Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Being Green in Cincinnati *Justin Video*
Here:
Follow the link to see & here what Justn has to say about Being Green in Cinci!! He looks great!
On this episode of Focus, local green advocates Howard Konicov and Justin Jeffre talk about how the average citizen can help make Cincinnati a more healthy place to live and Brian Garry, who, for the past twenty-three years, has operated a construction and building company called Green City Ecostruction that specializes in green materials and construction explains how home builders and construction companies can include green materials when constructing and refurbishing their buildings.
Lachey practices fast footwork
Source:BY JOHN KIESEWETTER JKIESEWETTER@ENQUIRER.COM
Drew Lachey can't wait to step out on the U.S. Bank Arena floor at 7:30 p.m. today with the ”Dancing with the Stars” tour.
For those couple of hours, he can forget about his hectic life and just concentrate on entertaining the hometown crowd.
"It's always hard when I come to town, running around trying to see everybody and do everything," says Lachey, 31, who won the "Dancing With the Stars" TV competition two years ago.
The College Hill native has never been busier. He's touring three days a week with the dancing stars, then flying back to Los Angeles to rehearse and host the live "Dance Wars: Bruno vs. Carrie Anne" spinoff at 8 p.m. Mondays (Channels 9, 22).
This homecoming will be crazier than others because older brother Nick is in town. He plans to hook up sometime today with Nick, who sings with his "Clash of the Choirs" vocalists at the Rock Against AIDS fundraiser 8 p.m. Friday at Music Hall Ballroom.
"We'll get to catch up for a few minutes," says Drew, who spent Christmas Eve and Christmas with Nick in Los Angeles.
Drew's to-do list for his visit also includes getting a Frisch's Big Boy sandwich, a United Dairy Farmers milkshake, some Skyline Chili and a couple of bottles of Montgomery Inn rib sauce for the road.
"There's no dieting when you come to Cincinnati. You cram in as much as you can - and then you get on the plane and explode," says Lachey, who first found fame with brother Nick in the 98° pop band 10 years ago.
At U.S. Bank Arena, Drew will work off the extra pounds by dancing with Cheryl Burke, his partner for the 2006 TV championship. Also scheduled to perform are Monique Coleman, Joey Lawrence, Wayne Newton, Mark Ballas, Edyta Sliwinska, Alec Mazo, Derek Hough, Brian Fortuna, Kym Johnson and Louis Van Amstel.
"The crowd for last year's show (at U.S. Bank Arena) was the best one we had. They were excited and they loved it. Maybe it was because Jerry Springer (a former Cincinnati mayor and 2006 TV contestant) was there," he says.
"I try to do a good show every time. Of course, my energy level is a bit higher when I come to Cincinnati," he says.
Reality TV has been great for the brothers. Nick starred in MTV's "Newlyweds" with then-wife Jessica Simpson, then won NBC's "Choirs" competition Dec. 20. ("It was a good thing he had a choir to support him, otherwise he wouldn't have won," Drew jokes.)
Winning "Dancing with the Stars" has led to Drew co-hosting the Miss USA pageant, subbing as "Dancing" co-host last fall during Samantha Harris' maternity leave, and hosting "Dance Wars."
When the dance tour and "Dance Wars" end next month, Drew looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Lea, his School for Creative & Performing Arts sweetheart, and their 22-month-old daughter, Isabella. Lea has remained in Los Angeles to launch an online bakery, www.thesugarcup.com, with her mother.
"I know it sounds greedy, but I like being able to do a little bit of everything," Drew says. "Live performance is my passion. I'm enjoying the hosting gig and being involved with a TV show ('Dance Wars') from the beginning, where they could shape the format around my relationship with Bruno and Carrie Anne.
"I like working in L.A. and being able to live in my own home and see my family. It's just a great scenario right now."
Catching Up with 'Dance War' Host Drew Lachey
Source:
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Host of ABC's new performance competition Dance War, Drew Lachey might have been an unexpected breakout star prior to his time on Dancing with the Stars. Big brother Nick Lachey had seemed to be the biggest celeb in the reality television world for the family after his time on Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica. But Drew's win of the second season of Dancing with the Stars gave him his own special place in the world of reality stardom.
He co-hosted part of the fifth season of Dancing with the Stars, and is now, of course, hosting Dance Wars. In case you just can't get enough of the former boy-bander, there will be some additional opportunities over the next few weeks.
