tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20609295291604478332024-03-12T15:34:45.469-07:00worldstageAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-81622659622877926752016-09-22T22:57:00.000-07:002016-09-22T22:57:20.845-07:00 Alessandra Corine Maria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u> Alessandra Corine Maria</u></h2>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn-img.instyle.com/sites/default/files/styles/684xflex/public/images/2015/10/102815-alessandra-ambrosio-lead.jpg?itok=uRVvt-Ne" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn-img.instyle.com/sites/default/files/styles/684xflex/public/images/2015/10/102815-alessandra-ambrosio-lead.jpg?itok=uRVvt-Ne" height="400" width="293" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Born Alessandra Corine Maria Ambrósio<br />April 11, 1981 (age 35)<br />Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil<br />Nationality Brazilian<br />Other names Ale<br />Occupation <br /><br /> Model actress <br /><br />Years active 1999–present<br />Partner(s) Jamie Mazur (2008–present)<br />Children 2<br />Website www.alessandraambrosio.com.br<br />Modeling information<br />Height 176 cm (5 ft 9.3 in)<br />Hair color Brown<br />Eye color Brown<br />Manager Storm Model Management<br />Marylin Agency<br />Model Management<br />Clyne Model Management<br />Priscilla's Model Management Sydney </div>
<br />
Alessandra Corine Maria Ambrósio (Portuguese pronunciation: [aleˈsɐ̃dɾɐ ɐ̃ˈbɾɔzju]; born April 11, 1981) is a Brazilian model and actress. Ambrosio is known for her work with Victoria's Secret and was chosen as the first spokesmodel for the company's PINK line. Ambrosio is currently one of the Victoria's Secret Angels and has modeled for brands such as Next, Armani Exchange, Christian Dior, and Ralph Lauren.<br /><br />Ambrosio serves as an ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In 2012, she was ranked number six on Forbes' list of the highest-paid models, estimated to have earned $6.6 million in one year. She is often cited by the popular media as one of the world's sexiest women. As an Angel, she was chosen as one of People magazine's annual "100 Most Beautiful People in the World" in May 2007. Alessandra also holds a very active Facebook page in which she posts personal and professional photos as well as a plethora of motivational and inspirational quotes either through captions or dedicated posts, rendering 3+ Millions fans on the social media site.<br /><br />
<h2>
<u>Early life</u></h2>
<br />Ambrosio was born in Erechim, Brazil on April 11, 1981. Her parents are Brazilians of Italian and Polish ancestry and own a petrol station. She enrolled at a modelling class at the age of 12, and at the age of 14, she was one of 20 finalists for the 1995 Elite Model Look national competition for Brazil. Ambrosio was always insecure about her large ears, and at the age of 11, she had cosmetic surgery to have her ears pinned back, though two years later she suffered complications. In 2006, she appeared on The Tyra Banks Show, and said that the surgery was a bad experience and has discouraged her from ever getting plastic surgery again.<br />
<h2>
<u>Career</u></h2>
<h2>
<u>Modeling</u></h2>
<br />When Ambrosio was 12 years old, she partook in modeling classes, and then began modeling for Dilson Stein at age 15. Competing in Brazil's Elite Model Look competition started her modeling career in earnest. Her first notable modeling job was shooting the cover of Brazilian Elle magazine. Elite passed along some of her Polaroids to Guess which led her booking the Millennium GUESS? campaign. She has since appeared in advertising campaigns for Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior, Escada, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Guess, Emporio Armani, Moschino, Gap, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Revlon, and the Pirelli Calendar. She has walked the catwalks for designers such as Prada, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Christian Lacroix, Bottega Veneta, Escada, Tommy Hilfiger, Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Balmain, Ralph Lauren, Halston, Vivienne Westwood, Giles Deacon, and Oscar de la Renta. She has appeared in numerous international magazine covers, including Cosmopolitan, Elle, GQ, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, Ocean Drive, Vogue and was the only model to appear on the cover of Glamour in the United States in 2006.<br /><br />In 2004, Ambrosio launched her line of swimwear called Alessandra Ambrosio by Sais, a division of Rosa Chá. It sold 10,000 units in its first month on the market. Ambrosio was the face for the UK company Next and starred in their first television campaign in 12 years. On the July 2009 cover of Marie Claire, Ambrosio appeared in a spread with Sacha Baron Cohen to promote Baron Cohen's 2009 film Brüno.<br /><br />Ambrosio became the face of Brazilian sportswear brand Colcci costarring with Ashton Kutcher in a denim ad. She was ranked No. 5 on Forbes' The World's Top-Earning Models list, with an estimated earnings of $5 million over 2010–2011. In October 2011, Ambrosio became Vogue's blogger, commenting on her wardrobe by posting one photo of herself each day for a month. In August 2012, she appeared in the London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony as part of Rio de Janeiro's handover show.<br /><br />In spring 2014, Ambrosio launched her own fashion and lifestyle brand named Ále by Alessandra in a collaboration with American retailer Cherokee. The line features casual wear to formal attire and is aimed at females between 18 and 35 years old. The apparel line was first shown by Southern California-based retailer Planet Blue. For this brand, Ambrosio used her intellectual property company, Silver Sunrise LLC, which works with Cherokee as its global licensing agent.<br /><br />Ambrosio appeared in the February 2016 issue of GQ alongside Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.<br /><br />Ambrosio was chosen by NBC alongside fellow Brazilian model Adriana Lima as the channel's food and culture correspondents for the 2016 Summer Olympics.<br />
<h2>
<u>Victoria's Secret</u></h2>
<br />By 2004, she was selected as the first spokesmodel for the Victoria's Secret "PINK" line In 2005, she walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway wearing lingerie made entirely out of candy. In the 2008 edition of the Fashion Show, she walked the runway three months after giving birth to her first child, and opened the show the following year in 2009. The 2011 show saw her wearing the heaviest wings (30 lb) ever made for the show while pregnant with her second child. In 2012, Ambrosio was chosen to wear the "Fantasy Bra". The Floral Fantasy Bra, created by London Jewelers, features amethysts, rubies, sapphires and diamonds (including a 20-carat white diamond in the center), all set in rose and yellow gold, according to InStyle. There's also a matching belt adorned with more than 5,200 precious stones. In 2014 she wore the Dream Fantasy Bra, alongside her fellow angel Adriana Lima. Both of the bras cost 2.5 million dollars each.<br />
<h2>
<u>Television and film appearances</u></h2>
<br />Ambrosio has made several television appearances, notably a cameo as herself on HBO's Entourage; The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn; Late Night with Conan O'Brien; A guest judge on Project Runway Season 2: Team Lingerie and twice on The Tyra Banks Show. She also appeared on America's Next Top Model in the series' 20th cycle.<br /><br />In 2006, she had a cameo in the box-office hit film Casino Royale, appearing briefly as Tennis Girl #1. Ambrosio guest-starred on the How I Met Your Mother episode "The Yips" on November 26, 2007 with her fellow Victoria's Secret Angels Adriana Lima, Selita Ebanks, Marisa Miller, Miranda Kerr, and Heidi Klum. She also made a cameo appearance during the New Girl episode "Prince".<br /><br />Ambrosio made her acting debut in the Brazilian telenovela Verdades Secretas, which premiered on Rede Globo on June 8, 2015, playing the role of former top model Samia. She appeared as herself in the sequel to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.<br />
