set to storm the UK charts this week with her new single 'We Belong Together' as her popularity and place in the world of celebrity soars to new levels.

Every day Mariah's reported diva demands and alleged outrageous behaviour is splashed across newspapers the world over, yet still she remains one of the most popular singers of all time.

The second hit from her new album 'The Emancipation of Mimi' has already seen her top America's single chart for the past two weeks. The album is clearly a deeply personal album for Mariah, both in its title and her need for it to be successful after she has endured a tough few years both personally and professionally.

The sexy singer has recently asked fans to call her by the nickname Mimi. She explained: "Mimi is a very personal nickname only used by those closest to me. It's just one of those little things that I've kept for myself in an attempt to have some delineation between a public persona and a private life."

But now Mariah has revealed her personal nickname in a bid to show fans the 'real' her. She said in a message posted on her website: "I am letting my guard down and inviting my fans to be that much closer to me. Most importantly, I am celebrating the fact that I've grown into a person and artist who no longer feels imprisoned by my insecurities or compelled to try and live up to someone else's vision of 'Mariah Carey.' I now feel I can honestly say, 'This is me, the real me, take it or leave it.'" The album's title, with its reference to Mariah's personal freedom hints that her troubles extricating herself from her marriage to Sony boss Tommy Mottola and record deals with Sony and Virgin are firmly behind her. Some critics may have struggled to sympathise with a singer who received a reported £15.5 million payoff from Virgin.

However, if she had fulfilled that contract she would have allegedly received three times the cash from Virgin, who dropped her like a hot potato after both the film and album entitled 'Glitter' flopped in 2001. The following year's 'Charmbracelet' did nothing to dispel the idea that Carey's career was now on an unstoppable downward spiral, like it's predecessor it was panned by critics and ignored by fans. But three years on and the pop princess appears to have made a remarkable comeback, sales are up, fans and critics are happy again. The 'The Emancipation of Mimi' has dance tunes, mid tempo and slow jams to fit every mood, lyrically it is a superb album. Mariah's voice is a pleasure to listen to, as she is now following a simpler singing style rather than trying to hit a ridiculous number of notes whenever she opens her mouth. Mariah confirms: "I no longer feel the pressure to bring the house down from the first note."

The New York born singer has endured a rough few years personally, she was treated for exhaustion after the 'Glitter' debacle and since her divorce has made it absolutely clear that her marriage to a domineering father-figure 20 years her senior, Sony record boss Tommy Mottola, was little short of hellish.

At times she has likened the relationship to imprisonment. The pop diva explained how their weekend trips to the country town of Hillsdale made her feel bored and trapped.

Mariah said: "Tommy loved it. He was very much like, 'Let's go stare at the foliage'. After a while though, I got to calling it Hills-jail. After that first three-and-a-half-hour ride in the car, when the radio station stops about an hour into the journey we would make every Thursday." And the 35-year-old revealed that the mismatched couple could not even agree on musical taste.

She added: "I would want to put on my Wu-Tang Clan CD and he would want to listen to Frank Sinatra."

In the past the pop babe has gone even further confessing her marriage almost killed her, saying the shackles of being married to the millionaire almost pushed her over the edge.

She said: "People think I've had this fairy-tale life. That I met this rich prince who put me in a mansion and made me a star. It wasn't that way. In fact it almost killed me."

The diva said although she lived in the lap of luxury the relationship was emotionally abusive. "I was in a beautiful house, surrounded by beautiful things, but I couldn't be who I really was. There were moments when I thought I was going to die in this relationship."

But the sexy star says the 2001 breakdown helped to get her back on track. She said: "It forced me to put the breaks on everything and admit my life wasn't working. I had to revaluate myself and get re-centred." Mariah's new work is taking her career back to the heights of the nineties and she it looks like she is ready to start dating again.

The curvy singer invited Robbie Williams on a dinner date after he impressed her with his show-stopping Live 8 performance.

However her insensitive demands for water onstage at Live 8 brought her image as a demanding diva into a sharp focus.

The star never travels without a huge wardrobe and extensive entourage, she is famed for outrageous riders at her shows. Earlier this year Mariah infuriated organisers at an award ceremony in London by holding up the show for 90 minutes because of a broken fingernail.

She later confirmed her diva status by getting staff at her hotel to roll out a red carpet accompanied by lit candles for her arrival at 2am. However, Mariah says she is happy to be called a diva as long as the context is right.

She said: "Well, my mother was an opera singer so I'm comfortable with the old-fashioned meaning of the world diva. And if somebody said you were the cupcake diva of Manhattan, that would be OK too."

But the pop princess was at pains to point out her reputation for tantrums is undeserved.

She added: "I'm not like this hysterical woman - I promise you!"

D FOR DAKOVA

2005-09-16T04:24:00.000-07:00

I have met the controversial Nigerian Fashion designer Dakova who is in a class of his own. I met him twice and I was inspired to compose a poem in his honour. Then, I was promoting some up coming Nigerian models. But, comically Dakova made fun of two of them. And he still considered them. But, some of the girls told me that Dakova wanted to see them topless. And they did not like that. Dakova said, "I will only look at them to see whether they are upright or dangling. Because, all my models must have upright boobs.I will not touch them." The girls said, Dakova should have assigned a female associate to do such a sensitive inspection for him and that would be fine. But, for Dakova to see them topless would be a violation of their privacy.