He's appearing with the Dancing with the Stars tour periodically over the next few weeks, including January 18 in Indianapolis, IN; January 22 in Jacksonville, FL; January 23 in Sunrise, FL; January 30 in Washington, DC; and January 31 in Newark, DE.
Additionally, he's helping out big brother Nick with a special event. Drew's brother has teamed up with NASCAR star Jimmie Johnson and created the Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic. The event will be held in Scottsdale, Ariz., in conjunction with the Super Bowl. Additionally, the group is auctioning off the ultimate golf fan package on eBay. The grand prize package will include a spot on Nick's or Jimmie's foursome, as well as “lunch on the course, tickets to the Celebrity Golf Classic Awards clubhouse reception following the tournament, commemorative signed gift packs and an official photo opportunity.”
The Dance War host, though, will be a featured guest of the event as well, attending in support of his brother Nick's efforts. Other celebrities who will be attending with Drew include Chandra Wilson, Vanessa Minnillo, Joey Fatone, Jason Sehorn, Alyssa Milano, Ken Griffey, Jr., Wilmer Valderrama, and Matt Leinart.
So if you would like the chance to attend the event with the Dance War star and his brother, your time to participate in the eBay auction is running out: tomorrow is the last day to bid.
- Leslie Seaton, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Nick Lachey, Jimmie Johnson On Same Team
Backing First Annual Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic, For Charity
NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2008His ex-wife has been front and center lately on the sports pages, of all places, and now singer Nick Lachey is making news with a big-name sports figure, as well.
Lachey and NASCAR star Jimmie Johnson are combining their efforts for charity, putting on the first annual Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic next month.
They stopped by The Early Show and spoke to Dave Price about it Tuesday.
The event will to be held in Scottsdale, Ariz. on Feb. 2, before Super Bowl XLII.
Proceeds from the associated Super Skins Online Auction and Super Skins Party will benefit multiple charities, including The Nick Lachey Foundation and The Jimmie Johnson Foundation," both of which are dedicated to assisting children, families and communities in need throughout the United States.
Lachey, a multi-platinum recording artist and Johnson, the two-time reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup champ, say they've pledged $125,000 each to the Super Skins tournament, alone.
Lachey told Price he and Johnson met through some mutual friends a few years ago and have gotten to know each other pretty well and we ljust thought, 'What a great opportunity -- so many people are at the Super Bowl that weekend -- what a great opportunity to ... raise some great money for a good cause."
Johnson said the goal is to have as many charities benefit as possible, and participating celebrities can designate charities of their choice.
Both said they expect the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers to make it to the Super Bowl and, while they'd root for Green Bay, they expet the Patriots to prevail.
Couples Watch: Nick & Vanessa ...Pure Nightclub
Source:
Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo, celebrating a friend's engagement – along with 30 friends – at SW Steakhouse at the Wynn in Las Vegas. The group ate their meal in a private dining room, feasting on dish after dish including Chef David Walzog's specialties like bone-in New York strip steak, truffled creamed spinach and stone crab claws. Next up, the group partied at PURE Nightclub – and Minnillo hit the dancefloor with pal Stacy Keibler.
View picture here:
Club-goers were seeing stars as celebrities paraded into posh party spot PURE Nightclub Friday night. Superstar couple Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo arrived with a group of friends, including pal Stacy Keibler, just after midnight. Lachey sipped on Grey Goose and RedBull cocktails while Minnillo and Kiebler danced throughout the night to the beats dropped by the one and only DJ AM. Actor Geoff Stults, best known for his many appearances on the long-running TV series 7th Heaven, was also a guest in Lachey and Minnillo’s company, which kept the party going on the main VIP stage the entire night. Rocker Dave Navarro hosted the evening as he celebrated his directional debut and the success of his first adult film Broken. Navarro and his friends settled into a luxurious white leather VIP Booth on the main stage where he had a great view of the club’s dance floor and entire main room. Also spotted at the nation’s number one nightclub Friday night were San Francisco Giants infielder Rich Aurilia and film actor and producer Stu Stone.
Lachey Promotes Golf Event
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO: For a lighter & shorter version
Seein as thou I work on a Golf Course, Why Why Why can't they have it at mine in MD!! LoL....Either way its a great cause & the bids are flying on Ebay!! Can't wait to see the final!!
Singer Nick Lachey and NASCAR champ Jimmy Johnson promote their super celebrity skins charity golf tournament on 'The Early Show' plaza with Dave Price.