<h2>
<u>Personal life</u></h2>
<br />Ambrosio has been engaged to businessman Jamie Mazur, founder of RE/DONE jeans, since 2008, and they have two children, Anja Louise (b. 2008) and Noah Phoenix (b. 2012), both born in Florianópolis.<br /><br />Ambrosio is the National Ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.<br />
<h2>
<u>Filmography</u></h2>
<h2>
<u> </u></h2>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 699px;"><tbody>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><td class="xl73" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">Year</td><td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; width: 206pt;" width="274">Title</td><td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Role</td><td style="width: 153pt;" width="204"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td align="right" class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2006</td><td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Casino Royale</td><td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Tennis
girl #1</td><td><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2015</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Daddy's Home</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Karen</td><td><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="41" style="height: 30.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl67" height="41" style="border-top: none; height: 30.75pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2016</td><td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 206pt;" width="274">Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">The
girl Vernon met a week ago</td><td><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><td class="xl68" colspan="4" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">Television</td></tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><td class="xl73" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">Year</td><td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; width: 206pt;" width="274">Title</td><td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Role</td><td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; width: 153pt;" width="204">Notes</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td align="right" class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2004</td><td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">The Late Late Show</td><td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Herself</td><td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204">Episode
dated January 20, 2004</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2005–06</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">The Tyra Banks Show</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Herself</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204">2
episodes</td></tr>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30.0pt;"><td align="right" class="xl66" height="40" style="border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2005</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Project Runway</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Herself</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204">Guest
judge; episode: "Team Lingerie"</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2006</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Late Night with Conan
O'Brien</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Herself</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204">Season
14, episode 23</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2007</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Entourage</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Victoria's
Secret Angel #1</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Episode: "Less
Than 30"</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2007</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">How I Met Your Mother</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Herself</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Episode: "The
Yips"</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2010</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Gossip Girl</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Top
model</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Episode: "The
Undergraduates"</td></tr>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30.0pt;"><td align="right" class="xl66" height="40" style="border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2013</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">America's Next Top
Model</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Herself</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204">Episode:
"The Guy Who Gets a Weave"</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2014</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">New Girl</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Herself</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Episode:
"Prince"</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2015</td><td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Australia's Next Top
Model</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Herself</td><td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204">Guest
judge; cycle 9, episode 1</td></tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl67" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 42pt;" width="56">2015</td><td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Verdades Secretas</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165">Samia</td><td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204">10
episodes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/7PK0Ij-s0TY4jlB5wNYC1g4LZqg/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:format_auto-%21%21-:strip_icc-%21%21-/2015/10/20/711/n/37139775/31142f27d17f0b64_GettyImages-106687725/i/Alessandra-Ambrosio-Victoria-Secret-Sexiest-Looks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Alessandra Ambrosio's Victoria's Secret Sexiest Looks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20151010/rs_634x952-151110190437-634-alessandra-ambrosio-victorias-secret-runway-111015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20151010/rs_634x952-151110190437-634-alessandra-ambrosio-victorias-secret-runway-111015.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Alessandra Ambrosio, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Runway</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/KVdHrNbs3ETPi-sCFkoeJPdl480/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-/2015/10/20/711/n/37139775/dfb70f4b145801b1_GettyImages-459836354/i/Alessandra-Ambrosio-Victoria-Secret-Sexiest-Looks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/KVdHrNbs3ETPi-sCFkoeJPdl480/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-/2015/10/20/711/n/37139775/dfb70f4b145801b1_GettyImages-459836354/i/Alessandra-Ambrosio-Victoria-Secret-Sexiest-Looks.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u> </u></h2>
<h2>
<u> </u></h2>
<h2>
<u> </u></h2>
