American Idol Season 8 - Top 36 Contestants

Here is the list of rumored American Idol Season 8 Top 36 contestants that will most likely compete live in the semi-final rounds starting Tuesday, February 17.

Adam Lambert
Hometown: Los Angeles
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/29158867

Allison Iraheta
Age: 16
Hometown: Los Angeles/Puerto Rico
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/allison_iraheta
Fansite: http://www.allisoniraheta.net/

Angela Martin
Age:27
Residency: Chicago, IL
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/toucha_dream

Ann Marie Boskovich
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/annmariesings

Anoop Desai
Age: 21
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC

Aubrey Logan
Hometown: Boston, MA
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/aubreylogan
Website: http://www.aubreylogan.com/

Brent Keith Smith
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/brentkeith

Cody Sheldon
Age: 17
Hometown: Detroit MI
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/codisheldon

Daniel “Danny” Gokey
Age: 28
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/danielgokey

Deanna Brown
Age: 25
Hometown: Louisville, KY
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/missdeannabrown

Felicia Barton
Hometown: Virgina Beach, VA
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/feliciabarton

Jackie Midkiff
Age: 17
Hometown: Alcoa, TN
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jackiemidkiff

Jacklyn “Jackie” Tohn
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jackietohn

Jakob McKay
Age: 23
Hometown: Houston, TX
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jakobmckay85

Jasmine Murray
Age: 17
Hometown: Brokhaven, MS
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jasmine682

Jennifer (Jenesis) Samoranos
Hometown: San Francisco
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Jenisis-Samoranos/644874552
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jenisis1love

Jesse McCullagh
Hometomn: Westdale, NY
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jessemccullagh

Junot Joyner
Age: 26
Residency: Bowie, MD/Baltimore, MD
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/junotmusicpage

Julissa Veloz
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Audition City: Jacksonville
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/alexzamusic

Justin Williams
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

Kendall Beard
Hometown: Austin, TX
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kendallbeardmusic
Website: http://www.kendallbeard.com/

Kristen McNamara
Age: 23
Hometown: Northern California
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kristenmcnamara
Website: http://www.kristenmcnamara.com

Lanesha Young
Age 18
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

Lil Rounds
Age: 23
Hometown: Memphis, TN

Michael Bartul
Age: 26
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Nate Marshall
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nateandkatemusic
Website: http://cdbaby.com/cd/natemarshall

Otto Malone
Age: 28
Hometown: Tuscon
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ottorotate

Perrie Cataldo
Age: 28
Hometown: Phoenix
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/perrie_cataldo

Phoebe Holiday
Age: 18
Hometown: Fairhaven, New Jersey
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/phoeberyannj

Reggi Beasley
Age: 21
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/reggibeasley

Ryan P.A. Johnson
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH/Hamilton, OH
Band’s MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/instereoband
Band’s website: http://www.instereo-band.com/

Scott Douglas MacIntyre
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/scottmacintyre
Website: http://www.scottmacintyre.com/

Stephen Fowler
Age: 26
Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Taylor Vaifanua
Age: 16
Hometown: SLC
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/taylorvaifanua
Website: http://www.taylorvaifanua.com/

Terrence T.K. Hash
Age: 23
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
MySpace: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea…iendID=86640518

Von Lee Smith
Age: 23
Hometown: Greenwood, MO
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/vonleesmith

Elliot Gibson is Prince Harry Look-Alike

Chelsy Davy has no more reason to feel upset on her just concluded relationship with Prince Harry. Why? Prince Harry's loss might be a fortunate gain to his look-alike Elliot Gibson.

Can you guess who's who?

The 21 year-old, University of Newcastle economics student Elliot Gibson, who earns up to £500 a day as an impersonator, says he has had to go into hiding after being hounded by female fans hoping to snare the newly single royal.

"The past few days have been like nothing I've ever experienced. I was in London on the underground on Sunday and there was a group of 50 teenagers heading up the opposite escalator from me.
"One of the girls saw me and shrieked, "It's Harry!" and another shouted, "Chelsy didn't deserve you! Before I knew it there was a stampede coming the wrong way down the escalator full throttle – I'm sure they knocked down a person or two.

"I seriously thought I would be injured. I couldn't begin to think what they'd do to me if they caught me."

Elliot, who has a girlfriend at university, added "It was the same problem at the nightclubs. I was swarmed by fanatical girls.

"I kept saying, "I'm not him! I'm not him!" but some really aggressive women started grabbing and pulling at me."
Elliott has worked for the Fake Faces lookalikes agency for many years and has appeared on TV shows playing Prince Harry.

Source: dailymail

Sarah Geronimo Throws Poker Face at Lady Gaga

Philippines Pop princess and 2008 Box-office queen Sarah Geronimo performed her own rendition of Lady Gaga's hit 'Poker Face' on ASAP's SOS (Sarah On Stage).

Watch Sarah's performance below:

And see if she did justice based on Lady Gaga's own version HERE.

ABS-CBN Wins Big in 27th People's Choice Dangal ng Bayan Awards

The National Consumer Affairs Foundation awarded ABS-CBN and its stars with several recognition in the just concluded 27th People's Choice - Dangal ng Bayan Awards.

