Blog Archive

Hayden Panettiere Applauds Obama’s Stand Against Icelandic Whaling

Hayden Panettiere has voiced her support for President Obama’s stance on Iceland’s whaling.

In 2006, Iceland resumed its whaling operations despite a moratorium on commercial whaling established by the International Whaling Commission in 1986. While many have criticized Obama for backing down on his campaign promises to protect whales and supporting efforts to lift the ban on commercial whaling, the president is now condemning Iceland’s disregard for the moratorium. According to the Associated Press, Obama’s administration “will cite Iceland under a domestic law that allows the president to act against foreign nationals or countries who flout international animal conservation rules.” The United States has now threatened political and trade sanctions against Iceland.

Hayden Panettiere, a vegetarian and spokesperson for The Whaleman Foundation‘s Save The Whales Again campaign, has said “We commend President Obama and his administration for taking this strong action against Iceland and its barbaric whaling industry…and we urge the President to take similar action against Japan and Norway as well!” Japan and Norway continue to whale, with Japan claiming that their hunt is for research purposes, however the Obama administration has said they are especially concerned with Iceland’s hunt of endangered fin whales and exporting of whale meat to pro-whaling countries.

Hayden has also gone to Japan in defense of dolphins. She was featured in the documentary The Cove, which brought light to the annual dolphin slaughter in Taiji. In 2007, she joined activists from Surfers for Cetaceans in a peaceful protest in the waters of the cove, before they were chased out by the dolphin hunters in boats. On her decision to stand up for whales and dolphins, the actress has said “because I am in the public eye I feel the need to be a voice of worthy and important causes whose efforts impact the lives of every person on Earth. These animals are being brutally and unnecessarily slaughtered – and who are we to say to they have less of a right to exist than we do.”

Hayden Panettiere commends President Obama for condemning Iceland whale hunt

Actress and vegetarian Hayden Panettiere has weighed in on the news that the U.S. government has officially condemned Iceland’s disregard for the global moratorium on whaling.

The former Heroes star applauded President Obama for taking a stand against the unnecessary and cruel practice that has been taking place since 2006 when Iceland resumed its annual whale hunt.

"We commend President Obama and his administration for taking this strong action against Iceland and its barbaric whaling industry…" said Hayden Panettiere, international spokesperson for the Save the Whales Again! Campaign and The Whaleman Foundation, "And we urge the President to take similar action against Japan and Norway as well!"
According to The Whaleman Foundation, the Obama administration “is citing Iceland under a domestic law called the Pelly Amendment that allows the president to act against foreign countries who defy international conservation laws and treaties.”

And considering the current political climate in the United States, it’s refreshing to see that President Obama followed through on a campaign promise he made during his 2008 run.

"When Hayden and I met with President Obama on the campaign trail back in January 2008, he said if he were elected president, he would take action against the whaling nations," said Jeff Pantukhoff, founder of The Whaleman Foundation and Save the Whales Again! Campaign. "We thank the President for keeping his word and taking this first bold step and we look forward to more bold moves from his administration to end commercial whaling once and for all!"

Iceland, Norway and Japan are the three remaining nations that still partake in commercial whaling.

Hayden Panettiere Meets Boyfriend Scotty McKnight's Family

There may be nothing more nerve-wracking than meeting the parents. Ask Gaylord Focker! That is exactly what Hayden Panettiere did recently with short-time boyfriend, Scotty McKnight. Who doesn't like to be pranced in front of the parents like an animal at auction, especially if you have only been dating the guy for a couple of weeks?
Actually, it probably is not that bad. Think, if Scotty did not believe Hayden was worthy to bring around his family, would he introduce her to them... just weeks into a relationship? The answer there is probably yes, too. Who wouldn't want to show off your hot celebrity girlfriend to your relatives?

According to TMZ, Hayden Panettiere accompanied McKnight to a special retirement party being thrown for his father. She apparently played with the kids a bit. Perhaps by playing with the kids, she was avoiding being on the receiving end of 20-questions with the adults.

Hayden was sure to get plenty of questions; however, as the couple went out for cocktails after the retirement bash. How did the McKnight family take Hayden Panettiere? It sounds like the actress got rave reviews, even after dating Scotty for such a short time.

Hayden Panettiere: Beverly Hills OnePiece Stop!

Hayden Panettiere makes her way back to her car after stopping by the OnePiece store in Beverly Hills on Friday (July 15).

The 21-year-old actress held onto her cell phone, sunglasses, and a shopping bag.