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 699px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 2048; mso-width-source: userset; width: 42pt;" width="56"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 10020; mso-width-source: userset; width: 206pt;" width="274"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 6034; mso-width-source: userset; width: 124pt;" width="165"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 7460; mso-width-source: userset; width: 153pt;" width="204"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl73" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td><td class="xl73" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td><td class="xl73" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td><td class="xl73" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; width: 206pt;" width="274"><br /></td>
<td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td style="width: 153pt;" width="204"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="41" style="height: 30.75pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="41" style="border-top: none; height: 30.75pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 206pt;" width="274"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl68" colspan="4" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl73" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; width: 206pt;" width="274"><br /></td>
<td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; width: 153pt;" width="204"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl66" height="40" style="border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl66" height="40" style="border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 42pt;" width="56"><br /></td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 124pt;" width="165"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 153pt;" width="204"><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-74191549942502913572016-09-22T22:15:00.000-07:002016-09-22T22:15:34.356-07:00Doutzen Kroes<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Doutzen Kroes</u></b></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Doutzen_Kroes_Cannes_2013.jpg/424px-Doutzen_Kroes_Cannes_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Doutzen_Kroes_Cannes_2013.jpg/424px-Doutzen_Kroes_Cannes_2013.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doutzen Kroes at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Born 23 January 1985 (age 31)<br />Eastermar, Netherlands<br />Residence Amsterdam and New York City<br />Nationality Dutch<br />Other names Doutzy<br />Ethnicity Frisian<br />Occupation Fashion model, actress, philanthropist<br />Years active 2003–present<br />Spouse(s) Sunnery James Gorré (m. 2010)<br />Children 2<br />Relatives Rens Kroes (sister)<br />Modeling information<br />Height 1.79 m (5 ft 10 1⁄2 in)<br />Hair color Blonde<br />Eye color Blue<br />Manager Paparazzi Model Management, Amsterdam DNA Model Management<br /> Viva Models<br /> Women Management<br />
<br />
Doutzen Kroes (West Frisian pronunciation: [ˈdʌu̯tsə(ŋ) ˈkrus]; born 23 January 1985) is a Dutch Frisian model and actress. She began her modelling career in 2003 in the Netherlands and quickly was sent by her agency to New York where she was cast by lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret. She became an Victoria's Secret Angel for the brand in 2008. She has been a brand ambassador and spokesperson for L'Oréal Paris for over 5 years. Kroes has been in the top five of best-paid models, with an estimated income of more than five million per year since 2008. In 2014, she came in second on the Forbes top-earning models list (after Gisele Bündchen), estimated to have earned $8 million in one year. She is considered one of the "New Supers" and described as "Helen of Troy of advertising" by Models.com.<br /><br />Unlike most fellow top models, Kroes got acquainted with the fashion world relatively late. She is one of few highly successful professional models who was not discovered by any scouting agency. She got accepted at Paparazzi Model Management in Amsterdam after sending some of her holiday pictures. Her first breakthrough was when she was featured on cover of Vogue Italia in 2005. Steven Meisel shot her pictures for the cover. Just as she started her career as model for Victoria's Secret, she was voted as "Model of The Year" on Vogue.com in the year 2005. The year 2013 was a significantly successful year for her modeling career. In September 2013, she appeared on covers of four international editions of Vogue, making her the first model/celebrity in the history. The September issues are generally regarded as the most important issue of the year for fashion magazines, especially Vogue. She had been featured on a total of 9 Vogue covers, a count more than any other model, just in the year 2013.<br /><br />Her first film debut was in Nova Zembla (2011). She is one of the active members to contribute to Dance4Life, a Dutch non-profit organization that uses song and dance to educate youth about HIV and AIDS prevention. She is also one of the supporters of Wildlife Conservation and World Wildlife Fund.<br /><br />
<h2>
<b><u>Early life</u></b></h2>
<br />Doutzen Kroes was born on 23 January 1985 in the village of Eastermar (Dutch: Oostermeer) with approximately 1,600 inhabitants, in the province of Friesland, Netherlands, to a Frisian family. Friesland is a typically rural province in the northwest of the Netherlands, with a population of less than 650,000 and its own language. Her mother was a nurse, then a teacher, and her father was a psychotherapist. In the 1970s they were both champion speed skaters. As a young girl, Doutzen aspired to be a professional speed skater.<br /><br />Doutzen and her younger sister, Rens, a nutritionist, grew up with skating, cycling and eating healthy food. As she recalled:<br /><br /> I biked to school every day, about 25km there and back. My mum would say, if you go on your bike it will make you stronger. I think it did... In the countryside I was always outside, kind of like a tomboy... I never even thought about my looks. We didn't have social media so we couldn't look at other girls and pictures from magazines. We didn't really buy a lot of magazines; my mum and dad would just read papers... I felt super-young coming from the north of Holland, and I went to Amsterdam only once before I went to New York City.<br /><br />
<h2>
<b><u>Career</u></b></h2>
<h2>
<b><u>Modeling career</u></b></h2>
<br />Kroes described herself as a "tomboy" in her youth. She had never seriously considered modeling, but found herself launched into the business after sending snapshots to modeling agency Paparazzi Model Management in Amsterdam in 2003. After graduating high school, Kroes was about 18 years old when she wanted to get a job to make some pocket money. The agency sent her to New York City, and after being cast a few times by Victoria's Secret, they asked her to try out as an "angel". When Kroes moved to New York from the Netherlands, she had never heard of the brand before.<br /><br />Kroes has been featured on the covers of Time, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Seventeen, Elle, Marie Claire, Glamour, W, Avantgarde, Dazed & Confused, and Numéro. She also appears regularly in the Victoria's Secret catalog and walked the runway of the company's fashion show in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Kroes's campaigns include Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, Valentino, Blumarine and Calvin Klein for both their 'White' label and their fragrance 'Eternity'. In 2005, Kroes was selected as "Model of The Year" on Vogue.com by readers. She was presented on the May 2007 cover of American Vogue as one of the "World's Next Top Models" next to Chanel Iman among others. Along with several of these models, she appeared in the 2008 Pirelli Calendar.