Here are the awards given to ABS-CBN 2:

Outstanding Young Professionals for TV Broadcasting and Journalism - Sol Aragones and Anthony Taberna

Outstanding Young Male TV Anchor - TJ Manotoc

Outstanding Young Female TV Anchor - Gretchen Fullido

Best Actor and Male Performing Artist - Sam Milby

Best Actress and Commercial Endorser - Anne Curtis

Best Male TV Game Show Host - Willie Revillame

Best Female TV Game Show Host - Kris Aquino

Best TV Comedienne - Pokwang

Best Male TV Host - Boy Abunda

Best TV Station - ABS-CBN 2

The awarding was held on January 31, 2009 at Araneta Center Cubao, Quezon City.

Dancing Polish street cleaner

A dancing street sweeper has left Britain fearing for his life, saying he was beaten up by racist thugs.

Ziggy Dust, from Poland, told friends he was leaving because National Front members had attacked and threatened to kill him.

The London cleaner shot to public attention when YouTube clips showed him dancing as he collected rubbish in Chiswick.



Film crews descended on the borough to see the 47-year-old strut his stuff and one national newspaper used him in its advertising campaign.

But after three years in Britain, Ziggy - christened Zbigniew Colbecki - is now back in Poland.

Writing on a web forum, he said: 'I'm outside of England because someone wanted to kill me before New Year.

'I feel very sad. Not everyone was happy.

'Someone hated me very much and my dancing. I miss Chiswick. I left England without choice.'

Ziggy, a former circus juggler had also been DJ-ing in a Chiswick bar owned by Sam Harrison.

Mr Harrison said: 'Ziggy came to see me last week and collected his equipment. He had decided to leave for Poland the next morning.

'He told me that he had been attacked and threatened by a faction of the National Front and felt unsafe.

'He said that it had happened over the Christmas period and that he did not think the police could help him.

'Somebody had scared him. I could see the fear in his eyes.'

Chiswick resident Kieran Loughran, 39, said: 'It was extraordinary how famous Ziggy became but it didn't change him and he was always happy to show off his moves.'

Hounslow council said it had not been aware of any threats against Ziggy.

Ehra Madrigal is Isabel in 'Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat ng Lupa'

Kapuso sexy star Ehra Madrigal will star as Isabel in a GMA-7's TV adaptation of a classic movie 'Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa'. Isabel was first portrayed by Ms. Gloria Diaz in 1975 and by Ms. Ruffa Guttierez in 1996.

Joining the cast are Paolo Contis, Ehra's younger sister Michelle Madrigal, Joseph Bitangcol and Ms. Gloria Diaz. This will be under the direction of Celso Ad Castillo only in GMA-7's sinenovela.

Photo courtesy of FHM Phils.

Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo's Wedding Set on May 4

Ryan Agoncillo willingly answered all questions thrown to him by the press during the presscon of TV-5 for Talentadong Pinoy last January 29. Some of the things that were discussed pertains to his personal life.

Ryan told the press that he and Judy Ann Santos are currently looking for a house in the south area and is about to close a deal to their chosen home with four to five bedrooms, of course, one of which is for their daughter Yohan.

Ryan also gave some details on their upcoming wedding. According to Ryan, there will only be two sets of Ninong and Ninang. The megastar who is also Judy Ann's sister in showbusiness Sharon Cuneta will be the matron of honor and Ryan’s brother Dondi will be the best man. Paul Cabral will be in-charge of Judy Ann's wedding gown and so the whole wedding entourage.

Although he was hesitant to announce the wedding date, a source very close to the couple revealed that a very private wedding will take place on May 4 this year and there will be no TV coverage of the event will be allowed since they want everything to be private and solemn.

May Bukas Pa - Full Trailer

May Bukas Pa, is ABS-CBN's upcoming teleserye that will hit the station's primetime bida block starting February 2, with seven-year-old Zaijan Jaranilla portraying the role of Santino.

Zaijan, who also played the young Tiny Tony, will have Dina Bonnevie, Albert Martinez, Maja Salvador, and Rayver Cruz as supporting cast.

When I Met U - Movie Trailer

Regal Entertainment, Inc.
and
GMA Films

proudly present

the biggest and the most anticipated
romantic movie of the year

Richard Gutierrez, the valentine box-office king
and
KC Concepcion, in her very first valentine movie

They had their own separate lives...
But when fate made them meet...
...they started to question what real love is all about

Is love what others think is right?...
...or what you feel is real?

This Valentine's...
let love carry you away

And it all began...
When I Met U

FLASHBACK From Agnetha following her appearence last week; This Fab 80's ballad is perfect tune to sum up any Abba revival "Never Again"

Dingdong Dantes is the Featured Artist in the Pilot Episode of AXN Asia's 'The Duke'

After the recognition given to him by E! Television as the third sexiest men of the world last year, this time, another international channel is giving Philippine actor Dingdong Dantes a full credit by featuring him on the the pilot episode of the newest show of AXN, The Duke.

The Duke is a glossy men's magazine talk show that will feature men that stand a class above the rest. Men who are successful in their careers, who earned respect of their peers, and are role models. Someone whom they can call a "Duke."

