11th Latin GRAMMY Awards Nominees Announced in Hollywood
11TH ANNUAL LATIN GRAMMY® NOMINATIONS ONCE AGAIN REFLECT A WIDE ARRAY OF ESTABLISHED AND RISING TALENT FROM ACROSS THE LATIN MUSIC WORLD
MARIO DOMM, JORGE DREXLER, JUAN LUIS GUERRA, AND ALEJANDRO SANZ LEAD WITH FOUR NOMINATIONS EACH.
CAMILA, DADDY YANKEE, LEE LEVIN, TOMMY TORRES, AND DAN WARNER GARNER THREE NOMINATIONS EACH.
BEBE, RUBEN BLADES, BUIKA, ANDRES CALAMARO, DORI CAYMMI, GUSTAVO CERATI, ALEX CUBA, EL CUARTETO DE NOS, ESTRELLA, MARIA GADU, GILBERTO GIL, JOTDOG, MALA RODRIGUEZ, AND VICO C. AMONG THOSE WITH TWO NOMINATIONS.
PEPE AGUILAR, MARC ANTHONY, MARIA BETHANIA, MIGUEL BOSE, CEU, CHINO Y NACHO, WILLIE COLON, DON OMAR, ALEJANDRO FERNANDEZ, PEDRO FERNANDEZ, VICENTE FERNANDEZ, FONSECA, NELLY FURTADO, JUAN GABRIEL, KANY GARCIA, ENRIQUE IGLESIAS, INDIA, INTOCABLE, LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE, LOS TUCANES DE TIJUANA, SERGIO MENDES, LAURA PAUSINI, PRINCE ROYCE, JENNI RIVERA, PONCHO SANCHEZ, ARTURO SANDOVAL, GILBERTO SANTA ROSA, LALO SCHIFRIN, JOAN SEBASTIAN, ALEKS SYNTEK, THALIA, TITO “EL BAMBINO,” DIEGO TORRES, AND JULIETA VENEGAS ALSO AMONG NOMINEES
Winners To Be Revealed on Nov. 11 When the 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards Airs Live on the Univision Network from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas
LOS ANGELES (Sept. 8, 2010) — The next decade in The Latin Recording Academy®‘s continued evolution began today when nominations for the 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards (www.latingrammy.com) were announced at a press conference attended by national and international media at the Avalon in Hollywood, Calif. Artists reading nominations this morning included pop/rock trio Camila, singer/songwriter Alex Cuba, two-time Latin GRAMMY winner Kany García, pop/rock group Jotdog, band leader Mario Quintero Lara of Los Tucanes De Tijuana, bachata artist Prince Royce, Latin GRAMMY and three-time GRAMMY®-winning jazz instrumentalist Arturo Sandoval, two-time Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winner Gilberto Santa Rosa, and singer/songwriter/producer Aleks Syntek. In a year that recognized a diverse group of music makers across numerous genres, the nominations highlight an eclectic mix of established and emerging performers and creative professionals.
The 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, set for Nov. 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, will be broadcast live on the Univision Network from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central). For a complete list of nominees, media credentialing instructions and more information, please visit www.latingrammy.com. For updates and breaking news, please visit The Latin Recording Academy’s social networks on Twitter (www.twitter.com/latingrammys) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/latingrammys).
Mario Domm (Camila), Academy Award® winner Jorge Drexler, nine-time Latin GRAMMY and two-time GRAMMY winner Juan Luis Guerra, and 14-time Latin GRAMMY and two-time GRAMMY winner Alejandro Sánz lead the nominations with four each. Camila, Daddy Yankee, Lee Levin, Tommy Torres, and Dan Warner garnered three nods a piece; Bebe, Rubén Blades, Buika, Andrés Calamaro, Dori Caymmi, Gustavo Cerati, Alex Cuba, El Cuarteto De Nos, Estrella, Maria Gadú, Gilberto Gil, Jotdog, Mala Rodríguez, and Vico C. are among those with two nominations. And a wide array of established music makers and rising artists — including Pepe Aguilar, Marc Anthony, Maria Bethânia, Miguel Bosé, Céu, Chino Y Nacho, Willie Colón, Don Omar, Alejandro Fernández, Pedro Fernández, Vicente Fernández, Fonseca, Nelly Furtado, Juan Gabriel, Kany García, Enrique Iglesias, India, Intocable, Los Tigres Del Norte, Los Tucanes De Tijuana, Sergio Mendes, Laura Pausini, Prince Royce, Jenni Rivera, Poncho Sanchez, Arturo Sandoval, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Lalo Schifrin, Joan Sebastian, Aleks Syntek, Thalia, Tito “El Bambino,” Diego Torres, and Julieta Venegas — also earned nominations.
”After 10 years of recognizing the best and brightest in Latin music, the Latin GRAMMY nominations continue to bring together the worldwide Latin music community and spotlight a remarkably varied and wide-ranging group of Latin music makers that reflects emerging talent as well as established artists,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “This year, it is especially encouraging to see the highest number of creative professionals to date participating in the awards process and recognizing their peers as The Latin Academy enters its next decade. We look forward to celebrating another year of excellence in recorded Latin music on Nov. 11 in Las Vegas.”
This year’s Album Of The Year category features a diverse array of worldwide artists and musical styles: Bebe for Y.; Miguel Bosé for Cardio; Camila for Dejarte De Amar; Juan Luis Guerra for A Son De Guerra; and Alejandro Sánz for Paraíso Express.
The race for Song Of The Year (a songwriter’s award) features some of the most prominent names in Latin music: Descemer Bueno & Enrique Iglesias for “Cuando Me Enamoro” (Enrique Iglesias Featuring Juan Luis Guerra); Alejandro Sánz & Tomas Torres for “Desde Cuando” (Alejandro Sánz); Rubén Blades for “Las Calles” (Rubén Blades); Mario Domm & Mónica Vélez for “Mientes” (Camila); and Jorge Drexler for “Una Canción Me Trajo Hasta Aquí” (Jorge Drexler).
Leaders with four nominations each include:
Mario Domm: Album Of The Year and Best Pop Album By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for Dejarte De Amar (as a member of Camila); Record Of The Year for “Mientes” (as a member of Camila); and Song Of The Year for “Mientes” (with Mónica Vélez).
Jorge Drexler: Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year for “Una Canción Me Trajo Hasta Aquí”; Best Singer-Songwriter Album for Amar La Trama; and Best Long Form Music Video for La Trama Circular.