<br /><br />In 2006, a Frisian documentary directed by J.J.M. Jansen about a week in Kroes' life as a model was released. It documented Kroes at Milan Fashion Week and her thinking about the modeling industry. In July 2007, earning at an estimated total of $1.5 million in the previous twelve months, Forbes named Kroes fourteenth in the list of the world's 15 Top-Earning Supermodels. In April 2008, she was in fifth position, with an estimated income of $6 million. Forbes named Kroes fifth again in 2009 ($6 million), 2010 ($6 million) and 2012 ($6.9 million). Kroes escalated to the second position of the ranking in 2014, having earned $8 million the year before.<br /><br />Kroes is in the official Frisian provincial campaign for the Frisian language, her mother tongue.<br /><br />At the end of August 2008, Victoria's Secret confirmed to People magazine that Kroes was to be the newest Victoria's Secret Angel. Her first campaign as the brand's newest Angel was "Supermodel Obsession". In September 2009, she signed to be the new face for Swiss cashmere label Repeat for two years. <br /><br />There is a wax figure of Kroes in the Amsterdam branch of Madame Tussaud's wax museum. From November 2009 to July 2010, Kroes wrote a monthly column about her life for the Dutch edition of Marie Claire. Kroes is signed by DNA Model Management. <br /><br />In February 2010, Kroes returned to the catwalk during fashion week for Prada with fellow Angels Alessandra Ambrosio and Miranda Kerr. Prada was praised by former editor-in-chief of Glamour, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire magazines, Bonnie Fuller in her blog for using a curvy model such as Kroes for the fashion show. In 2011, Kroes shot major campaigns for both L'Oreal and Tiffany & Co. In 2012, Kroes continued her work for L'Oreal, Tiffany & Co. and Victoria's Secret, and appeared on the cover of numerous international editions of Vogue.<br /><br />In 2013, Kroes was Victoria's Secret Angel, as well as featured in the VS video, VS Swim 2013 Bikinis and Bruno Mars. She started her year-round contract with L'Oréal, starring in their advertisements. For Spring/Summer, Kroes was also used by Bruno Magli and Tiffany & Co; while in Fall/Winter, she shot for Emilio Pucci. In 2013, Kroes featured on the cover of more than ten magazines. These were: Vogue Germany (March), Vogue Korea (March), Vogue Japan (April), Vogue Netherlands (June and September), GQ Turkey (July), Elle France (August), Vogue China (September), Vogue (Spain) (September), Vogue Italia (September), Elle Portugal (December), Elle Norway (December) and Sunday Times Style (December). In September 2013, Kroes became the first model in history to appear on the cover of four international editions of Vogue in one month. <br /><br /><br />In 2014, Kroes appeared in the new Calvin Klein Reveal Fragrance commercial alongside Charlie Hunnam, as well as continuing her long-standing contracts. She also announced she ending her contract with Victoria's Secret after six years of being with the brand. She has walked in the 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows. Kroes is considered one of the "New Supers" by Models.com. <br />
<h2>
<u>Acting career</u></h2>
<br />On 24 November 2011, Kroes debuted in Nova Zembla, the first Dutch 3D film made. Kroes has been taking acting classes in New York City for several years and has stated in interviews that she plans to act in more movies to come. In 2016 she was cast in Wonder Woman, as an Amazon warrior. <br />
<h2>
<u>Other activities</u></h2>
<br />She is actively involved with the non-profit organization Dance4Life, which uses song and dance to educate youth about HIV and AIDS prevention. She is an ambassador for the campaign "Praat mar Frysk" ("Just speak Frisian") to promote the Frisian language. <br />
<h2>
<u>Public image</u></h2>
<br />Kroes ranked #21 in the 2009 Askmen list of the top 99 "Most Desirable" women. She was ranked #55 in Askmen's 2013 list of the "Top 99 Most Desirable Women." <br />
<h2>
<u>Personal life</u></h2>
<br />In 2009 Kroes started dating Dutch DJ Sunnery James. On 15 July 2010, Kroes announced that she was pregnant with her first child by fiancé Sunnery James. On 7 November 2010, she and Sunnery James married in Eastermar. On 21 January 2011, Kroes gave birth to her first child, son Phyllon Joy Gorré. In February 2014 she announced her second pregnancy. On 22 March 2014 it was revealed Kroes was expecting a baby girl. Myllena Mae Gorré was born on the morning of 30 July 2014. Both children were born in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In an April 2014 interview on the future of her daughter, Kroes said: "Instead of saying, 'You're so beautiful', I'll say, 'You're smart', so she'll have different aspirations in life than beauty and modeling. Though I love my job, I'm not changing the world. I'd love for her to study and to have different aspirations. We need to teach girls they can become presidents, and it's not about beauty all the time."<br />
<h2>
<u>Filmography</u></h2>
<h2>
<u>
</u></h2>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 502px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 2596; mso-width-source: userset; width: 53pt;" width="71"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 6326; mso-width-source: userset; width: 130pt;" width="173"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 6070; mso-width-source: userset; width: 125pt;" width="166"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3364; mso-width-source: userset; width: 69pt;" width="92"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">Year</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; width: 130pt;" width="173">Title</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Role</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">Notes</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2011</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Nova Zembla</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Catharina
Plancius</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92"> </td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2015</td>
<td class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 130pt;" width="173">J'marche
pas en arrière</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Woman</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">Short
film</td>
</tr>
<tr height="41" style="height: 30.75pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl69" height="41" style="border-top: none; height: 30.75pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2017</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Wonder Woman</td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Amazonian
Warrior</td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">Curreost-production</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Television</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">Year</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; width: 130pt;" width="173">Title</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Role</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">Notes</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2005</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">The Victoria's Secret
Fashion Show</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Herself
- Model</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">TV
Special</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2006</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">The Victoria's Secret
Fashion Show</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Herself
- Model</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">TV
Special</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2008</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Valentino: The Last
Emperor</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Herself