Last December 2008, The Duke's host Eunice Olsen, its cameramen, director, executive producer, staff, and host went all the way from Singapore to have an interview with Dingdong right at his Cubao Quezon City residence.

The Duke will have air its pilot episode on February 9, 8 p.m., Singapore time.

Eat Bulaga 'Taktak Mo o Tatakbo' - Another Noontime Show Scam?

The Philippines longest running noontime TV show is currently facing a controversy.

A video clip on YouTube titled "Eat Bulaga Dayaan - Huling Huli" showed an alleged cheating in the 'Taktak Mo o Tatakbo' game segment of Eat Bulaga that sparked a flurry of commentary on internet forums.

In the jackpot round of the said segment, the contestant spun the roulette and it stopped almost midway the one million pesos and fifty thousand pesos. In the video clip, although it was a close call it seemed that the pointer was on the 1 million side of the roulette. But Vic Sotto said, "Ako tingin ko rito lamang sa, walang ano 'to ha, lamang sa singkwenta..."

Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You" Sets Billboard's New Record

Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You" vaults from #97 to #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 this week. That sets a new record for the biggest leap into the top spot in the chart's 50-year history. The old record was held by Britney Spears' "Womanizer," which shot from #96 to #1 in October. Clarkson's song also enters the Hot Digital Songs chart at #1, after selling 280,000 downloads in its first week.

"My Life Would Suck Without You," the lead single from Clarkson's upcoming fourth album All I Ever Wanted, is her second #1 on the Hot 100. "A Moment Like This," her American Idol victory song, shot from #52 to #1 in October 2002. (At the time, that was the biggest leap into the top spot in Hot 100 history.) "Suck" is Clarkson's first #1 on Hot Digital Songs. Her 2004 smash "Since U Been Gone" just missed the top spot, though it has sold more than 2 million cumulative downloads.

Source: Yahoo Music Blog

Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban on 'Your Song Presents: Feb-Ibig'

Reel and real-life sweethearts Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban will be the featured loveteam in the month-long episode of Your Song Presents this February.

This is not the first time Derek and Angelica's loveteam was featured on the show. They were first paired on the August 2007 episode of Your Song titled 'Upside Down' were according to them signaled the start of their real-life romance too.

According to Angelica, "I will play the role of Sheila . Isa siyang successful career woman pero pagdating sa love life, hindi siya kasing palad. Ngunit, magbabago ito nang makilala niya si Raphael (played by Derek)."

However, Derek will play the role of Raphael, "May-ari ako ng isang restaurant na may kaya. Si Sheila rin may kaya, pero malas sa pagdi-date ng mga boys niya. At lahat ng blind-date na dinadala niya sa restaurant ko. At maiisip niya, malas ang restaurant ko."

Also in the cast are Star Magic artists Diane Medina at Elaine Quemuel.

Your Song Presents: Feb-Ibig is directed by Manny Palo. And will air on the whole month of February starting February 1, right after ASAP '09 on ABS-CBN 2.

The Great Esssssssscape: Snake eats snake - but then victim slithers back out again

A snake that was swallowed alive by another snake has pulled off what must be one of the greatest escapes in the animal kingdom.

Determined to survive, the would-be snack managed to turn itself around inside the other snake's belly - and slither its way back out to freedom.

At least, that's what Australian Tony Barton claims he witnessed in his garden.

And he snapped these images as proof.




'When you tell these stories, no-one believes you,' said Mr Barton, who lives in the small rural town of Gundagai, south west of Sydney.

'But I have the pictures to prove it.'

The images, he says, show how the toxic red-belly black snake got its fangs around the far more poisonous eastern brown snake and began to swallow it.

It took almost 15 minutes for the 5ft.6in brown snake to disappear down the black snake's throat. The shape of the victim could be seen in the bulge in the body of the attacker.

The black snake, its lunch totally consumed, then slid away, very sluggishly, to a spot of shade 'for a snooze,' said Mr Barton.

A little later Mr Barton decided to have another careful look at the black snake.



What he saw next left him stunned.

'The black snake opened its mouth a little bit and I spotted this beady eye and the head of the brown snake peering out at me from the mouth,' he said.

'So I got my camera ready again and took a picture as the brown snake came out a few inches. Then it fastened itself onto the black snake's lower jaw and pulled itself completely out.

'It was covered in mucus, as you might expect, but seemed to be completely undamaged. Then the two of them parted ways, slithering off into the bush in different directions.

'I must admit that at first I thought someone was playing a practical joke on me because what I'd first noticed was what I thought was a very long snake with two tails - before I realised that one snake was swallowing another.

'There's only one explanation for what happened - having been swallowed head first, the brown snake must have been able to turn itself around inside the other snake's body for it to be able to emerge head first.'

As he admits, his story is going to take some believing.

But he has the photographs - and he hopes they will silence all the critics.

ABS-CBN TV Shows for February

A new late-morning program, a tele-thriller, a TV series, and a showbiz talk show will make the Kapamilya viewing habits extra-ordinary this February.

Their first offering, May Bukas Pa, is set to hit the primetime block starting February 2, with seven-year-old Zaijan Jaranilla portraying the role of Santino.