Nick Lachey Gears Up For His Super Bowl of Giving
And OH wow he's wearing uggs!! I love that! :)
source
Nick Lachey arrived at LAX yesterday without his trusty airport buddy Vanessa, which might help explain his long face. Awww, poor Nick. He was off to NYC in his beloved USC hat to talk about his Super Bowl Skins Golf Classic, Online Auction and Party to help raise money for the Jimmy Johnson Foundation all Super Bowl weekend long. Nick said, "What a great opportunity -- so many people are at the Super Bowl that weekend -- what a great opportunity to ... raise some great money for a good cause." Gotta give Nick extra golf claps (get it? Har, har) for using one of his favorite sporting events to help give back.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Only on eBay: Hit the Links with Nick Lachey
Source: On Feb. 28, 2008 you could be dining on the course, attending an exclusive hors appetizers awards reception, and getting photo ops with Jimmie Johnson and Nick Lachey. Swag bags with an autographed Nick Lachey CD along with an autographed Jimmie Johnson Die Cast are also yours to keep.
By Vangie Beal
January 11, 2008
Golf With Nick Lachey
For some it would just be a game of golf — for others a dream come true. In its latest charity auction, The Jimmie Johnson Foundation is offering one lucky bidder the opportunity to golf with recording artist Nick Lachey at the "Nick Lachey & Jimmie Johnson's First Annual Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic" in Phoenix, Arizona.
While general photographs with celebrities are not permitted, the auction details indicate that that this closed course will be full of stars. Other celebrities scheduled to attend include Jimmie Johnson, Chandra Johnson, Vanessa Minnillo, Joey Fatone, Jason Sehorn, Alyssa Milano and others. According to the auction details, the location of the golf course is not included in the posting for security reasons, but the winning bidder will be given the course information after a successful auction end.
Currently bid over $8,000 in over 20 bids, the reserve price has not yet been met. The The Jimmie Johnson Foundation Golf with Nick Lachey auction ends on Jan. 17th. For those interested in this opportunity, be sure to read the fine print. "Transportation and lodging to and from the experience are the responsibility of the winning bidder."
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Nick sings Ordinary Day *Video*
I found this & I think it has been deleted on Youtube so I am reposting it!
What You Own - Drew Lachey & Colin Hanlon
So I was surfing the net looking for some new stuff on Drew & instead I fell upin something old instead. It's Drew singing with a Cast Member from Rent. So I thought I would go ahead & post it here so you could relive the past for a moment & its also very kool for those of us that never got to see him in Rent as well!
Enjoy!
Buy *TEAM LACHEY* Tshirts
You watched the show. You cast your vote and cheered when Nick Lachey and his hometown choir won NBC's "Clash of the Choirs."
Now get your very own "Team Cincinnati" T-shirt ($15 each). They're available through the Gift Shop at Cincinnati Children's by calling 513-636-4310, or you can fax your completed order form to 513-636-4118. Please note: all orders must be picked up at the Gift Shop.
All proceeds will be donated back to Cincinnati Children's. In addition, the supplier of the shirts will be donating $1 back for every shirt sold. This is a great way to show your support of the Team Cincinnati choir!
Team Lachey sings
Source: You can also find of Video of them Singing In Fountain Square
Besieged with local offers and hailed as celebrities, the Team Lachey singers from NBC's "Clash of the Choirs" are trying to figure out how often and where to perform together again - in town, or from coast to coast.
"Everything is a whirlwind," says Meghan Watkins, 24, of Mount Lookout, one of the 20 local vocalists who won NBC's live reality TV competition Dec. 17-20. They earned $250,000 for Children's Hospital Medical Center.
"I feel like it's been a dream, and I haven't fully woken up yet," says Kenny Smith, 42, choir director for the Southern Baptist and First Unitarian churches in Avondale. He has been recognized in restaurants and asked to sign autographs.
"Our lives have totally changed," says Smith of Mount Washington.
And they may be changing much more.
The 20 singers will meet this weekend to elect officers and discuss marketing and promotion.
They want to investigate the possibility of doing an "American Idol"-style national concert tour, commercials or a TV reality or variety show.
"We have a lot more talent here than just 20 singers or 20 dancers. We could perform as a quartet, or as duos, play the piano and musical instruments, or do sketches. We think we could put on a good 90-minute show," says Chuck Merk, 35, a Lakota West High School geometry teacher.