I found the whole episode very funny. Dakova wanted to see my favourite darling topless! She refused. I mean there are special assets a lady should reserve for only the eyes of her husband or future husband. Imagine if Dakova has sampled the topless views of my beloved what he would be saying behind her back. Your guess is as good as mine.

Here is a speacial report on Dakova.
DAKOVA faults Face Of Africa show- Says event must change the lives of our girls
South Africa

One of Nigeria’s most gifted designers, David Kolawole Vaughan, aka DAKOVA, who represented West Africa as a judge in the recently held Face Of Africa, sponsored by cell phone giant Nokia in Sun City, South Africa is up in arms fighting the cause of the very object of the pageant, pretty goddesses of Africa. The models
“I have followed this event for quite a while now, and it pains me that our ladies just represent the various countries of Africa and go back home empty handed”, a rueful DAKOVA told Saturday Sun in South Africa.

In his estimation, it makes no sense that all the young, pretty and most appropriately stunning ladies from Africa will come/attend the Face of Africa and go home empty handed.

Speaking at the end of the event, Dakova postulated that the event is one that can easily be likened to the World Cup of football, and like the World Cup; every player that attends the event always see their lives changed for the better.

“Now tell me, why should our girls attend this event and come home dry and empty with only the first top three winners taking all the glory? I have seen parents whose girls represent their country hoping that their daughter will come home and change the lives of their home front.

“But it is sad. This is not usually the case, My idea is that any girl that represents her country in the event should return home and see her life changing for the better. If you look back to what Oluchi did at the event during its debut, you should have clear insight about what I’m talking about.

“First it was Oluchi,then Bevinda of Namibia then the South Africa queen Nombuleleo, now after many years of staging this event, what hope is there left for the other girls? Situation whereby the girls that didn’t win any top prize go home empty handed is nothing but hypocritical and for the event to live up to expectations, I have proposed that something should be done for all the girls that come all the way from their countries to represent them at the grand finale. That they be compensated with both monetary incentive and moral incentives.

Return to poverty
It is not out of nothing that Dakova is championing this new campaign. He has had an unpleasant encounter. Hear him: “I was recently in Ghana and I saw the girl that took the second position when Oluchi took the crown. You won’t believe what I saw, she was languishing in the City of Accra, under normal circumstances. Her life ought to have changed for good with the goodwill that ought to have followed her paticipation at the maiden edition of the M-Net Face of Africa”, and finishing as runner up.

Dakova says this “brings us to the much talked about glory that we are talking about. That ought to be the same story that we should be talking of the Nigerian girls that followed Oluchi on her way to glory (i.e. Uri Jones and Ayo Balogun). Now I ask loudly: where are they? While Oluchi is still enjoying that glory the others while away in slumber”. And determined to see that his proposal sees the light of the day, Dakova says he has succeeded in making his point clear to the new sponsors of the event,Nokia and for them to succeed where M-Net did not, there is the highest level of need to make a change.

Dakova as judge
Speaking of his choice as a judge in the event and the voice of Africa on the high table at the beautiful town of Sun City, Dakova says when his name was mentioned as a judge, he saw tears unknowingly running down his cheeks.
“That means, all I have been doing all these years, my efforts have not gone in vain. The invitation that was sent to me to be a judge says I was nominated to represent West Africa because of all the efforts I have committed to the fashion and style market in Africa. To me, what this means is that my involvement in the needle/thread business is not in any way in vain.

Eyes on South Africa.
Speaking on his dream for the much hyped South African market, Dakova says having visited here for quite a while and having staged a couple of shows, he now feels it is high time a satellite shop is opened here in the heart of South Africa..

“Any designer, or in fact any business name, worth his salt will be deceiving himself or herself without a base in South Africa, because the place has come to be seen as the capital of Africa. It boast of opportunity for all, it is easily the New York of Africa, and not ready to play second fiddle, I think its high time Dakova comes in here”, he divulged.

However he was so humble to say that he has no alternative than to wait for God’s voice before hitting the Rainbow town because of the many options that is available for him here.

“I have a lot of people I cloth in Johannesburg, but one visit to Capetown saw me falling in love with the diverse nature of the tourist city … and I see my label making a very huge impact here; I see the town as lacking the brand of cloths I make, I was carried away when I went shopping and people stop me on the way saying they love what I do; unknown to them that is my life, designing is my life.

The design of politics
Beyond designing outfits, Dakova has another well known interest: politics. “Let it be known that though I design for a living, I have not given up my dreams of politics”, he told Saturday Sun.

“I still believe I am the right man to make Lagos what it is and in future I will bid to be chosen as the Lagos State Governor. This might sound funny but that is what I saw in my dream, and I’m sure one day God will make me the Governor of one of the biggest cities in Africa. I believe my recent appointment as the Special Adviser to the Honorable Minister of Work, is the beginning of my entry into politics all over again. So to put it straight, Dakova is not about fashion alone, but also about politics” says the needle and thread king.

Welcome To Live and to Love

2005-09-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

You are welcome to our Wellness Blog for the celebration of life and love.
What is life without love?
Like a body without heart.
Like a soul without a spirit.
Because, we cannot live without love.
A life without love is like a desert without an oasis.

This oasis of life is for you and I to celebrate all the blessings of life.
Come to this oasis and flourish like the palm tree.
Come and be my companion and let us share our experiences on earth.
God bless you as you come in love, peace and unity.