America We Love You, But - A Canadian View

America we love you. We have always loved you. (well, at least since the war of 1812!) We are your biggest supporters, loyal and faithful on a host of issues from defense, humanitarian missions, and the economy. Both countries believe in democracy, free markets and the rule of law and we have more in common, than you do with most other countries in the world. We have a symbiotic relationship economically. We are by far each others biggest trading partner, 20 % of all USA trade is with Canada, (almost 500 billion annually and more than all 27 European countries combined). We vacation there in numbers greater than all other nations combined. We aspire to send our children to your many outstanding universities. We have been there for you whenever you needed us (well not for Bush's Iraq war, but with full force in Korea, Bosnia and Afghanistan). We welcomed and sheltered in our homes, thousands of your citizens stranded in the 9/11 crisis. We rescued your diplomats in a secret mission during Iranian Revolution. We back almost every one of your United Nations initiatives. You gas up your cars on our oil (Canada is your largest oil supplier). We heat your homes (90% of our vast gas production goes to the USA, and we provide you with 30bkwh more electricity than we import.

No two countries have a stranger relationship. As Pierre Trudeau once said "Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every twitch and grunt." Margaret Atwood described our border as the longest one way mirror.

Songs By Justin Bieber

We are still almost connected by an umbilical cord. You talk to each other on our blackberries and travel on our planes and trains and snowmobiles (Bombardier). Most of you were raised on our Pablum. We soak up and love your vast entertainment offerings: movies and TV in far greater usage than we do of our own media production, though we have contributed our share to your movie-making expertise with Canadians like Jack Warner, Louis B. Mayer, Norman Jewison, James Cameron, Denys Arcand and David Cronenberg. We make you laugh with our endless supply of comedians ( we are a very funny people) from Michel J. fox, Jim Carey, Martin short, Mike Myers, Leslie Neilson, Samantha Bee, to name just a few of our endless supply of comics. We disproportionately provide you with our finest talents from architecture,-- Frank Gehry, A.J Diamond, to Literature, -- Alice Munro, Michael Ondaatje and Margaret Atwood; to music -- Diana Krall, Oscar Peterson, Justin Bieber, Neil young, Alanis Morriset, Glen Gould, Shania twain, Joni Mitchell, Bryan Adams, Celine Dionne, and KD Lang to name just a few. Our intellects frame your critical discussions from Marshall McLu han, Northrop Frye to John Kenneth Galbraith. You watch TV news through the eyes of many of our own camera broadcasters like Morley Safer, CBS, the late Peter Jennings, ABC, Robert McNeil of the McNeil Lehrer Report, PBS, and John Roberts and Ali Velshi of CNN. Yes, although we are bombarded and love your news and entertainment industry we are still tied to it with our own small connections.

The unrelenting influx of American media to our country has caused many of our commentators to lament our Americanization. Michael Bliss, historian summed up his lament when he said "what strikes me is that we are becoming more similar to the American in our culture and in our values". And polls tended to support him. An EKOS Reid poll showed that 58% of Canadian felt we were becoming more American and only 9% felt we were becoming more distinct (National Post, 2002, Jan 18 p. b1). And Jeffrey Simpson in the Star Spangled Canadians wrote: "Canadians whether they like or acknowledge it, are becoming more like Americans.... (Globe and Mail, 2000)

But nothing could be further from the truth. We have evolved in a very different way! We are a very different people.

We love you America, but we do not understand you. How can a continent inhabited by the same gene pool produce such different societies? We share the same origins of native north Americans, French, English and Spanish original colonists, followed by wave upon wave of Poles Italians Finns and every other European immigrants as well as from all corners of Asia, sharing the same general climate (the vast majority of Canadians live south of Minnesota Montana and Washington) we share the same American media outlets and magazines.

We are like brothers sharing the same bedroom, the same parents, but people ask "how can those boys be so different. "

Most Canadians can't understand that the richest country in the world has the highest levels of income inequality among high income countries. Over the past 20-30 years Americans have also experienced the greatest increase in income inequality among rich nations (T. Smeeding Wikipedia) Even Alan Greenspan, June 2005 lamented this situation: "As I've often said... this [increasing income inequality] is not the type of thing which a democratic society-a capitalist democratic society-can really accept without addressing."

America has the highest child poverty rates in the modern world, with 21.9% of the American children living in poverty, after taxes and benefits, compared with fewer than 4% in Finland and other European countries. In Canada we lament our shameful 12 % child poverty rate, (especially when the government passed legislation promising to eliminate child poverty by 2000!) United States is at the bottom of the list along with Mexico. One million of your children are homeless, more than at any time since the great depression. (Teaching Education, Vol. 15, No. 1, March 2004)

The gap in poverty rates in the US, between men & women is wider than anywhere else in the Western world. The poverty rates are highest for families headed by single women. It is well known that "In countries where mothers do well, children do well,"

In the recent healthcare debate, Canadians shook our heads in dismay at the misrepresentation of our universal healthcare system. All the media threatened Americans with the dangers of Canadian style healthcare. Fox news and others, scoured the country for a Canadian willing to berate our system while the vast majority of polls in Canada have consistently reported that the two things Canadians are most proud of, are our health system and our policy of multiculturalism. When we held a national search for our greatest Canadian, Tommy Douglas the father or our universal health care hands down as our greatest Canadian (grandfather of Keifer Sutherland of 24 Fame), outscoring our national founder, Sir John A Macdonald. Americans spent 1 ½ times more on health care per capita than Canada and still 30 million Americans received none of it.

We don't understand how the richest country in the world is still the only modern economy without universal health care and we are saddened that even today the majority of Americans are not in favour of Obamacare and it is being threatened in courts across the country and berated by the Tea party advocates.
It is not surprising then, that we have a higher longevity rate (Canada is 81 years, to your 78 years) and a lower infant mortality rate. We can see why the richest country in the world has the second worst infant mortality rate among industrialized countries. American babies are three times more likely to die in their first month, as children born in Japan, and newborn mortality is 2.5 times higher in the United States than in Finland, Iceland or Norway, The United States, is tied near the bottom of industrialized nations along with Hungary, Malta, Poland and Slovakia with five deaths per 1,000 births. Our life expectancy is higher and our infant mortality rate is significantly lower than yours. Thanks to our healthcare system!

We also do not understand how such an advanced and cultured nation has more people in prison, per capita, than any other country in the world, more than China, more than Iran, more than many oppressive dictatorships. You have more than 1 in 100 adults now confined in an American jails or prison. The United States has 5% of the world's population and 25% of the world's incarcerated population. Canada has no death penalty.

While Canadians too, are proud gun owners, you have by far the highest rate of gun deaths -- murders, suicides and accidents -- among the world's 36 richest nations. Gun related deaths of 14 per 100,000 in the USA compared with 5 per 100,000 in CANADA. You have three times as many murders per capita and 5 times as many gun murders.

We do not understand why when you have the most outstanding University system in the world with graduate schools that are the envy of all nations, and a nation bursting with creativity, inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs, where more is spent on education per capita than any other country, but yet your students perform so poorly in international comparisons. In the recent PISA results conducted by OECD of 65 nations, Canada ranked third as a country overall, behind Korea and Finland (three Asian cites led the pack) while the United States ranked 23 or 24th in most subjects. We in Canada, significantly, had the narrowest gap in achievement between student from low income homes and high income homes of any of the 65 countries studied, and we continue to have the highest rates of university attendance of college age students of any country in the world. We also attract into our teaching force candidates from the top third of university grads while the USA and UK for example, attract teachers from the lowest third of graduates.

We differ markedly in our sexual attitudes as well. American soldiers have fought along openly gay Canadian soldiers since the start of the afghan war. Canada was one of the first nations to permit openly gay soldiers fight for their country. Twice as many couples are co-habiting in Canada than in America and gay marriage was legalized in 1995.; Canada has also legalized gay marriage since 1995.

Just a few other examples in attitudes and values; your car is far more important to your style and image than for Canadians; you work longer hours and take fewer holidays. Dougklas Adams research(Fire and Ice) continues to reveal theses stark differences, which continue to widen in our political attitudes, differences in church attendance, in consumption, differences in our attitudes to authority, spirituality, even the look and feel of our cities.

We also face many problems and there are many skeletons in our closet: Our shameful treatment of Native Canadians and our history of intolerance (One Jew is Too Many, 1944!) reveal regrettable incidents in our history. We too, incarcerated Japanese in World War II, for example, as well as Ukrainians in WWI. We are not proud of our environmental record. Our 12 % child poverty rate is a prevailing embarrassment to all Canadians.

But we have evolved as a very liberal nation. In the recent American election, polls in Canada showed that 83% of Canadians, if given the vote, would have voted for Obama and even among conservative voters 58 % would have voted for him, prompting Jon Stewart of "The Daily Show" to say the closest example of Canadian conservative voters in American politics would be the gays for Ralph Nader party!
Several authors remind us of our most famous founding phrases. The American Revolution in the Declaration of Independence proclaimed a defining goal and attribute of the American way as, "life liberty and the pursuit of happiness", while Canada followed with the words that form the heart of our confederation in the Constitution Act of 1867, "peace order and good government". What markedly different national cultures and identities evolve out such a few words. Could it be so simple?

America We Love You, But - A Canadian View

Jerry Diakiw I am on the Faculty of Education, York University in Toronto. I am a retired School Superintendent with the York Region Board of Education. I have written widely on the school's role in promoting, debating and discussing Canadian culture and identity.

Dr Jerry Diakiw
York University
Faculty of Education
905 887 8261 email jdiakiw@edu,yorku.ca

Musicians Play Muse to Fashion's Finest

Fashion and music are two worlds completely intertwined. Rock royalty has inspired many top designer collections throughout the varying seasons. These rock rebels have motivated designers from emerging to established fashion houses to develop a look meant to capture the essence of the music these maestros create. From Versace's ad campaign inspired by song bird Christina Aguilera to H&M who used Madonna as their most coveted poster child, many big name heavy hitters in the design world that have used musicians as their muse for their designs. Modern and inventive, risky and risqué, a musicians image and lyrical genius can facilitate a natural desire for most to want to consume and feed-off their sounds and energy. This article takes a look at several edgy musicians including David Bowie, Rihanna, the SEX Pistols, Christina Aguilera and Madonna who have influenced high-end haute fashion.

Gucci, inspired by David Bowie
Born in Brixton London, David Bowie is one of the most influential writers in pop music, a musical mastermind that has created sounds to keep us guessing for decades. Bowie spent much of his early days struggling to create his art and it was not until 1972, when he released "Ziggy Stardust" did he send tails wagging with his space age, rock star concepts and styling. Utilizing such strong images as gender dysfunction, Armageddon, confusion, and destruction of fame to tell stories and present alter egos to entertain and question standards of the norm for both the sound and image of an artist. For Fall 2006, Gucci designer Frida Giannini presented a collection inspired by Bowie's own unique styling. The collection used space dyed minis, gold lame, velvet pantsuits, skinny pants and beading to create a collection both strong in concept but androgynously rock and roll in feel. The designs were incorporated fun seventies styling matched with modern tailoring and taste that Gucci is known for.

