Sunday, December 13, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Bookmarks are In!
Bookmarks promoting the book Myths America: A Practical Guide to Pageantry are in! Email me if you'd like a signed one.
Monday, December 7, 2009
MAO Announces National Judges
From the Field of Beauty - Vivica A. Fox – Fox is an accomplished actress and producer that has appeared on both the small and big screens in every type of genre. She is currently the host of the new reality series, "The Cougar,” and returned for the 2009 season of Larry David's HBO hit comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm as the feisty "Loretta Black.” She is the recipient of numerous awards including the NAACP Spirit Award, the NAACP Image Award and Prism Award, the Trumpet Award for Outstanding Career Achievements in Film, the Lady of Soul Lena Horne Career Achievement Award and an MTV Movie Award. She was also named as one of People Magazine's fifty most beautiful people.
From the Field of Community Service - Miss America 2002 Katie Harman – Since her year, Harman tours nationally and internationally as an acclaimed classical and operatic vocalist with a myriad of opera and musical theater companies, symphony orchestras, and special events. Also a recording artist and television personality, she can next be seen in a principal role as a singer on HBO's Big Love (airing March 2010). An active cancer advocate, she serves on numerous boards of cancer organizations and hospitals and is the National Spokesperson for the Touched by Cancer Organization. Additionally, her philanthropic efforts target women's issues, homelessness, and arts education.
From the Field of Fitness - Shawn Johnson – Johnson is an 2008 Olympic gold medalist for gymnastics. She was named the 79th Amateur Athletic Union Sullivan Award recipient, one of the most prestigious honors in amateur sports and became the youngest ever contestant and season eight champion on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Johnson is also involved in programs that promote healthy nutrition and exercise and help build good character amongst youth across the country.
From the Field of Talent – Dave Koz - Koz is a six-time Grammy nominee, multi platinum pop instrumentalist. Recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Koz hosts an afternoon radio show that's nationally distributed on the Smooth Jazz Radio Network as well as the syndicated Dave Koz Radio Show, now in its 15th year and airing on weekends in approximately 120 markets. He has served for 17 years as global ambassador for the Starlight Children's Foundation and is an ongoing member of the Board Of Governors for the Grammy® Foundation.
From the Field of Communications/Interview - Rush Limbaugh - Limbaugh is the outspoken, conservative and ultra-popular host of The Rush Limbaugh Show, an AM/FM radio show about American politics with an audience of 20 million. Limbaugh is involved in charities including the Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation and the Leukemia Lymphoma Foundation. He is a best-selling author and was nominated in 2007 for the Nobel Peace Prize.
From the Field of Entertainment – Paul Rodriguez – Rodriguez is an actor and comedian whose career spans more than two decades and includes starring roles and featured appearances in over 40 films and countless television series and specials. Throughout his career Paul has remained involved with various charitable, civic and educational organizations including the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. As Chairman of the California Latino Water Coalition, Rodriguez was recently honored with a Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work on behalf of water conservation.
From the Field of Creating America's Rising Talent – Brooke White – White is a singer and songwriter who is most known for her appearance as a finalist on season seven of American Idol. She recently released her debut album, High Hopes & Heartbreak, in which she shares with the world, her love for the music that has shaped her.
From the Field of Community Service - Miss America 2002 Katie Harman – Since her year, Harman tours nationally and internationally as an acclaimed classical and operatic vocalist with a myriad of opera and musical theater companies, symphony orchestras, and special events. Also a recording artist and television personality, she can next be seen in a principal role as a singer on HBO's Big Love (airing March 2010). An active cancer advocate, she serves on numerous boards of cancer organizations and hospitals and is the National Spokesperson for the Touched by Cancer Organization. Additionally, her philanthropic efforts target women's issues, homelessness, and arts education.
From the Field of Fitness - Shawn Johnson – Johnson is an 2008 Olympic gold medalist for gymnastics. She was named the 79th Amateur Athletic Union Sullivan Award recipient, one of the most prestigious honors in amateur sports and became the youngest ever contestant and season eight champion on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Johnson is also involved in programs that promote healthy nutrition and exercise and help build good character amongst youth across the country.
