Missy Higgins- Youngest APRA Win

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Missy Higgins- Youngest APRA Winner

Missy Higgins was the huge winner for her track, Scar,
at Australasian Performing Right Association
(APRA) 2005 award in Sydney last night.

At 21 years of age, Higgins is the youngest ever
winner of this prestigious award! She also won the
Breakthrough Award for an emerging songwriter.
Higgins is on UK tour at the moment.

Jet won the Songwriter of the Year award for
Most Performed Australian Work Overseas for
Are You Gonna By My Girl.

Promoter, Michael Chugg was honoured with
The Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Service To
Australian Music. he was also involved in this
year's Wave Aid Charity Gig.
31.05.05

Pamela Anderson To Host Fashion Cares In Toronto

Spokesperson for M.A.C AIDS Fund and the face of
VIVA GLAM V Lipstick, Pamela Anderson, is to
host the 19th Annual Fashion Cares in Toronto
on June 4.

Pamela will also donate $100,000, on behalf of the
M.A.C. AIDS Fund, to the AIDS committee of Toronto.
She has raised over 1.5 million for the Fund within
one month since becoming the new face of VIVA GLAM.

The 100% profit from sales go to the Fund to help
men, women and children with HIV / AIDS.

Pamela is very passionate about raising awareness.
Psssst- if you would like to meet Pamela Anderson
backstage, then go on eBay to bid!
www.ebay.ca/fashioncares

Launched in 2004, M.A.C AIDS Fund raised 15 million, with
celebrities including Christine Aguilera, Missy Elliott,
Choe Sevigny, Linda Evangelista and Boy George.

M.A.C is the leading professional cosmetic brand, created
in Toronto in 1985 and now the part of the
Estee Lauder companies. 31.05.05

Top Ten British Songs

Here are the Top 10 British songs of all time:
1. Oasis - Wonderwall
2.Queen- Bohemian Rhapsody
3.Led Zeppelin- Stairway To Heaven
4.The Beatles- Let It Be
5.John Lennon- Imagine
6.Police- Every Breadth You Take
7.The Jame- Going Underground
8.Verve- Bitter Sweet Symphony
9.Robbie Williams- Angels
10.The Stranglers- Golden Brown
30.05.05

Week 5 Of TV One Dancing With The Stars For Charity

Hosted by Jason Gunn and co-hosted by Candy Lane,
tonight's episode of New Zealand's most popular show,
Dancing With The Stars, had some unexpected results.

Last week we had to say goodbye to Georgina Bayer.

According to the judges, the following were the
scores for the contestants:

Bernice Mene and partner d'Artgnan Kennedy- 24.

Shane Cortese and Nerida Lista- 29.

Teressa Healey and Peter Wales- 27.

Tim Shadbalt and Rebecca Nicholson- 20.

Norm Hewitt and Carol Ann- 29.

Candy Lane (co-host) and Brendon Cole
(one of the judges), danced together. This
was followed by all five contestants and their
partners to perform Viennese Waltz.

Viewers were able to judge this criteria.

Much to almost everyone's surprise, our
Shortland Street actress, Teressa Healey
had to leave tonight.
Teressa's charity is Cystic Fibrosis.

I still can not believe it!

But as I mentioned previously please remember, a huge amount
of work and commitment is undertaken by the celebrities
who are simply plucked from their own comfort zones
into the preparation of this charity dance.
It is not about whether your favourite celebrity loses or stays-
it is about the huge profile each charity gets from each show
from these very dedicated personalities.
PLEASE SUPPORT THEIR CHARITIES. 29.05.05

Open Air Concert To Mark 65 th Birthday For Tom Jones

Legendary singer Tom Jones staged an open air concert to mark
his 65th birthday for 20,000 fans last night.
Aptly named, Tom Jones In Ponty Park, (Ynysanghared Park) he performed
in his old neighbourhood where he grew up.

Some of greatest hits include, It's Not Unusual, What's New Pussycat,
Thunderball and Delilah.

He sang Green Green Grass Of Home - meaning Laura Street,
where he grew up with the house still standing, though the paint
is cracked and dry!

Tom Jones last performed in Ponty on June 30 1974 at the
White Hart Club with Tommy Scott and the Senators.

Walsh classical singer, Katherine Jenkins serenaded him
with Happy Birthday song and presented a massive cake!

Some women wore spare knickers over their jeans- ready to
throw on stage!

A fan of 28 years, Claudino Pini (44), had travelled all way
from Italy to meet and present his idol with a gift.
Unfortunately, this did not eventuate.
29.05.05

Paris Hilton Launches Perfume In UK

After a successful launch in US last September for
New York Fashion Week, Paris Hilton has
launched her new perfume, Paris Hilton
in UK.