Juan Luis Guerra: Album Of The Year and Best Contemporary Tropical Album for A Son De Guerra; and Best Tropical Song and Best Short Form Music Video for “Bachata En Fukuoka.”
Alejandro Sánz: Album Of The Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Album for Paraíso Express; and Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year for “Desde Cuando.”
Earning three nominations each are:
Camila: Album Of The Year and Best Pop Album By A Duo or Group With Vocal for Dejarte De Amar; and Record Of The Year for “Mientes.”
Daddy Yankee: Best Urban Music Album for Mundial; and two nods for Best Urban Song — “Descontrol” and “Grito Mundial.”
Lee Levin: Album Of The Year for Alejandro Sánz’s Paraíso Express; Record Of The Year for Sánz’s “Desde Cuando”; and Best Engineered Album for Diego Torres’ Distinto (with Paul Acedo, Rafa Arcaute, Sebastian Krys, Daniel Ovie, Sebastian Perkal, Tom Russo, Esteban Varela, Dan Warner, and Lurssen Inc.).
Tommy Torres: Album Of The Year for Alejandro Sánz’s Paraíso Express; and Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year (with Sánz) for Sánz’s “Desde Cuando.”
Dan Warner: Album Of The Year for Alejandro Sánz’s Paraíso Express; Record Of The Year for Sánz’s “Desde Cuando”; and Best Engineered Album for Diego Torres’ Distinto (with Paul Acedo, Rafa Arcaute, Sebastian Krys, Lee Levin, Daniel Ovie, Sebastian Perkal, Tom Russo, Esteban Varela, and Lurssen Inc.).
This year’s Latin GRAMMY Awards process registered the highest number of submissions ever. However, due to low entries in Categories 22 and 39 — Best Grupero Album and Best Tropical Brazilian Roots Album — submissions in those categories were combined within other categories for consideration. Additionally, Categories 10 and 11 — Best Rock Solo Vocal Album and Best Rock Album By A Duo Or Group With Vocal — have been combined into Best Rock Album. As a result of these changes, the 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will feature 46 out of 48 categories. The 11th Latin GRAMMY Awards will be supported on radio via Univision Radio (the official Spanish-language radio network of the Latin GRAMMY Awards), and highlighted on the Internet at www.latingrammy.com and www.latingrammy.univision.com, featuring video interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from today’s nominations announcement.
A limited number of tickets to the 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will be available for sale to the public starting Sept. 17, and may be purchased at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office (877.632.7400; www.mandalaybay.com) or through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
The Latin Recording Academy is an International, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit www.latingrammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization’s social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/latingrammys, and a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/latingrammys.
Editor’s Note: THE LATIN ACADEMY OF RECORDING ARTS & SCIENCES, INC. FINAL NOMINATIONS for the 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards are For recordings released during the Eligibility Year July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010
Source: http://www.grammy.com/news/11th-latin-grammy-awards-nominees-announced
The Meaning of Labor Day Celebration in The United States of America
Diversity News Publications who publishes Diversity News Magazine and other online publications wants to share with you the meaning of Labor Day.
We hope this information can help you by learning something new. And yes take the WEEKEND OFF to celebrate safe and fun way with your loved ones and take a REST.
The History of Labor Day
Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
Founder of Labor Day
More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.
Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”
But Peter McGuire’s place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.
The First Labor Day
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.
Labor Day Legislation
Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
A Nationwide Holiday
The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.
Source: http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm
Wake UP! Media Giving Away Cash To Help Others Follow Their Passion
On September 3, 2010 Wake Up Media announced on a press release that it will be giving a way cash & prizes, including the opportunity to win $25,000 in cash to explore and find your passion.
Many people that are old enough to work have no idea what they “want to be when they grow up”. If they do know, often times they are so focused on maintaining their current job in order to survive, that they never explore their passion and what means the most to them.
A Los Angeles based media company is turning the power of the internet and television into an inspirational tool to motivate people to follow their dreams.
Over the next several months Wake UP! Media will be hosting the Cash for your Passion™ Sweepstakes, which will give audiences a chance to win monthly cash and prizes and also a chance to win $25,000 in cash. What’s the purpose of the sweepstakes? To engineer a wave of enthusiasm and discussion amongst the participants about what excites them the most in life; to discover what one thing they are truly passionate about and recognize ways to pursue that passion. “To empower others to live their lives to the fullest.” Said Ryan Ray, The company founder.
Wake UP! Media was founded in 2008 and is a passionate producer of inspiring and motivating content for the new millennium. From original television series to engaging new media content, all programming is designed to leave audiences feeling enlightened and empowered. Wake UP!
Media content is distributed through the web portal, Wake UP! TV, as well as through a variety of digital video networks around the world.
For more information please contact Kelly Ray at 323-387-3896 or email Kelly at Kelly@wakeupTV.com or visit http://www.wakeuptv.com
President Barack Obama Speech on the End of the Combat Mission in Iraq
August 31, 2010 by News Desk
Filed under Breaking News, Featured, News
On Thursday, August 31, 2010 President Barack Obama Speaks to the nation on the End of the Combat Mission in Iraq directly from Oval Office. If you missed the speech, here is the original transcript including the video posted by The White House Office of the Press Secretary.
8:00 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Tonight, I’d like to talk to you about the end of our combat mission in Iraq, the ongoing security challenges we face, and the need to rebuild our nation here at home.
I know this historic moment comes at a time of great uncertainty for many Americans. We’ve now been through nearly a decade of war. We’ve endured a long and painful recession. And sometimes in the midst of these storms, the future that we’re trying to build for our nation — a future of lasting peace and long-term prosperity — may seem beyond our reach.
But this milestone should serve as a reminder to all Americans that the future is ours to shape if we move forward with confidence and commitment. It should also serve as a message to the world that the United States of America intends to sustain and strengthen our leadership in this young century.
From this desk, seven and a half years ago, President Bush announced the beginning of military operations in Iraq. Much has changed since that night. A war to disarm a state became a fight against an insurgency. Terrorism and sectarian warfare threatened to tear Iraq apart. Thousands of Americans gave their lives; tens of thousands have been wounded. Our relations abroad were strained. Our unity at home was tested.
These are the rough waters encountered during the course of one of America’s longest wars. Yet there has been one constant amidst these shifting tides. At every turn, America’s men and women in uniform have served with courage and resolve. As Commander-in-Chief, I am incredibly proud of their service. And like all Americans, I’m awed by their sacrifice, and by the sacrifices of their families.