Emma Stone recently told Vanity Fair magazine that the worst moment during her career was losing a role to Hayden.
I could hear that, in the other room, a girl had just gone in and they were saying, ‘You are our pick … On a scale of 1 to 10 you’re an 11,” Emma said - that girl was Hayden. “I went home and just had this meltdown, I hit rock bottom.”

Hayden Panettiere's New Boyfriend Had Some Rage Issues In High School!

In Touch Weekly reports that Hayden Panettiere's new boyfriend, athlete Scotty Mcknight, has some dark secrets in his past that we hope have nothing to do with his present.

When Scotty Boy was in high school, he was suspended after writing a disturbing letter to one of his teachers. A source reveals that in his letter, Scotty threatened:
"I will cut off your feet … Smother you in gasoline and light your head on fire."

Whoa! Whoa! That's some scary shiz! And completely unwarranted at that!!!

The athlete doesn't deny the claim either, but claims it was an "error in judgement" brought on by his youth.

Hopefully he's grown out of it! That's some really unsettling stuff!

Hayden, honey? Are you alright???

Gone fishin'

fishin1


New line acting fussy.


It's been a very busy and productive summer this year. The one crummy bit has been the lousy Oregon weather. We have had a few nice days here and there, but this weekend, we finally had some real summer weather. I decided that Matt and I had to go do something that would maximize the weather so we went fishing. We went to the St. Louis Ponds, actually not too far from where we got married in '07. Perfect weather. Do you think we caught anything?

fishin2


fishin6


fishin7


Peaceful. I saw two big fish heads pop out of the water and I swore, a little turtle's head. :)


fishin5b


fishin5


Matt's the fishing expert.


fishin8


fishin9


Well... we didn't catch anything, but we sure had a great time and it was a good break from plugging and chugging away. By the way, 2012 is shaping up to be an amazing year. We have so much that we are working on but I can't tell you yet what it is, so I hope you can be patient and be sure to keep checking back throughout this next year!

'Stubborn' Megan goes it alone to put on alternative music extravaganza

Sunday July 31 2011

Megan Fox -- not the actress, but the daughter of nightclub owners Robbie and Martina Fox -- is launching a festival for "bands with balls" next month that will give Irish alternative acts a chance to bring their music to the masses.

The rising star has a number of alternative indie, rock and electro-pop bands lined up for the two-day music extravaganza, including Readers Wives, Kid Karate and A Plastic Rose.

The homegrown acts will take to the stage at Dublin's Crawdaddy on August 5 and 6. Speaking about the festival, entitled 'Crackity Jones Lost Weekend', Fox says: "Music has become a fashion accessory these days rather than something people believe in.

"I want to broaden people's minds and surprise them with what's out there."

And although her father is a close pal of MCD boss Denis Desmond, she is determined to succeed on her own: "I'm too stubborn to ask for help. I like doing my own thing," she says with a laugh.
Tickets on the door cost €10 for a day pass and €15 for the two-day line-up.

Veterans hit the road for shows

Country veterans Diarmuid O'Leary & The Bards take to the road in August, with shows in: Talk of the Town, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow on Saturday, August 13; Regency Hotel, Whitehall, Dublin, on Saturday, August 20; and the Central Hotel, Donegal Town, on Saturday, August 27.

Fastest ferry to France on Horizon

Celtic Link Ferries has announced that a new vessel, the Celtic Horizon, will travel between Rosslare and Cherbourg, France. Celtic Horizon, which is launching this October, will be the newest and fastest vessel sailing the busy sea route and the only ship with a 12-month service.

Students protected if courses go bust

A bond system to protect more than 100,000 students who have no comeback if those providing courses in further and higher education go out of business will be introduced by Irish Course Providers Association (ICPA).

The ICPA's inaugural council meeting last week decided to put in place a fund for members offering courses lasting at least three months. The fund will indemnify students if any member ceases trading or is unable, for whatever reason, to finish or even deliver an enrolled course.
The ICPA (formed six weeks ago and already with 100 members) is seeking a meeting with Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn to get his department's support, and that of Fetac and Hetac for the bond scheme.

Currently private course providers, offering Fetac or Hetac courses of three months' duration or more, must get a guarantee from two other registered providers that, in the event of the course provider going out of business, they will take over and guarantee to finish out the course.

Prize Bonds' €1m jackpot goes north

A Monaghan resident last week won €1m in August's Prize Bonds Millionaire draw. In addition, more than 7,400 other Prize Bond holders across the country won prizes worth €1.5m. The winning bond number is NA 301751 and it was bought last year.