"We have to strike while the iron's hot," says Merk of Deerfield Township.
More than 800 grey-and-black "Team Cincinnati" shirts - like those worn by the choir on the TV show - have been sold here since the Dec. 20 "Choirs" finale watched by 8.1 million people. The group has "25 firm standing offers" to perform through August in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, Merk says.
After arriving home to a heroes' welcome three weeks ago, the choir has made only one appearance, a New Year's Eve concert on Fountain Square, without celebrity leader Nick Lachey.
They will perform for the first time here on Friday with Lachey, the former College Hill resident and 1991 School for Creative & Performing Arts graduate. Merk says the choir plans to sing only Lachey's "What's Left Of Me" at Music Hall Ballroom during a South African AIDS fundraiser organized by Cincinnati Country Day School students.
"We are not singing our whole set. We're saving that for the big 'thank you' concert being organized by Children's Hospital," Merk says.
Hospital officials are still working on a possible concert with Lachey, music director Steve Zegree and the choir. First they need a commitment from NBC, which wants to film the check presentation for next year's "Clash of the Choirs," says Amy Caruso, hospital spokesman.
"Once we get a date, then we can get Nick here and find a venue. We're pushing NBC as hard as we can to get this in place by the end of January," she says.
By that time, the choir should be organized and able to respond to the 25 requests to appear at everything from Taste of Blue Ash, the Findlay Market Opening Day parade and Lane's End Stakes at Turfway Park. They've also been asked to perform at school concerts and nonprofit events, Merk says.
But first, the choir has to get its act together. For the week-long TV show, NBC provided the music, arrangements, choreography, director, rehearsal schedule and management of all details.
Now the 20 singers - total strangers two months ago - must find new arrangements, accompaniments, practice time, leadership, legal advice and funding, says choir member Scott Metcalf, 26, a Hyde Park software salesman and former financial analyst for Lionsgate Films in Hollywood.
Another issue is the group's name. The vocalists are using both "Team Lachey" and "Team Cincinnati," while waiting to hear if Lachey will let them use his name, Merk says.
And the singers are still waiting for Lachey to make good on his invitation for them to record a track with him on his new album, due out in spring.
For Metcalf, the choir experience continues to be "surreal." He's "scrambling to get this (financial) stuff together. I don't think we can wait until spring to do something."
A national tour would require money for a booking agent, promotion and travel. Merk wants to raise the money locally.
"A lot of what we want to do can't happen until we get some funding in Cincinnati," Merk says. "We believe that with all the positive PR we've brought to Cincinnati, that some company or person will give us financing to keep representing the city.
"We showed on national TV that we're capable of great things, and we're ready to expand on that. We're not setting our bar too low right now. We're riding an emotional high right now, and we want to take it to another level. We know we can do this."
One of Cincinnati's hottest fashion statements - the gray and black shirts worn by Team Lachey on NBC's "Clash of the Choirs" - can be found only at two stores: the Children's Hospital Medical Center gift shop and KS Designs in Westwood.
More than 800 shirts have been sold since the choir's New Year's Eve's concert on Fountain Square, their only public appearance since winning the reality TV competition Dec. 20.
Supplies are replenished daily by KS Designs, which prints the shirts, says Dennis Wall, a partner in KS Designs and father of choir member Nick Wall.
The price is $15. Proceeds from the gift shop benefit the hospital. KS Designs also is giving part of its retail shirt sales proceeds to the hospital.
Children's Hospital Gift Shop, 3333 Burnet Ave., Corryville. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 12:30-3:30 p.m. weekends. Pick-up orders accepted at 513-636-4310. Order forms are posted at www.cincinnatichildrens.org/visit/facilities/gift-shop/
KS Designs, 3044 Harrison Ave., Westwood. Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Pick-up orders accepted at 513-241-5953.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Bid on your chance to golf with Nick Lachey
More AUCTION Info:
Bid on your chance to golf with Nick Lachey at the "Nick Lachey & Jimmie Johnson's First Annual Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic" in Phoenix, Arizona on Feb. 28, 2008.
The Experience Includes:
- Opportunity for winning bidder and a guest to golf in Nick Lachey's personal foursome at Nick Lachey & Jimmie Johnson's First Annual Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, February 2, 2008.
- Lunch on the course for two (2).
- Opportunity for two (2) to attend the hors d'oeuvres awards reception at the course clubhouse following the tournament.
- Complimentary beverages for two (2). Liquor not included.