The Americans who have served in Iraq completed every mission they were given. They defeated a regime that had terrorized its people. Together with Iraqis and coalition partners who made huge sacrifices of their own, our troops fought block by block to help Iraq seize the chance for a better future. They shifted tactics to protect the Iraqi people, trained Iraqi Security Forces, and took out terrorist leaders. Because of our troops and civilians — and because of the resilience of the Iraqi people — Iraq has the opportunity to embrace a new destiny, even though many challenges remain.
So tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country.
This was my pledge to the American people as a candidate for this office. Last February, I announced a plan that would bring our combat brigades out of Iraq, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen Iraq’s Security Forces and support its government and people.
That’s what we’ve done. We’ve removed nearly 100,000 U.S. troops from Iraq. We’ve closed or transferred to the Iraqis hundreds of bases. And we have moved millions of pieces of equipment out of Iraq.
This completes a transition to Iraqi responsibility for their own security. U.S. troops pulled out of Iraq’s cities last summer, and Iraqi forces have moved into the lead with considerable skill and commitment to their fellow citizens. Even as Iraq continues to suffer terrorist attacks, security incidents have been near the lowest on record since the war began. And Iraqi forces have taken the fight to al Qaeda, removing much of its leadership in Iraqi-led operations.
This year also saw Iraq hold credible elections that drew a strong turnout. A caretaker administration is in place as Iraqis form a government based on the results of that election. Tonight, I encourage Iraq’s leaders to move forward with a sense of urgency to form an inclusive government that is just, representative, and accountable to the Iraqi people. And when that government is in place, there should be no doubt: The Iraqi people will have a strong partner in the United States. Our combat mission is ending, but our commitment to Iraq’s future is not.
Going forward, a transitional force of U.S. troops will remain in Iraq with a different mission: advising and assisting Iraq’s Security Forces, supporting Iraqi troops in targeted counterterrorism missions, and protecting our civilians. Consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi government, all U.S. troops will leave by the end of next year. As our military draws down, our dedicated civilians — diplomats, aid workers, and advisors — are moving into the lead to support Iraq as it strengthens its government, resolves political disputes, resettles those displaced by war, and builds ties with the region and the world. That’s a message that Vice President Biden is delivering to the Iraqi people through his visit there today.
This new approach reflects our long-term partnership with Iraq — one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect. Of course, violence will not end with our combat mission. Extremists will continue to set off bombs, attack Iraqi civilians and try to spark sectarian strife. But ultimately, these terrorists will fail to achieve their goals. Iraqis are a proud people. They have rejected sectarian war, and they have no interest in endless destruction. They understand that, in the end, only Iraqis can resolve their differences and police their streets. Only Iraqis can build a democracy within their borders. What America can do, and will do, is provide support for the Iraqi people as both a friend and a partner.
Ending this war is not only in Iraq’s interest — it’s in our own. The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people. We have sent our young men and women to make enormous sacrifices in Iraq, and spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets at home. We’ve persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people — a belief that out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization. Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now, it’s time to turn the page.
As we do, I’m mindful that the Iraq war has been a contentious issue at home. Here, too, it’s time to turn the page. This afternoon, I spoke to former President George W. Bush. It’s well known that he and I disagreed about the war from its outset. Yet no one can doubt President Bush’s support for our troops, or his love of country and commitment to our security. As I’ve said, there were patriots who supported this war, and patriots who opposed it. And all of us are united in appreciation for our servicemen and women, and our hopes for Iraqis’ future.
The greatness of our democracy is grounded in our ability to move beyond our differences, and to learn from our experience as we confront the many challenges ahead. And no challenge is more essential to our security than our fight against al Qaeda.
Americans across the political spectrum supported the use of force against those who attacked us on 9/11. Now, as we approach our 10th year of combat in Afghanistan, there are those who are understandably asking tough questions about our mission there. But we must never lose sight of what’s at stake. As we speak, al Qaeda continues to plot against us, and its leadership remains anchored in the border regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. We will disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda, while preventing Afghanistan from again serving as a base for terrorists. And because of our drawdown in Iraq, we are now able to apply the resources necessary to go on offense. In fact, over the last 19 months, nearly a dozen al Qaeda leaders — and hundreds of al Qaeda’s extremist allies — have been killed or captured around the world.
Within Afghanistan, I’ve ordered the deployment of additional troops who — under the command of General David Petraeus — are fighting to break the Taliban’s momentum.
As with the surge in Iraq, these forces will be in place for a limited time to provide space for the Afghans to build their capacity and secure their own future. But, as was the case in Iraq, we can’t do for Afghans what they must ultimately do for themselves. That’s why we’re training Afghan Security Forces and supporting a political resolution to Afghanistan’s problems. And next August, we will begin a transition to Afghan responsibility. The pace of our troop reductions will be determined by conditions on the ground, and our support for Afghanistan will endure. But make no mistake: This transition will begin — because open-ended war serves neither our interests nor the Afghan people’s.
Indeed, one of the lessons of our effort in Iraq is that American influence around the world is not a function of military force alone. We must use all elements of our power — including our diplomacy, our economic strength, and the power of America’s example — to secure our interests and stand by our allies. And we must project a vision of the future that’s based not just on our fears, but also on our hopes — a vision that recognizes the real dangers that exist around the world,
but also the limitless possibilities of our time.
Today, old adversaries are at peace, and emerging democracies are potential partners. New markets for our goods stretch from Asia to the Americas. A new push for peace in the Middle East will begin here tomorrow. Billions of young people want to move beyond the shackles of poverty and conflict. As the leader of the free world, America will do more than just defeat on the battlefield those who offer hatred and destruction — we will also lead among those who are willing to work together to expand freedom and opportunity for all people.
Now, that effort must begin within our own borders. Throughout our history, America has been willing to bear the burden of promoting liberty and human dignity overseas, understanding its links to our own liberty and security. But we have also understood that our nation’s strength and influence abroad must be firmly anchored in our prosperity at home. And the bedrock of that prosperity must be a growing middle class.
Unfortunately, over the last decade, we’ve not done what’s necessary to shore up the foundations of our own prosperity. We spent a trillion dollars at war, often financed by borrowing from overseas. This, in turn, has short-changed investments in our own people, and contributed to record deficits. For too long, we have put off tough decisions on everything from our manufacturing base to our energy policy to education reform. As a result, too many middle-class families find themselves working harder for less, while our nation’s long-term competitiveness is put at risk.