In addition to the €1m awarded every month, there are weekly draws with a top prize of €20,000, five prizes of €1,000, 10 prizes of €250 and over 7,400 prizes of €75.

Megan Fox Does Elle And Talks Beauty, Diet and Exercise

Hair color: I always wanted to be blonde when I was little, like Barbie and Pamela Anderson, but it would really damage my hair. It was exotic to me, as my entire family has dark hair. If I did it, I would go white- blonde- really platinum.

No cardio: Sport gives me positive energy so I exercise everyday with my trainer, Harley Pasternak. Each circuit is 45 minutes long and I lift weights but never do cardio

No diet: I eat five times a day and don’t diet, but I do eat healthily- mostly raw and vegan food, with no dairy. It’s not always possible with travel and filming, but I try. I also take supplements like silica and fish oil religiously.
Makeup: I try to keep my make-up fresh, clean and pretty on the red carpet. My signature look is red lipstick worn with plain eyes, so I apply a light foundation, then on my cheeks I use blush or sometimes the same lipstick that I’m wearing. Giorgio Armani Rouge d’Armani Lipstick in 400, £23, contrasts well with my pale complexion and dark hair.

No makeup: Even when I’m working I don’t like wearing too much make-up, but when I’m on my own I go bare-faced as I like to give my skin a rest.

… says Megan in Elle Magazine, while posing for the cameras.

I Don't Have Botox!

That's one way to silence your critics!

Proving she's naturally beautiful, Megan Fox uploaded a series of photos to her official Facebook page Thursday. Filed in the album "Things You Can't Do With Your Face When You Have Botox," the Jonah Hex actress furrows her brow and points out naturally occurring lines in her forehead.

In June 2010, Fox told Allure magazine that she would never get cosmetic enhancements to improve her looks. "My lips are my lips," she said, denying the use of Botox to create her perfect pout.
"I would encourage anyone to first speak with a therapist, to try and figure out where this want comes from, because a lot of times it's not related to your teeth or your nose or your chin," Fox added. "The surgery is not going to alleviate that insecurity for you."

Fox, 25, isn't the first celebrity to use Facebook to dispel rumors about cosmetic enhancements. Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher posted similar pictures in August 2010 to prove that she's filler-free.

Megan Fox Under Fire for No-Botox Claim

Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. And sometimes it isn't. Case in point: Last week, Megan Fox posted a series of photos on her Facebook page with the caption "Things You Can't Do With Your Face When You Have Botox." But the 25-year-old starlet's attempts to prove that she can, in fact, express human emotion have raised the eyebrows of a few medical professionals.

Doctors dispute Megan Fox no-Botox photos

Cosmetic doctors dispute the claim by actress Megan Fox that photos she published last week are proof that she is not using Botox.

Some doctors said the photos show a face in which the effects of Botox injections are slowly wearing off. Many others said one photo (top left) displays such unnatural wrinkle patterns that the image apparently has been digitally altered.
“Looks like Megan is just as talented with Photoshop as she is in entertainment,” said plastic surgeon and blogger Dr. Nicholas Vendemia of New York. “Those lines on her forehead are totally fake. … Muscles in the forehead and brow simply don’t create curved wrinkles like that. The wrinkles Megan is showing us don’t coincide with brow anatomy, nor do they match the facial expression she is making.”

Dermatologist Dr. Vince Afsahi of Tustin and Newport Beach said, “The photo looks altered. The muscles in the forehead do not usually create an arc-like pattern seen in the photo. … Anatomically [it] does not make sense.”

Dermatologic surgeon Dr. David Sire of Fullerton said, “I have never seen the frontalis [forehead] muscle do this unless the muscle was surgically cut. It appears as if she is frowning and elevating her brow at the same time. Quite a feat!”

Megan Fox out at Armani

Megan Fox is out at Armani.

The blue-eyed beauty who smoldered while selling everything from perfume, jeans, underwear and makeup for the Italian luxury brand will be replaced by pop singer Rihanna, according to Women's Wear Daily.
The voluptuous star will strip to her skivvies to appear in the fall-winter 2011-2012 Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans ad campaigns.

She took to her twitter account to share the good news with her fans.

"U would NEVER guess what I'm doing right now!!! Hint Hint #Armani," the risqu singer tweeted before the official announcement was made. "Today is SO MUCH fun!!! We still goin... BIG day #EmporioArmani," she wrote.