Initial reports announced that the project would be Marcelino, the local adaptation of the 1955 Spanish film, Marcelino Pan y Vino (Marcelino, Bread and Wine), also known as The Miracle of Santino. Apparently, ABS-CBN had a change of plans.

The young boy, who also played the young Tiny Tony, will be working with Dina Bonnevie, Albert Martinez, Maja Salvador, and Rayver Cruz, to name a few.

Second to the list is the morning tandem of a former beauty queen-actress-host Ruffa Gutierrez and Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas in a show called Ruffa and Ai. Find out how the two women are going to mix katatawanan with kakikayan starting February 16.

Thirdly, the tandem of Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda will be moved to primetime block. With the witty and weighty repartee of the king and queen of talk, the nights of Channel 2 viewers are bound to be livelier. SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon will have its first round of tittle-tattle on February 16.

For the fourth show, which will have its pilot episode on February 23, Maricel Soriano will give us the heart-thumping remake of Florinda, the third and last installment of Sineserye Presents: The Susan Roces Collection. The cast includes Roxanne Guinoo, Jay Manalo, Zanjoe Marudo, Cherry Pie Picache, William Martinez, and Nikki Gil.

Expect this latest offering of ABS-CBN to wreak havoc in the ratings game. New formats, new faces, and a big comeback are all poised and ready to make noise on the TV landscape.

'Love Me Again’ Earned 41.2 Million Pesos in Two Weeks

The first movie team-up of Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual titled 'Love Me Again: Land Down Under' earned a total of 41.2 million pesos in two weeks.

On its first week, Love Me Again topped Philippine Box-Office by raking in 29.48 million pesos beating Hollywood films debuting at the same period like Bride Wars, Changeling and the Haunting of Molly Hartley.

While on its second week, the Star Cinema movie grossed 11.7 million pesos making it far second to the hollywood vampire movie Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.

See Box-Office results below for January 14 - 25 courtesy of Box-Office Mojo:

Philippines Box Office
January 14–18, 2009
(US $1 = 47.123 Philippines Peso)

1. Love Me Again = $625,779
2. Bedtime Stories = $231,069
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button = $151,729

Philippines Box Office
January 21–25, 2009
(US $1 = 47.3607 Philippines Peso)

1. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans = $413,615
2. Love Me Again = $247,307
3. Yes Man = $148,134

Nikki Gil is Ryan Agoncillo's New Love Interest on "Pieta"

Singer-actress Nikki Gil is now part of ABS-CBN's afternoon soap drama series Pieta.

Nikki will play the character of 'Guia', a secretary who will witness a crime done by Miguel (John Regala). Miguel orders Rigor to take care of Guia but it seems that Rigor has a soft spot for her, which prompts him to bring Guia to safety. Guia's love for her blind younger sister (Sharlene San Pedro) makes Rigor admire her more.

Will Guia make Rigor forget all about Martha (Krista Ranillo)? Until when can Rigor protect Guia?

Find out these and more exciting scenes on Pieta, Mondays through Fridays right after Parekoy on ABS-CBN 2.

The Cast of GMA Films "When I Met You"

Meet the casts of GMA Films and Regal Entertainment's "When I Met You" featuring the second movie team-up of Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion.

Benjie (Richard Gutierrez) - a struggling cargo pilot trapped in relationship with his fiancée Tracy and falls for another woman while on a trip to Palawan.

Jenny (KC Concepcion)- a mall promodizer whose fascination with romance and true love engulfs her in a quandary when she falls in love with Benjie.

Tracy (Iya Villania) - a rich and beautiful pastry chef who uses her beauty and her wealth to manipulate her boyfriend Benjie.

Albert (Alfred Vargas) - a stoic veterinarian who is a control freak; loves Jenny but controls everything about her.

Conching (Cherry Pie Picache) - Jenny's mother, an elementary teacher who has to earn her keep as the husband is handicapped.

Kardo (Tirso Cruz III) - Jenny's blind father, who stays home because of his handicap but is privy to Jenny's feelings for Benjie.

Manny (Chinggoy Alonzo) - Benjie's father, a compulsive gambler who makes his way into heavy debts and asks Tracy's help.

Sylvia (Chanda Romero) - Jenny's favorite aunt, a woman who moves from man to man in her relationships.

Kim (Chariz Solomon) - Jenny's best friend, another promodizer who becomes Jenny's confidante.

Tato (Bearwin Meily) - Benjie's friend and colleague in the office whom Benjie hooks up with Kim.

Cynthia - Manny's young and sexy lover.

Stella - Albert's grandmother, his only family left.

Marcus (Mavi Lozano) - Jenny's younger brother who is in college.

Bernice (Bubbles Paraiso) -Tracy and Albert's friend who weds in Palawan.

Teddy (Paolo Paraiso) - another friend of Tracy and Albert.

Beatrice - Tracy's mother who lives in Canada.

When I Met You is directed by Joel Lamangan and will open in cinemas nationwide starting February 11, 2009.

Youtube Pinay Bathroom Singers 'Rin on the Rox' Invited by Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres discovered another pinoy singing sensation on Youtube - 'bathroom singers' Rin and Rox - and she invited them to guest on her top-rating talk show.

'Rin on the Rox' are bestfriends Rin and Roxanne who do cover songs inside their bathroom and upload their videos on Youtube.