- Model</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">Documentary</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2008</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">The Victoria's Secret
Fashion Show</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Herself
- Model</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">TV
Special</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2009</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">The Victoria's Secret
Fashion Show</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Herself
- Model</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">TV
Special</td>
</tr>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30.0pt;">
<td class="xl73" height="40" style="border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2009-2011</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">RTL Boulevard</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Herself/Co-Host</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">TV
Series (4 episodes)</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2011</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">The Victoria's Secret
Fashion Show</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Herself
- Model</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">TV
Special</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2012</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">The Victoria's Secret
Fashion Show</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Herself
- Model</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">TV
Special</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2013</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 130pt;" width="173">Men
Expert L'Oreal</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Herself</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">Short
Film</td>
</tr>
<tr height="60" style="height: 45.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="60" style="border-top: none; height: 45.0pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2013</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 130pt;" width="173">RTL
Late Night</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Herself</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">TV
Series (Episode: #1.84)</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl69" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 53pt;" width="71">2014</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">The Victoria's Secret
Fashion Show</td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 125pt;" width="166">Herself
- Model</td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 69pt;" width="92">TV
Special</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fashiongonerogue.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Doutzen-Kroes-HM-Lingerie-Holiday-2015-Pictures04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fashiongonerogue.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Doutzen-Kroes-HM-Lingerie-Holiday-2015-Pictures04.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Doutzen-Kroes-HM-Lingerie-Holiday-2015</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/fe/05/9e/fe059eeba8e1f181c1bda51b90cc0815.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Doutzen Kroes and Victoria Secret Bikini</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.wennermedia.com/620-width/1384401605_doutzen-kroes-zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img.wennermedia.com/620-width/1384401605_doutzen-kroes-zoom.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Doutzen Kroes walks the runway wearing Harness with Swarovski Crystals at the 2013 Victorias Secret Fashion</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://themodelhouse.tv/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Doutzen-Kroes-voor-Victoria-s-Secret-in-2005_img600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://themodelhouse.tv/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Doutzen-Kroes-voor-Victoria-s-Secret-in-2005_img600.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Doutzen-Kroes-voor-Victoria-s-Secret-in-2005</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h2>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-56112819560066236662016-09-22T01:20:00.001-07:002016-09-22T01:20:20.429-07:00Joan Smalls <br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Joan Smalls </u></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Joan_Smalls_DVF_ss14-33.jpg/450px-Joan_Smalls_DVF_ss14-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Joan_Smalls_DVF_ss14-33.jpg/450px-Joan_Smalls_DVF_ss14-33.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan Smalls in 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Born Joan Smalls Rodríguez<br />July 11, 1988 (age 28)<br />Hatillo, Puerto Rico<br />Other names Joanji, Joan, Joan Rodriguez<br />Alma mater Interamerican University of Puerto Rico<br />Modeling information<br />Height 1.79 m (5 ft 10 1⁄2 in)<br />Hair color Brown<br />Eye color Brown<br />Manager IMG Models<br />
<br />
Joan Smalls Rodríguez (born July 11, 1988) is a Puerto Rican fashion model. In 2013, she ranked at #8 on Forbes magazine's "World's Highest-Paid Models" list. In 2011, she became the first Latina model to represent Estée Lauder cosmetics. In January 2014, Smalls appeared on the "Return of the Supermodel" cover of American Elle.<br /><br />
<h2>
<u>Early life and education</u></h2>
Joan Smalls Rodríguez was born and raised in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. She has two sisters. Her father, Eric Smalls, is an accountant, and is West Indian from Saint Thomas and is of African ancestry. Smalls' mother, Betzaida Rodríguez, is a social worker who is Puerto Rican and of Spanish, Taino Indian, and Indian (South Asian) heritage. Smalls graduated magna cum laude from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor's degree in psychology. Upon graduation, she moved to New York City to become a model. She was signed by Elite Model Management in 2007. In 2009, she left Elite Model Management and signed with IMG Models worldwide, where she changed her focus to runway work. She was signed as a Givenchy exclusive for Riccardo Tisci's Spring/Summer Haute Couture show in January 2010.<br /><br />
<h2>
<u><br />Career</u></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Joan_Smalls_Rodriguez_DVF_Runway_SS_14.jpg/399px-Joan_Smalls_Rodriguez_DVF_Runway_SS_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Joan_Smalls_Rodriguez_DVF_Runway_SS_14.jpg/399px-Joan_Smalls_Rodriguez_DVF_Runway_SS_14.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smalls on the runway for DVF, 2014 New York Fashion Week</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<u> </u></h2>
<h2>
<u>Modeling</u></h2>