Megan Fox looks like she uses Botox

Megan Fox recently uploaded new photos in her Facebook profile to prove that she was not using Botox. However, the wind is blowing in the opposite direction.

Doctors and cosmetic experts, who saw the pictures, say that Megan’s wrinkles actually indicate Botox use.

“The wrinkles that start horizontally in the middle of her forehead and curve down towards her eyebrows don't exist in anyone,” explained Dr. Nicholas Vendemia to the High Society Plastic Surgery.

Hair Update: July 2011

What have I learned about my hair this month?


I have learned that my hair likes being in a consistent routine. It has taken me two years but I have finally nailed down a consistent regimen that I stick to.

I also learned how I had forgotten that my hair likes a good ole hot oil treatment. When I did this two weeks ago, I washed my hair, applied the hot oil treatment, pulled my hair into a bun for outreach - then rinsed it out and conditioned 2-3 hours later when I got home. My hair was soft and very moisturized. I will try to do this bi-monthly. For my hot oil treatments I use:

  • Water
  • Honey
  • Olive oil
  • Lime Juice


I am also learning that I can do what I need to do with my hair in an efficient way. It doesn’t have to be in all one session and it doesn’t need to take 6 hours! I have been able to nail my shampoo down to 10 minutes (a good thorough shampoo). It goes so fast because I section my hair and use an applicator bottle.

Conditioning and detangling in the shower takes roughly 7-10 minutes with the Giovanni conditioner. Deep conditioning takes the longest at 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, I will be purchasing a dryer cap.


This will shorten my deep conditioning time from 15-20 minutes! I am all about time management these days.

What new products have I used?

Giovanni 50/50 hydrating-calming conditioner.It is marvelous! You can read the product review to see how this product works. I have made a goal not to purchase any new products until I use up what I have, so I have only used one new product!

What new products do I have my eyes on?

I have my eyes on a new shampoo but I am not sure which one! I am still researching. In addition, when I run out of my bioinfusion leave in conditioner I will be purchasing Giovanni triple threat leave in conditioner. I am so pleased with the conditioner that I want the leave in too :)


Have I noticed any growth?

Yes I have. It isn’t even significant to me until I look at old pictures. I must say that moreso than noticing growth, I have noticed a change in my hair health. My hair is very healthy!

Advice for the month?

Get your hair in a routine and regimen. You , and your tresses, will be much happier with life.

Dark and Lovely Model Search online casting call!

I received quite a number of responses when I posted the media alert from the Pantene Model search. Unfortunately, that search was a live casting call in New Orleans which meant that many of you interested weren't able to enter.

Well here's your chance to submit your online entry to SoftSheen-Carson's Next Dark and Lovely Fashionista. The contest ends August 8. For those of you who dismiss entering the contest, think back to the feature I did on Najah who simply submitted her picture online for a similar model search and was selected!

Prizes for this contest include:

1rst Place: A trip to NYC for two, a $5,000 dollar shopping spree, a hair makeover by Softsheen stylists and an ad in Essence Magazine.

Five 2nd Place winners will receive $1,000 gift card and new Dark and Lovely products.

Twenty-five 3rd place winners will receive a Dark and Lovely gift pack.




***MEDIA ALERT***MEDIA ALERT***MEDIA ALERT***

SoftSheen-Carson® & ESSENCE Magazine Landed in Atlanta To Search for the NEXT Dark and Lovely Fashionista

Special Guest Panelists: Bria Murphy (Dark and Lovely Brand Ambassador), Johnny Wright (Celebrity Hairstylist and SoftSheen-Carson Artistic Director), and Kandi Burruss (Grammy Award Winning Singer/Songwriter & Reality TV Star of Atlanta Housewives)


WHAT: Once again, SoftSheen-Carson® Dark and Lovely® partnered with ESSENCE magazine to search for their next Dark and Lovely Fashionista. The Dark and Lovely Fashionista Model Search started off with a live casting event hosted by Dark and Lovely’s very own Brand Ambassador Bria Murphy and followed with a lively panel discussion. The winner of the 2011 Dark and Lovely Fashionista Model Search will win a trip for two to New York City, as well as a hair makeover by SoftSheen-Carson’s Artistic Director and Celebrity Hairstylist Johnny Wright, plus a $5,000 shopping spree with Celebrity Stylist Carlton Jones.