In a recent episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen invited the pinay singing duo to guest on her show.

"Recently, I found these two singers on the internet. These two girls are singing in the bathroom. So they are fantastic. If you are watching right now, please, please come on the show if you are watching. We have a wonderful bathroom here… But seriously, you are great. So please, please come on the show if you would like to," Ellen said.

Rin or Erin Paula is 20 years old and pure Filipino while Rox or Roxanne, 21, is half-pinoy half-white. They are both based in California, USA.

They mentioned in their YouTube channel 'hiphoprox' that they are proud to be Filipinos.

Ellen invites Pinoy YouTube singing sensation duo ‘Rin and Rox’


Rin on the Rox - If I Were A Boy


Rin on the Rox - T Shirt


Rin on the Rox - We Belong Together

The land that health and safety forgot:workers ignoring the rules

TJ Trinidad is Now a Kapuso Star

Kapamilya identified actor TJ Trinidad will be soon be a Kapuso. Although TJ Trinidad claims that he is not really an exclusive star of ABS-CBN, he expresses his gratitude to the management of ABS-CBN for giving him good projects where he made a name for himself - Basta’t Kasama Kita, Krystala, Gulong ng Palad, Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko, Hiram Na Mukha, Rounin, Walang Kapalit, and Prinsesa ng Banyera.

"I was never under contract with ABS, it’s per project also. Kaya medyo matagal ako na nagkatrabaho uli after Prinsesa ng Banyera, kasi we just had to make sure that everything was okay. Si Tita Annabelle ang nakipag-usap sa ABS-CBN, nag-meeting kami and all that.

It’s not like bigla na lang kaming lumipat nang walang abiso. Nagpaalam kami nang maayos. We prioritized ABS-CBN first. Eventually, nagpaalam kami nang maayos at nagbigay sila ng green light. Ako, I owe it to the management of ABS. Kami naman, we don’t wanna burn bridges.

I don’t think it’s fair for people to speculate. I’ve proven my loyalty to ABS when I was there."

TJ Trinidad will soon be seen in Richard Gutierrez starrer 'Zorro' where he will play as Zorro’s nemesis.

He also change managers from June Rufino to Annabelle Rama.

Polar bears floating past the Houses of Parliament

It looks like a scene from a surreal post-apocalyptic film - a polar bear and her cub stranded on an iceberg float past the Houses of Parliament.

But the creatures floating down the Thames today were sculptures launched in the river to raise awareness of climate change.

The polar bear stranded on the ever-receding icecaps has become the iconic image of the effects of global warming.



The 16ft-high structure was launched in Greenwich, south east London and travelled upstream to Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament.

A team of 15 artists spent two months working on the piece which aims to draw attention to climate change and its effect on the Arctic mammal.



The work was commissioned by Eden, a new digital television channel devoted to natural history programming.

Wildlife broadcaster Sir David Attenborough said: 'The melting of the polar bears' sea ice habitat is one of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time.'



'We need to do what we can to protect the world's largest land carnivores from extinction.'

The sculpture will travel to other UK cities including Birmingham and Glasgow.

15th Screen Actors Guild Awards List of Winners

The 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) has named this year’s honorees for outstanding performances in 2008 in five film and eight primetime television categories and for film and television stunt ensembles.

Held at the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles on Sunday night, January 25, 2009, the winners were unveiled as actors themselves selected the best performances from amongst their peers for movies and television in the year 2008.

Here is the complete list of winners:

MOTION PICTURE CATEGORY

Actor
Sean Penn, Milk

Actress
Meryl Streep, Doubt

Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

Supporting Actress
Kate Winslet, The Reader

Ensemble Cast
Slumdog Millionaire

TELEVISION CATEGORY

Actor in a Telefilm or Miniseries
Paul Giamatti / John Adams - “JOHN ADAMS” (HBO)

Actress in a Telefilm or Miniseries
Laura Linney / Abigail Adams - “JOHN ADAMS” (HBO)

Actress in a Drama Series
Sally Field / Nora Walker - “BROTHERS & SISTERS” (ABC)

Actor in a Drama Series
Hugh Laurie / Gregory House - “HOUSE” (FOX)

Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin / Jack Donaghy - “30 ROCK” (NBC)

Actress in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey / Liz Lemon - “30 ROCK” (NBC)

Drama Ensemble
Mad Men (AMC)

Comedy Ensemble
30 Rock (NBC)

LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

James Earl Jones

Presenters at this year’s awards include Katie Holmes, Christina Applegate, Taye Diggs, Jon Hamm, John Krasinski, Amy Poehler, Anthony Hopkins, Susan Sarandon, Angela Bassett, Jon Hamm, John Krasinski, Eric McCormack, Kyra Sedgwick, William Shatner and Ernest Borgnine.

2009 UP Gandingan Awards List of Winners

ABS-CBN garnered 14 out of 26 citations, GMA-7 bring home 9 citations, while its sister network QTV 11 was named Most Development-Oriented TV Station at the third annual Gandingan Awards given by the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society at the UP Los Baños.

