Pink reveals her new role as a UNICEF ambassador on Good Morning America
Pink has been appointed a UNICEF ambassador.
And the proud pop star appeared on Good Morning America on Monday to share her big news.
The 36-year-old singer – who shares three-year-old daughter, Willow with husband Carey Hart – will focus on children’s health initiatives, including fighting global malnutrition, which impacts 159 million children.
Celine Dion sings L’Hymne a L’Amour in tribute to Paris attack victims at American Music Awards 2015
The American Music Awards took a sombre turn on Sunday when Celine Dion sang in tribute to the victims of Paris’s terror attacks.
The Canadian singer covered Edith Piaf’s L’Hymne a L’Amour after actor-musician Jared Leto delivered an emotional speech about the deadly events.
Leto spoke about an impromptu show his band Thirty Seconds To Mars had performed at Le Bataclan in Paris, the scene where 89 people lost their lives in the attacks 10 days ago.
He said: “Seven months later that same venue was under siege, one of a series of attacks that changed the world forever.
“Tonight we honor the victims of the unimaginable violence that took place in Paris and around the world.
“France matters, Syria matters, Russia matters, Mali matters, the Middle East matters, the entire world matters and peace is possible.”
Introducing Dion’s performance, Leto added:
“Many of us here are the sons and daughters of immigrants and Steve Jobs, the son of a Syrian immigrant, and President Barack Obama.
“The American Music Awards wanted to show its support for the people of France and the entire world.”
“Within their posts whether if be through Poem or Word
Caring for others is a must for this Award.
Be it through Laughter or Humor
Photograph or Story
Love and Compassion
Are
Mandatory”
Together let us Beat our Drums for Harmony, Peace, Unity, and Equality.
Let the Beat of your Thoughts Ripple out as we share our Hearts in One Beat of Unity.
The Hearts as One Drumbeat Award is a celebration of unity, love, and compassion. Being nominated for this award is a humbling honor. To be recognized, in the spirit of what the award means is amazing and humbling. We try to keep the hope of love and compassion alive.
The drum is a powerful tool in Native American Indian/First Nations culture. The drums are the literal “heartbeat” of our spirits …. and we express that through our music and dance. Here is a cool new Flute, Drum & Guitar upbeat healing song honoring the Spirit Of The Drums …. along with some superb images of the USA Desert Southwest.
Musicians Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams and T.I. preemptively sued the family of late singer Marvin Gaye for a determination on whether their hit song was an infringement on the copyright for Gaye’s 1977 hit song, Got to Give it Up. Gaye’s family counter-sued.
On Tuesday, March 12, 2015, Gaye’s camp emerged victorious. The eight member jury voted unanimously that Thicke and song producer Williams had infringed on the 1977 Gaye song.
The jury awarded $7.3 million to Gaye’s family.
The jury reached the decision after hearing nearly a week of testimony about similarities between Blurred Lines — the biggest hit of 2013 — and Gaye’s hit.
Thicke and Williams denied copying. Their song earned more than $5 million apiece for each.
Although both are credited as its songwriters, Williams wrote the song in about an hour in 2012, and the pair recorded it in one night, according to the testimony. The Williams, Thicke and T.I camp contended they did nothing wrong in being inspired by Gaye and evoking the feeling of Gaye’s music.
Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams told to pay $7.4 million in Blurred Lines suit
A federal jury in Los Angeles found Tuesday, March 10, 2015, that Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams copied Marvin Gaye’s Got to Give it Up when they created their 2013 hit Blurred Lines.
The jury awarded Gaye’s children $7.4 million. Testimony in the trial described numerous similarities between the two songs, and focused on whether Blurred Lines was an homage to Gaye or a copy of his work.
An attorney for Thicke and Williams said they remained “unwavering in their absolute conviction that they wrote this song independently.”
~~GALLERY~~
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~~Robin Thicke feat. Marvin Gaye~~
Got To Give Up The Blurred Lines (Mashup)
~~Published on Sep 6, 2013~~
Robin Thicke – Blurred Lines ft. T.I. & Pharrell Williams (2013) Marvin Gaye – Got To Give It Up (1977)
Ricky Martin Unveils His Madame Tussauds Figure in Las Vegas
Madame Tussauds is a wax museum in London with branches in a number of major cities. It was founded by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud and was formerly known as “Madame Tussaud’s”; the apostrophe is no longer used. Madame Tussauds is a major tourist attraction in London, displaying waxworks of historical and royal figures, film stars, sports stars and infamous murderers.