The heiress of the hotel empire, wanted a fragrance
that was sweet and sexy. Created few years ago,
it contains all the items Parish loves- flowers and
the sensual ingredient, Pheromone!

Paris may only be 24 but she has packed a lot in her
life.....Paris stars in her own TV show, acted in film
House Of Wax , released her first book, finished
an album and also selling Paris Hilton jewellery
at amazon.com....phew !!!!

You may have already seen Paris in Carl Jr's
fast food chain advertisement- eating the spicy
BBQ six-dollar-burger in a sexy black bathing suit
while washing a Bentley.....with a rock version of
the song, Love Paris in the Springtime as background.

Parlax Fragrances will help her develop and market a
line of leather accessories, handbags and wallets.
They also have signed a deal to make Paris Hilton
cosmetics and watches.

You go girl ! 27.05.05

G8 Summit Concert Confirmed By Geldof

Bob Geldof and Midge Ure have confirmed that they
are planning a major pop concert to coincide with
the G8 Summit in July.
The concert however, will not be called Live Aide 2.

The pair were at the Awards in central London to
collect the best selling UK Single Prize, awarded
this year by Band Aid 20. (The song being,
Do They It's Christmas)- presented by Sting.

The line-up may include Madonna, U2,
Sir Paul McCartney and re-united Spice Girls.

Brit Award winners, Keane were named Songwriters
of the Year.

Duran Duran being honoured for the Outstanding
Contribution to British Music.

Snow Patrol shared Best Album Prize with
recently departed bassist, Mark McClelland.

U2's Vertigo was named International Hit Of The Year.

Robert Smith of the Cure won International
Achievement.

Lou Reid, Sir John Tavener and Sir Mick Jagger
and Keith Richard of Rolling Stones were
also honoured.

Enduring Love and BBC's Blackpool won
Best Film and Best TV Music in this order!

27.05.05

And The Album Of The Year For The Classical Brit Award Goes To....

The Album of the Year Award at the Classical Brit Awards
was won by singer Katherine Jenkins.
Katherine's album Second Nature won the award at
the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Male Artist of the Year was Welsh performer Bryn Terfel.

Female Artist of the Year was US conductor,
Marin Alsop.

Outstanding Contribution to Music Award-
Belfast-born flautist Sir James Galway.

Soundtrack Composer Award-John Williams for
Harry Potter, Azkaban and The Terminator.

Contemporary Music- John Adams.

Young Brit Classical Composer- Natalie Clein.

Ensemble /Orchestra Album- Harry Christopher
and The Sixteens.

Critics Award- pianist Stephen Hough, the Dallas
Symphony Orchestra and conductor Andrew Litton for
the Rachmaniov piano concerto.
26.05.05

New American Idol- Carrie Underwood

The new American Idol announced yesterday was
country singer, Carrie Underwood.
The 22 year old was voted in by public via telephone
and text messages.

About 100,000 wannabes were auditioned in 7 US cities
for the American Idol title.

Previous three American Idols were:
Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Fantasia
Barrino. Each went on to make platinum albums
and hit singles when basically the music industry
struggles from online piracy, price wars
and competition from video games and DVD's.

26.05.05

New Zealand's The 2005 bNet Music Awards

In 1998 Auckland radio station 95bFM hosted
the first independent New Zealand music awards
ceremony. This was done in response to the wealth
of new and developing musical talent that was not
being acknowledged by existing national music awards.
The first 95bFM New Zealand Music Awards were
held at the Mandalay Event Centre and included
a more diverse range of categories and for the
first time provided the public with an opportunity to vote.

The following year, 95bFM worked closely with
the other bNet stations - Radio One in Dunedin ,
RDU in Christchurch , Radio Active in Wellington ,
Radio Control in Palmerston North and
The Most FM in New Plymouth.

And so was born the bNet New Zealand Music Awards.

The bNet NZ Music Awards are in now their eighth year.
The event grows and develops each year reflecting the
changing New Zealand music scene. The awards
continue to be a platform for artists to go on to bigger
and better things.

The 2005 bNet NZ Music Awards! Voting is
now open. The winning nominees will be announced
on Fri May 27^th at the Auckland Town Hall.