From the Field of Talent – Dave Koz - Koz is a six-time Grammy nominee, multi platinum pop instrumentalist. Recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Koz hosts an afternoon radio show that's nationally distributed on the Smooth Jazz Radio Network as well as the syndicated Dave Koz Radio Show, now in its 15th year and airing on weekends in approximately 120 markets. He has served for 17 years as global ambassador for the Starlight Children's Foundation and is an ongoing member of the Board Of Governors for the Grammy® Foundation.
From the Field of Communications/Interview - Rush Limbaugh - Limbaugh is the outspoken, conservative and ultra-popular host of The Rush Limbaugh Show, an AM/FM radio show about American politics with an audience of 20 million. Limbaugh is involved in charities including the Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation and the Leukemia Lymphoma Foundation. He is a best-selling author and was nominated in 2007 for the Nobel Peace Prize.
From the Field of Entertainment – Paul Rodriguez – Rodriguez is an actor and comedian whose career spans more than two decades and includes starring roles and featured appearances in over 40 films and countless television series and specials. Throughout his career Paul has remained involved with various charitable, civic and educational organizations including the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. As Chairman of the California Latino Water Coalition, Rodriguez was recently honored with a Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work on behalf of water conservation.
From the Field of Creating America's Rising Talent – Brooke White – White is a singer and songwriter who is most known for her appearance as a finalist on season seven of American Idol. She recently released her debut album, High Hopes & Heartbreak, in which she shares with the world, her love for the music that has shaped her.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Virtual Book Party Aftermath
We had a small but enthusiastic turnout at the virtual book party last weekend. We had a few glitches (stupid iChat!), but had a successful party overall.
If anyone has a Mac and uses iChat, let me know. I'd like to pick your brains on how to use it. The help screens--well, weren't much help.
Any suggestions? E-mail me.
If anyone has a Mac and uses iChat, let me know. I'd like to pick your brains on how to use it. The help screens--well, weren't much help.
Any suggestions? E-mail me.
Wow!!!
We're over 25,000 hits now! Thank you so much for reading! Tell your friends, and keep reading Pageantude for the latest in Miss Louisiana and Miss America news!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Virtual Book Party
What: A virtual book party to celebrate the Amazon launch of Myths America: A Practical Guide to Pageantry.
When: Sunday, November 29 5pm Eastern/4pm Central (Louisiana time)/3pm Mountain/2pm Pacific.
Where: Your computer
How it will work: You will need an account on AIM. If you don't already have one, sign up at www.aim.com. You may either download the AIM software or access AIM from your web browser. If you have another program like iChat for the Mac or Trillian for Windows, you're welcome to use those. I will be using iChat.
My screen name is "wordsanddesign". Add me to your buddy list. Page me, and I will add you to the chat room. If you have a webcam and would like to have a video chat with me, please wait until the end of the party. I'd like to chat with as many people as possible so we can have a party atmosphere.
You bring the virtual munchies, I'll supply the virtual eggnog and bubbly, and we'll have a great time!
When: Sunday, November 29 5pm Eastern/4pm Central (Louisiana time)/3pm Mountain/2pm Pacific.
Where: Your computer
How it will work: You will need an account on AIM. If you don't already have one, sign up at www.aim.com. You may either download the AIM software or access AIM from your web browser. If you have another program like iChat for the Mac or Trillian for Windows, you're welcome to use those. I will be using iChat.
My screen name is "wordsanddesign". Add me to your buddy list. Page me, and I will add you to the chat room. If you have a webcam and would like to have a video chat with me, please wait until the end of the party. I'd like to chat with as many people as possible so we can have a party atmosphere.
You bring the virtual munchies, I'll supply the virtual eggnog and bubbly, and we'll have a great time!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
How to Fight Jet Lag
One of the primary contributors to jet lag is stress and anxiety. All-night packing can make anyone stressed and anxious-and that can easily carry over into your flight. A simple anti jet lag pre-flight checklist is as follows: Pack, check your tickets, and prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the journey ahead.