And so at this moment, as we wind down the war in Iraq, we must tackle those challenges at home with as much energy, and grit, and sense of common purpose as our men and women in uniform who have served abroad. They have met every test that they faced. Now, it’s our turn. Now, it’s our responsibility to honor them by coming together, all of us, and working to secure the dream that so many generations have fought for — the dream that a better life awaits anyone who is willing to work for it and reach for it.
Our most urgent task is to restore our economy, and put the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs back to work. To strengthen our middle class, we must give all our children the education they deserve, and all our workers the skills that they need to compete in a global economy. We must jumpstart industries that create jobs, and end our dependence on foreign oil. We must unleash the innovation that allows new products to roll off our assembly lines, and nurture the ideas that spring from our entrepreneurs. This will be difficult. But in the days to come, it must be our central mission as a people, and my central responsibility as President.
Part of that responsibility is making sure that we honor our commitments to those who have served our country with such valor. As long as I am President, we will maintain the finest fighting force that the world has ever known, and we will do whatever it takes to serve our veterans as well as they have served us. This is a sacred trust. That’s why we’ve already made one of the largest increases in funding for veterans in decades. We’re treating the signature wounds of today’s wars — post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury — while providing the health care and benefits that all of our veterans have earned. And we’re funding a Post-9/11 GI Bill that helps our veterans and their families pursue the dream of a college education. Just as the GI Bill helped those who fought World War II — including my grandfather — become the backbone of our middle class, so today’s servicemen and women must have the chance to apply their gifts to expand the American economy. Because part of ending a war responsibly is standing by those who have fought it.
Two weeks ago, America’s final combat brigade in Iraq — the Army’s Fourth Stryker Brigade — journeyed home in the pre-dawn darkness. Thousands of soldiers and hundreds of vehicles made the trip from Baghdad, the last of them passing into Kuwait in the early morning hours. Over seven years before, American troops and coalition partners had fought their way across similar highways, but this time no shots were fired. It was just a convoy of brave Americans, making their way home.
Of course, the soldiers left much behind. Some were teenagers when the war began. Many have served multiple tours of duty, far from families who bore a heroic burden of their own, enduring the absence of a husband’s embrace or a mother’s kiss. Most painfully, since the war began, 55 members of the Fourth Stryker Brigade made the ultimate sacrifice — part of over 4,400 Americans who have given their lives in Iraq. As one staff sergeant said, “I know that to my brothers in arms who fought and died, this day would probably mean a lot.”
Those Americans gave their lives for the values that have lived in the hearts of our people for over two centuries. Along with nearly 1.5 million Americans who have served in Iraq, they fought in a faraway place for people they never knew. They stared into the darkest of human creations — war — and helped the Iraqi people seek the light of peace.
In an age without surrender ceremonies, we must earn victory through the success of our partners and the strength of our own nation. Every American who serves joins an unbroken line of heroes that stretches from Lexington to Gettysburg; from Iwo Jima to Inchon; from Khe Sanh to Kandahar — Americans who have fought to see that the lives of our children are better than our own. Our troops are the steel in our ship of state. And though our nation may be travelling through rough waters, they give us confidence that our course is true, and that beyond the pre-dawn darkness, better days lie ahead.
Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America, and all who serve her.
END 8:19 P.M. EDT
Editor’s Note: President Barack Obama photo, video and speech courtesy of The White House Office of the Press Secretary.
Source: The White House Office of the Press Secretary
Twilight Saga Actor and Singer Boo Boo Stewart Makes his Milkshake
Actor of Twilight Eclipse and Singer Booboo Stewart makes a delicious milkshake benefiting “Make a Muscle, Make a Difference” event at Millions of Milkshakes in Westfield Culver City Mall on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 4:00 pm.
About Boo Boo Stewart:
BooBoo Stewart was born on January 21, 1994 to Nils Stewart and Renee Stewart. His full name is Nils Allen Stewart Jr. He has 3 sisters named Maegan, Fivel, and Sage. He is Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Blackfoot Indian, Scottish, and Russian. He was named one of America’s most talented Kids and was also featured on the show. Boo Boo is a talented actor/dancer/singer and martial artist and was inducted into the Martial Arts Junior Hall of Fame and was the 2002 and 2003 Martial Arts World Champion
His Career & Early work: During 2004-2009 he appeared or starring in several independent, direct-to-video or TV films, also hosted six episodes of children’s show Blue Dolphin Kids in Hawaii, has done stunt work on several films including the 2006 film Zoom and the 2007 film Beowulf, and appeared on episodes of Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge, ER, Dante’s Cove, and Everybody Hates Chris. He toured with Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus in her Best of Both Worlds Tour featuring the Jonas Brothers and was also recently in the Camp Rock Freestyle Jam, and a set of Target commercials with the same band. He recorded opening theme from Disney Channel Games 2008 “Let’s Go!”, and in 2010 “Under the Sea (from The Little Mermaid)” for the Disney recompilation disc DisneyMania 7. Also during 2006-2008 he was member of Disney’s group T-Squad.
Theatrical debut:
In 2010 portrayed Seth Clearwater in the The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, third installment of The Twilight Saga film series. Stewart’s character becomes more important in the 2011 and 2012 films The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.[1]
Stewart will be releasing a comic in the summer of 2010 along with his new EP with 5 new songs.[2]
Also in 2010, he was named a Celebrity Ambassador by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In his role, Booboo is helping raise awareness in the fight against muscle diseases. He is also part of MDA’s “Make a Muscle, Make a Difference” PSA campaign, being featured in print and TV ads.
Personal life and wrestling:
Stewart was born in Beverly Hills, California, the son of Nils Allen Stewart, Sr., and Renee Stewart along with his three sisters Trent “Fivel”, Maegan, and Sage.
Stewart is of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Scottish and Blackfoot (Native American) ancestry.[3] He was 2002 and 2003 Martial Arts World Champion and inducted into the Martial Arts Junior Hall of Fame in 2004. Stewart was on tour with his two sisters Maegan and Fivel, known as TSC (The Stewart Clan), now singing with his sister, Fivel Stewart.
He is a fan of professional wrestling and has pictures of himself with various WWE stars on his official Myspace page. He also attended Summerslam 2009 and was featured heavily in video packages on WWE programming following the event.
In October 2009, Stewart and his family attended TNA Wrestling’s Bound for Glory PPV which took place at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, CA.