Vote online at www.bnet.co.nz

Award Nominees:
Best Video
The Fanatics – Models
The Mint Chicks – Opium of the people
Tha Feelstyle – Outside Enclosure
SJD – Superman You’re Crying
Savage – Swing

Best Song
The D4 - Sake Bomb
The Fanatics - Dead
SJD - Superman You’re Crying
Pitch Black – Lost in Translation
Pluto – Dance Stamina

Live Act
Jakob
Kora
Trinity Roots
The Mint Chicks
Shapeshifter

Best Unreleased Song
Phoenix Foundation – Hitchcock
Phelps and Munro – Live at the Kings Arms
The Checks – Mercedes Children
Operation Rolling Thunder – Standing Still, Still Standing
North Shore Pony Club – The Sequel

Most Promising New Act
The Sneaks
Emerald Green
Conduits of Consumption
Disasteradio
Farmer Pimp

Best Album
SJD – Southern Lights
Tha Feelstyle – Break It To Pieces
Fly My Pretties – Live at the Bats
Trinity Roots – Home, Land and Sea
The Shocking Pinks – Mathematical Warfare

Best Downbeat Release
Trinity Roots – Home, Land and Sea
Katchafire – Slowburning
Kora – Volume
Tommy – 4000 years
Cornerstone Roots – Forward Movements EP

Most Outstanding Musician
Rhian Sheehan
Barnaby Weir
Sean James Donnelly
Paul McLaney
Mu

Best Hip Hop Release
P-Money – Magic City
Tha Feelstyle – Break It To Pieces
4th Element – Raw Nu Inventions
R.E.S. – Red Eye Society
Open Souls – It’s In Our Hands/Hip-Hop 12”

Best Producer
Ed McWilliams (Edmund Cake)
Mu (Fat Freddy’s Drop)
Submariner (Tha Feelstyle)
Lee Prebble (Fly My Pretties)
Dale Cotton (The Fanatics EP)

Best Electronic Release
Pitch Black – Ape to Angel
Audio Sauce – Contimental Drift
Agent Alvin – Agent Alvin
Minuit – Guns EP
Rhian Sheehan – Music for Nature Documentaries

Best Cover Art
Tha Feelstyle – Break It To Pieces
Fly My Pretties – Live at the Bats
The Mint Chicks – Anti Tiger EP
Pine – Akira Sunshine
Audiosauce – Contimental Drift

Best Pop Release
SJD – Southern Lights
Fly My Pretties – Live at the Bats
Betchadupa – Aiming for your head
Pluto - Pipeline under the ocean
Pine – Akira Sunrise

Best Male Vocalist
Dallas Tamaira (Fat Freddys Drop)
Sean James Donelly (SJD)
Shayne Carter (Dimmer/Straitjacket Fits)
Kas (Feelstyle)
Paul McLaney (Gramsci)

Best Rock Release
The Mint Chicks – Anti Tiger EP
The Fanatics – The Fanatics EP
The Shocking Pinks – Mathematical Warfare
Deja Voodoo – Brown Sabbath
Batrider – They Said You’re Hideous

Best Female Vocalist
Sarah Chadwick (Batrider)
Heather Mansfield (The Brunettes)
Hollie Smith
MC Tali
Anika Moa

Best Compilation
Get A Haircut
Pacific Heights
Loop Select 006: Kono CD
Pick of the Litter
Str8 from the Streets

Male Fox
Tom Clark (The Fanatics)
Paul Roper (The Mint Chicks)
Shayne Carter (Dimmer/Straitjacket Fits)
Samuel Flynn Scott (Phoenix Foundation)
Con Psy (Frontline)

Best DVD
A Low Hum
Flying Nun’s: Second Season
Loop 006: Kono DVD
Fly My Pretties

Female Fox
Heather Mansfield (The Brunettes)
Sjionel Timu (The Coolies)
Sarah Chadwick (Batrider)
Ruth Carr (Minuit)
Kirsten Morelle (Goldenhorse)

Elton John Supports Charity

Elton John. Liza Minnelli and Donatella Versace,
joined other stars to raise funds for Aids causes at
Vienna's 13th Annual Life Ball on Saturday.

There were 4,000 party-goers at Vienna's City Hall
and 35,000 people who gathered outside to party
until the early hours.

Fashion parade was shown on a giant catwalk in
the shape of a red Aids ribbon.

Guests included supermodel Heidi Klum, singer
Marianne Faithful and soul star, Randy Crawford.
23.05.05

Oasis Marks 7th UK No.1

Oasis marks the rock group's 7th UK No1 single.
The song is from their new album,
Don't Believe The Truth. 22.05.05

Week 4 Of TV One Dancing With The Stars For Charity

New Zealand's most popular show, Dancing With The Stars
for charity on TV One was another wonderful yet leaving the viewer
to decide who would be eliminated tonight!

Presented by Jason Gunn and co-hosted by Candy Lane,
our contestants did so well !

Last week, Ewan Gilman and Lauren De Boeck were
eliminated.
Ewan's chosen charity is Variety Children's Trust.

Tonight it is Paso Doble and Foxtrot so this is how the
the celebrities scored according to the judges.

Georgina Bayer and partner Michael Hoggart -22.
Georgina's chosen charity is Neo Natal Clinic.

Tim Shadbalt and Rebecca Nicholson - 19.
Tim's chosen charity: Multiple Scleroses.