Madame Tussauds is owned and operated by Merlin Entertainments.
Madame Tussaud’s wax museum has now grown to become a major tourist attraction in London, incorporating (until 2010) the London Planetarium in its west wing. It has expanded and will expand with branches in Amsterdam, Bangkok, Berlin, Blackpool, Hollywood, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, New York City, Shanghai, Sydney, Vienna, Washington, D.C., Wuhan, Tokyo and a temporary museum in Busan (Korea) with locations coming to Beijing, Prague, Singapore, Orlando and San Francisco.
Today’s wax figures at Tussauds include historical and royal figures, film stars, sports stars and famous murderers. Known as “Madame Tussauds” museums (no apostrophe), they are owned by a leisure company called Merlin Entertainments, following the acquisition of The Tussauds Group in May 2007.
A wax figure of entertainer Ricky Martin that’s coming to the new Madame Tussauds attraction in Orlando was revealed in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
The “Livin’ La Vida Loca” singer struck a kicky pose similar to the figure at the Madame Tussauds attraction in Vegas. It’s equipped with a dark blue jacket and vest, black pants and microphone. Martin helped pick out the outfit, which comes from the wardrobe of his latest world tour.
“It was such an incredible experience to take part in the Madame Tussauds process,” he said. “I’m truly amazed at how much work has gone into making this figure as authentic as possible.”
Martin is in Las Vegas for the Latin Grammy Awards, which take place Thursday.
Madame Tussauds Orlando, under construction at the I-Drive 360 complex, is scheduled to open in the spring of 2015. The only other figure that’s been identified for the attraction is Selena Gomez.
~RICKY MARTIN WAX FIGURE MADAME TUSSAUDS LAS VEGAS~
~~Published on Nov 19, 2014~~
“It was such an incredible experience to take part in the Madame Tussauds process,” he said. “I’m truly amazed at how much work has gone into making this figure as authentic as possible.”
EL MUSEO MADAMETUSSSAUDS DE LAS VEGAS, TIENE UN NUEVO INQUILINO. SE TRATA DE LA FIGURA DE CERA DE LA ESTRELLA INTERNACIONAL, RICKY MARTIN. ERIC JIMENEZ ESTUVO EN LA DEVELACION DE LA ESTATUA Y NOS PRESENTA EL NUEVO DOBLE DEL CANTANTE PUERTORRIQUEÑO.
Malala Yousafzai (born 12 July 1997)is a Pakistani female education activist, who became the youngest ever Nobel Prize recipient in any category. She is known mainly for human rights advocacy for education and for women in her native Swat Valley in northwest Pakistan, where the local Taliban had at times banned girls from attending school. Yousafzai’s advocacy has since grown into an international movement.
On the afternoon of 9 October 2012, Yousafzai boarded her school bus in the northwest Pakistani district of Swat. A gunman asked for her by name, then pointed a pistol at her and fired three shots. One bullet hit the left side of Yousafzai’s forehead, traveled under her skin through the length of her face, and then went into her shoulder. In the days immediately following the attack, she remained unconscious and in critical condition, but later her condition improved enough for her to be sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, England, for intensive rehabilitation.
On 12 October, a group of 50 Islamic clerics in Pakistan issued a fatwā against those who tried to kill her, but the Taliban reiterated its intent to kill Yousafzai and her father. Some Pakistanis believe the shooting was a CIA setup and many conspiracy theories exist.
The assassination attempt sparked a national and international outpouring of support for Yousafzai. Deutsche Welle wrote in January 2013 that Yousafzai may have become “the most famous teenager in the world.”
Last night was a wonderfully late evening. We were honored with an invitation to an important event in one of our local communities.
It was wonderful to be there and share with Leigh Shannon this wonderful event in recognition of his life’s work in entertainment, mentoring and helping those in need.
From Darcel Stevens:
“For her outstanding commitment and dedication to the art of female impersonation, Miss Gay Orlando Pageantry is proud to present, Parliament House 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award to: Leigh Shannon!
Don’t miss the honored event, Monday Sept 15, 9 PM Parliament House MISS GAY ORLANDO PAGEANT.”