In January 2010, Stewart became more involved with TNA Wrestling as a columnist for their website. He began to write an interview-based column called “15 Minutes with Booboo Stewart”.
His first interview was with TNA World Heavyweight Champion “The Phenomenal” A.J. Styles.[4][5]
On February 4, Stewart’s second interview was posted with one of his favorite professional wrestler, “The Monster” Abyss.[6]
His third interview was with TNA Knockout Madison Rayne.[7]
Booboo has also since interviewed several other TNA stars including Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle,[8]
Booboo’s favorite wrestler of all time, “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy[9] and Matt Morgan.[10]
For more information visit his official website http://www.myspace.com/actionbooboo
Editor’s Note: Article courtesy of WTV Online Blog (WTV Networks & What U Need TV), It was published first on August 29, 2010 http://blog.wtvonline.net/2010/08/29/actor-and-singer-booboo-stewart-makes-his-milkshake/
Sources: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boo_Boo_Stewart & http://www.teenstarsonline.com/booboo_stewart.html
ESTEBAN ESCOBAR Named LA County Events Examiner for Examiner.com
August 24, 2010 by News Staff
Filed under FEATURES, Featured
On Tuesday, August 24, 2010 Diversity News Publications in association with EEEnterprises announced on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 that Esteban Escobar Aka Steven have been named LA County Events Examiner for Examiner.com.
Esteban Escobar is also currently the Hollywood Events Examiner for Examiner.com
“I am so honored to have a second title with Examiner.com. I want to thanks all my fans which are readers, subscribers and my industry friends for been loyal and helping me in getting more readers, articles comments and subscribers.” Said Esteban Escobar. Editor of Diversity News Magazine, WTV Blog and Hollywood & LA County Events Examiner
Esteban Escobar was approached by Examiner.com Category Manager, of the Entertainment page to add a second title to his current coverage. Esteban Escobar became the LA County Events Examiner at the beginning of August 2010 but because Examiner.com have going to a complete make over the page was not working until today it was fixed by Examiner.com IT.
“Writing for Diversity News, Examiner.com & editing WTV Blog are great things happenning in my career. Also getting thousands of views on my articles, it make me so proud. I do not know how to thank LINDA KRONGOLD who proof read most of my stories. I can not forget to thanks all my photographers: Alex Palomares, Jeff Knight, Rodrigo Vaz, Daniela Hubbard, Tisha Rivera, Ray Chavez, FFD Images and others for covering events and granted permission for me to use their photos in multiple online sites.” Concluded Mr. Escobar.
You can check Esteban “Steven” Escobar pages at http://www.examiner.com/events-in-los-angeles/esteban-escobar-1 & http://www.examiner.com/events-in-los-angeles/esteban-escobar
“Congratulations; so happy for you! Thanks for thanking me; I love being a part of this from across the country!” Said Linda Satloff Krongold, Esteban Escobar New York proofreader.
If you are interested in getting Esteban Escobar to cover your event, you must send a press release, with flyer and any photos for possible consideration a least 2 or 4 weeks in advance to: diversitynews@hotmail.com
This month Esteban Escobar was also featured on The EErie Digest Magazine. You can check interview at http://www.eeriedigest.com/wordpress/2010/08/interview-with-esteban-steven-escobar/
Esteban Escobar works as editor for Diversity News Magazine, edits WTV Blog and writers for Examiner.com. He also runs other blogs published by Diversity News Publications. Esteban also works in the healthcare finance field. For more information visit his partial biography at http://diversitynewspublications.com/about/
About Diversity News Publications:
DIVERSITY NEWS PUBLICATIONS Is a media and public relations firm specialized in Advertising, Design, Marketing, Printing & Public Relations services who combines all sources in one. For information visit http://www.diversitynewspublications.blogspot.com/
About Examiner.com:
Examiner.com is the inside source for everything local. We are powered by Examiners, the largest pool of knowledgeable and passionate contributors in the world. Examiners provide unique and original content to enhance life in your local city wherever that may be.
Featuring: NICK VUJICIC, Live Life Without Limits
Our editor Esteban “Steven” Escobar received this YouTube video from his friend and former boss Deborah Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of Staffing For Hire.
After watching the video and the message on it, Mr. Escobar decided to feature NICK VUJICIC in our magazine.
Here is his story and we hope you get motivated and learn something from it and also LOOK AT YOURSELF AFTER WATCHING the video.
Imagine being born without arms. No arms to wrap around someone, no hands to experience touch, or to hold another hand with. Or what about being born without legs? Having no ability to dance, walk, run, or even stand on two feet. Now put both of those scenarios together: no arms and no legs. What would you do? How would that effect your everyday life?
Meet Nick Vujicic… Born in 1982 in Melbourne, Australia, without any medical explanation or warning, Nicholas Vujicic (pronounced Voy-a-chich) came into the world with neither arms or legs. Having had an uneventful pregnancy and no family history to expect this condition, imagine the shock his parents felt when they saw their first born, brand new baby boy, only to find he was what the world would consider imperfect and abnormal. A limbless son was not what nurse Dushka Vujicic, and her husband Pastor Borris Vujicic had been expecting. How would their son live a normal happy life? What could he ever do or become when living with what the world would see as such a massive disability? Little did they or anyone know that this beautiful limbless baby would one day be someone who would inspire and motivate people from all walks of life, touching lives all over the world.
Throughout his childhood Nick dealt not only with the typical challenges of school and adolescence such as bullying and self-esteem issues; he also struggled with depression and loneliness as he questioned why he was different to all the other kids surrounding him; why he was the one born without arms and legs. He wondered what was the purpose behind his life, or if he even had a purpose. After a lot of frustration and feeling like the odd one out in school, at seven years of age Nick tried out some specially designed electronic arms and hands, in hope that he would be more like the other kids. During the short trial period of the electronic arms, Nick realized that even with them, he was still unlike his peers at school, and they turned out to be much too heavy for Nick to operate, effecting his general mobility quite significantly.
As Nick grew up he learnt to deal with his disability and started to be able to do more and more things on his own. He adapted to his situation and found ways to accomplish tasks that most people could only do by using their limbs, such as cleaning teeth, brushing hair, typing on a computer, swimming, playing sports, and much more. As time went by Nick began to embrace his situation and achieve greater things. In grade seven Nick was elected captain of his school and worked with the student council there on various fund-raising events for local charities and disability campaigns.