Songs By Justin

DSquared2, inspired by Rihanna
In September of 2007 budding sound siren Rihanna graced the runway stage of twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten's DSquared2 Spring 2008 collection in Milan. Rihanna, who was thrust into the whirlwind that is the music business in 2005 has garnered much acclaim for her third and most recent album, "Good Girl Gone Bad," making her a perfect muse for the DSquared duo, who are known for creating "explosive energy and sex appeal" in their designs and on the runway. With heavy hitters like Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Lenny Kravitz, Fergie and Christina Aguilera wearing their garments, they must be doing something right. Their shows always offer excitement and spectacle with themes such as the Wild West, men's locker room, foxhunts, homelessness, and drag car racing.

Vivienne Westwood, inspired by the SEX Pistols
Vivienne Westwood has become a household name worn by big name celebrities and seen in on the screen in blockbusters like "Sex And The City, The Movie." Westwood, an English designer, began her career during the 1970s London punk movement where she gained notoriety for questioning the norms of fashion and the feminine form. Her designs where given credibility when one time manger Malcom McLaren introduced her designs famed band the SEX Pistols. Well all it took was a simple t-shirt from Westwood's shop with the words, "Let It Rock" to start a new movement in punk rock fashion. Both provocative and fun, dangerous and loud the SEX Pistols and Vivienne Westwood continue to shock society, Westwood continues to create, beautiful thought provoking ensembles, whereas the surviving members of the SEX Pistols continue to tick everyone off. On February 24, 2006 the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, and instead of attending and accepting the honor the band members refused to attend the ceremony calling it "A piss stain."

Jean Paul Gaultier, inspired by Madonna
When Madonna infamously walked the catwalk of John Paul Gaultier in the 90s wearing little more then some bondage lingerie pushing a baby carriage, history was made. Images of Madonna's naked chest caused more pandemonium and controversy than the two had probably anticipated and it worked wonderfully for the pair who is now known for causing media madness and shocking the masses. Both artists have remained in each other's good graces, supporting each other in their creative endeavors over the years. Gaultier created or rather produced and sculpted the costumes for Madonna's "Blonde Ambition Tour," and then later designed the garments for her 2006 "Confessions Tour."

Versace, inspired by Christina Aguilera
In 2003 Christina Aguilera was honored as the spokes-model and face of Versace. Aguilera appeared in Versace print and television campaigns. In a statement in made to People Magazine, Donatella Versace gushed why she chose Christina Aguilera as the face of Versace, "I watch the videos of Christina and I always die! She is a great dancer, a great singer and her voice is amazing. I always hoped I could do something with her, but I wanted to be friends first -- that is the most important thing for me." Aguilera is known for her controversial style and blunt in your face sex appeal as seen in videos like "Dirty". However, the most controversial move made by a musician can give birth to tasteful, fun, fabulous fashion, with a little edge. In this way the most shocking looks and behavior can give birth to a new version of the classic, a twist on the traditional, in short, modern styles with an edgy, a saucy sensual look, which Versace is known for.

Musicians Play Muse to Fashion's Finest

Kristine Hartman
Creative Director
http://www.fashionqanda.com
877-STYL-411

Become Famous

If you are reading this, it's probably your dream to become famous one day. But becoming famous is not as hard as everyone makes to be.

The hard part is keeping that celebrity status.

All Songs By Justin Bieber

Go on any Social Media site like YouTube and you will see people becoming celebrities overnight by doing almost anything.

Just look at someone like Antoine Dodson (if you are reading this article, you should know who he is, but if you don't, just Google him). Due to the popularity of his video, his interview resulted in an Auto-Tuned song that has sold thousands of copies on iTunes and appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 list. Adding to that, even an iPhone app was created after him.

That is all good and what not, he became somewhat rich, and got some spotlight, but that's as far he was able to go.

When was the last time you heard of him?

So if it is your goal to JUST become famous and be forgotten about within a month, then skip to the end of the article. But if you want to become famous and retain your celebrity status keep on reading.

In order to become famous and at the same time grow on your newly acquired celebrity status, you need to do the following:

Step 1: Create a Celebrity Image
Step 2: Find Your It Factor or Decide on a Reputation
Step 3: Get Exposure

Now remember, this is only a tiny preview of what becoming famous is all about, you can't possible fit a complete "how to become famous guide" in a small article such as this one.

Step 1: Create a Celebrity Image

Becoming famous is much more than just showing to the world who you are, it's beyond just promoting yourself. What is much more important is how you present yourself.

It does go to show that you don't need to promote as much if people already talk about you.

The question of course is how do you get them to talk about you?

Do something remarkable. Be remarkable.

This is where your Celebrity Image comes in.

To better explain what a "Celebrity Image" is, let's take a look at Lady Gaga.

What do you think happens to Lady Gaga when she goes home to relax?

She becomes Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, her real name. She doesn't come home and watch TV in her "Meat Costume," which she wore at the MTV Video Music Awards, instead she probably puts some sweat pants on and just chills.

So what you see on TV is not Stefani Germanotta but a Celebrity Image she has created called Lady Gaga.

There is a reason why it is called the entertainment business. Being a celebrity is all about entertaining the public, your fans.

So just like Lady Gaga and many other celebrities you need to create a Celebrity Image for the public to see and for you to stand out.

The two most important factors in creating a Celebrity Image are: Your Stage Name and Your Unique Look.

Your Stage Name: Every famous person has it. When was the last time you heard the real name of Pink (Alecia Beth Moore) or Katy Perry (Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson) or Eminem (Marshall Bruce Mathers III)? I think never.

A name has great power in it, it defines you aka it defines your Celebrity Image. Choose it carefully, because it will stick with you.

Your Unique Look: As a celebrity you always need to stand out, you need to attract attention to yourself and seem more colorful and brighter than everyone else.

I can't over emphasize how having a Unique Look can make or break your Celebrity Career.

If you listen to electro or house music you probably know who Deadmau5 is. He is a DJ and his music niche is so overpopulated with other DJs, that it is almost impossible to become famous, because of the high competition, no matter how good you are.

But he found a way to be unique: he wears a costume - a giant mouse head. This costume makes him
stand out from the crowd.

Yes, of course his music is great, but the fact that he has a giant mouse head makes him stand out from all the other DJs who are as good as he is.

Now I'm not saying "have a costume or wear a giant mouse head," but instead find a way to stand out with Your Unique Look.

Step 2: Find Your It Factor or Decide on a Reputation

After you have decided on a Celebrity Image, you need to give people a reason to follow you. This is where either your It Factor or Reputation comes in.

If you chose people to follow you through your It Factor you would either find a talent of yours, or highlight a talent you may already have. Something along the lines of: Can You Be The Best at Something? Can You Do Something Noteworthy? Can You Be The First at Something?

As an example you can take Justin Bieber and Rihanna, who's It Factor is singing, and was the main reason they became famous

On the other hand becoming famous through your Reputation is a little bit different.

To better understand what Reputation is all about, take for example Paris Hilton. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of her? Probably partying. She is known around the world mostly because of being a party girl. Her reputation is being a party girl.

Of course the most popular Reputation of all is being a party person, but don't be mistaken. There are many other different reputations to choose from.

But it is not easy to gain a Reputation, because it is gained over time. It's not a one night thing. You will need to grow it, reinforcing it with every action you do. But once you accomplish it, a solid reputation will increase your presence and exaggerate your strengths, without your having to spend much energy. It will be hard but it's possible. Paris Hilton is living proof of that.

By completing Step 1 and Step 2 you should be able to captivate audiences and grow on your celebrity status as you have clearly defined what Your Celebrity Image will be and what your It Factor or Reputation will be. Now comes the part where you actually show to the world who you are.

Step 3: Exposure

There 4 Main Ways to Get Exposure aka to get noticed are:
1. Social Media and Social Networking websites.
2. Write about your life
3. Become friends with another Celebrity
4. Participate in a Reality Show

Social Media and Social Networking Websites

Websites like YouTube, Tweeter, Facebook provide an excellent opportunity to get the word out about your Celebrity Image. Unfortunately, many people don't have a clue how to use these tools properly and effectively in order to promote themselves.

Promoting your Celebrity Image through Social Media and Social Networking websites is an art of its own.

Write About Your Life

When it comes to writing, it is more or less your Autobiography. What have you done, your stories and so on. Take for example Tucker Max (Google Him). His autobiographical book I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell became a New York Times #1 bestseller. It has sold over one million copies worldwide. His book was subsequently made into a feature film of the same title.

Got an interesting or crazy life? Start writing about it, and who knows maybe your life will be made into a book and later even into a movie!

Become Friends With Another Celebrity

If you are seen partying along with Kim Kardashian or Paris Hilton you are sure to gain the same reputation and get some spotlight. That's a proven fact. Depending on the reputation you want to have, associate yourself with celebrities of the same reputation.

Now becoming friends with celebrities is a completely different story.

Participate in a Reality Show

You have seen it a million times, a person becomes famous just by appearing on a reality show. Just to a name a few: Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, Kate Gosselin and Speidi (Spencer and Heidi).

Like I said earlier this was only a tiny preview of what becoming famous is all about, you can't possible fit a complete "how to become famous guide" in a small article.

Become Famous

So if you really want to become famous, check out Destined For Fame, The Blueprint and take a firsthand look at the world's first and greatest How To Become Famous Guide, at http://www.DestinedForFame.com

Guitar Facts - 4 Types of Guitars

Since their origins in the ancient east almost 5000 years ago guitars have evolved into many shapes, sizes and styles. The modern guitar is most commonly found in four familiar forms, each most suited to the demands of players in different styles of music.

In this article we'll look at four kinds of guitar and their usual styles of music. Although there is little reason not to try a guitar in a style it's not usually associated with most players stick to the kind of guitar most suited to the style of music they wish to play. If you plan to learn guitar you will find it easiest if you choose an instrument suited to your preferred musical style.

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Nylon String Classical Guitar

Since Antonio Torres Jurado designed and built what is widely recognized as the first classical guitar in Seville in the mid nineteenth century the form of this instrument has changed little.

The classical guitar's familiar silhouette is defined by the balanced proportions of its rounded body. The top is often made of cedar which gives a soft warm sound while the sides and back are traditionally composed of rosewood.

Classical guitars possess wide necks suited to finger picking individual notes. The nylon strings, originally made from cat gut, are broader and softer than their steel string equivalents which make them easier on beginner fingers.

The guitar is most commonly used to play classical or flamenco guitar but is also found in folk, Latin and pop styles. The softer sound of nylon strings is favoured by many jazz guitarists.

The classical guitar's strings do not work well with bending techniques used in blues and rock music.

Steel String Acoustic Guitar

Steel strings for acoustic guitar were made popular by guitar builder C.F. Martin in the early 20th century. Martin moved to the USA from his native Germany in 1833 and used an X bracing system popular in America for the tops of his acoustic guitars.

Martin added steel strings in response to demands from players for louder guitars. The higher tension of the steel strings was supported by the stronger X bracing system used rather than the fan bracing more popular with European classical guitar builders at the time.

The steel string acoustic has evolved into a number of different shapes and sizes. The most common found today are concert, jumbo and dreadnought forms. All can be found in cutaway versions that allow easier access to the higher frets for soloing.

The steel string acoustic guitar has a flat top. Its neck is typically narrower and more rounded than classical guitars, although the width, profile and length of the neck vary depending on the guitar's intended purpose.