- Photo opportunity for two (2) with Jimmie Johnson and Nick Lachey.
- Two commemorative gift packs including: an autographed Nick Lachey CD and an autographed Jimmie Johnson Die Cast.
Lea Lacheys *The Sugar Cup*
Drew's wife Lea & her family have opened there own business in the LA area and boy does it look yummy.....
you can check it out here
The website is very unique itself & you can even order food named after them like *Little Nicky's* or *Lady Lacheys*
Theres one on there that made of Red Velvet & Cream cheese makes me wonder if this is not one of Jessica's faves!! :)
Another Video of Nick at the Steakhouse
go here
It's X17 version of the video of Nick & Nessa at the Steakhouse, it seems to be a little bit clearer of a view of what went down. Once again I do not know how they handle this lifestyle!! It would drive me crazy!!
NICK AND VANESSA CONTINUE WORLD TOUR
If you look closely Nick's friend Tony can be seen in these photos as well
Wednesday outside of their private rented villa in Costa Rica.
Following an exhaustive 2-hour dip in the ocean, the tanned twosome dined at a ritzy eartery in the Papagayo Peninsula. After getting their eat on, they tried to sneak out by leaving through a side door, and hopping into their SUV — no valet for these two!
If history is any indication, the former singer and the former television personality are kicking off what will likely be a year filled with tropical getaways.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Team Lachey To Sing For African Poverty Relief
CINCINNATI -- A prize-winning local choir will perform in Cincinnati with pop star Nick Lachey, who put together the group to compete on NBC’s “Clash of the Choirs.”
The choir has been in demand since they won the televised competition last month and raised money for Children’s Hospital.
“I get e-mails all day long and phone calls from people just thanking us for what we did for Children's Hospital,” said choir member Chuck Merck.
Team Lachey’s next performance, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 18, at Music Hall, is intended to raise $1 million for eight Cincinnati County Day School students who will travel on a mission to South Africa.
“This is a gift that we want to give back to Cincinnati, give back to the audience, give back to South Africa and give back to whoever needs it,” said choir member Will Underwood. “I can't wait.”
Advance tickets are on sale for $20 at Music Hall or the Aronoff Center, but $25 at the door, and all the proceeds go to the Cincinnati Country Day students and their efforts to bring relief to a poverty-stricken South African village.
“We just love to sing, and if we can bring the crowd in and we can help other people, it just helps us both,” said choir member April Hilen. “We get to sing and help others, and there's nothing like that.”
Tickets are available online at cincinnatiarts.org.
Nick Lachey & Vanessa Minnillo Leaving Maestro's Steakhouse
Gotta love the Paparazzi I don't think I could handle it to be honest
Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo were spotted leaving Maestro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills on Wednesday night (January 9). The couple hugged the owner as security repeatedly told the pesky paparazzi to get off private property. At one point, the former 98 Degrees star slapped away a snapper's camera before getting into an SUV. Watch footage below the fold.
Dance Wars w/ Drew Lachey
So thanks to those wonderful people on Youtube...Hopefully I'll be able to get all of the Dance Wars posted up on here for anyone that missed it. Like ummm ME for instance! lol...It looks like its going to be an awesome show & I cannot wait to watch it!! Feel free to share your views!!
Jeff Timmons in Concert Ft. Meyers Florida
Germain Arena
Ft. Meyers, Florida
1/20/07
I was just in Florida this time last month. I drove by this place soooooo many times considering my cousin lives in the Ft. Meyers area. I am soooooo sad that i cannot go this time! Poo! lol...I checked on airplane reservations but everythings sold out until the end of the month so I must stay in MD.
Good luck to anyone that gets to go!!
Lachey choir joins benefit
source:
BY STEVE KEMME
A group of Cincinnati Country Day School students has enlisted former Cincinnati resident Nick Lachey and his choir in their efforts to raise money for an AIDS-wracked South African village.
Lachey will bring his 20-member Cincinnati choir, which won NBC reality show “Clash of the Choirs” on Dec. 20, to Music Hall’s ballroom to perform a benefit concert at 8 p.m. on Jan. 18.
Proceeds will go to help Langkloof, South Africa, an impoverished village that several Cincinnati Country Day School juniors have raised more than $950,000 for during the past four years.
Maya Amoils, a Cincinnati Country Day student who instigated the HOPE project, is thrilled that Lachey will be appearing with his “Team Lachey” choir.