Here are the complete list of winners:

Best News Anchor: Korina Sanchez
Best Panel Moderator: Ted Failon
Best Talk Show: Boy and Kris
Best Talk Show Host: Boy Abunda
Best Public Affairs Program Host: Jessica Soho
Best Public Service Program: Wish Ko Lang
Best Public Service Program Host: Vicky Morales
Best Investigative Program: Imbestigador
Best Investigative Program Host: Mike Enriquez
Best Field Reporter: Jiggy Manicad
Best Documentary Filmmaker: Howie Severino
Best Morning Show: Umagang Kay Ganda
Best Music Station: MYX
Best VJ: Iya Villania
Best FM Station: Alam Mo Na 'Yan 101.9
Best Disc Jock: Martin D.
Best AM Station: DZMM
Best AM Announcer: Korina Sanchez
Most Development-Oriented Documentary Program: I-Witness
Most Development-Oriented Magazine Program: Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho
Most Development-Oriented TV Station: QTV11
Most Development-Oriented Panel Discussion: Harapan
Most Development-Oriented Radio Station: DZMM
Best Network: ABS-CBN

The awards are a tribute to socially-oriented television and radio programs and broadcasters and are meant to inspire the youth.

Manny Pacquiao, Oscar Dela Hoya and Charo Santos Lead NUTAM Weekend Ratings for December 2008

The much awaited Dream Match of Oscar dela Hoya and Manny Pacquiao registered a whopping 46% to top weekend NUTAM in the daytime category.

In Metro Manila, the Dream Match as aired on GMA 7, garnered 45.6% which can be considered mediocre among previous Pacman’s bouts. But in the NUTAM race, the 46 percent that it received can be considered as remarkable. Take note that 2nd placer, Wowowee, only got 20.9% which is more than a half lower.

In the weekend primetime race, Maalaala Mo Kaya received the most viewership last December 2008 beating erstwhile leader Rated K. The ABS-CBN drama anthology received 29.3% while 2nd placer Rated K got 27 percent. Two more kapamilya shows captured the 3rd and 4th spot - The Singing Bee and Komiks Presents respectively. GMA’s Bitoy’s Funniest Videos settled for the fifth slot.

Here are the Top 10 weekend programs for the month of December, based on a survey conducted by AGB Nielsen among NUTAM households:

Top Weekend Programs (Daytime)

The Dream Match: De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao** (GMA-7) - 46%
Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 20.9%
Enteng Kabisote 4: Okay Ka Fairy Ko… The Beginning of a Legend** (ABS-CBN) - 19.5%
Cinema FPJ Da King on ABS-CBN (ABS-CBN) 17.3%
Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 16.9%
ASAP ‘08 (ABS-CBN) - 16.1%
Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo** (ABS-CBN) - 15.5%
Wish Ko Lang! (GMA-7) - 14.7%
Startalk (GMA-7) - 14.6%
Your Song (ABS-CBN) - 13.5%

Top Weekend Programs (Primetime)

Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) - 29.3%
Rated K (ABS-CBN) - 27%
The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) - 26.1%
Komiks (ABS-CBN) - 26%
Bitoy’s Funniest Videos (GMA-7) - 25.1%
Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 24%
Family Feud Celebrity Edition (GMA-7) - 23.7%
Kap’s Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 22.4%
Mel & Joey (GMA-7) - 21.8%
Goin’ Bulilit (ABS-CBN) - 20.9%

** Special

Source: Starmometer

Dyosa and Wowowee Lead NUTAM Weekday Programs for December 2008

Last November 2008, the ABS-CBN teleserye 'Iisa Pa Lamang' ended its run topping the weekday primetime NUTAM race. The month after, the fantaserye 'Dyosa' took over the top spot with a total rating of 30.3 percent nationwide.

The Anne Curtis-starrer ended it’s run last Friday and is expected to top the primetime race again when AGB Nielsen Philippines release the results of January 2009 NUTAM.

In the weekday daytime race, Wowowee was able to maintain its lead as expected. The ABS-CBN noontime show received a total rating of 20.6% in the weekday daytime NUTAM and 20.9% in the weekend daytime NUTAM. Following closely is the GMA Sine Novela “Una Kang Naging Akin” with 20.5%. The Angelika dela Cruz, Maxene Magalona and Wendell Ramos starrer almost clinched the no. 1 spot but fell short of only 0.1% from Wowowee’s 20.6%.

Here are the Top 10 weekday programs for the month of December, based on a survey conducted by AGB Nielsen among NUTAM households:

Top Weekday Programs (Daytime)

Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 20.6%
Una Kang Naging Akin (GMA-7) - 20.5%
Saan Darating Ang Umaga? (GMA-7) - 17.1%
Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 16.9%
Pieta (ABS-CBN) - 16.7 %
Pilipinas Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 16.1%
Daisy Siete (GMA-7) - 15.1%
La Traicion (ABS-CBN) - 14.4%
Street Fighter (GMA-7) - 13.9%
Ghost Fighter (GMA-7) - 13.2%

Top Weekday Programs (Primetime)

Dyosa (ABS-CBN) - 30.3%
TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 29.3%
I Love Betty La Fea (ABS-CBN) - 29.1%
Luna Mystika (GMA-7) - 27.8%
Eva Fonda (ABS-CBN) - 27.1%
Gagambino (GMA-7) - 26.1%
24 Oras (GMA-7) - 25%
Lalola (GMA-7) - 23.2%
Survivor Philippines (GMA-7) - 22.5%
Kapamilya Deal or No Deal (ABS-CBN) - 21.6%

Source: Starmometer

Philippine Television Stations Win 3 Gold World Medals in 2009 New York Festivals

Three TV programs from the Philippines earned Gold World Awards in the International Television Broadcasting Awards of the 2009 New York Festivals.