Norm Hewitt and Carol Ann - 40.

Bernice Mene and d'Artgnan Kennedy -23.

Shane Cortese and Nerida Lister- 31.
Shane's chosen charity: Starship Children's Hospital.

Teresa Healey and Peter Wales- 31.
Teresa's chosen charity: Cystic Fibrosis.

Tina Cross sang Nothing But Dreams
before the outgoing celebrity was announced.

Unfortunately, tonight we say goodbye to
Georgina Bayer.

As I mentioned previously please remember, a huge amount
of work and commitment is undertaken by the celebrities
who are simply plucked from their own comfort zones
into the preparation of this charity dance.
It is not about whether your favourite celebrity loses or stays-
it is about the huge profile each charity gets from each show
from these very dedicated personalities.
PLEASE SUPPORT THEIR CHARITIES.
22.05.05

And The Winner For Eurovision Song Contest Is..

The annual Eurovision Song Contest winner was a Greek
singer, Helena Paparizou, beating 23 nations with her
song My Number One - winning 230 points-38 points
ahead of the second place, Malta.

The vent was held at Kieve's Sports Palace last night.

Hungary band, Nox opened the final with a
performance with Irish dancing, followed by
Romanian band, Sistem's Act.
22.05.05

Successful Operation For Kylie Minogue

One of Australia's favourite daughters, pop singer
Kylie Minogue's cancer operation was very successful.

The beautiful star is now on the road to complete
recovery- thanks to all cancerous lump removed
from Kylie's breast yesterday at the St Frances
Xavier Cabrini Hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

Jenny Senior, her surgeon was very pleased with
the result and praised the family of the star and
Kylie for being so wonderful.

Not only Kylie is in great spirit, she also managed
to inspire young and older women from all over the
world, take note of their own breast check-up.

Within 24 hours of Kylie Minogue Breast Cancer Fund
being set up, $8,000 had been donated by her fans.

As there is no cure for breast cancer, early detection
is the best way beat the disease ! 21.05.05

Get Well Wishes For Kylie Minogue

With the huge support from fans from all over
the world, her family and friends and her loving
boyfriend, Olivier Martinez, Kylie Minogue would
be set for her operation.

It is very obvious that the beautiful and beloved star
is touched by all assurance, prayers and good wishes
from everyone.

Kylie is young and healthy and her earlier diagnosis
confirmed that cancer appears to be confined to the
breasts.

I have someone very close at Melbourne Hospital and
I have learnt that there some journalists
hanging around instead of leaving the star alone to
have her operation in peace.

I implore you to back off now!
How would you like it if it was YOU there instead of
Kylie Minogue?

For those well-wishers who want to send flowers and cards
to the star, Kylie would prefer it if you would make a tiny
donation to the Cancer Council-
www.cancervic.org.au/kylie -
this also includes YOU the journalists too!

19.05.05

Kenny Chesney - Entertainer Of The Year

Country Music singer, Kenny Chesney was named
Entertainer of the Year at the 40th Annual
Academy of Country Music Awards.

Chesney is the New husband of actress Renee Zelweger

Top Single and Song Honours went to Tim McGraw.
from his hit, Live Like You Were Dying.

Best Female Vocalist and Best New Artist
Award went to Gretchen Wilson.

Best Male Vocalist and Best Album Honour went
to Australian, Keith Urban.

Brad Paisley and Alison Kauss won two
awards from their duet, Whiskey Lullaby-
for Best Video and Best Vocal event.
18.05.05

Kylie Minogue Postpones Her World Tour

The gorgeous actress/ singer, Kylie Minogue had to
postpone her world tour as she had just been
diagnosed with breast cancer.

This is an early stage of breast cancer for the
36 year old beauty. She will undergo an
immediate treatment.

The star has been a keen supporter of
Breast Cancer Care.

In UK alone, 1 in 9 women will develope
breast cancer at some point in their lives.

Early detection and better treatment have improved
our mortality rates.
What causes breast cancer?
It is thought to be a combination of genetic
environmental and lifestyle factors.
More information: visit: www.breastcancer.org
17.05.05

New Zealand's Largest Film Contest Hits Christchurch

Weekends -particularly in Christchurch can be fun.
The largest NZ film making contest hit Christchurch
for the first time.

Starting at 7pm on Friday 13 and ending at 7pm last
night, was definitely nerve-wrecking and
sleep deprived activity for anyone!

27 local teams- elsewhere in Auckland, Wellington
and Dunedin, films had to be written, shot, edited and
have a finished film ready within 48 hours...phew!
What a task!

A 23 year old CPIT student/ director/producer, was the
first to finish his project.
Director/producer, Matalin Hatchard was 30 minutes
early-before even the doors opened.
He had a total of only 6 hours sleep over the weekend.