The steel string acoustic is one of the most versatile guitars and can be used to play just about any style. It is most commonly found in blues, folk, bluegrass, pop, rock and country music.

Hollow Body Electric Guitar

Despite steel strings, acoustic guitars were still not loud enough in large bands or noisy joints. But the arrival of electrified amplification in the 1930s created a real revolution for guitar players.

Electric guitars used a magnetic pickup fixed to the guitar's table to create a small current when the strings vibrated in its magnetic field. This current is then amplified by an external amplifier to produce sound.

Electric amplification gave guitars more volume and sustain. It also permitted use of lighter strings at lower tension which opened up lots of new playing techniques.

This kind of guitar is used in all modern styles but is most commonly associated with jazz, blues and rock 'n' roll.

Solid Body Electric Guitar

Early amplified guitars caused feedback problems because of their hollow body construction and loud playing volumes. Several builders developed guitars with solid bodies to overcome this problem.

The first successful commercial guitar of this type is the Fender Esquire, commercialized by Leo Fender in 1946. The Esquire became the Telecaster and Fender went on to create the legendary Stratocaster guitar in 1954.

These guitars use a solid piece of flat wood about an inch thick with a neck attached to it. The magnetic pickups are mounted in this solid piece of wood which vibrates less than the table of a hollow guitar to avoid feedback problems.

Names such as Fender with its Telecaster and Stratocaster and Gibson with its Les Paul model became icons of the rock era. These guitars are also used in many other styles such as the blues, funk, jazz, pop, country, just about anything in fact.

Guitar Facts - 4 Types of Guitars

Want to learn to play guitar? Take the next steps to becoming a better player? Gary Fletcher shares tips and lessons you can use at http://www.notplayingguitar.com.

How to Plan a Themed Birthday Party

Choosing a theme for your party

A successful themed party requires careful preparation. What's on the menu, the decoration of the venue and the guests' costumes all help to create the party atmosphere. Before you decide on your theme, think carefully about the practical ramifications of each option. For instance, if you choose a '60s or '70s theme, charity shops are a wonderful source of flares and tank-tops for costumes... and old "op-art" style furnishings and ornaments... all of which will create an authentic feel without breaking the bank.

All Songs By Justin Bieber

Live music is a wonderful scene-setter. Music of a particular style has an almost magical ability to evoke a time or place. When you're choosing your theme, do consider whether there is a "musical hook" to hang the party on.

The "world" experience as a party theme

If you opt for a country or a city as your theme, the right music gets you most of the way there. As soon as a West Indian steel band strikes up, the Caribbean comes to life before your eyes. American Bluegrass and Country and Western music gives you the feel of that great throbbing continent. Throw in a few cowboy hats and some bangers and beans and you're well on your way to a great night! If you're looking for a gritty, American city feel, the moment a Bluesman strides out with a real hot wailing riff, it's as if you're boogying in downtown Chicago.

If the carnival in Rio de Janeiro is the inspiration for your party, then Latin rhythm is on the agenda. The Bossa Nova and the Samba are imbued with the spirit of the place. The energy and excitement of the music reflects the seething undercurrents of that great metropolis. Light and lilting French Cafe Jazz gives you the atmosphere of Paris in Springtime... Laid-back mainstream Jazz takes you straight to sophisticated New York.

Africa... India... Ireland... Scotland... each continent and country has its own distinctive sound. The list is endless!

Making your party a "period piece"

Use the music of the time to create the authentic atmosphere of your chosen period. Each decade of the 20th century has its own distinctive sound. Looking for Edwardian opulence? A Palm Court piano trio sets the scene. Throw in some songs from the Music Hall of the period and you're back in the early 1900's. What about the Hollywood glamour of the 1930s? A Swing Jazz band, Sinatra-style, takes you back to the age of Al Capone. The sheer jumpin' and jivin' exuberance of the 1950s is there for all to see in the great Rock 'n' Roll classics of that decade. Listen to the music of The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones and you're right back in the 1960s... the era of Twiggy and Mary Quant.

If you want to take a journey further back, the elegance of Mozart or Strauss brings the glittering ballrooms of 18th and 19th century Europe into view, while a Bransle played on a lute or crumhorn takes you back to banquets held in great timbered halls in Medieval times. Whatever period you choose, there's a style of music that is particularly identified with it.

How to Plan a Themed Birthday Party

Jennie Evans runs Hop Till You Drop, a company that provides music of all styles and types for weddings, birthday parties and corporate events in the UK. To find out more about all aspects of wedding music planning and to get up-to-date info on live music for weddings in the UK, why don't you check out Wedding Music Services?

Jennie also runs Wedding Music Secret. It's the most comprehensive online resource for advice about wedding music and sourcing wedding bands in the UK.

How to Throw a Sweet 16 Party on a Budget

A sweet 16 birthday is a very important milestone in a girls life. This is the time when a young girl comes into woman hood. Sweet 16 birthdays are celebrated all over the world, are famous on television, and even have songs written about the occasion! Now the big question is... "How can I throw an amazing and unique sweet 16 party on a budget?"

The answer is...
It's easy! Just follow our step by step tips and tricks and you will be well on your way to throwing the best sweet 16 party ever! So let's begin with the basics. Let's take note of the plans you have so far. Grab a pen and paper and jot down some of the necessities.

Songs By Justin

Step 1: Plan your budget.

How much can you put into this party? There is no wrong answer. This will help you a lot come shopping time, and preparing time. You should always plan your budget before anything. This way you will not catch yourself spending too much on decorations, to find out that you have no budget left for the cake/ snacks. This will ensure that you will not exceed your budget.

Step 2: Plan Your Theme & Color Scheme

Why now, you may ask? This will give you a good jump start to your sweet 16 party ideas and planning adventure. Choosing your sweet 16 party theme and color scheme now will help you decide on your decorations, and will allow you to browse around the shops and compare prices.

Step 3: Picking up the Party Essentials

The sweet 16 party supplies will include:

Invitations Decorations Party Favors Food, Snacks Birthday Cake

This may seem like a lot, but honestly you can get half of this stuff at the dollar store. The rest of it you can make yourself! For the invitations, you can make your own for next to nothing. Check out the arts and crafts aisle at the dollar store or Wal-Mart and you should be pretty well set. Don't forget to make the invitations resemble your party theme!

Decorations- Grab your decorations at one or all of the following places: dollar store, Wal-Mart, your Christmas decorations box in storage, local party store sales, and of course the wonderful internet! Party Favors- Back in the day we called these "loot bags." Honestly, who doesn't love a good old fashion loot bag? Load your friends with candy, cheap gift cards, thank you notes and pictures.

Food and snacks are simple. Make some finger food trays full of bite size sandwiches and pizza slices. If you cook up a large pizza, cut the slices into tiny rectangles for a fun bite size snack. Chips, dip and crackers are also great, and easy on the wallet.

Birthday cakes don't cost that much when they are store bought, but cost even less if you make it yourself. I would definitely recommend checking out the pre mix packages on the next trip to the grocery store.

Well I hope these sweet 16 party ideas on a budget helped you out some!

How to Throw a Sweet 16 Party on a Budget

We offer tons more great ideas, tips and tricks dedicated exclusively to the sweet 16 birthday experience. Check us out at http://www.sweet-16-party-ideas.com

Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship Review

I was invited to attend the exclusive 2-night (July 2 - 3, 2010) pre-inaugural sailing for NCL's newest and largest ship, the Norwegian Epic. Departing from NY City, the sailing began with the ship's naming ceremony, which was hosted by comedian Jeff Garlin and featured the ship's godmother, Reba McEntire. Adding to the festivities was the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show which was broadcast live from the Epic on national television (WNBC). It included musical performances by Justin Bieber, Enrique Iglesias and LeeAnn Rimes. As I have experienced many times in the past, the folks at NCL really know how to throw a party! But let's focus on their new ship, the Epic.

The "Hardware"

All Songs By Justin Bieber

When discussing the physical attributes of a cruise ship (i.e., it's layout and appearance), industry professionals often refer to the ship's "hardware". So, let's start there.

At 153,000 tons with a passenger capacity of 4,100 (based on double occupancy), the Norwegian Epic is, by far, the largest ship in the NCL fleet. In fact, with the exception of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas (which was launched in December 2009), NCL's Epic is among the largest cruise ships at sea. It is also one of the most uniquely designed cruise ships that I have ever been on (...and I've been on quite a few). In most cases, that "uniqueness" is a very positive attribute which reflects the thoughtfulness and attention that the Epic's designers must have paid to maximizing the use of space to achieve a much bigger, wide-open "feel" to all of the ship's public areas. And, the way that one area just seemed to "flow" into the next (without the "cookie-cutter" rigidity sometimes found on cruise ships) was truly remarkable. But, in a few areas, I did not perceive the unique design of the ship to be an advantage. For instance, the exterior shape of the ship seemed a bit "odd" to me. The bow is somewhat "stubby-looking" and the stern is "squared-off" so that the ship does not have a "sleek" appearance from the outside. Adding to the irregular look is a massive 3-deck appendage that was seemingly "plopped" on top of the front section as an afterthought (or, more likely, to further maximize the ship's interior space). Obviously, the ship's designers had to make some "trade-off's" to accomplish everything they did inside the ship and, after all, from a passenger's perspective, the interior design is far more important.

The decor of the Epic is modern and somewhat more "toned-down" than other NCL ships. Getting around was not quite as easy because of the ship's unique interior design. Rather than having its public areas running at a uniform width through the center of the ship, the Epic's interior gave the illusion of being designed that way but, in several different places, the interior width of the ship would seemingly vary and you would go to the right or to the left to enter another venue. So, just when I thought I had seen the entire ship, I would discover a new area. Having been on over 50 cruise ships, I found the layout of the Epic to be very interesting and "refreshing".

The Food

Since all restaurants offer a variety of culinary choices, any evaluation of food is influenced not only by personal taste but also by what items are selected from the menu. For example, on the first night, my wife and I ate at the Manhattan Room, one of the ship's main dining areas. She had a chicken dish, which she evaluated as "OK", while I had scallops which were very good. Like all public areas on the Epic, the layout and décor of the Manhattan Room was a tribute to the ship's designers. Wide open and "airy", the Manhattan Room had the look and feel of a fine dinner theater. In fact, I was somewhat surprised when our dinner host (one of NCL's executives) informed us that the Manhattan Room was not a specialty restaurant. The other main dining room, appropriately called "Taste", was also extremely well laid-out and pleasing to the eye. At the center of Taste is a beautiful chandelier (claimed to be the largest at sea) that spirals down from the deck above. Although I did not eat in Taste, I am told that the menu is the same as the Manhattan Room, so I would assume our assessment of the food would have been about the same (i.e., "OK" to "very good", depending on the entre' selected and, of course, personal taste).