According to Nick the victory over his struggles throughout his journey, as well as the strength and passion he has for life can be credited to his faith, his family, his friends and the many people he’s encountered during his life who have encouraged him along the way.
After school Nick went on with further study and obtained a double bachelor degree majoring in accounting and financial planning. By the age of 19 Nick started to fulfil his dream of being able to encourage other people and bring them hope, through motivational speaking and telling his story. I found the purpose of my existence, and also the purpose of my circumstance. There’s a purpose for why you’re in the fire. Nick wholeheartedly believes that there is a purpose in each of the struggles we encounter in our lives and that our attitude towards those struggles that can be the single most effective factor in overcoming them.
In 2005 Nick was nominated for the “Young Australian of the Year” Award, which is a large honor in Australia, recognizing a young person for their excellence and service to their local community and the nation, as well as their own personal accomplishments. Nominations for this award are only given to truly inspirational people.
Now at 27 years old this limbless young man has accomplished more than most people even twice his age. Nick recently made the massive move from Brisbane, Australia to California, USA, where he is the president of an international non-profit organization, and also has his own motivational speaking company; Attitude Is Altitude. Since his first motivational speaking engagement back when he was 19, Nick has traveled around the world, sharing his story with millions of people, speaking to a range of different groups such as students, teachers, youth, business men and women, entrepreneurs, and church congregations of all sizes. He has also told his story and been interviewed on various televised programs worldwide. However, Nick’s speaking engagements have gone beyond purely motivational speaking, he has had the opportunity to speak with several leaders, including the vice president of Kenya. This year alone Nick is set to speak in over 20 countries.
People say to me, “How can you smile?” he says. Then they realize there’s got to be something more to life than meets the eye if a guy without arms and legs is living a fuller life than I am.
Nick shares with his audiences the importance of vision and dreaming big. Using his own experiences in worldwide outreach as examples, he challenges others to examine their perspective and look beyond their circumstances. He shares his view of ceasing to see obstacles as problems, but instead begin to see them as opportunities to grow and reach out to others. He stresses the importance of our attitude being the most powerful tool we have at our disposal and illustrates how the choices we make can have a profound effect on our lives and the lives of those around us. Nick shows through his own life that the major keys in fulfilling our biggest dreams are persistence and choosing to embrace failure as a learning experience, rather than allowing the guilt and fear of failure to paralyze us.
How does Nick Vujicic feel about his disability now? He accepts it, embraces it and oftentimes pokes fun at his own circumstance as he shows off his many tricks. He meets challenges with his special blend of humor, perseverance and faith always encouraging those around him to examine their perspective as they develop and define their vision. Using those new definitions he challenges each person he meets to make changes in their lives so that they can begin the path to fulfilling their biggest dreams. Through his amazing ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his incredible sense of humor that captivates children, teens and adults alike, Nick is a truly inspirational motivational speaker. Sources: http://attitudeisaltitude.com/aboutus-nick.php & http://www.youtube.com/harrish0789
Editor’s Note: Please do not complaint about your life. Other people are living it without any worries.
Crimes Of The Heart – A Heartfelt and Entertaining Journey
August 15, 2010 by News Staff
Filed under FEATURES, Featured
Review By Songirl Sez, Special for Diversity News
Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy, ”Crimes of the Heart” opened on Friday night, August 13, 2010 at the Whitmore Lindley Theatre in North Hollywood, CA. Directed by Veronica DiPippo and produced by Alicia Benavides Greenfield and Sonia Curtis Acerra the story takes place in Hazelhurst, Mississippi.
In this stage play, one disaster after another falls into the laps of three Southern sisters. The playwright presents the tragedies in the form of story-telling gossip which kept the audience captivated and enthralled. The play is Greek tragedy meets Southern comedy.
The 3 siblings, Lenny, Meg and Babe share a love/hate relationship with one another, which is particularly evident between the oldest sister Lenny (played brilliantly by Sonia Curtis) and the middle sister, Meg (portrayed by Victoria Profeta). The story takes place on Lenny’s 30th birthday, in which every one has appeared to have either forgotten or treated it as if it were no big deal. In addition to her ‘turning-30 blues,’ she is told that her 20 year old horse, Billy Boy, has been struck and killed by lightning. As if this weren’t enough to keep her in a funk, she is continually reminded by her sisters that she has a shrunken ovary, which Lenny fears will keep her from finding a husband.
“I love theater. I was raised in NYC . I’ve done lots of theater as an actress, and then had a non-for profit theater Co.in NYC, which I produced plays . I came to LA after 911, to continue my acting career on TV &film. I always had a burning desire to produce and then this wonderful opportunity presented it self. I then realize that this was a gem. To work with mostly strong women from director to producers. I couldn’t turn it down 
.” said Alicia Benavides Greenfield, producer & actress. She continue “I’ve seen the film,and after reading the play by Beth Henley , I realized that it depicted and magnified quirky, dysfunctional, and traditional families. I felt strongly that anyone can relate to this fun emotional roller-coaster, hopefully not every day, but enough to feel for this strong characters portray in Beth Henley play.”
Lenny’s character is clearly sad, but endearing, as her trouble’s pale in comparison to her youngest sister, Babe (fancifully played by Kincaid Walker) who has just shot her husband, Zachary, in the stomach. When asked why she did it, she only replies, ”I didn’t like his voice.”
“Myself I’m from NYC have a strong desire to raise the bar. I have a strong theater background. LA theater is not as prevalent or respected as theater in NY. Hopes are to bring that belief-system to LA, and bringing the respect for Theatre here in Los Angeles. Why not ? The audience gets to see a live performances at affordable prices , and every nite as you know is different. Spontaniety is good ! As I’m a working Actress, I will continue to produce plays and films.” Concluded Ms. Benavides.
With Babe in deep trouble, the middle sister, Meg, returns from Hollywood, where her singing career has fallen apart due to going temporarily insane and becoming a lush, involving herself with too many men. The siblings grandfather is in the hospital possibly on his death bed and Meg doesn’t have the heart to tell him that she’s working a regular job and no longer singing. She concocks a few far-fetched stories about co-starring in a film and recording her new album to appease him. The story weaves in the fabric of life experience, just a true life experience molds us as children into who we become as adults. The 3 sisters have become accustomed with a dramatic and tragic existence, starting from their own troubled childhood, having to deal with their mother hanging herself with her cat to escape their abusive father.