In his own words:
“Thank You Parliament House Orlando Don Granatstein, Susan, Christopher T. Guy and the wonderful staff for the award and recognition of work. I appreciate it more than you know. MY apologies , my husband has to work in 5 hours …. so we we went home … PROMISE to tell you who won MIss Gay Orlando tomorrow. …
I got to watch a lot of it … great talent … and LOVED seeing Miss Brittany T Moore , Alexis Mateo, Faith Taylor, Crystle Chambers, Larry Ligori and many many, friends …. thank you again.
My good friend Ralph R. Clemente thank you MORE than you know ….
ALSO thanks to Horty Rexach for doing a late night .. LOL!”
~~GALLERY~~
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~LEIGH SHANNON HOSTING AT THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE PROMO~
~~Published on Jul 10, 2013~~
DARCEL STEVENS Will be off on Friday, July, 26th, 2013 I will hosting. Looking forward to it.
“It Is What It Is” has been honored to receive this blogging award from the Idealistic Rebel. You an find her here: http://idealisticrebel.wordpress.com/
This is a very interesting, educational and engaging blog. I recommend that you stop by and take a look!
This Award is designed to show Appreciation for the wonderful people who visit my blog and contribute their support and ideas.
There are no rules or requirements assigned for this award.
I have met many bloggers in the short time that this blog (my spot) has been operational. I have learned what I know about blogging from those who stop here and interact with me. I have created bonds with some which I believe will be for life. I’m learning from all of you. For that, I am very grateful.
~~Here are the people I wish to thank~~
Barbara (I need to give it back to you) …. http://idealisticrebel.wordpress.com/
Penny …. http://thewhyaboutthis.com/
Radonna …. http://simplyramazing.wordpress.com/
Valentine …. http://valentinelogar.com/
Cher …. http://thechicagofiles.wordpress.com/
Sir Jeremy …. http://theboipoet.wordpress.com/
Arlen …. http://arlenshah.wordpress.com/
Kitty …. http://dearkitty1.wordpress.com/
Stephanie …. http://hopeandloveradio.com/
Xena …. http://blackbutterfly7.wordpress.com/
Patty …. http://petitemagique.wordpress.com/
This is an award to recognize the influence that you’ve had in me, on a personal level as well as in the way that I blog. It’s my way of saying thank you.
You don’t have to accept, just know that you are valued and appreciated.
~~Nikon D800 video in Sunflower Fields~~
~~Published on Sep 16, 2012~~
Sample footage shot using the Nikon D800 DSLR camera with a variety of Nikkor lenses in some large and spectacular sunflower fields.
A community is a social unit of any size that shares common values. Although embodied or face-to-face communities are usually small, larger or more extended communities such as a national community, international community and virtual community are also studied.
Since the advent of the Internet, the concept of community has less geographical limitation, as people can now gather virtually in an online community and share common interests regardless of physical location. Prior to the internet, virtual communities (like social or academic organizations) were far more limited by the constraints of available communication and transportation technologies.
One broad definition which incorporates all the different forms of community is
“
a group or network of persons who are connected (objectively) to each other by relatively durable social relations that extend beyond immediate genealogical ties, and who mutually define that relationship (subjectively) as important to their social identity and social practice.
… has been nominated for this incredibly awesome and meaningful award by:
Just Patty from http://petitemagique.wordpress.com
This award has an important meaning to us at “It Is What It Is“. It embodies the soul of our mission and purpose. There’s a definite sense of community and a complete commitment to caring.
~~MISSION~
“I want to offer any knowledge that I have to anyone “out there” who is interested. My views are liberal in almost every sense. My knowledge is “eclectic” – a bit of everything. Music and reading are my passion. Blogging has also become a very interesting endeavor. Metaphysical topics attract me. I’m interested in news – reporting human issues like injustice, discrimination and abuse – the “wrongly” affected. My intention is to bring this knowledge to an understandable level and to help anyone in need.”
As noted above, the internet has broken barriers and has made our huge world so much smaller and accessible.
We connect and we make long lasting bonds even though we are physically far apart.
The topic of a “code talker” needs a post of its own. It’s a very interesting one, deserving of full research, information and presentation. Of this, I am aware. Soon I will prepare a post about it.
I find it fascinating.