<br />Since working for Givenchy, Smalls has modeled haute couture and ready-to-wear collections for designers and fashion houses such as Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Burberry, Lanvin, Missoni, Alexander Wang, Versace, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Jean Paul Gaultier, Fendi, Dior, Oscar De La Renta, and DVF. She has appeared in shows for fashion week in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. In 2010, Smalls began modeling for Victoria's Secret and has appeared in their 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.<br /><br />She has appeared in editorials for several international editions of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, i-D, GQ, Dazed & Confused, Elle, Industrie, Interview, American and Spanish V, Glamour, and W. Her international covers include the Italian, Australian, Japanese, Turkish, Brazilian, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and German editions of Vogue; the British, French, Dutch, South African, Turkish, and Italian editions of Elle; the South African, Mexican, and British editions of GQ; and the British, Brazilian, Bulgarian, and Thai editions of Harper's Bazaar. She has appeared on the cover of Pop, Glam Belleza Latina, Grazia, and Stylist. In September 2013, Smalls and fellow model Karlie Kloss appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair, which dubbed them "The New Supers". She appeared in the 2012 and 2014 Pirelli Calendar. She also featured on the cover of American Vogue's September 2014 issue.<br /><br />Smalls has been photographed by fashion photographers such as Steven Meisel, Mert and Marcus, Steven Klein, Mario Sorrenti, Mario Testino, Peter Lindbergh, Patrick Demarchelier, Nick Knight, Karl Lagerfeld, Annie Leibovitz, Craig McDean, Hans Feurer, Terry Richardson, David Sims, Inez & Vinoodh, Norman Jean Roy, Camilla Akrans, Alasdair McLellan, Ellen Von Unwerth, Emma Summerton, Josh Olins, Mikael Jansson, Daniel Jackson, Tom Munro, Willy Vanderperre, Michael Thompson, Luigi Murenu, Daniele + Iango, Sean & Seng, Sebastian Faena, Sølve Sundsbø, Giampaolo Sgura, Cass Bird, Roe Ethridge, Richard Bush, Cedric Buchet, Henrique Gendre, Victor Demarchelier, Boo George, Matt Jones, Vivian Sassen, and Cuneyt Akeroglu.<br /><br />Smalls is the first Puerto Rican fashion model chosen by brands to front their advertising campaigns, including Gucci, Gucci eyewear, Chanel, Fendi, Fendi eyewear, Calvin Klein jeans, Givenchy, Givenchy eyewear, Roberto Cavalli, Lacoste, Gap, Ralph Lauren, Woolworths (South Africa), Balmain, Neiman Marcus, Ogilvy, Next, H&M, ICB, Giambattista Valli, David Yurman, Estée Lauder, Mercedes-Benz, Barneys New York, Ports 1961, Rag & Bone, Prabal Gurung, Hugo Boss, Hugo Boss Eyewear, Tiffany & Co., Stella McCartney, Versace, Versace Eyewear, Missoni, and Missoni Eyewear, Marc Jacobs, Balmain, United Colors of Bennetton, Calvin Klein Underwear, Joe Fresh and DSQUARED2<br />
<h2>
<u>Cosmetic contracts</u></h2>
<br />In 2011, Estée Lauder signed Smalls to its line-up of global beauty ambassadors. She is the first Latina signed to a worldwide campaign for the brand. Richard Ferretti, Estée Lauder's global creative director stated, "The word supermodel is overused, but if there's any woman of our generation who deserves the title, it's Joan. She can go from looking girl-next-door to superchic-tough-strong—and she is all of that."<br />
<h2>
<u>Television and media</u></h2>
<br />Smalls served as co-host (along with model Karlie Kloss) of the MTV fashion series House of Style. She was featured alongside singer Bruno Mars in the June 2011 edition of Vogue. In 2006 she appeared in Ricky Martin's "It's Alright" music video. In November 2013, she co-starred with actor Michael K. Williams in the music video and short film for the American rapper ASAP Rocky's track "Phoenix", written by Asia Argento and Francesco Carrozzini and directed by Carrozzini. In 2013, she appeared in Beyoncé's "Yoncé" video.<br />
<h2>
<u>Awards and recognition</u></h2>
<br />In September 2012, Smalls was named "Model of the Year" at the 9th Annual "Style Awards". Supermodel Iman presented Smalls with the award. In 2013, Smalls ranked #8 on Forbes magazine's "World's Highest-Paid Models" list, earning an estimated $3.5 million.<br /><br />In September 2012, Smalls was ranked #1 on the "Top 50 Models Women" list by Models.com. She remained at the top of the list until August 2014, when the site named her as one of the "New Supers". In January 2014, Smalls appeared on the cover of American Elle and was featured in the article "The Return of the Supermodel: It's Joan Smalls".<br /><br />In April 2014, supermodel Cindy Crawford posted an update on her Facebook page calling Smalls one of her favorite new models. Crawford wrote, "[...] She has great style—sexy and elegant with a touch of tomboy thrown in! And she showed off her great moves in the "Yoncé" video!".<br />
<h2>
<u>Philanthropy</u></h2>
Smalls is involved with a non-profit organization called Project Sunshine, where she helps children with medical needs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://peopledotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/joan-smalls-600x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://peopledotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/joan-smalls-600x800.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">A model Joan Smalls walks the runway at the Emilio</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hawtcelebs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/joan-smalls-at-2014-victoria-s-secret-show-in-london_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hawtcelebs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/joan-smalls-at-2014-victoria-s-secret-show-in-london_3.jpg" height="400" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">JOAN SMALLS at 2014 Victoria's Secret Show in London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a4.files.fashionista.com/image/upload/c_fit,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI1Nzg5NjE3MzA2NzgxNzA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://a4.files.fashionista.com/image/upload/c_fit,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI1Nzg5NjE3MzA2NzgxNzA2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/victoriassecret/images/e/ec/Joan_Smalls_2.png/revision/latest?cb=20150504053244" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/victoriassecret/images/e/ec/Joan_Smalls_2.png/revision/latest?cb=20150504053244" height="400" width="281" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-34844591079473368252016-09-21T23:44:00.002-07:002016-09-21T23:46:40.545-07:00Lily Maud Aldridge<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Lily Maud Aldridge</u></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Lily_Aldridge_in_2014_(cropped).jpg/469px-Lily_Aldridge_in_2014_(cropped).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Lily_Aldridge_in_2014_(cropped).jpg/469px-Lily_Aldridge_in_2014_(cropped).jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><small>Aldridge in 2014</small></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
</h2>
Born Lily Maud Aldridge<br />
November 15, 1985 (age 30)<br />
Santa Monica, California, United States<br />
Occupation Model<br />
Years active 2003–present<br />
Spouse(s) Caleb Followill (m. 2011)<br />
Children 1<br />
Modeling information<br />
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)<br />
Hair color Brown<br />
Eye color Brown<br />
Manager IMG Models<br />
<br />
Lily Maud Aldridge (born November 15, 1985) is an American model. She is a Victoria's Secret Angel and a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model, appearing as a rookie alongside Chrissy Teigen and Nina Agdal in 2014 for the cover of the issue's 50th anniversary.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u>Early life</u></h2>
<br />
Aldridge was born at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Santa Monica, California, and grew up in a fashion-oriented family. She is the daughter of English artist Alan Aldridge and Playboy Playmate of the month Laura Lyons. Her siblings include half-sister Saffron Aldridge, who was the multiyear face of Ralph Lauren in the 1990s; full brother Franco Aldrige who was born on June 27, 2004; half-brother Miles Aldridge, who is a fashion photographer and was married to model Kristen McMenamy from 1997 to 2013; and sister Ruby Aldridge, who was the face of Marc by Marc Jacobs.<br />
<h2>
<u>Career</u></h2>
External image Aldridge's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover from 2014<br />
<h2>
<u>Print work</u></h2>