The live casting call also included an exciting and amusing panel discussion covering the hottest topics on beauty and fashion. Panelists included: Bria Murphy (Dark and Lovely Brand Ambassador), Johnny Wright (SoftSheen-Carson Artistic Style Director and Celebrity Hairstylist to First Lady Michelle Obama), Corynne Corbett (ESSENCE, Beauty Director), Carlton Jones (Celebrity Stylist), and Kandi Burruss (Grammy Award Winning Singer/Songwriter). The participating contestants spoke with our panelists, had their photo taken on site and were asked to express to the panelists Why they are Dark and Lovely?


The contest began May 24, 2011 and ends on August 8, 2011.

Ready to enter? Please visit their website for details


Chronicles of a Natural Apostolic: Raw Shea Butter Part I

This is just part one of my personal exploration with raw shea butter... enjoy!

Hello there my loves. I am very excited because today I made my first raw shea butter purchase!

It has been something I have been wanting to do for a long time, but I was confused about what to buy, where to buy it, what was too expensive, too cheap, real, fake... etc! However, I have been doing some research about shea butter and I would like to share it with you.

Beginnings of my decisions:

For one, as many of you know, I have 4C hair. My hair is very kinky (I don't use that word in a negative way) and frizzy. So I battle with frizz and dryness. I had gotten my dry scalp under great control, however it has been coming back lately.

To be honest, my hair has been very frustrating to me as of late. I feel like just when I had everything nailed down, my hair began to rebel and not like what I am doing. So I know something needs to change. To get some ideas and help, I began to search natural blogs and youtube channels to see what naturals with a hair type similar to mine use. What do you know? Almost every single one of them use Shea butter. So I decided to look more into this product...

My research...

  • What is Shea Butter? It is a natural fat taken from the nut of the Karite African Shea tree. It is then prepared by cracking, roasting, grinding, crushing and separating the oils.
  • What are the benefits when it is RAW? It contains minerals and vitamins such as vitamin A and E. In addition it contains essential fatty acids. In addition it is not processed and therefore contains no added chemicals. It is all natural, literally :)
  • How does it benefit hair? It is said to give moisture to dry or damaged hair. It protects against weather damaged hair and repairs dry and brittle hair. It also restores luster to dull hair. In addition, it is quickly absorbed into the scalp to hydrate without clogging pores on your scalp
How did this knowledge influence my decision to purchase this product?
My hair is getting longer, I am becoming more educated, and I want to do everything I can to keep my hair healthy. So I decided that I am going to back away from "processed" products and opt for a more natural regimen. I will be using up the rest of what I have, but after that is gone, I will be going as natural as possible in regards to my products.
 
Where did you buy it?
 
I purchased mine online at amazon.com though the vendor Nature and Herb. They have a 100% positive rating over the last 12 months out of 7031 ratings. According to their product description,
 
"This is the raw and unprocessed Shea butter. It may be lumpy and hard. You can rub it on your hands and apply it directly on the skin. If it is not soft enough for you, you can put it into the microwave and heat it for a couple minutes. It will become soft.
 
Golden Shea butter is the classic Shea butter many are familiar with. It is yellow in color, has a fairly strong smokey order and is imported from the African nation of Ghana.."
 
I paid $5.99 and shipping was free! I should be getting it in the mail sometimes next week. Stay tuned for an update on how I like it :)

Challenge of the Month, August 2011: Start a Natural Apostolic Blog

START A NATURAL APOSTOLIC HAIR BLOG!!

I know, thats  big one right?

 BUT, we need a group of girls committed to helping. I will give you several reasons why!

  1. I am excited to be one of the first, but I don't know it all.
  2. Some of you have great and bright ideas, hairstyles, different products, regimens, etc.
  3. I want to hear about your ideas and experiences and so do many other natural pentecostals.
  4. We are bombarded with ideas from the world, why don't we create a spiritual atmosphere where we celebrate our hair as our glory rather than our idol? An atmosphere where we don't feel pressured to cut our precious glory?
  5. You can influence the girls in your church, the girls in your areas, your circle of friends. It will spread like wildfire trust me!
  6. Do it to impact apostolic girls with natural hair in general! I started with no one even knowing me, now every conference I go to, I have girls thanking me. This works and it helps. They are amazed that natural hair can be so pretty, healthy and stylish. You can make a difference.
  7. Educate others. Most black girls really just don't know that they are harming their hair. They are honestly just doing what they know or have read.
  8. You can be the one who turns them away from a relaxer, excess heat and breakage!

Anyone with me?

I will be your FIRST follower!! :)

hair style man 2011