Outwits were the second to finish..

One contestant, Jessica O'Sullivan received a
"hero's welcome' when burst through the door
with only 10 seconds to spare!

Check out 48 Hours heat:
May 23-25 at Creation Arts Space

Christchurch final: May 29 at Reading Cinema

Live TV national final on C4, June 12 at 8PM
Visit: www.48hours.co.nz
16.05.05

Week 3 Of TV One Dancing With The Stars For Charity

Hosted by Jason Gunn, co-hosted by the gorgeous Candy Lane,
New Zealand watched the third episode of Dancing With The
Stars tonight.

Nicky Watson with partner Kiel de Buisson were unfortunately
eliminated last week.
Nicky's chosen charity: Women's Refuge.
(Please keep supporting this wonderful organisation).

The first contestant was Norm Hewitt with Anne Hickmore- 24

Ewan Gilman with Lauren de Boeck- 17
Ewan's chosen charity: Variety Children's Trust

Georgina Bayer with Michael Hoggard- 25.
Georgina's chosen charity: Neo Natal Trust.

Teresa Healey with Peter Wales ( Shortland Street) - 28.
Teresa's chosen charity: Cystic Fibrosis.

Tim Shadbalt with Rebecca Nicholson- 21
Tim's chosen charity: Multiple Scleroses.

Shane Cortese and Nerida Lister - 29.
Shane's chosen charity: Starship Children's Hospital.

Bernice Mene and her partner d'Artgnan Kennedy- 25.

Christchurch singing sensation, Yulia sang
Over The Horizons. Yulia looked divine in a
green dress and her voice was just beautiful!

Yulia is off to Australia then to Japan-
again!

After the judges, the viewers also vote and one
couple get eliminated this evening.

But remember, a huge amount of work and commitment
is undertaken by the celebrities who are simply plucked from their own
comfort zones into the preparation of this charity dance. It is not
about whether your favourite celebrity loses or stays-
it is about the huge profile each charity gets from each show
from these very dedicated personalities.

Tonight it is Ewan Gilman with Lauren de Boeck who
sadly leave us.

Please continue to support Ewan's choice of charity-
Variety Children's Trust.
What a shame- they were did so well ! 15.05.05

Heart-Of -Gold Finn Brothers Raise $75,000 For Charity

New Zealand's heart of gold brothers, Tim And Neil Finn
had a huge success at last night's sold-out
charity concert.

The audience was instantly captivated at the packed Hamilton's
St Paul Collegiate.

Tickets priced from $85-$150 sold within a few days and
raised $75,000 for the True Colours Charitable Trust.
The Trust supports children and their families through illness and grief.

"It's a great place to be on a Friday night.....at home-
and it's Friday the 13th...Go figure",
Neil Finn told the audience.

A selection of their old favourites as well as their latest
numbers were played- with only the back-up of a piano!

The event drew huge support from the public-
so much so that the organisers never even had to write a single cheque!

Perhaps those organising charitable events, ought to
remember who they select for fundraising as Finn
Brothers were like bees to honey pot!

They performed especially for 150 children and their families
and also made time to sign autograph for them.
(These are the families who needed cheering up).

Perhaps other entertainers may take a leaf
out of this and be more giving to the audience who
actually helped put them in the limelight in the first place !
14.05.05

Rolf Harris To Paint Portrait Of The Queen

Permission has been granted by the Queen to have
her portrait painted by Australian entertainer,
Rolf Harris as part of her 80th birthday
celebrations next April .

The formal sitting by the Queen will be for a
Rolf On Art Special for BBC One.

As I mentioned previously in my newsletter that
according to Val Doonican, Rolf had been a great
artist- now it is very official !

Over 120 official portraits of the Queen have
painted during her lifetime.

Rolf's oil painting will be "impressionistic" rather than
photographic- rather than very formal "state image", he
wants to represent the Queen's looks with obvious charms
and friendly quality !

Rolf Harris has been made an OBE and MBE.

This is also a huge coup for the BBC to be able to
show Rolph painting such a great supporter of the arts.

Yes, this is the same Rolf, who became the household
name in the 60's with his hit songs,
Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport, Sun Arise and
Two Little Boys. 13.05.05

Bollywood Actress To Star In British Drama

Bollywood actress, Aishwarya Rai is to star in a
new British film, based on the autobiography of
Ahluwalia- Circle of Light.

Based on a true domestic violence story of a woman who
was jailed for killing her violent husband.

The co-stars are Harry Potter actors Robbie Coltrana
and Miranda Richardson.

The 31 year old Miss World 1994, is a huge
star in India. She also appeared in the
British comedy, Bride & Prejudice.

Indian actress Nandina Das will play the role of an activist and
Naveen Andrews will take the role of Rai's screen husband.