~~WHAT IS A CODE TALKER?~~
Code talkers were people who used obscure languages as a means of secret communication during wartime. The term is now usually associated with the United States soldiers during the world wars who used their knowledge of Native-American languages as a basis to transmit coded messages. In particular, there were approximately 400–500 Native Americans in the United States Marine Corps whose primary job was the transmission of secret tactical messages. Code talkers transmitted these messages over military telephone or radio communications nets using formal or informally developed codes built upon their native languages. Their service improved communications in terms of speed of encryption at both ends in front line operations during World War II.
The name code talkers is strongly associated with bilingual Navajo speakers specially recruited during World War II by the Marines to serve in their standard communications units in the Pacific Theater. Code talking, however, was pioneered by Cherokee and Choctaw Indians during World War I.
Other Native American code talkers were deployed by the United States Army during World War II, including Lakota, Meskwaki, and Comanche soldiers. Soldiers of Basque ancestry were also used for code talking by the U.S.
Marines during World War II in areas where other Basque speakers were not expected to be operating.
~~TODAY I WISH TO HONOR THE LAST ONE LIVING~~
He had never seen an ocean before enlisting in 1942, a few months after Pearl Harbor.
He had herded sheep with a slingshot.
At 122 pounds in 10th grade, he barely met the minimum weight requirement for the Marines. But his thin frame — and, after an impoverished childhood on a reservation, healthy appetite — was a plus on a boat approaching Guadalcanal.
“I liked the smell in the galley area, although lots of Marines complained about it,” he wrote later. “I guess I’ll always be drawn to the aroma of cooking food, after spending my early years in boarding schools where I was never able to eat what I wanted, when I wanted, or as much as I wanted.”
At one of those boarding schools, he’d had his mouth washed out with soap for speaking his native tongue.
But Chester Nez would help design a code based on Navajo that proved invaluable in the Pacific theater during World War II.
Born in 1921, Nez grew up on “the Checkerboard” — an area near the Navajo reservation that crosses the borders of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
Chester Nez, who was the last living member of the Navajo code talkers during World War II, passed away this past Wednesday, June 4, at age 93. Nez was one of 29 of the original Navajo who were recruited into the United States Marine Corps in 1942 to aid the U.S. in communications during battle.
Nez was born in Chi Chil Tah, New Mexico, to the Navajo Dibéłizhiní (Black Sheep Clan) for Tsénahabiłnii (Sleeping Rock People). He was raised during a time when there were difficult relations between the U.S. government and the Navajo Nation. Nez recalled children often being taken from reservations, sent to boarding schools, and told to not speak the Navajo language. It was from one of the schools, in Tuba City, Arizona, that Nez was recruited into the Marine Corps.
~~Code talker~~
Nez kept his decision to enlist from his family and lied about his age to meet enlistment requirements. He was assigned to the 382nd Infantry Regiment at Camp Pendleton, where he and 28 other Navajo were tasked with creating a code for communications during WWII. The Navajo language was chosen because its syntax and tonal qualities were nearly impossible for a non-Navajo to learn, and it had no written form. Nez stated the developers used everyday words, in order to easily memorize and retain them. In 1942, he was among the code talkers to be shipped out to Guadalcanal, where they worked in teams of two—one to send and receive, the other to operate the radio and listen for errors. Nez also fought in Bougainville, Guam, Angaur and Peleliu.
He was honorably discharged as a Private First Class in 1945 and returned to serve stateside in the Korean War from which he was discharged as a corporal.
~~Post-military life~~
From 1946 to 1952, Nez attended the University of Kansas (KU) to study commercial arts. Following his military service, he worked as a painter for 25 years at a V.A. hospital in Albuquerque. In 2011, he wrote the memoir Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII with Judith Avila. In November 2012, he received a bachelor of fine arts degree from KU.
“Today, we marked a moment of shared history and shared victory. We recall a story that all Americans can celebrate and every America should know. It is a story of ancient people called to serve in a modern war. It is a story of one unbreakable oral code of the Second World War, messages travelling by field radio on Iwo Jima in the very language heard across the Colorado plateau centuries ago.” — President George W. Bush
~~Death~~
Nez died on June 4, 2014, from kidney failure in Albuquerque.
The last original Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez talked to Stars and Stripes while he was in Washington, D.C., to accept the Audie Murphy Award. Nez shares his story, and what it was like growing up as a Native American.
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It Is What It Is 