One of the hallmarks of NCL's acclaimed "Freestyle Cruising" is the choice of dining options and, not surprisingly, the Epic takes this feature to a new level. In addition to the two main dining areas, the Epic offers 17 other dining venues, each with its own cuisine and ambiance. This includes the spacious main buffet area (the "Garden Cafe"), in which the food was consistently fresh and of high-quality (albeit with somewhat less variety than we've experienced on some other ships). It also includes the poolside grill ("Spice H2O"), "O'Sheehan's" (a huge, sprawling pub that became the meeting place and "social nucleus" for many of the ship's guests) and several specialty restaurants such as La Cucina Italian restaurant (which was even more attractively decorated on the Epic than on other NCL ships), Tepanyaki Japanese grill (much larger than on other NCL ships) and Le Bistro French restaurant just to name a few. Each of the specialty restaurants has a "cover charge" (which ranges from to per person) but, in my opinion, they are all well worth the money.

On this pre-inaugural cruise, I tried two of the specialty restaurants, Cagney's steakhouse and Moderno Churrascaria, a Brazilian "all-you-can-eat" barbeque in which guests signal their servers with a green card ("OK, I'm ready for more") or a red card ("No more, please. I'm stuffed"). My wife and I have raved about Cagney's steakhouse on several other Norwegian cruise ships (e.g., the NCL Dawn, the NCL Gem and the NCL Jewel) and we enjoyed it just as much on the Epic. On the other hand, we were not nearly as impressed with the Epic's Moderno Churrascaria, which is the first such restaurant on any cruise ship. The salad bar was absolutely fabulous (especially the plump shrimp and fantastic gourmet cheeses) but, other than the sirloin (which the servers cut right in front of you), my wife and I were both disappointed with the quality of the meats. Ironically, my son Greg (who is CEO of Direct Line Cruises) and several of our staff members tried Moderno Churrascaria and really liked it. So, don't take my word for it.

The Service

A cruise passenger's perception of onboard service is so often dependent upon who their stateroom attendant was and which waiters / waitresses served their meals. Since my wife and I started Direct Line Cruises, there have been several instances in which different clients on the same exact cruise would report radically different service levels. So, at best, any evaluation of service should be taken only as a generalization based on limited individual experiences while onboard.

Having prefaced this part of my review (to "cover my tail" in case the reader has a different experience), my wife and I found the service on the NCL Epic to be consistent with what we've experienced on other NCL cruise ships (i.e., very good with only minor exceptions).

Entertainment And Activities

It may be hard to believe but the show by the Blue Man Group actually exceeds NCL's hype! It was the most unique (...yes, I'm using that word again...) and professional act I've seen on any cruise ship. Thoroughly funny and entertaining, I would rather see that show night after night than to sit through some of the same old "Broadway song-and-dance" shows I've seen on so many other cruise ships. The Blue Man performance was in the ship's main theatre which, considering the size of the Epic, was relatively small (with a seating capacity of under 600 people). However, despite that fact, the theatre was not "packed" because, consistent with NCL's concept of "Freestyle Cruising", the Epic was designed with multiple entertainment venues, each offering a different show.

In addition to Blue Man Group, the NCL Epic showcased "Legends In Concert", which featured impersonated performances by Elvis, Madonna, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and other "super-stars". If you like this sort of thing, you will probably enjoy it very much. Otherwise, you may find it to be "OK", as I did.

Another Epic "first" is Cirque Dreams and Dinner which is performed by an exceptionally talented group of acrobats in a special theater-in-the-round called the Spiegel Tent. Several of our staff members saw this show and said that it was very good but, perhaps, a bit too long. My wife and I saw a very different show in the Spiegel Tent. Our 3-year-old granddaughter, who we were able to bring with us, is a big fan of "Dora the Explorer" and "Diego" and she just loved the Nickelodeon character breakfast which, in addition to Dora and Diego, also featured "Sponge Bob Square Pants", "Jimmy Neutron" and others. In an exclusive deal with NCL, the Nickelodeon characters are presently appearing on the Epic and the NCL Jewel (which now sails year-round out of New York City) and will eventually appear on several other NCL ships.

Another featured act on NCL's cruise ships is the Second City Comedy Troupe. Although I did not see their show on the Epic (...there just wasn't enough time to do everything...), my wife and I have seen them on several other NCL cruise ships. In general, we found their "rehearsed" skits to be very funny, and their "ad-libbed" routines very "un-funny" (but, then again, I never really enjoyed watching Jonathan Winters, who was regarded by many people as an "ad-lib" comedic genius).

Activities on the ship were plentiful. Unique to the Epic were the "Epic Plunge" (a massive 7-deck water slide), 6 bowling alleys and the SVEDKA Ice Bar (which NCL touts as the first ice bar at sea) in which the entire contents (including the bar) are made of ice and the venue is maintained at a "toasty" 17-degree temperature to keep it from melting. Now, that's "really cool"! Patrons are provided with heavy jackets before entering and vodka is clearly the beverage of choice.

The Staterooms

Like every modern cruise ship, the NCL Epic offers a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from lower-priced interior cabins (with no window) to huge luxury suites with personal butlers. Obviously, a guest staying in one of the large suites would have a different stateroom experience than one staying in a much smaller interior cabin so, once again, I must preface my stateroom review by cautioning the reader that it is based on my specific experience (which may or may not hold true for other types of accommodations on the Epic).

My wife and I were in a standard stateroom with a balcony (one of the "Category B" staterooms on the ship). Upon entering the stateroom, we had two initial impressions. First of all, the curved walls gave the room a very "unique" look (unlike typical cruise ship staterooms which are almost always rectangular with straight walls). The second thing we noticed is that the stateroom didn't have a bathroom...well, at least, not in the traditional sense. You entered the stateroom through a door between a shower stall and a toilet stall (each with a heavily "frosted" enclosure). A curtain separated these areas from the main part of the stateroom which, among other things, included the bed, a couch, storage closets / cabinets and a sink. The advantage of having the sink outside of the toilet and shower area is that one occupant can use the sink while another is using the shower or toilet (a convenience that you don't often find in traditional cruise ship staterooms). In addition, the unique design of the stateroom provided much more storage space than is typically found in a conventional stateroom of similar dimensions. However, despite that, I found the stateroom to be very "tight" (particularly in the cabins that have the bed nearer to the entrance door than to the balcony door) and, overall, I must admit that I would have preferred a more conventionally designed stateroom configuration or one of the larger deluxe balcony ("Category D") staterooms on the Epic).

Conclusion

While onboard, one of NCL's executives asked me what I thought of the ship and what type of client it would be best suited for. Without hesitation, I responded that the Epic would be most appreciated by the client who has been on many cruise ships and now wants to experience something truly unique. Consistent with that, it's no coincidence that my wife booked the 15-year anniversary cruise for Direct Line Cruises' staff on the NCL Epic and, now that we've gotten a small "taste" of it, we can hardly wait until September when we set sail on the Epic for 7 nights.

Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship Review

This article was written by Thomas Coiro, Vice President of Direct Line Cruises, Inc. Direct Line Cruises is a cruise-only agency that has been in business since 1995 and is located in Long Island, New York.

Direct Line Cruises handles cruise reservations for Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. For cruise deals on the Norwegian Epic, contact Direct Line Cruises at 1-800-DLC-8088.

American Idol Season 1 - Where are They Now?

As American Idol goes full swing into another season, it's easy to forget about some of the faces of the past. Sure, we are reminded of the Kelly Clarkson's each time we turn on the radio, the Jennifer Hudson's each time we watch an awards show, and the Corey Clark's each time we see an episode of Cops. But, what about those who don't make the press? Do they have other projects going on or have they simply become American idles?

There are no American Idol contestants we have forgotten about quite as much as those from Season 1. It was bound to happen this way: we often forget about the match that starts the fire. Yet, many of the contestants from Season 1 have found their own voices, some through music and some through other endeavors.

Songs By Justin

Justin Guarini: As the runner up in Season 1, Justin Guarini was arguably the most talented male vocalist on the show. Following his success, he went on to star in the ill-received From Justin to Kelly. His music seemed ill received as well and the record deal he procured months earlier busted when he was dropped from RCA. Refusing to throw in the towel, Justin continued to release his music through his own production company, Justice Entertainment.

Since 2005, he has released two albums and is working on a third. He is also going back to acting (as someone who saw From Justin to Kelly, I can only say "THANK GOD"), and has been cast as a race car driver for the upcoming movie Fast Girl. Leaving no media unturned, he broke into television by signing with the TV Guide Channel as a host for Idol Chat and Idol Tonight. Out of the spotlight, Justin serves as an advocate for music in the classrooms. Since 2004, he has been the national spokesman for the Support Music Education campaign.

Tamyra Gray: Following American Idol, Tamyra Gray was cast in David E. Kelley's Boston Public, a role that allowed her to both act and sing. She also made guest appearances on All of Us, Half and Half, Tru Calling, What I Like About You, and Las Vegas. In addition to acting, Tamyra has stayed true to her musical roots. She performed a duet with Kelly Clarkson on Clarkson's first release, a duet that Gray helped write. Well versed in music composition, Tamyra returned to Idol to help compose the singles for Season 3.

Putting down the pen and picking up the microphone, Tamyra eventually released her own album, The Dreamer, and obtained a role in the Broadway show, Bombay Dreams. In October 2005, she jumped to the big screen in an independent film called The Gospel. Months later, she helped write songs and sang backup for Jessica Simpson's newest record. In her personal life, she married Color Me Badd singer Sam Watters in early September, 2006. She is now working on a new album and looking for a new record label.

Nikki McKibbin: American Idol Season 1's resident punk girl, Nikki McKibbin was signed by RCA following the show. The label, however, wanted Nikki to record a country album and she wanted to be true to her rock 'n' roll roots. This resulted in no album ever being produced, leading her to stay true to some other roots: Reality Shows

She appeared on Fear Factor, Battle of the Network Reality Stars, and Kill Reality, which documented the creation and filming of The Scorned. In The Scorned, a movie featuring a cast made up entirely of former reality stars, Nikki played a singer. She also appeared in a music video for Rivethead and joined the Dallas-based rock band, Downside, a band she left in late 2005. Returning as a solo artist, she released a single in 2006 and her debut album, Unleashed, is scheduled to be released on May 1, 2007.

Jim Verraros: The Idol contestant who captivated audiences by signing for his deaf parents, Jim Verraros has since come out of the closet and become a pseudo-poster child for the American gay press. This occurred when Fox made Jim remove pro-gay remarks from his American Idol website, a website sponsored by the Fox network. Since then, Jim has released an international album, Rollercoaster. One of Rollercoaster's tracks made the Top 25 of Billboard's Hot Club/ Dance Chart hits.

Like many of his fellow contestants, Jim was bitten by the acting bug and starred in the 2004 comedy Eating Out as well as its 2006 sequel Eating Out 2. He has also been featured four times on The Feast of Fools, a pod cast and Chicago-based variety show featuring gay themes.

Brian Dunkleman: Though not a contestant on American Idol, many people wonder what ever happened to "that other guy," the one who was seen hosting alongside Ryan Seacrest during the first season: Brian Dunkleman. After allegedly angering Simon Cowell, Brian left American Idol to pursue other endeavors. These other endeavors included appearances on The Tonight Show, Two Guys and a Girl, NYPD Blue, Courting Alex, The Ghost Whisperer, Friends, and Las Vegas.

Brian has also done voiceover work for The Proud Family, 3 South, and American Idol Rewind. Additionally, he makes regular appearances at the Laugh Factory and other comedy clubs around the nation as well as frequent appearances as host of Family Feud Live.