Kiranjit Ahluwalia was sentenced to lifetime imprisonment
after dousing her husband with petrol and setting him
alight.
She later received an award from Cherie Blair
for her courage. 13.05.05

Zonta Christchurch/ Canterbury Club's
Women In Business Grant 2005

Winner Frauke John, Zonta President Doreen Hawkins
& finalist Susan Jeffery.

This evening ,the Zonta Club of Christchurch-Canterbury
held its annual Women in Business Grant awards evening
at the Christchurch City Council Mayoral reception rooms.
The event was hosted by Deputy Mayor Carole Evans,
who remarked in her address, that organizations such as
Zonta are to be congratulated for supporting local business women
in such a positive way.

The local Zonta club raises money each year for the grant,
which is worth $5000 and is available to women who have been
in business from one to five years.
Out of this year’s applicants,
three finalists were chosen and each spoke at last night’s function.
The winning recipient was then announced; this year it is Frauke John,
a photographer who has had her own business for two years,
and she was presented with her cheque by Carole Evans.

Frauke is a keen supporter of various charitable organizations herself,
and intends using some of the funds to finance a topical calendar
which can be used by charities for their funding raising efforts.
Frauke is becoming a popular choice as a photographer for
special occasions. Her quirky and unusual ideas offer
clients something a little different for their photo albums.

The other two finalists were Susan Jeffery of Dance Addiction
and Jude, Jen and Linda of Sisters Three, costume and clothing designers.
12.05.05

Stay tuned for photos

Model Heidi Klum Marries Singer Seal

Heidi Klum- the 31 year old German model, has
married 41 year old British singer, Seal yesterday.

40 close friends and family members joined in
at the Cuixmala resort, outside Puerto Vallarta,
Mexico.

Klum wore a Vera Wang ivory chantilly lace
frock.

The couple are expecting their first child in
September but a second for Heidi as she
has a year old daughter, Leni with the Formula One
boss, Flavio Briatore. 12.05.05

Altrusa Peace Quilt Launch In Christchurch

Altrusa Clubs of Christchurch and Pegasus Bay joined forces
to celebrate the launch of Altrusa Peace Quilt.

The Altrusa Peace Quilt was launched by Christchurch Deputy Mayor,
Carole Evans at the City Council reception tonight.
Councillor Evans was a former Altrusian herself (1974-1989),has
been a huge support in promoting the Peace Quilt.

Our club president, Rosemary Sladen welcomed everyone
and thanked our deputy mayor for hosting this
celebratory event.

Cr Evans told Altrusa members that it was Altrusa that
gave her the confidence to put her name forward for the council
and that she put her occupation as "Home-maker"!

The Deputy Mayor appreciated what Altrusa had done for
the community and hoped that in promoting the
Peace Quilt, Altrusa would also gain more members.

Christchurch is regarded as a "Peace City" and our mayor,
Garry Moore, has just participated in a Peace March
in New York amongst 40,000 as part of UN in the name of peace.

Christchurch was the successful bidder at the annual
Altrusa District Fifteen Conference for the Peace Quilt
this year and had purchased it for $750.00 from Taeri Altrusa Club.

In 2003, each of 23 Altrusa throughout New Zealand bought a
10"x10" fabric to depict their area. Once completed, it was
made into a quilt and will continue to raise funds for
charity every year.

Altrusa Club of Christchurch's projects in the community include
Magic Mums - honouring and pampering mothers of children with
psychiatric disabilities, replenishing linen etc for young mums
at Holly House, purchasing two seats and planting trees at
Halwell Quarry, Supporting Burwood Day Care Centre for the
elderly, Portsmouth Kindergarten........

Being literacy orientated, also library projects for three primary
schools and even sending out authors to teach pupils write
books!
Click Photos page for photos

10.05.05

Zellweger Says I Do To Chesney

Oscar winning actress of Cold Mountains, Renee Zellweger,
married Billboard Top 10 country album charter,
Kenny Chesney.

The 36 year old Chicago and Brigit Jones' actress met the
37 year old singer at a tsunami concert in January.

The two tied the knots in front of some 45 guests in the
Caribbean yesterday. The bride wore a dress designed by
Carolina Herrera.

Currently, Chesney has two CDs in the billboard Top 10.
He was also named Country Music Association's entertainer
of the year in November. 10.05.05

26th Annual W.C. Handy Award Winners

The Best of the Blues

The Blues Foundation has awarded this year's
W.C. Handy Awards in the annual ceremony in Memphis,
Tennessee. Here are this years winners along with the winners
of our unofficial About.com poll.. Congratulations to all the winners!