“He postponed a trip to California for his grandmother’s 80th birthday to do this concert,” Amoils said. “It’s pretty amazing. And he’s doing it for free.”
Amoils first met Lachey through a friend of her father’s on Labor Day at a benefit concert for the School for the Creative and Performing Arts at the Great American Ball Park. She told him about Help Other People Endure, the non-profit group she and her friends formed to help Langkloof, and asked him about the possibility of his performing at a benefit concert.
Later, she gave her father’s friend a DVD and a brochure about the HOPE project to give to Lachey.
He first agreed to perform at a concert on Jan. 20, but had to cancel a couple of weeks ago because of a planned celebration for his grandmother’s 80th birthday in Los Angeles.
On Dec. 31, Amoils arranged the Jan. 18 date in a conference call with Lachey, who was in Costa Rica, and her father’s friend.
“I said, ‘Won’t that interfere with your trip for your grandmother’s birthday?,” Amoils said. “He said, ‘I’d be happy to push it back a day for you guys.’ He was unbelievably nice.”
It will be the first concert here by the choir with Lachey since their victory on “Clash of the Choirs.” Team Lachey sung on Fountain Square on New Year’s Eve without Lachey. The choir plans to perform only one song, Lachey’s “What’s Left Of Me,” with him that night, says choir member Chuck Merk, who is handling appearance requests for the 20-member group.
“We are not singing our whole set. We’re saving that for the big ‘thank you’ concert being organized by Children’s Hospital,” Merk says. That concert has not yet been scheduled.
Tickets for the Jan. 18 concert will cost $20 in advance and will be available at Music Hall’s box office or online at www.cincinnatiarts.org. Tickets will be $25 at door on the night of the concert. There will be 100 VIP tickets available for $100 each. VIP ticket-buyers will have seats in the front rows. The ballroom can hold as many as 1,300 people.
Local rock bands performing at the concert will be: Naranjas Organicas (Indian Hill High School); Weave (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music); Bedhead (St. Xavier High School); and Los Cocodrilos Cubanas (Cincinnati Country Day School).
“We’re hoping this concert will put us over the $1 million mark,” Amoils said.
Lachey isn’t the first heavy hitter to take note of the HOPE project.
Former President Clinton devoted a page-and-a-half to it in his book, “Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World,” which was published last year, and the Clinton Family Foundation gave $10,000 to the project.
Amoils and several classmates formed HOPE, a nonprofit group, when they were eighth-graders. Amoils’ parents, Steve and Sandi Amoils of Madeira, are natives of South Africa.
Sandi Amoils’ sister and brother-in-law, Carol Anne and Chris Mumby, own a hotel near Langkloof and administer the HOPE project at no charge. Many children in the village have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
The village’s benefits from their project so far include daily meals for 350 children, clothing, a renovated preschool, a restored kindergarten, a water supply for the school and the village, a new playground and fruit trees and vegetable gardens.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Dance Wars
Bruno vs Carrie Ann
After months of differing opinions, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are ready to meet on the dance floor for Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann to settle the question of who can produce the better dance team. At stake is the honor and bragging rights of one and the endless possibilities of tormenting the other on the upcoming season of Dancing. Beginning Monday, January 7 at 8PM on ABC, this show promises great choreography, spectacular singing, and plenty of high jinx as the two judges battle it out.
After months of differing opinions, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are ready to meet on the dance floor for Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann to settle the question of who can produce the better dance team. At stake is the honor and bragging rights of one and the endless possibilities of tormenting the other on the upcoming season of Dancing.Beginning Monday, January 7 at 8PM on ABC, this show promises great choreography, spectacular singing, and plenty of high jinx as the two judges battle it out.
Dance War will pit Carrie Ann against Bruno, both judges on the immensely popular, Dancing With The Stars reality show. Dance War’s format borrows from the So You Think You Can Dance and The Apprentice reality shows with a dash of American Idol thrown in. The premiere show will cover the audition process and narrow the contestants down to the final 12. Each week there after the contestants will perform and viewers will have the opportunity to vote for either Carrie Ann’s or Bruno’s team as the best team. The captain of the losing team will then select a member of her/his own group to be eliminated.
It is fitting that 98 Degrees sensation and Dancing With The Stars Season Two champion Drew Lachey will host the reality series.
At the end of the six-week competition, the remaining contestants will come together as the winning group and will form a troupe of singing dancers who will have the opportunity of a lifetime: to tour with and be the opening act for a major performing artist.