ABS-CBN has won 1 gold medal, 3 silver medals and 4 finalist certificates while GMA-7 and its sister station QTV-11 have won 2 gold medals, 1 silver medal, 2 bronze medals and 7 finalist certificates.

Here is the complete list of awards won and recognition received by the Philippines from the New York Festivals this year:

ABS-CBN 2:

WORLD MEDAL WINNERS

Gold World Medal - Variety Special:
Bantay Bata 163 10th Anniversary Special

Silver World Medal - Talk/Interview:
Boy and Kris

Silver World Medal - Action/Adventure:
Mars Ravelo’s Lastikman

Silver World Medal - Investigative Report:
Bandila - “Glutathaione Expose”

FINALIST CERTIFICATES

Best News Reporter:
Korina Sanchez

Best Children’s Program:
Kung Fu Kids

Best Family Program:
Wowowee

Best Magazine Format:
Rated K

GMA-7 & QTV-11:

WORLD MEDAL WINNERS

Gold World Medal - Coverage of an Ongoing Story:
Jiggy Manicad’s 24 Oras coverage of Corporal Abeto

Gold World Medal - Biography/Profiles Category:
Inno Sotto: A Fashion Special Documentary (QTV)

Silver World Medal - Newscast:
24 Oras - “Lanao Attacks”

Bronze World Medal - Magazine Format:
Chef to Go - “Pesco Vegetarian Meal” Episode (QTV)

Bronze World Medal - Public Affairs:
Reporters Notebook - Pinays for Export: The Asia Sex Trafficking Trail

FINALIST CERTIFICATES

Action/Adventure:
Joaquin Bordado

Social Issues/Current Events Category:
Emergency’s “Jumper Kids/Battered Children”

Community Portraits Category:
I-Witness’ “Crystal Mountain” Episode

Best Magazine Format:
The Sweet Life (QTV)

Best Magazine Format:
Ang Pinaka’s “Ang Pinaka Sikat na Pinoy sa Internet” (QTV)

Best Coverage of Breaking News:
News on Q’s “Batasan Blast” (QTV)

Social Issues/Current Events Category:
Draw the Line’s “Ormoc Cult, Early Marriage and Trafficking” episode (QTV)

Trailer y sinopsis: Hotel para Perros

TITULO ORIGINAL : Hotel For Dogs
PAIS / A�O : Estados Unidos ( 2009 )
ACTORES : Emma Roberts, Don Cheadle, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon, Kyla Pratt.
DIRECTOR : Thor Freudenthal
CENSURA : Apta Todos
VERSION : Doblada

SINOPSIS:
Narra la historia de dos hu�rfanos adolescentes que esconden docenas de perros que viven sin due�o en la calle en un hotel abandonado y ellos le dan amor y alimentos y los dem�s perros viendo el cuidado que le da ellos tambi�n se escapan de su casa para que disfrutar de la atenci�n que los peque�os le da.

Trailer en espa�ol

Trailer y sinopsis: Guerra de Novias

TITULO ORIGINAL : Bride Wars
PAIS / A�O : Estados Unidos (2009)
ACTORES : Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway, Kristen Johnson, Bryan Greenberg, Candice Bergen.
DIRECTOR : Gary Winick
CENSURA : May. 14 a�os
VERSION : Subtitulada

SINOPSIS:

Liv y Emma son dos amigas de la infancia que planifican sus respectivas bodas al mismo tiempo. Pero lo que parec�a que iba a ser una buena idea se convertir�, debido a un malentendido, en una feroz competici�n...

Trailer:

The ABBA History Book on the shelf, really did repeat itself ! As the girls Except a 'Lifetime Achievement' ROCKBjornen !!

Agnetha Faltskog (58 ) & Anni-Frid Lyngstad Reuss( 63 ) very rarely make any public appearences, so the girls who sung 'Waterloo' back in 1974.
Shocked the swedish public by taking to the stage to except ABBA's Lifetime achivement Rockbjornen ( Rockbears-Swedish Grammis ) This kind of award is so often excepted by Bjorn & Benny now-a-days.

This amazing event missed alot of international News reports and a few Abba fan site gave a full report. Yet a detailed 'english' report from Aftonbladet can be found HERE PLUS a swedish Agnetha Radio interview with many recent pics HERE

What the Abba girls gave was so much more than an acceptance speech, LIVE on stage a 10-minute interview followed. This most interesting chat from the girls revealed, they were always good Friends never enemies. In the bands hey-day although they lived the high life travelling and on tour they always returned home to domestic washing up and cooking.

Frida really put Agnetha on the spot a bit, when she said 'I always wanted to ask you if we could make an album together !' They both laughed & Agnetha explained it was difficult to be motivated today to make music when they have private lives now far removed from the music scene. Agnetha did reveal she still writes songs herself, and listens to Laleh & Robyn at home, Frida added she has been a big Robyn fan for a while !!