“I love the play and did a scene from it in a Larry Moss advanced intensive. Larry gave me the part of Lenny and I was really moved by how deep she is and how funny and witty these southern characters in the play are. My friend Victoria Profeta and I had worked together on Laundry and Bourbon and wanted to work together again and after reading dozens of plays we chose Crimes of the Heart.” said producer & actress Sonia Curtis Acerra. She continue “I love the blend of comedy and drama in the play, and think it is a great play with a lot of heart and also wonderful roles for women. Larry Moss also told me that I should do the play, and I really respect Larry and trust his insight, so I did!”
Although the stories are comedic and seem chancy, Henley has created a touching story which relates to all and transcends time. The zany, offbeat behavior of the sisters take on a life of their own – silly, yet believable logic – so much so that when Babe explains that after she shot Zachary she made herself a pitcher of lemonade because she was thirsty, it seems perfectly realistic and normal. The writing of this play is sheer perfection, and the actors portray the characters with a believable brilliance. The sisters deal with each catastrophe in their own maniacal manner. It’s their survival instinct, bond with one another, honesty and love that makes this play believable as the audience sympathizes and laughs with them through each embellished experience. Through the silliness, the sadness and the wacky tales, this comedy drama is ultimately about letting go of the past and facing the future with hope, uncertainty and freedom.
Ms. Acerra added. “I hope to entertain the viewers and bring them both to laughter and tears. Theater and film provide a safe place for the audience to emote and experience their feelings by giving them permission to let go, so hopefully we are giving them that experience. As for the message, There is a theme of abuse in the play and showing women being oppressed a bit by men, plus it shows a character who is too afraid to stand up for herself but through her love for her sisters and with their support she finds the courage she needs to stand up and fight back.”
It is a perfectly blended mix of laughter and emotion. Under Veronica DiPippo’s sensitive direction, the Whitmore Lindley Theatre production comes across funny, believable and moving. The actors played their roles truthfully and their comedic timing was excellent. Their accents were convincing and the stage and dress were set true to the time period.
“My husband and I are going to produce a short film called “Most Precious Blood” about human trafficking, and I have a few scripts around town that I am trying to get the financing for or get sold to a network and made for television.” Ms. Acerra concluded.
The actresses – Sonia Curtis as Lenny, Brenda Lasker as Cousin Chick, Victoria Profeta as Meg and Kincaid Walker as Babe.
The actors – Nate Orr as Meg’s former boyfriend – Doc Porter, and Alec Beard as Babe’s lawyer, Barnette.
”Crimes of the Heart” is playing at the Whitmore Lindley Theatre located at 11006 Magnolica Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. 91601. Scheduled shows are August 13-15,th 20-22nd and 27-29th. To find out more go to www.cimesoftheheart2010.blogspot.com
About Crimes of the Heart:
At the core of this tragic comedy are the three Magrath sisters, Meg, Babe, and Lenny, who reunite at Old Granddaddy’s home in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, after Babe shoots her abusive husband. The trio was raised in a dysfunctional family with a penchant for ugly predicaments and each has endured her share of hardship and misery. Past resentments bubble to the surface as they’re forced to deal with assorted relatives and past relationships while coping with the latest incident that has disrupted their lives. Each sister is forced to face the consequences of the “Crimes of the Heart” she has committed.
About award-winning Filmmaker, Director and Writer Veronica DiPippo:
An award-winning filmmaker, director and writer, Veronica has directed numerous original works for theatre including Sins of the Father at The Met Theatre, Los Angeles, Off-the-Wall at the Writers Theatre, New York, and Roaring Girls at Musical Theatre Works, New York, as well as classics such as August Wilson’s Fences. As a playwright, over thirty productions of her plays and one-acts have been produced at theatres across the country. Her newest play Lulu’s Last Stand is set to premiere at Theatre 40 in Los Angeles in October, 2010.
Veronica began her career as an actor with John Strasberg’s Mirror Repertory Company in New York City where she also studied acting with fellow company member Geraldine Page. She is a graduate of The Drama Studio, London at Berkeley and SUNY where she holds a degree in writing for film and television. She is a member of the Writers Guild, Women In Film, the Alliance of Women Directors and The Dramatists Guild. For more information, please visit http://www.crunchentertainment.com/about_ver.php
About Producer Sonia Curtis Acerra:
Sonia Curtis Acerra was introduced to Hollywood through her father, a famous Hollywood Stuntman. She grew up visiting film and television sets regularly and after playing the lead role in her high school musical “Bye Bye Birdie” she was hooked on acting. Sonia was accepted to the USC BFA Program for acting but was unable to attend because she began working right after high school. While working on various TV shows she continuously trained with great teachers such as Bill Traylor at The Loft, Roy London, Cameron Thor and Sandra Seacat. She went on to book recurring roles on “Family Ties”, “Days of Our Lives”, and “Roseanne” and her film credits include “The Monster Squad” and “Terminal Bliss.”
After many years of acting Sonia also began to coach actors privately and in groups and began writing and developing scripts for film and television. Last year Sonia produced and starred in a short film “Deception” directed by award winning director Pamela Dresser. Currently she has several projects in various stages of development. “Crimes of the Heart” is the first theater production Sonia has undertaken. She is very grateful for all the support she has received from Victoria Profeta, Veronica Dipippo, Alicia Benavides Greenfield, Zac Polhamus and all of the wonderful cast and crew and her amazing husband Jeremiah Acerra who has helped with many aspects of this production. For more information, please visit http://www.soniacurtis.com
About Producer Alicia Benavides Greenfield:
In 2000 Alicia Founded the NewMan theatre Company a non-profit theater company in NYC. She produced original pieces such as “Dinner at the Manse” by Ara Anasa, as well as “‘Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” by pulitzer prize winning writer/directer John Patrick Shanley in which she played the lead role as Roberta.
Alicia Majored in Film/Media at NYU and has consistently trained and worked as an actress for the past 15 years.
Currently she studies with Joanne Barron/DW Brown in Los Angeles. Alicia is honored to be debuting as a producer here in LA NOHO with “Crimes of the Heart.” For more information, please visit http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2079758/
About Get Real Productions:
Get Real Productions was founded in 1999 by Sonia Curtis with a creative vision to teach actors, inspire, write, produce and direct various projects in the entertainment industry. The main goal at Get Real Productions is to find and develop new talent and projects and encourage partnership with other talented positive people who bring hard work, good attitudes, dedication and professionalism to their craft. For more information, please visit http://www.getrealproductions.biz
Lily Tomlin and Friends Gather In Beverly Hills To Help Billy The Elephant
By Songirl Sez, Special for Diversity News
Legendary comedienne Lily Tomlin appeared with some of today’s hottest leading comedy acts on Saturday, August 7, 2010 in Beverly Hills, CA at the Lavinthal estate for a fundraiser held by Voice For The Animals to raise funds for Billy the elephant, who has been in solitary confinement at the L.A. zoo for over 20 years.