Cramped quarters, loud noises, turbulence-during a flight, many external factors cause distress, leaving your mind and body exhausted and ill-prepared for jet lag prevention. A small dose of your favorite comforts-soft slippers, favorite music, ear plugs, etc.-are great anti-jet lag tools; remember, the more relaxed you feel, the better your body will react.
Airplanes circulate extremely dry air throughout the cabin, causing your body to lose moisture. Dehydration is one of the leading contributors to jet lag, leading to headaches to dizziness to general fatigue and irritability. Water is a key anti jet lag tool; drink plenty of it before, during, and after your flight, and avoid dehydrating drinks such as alcohol or any caffeinated beverage.
The longer you sit, the more lethargic you'll feel-it's that simple. Exercise is one of nature's anti jet lag tools; take regular breaks by walking up and down the aisles and perform stretching exercises. This promotes active circulation that will make you feel looser and more energetic-key qualities for jet lag prevention.
a.. (a) Shoulder shrugs - lift your arms and roll them in a wide circular movement both forward and backwards.
a.. (b) Knee raises - bend your knees to hip height, hold for a few seconds, release and do the same for the other knee.
a.. (c) Upper back stretch - lock your fingers, stretch them out front bowing your back with palms facing inwards.
a.. (d) Ankle swirl - move your ankles around in small circles from time to time.
Cramped quarters, loud noises, turbulence-during a flight, many external factors cause distress, leaving your mind and body exhausted and ill-prepared for jet lag prevention. A small dose of your favorite comforts-soft slippers, favorite music, ear plugs, etc.-are great anti-jet lag tools; remember, the more relaxed you feel, the better your body will react.
Airplanes circulate extremely dry air throughout the cabin, causing your body to lose moisture. Dehydration is one of the leading contributors to jet lag, leading to headaches to dizziness to general fatigue and irritability. Water is a key anti jet lag tool; drink plenty of it before, during, and after your flight, and avoid dehydrating drinks such as alcohol or any caffeinated beverage.
The longer you sit, the more lethargic you'll feel-it's that simple. Exercise is one of nature's anti jet lag tools; take regular breaks by walking up and down the aisles and perform stretching exercises. This promotes active circulation that will make you feel looser and more energetic-key qualities for jet lag prevention.
a.. (a) Shoulder shrugs - lift your arms and roll them in a wide circular movement both forward and backwards.
a.. (b) Knee raises - bend your knees to hip height, hold for a few seconds, release and do the same for the other knee.
a.. (c) Upper back stretch - lock your fingers, stretch them out front bowing your back with palms facing inwards.
a.. (d) Ankle swirl - move your ankles around in small circles from time to time.
Another Vegas Tip
This shared by Noddea Moore Skidmore:
If you're flying in on a day of prelims, be prepared to potentially go straight to prelims wearing what you're wearing on your flight in the case that the airline loses your luggage. ;)
Noddea goes on to explain that this actually happened to her. She went to prelims wearing a sweater, sparkly jeans and heels.
*****
I will be getting in to Vegas on Monday, so I'll have time to relax and get my bearings before the competition starts. It will also give me time to deal with any lost luggage or other snafus that may happen. So far, my trips to Vegas have been without much incident. There was one trip when my partner's luggage got lost coming back to New Orleans. He swore never to fly that airline again.
Can I put in a shameless plug for Southwest Airlines? We've always had very pleasant experiences with them, and can't recommend them enough. We're flying them again for this trip to Vegas, and will be driving the flight attendants crazy. I can't wait!
If you're flying in on a day of prelims, be prepared to potentially go straight to prelims wearing what you're wearing on your flight in the case that the airline loses your luggage. ;)
Noddea goes on to explain that this actually happened to her. She went to prelims wearing a sweater, sparkly jeans and heels.
*****
I will be getting in to Vegas on Monday, so I'll have time to relax and get my bearings before the competition starts. It will also give me time to deal with any lost luggage or other snafus that may happen. So far, my trips to Vegas have been without much incident. There was one trip when my partner's luggage got lost coming back to New Orleans. He swore never to fly that airline again.
Can I put in a shameless plug for Southwest Airlines? We've always had very pleasant experiences with them, and can't recommend them enough. We're flying them again for this trip to Vegas, and will be driving the flight attendants crazy. I can't wait!
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