Aldridge started modelling at the age of 16, for Abercrombie & Fitch. Her advertising campaigns include Rocawear, Arden B., Rag and Bone, Shiatzy Chen, Bobbi Brown, Smashbox Cosmetics, GAP, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, JCrew, Charles David, Levi's, J Brand, Accessorize.<br />
<br />
<br />
She was also featured in the spring 2011 advertising campaign for clothing company Rag & bone, and served as a photographer for the very same campaign in the following season.<br />
<br />
She was named the face of clothing company XOXO and the skincare company Proactiv in 2014. With Chanel Iman, she was the face of the Born Free Africa campaign for online retailer Shopbop.<br />
<h2>
<u>Magazines</u></h2>
<br />
At the age of 17, Aldridge appeared on the cover of the August 2003 Spanish Vogue. Aldridge has appeared on the covers of French Glamour, Vogue Mexico, Elle Korea, Elle Brazil, Elle Vietnam, Talter, 10 magazine, S Moda, Esquire Mexico, Allure Russia and Net-A-Porter's online magazine, The Edit.<br />
<br />
She has been featured in editorials for Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Elle Girl, Elle America, Elle Korea, American Vogue, British Vogue, Vogue Turkey, Galore, Harper's Bazaar, Lucky, Marie Claire, Vanidades and V MAgazine with her sister Ruby. In March 2011, Aldridge documented her personal style for Vogue UK's "Today I'm Wearing" photo blog.<br />
<br />
Aldridge made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue debut in 2014, as a covermodel alongside Chrissy Tiegen and Nina Agdal for the issue's 50th anniversary.<br />
<h2>
<u>Velvet Tees</u></h2>
<br />
She has been the face of fashion label Velvet Tees since 2004. In 2013, Aldridge released her own clothing line with Velvet Tees called Lily Aldridge for Velvet.<br />
<h2>
<u>Victoria's Secret</u></h2>
<br />
In 2009, Aldridge walked in her first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. In 2010 she became a Victoria's Secret Angel and walked her second Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, in which she was given her wings for the first time. She has also walked the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 fashion shows. On November 2, 2015 Victoria's Secret announced that Aldridge would be wearing the Fireworks Fantasy Bra. The bra was made by Mouawad and it has an estimated value of $2 million (€1.8 million). The lingerie show was held on December 8, 2015 in New York.<br />
<br />
In January 2011, Aldridge appeared on the cover of the February issue of British GQ with Lindsay Ellingson, Erin Heatherton, and Candice Swanepoel. In the same month, she appeared in an editorial for V Magazine with fellow angels Heatherton and Swanepoel. In October 2014, Aldridge appeared in British Vogue with fellow Victoria's Secret models Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Lais Ribeiro and Elsa Hosk.<br />
<h2>
<u>Music videos</u></h2>
<br />
Aldridge has appeared in various music videos. In the year 2000, she made a cameo among Eminem, Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre and others on the music video "Break Stuff" of Limp Bizkit. In 2015, Aldridge appeared in the music video for "Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift, portraying an assassin called "Frostbyte". Aldridge also appeared in two Kings of Leon videos; "Use Somebody" and "Temple".<br />
<h2>
<u>Personal life</u></h2>
<br />
On September 20, 2010, Us Magazine reported that Aldridge was engaged to Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill.They met in 2007 at the Coachella Festival. The couple married on May 12, 2011, at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California. Aldridge gave birth to their daughter, Dixie Pearl Followill, on June 21, 2012, in Nashville, Tennessee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media.vogue.com/r/c_1,h_4000,w_3280/2015/08/31/mtv-vma-red-carpet-straight-versus-wavy-hair-9-lily-aldridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.vogue.com/r/c_1,h_4000,w_3280/2015/08/31/mtv-vma-red-carpet-straight-versus-wavy-hair-9-lily-aldridge.jpg" height="400" width="265" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hawtcelebs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/lily-aldridge-victoria-s-secret-january-2014_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hawtcelebs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/lily-aldridge-victoria-s-secret-january-2014_2.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">lily aldridge victoria's secret</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20151010/rs_634x988-151110183300-634.Lily-Aldridge-Victorias-Secret-Fashion-Show-Runway.ms.111015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20151010/rs_634x988-151110183300-634.Lily-Aldridge-Victorias-Secret-Fashion-Show-Runway.ms.111015.jpg" height="400" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Lily Aldridge, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Runway</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-4297080642448621482016-09-21T23:28:00.000-07:002016-09-21T23:28:50.836-07:00 Taylor Marie Hill<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Taylor Marie Hill</u></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Taylor_Marie_Hill_Reem_Acra_FW_15_Show.jpg/399px-Taylor_Marie_Hill_Reem_Acra_FW_15_Show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Taylor_Marie_Hill_Reem_Acra_FW_15_Show.jpg/399px-Taylor_Marie_Hill_Reem_Acra_FW_15_Show.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Taylor modeling in 2015</b></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Born March 5, 1996 (age 20)<br />Palatine, Illinois, U.S.<br />Occupation Model<br />Known for Victoria's Secret Angel<br />Relatives Logan Rae Hill (sister)<br />Mackinley Hill (sister)<br />Chase Hill (brother)<br />Website www.taylormariehill.com<br />Modeling information<br />Height 5 ft 9.25 in (1.76 m)<br />Hair color Brown<br />Eye color Blue/Green<br />Manager IMG Models<br /> Storm Model Management<br /> Traffic Models<br /> Elite Stockholm<br /> Ford LA<br />
<br />
<br />
Taylor Marie Hill (born March 5, 1996) is an American model and current Victoria's Secret Angel since 2015.<br /><br /><br />
<h2>
<u>Early life</u></h2>
<br />Hill was born in Palatine, Illinois and raised in Arvada, Colorado. Beginning at an early age, Hill was a gymnast, before becoming a model. She has three siblings. She graduated from Pomona High School in Arvada, Colorado.<br /><br />
<h2>
<u>Career</u></h2>
<br />Taylor Marie Hill was discovered when she was 14, in a barn in Granby, Colorado by Jim Jordan, an agent who is also a photographer.<br /><br />In 2013, she was featured on Intimissimi's catalog. She has been in print campaigns for Forever 21.<br /><br />In 2014 she modeled for H&M and walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. That year she became one of the faces of Rosa Cha with Erin Heatherton, Frida Gustavsson and Barbara Palvin.<br /><br />She was voted "2015's most promising model" by Couturesque's readers.<br /><br />In 2015, she hosted an event for Victoria's Secret PINK. That same year, she became a Victoria's Secret Angel. She also advertised Versus.<br /><br />In August 2015, she won "Model of the Year" in social media at Fashion Media Awards.<br /><br />In 2016, she played a model in the film The Neon Demon.<br /><br />She has appeared in editorials for American, French, Spanish, Norwegian, and Mexican Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, French, Dutch, and Australian Elle, W, Madame Figaro, Dazed, LOVE, Russian Número, Glamour and Italian Marie Claire.<br /><br />She has also walked the runway for Versace, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Kenzo, Fendi, Valentino, Carolina Herrera, Emporio Armani, Alexandre Vauthier, DKNY, Chanel, Viktor & Rolf, Anthony Vaccarello, Ralph Lauren, Bouchra Jarrar, Damir Doma, Dolce & Gabbana, Richard Nicoll, Ermanno Scervino, Atelier Versace, Alberta Ferretti, Gabriela Cadena, Elie Saab, Giorgio Armani, Hervé Léger, IRFE, Rachel Zoe, Christopher Kane, Michael van der Ham, Armani Privé, Mugler, Alexander Wang, Maxime Simoëns, Paul & Joe, Paul Smith, Giles Deacon, Karl Lagerfeld, Miu Miu, Roksanda Ilincic, Victoria's Secret, Public School, and Vivienne Westwood.<br /><br />She has appeared in advertising campaigns for Miu Miu, Jimmy Choo, Lancôme, Versus, Armani Privé, Michael Kors, Ports 1961, H&M, Topshop, J Brand, Juicy Couture, PINK, and Victoria's Secret.<br />