These people of American Idol's past may not be as famous as some of their former contestants, but they are still making names and careers for themselves and, it's safe to say, they aren't even near being done. It is certainly not time to close the curtain.

American Idol Season 1 - Where are They Now?

Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://iturbocharge.com. Possessing an infatuation with pop culture – and a gift for stalking – she keeps up on the latest news of the musical world.

Olympic Nations - Who Is Who?

Who was the first athlete elected president in the world?

Marcus Stephen is the first sportspeople elected head of state in the world. Nauru's president since 2007, Stephen was one of the Third World's most famous weightlifters in the 1990s. From 1990 to 1994, he won four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. "I am proud of my achievements in weightlifting and what I have done for Nauru", said Stephen. In 1999, he won a silver medal at the World Cup in Greece. He was elected Nauru's sportspeople of the year many times. For this reason, he had many fans in his island, one of the smallest nations on Earth, with an area of 21 square km and a population of about 9,500. One of the most influential leaders in the history of Nauru, Stephen was elected congressman in 2003. Unlike George Weah ( the former footballer who lost the presidential election in Liberia), Stephen Marcus made his dream come true on December 19, 2007, when he was elected president by Parliament. "Marcus Stephen was sworn in as new president after a vote on Wednesday afternoon. It is official, Marcus Stephen is president. He holds the reins now and has appointed a new cabinet", said Nauru's consul to Australia Martin Hunt.

Songs By Justin

Who is the most famous sportsperson in Montenegro?

Alesandar Radovic, who is one of the greatest water polo players in the world. He work very hard every day. His efforts paid back during the 2007 Universiade in Bangkok (Thailand), when Montenegro won the men's water polo gold medals for the first time. It won 11-8 over Italy in the final match. Radovic excelled in that historic game. Certainly, he can already be counted among the world best athletes of his generation. Currently, Radovic is a symbol of Montenegro, the newest country in the world.

Who is the best volleyball player in the world?

Hector Soto. Birthplace: Puerto Rico. Volleyball champion Soto is an iconic figure in Puerto Rican sporting history. He is creative and efficient. Under his brilliant direction, Puerto Rico finished sixth at the 2007 FIVB World Cup . It defeated teams such as Japan (3-0), USA (3-1), Egypt (3-0), Tunisia (3-0) and Spain (3-0). Soto was top scorer of the FIVB World Championships for two years consecutivly. At the 2007 NORCECA Men's Continental Championship, the Puerto Rican national team won the silver medal. Led by Hector Soto, Puerto Rico defeated Cuba 3-2 (26-24, 11-25, 22-25, 26-24, 15-11). "I think the first set took a lot out of us mentally. We came back too relaxed. ", said Soto. He also gave Puerto Rico its first international title: the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games in Cartagena (Colombia). In the match for the 1st place Puerto Rico won their first ever gold medal after a 3-0 victory over the Cuban team. Cuba had won 9 of 15 Central American and Caribbean Championships.

Who is the best basketball team in Africa?

During the FIBA African Championship for Men in 2007, the Angolan team placed first. Antonio Carvalho, Olimpio Cipriano, Miguel Lutonda and Emanuel Neto are the best-known names on the team.

Who is Guennadi Touretski?

This man is the coach of greatest swimmers in the world. "Swimmers must be strong as weightlifters and have the lightness and the flexibility of Bolshoi dancer at the same time", Guennadi said in an interview with sportswriter Camillo Cametti.

Who is the best athlete in South Korea?

In 2006, a new star emerged to the world: the swimmer Tae Hwan Park, who won three gold medals at the Asiad. After South Korea's Tae Hwan Park won the gold medal in the 400m free at the FINA World Cup in Australia.

Who is the best handball team in the world?

For many reasons, Germany. It is currently world champion. "We were simply the best team" said Christian Schwarzer, one of the stars of the German team.

Who are the most popular sprinters in Tuvalu?

They are Kasifa Galuega, Puaita Ketepu, Mileneta Lepeni, Manos Lito, Faiva Namoliki, Malietasi Tulaga, Penani Tumau, Fuliga Vaega (100m, 200m, 4x 100m relay).

Who is the best basketball player in Asia?

Yao Ming (China). Why ? For many reasons. Yao Ming is one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A national hero in China after leading them to the Olympics in Sydney (Australia). In 2006, he became top scorer of the World Cup in Tokyo (Japan). As a member of the Chinese men's basketball team, Yao Ming won the silver at the 2002 Asiad. " I love the atmosphere of the Asian Games. It is also a place where China's rivalry in basketball with Korea and Japan is renewed every four years. I went through a lot to play in the NBA, but if I had to choose between playing in the NBA and playing for the Chinese national team, I would choose the national team".

Who is the best runner in the United States?

Bernard Kipchirchir Lagat. Born in Kenya (Africa) but moved to the United States at the age of 22 and took up citizenship in 2004. Last year he won two gold medals at the IAAF World Cup.

Who is Iraki Tsirekidze?

He is a judoka from Georgia (European country). This sportsperson is currently world champion.

Who is the most famous table tennis player in the United States?

Gao Jun. She played many times China, where she was born. In 1994, she became an American citizen. During an interview, she said: "There is a big difference in table tennis between China and the United States. In the U. S. , a lot of people play for fun, more like a basement sport. After I retired from the Chinese national team I thought my career was done. I am grateful for the opportunity to play for the United States and I hope I can win a medal for the U. S. " Gao Jun is champion of the Americas (singles).

Who is Irving Saladino?

Panama's Irving Saladino caused a sensation when he won the gold medal in the long jump at the 2007 World Championships in Japan and was named Panamanian Sportspeople of the Year. This was the best performance by a Panamanian male athlete since 1948. He became the first sportsman from Central American to win a gold medal. Under the leadership of Saladino, Panama has always been on the medal table at each international competition since 2006.

Who is the most famous wrestler in Mongolia?

Naranbaatar Bayaraa Mongolia's Bayaraa won silver in the freestyle 55kg class at the World Cup in Baku (Azerbaijan).

Who is Julio Velasco?

He was one of the most successful coaches in Italy. A native of La Plata (Argentina), Julio Velasco was born on February 9, 1952 to Julio Raoul Velasco Fernandez and Edith Blake Schiaffino. He admires Mario Vargas Llosa, the famous writer from Peru. In the early 1980s, he was assistant coach of the Argentinean men's national team. Of Peruvian, British and Italian origin, Velasco went to Italy in 1983, where he coached the Tre Valli Jesi Club. From 1985 to 1989, he won many Italian crowns. Under his direction, Italy won the FIVB World Champions (1990) and other international tournaments. Velasco was coach of the best volleyball country's best volleyball players:Andrea Lucchetta, Andrea Zorzi, Paolo Tofoli and Lorenzo Bernardi. He believes that Italy's volleyball league is a model for the world. "It's not right to give too much space to the national team and too little to the clubs. Without the club coach, there would be no volleyball. It is he who brings in young athletes, even keeping them from opting for basketball or an engineering degree. We have to give space to all of them and avoid what happened in the United States, where, with no national championship tournament, new blood was lacking and once the superstar cycle was over, the national team plunged from its once top ranking. This doesn't happen in Brazil and Italy, where the resources are inexhaustible precisely because there are big national championships".

Who is Laure Manaudou?

She is the best French swimmer of all times. Olympic gold medalist Laure Manaudou won three gold medals at the 2006 European Cup in Helsinki (Finland).

Who is Thiago Pereira?

He has won more American gold medals than any other swimmer. This sportsman has won an unprecedented six gold medals at the 2007 Pan American Games. He won the gold medal in the 200m medley, the 400m medley, the 200m backstroke, the 200m breaststroke, the 4x100m frestyle and the 4x200m freestyle. Pereira was born on January 26, 1986 in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

Who are the greatest field hockey teams in the world?

Hockey women: Holland, China, South Africa, Japan, Argentina, Germany, Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia.

Hockey men: Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Spain, Holland, Canada, China, South Korea, Argentina, USA, India, South Africa and Pakistan.

Who is Churandy Martina?

Like Marc Burns (Trinidad & Tobago), Dudley Dorival (Haiti), Kim Collins (St. Kitts and Nevis) and Asafa Powell (Jamaica), Churandy is one of the best sprinters of the Caribbean. He came 5th in the 100m and 200m at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka (Japan). He is an athlete from the Netherlands Antilles.

Who is Yukio Peter?

Peter was born and grew up in the Federation States of Micronesia, a nation made up 607 islands and cays in the Western Pacific Ocean. He is one of the best weightlifters in the Third World. Under the direction of Paul Coffa (weightlifting coach), he won a silver medal at the 2005 World Championships in Doha, the capital city of Qatar. Peter's sports career began in 1998 when he was just 13 years old. His dream is to become an Olympic champion. Currently, he works very, very hard. In nearly all of his interviews, he has been described as very friendly and modest. He once said: "For one year or so I used to watch the lifters training under Paul Coffa through the window and every time I was asked to join. I used to run away as I was a very shy boy. One day I was taken into room and I watched the lifting from the inside. From that day I joined the weightlifting group and have never looked back. " For many reasons, he is a model and an ambassador of sport.

Who is Mfon Udoka ?

She is one of the greatest female basketball players of the world. Udoka was elected to the 2004 All-Star Team. She was born in Nigeria.

Who is Rafd Zyad Almasri?

He is perhaps the best swimmer in the Middle East. Rafd is from the Arab nation of Syria. He won the gold medal in the 50m freestyle at the Asiad held in Qatar in 2006.

Who is Franciela Chana Masson?

She is one of the greatest female handball players of the world. Chana has been playing since 2002 in Europe (Germany and Denmark). Like Sandra Pires (beach volleyball), Roerio Sampaio (martial arts) and Robert Scheidt (sailing), she was born in Brazil.

Who is the best water polo team in the world?

Croatia. It won the gold medal at the 2007 FINA World Championships in Melbourne (Australia). The Croatian water polo team defeated Hungary 9-8 in the final. The winners were: Zdeslav Vrdoljak, Sanir Barac, Miho Boskovic, Damir Buric, Frano Vican, Andro Buslje, Mile Smodlaka, Teo Dogas, Igor Hinic, Maro Jokovic, Aljosa Kunac, Pavo Markovic and Josip Pavic.

Who are the best female basketball players in Mali?

Certainly, Hamchétou Maiga and Diéné Diawara. They are members of the Malian women's basketball team. Under the leadership of these two women, Mali won the African Championship in 2007. In the final, Mali defeated host nation Senegal . The euphoria in Bamako -the capital city of Mali- was immense. More and more Malians girls now want to become basketball players such as Hamchétou Maiga and Diéné Diawara. Hamchétou was elected "Most Valuable Player" of the African Championship in Dakar (Senegal). This sportsperson is one of the best female basketball players of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNB). She is a member of the Houston Comets.

Who is Zorac Terzic?