While Dance War will have similar elements with Dancing With The Stars, it will not be a copy of it. "It's a companion show" to Dancing, executive producer John Hesling says. "It's not about ballroom. It's singing and dancing. It's very cool stuff, not sequins or taffeta."
This will be an entertaining show that mixes the talents of amateur singer/dancers with Carrie Ann’s sensitivity and Bruno’s excitability – it can’t help but be a winner.
Team Lachey' Gives Encore Performance On New Year's Eve
source
CINCINNATI -- Some hometown heroes sang in the New Year in Cincinnati.Members of "Team Lachey" -- the choir of locals that pop star Nick Lachey led to victory on NBC's "Clash of the Choirs" -- performed on Fountain Square downtown as the clock ticked toward the start of 2008."It's been kind of wierd, having people come through, asking for autographs," Nick Wall said.
http://www.wlwt.com/entertainment/14956721/detail.html?rss=cin&psp=news#
Lea Lachey describes Drew as a father
source
98 Degrees alum and Season 2 Dancing With the Stars champ Drew Lachey, 31, is a doting dad to daughter Isabella Claire, 21 months. Drew's high-school sweetheart and wife of seven years, Lea, tells Us,
Drew takes part in every aspect of his girl's life. Changing diapers is not a big thing for him at all, and he wrote her a lullaby, which he always sings to her when he puts her down at night.
We love taking picnics, watching the ducks, and a lot of times, it's the two of them in the backyard exploring (little things like leaves and rocks are a big deal to her!). Drew loves taking pictures.
I mean, Drew is the love of my life, but having a child changes everything. Your bond is even more intense.
Drew's new hosting gig, Dance War: Bruno Vs. Carrie Ann, premieres in January.
Johnson, Lachey join forces for charity at Super Bowl XLII
Source
Don Coble | Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 12:30 am
Jimmie Johnson and Nick Lachey will be partners in a Super Bowl weekend party to benefit several charities.
The two-time defending Sprint Cup Series champion and multi-platinum recording artist will host the Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic and the Super Skins Party, as well as conducting an on-line auction to benefit the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Nick Lachey Foundation.
The golf match will feature sports, recording and screen stars. The tournament will be held on Feb. 2 in Scottsdale, Ariz., the night before Super Bowl XLII at nearby Glendale.
"I consider myself very fortunate and I'm sure Nick would agree," Johnson said. "We've been looking for the right way to work together and give back, and I think this event is the perfect way for us to support worthy causes in a meaningful way."
Tickets for golf or the private party at Axis Radius, a popular nightclub in Scottsdale, are available at www.teamonetickets.com/superskins
Johnson's primary beneficiaries are the American Red Cross, San Diego Habitat for Humanity, the Hendrick Marrow Program, Make-A-Wish and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.
Formula One driver David Coulthard told Autosport he would consider a move to NASCAR once his open-wheel career is done.
Coulthard, who finishes second in the series standings in 2001, said he's not interesting in the IRL Indy Car or the CART Champ Car series.
"I would consider something like NASCAR," Coulthard said. "I don't think I would consider IRL. The only thing is, in America, you have to commit to it absolutely, which means you move out there, take your family there.
"But I'd certainly consider it. This will be my 15th season in Formula One. After that, I'll do this as long as I'm having fun."
Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve already have made the move from Formula One to NASCAR. So have Indy-car drivers Dario Franchitti, Patrick Carpentier and Sam Hornish Jr.
Europeans ignore NASCAR
According to Autosport magazine, defending Sprint Cup Series champion was the 20th-best driver in the world last year.
The British magazine ranked Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen in first place. The magazine clearly favored Formula One in his rankings, placing them in 12 of the top-18 positions.
Jeff Gordon was ranked 25th; Matt Kenseth was 36th.
According to Autosport, Jarno Trulli, who didn't have a top-three podium finish all year, was the 17th-best driver in the world last year.
Crew chiefs signed
Kevin "Bono" Manion was signed to a three-year extension at Dale Earnhardt Inc., while Doug Richert was signed by DEI for Regan Smith's car.
Also, Ryan Pemberton was hired by Michael Waltrip Racing for driver David Reutimann and Paul Andrews was signed to lead Waltrip's team.
Manion has served as Martin Truex Jr.'s crew chief since he came to the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2001.
Manion and Truex qualified for the Chase for the Championship last year in the Sprint Cup Series, finishing 11th.