Blues Entertainer of the Year: B.B. King

About.com Winner: Bobby Rush

Blues Band of the Year: The Holmes Brothers

About.com Winner: The Holmes Brothers

Blues Album of the Year: Mavis Staples - "Have A Little Faith"

About.com Winner: Mavis Staples - "Have A Little Faith"

Best New Artist Debut: Blues With a Vengeance - John Lee Hooker, Jr.

About.com Winner: Nora Jean Bruso - "Going Back To Mississippi"

Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year: Charlie Musselwhite

About.com Winner: Charlie Musselwhite

Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year: Shemekia Copeland

About.com Winner: Shemekia Copeland

Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year: Bobby Rush

About.com Winner: Bobby Rush

Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year: Mavis Staples

About.com Winner: Mavis Staples

Traditional Blues Male Artist of the Year: Pinetop Perkins

About.com Winner: Pinetop Perkins

Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year: Koko Taylor

About.com Winner: Koko Taylor

Acoustic Blues Artist of the Year: David “Honeyboy” Edwards

About.com Winner: Paul Oscher

Comeback Blues Album of the Year: Back in 20 - Gary U.S. Bonds

About.com Winner: Back in 20 - Gary U.S. Bonds

Blues Song of the Year: Have a Little Faith Jim Tullio and Jim Weider

About.com Winner: Have a Little Faith Jim Tullio and Jim Weider

Blues Instrumentalist Guitar:

Bob Margolin About.com Winner: Ronnie Earl

Blues Instrumentalist Keyboards:

Marcia Ball

About.com Winner: Henry Butler

Blues Instrumentalist Drums:

Willie "Big Eyes" Smith

About.com Winner: Sam Lay

Blues Instrumentalist Other

Robert Randolph - Pedal Steel Guitar

About.com Winner: Robert Randolph - Pedal Steel Guitar

Blues Instrumentalist Harmonica:

Charlie Musselwhite

About.com Winner: Charlie Musselwhite

Blues Instrumentalist Bass:

Willie Kent

About.com Winner: Willie Kent

Blues Instrumentalist Horns:

Roomful of Blues Horns

About.com Winner: Calvin Owens - Trumpet

Contemporary Blues Album of the Year:

Sanctuary Charlie Musselwhite

About.com Winner: The Holmes Brothers - Simple Truths

Traditional Blues Album of the Year:

Ladies Man - Pinetop Perkins

About.com Winner: Ladies Man - Pinetop Perkins

Soul Blues Album of the Year:

Have a Little Faith Mavis Staples

About.com Winner: Bobby Rush - Folk Funk

Acoustic Blues Album of the Year:

Double Take - Kenny Neal & Billy Branch

About.com Winner: Double Take - Kenny Neal & Billy Branch

Historical Blues Album of the Year:

Release the Hound - Hound Dog Taylor

About.com Winner: Lucille Bogan - Shave 'em Dry

09.05.05

Hurray- The Ballantynes' Canterbury Flames Win On Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!
I hope all Mums everywhere, had a great day today.

It was a great game between Ballantynes' Canterbury Flames
and Otago Rebels yesterday, being Mother's Day at
Westpac Centre, Christchurch.

Captain of Canterbury Flames, Davu Vilimaina and her
team did exceptionally well!

The final score being 53 to Canterbury Flames and 31 to Otago Rebels.

I was in a Corporate Box with Christchurch Star, accompanied
by the winners Linda and Roger Gabietes.

Although the day itself was cold and wet, this was an ideal day
for indoor sport watching for me though. 07.05.05

Week 2 of TV One Dancing With The Stars For Charity

Almost every Kiwi looked forward to watching New Zealand's
most popular new series- Dancing With The Stars tonight.

Hosted by Jason Gunn and co-hosted by lovely Candy Lane,
tonight's show was just wonderful.

The contestants had a choice of rumba or quick steps.

Each New Zealand celebrity spent six weeks away from their
comfort zone to master dancing with professional trainers.
Each has a chosen charity that the money would go to.

Shane Cortese (Shorthand Street star) with partner Nerida Lister
scored 32 points from the judges.
Shane's chosen charity: Starship Hospice.

Bernice Mene and her partner d'Artgnan Kennedy- 27.

Nicky Watson with partner Kiel de Buisson- 22.
Nicky's chosen charity:Women's Refuge.

Georgina Bayer with Michael Hoggard- 25.
Georgina's chosen charity: Neo Natal Trust.

Ewan Gilman with Lauren de Boeck- 25.
Ewan's chosen charity: Variety Children's Trust

Norm Hewitt with Anne Hickmore- 32.

Teresa Healey ( Shortland Street) - 25.
Teresa's chosen charity: Cystic Fibrosis.

Tim Shadbalt with Rebecca Nicholson- 25.
Tim's chosen charity: Mutiple Scleroses.

After the judges, the viewers also vote and one
couple get eliminated this evening.