He is coach of the Serbian women's volleyball team. Under Terzic's guidance, Serbia won the bronze medal at the 2006 World Championships in Tokyo (Japan). The national women's volleyball squad became "Sports Team of the Year 2006" in the country (former Yugoslavia). It defeated teams such as Cuba (Caribbean champion), Egypt (African Champion), Italy (world champion), Turkey, Peru, Poland and Taiwan (or Chinese-Taipei). The national women's volleyball squad became "Sports Team of the Year 2006" in the country (former Yugoslavia). "When I took over the lead of the national girls' team that my colleague Darko Zakoc had brought to the qualifications for the European Championships, and made a significant step in returning to the world volleyball stage, we focused on the generation of 1982/1983. As many of these players were juniors five years ago, they needed time to grow in every sense. We gradually introduced them during the events and "threw them into the line of fire", so that they themselves made their way through. Maybe we did not bring the best women players we have at the moment, but that was undoubtedly our best team", said the head coach Terzic, who studied Physical Education at the Belgrade Faculty of Sports and Physical Education.

Who are the best sportspeople in the 205 Olympic nations?

1. Afghanistan: Nesar Ahmad Baharee (taekwondo).

2. Albania: Fetie Kasaj (weightlifting/ European silver medalist, 2007).

3. Algeria: Adbdelkader Chadi (boxing), Salem Iles (aquatics), Abdelhalim Ouali (boxing).

4. American Samoa: James Gurr (wrestling).

5. Andorra: Francesc Repiso Romero (shooting), Antoni Bernardo (marathon).

6. Angola: Victor Carvalho (basketball).

7. Antigua & Barbuda: Brenda Christian (track & field /200m/ American gold medalist, 2007), James Grayman (athletics/ Caribbean gold medalist).

8. Argentina: Juan Roman Riquelme (soccer / he's one of the best players of the world), Santiago Fernandez (rowing), Georgina Bardach (sportswoman/ swimming), German Chiaraviglio (athletics), Carlos Espinoza (sailing).

9. Armenia : Armen Nazaryan, Martin Berberyan (wrestling).

10. Aruba: Fiderd Vis (judo), Isnardo Faro (weightlifting).

11. Australia: Grant Hackett (swimming) , Libby Trickett (sportswoman/ aquatics).

12. Austria: Christoph Sleber (sailing/ Olympic gold medalist, 2004).

13. Azerbaijan: Farid Mansurov (wrestling).

14. Bahamas: Tonique Williams Darling, Donald Thomas, Derrick Atkins (track & field).

15. Bahrain : Maryam Yusuf Jamal (sportswoman/ track & field/ 1,500m / world champion, 2007).

16. Bangladesh: Feroz Mahmud Mohamad (weightlifting), Sree Mohendra Kumar Singh , Asif Hossai Khan (shooting), Md Jewel Ahmed (aquatics).

17. Barbados: Barry Forde (cycling), Anderson Fitzgerald Emmanuel (boxing), Bradley Alli (swimming).

18. Belarus : Alim Selinov (wrestling / world champion).

19. Belgium : Erwin Vervecken /cycling).

20. Belize : Jonathan Williams (track & field/400m), Mateo Cruz, Roger Troyer (cycling).

21. Benin : Fabienne Feraez (athletics / 100m, 200m/she is one of the best sprinters of Africa), Roberto Adjaho (boxing).

22. Bermuda : Peter Bromby (sailing), Tyler Barbour Butterfield (triathlon), Nelson Chesterfield Siomons (shooting).

23. Bhutan : Thshering Chhoden (sportswoman/ archery).

24. Bolivia : Benjamin Martinez (cycling), Giovanna Irusta Morejon (sportswoman/ track and field).

25. Bosnia & Herzegovina : Amel Mekic (judo).

26. Botswana: Khumiso Ikgopoleng (boxing), California Molefe (athletics/ African gold medalist, 2007), Kabelo Kgosiemang (high jump/ African gold medalist, 2007), Herbert Nkabili (boxing).

27. Brazil : Guilhermo Pardo,Guilhermo Kumasaka (badminton), Pedro Veniss (equestrian), Joao Derly (judo/ world champion), Dyego Hypolito (gymnastics/ world champion), Jadel Gregorio (athletics), Luciano Correa (judo/ world champion),Thiago Pereira (aquatics/ American champion), Gustavo Endres (indoor volleyball), Thiago Camilo (martial arts), Marcellus Silva (rowing), Cesar Cielo, Kaio de Almeida (swimming).

28. British Virgin Islands: Tahesia Harrigan (sportswoman/track & field/100m / Central American & Caribbean gold medalist, 2006).

29. Brunei Darussalam : Yusuf Mohammad Yazid (athletics).

30. Bulgaria: Tanyu Kiaiakov (shooting), Zhekov Andrey (indoor volleyball).

31. Burkina Faso: Ibrahim Issouf Kinda (boxing), Idrissa Sanaou (athletics).

32. Burundi : Etienne Bizama (athletics).

33. Cambodia : Hew Bunting (track & field/ 5,000m/ Asian East gold medalist, 2007).

34. Cameroon: Foster Nkodo (boxing), Francoise Mbango Etone (sportswoman /athletics/ jump triple/ world champion, 2007).

35. Canada : Alexandre Despatie (diving/ American champion), Arturo Miranda, Blythe Hartley (aquatics), Kevin Light (rowing/ world champion).

36. Cape Verde: Wania Monteiro (gymnastics/ she's one of the best gymnasts in the Third World), Nick Barros, Joseph Fernandez, Fred Gomes (taekwondo), Nelson Cruz (marathon), Heriberto Gomes, Valdir Reis (beach volleyball).

37. Cayman Islands: Shaune Fraser (aquatics), Cydonia Mothersill ( athletics/ 100m, 200m/she is one of the best sprinters of the world).

38. Central African Republic: Beranger Bosse (athletics).

39. Chad : Kaltouma Nadjina (sportswoman/ track & field/ 400m).

40. Chile: Enzo Cesario, Marco Arriagada, Luis Sepulveda, Gonzalo Miranda (cycling/ Pan American champions), Enrique Tomas Gonzalez Sepúlveda (gymnastics), Cristian Bustos (modern pentathlon).

41. China (the People's Republic of China): Yao Ming (basketball), Liu Xiang (athletics/ world champion), Wang Liqin (table tennis),Yang Wei (gymnastics/ Asian champion), Xiao Qin (gymnastics), Lin dan (badminton), Feng Yong , Song Baqing (cycling), Wang Lei (fencing), Zhou Suhong (sportswoman/ volleyball), Ge Weiqing (water polo), Chen Yibing (gymnastics/Asian champion), Kai Qin (diving), Yao Xinhao, Ni Wei (sailing), Hu Qing, Zhou Shining (boxing), Qiu Le, Li Zheng, Mao Jiao (weightlifting), Wu Chong Kui (rowing), Gan Lin (shooting), Wang Hao (taekwondo), Yang Wenjun, Huang Shaokun, Mao Xiaojie (kayak).

42. Chinese Taipei (also known as Taiwan): Sung Yu Chi (taekwondo), Kuo Cheng Wei (archery), Chuang Chih Yuan, Wu Chih Chi (table tennis).

43. Colombia: Leidi Jessenia Solis (sportswoman/ weightlifting), Jorge Hugo Girlado (gymnastics).

44. Comoros: Abdallah Mohammed (athletics/110m hurdles).

45. Congo: Gary Kikaya (athletics/ 400m /he is one of the best sprinters of Africa) , Herrig Saliku Biembe (boxing).

46. Congo Republic :Delivert Arsene Kimbembe (athletics).

47. Cook Islands: Tereapii Tapoki (sportswoman/ track & field/ discus/ South Pacific gold medalist, 2007).

48. Costa Rica : Nery Brenes (track & field/ 400m/ he is one of the best sprinters of the Americas).

49. Cote d'Ivoire: Deza Elie (sportswoman/ judo).

50. Croatia: Filip Grgic (taekwondo/ European gold medalist).

51. Cuba: Jose Antonio Guerra, Jorge Betancourt, Eric Fornaris (diving), Angel Matos, Gerardo Ortiz (taekwondo), Dayron Robles (athletics/110m hurdles), Victor Moya (track & field/ high jump).

52. Cyprus: George Achilleos (shooting), Irodotos Georgallas (gymnastics), Kyriakos Ioannou (track & field/ high jump / world bronze medalist, 2007).

53. Czech Republic: Ondrej Synek (shooting), Barbora Spotakova (sportswoman/t rack & field/ javelin throw/ world champion).

54. Denmark: Jakob Schiott Andkjaer (swimming), Torben Grimmel (shooting).

55. Djibouti : Mohamoud Faran (track & field/ 800m).

56. Dominica: Chris Lloyd (track & field /400m/ Pan American bronze medalist).

57. Dominican Republic: Felix Sanchez (track & field /400m hurdles/ Olympic gold medalist, 2004), Jun Lin (table tennis).

58. Ecuador : Marco Camargo (swimming ) Jefferson Perez Quesada (athletics/ world gold medalist, 2007), Xavier Moreno (track & field/50km walk/ Pan American gold medalist), Alexandra Escobar (sportswoman/ weightlifting), Bayron Piedra (athletics/1,500m), Jaime Saquipay (track & field/ 20km walk), Fausto Endars (cycling).

59. Egypt : Mohammed El Zanaty (aquatics), Ramadan Yasser (boxing), Ismail Fathi (wrestling).

60. El Salvador: Cristina Lopez (sportswoman/ athletics/ American gold medalist, 2007), William Serrano (wrestling).

61. Equatorial Guinea: Emilia Mikue Ondo (sporstwoman/athletics/ 1,500m). .

62. Eritrea : Zersenay Tadesse (athletics), Yared Asmeron (track & field).

63. Estonia: Gerd Kanter (track & field/ discus throw/ world champion).

64. Ethiopia: Kenenisa Bekele (athletics/world gold medalist,2007), Meseret Defar (track & field/ 5,000m/she is one of the greatest runners in Africa).

65. Fiji : Makelesi Bulikiobo (sportswoman/ athletics/ 100m, 200m, 400m/ South Pacific gold medalist, 2007).

66. Finland : Tero Pitkamaki (track & field/ javelin throw/ world champion).

67. France: Frédéric Belaubre (triathlon), Julien Absalon (cycling), Julien Pillet (fencing), Khedafi Djelkhir (boxing), Frank Dumoolin (shooting), Mickael Bourgain (cycling), Érik Boisse (fencing), Pi Hongyan (badminton), Thomas Voeckler (cycling).

68. Gabon : Sandrine Ilendou (sportswoman/ judo).

69. Gambia:Momodou Jammeh (boxing), Sulayman Kujabi (cycling), Isaac Jones (athletics).

70. Georgia : Revaz Mindorashvili (wrestling / world champion).

71. Germany: Christian Kubusch (swimming).

72. Ghana : Igisious Gaisah (athletics/ long jump/ Commonwealth gold medalist, 2006), Manyo Plange (boxing).

73. Greece : Giorgious Afroudatis (water polo), Pyrros Dimas (weightlifting / he is one of the most popular athletes in Europe).

74. Grenada: Alleyne Francique (track & field / 400m/ he is one of the best sprinters of the world), Sherry Flecher (sportswoman/ athletics/ 200m).

75. Guam: Nikko Pajarillaga (taekwondo).

76. Guatemala : Amado Garcia (track & field/ marathon/ the best runner in Central America).

77. Guinea: Ibrahima Keita (boxing).

78. Guinea-Bissau: Holder Ocante (track & field), Anibal Soares, Joa Pina (beach volleyball).

79. Guyana: Clive Atwell (boxing), Mahendra Persaud (shooting), Christopher Franklin (table tennis).

80. Haiti : Nadine Faustin-Parker (track & field/ 100m hurdles/ Central American & Caribbean silver medalist, 2006/ she's one of the best hurdlers in the Third World ), Dudley Dorival (athletics), Joel Brutus (judo).