Yes, this History book on the shelf will always be repeating itself - Thankfully

ABBA's Agnetha & Frida Reunite for Top Lifetime Achievement Award & interview (translation in U-tube info)

Prins Laurence 1

Prins Laurence 1 is de allereerste maar tegelijkertijd ook allerlaatste prins van Manic Monday.

Beluister hieronder Prins Laurence zijn eigen lijflied

Fred en Ria: Gerard Wilders

Junior had een klein probleempje tijdens zijn werk...

Of wordt dit de nieuwe Manic Monday Babe...?

Trailer en espa�ol: Slumdog Mlillionaire

Trailer en espa�ol de la pel�cula ganadora de 4 Globos de Oro SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, de Danny Boyle. Estreno en cines 13 de febrero.

Los cuatro Globos de Oro conseguidos por ese filme de factura brit�nica, entre ellos mejor pel�cula, mejor director, mejor banda sonora y mejor gui�n, lo han convertido en principal favorito para los �scar pero, a su vez, en un escaparate internacional para la cultura que representa.

Eva Mendes la m�s deseada de Intertnet seg�n encuensta

Actrices como Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson o Angelina Jolie forman parte de la lista de las mujeres m�s deseadas del mundo, seg�n una conocida pagina web anglosaj�n que cuenta con m�s de 7 millones de visitantes con sede en California.

Nominados a los Premios Oscar 2008

'once faced Earth '

The parrot called Me-Tu sent off at football game for imitating ref's whistle and calling the players 'pretty boy'

A football referee was forced to send off a parrot during a match - after the bird began imitating his whistle.

Nine-year-old Me-Tu was taken to the match in his cage by eccentric owner Irene Kerrigan, 66, because he enjoys watching the players run around.

But the game descended into farce when the rare Senegalese parrot began copying the referee's whistle, causing confusion on the pitch.




He also started shouting 'pretty boy' as some of the players showed off their silky skills.

Referee Gary Bailey, 45, had no choice but to stop the game and order Irene and Me-Tu to leave the touchline.

Gary said the game between Hertford Heath and Hatfield Town in the Hertfordshire Senior Centenary Trophy was the most bizarre he has ever overseen.

'I've sent a few people off in my time but I 've never sent a parrot off before,' he said.

'It was a tough game and the lads were kicking lumps out of each other on the pitch.

'About 10 minutes into the second half one of the lads was running with the ball and then all of a sudden he'd heard a whistle and then stopped.

'The whistle wasn't even anywhere near my lips!' After a brief stoppage Gary let the amateur game continue but as the second half went on the parrot continued to make the noises and play was interrupted.

So he approached Irene, who lives near the ground at Hertford Heath, and asked them to leave the touchline and retreat into the stands.

Gary, of Hodderston, Hertfordshire, added: 'I was forced to go over to this woman who I thought was making the noises and ask her to stop.

'When I confronted her she said "It's not me, it's my parrot". I got a hell of a shock.

'The woman told me she was just taking it for a walk and giving it some air. I didn't have a choice I had to sent the bird off because it was ruining the game.'

But Irene has vowed to return to the stadium. She said: 'He loves his football and I'll take him back down there again on Saturday.'

The 150-strong crowd looed on as the pair were forced to beat a hasty retreat.

Hatfield Town Manager, Trevor Lloyd, 36 watched his team wing it into the semi finals winning the cup tie 5-2.

Trevor said: 'It's a shame the parrot didn't manage to hang on into extra time because we scored three goals.'

INAUGURATION

Certainly the Presidency of Barack Obama marks a major milestone in the drive to achieve in The United States Of America the standard set out in the Declaration Of Independence:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. � That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men..."

We had not secured these rights when the Declaration was embodied in our first constitution -- which allowed, among other things, slavery. (We also, of course, need to take "Men," in the sense of "humans," not "males".) We have not fully secured these rights even now, but we are getting closer.

But there is another kind of change that also seems to be taking place with his Presidency:

In his campaign, Obama talked about "change. " Media commentators, noting that Obama's cabinet was largely composed of Washington insiders, not outsiders, speculated -- and often seemed confused -- on what he meant by "change."

The biggest change, it seems to me, is in trying to unapologetically place government at the heart of solving problems that need a communal, nation-wide approach to solve, and to do this with the greatest possible expertise. He chose Washington insiders who were uniquely brilliant, practical do-ers; not brilliant theoreticians from academia; not idealogues.

At least since Roosevelt, we have not seen such a whole-hearted commitment to the value of government.

"...everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act � not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth."

...

"The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works..."

...

"To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it. "

Obama is a community organizer on a scale that encompasses the whole country -- and even the whole world -- as the community to be organized... in order to improve itself.


Here is the text of the whole speech:

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land � a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America � they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted � for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things � some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions � that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act � not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions � who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them � that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works � whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account � to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day � because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control � and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart � not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers ... our found fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort � even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus � and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West � know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment � a moment that will define a generation � it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends � hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism � these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility � a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence � the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed � why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.