Very sadly, we must say goodbye to Nicky Watson.
Nicky, you are already a star in profiling Women's Refuge
and your recent work in promoting this organisation has
not gone un-noted. 07.05.05
See also Newsletter dated 01.05.05

Cuba Enjoys The First US Concert

Audioslave

Cuba enjoyed its first US rock concert on Friday.

Audioslave- the US rock band was pleased to give a free
open-air concert at Havana's Anti Imperialist Plaza.

Ironically, it was purpose-built five years ago for mass
protests against the US government- now echoing the sound
of rock 'n' roll!

It is great to create peace with music and the lead singer of
Audioslave, Chris Cornell knew it too well- obviously!

Havana has changed dramatically over the years- now they have
a statue of John Lennon.

I feel that top marks should go to both governments-
Cuban and US for uniting their thoughts and consideration
for the Cuban youth. 07.05.05

And The Winner For A Double Ticket To
Grease, Australia is

Congratulations is in order for Shane Atkins
of Hay Street, Adelaide, Australia for winning
Sharon's Global Celebrity Update's two
tickets to the most popular nationwide Australian
show, Grease.

Enjoy your show, Shane!

After more than 30 years, Grease is still the one that you
will want! Arguably one of the most successful and
popular musicals of all time, Grease is set to return
to Australia with an incredible all-star cast in a huge
Arena Spectacular show!

Grease – The Arena Spectacular will thrill and delight
audiences with an amazing celebrity line-up including
Australian music icon John Farnham
(as Teen Angel), comedy superstar Magda Szubanski
(as Miss Lynch), the sensational Craig McLachlan
(as Danny), Neighbours star Natalie Bassingthwaighte
(as Sandy), Australian television personality Richard
Wilkins (as Vince Fontaine), Human Nature’s Toby Allen
(as Kenickie), musical theatre sensation Tamsin Carroll
(as Rizzo), and Australian Idols Rob Mills
(as Johnny Casino) and Courtney Murphy (as Roger).

Grease is the story of Rydell High – where the cars are cool,
the ladies are pink, slicked back hair rules and rock ‘n’ roll
is here to stay. Set in 1950’s America, Grease tells the
story of clean cut Sandy and leather-jacketed Greaser
Danny Zuko, who experience summer love,
and then nearly lose it all in this fun-filled
teen-dream extravaganza.

See Concert Page for Show details.
07.05.05

Bruce Springsteen 1 On The Bill Board 200
At No.1 In 10 Countries, Including The United States

Just as some people thought that Bruce Springsteen had retired,
he has managed to make a huge comeback!

His Devils & Dust will enter Billboard's Top 200 albums chart at
the top spot next week. The new album will also debut at number
one in Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Germany,
The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Devils & Dust has earned outstanding reviews from critics and fans
alike. Rolling Stone wrote, "Devils & Dust' sparkles in the right
places like stars in a clear Plains sky," while People Magazine
exclaimed, "Springsteen has hit another bull's-eye." Meanwhile,
Entertainment Weekly stated, "When it comes to combining a
literary quality with a colloquial voice, nobody does it better."
The LA Times declared, "The CD is filled with the compassion
and craft that have made Springsteen such an invaluable figure in rock."

Columbia Records released Devils & Dust in Dual Disc format
on April 26. 05.05.05

Trelise Cooper Does New Zealand Fashion Proud at
Australian Fashion Week

NZ's Trelise Cooper Designs

New Zealand designer, Trelise Cooper wowed the
international buyers and media at Sydney's
Billich Gallery on Monday !

Cooper's signature lingerie created great comments from
the show attendants including Jane Claire's executive
editor- Jane Roarty. Jane described Cooper's designs
as 'more than a label...it is an attitude'.

A retail giant from London, Selfridges, was equally
impressed by her lingerie!

Trelise Cooper- brand cushions were seen along the first
two rows ,were stuffed into handbags
at the conclusion of the show. 03.05.05

Australia's Golden Boy Three Times Gold Logie Winner

Australia's golden boy, Rove McManus won the TV Week
Gold Logie for the third time year running.
New Zealanders simply love his show on Fridays.

Most Popular New Talent Female: Natalie Blair (Neighbours)

Most Popular New Talent Female: Natalie Blair (Neighbours)

Most Popular New Talent Male: Chris Hemsworth (Home and Away)

Most Outstanding Children's Program: Out There, Series Two.

TV Week Silver Logie Most Popular Actor: John Wood (Blue Heelers)

TV Week Silver Logie Most Popular Actress: Bec Cartwright (Home and Away)

Most Popular Sports Program: The Footy Show NRL

Most Outstanding Sports Coverage: Bob Jane T-Marts Bathurst 1000

Most Popular Lifestyle Program: Backyard Blitz