81. Honduras: Kevin Hernandez (soccer/ he is one of the most popular players in Central America).

82. Hong Kong : Kin Yin Chan (sailing), Cheung Yuk, Li Ching, Leung Chu Yan, Lai Chak Ko (table tennis), Daniel Lee Chi Wo (triathlon), Wong Kampo (cycling/ world champion).

83. Hungary: Laszlo Cseh (swimming), Kriztian Berki ( gymnastics), Daniel Varga (water polo).

84. Iceland:Olafur Stefannson (handball).

85. India : Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi (tennis), Mangal Sing Champia (archery), Jaspal Rana, Abhinav Bindra (shooting), Bajranglal Takhar, Bijender Singh, Satish Joshi (rowing), .

86. Indonesia: Agus Salim, Supriadi Supriadi (beach volleyball), Taufik Hidayat (badminton/ Olympic champion), Thomas Hallatu (rowing), I Gusti Made Oka Sulaksana (sailing) .

87. Iran : Hussein Rezadeh (weightlifting/ Hussein is one of the best weightlifters in the Third World), Hossein Askari (cycling), Arash Miresmaili (judo), Jasem Delavari (boxing), Aidin Nikkhah Bahrami (basketball), Ali Mazaheri (boxing).

88. Iraq : Mhammad Aljuaifri (weightlifting/ Asian silver medalist, 2006).

89. Ireland: David Burrows (sailing).

90. Israel: Danielle Roth (sportswoman/shooting).

91. Italy: Loris Facci, Marco Formenttini (aquatics), Christopher Sacchin (diving), Maurizio Felugo (water polo), Taismary Agüero Leiva Botteghi (indoor volleyball / Taismary is one of the greatest female volleyball players in Europe), Filippo Magnini (swimming).

92. Jamaica : Veronica Campbell (sportswoman/ track & field/100m hurdles/ world champion).

93. Japan : Shingen Furuya (sailing), Motoko Sasamoto, Takafumi Kojima (wrestling), Ken Terauchi (diving), Go Soeda (tennis), Hidemasa Sano, Junya Koga, Ryosuke Irie, Kosuke Kitajima (swimming), Yasuyuki Muneta (judo), Tsubasa Kitatsuru (cycling), Yuki Ota (fencing), Yuya Higashiyama (rowing), Hisashi Mizutori, Hiroyuki Tomita (gymnastics).

94. Jordan: Mohammad Al Bakhit (taekwondo).

95. Kazakhstan: Salamat Utarbayek, Aidar Kabimollayov, Almas Atayev (judo), Vladislav Poliakov (swimming), Dimitriy Torlopov (kayak), Yermak Kouketou, Nourbakhit Tengizbayev (wrestling), Ilsa Chernyshov (cycling), Dimitriy Gaug (triatlón), Bakhtiyar Artayek, Bakhyt Sarsekbayek (boxing), Dimitry Katenberger (canoe), Yemar Yerimbetov, Timov Korbanbayek (gymnastics).

96. Kenya: Joshua Ndere Mkonjio (boxing), Brimin Kiprop Kipruto (athletics/ 3,000 metres steeplechase/ world champion), Kennedy Kenyatta (boxing),Catherine Ndereba (sportswoman/ marathon/ world gold medalist), Alfred Kirwa Yego (athletics/ 800m/ world champion), Luke Kibet ( athletics/marathon/ world champion),Suleyman Bilali (boxing).

97. Kiribati : Tekai Temake, Tito Teateau, David Katoatau (weightlifting).

98. Korea, North: Jong Chol, Ri Se Gwang (gymnastics), Kim Jong Su (shooting).

99. Korea, South: Choi Jung Sang (equestrian), Im Dong Hyn (archery), Lee Hyun-il (badminton), Song Hak Sung (boxing), Tae Hwan Park (swimming/ he's one of the best swimmers of the world), Hwang Kyung Seon (taekwondo/ world champion), Wang Ki-Chin (judo/ world champion), Dae Eun-Kim (gymnastics/ world champion), Kim Jung Sub, Han Tae Young, Kim Gwang Seok, Eun-Chol Park (wrestling), Jung Ji Hee (taekwondo), Jang Sun Jae, Park Sung Baek (cycling), Shin Eun Chol (rowing), Joo Se Hyk (table tennis), Kang Yong Hwan , Han Kyu Chol (aquatics), An Jap-sung, Lee Hyng-taik (tennis), Cho Kwan Hoon (diving).

100. Kuwait: Fehaid Al Deehani, Naser Meqlad (shooting).

101. Kyrgyzstan: Uran Khalilov, Nogouzbek Belekov, Ruslan Tumenbaev (wrestling), Evgeny Vakkev (cycling).

102. Laos: Sikham Vongpakoun (boxing).

103. Latvia : Aigars Fadeivs (track & field).

104. Lebanon: Jean-Claude Rabbath (track & field/ high jump/ Asian champion).

105. Lesotho: Tsotang Maine, Tumi Malefetsane (marathon), Poloko Makana (cycling).

106. Liberia: Fatimoh Muhammed (sportswoman/ athletics/ 800m/ she's one of the best runners in the Third World).

107. Libya: Ali Mabrouk (marathon), Mohammed Bensaleh (judo).

108. Liechtenstein: Oliver Geissmann (shooting).

109. Lithuania: Daina Gudzineviciute (sportswoman/ shooting/ Olympic gold medalist, 2000).

110. Luxembourg: Kim Kirchen (cycling).

111. Macedonia: Houqin Yang (weightlifting).

112. Madagascar: Joseph Berlionz Randhiamihaja (athletics/110m hurdles).

113. Malawi: Catherine Chikwakwa (sportswoman/ track & field).

114. Malaysia : Rossharisham Roslan, Yeoh Ken Nee (diving), Kien Keat Koo (badminton), Daniel William Bego (swimming), Josiah Ngo Onn Lam (cycling), Shu Wai Ng (gymnastics), Bom Heong Tan (badminton).

115. Maldives: Zahir Naseer (athletics/100m), Hassan Ahsraf, Mohamed Sharif (aquatics), Ali Rasheed, Mohamed Yasir (table tennis).

116. Mali : Daba Modibo Keita (taekwondo/ world champion, 2007).

117. Malta: Rebecca Madyan (sportswoman/ shooting).

118. Marshall Islands: Waylon Muller, Jeton Junior Anjain (wrestling).

119. Mauritania : Souleymane Ould Chebal (athletics).

120. Mauritius: Stephane Buckland (athletics/400m/ he's is one of the best sprinters of the world), Deenessing Baboolall, Stephan Beeharry, Edourd Clarisse (badminton),Richarno Colin, Giovanni Frontin, Brunu Julie (boxing).

121. Mexico : Paola Espinoza (sportswoman/diving) , Juan Barrios, Jose David Galvan (athletics), Juan Rene Serrano (archery), Simon Nizri (equestrian), Juan Jose Veloz Davila (swimming).

122. Micronesia: Manuel Minginfel (weightlifting).

123. Moldova: Oleg Moldovan (shooting).

124. Monaco: Jann Siccardi (judo).

125. Mongolia : Tsagaanbaatar Hskhbaatar, Nyamkhuu Damdinsuren (martial arts), Erdene Munkh Uranchimeg (boxing), Batzoring Buyanjav (wrestling).

126. Montenegro: Alesandar Radovic (water polo/ he's one of the best water polo players of the world).

127. Morocco: Hasna Benhassi (athletics/ 800m/ she is one one best Arab athletes).

128. Mozambique: Leonor Piaza (sportswoman/ track & field/ 800m/ African gold medalist).

129. Myanmar: Min Min, Nay La Kyaw (sailing), Yar Thet Pan (weightlifting/ Asian silver medalist, 2006).

130. Namibia: Friedhelm Ferdinand Sack (shooting), Alexander Ray (aquatics), Ermin van Wik (cycling), John Robert Honiball (gymnastics), Agnes Samaria (/track and field/ 800m/ she's one of the best runners of the world), Paulus Natangwe Ambunda, Jhannes Simon (boxing).

131. Nauru: Itte Detenamo, Yukio Peter (weightlifting).

132. Nepal: Deepak Bista (taekwondo).

133. Netherlands : Theo Boss (cycling/ European gold medalist ), Ruben Houkes (judo).

134. Neterherlands Antilles: Churandy Martina (athletics/100m, 200m).

135. New Zealand: Valerie Vili (track & field/ shot put/ world champion).

136. Nicaragua: Orlando Rizo (boxing).

137. Niger: Happiness Borutu (sportswoman/ wrestling/ African champion).

138. Nigeria: Olusoji Fasuba (athletics/ 100m, 200m), Muyideen Ganiyu (boxing).

139. Norway: Espen Berg-Knutsen (shooting)

140. Oman: Zahir Al Sinaide, Yousul Al Hashi (weightlifting), Khalifa Al Jabri (beach volleyball).

141. Pakistan : Irshad Ali (shooting).

142. Palau: Sean Lund, Franson Gibbons, Elvis Elwaiy (wrestling).

143. Palestine: Ahned Ashhab, Tammer Abusaada (taekwondo), Nader Almassri (athletics/1500m).

144. Panama: Irving Saladino (track & field/ long jump/ Saladino is one of the greatest long jumpers in the world), Edgar Crespo (swimming), Bayamo Kamani (athletics/ 400m hurdles/ he's one of the best hurdlers of the world).

145. Papua New Guinea: Ryan Pini (swimming/ he's one of the greatest swimmers in the Third World).

146. Paraguay: Victor Fatecha (track & field).

147. Peru: Peter Lopez (martial arts), Ines Melchor (sportswoman/track & field).

148. Philippines: Miguel Molina (aquatics), Cecil Mamiit, Frederick Taino (tennis), Harry Tanamor (boxing), John Baylon (judo), Ridgely Balladares, Romel Chavez (sailing).

149. Poland: Konrad Wasielewski (rowing)

150. Portugal : Nelson Evora (track & field/ triple jump/ the best triple jumper in the world).

151. Puerto Rico: Luis Rivera (gymnastics), McWilliams Arroyo (boxing), Hector Soto (indoor volleyball/ he is one of the greatest volleyball players in the world).

152. Qatar: Kwalia James Kurui (track & field/1,500m/ Arab champion), Abdulqader Hikamt Sarhan (taekwondo/Asian champion), Saif Saaeef Shaheen (athletics/ 3,000 metres steeplechase), Mubarak Hassan Shami (marathon/ world silver medalist, 2007), Daham Najm Bashir (athletics/Arab champion), Ali Yousuf Ahmad (equestrian).

153. Romania: Florin Georgian Mironcic (kayak), Diaconu Eusebiu (wrestling), Ionu%u0163 Gheorghe (boxing), Mariam Dragulescu (gymnastics).

154. Russia: Gleb Galperin (diving), Eduard Kokcharov (handball), Makhach Mourtazaliyev (wrestling/ European champion) ,Alan Doudayev (wrestling/ world champion),Vladimir Dyatchin (aquatics), Yekaterina Volkova (sportswoman/ athletics/ 3,000 metres steeplechase/ world champion).