Pemberton left DEI for a new job at Waltrip.
"My vision of Michael Waltrip Racing becoming one of the elite organizations in NASCAR has not changed since the day I started this team," Waltrip said. "Over the past four months, we have made significant moves to position ourselves for success."
Andrews led Alan Kulwicki to a championship in 1992.
ABC & Fox Bar Six Presidential Candidates From NH Debate
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by The Dean of Cincinnati | January 2, 2008 at 05:58 pm | 61 views | add comment
Article by Justin Jeffre
ABC and Fox will shut out six Democratic and Republican candidates
from debates this weekend in New Hampshire. Democrats Joe Biden, Chris
Dodd, Dennis Kucinich and Mike Gravel will be excluded from ABC’s
undemocratic debate on Saturday. Republicans Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter
will be excluded from a debate hosted by Fox on Sunday. But do these
self appointed gatekeepers have any business interfering with our
democratic process?
Though the most important part of the electoral process is to have a
deep discussion about the direction of our country, partisan
corporations are allowed to dictate which candidates are allowed to
have a voice and which don’t. It’s bad enough that these powerful
corporations benefit from our corrupt campaign finance system while
getting to use our public airwaves for free, but they are stifling this
important discussion and our democratic process.
(The FCC continues to push for more media consolidation despite the
public’s loud objections and fails to make broadcasters meet the
minimum requirements of the past. Most recently the FCC gave big media a big Christmas gift allowing
one corporation to own TV and radio stations as well as the daily paper
in a town. The FCC no longer requires equal airtime or that
broadcasters live up to their responsibility to inform our electorate
about all the candidates that the voters will see on the ballot.)
In 2006 WCPO gave free airtime during the gubernatorial debates to
Republican candidate Ken Blackwell and Democratic candidate Ted
Strickland while excluding Libertarian candidate Bill Peirce and Green
candidate Bob Fitrakis. Peirce and Fitrakis were excluded despite the
fact that they both met the requirements to be placed on the ballot in
a real Democratic process.
A large number of signatures from registered voters are required to be
placed on the ballot. A much smaller and usually undisclosed number of
people who may or may not be registered voters are called by private
corporations early in the campaign season and asked who they would
likely vote for if the election were held today. The public has no way
of knowing who was called, how they were selected and if they are in
fact registered voters at all. And why should this override a more
democratic process anyway?
The corporate media fails to cover candidates early in the campaign
season and then they use secretive and undemocratic polls as a basis
for excluding those that haven’t raised the kind of campaign
contributions needed to purchase big media buys. Candidates can travel
all around the state or nation and have town hall meetings and still
not reach a tenth of the number of people that watch televised debates.
Locally, Channel 12 recently gave some big money council candidates
free airtime by having them on their popular Sunday show “Newsmakers.”
They refused to give equal time to other candidates. Cumulus radio did
the same while other media outlets didn’t even bother to cover the race
at all. During the 2005 Mayoral race, I was told by a sales rep from
Fox that they could have me on their Sunday morning show, but that they
“usually only have on candidates that do advertising with them.” By
contrast, in France they have multiple parties and real debates. There
were 12 Presidential candidates and they were all given a half hour of
free airtime. Perhaps this is why France has a higher voter
participation rate.
The Commission on Presidential Debates acts as another filter and
will decide who can participate in the debates after the primaries are
over. This commission is really a private corporation that is run by
two corporate lobbyists. One is a corporate Democrat and the other is a
corporate Republican. In 1996 they were even allowed to exclude a
billionaire named Ross Perot that received about 19% of the vote in the
previous election despite the fact that he withdrew and then jumped
back into the race.
Instead of a vibrant debate from A to Z (in the nation that proclaims
itself a model of democracy to be imposed on the rest of the world), we
get a debate from A to B, or shall we say D to F. By excluding
candidates like Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich the corporate media takes
important issues off of the table like ending the war in Iraq,
repealing or renegotiating NAFTA and the so called free trade
agreements, or reinstating our constitution and civil liberties.
hear a vibrant debate about, but these positions don’t fit within the
narrowly defined parameters of what is acceptable debate to the status
quo or rulers of this country. While these charades we refer to as
debates fail to be democratic or fully inform our electorate, they are
the best cure for insomnia. It’s time for the American people to wake
up and demand real media and election reform now or our nation will
continue to move in the direction of a third world dictatorship.