Held on the sprawling estate grounds, the event went from 5-9pm and was emce’d by Bruce Vilanch, who introduced an all star line consisting of fellow comedians Orny Adams, Elayne Boosler and Rick Overton. A special speech of support by Los Angeles City councilman Tony Cardenas, before Lily graced the stage at the mansion. Tax deductible tickets ranged from $100-$350 and included cocktails and fine vegan food. An auction continued after the show while desert was served.
Celebrity supporters for the evening (although some unable to attend) included James Cromwell, Kevin Nealon, Bernie Williams, Georja Umano, Mariana Tosca, Fawn and Ashley Bell. There were a host of well known animal advocates present including Patty Shanker, Ed Boks, Bill Dyer, Robin Torme’, Bryan Monell, Daphne Dimitriadi, Linda Grey Heitz, Marjorie Hirsch Loeb, Sandra Mohr and Kat Kramer.
“Lily and all of our guests understand the significance of the lawsuit, not only to save Billy from what inevitably will be an early death, but to send an even louder message,” said Melya Kaplan, founder and executive director of VFTA. She added “These magnificent, sensitive and loving creatures belong in the wild and if they’ve already been brought here, then they belong in wide-open sanctuaries designed to meet their physical and emotional needs.”
VFTA’s lawsuit originated in 2007 and was filed on behalf of two plaintiffs including the late actor Robert Culp. The suit charges the Los Angeles zoo with cruel and unusual punishment of elephants (there have been 14 elephant deaths in the zoo’s history, two in the past four years) and seeks to shut down the $42 million planned elephant exhibit the city council approved in January of 2009. It was the second time the council voted in approval of the exhibit in light of sufficient evidence that proves the care captive elephants receive constitutes civil and criminal abuse under California law. After a series of motions and appeals, the Court of Appeals finally ruled the case could go to trial.
”It would be a much nicer educational process for children to visit animals in sanctuaries and see how animals thrive in their wild habitat, rather than living in a zoo where animals don’t live, the actually die.” said Tracy and Robin Torme party guests.
Kaplan concluded “Lily has been instrumental from the start in helping us bring this issue to light. She loves elephants and wants Billy to go to a place where he can roam free on many acres with other elephants-our lawsuit against the Los Angeles zoo is scheduled to go to trial November 2nd.”
About Billy the elephant and why so many people gathered to help him:
Billy was born in 1985 and has been in solitary confinement since 1989 at the L.A. zoo. He was caught in the wild and forcibly taken from his native home of Malaysia, as part of a trade between the L.A. Zoo and the Malaysian Game Department. Billy lives on approximately one-quarter acre at L.A. Zoo. In the wild, elephants can walk 30 miles in a day. There are roughly 640 acres in one mile.
With no other elephants near him, Billy lives an unnatural, solitary life at the Zoo. While male elephants are often kept separate from other elephants in zoos, in the wild males can display social connections, residing in bachelor herds or frequenting areas with female elephants, sometimes moving from family to family. In India, younger bulls join with older bulls to crop raid.
For many years Billy has displayed stereotypic behavior in the form of repetitive head bobbing that goes on for extended periods of time. Stereotypic behavior is often viewed as an indicator of poor welfare, caused by factors such as restriction of movement, size of enclosure, social isolation, and lack of complexity in the physical environment. Billy has experienced all of these factors at the L.A. Zoo. In fact, Billy was routinely chained each night, likely from the time of his arrival at L.A. Zoo in 1989 until 1994, for approximately 12 to 14 hours each night. It was during this period that a keeper reportedly physically abused Billy by using electric shock on him.
Experts state that stereotypic behavior can lead to foot problems such as nail cracks (which Billy already has), and abscesses and abrasions to the sole of the foot. Foot-related problems are one of the leading causes of euthanasia in captive elephants in the United States.
If you would like more information on Billy or A Voice For Animals, please visit http://vftafoundation.org/ or http://www.helpbilly.org/
U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker Struck Proposition 8 Down, but Marriage Still On Hold
August 4, 2010 by News Staff
Filed under Breaking News, Featured, News
The controversial Proposition 8 was overturned on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 by U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker who ruled Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.
Proposition 8 was passed on November 4, 2008 by CA Voters with 52.1% againts 47.9% with 94.6% precincts.
“It has been over five years since I voted to place same-sex marriage in the Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform when I was a delegate at the Democratic Convention. Today’s decision by Judge Walker of the Federal District Court to overturn Proposition 8 now indicates that we are on the verge of having marriage equality from coast to coast. Though there is a long road ahead of us to the U.S. Supreme Court, this ruling is an important win for the families involved, the entire LGBT community, and for all of those who sacrificed their time, energy, and even their lives to promote a nation where everyone can be treated equally under the law. This rally in West Hollywood today has been an exhilarating event and I am proud to be in the company of so many who have done so much for the LGBT community.” said Dr. John Carvalho, Political Action Committee, Human Rights Campaign.
Court documents states “Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that oppositesex couples are superior to same-sex couples. Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.
Plaintiffs have demonstrated by overwhelming evidence that Proposition 8 violates their due process and equal protection rights and that they will continue to suffer these constitutional violations until state officials cease enforcement of Proposition 8. California is able to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, as it has already issued 18,000 marriage licenses to samesex couples and has not suffered any demonstrated harm as a result, see FF 64-66; moreover, California officials have chosen not to defend Proposition 8 in these proceedings.
Because Proposition 8 is unconstitutional under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses, the court orders entry of judgment permanently enjoining its enforcement; prohibiting the official defendants from applying or enforcing Proposition 8 and directing the official defendants that all persons under their control or supervision shall not apply or enforce Proposition 8.”
The clerk is DIRECTED to enter judgment without bond in favor of plaintiffs and plaintiff-intervenors and against defendants and defendant-intervenors pursuant to FRCP 58.
IT IS SO ORDERED. VAUGHN R WALKER, United States District Chief Judge.
Please click to view the originals Proposition 8 Ruling Documents
Also click to view the Temporary Ruling Document from the Judge.