155. Rwanda: Dieudonné Disi (track & field).

156. St. Kitts & Nevis: Kim Collins (track & field/100m, 200m).

157. St. Lucia: Leven Spencer (sportswoman/track & field/ high jump).

158. St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Kineke Alexander (athletics/400m).

159. Samoa : Niko Liulamaga (wrestling), Pualele Atoa Graig (archery), Nevo Ioane (weightlifting).

160. San Marino: Emanuela Felici (sportswoman/ shooting).

161. Sao Tome & Principe: Jose Miranda, Edsael Craid, Jose Amaro, Eloy Boa Morte (taekwondo), Fumilay Fonseca (sportswoman/ track & field), Nilton Tome (beach volleyball).

162. Saudi Arabia: Khaled Al Eid (equestrian), Ahmed Faiz Bin Marzouq (track & field), Ahmed Al Kudmani (swimming), Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Hamzi (judo).

163. Senegal : Ousmade Diatta (boxing), Hortense Diedhiou (sportswoman/ judo/ African champion).

164. Serbia : Jovan Popovic (rowing), Vanja Udovic (water polo), Ivan Miljkovic (indoor volleyball).

165. Seychelles: Cecile Laporte (sportswoman/ track & field/ Commonwealth bronze medalist, 2006).

166. Sierra Leone: Gibrilla Pato Bangura (track & field), Gibrilla Kanu, Allie Kargbo (boxing), Alhassan Bangura (cycling), Anthony Soalla-Bell (weightlifting).

167. Singapore: Tao Li (swimming/ Asian champion), Li Jiawei (table tennis/ Commonwealth gold medalist, 2006), Shaw Ming On (shooting).

168. Slovakia : Peter Korcok (athletics), Michal Martikan (kayak), Michal Riszdorfer (canoe), Matej Jurco , Peter Velits (cycling).

169. Slovenia: Iztok Cop (rowing), Raimond Debevec (shooting).

170. Solomon Islands: Michael Leoung (tennis /South Pacific gold medalist).

171. Somalia: Moumin Geele (athletics).

172. South Africa: Gerhard Zanberg, Jackson Chauke (boxing), Roland Schoeman (swimming), Gerald Mayer (wrestling).

173. Spain:Jose Antonio Ramos (taekwondo), Gemma Mengual, Andrea Fuentes (sportswomen/synchronized swimming).

174. Sri Lanka: Susanthika Jayasinghe (track & field/ 100m, 200m/ she's one of the best sprinters in the Third World), Damika Silva, Jude Perera (beach volleyball).

175. Sudan: Yamile Aldama (sportswoman/athletics/triple jump/ African champion).

176. Suriname : Cornelis Siba (track & field).

177. Swaziland: Shmanga Shiba (boxing).

178. Sweden: Carolina Kluft (sportswoman/athletics/ heptathlon/ European champion), Jonas Edman (shooting).

179. Switzerland: Fabian Cancellara (cycling), Michal Arsermet (shooting).

180. Syria: Ahed Joughili (weightlifting), Naser Al Shami (boxing),Rafd Zyad Almasri (swimming/ Asian champion).

181. Tajikistan : Yusup Abdisalanov (wrestling), Dilshod Nazarov (track & field), Djakhon Kurbunov (boxing), Rasul Boqiev (judo), Shokirjov Rajabov (taekwondo).

182. Tanzania: Samson Ramadhani Nyonyi (athletics/Commonwealth gold medalist, 2006).

183. Thailand: Vasavat Samswang , Nattapong Tewawetchapong (taekwondo), Sitthisak Suphalak (weightlifting), Manus Boonjumnong (boxing), Wiradech Kothny (fencing), Anupong Thainjam, Ruthtanapohol Theppibal (rowing), Jakkrit Panichpatikon (shooting), Sanchat Ratiwatana, Danai Udomchoke,Sanchai Ratiwatana (tennis), Navee Tamsoontorn (sailing).

184. Timor-Leste:Edelijo Mesquita (weightlifting), Fat Batista, Awarl Verdinal (taekwondo), Alin Soares (athletics), Lorenco Brites (marathon), Antonio Xavier, Constancio da Silva (table tennis), Fredinand da Costa (martial arts).

185. Togo: Sandrine Thiebaud-Kangni (sportswoman/track & field).

186. Tonga : Epoki Faka'osi (judo).

187. Trinidad & Tobago: Roger Daniel (shooting), George Bovell (swimming/ Olympic bronze medalist, 2004).

188. Tunisia: Shili Alaa (boxing), Hatem Ghoula (track & Field/ 20 kilometres race wak), Rached Merdassi (boxing), Ziad Ekrem (wrestling).

189. Turkey : Ramazan Shahin (wrestling), Elvan Abeylegesse (sportswoman /athletics/10,000m).

190. Turkmenistan: Igor Pirekeev (shooting).

191. Tuvalu : Lagona Esau (weightlifting), Iliala Fakatokaga (boxing).

192. Uganda: Martin Mubiru (boxing), Moses Ndiema Kipsiro (athletics/5,000m), Alex Malinga (marathon).

193. Ukraine: Oleg Lisogor (swimming), Olena Kostevych (sportswoman/shooting/ Olympic champion).

194. United Arab Emirates: Ahmad Dhali, Saeed Almaktoum (shooting), Faisal Al Kutbi (wrestling).

195. United Kingdom: Christine Ohuruogu (sportswoman/athletics/400m/ world champion), Chris Hoy (cycling), Ian Peel (shooting), Luis Smith (gymnastics), Frankie Gavin (boxing).

196. United States: Chris Colwill (diving), Justin Spring (gymnastics), Eli Bremer (modern pentathlon), Tony Azevedo (water polo/ American champion), Bernard Lagat (track & field/ 1,500m/ world champion), Tim Duncan (basketball), James Pedro (judo), Steven Lopez (taekwondo/world champion), Brad Walker (athletics/pole vault/ world champion), Freddy Adu (soccer), Christopher Liwski , Ryan Miller (indoor volleyball), Paul Foerster (sailing), Matthew Emmons (shooting), Shaw Johnson (sportswoman/gymnastics/world champion), Jeremy Wariner (athletics/400m/ world champion).

197. United States Virgin Islands: Laverne Jones (sportswoman/ athletics).

198. Uruguay: Paul Alexander Kutscher (swimming), Andres Silva (athletics).

199. Uzbekistan: Vladimir Tuychiev (cycling), Bohodirjan Sultanov, Elshod Rasulov, Ruslam Saidov (boxing),Vadim Menkov (canoe), Vladimir Chernenko (rowing),Dilshod Mansourov (wrestling), Ruslan Naurzaliyev (rowing).

200. Vanuatu: Anolyn Lulu, Kerry Ann Mok, Priscila Tommy, Pareina Matariki (sportswomen/ table tennis/ South Pacific gold medalist, 2007).

201. Venezuela: Albert Altes Subirats (swimming), Jonathan Suarez (cycling).

202. Vietnam: Hoang Anh Tuan (weightlifting),Nguyen Tien Minh (badminton), Nguyen Hoai Thu (taekwondo), Doan Kien Quoc (table tennis), Hoang Ha Giang (taekwondo).

203. Yemen: Marwan Saeeed Abdulhameed (weightlifting).

204. Zambia: Hastings Bwalya (boxing/ African champion).

205. Zimbabwe: Mike Fokoroni (marathon), Kirsty Coventry (sportswoman/ swimming/ FINA World Championships-silver medal).

Olympic Nations - Who Is Who?

Alejandro Guevara Onofre: He is a freelance writer. Alejandro is of Italian, African and Peruvian ancestry. He has published more than seventy-five research paper in English, and more than twenty in Spanish, concerning the world issues, olympic sports, countries, and tourism. His next essay is called "The Dictator and Alicia Alonso". He is an expert on foreign affairs. Alejandro is the first author who has published a world-book encyclopedia in Latin America.

He admires Frida Kahlo (Mexican painter), José Gamarra (former president of the Bolivian Olympic Committee ,1970- 1982), Hillary Clinton (ex-First Lady of the USA), and Jimmy Carter (former President of the USA). Alejandro said: "The person who I admire the most is José Gamarra . He devoted his professional and personal life to sport. José played an important role in the promotion of Olympism in Bolivia -it is one of the Third World`s poorest countries- and Latin America. His biography is interesting". The sportspeople he most admire is Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman. "This African-American sportswoman is my idol... "

Britney Spears Shocking New Music Video

Britney's' MTV music awards preparations

As their lawyers engage in legal feuds in court custodial papers, the former couple Britney spears and Kevin Federline are more focused on business. Brits MTV music awards are approaching and she has been taking time at Alley Kat dance studios in L.A perfecting moves for the event, reported In Touch Weekly. Britney is planning it to be a big comeback performance," a spears source has revealed to the magazine, and claims that Brits intention is to create a "shocking" revelation in the music video.

Songs By Justin

Word leaked to the In Touch that the famous magician Criss Angel is part of Britney's VMA premier show. The magazine reports that some acts have been canceled out due to their abrasive nature in the early stages of VMA organizing. One of the canceled acts included a dance routine of Britney Spears with ex-fiancés and husbands Justin Timberlake and Kevin Federline flashing on the screen in the back. Incidentally reports of another cancellation of a duet between Justin Timberlake and Britney. "Totally, patently false," an insider reported to In Touch.

K-Fed on the "One Tree Hill" as a Rock Star

Kevin Federline has on his part been reportedly busy and perfecting on his role as a responsible adult. He surely has been lately winning the Mr. Nice guy praises from episodes of "One Tree Hill", reported the US. "People know a more bombastic version of him, but he seemed very humble and sweet to me-hardworking and well intentioned," producer Mark Schwann told the magazine. Schwann reported that if things work out well, K-Fed might just be required back for more episodes in his role as a rock singer.

K-Fed and Brit Court Case

Back to the courts; while Brit and Federline appear pretty busy, the custodial court case looms large. A recent filing by Britney spears sought to defer the hearing from Sept 8 to allow time for her to; I believe get some dirt of Kevin who has recently won a yard or two on the Mr. nice guy front. It is claimed that Britney Spears has hired a private investigator to dig up some dirt to help tear down K-Fed's nice guy image.

It is claimed that Britney herself has dirt on Kevin of the one tree Hill enough to bury him. A source revealed to the magazine." She is not going to jut handover their sons and more money to Kevin. She is going to fight him tooth and nail,"

Britney's new single "Gimme More"

Britney spears' new single "Gimme more" has got its world premiere on New York radio station Z-100's website. The song is characteristic of Britney with breathy and electronic dance rhythm. A chip off the block of Britney's' new album is set to be out by Nov. 13.
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Britney Spears Shocking New Music Video

Robert is a fan of Britney Spears. He writes articles on music and film superstars gossip, news, misdemenour and other good stuff too. Get to read more of other superstars like Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Anna Chlumsky, Christy Carlson Romano, Bernadette Peters by visiting his site Pants down Celeb [http://www.famouscelebnews.wordpress.com] Or watch your favorite celebrity on your computer: Download software here Celeb Busted [http://pcsatellitetvreviews.blogspot.com]