<h2>
<u>Filmography</u></h2>
<h2>
<u> </u></h2>
<h2>
<u>
</u></h2>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 473px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 6656; mso-width-source: userset; width: 137pt;" width="182"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 4059; mso-width-source: userset; width: 83pt;" width="111"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 4242; mso-width-source: userset; width: 87pt;" width="116"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="31" style="height: 23.25pt;">
<td class="xl64" colspan="2" height="31" style="height: 23.25pt; mso-ignore: colspan; width: 185pt;" width="246">Filmography</td>
<td style="width: 83pt;" width="111"><br /></td>
<td style="width: 87pt;" width="116"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl74" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 48pt;" width="64">Year</td>
<td class="xl74" style="border-left: none; width: 137pt;" width="182">Title</td>
<td class="xl74" style="border-left: none; width: 83pt;" width="111">Role</td>
<td class="xl74" style="border-left: none; width: 87pt;" width="116">Notes</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 48pt;" width="64">2013</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 137pt;" width="182">Hollywood
Temptations</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 83pt;" width="111">Jessica</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 87pt;" width="116">Short
Film</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl71" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 48pt;" width="64">2016</td>
<td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">The Neon Demon</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 83pt;" width="111">Flirty
Model #1</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 87pt;" width="116"> </td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="31" style="height: 23.25pt;">
<td class="xl75" colspan="2" height="31" style="height: 23.25pt; mso-ignore: colspan;">Television</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl74" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 48pt;" width="64">Year</td>
<td class="xl74" style="border-left: none; width: 137pt;" width="182">Title</td>
<td class="xl74" style="border-left: none; width: 83pt;" width="111">Role</td>
<td class="xl74" style="border-left: none; width: 87pt;" width="116">Notes</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 48pt;" width="64">2014</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Victoria's Secret
Fashion Show</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 83pt;" width="111">Herself</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 87pt;" width="116">TV
Special</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 48pt;" width="64">2015</td>
<td class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Victoria's Secret
Fashion Show</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 83pt;" width="111">Herself</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 87pt;" width="116">TV
Special</td>
</tr>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="40" style="border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; width: 48pt;" width="64">2016</td>
<td class="xl69" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 137pt;" width="182">The
Victoria's Secret Swim Special</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 83pt;" width="111">Herself</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 87pt;" width="116">TV
Special</td>
</tr>
<tr height="60" style="height: 45.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl67" height="60" style="border-top: none; height: 45.0pt; width: 48pt;" width="64">2016</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">The Fashion Fund</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 83pt;" width="111">Herself</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 87pt;" width="116">TV
Series, episode: Winner Announced</td>
</tr>
<tr height="81" style="height: 60.75pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl71" height="81" style="border-top: none; height: 60.75pt; width: 48pt;" width="64">2016</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Young Hollywood</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 83pt;" width="111">Herself</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 87pt;" width="116">TV
Series, episode: Face Swapping with Model Taylor Hill</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.files.fashionista.com/image/upload/c_fit,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI3NjY4MzI0ODU0MTk4MjQy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://a4.files.fashionista.com/image/upload/c_fit,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI3NjY4MzI0ODU0MTk4MjQy.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Taylor Hill wearing one of the "emoji" looks at the Atelier Versace spring 2015</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/98/08/37/98083727851fa5e4a13f80faa46b1386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/98/08/37/98083727851fa5e4a13f80faa46b1386.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Taylor Hill for
Versace spring/summer 2016 collection at Milan fashion week. #versace |
Fashion designers Versace, Milan and Taylor Hill</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://67.media.tumblr.com/be2d6fa4a4831ea2fe4ecf25d638c5aa/tumblr_nkjtisglSA1r0f3uso1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://67.media.tumblr.com/be2d6fa4a4831ea2fe4ecf25d638c5aa/tumblr_nkjtisglSA1r0f3uso1_500.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Taylor Hill at Versace FW15 fashion show</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://67.media.tumblr.com/f790c2aedf7343dbabce92f003d76f90/tumblr_nitzk5NkcM1softpoo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://67.media.tumblr.com/f790c2aedf7343dbabce92f003d76f90/tumblr_nitzk5NkcM1softpoo1_400.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">models-fashion111: “Taylor Marie Hill at Atelier Versace spring 2015 runway </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://67.media.tumblr.com/5ba2c50a769e7b047aae7258853cbe86/tumblr_nmd7gg1piM1us99zqo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://67.media.tumblr.com/5ba2c50a769e7b047aae7258853cbe86/tumblr_nmd7gg1piM1us99zqo1_500.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Taylor Hill for Versace Pre-Fall 2015 Campaign</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://66.media.tumblr.com/41db0fabc134898656d4107f7b6daa77/tumblr_nmd6u8FX9d1us99zqo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://66.media.tumblr.com/41db0fabc134898656d4107f7b6daa77/tumblr_nmd6u8FX9d1us99zqo1_500.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Taylor Hill for Versace Pre-Fall 2015 Campaign</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<br /></h2>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-91969820568129628782016-09-21T23:01:00.002-07:002016-09-21T23:01:59.488-07:00Barbara Palvin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Barbara Palvin</u></b></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Barbara_Palvin_Cannes_2016.jpg/423px-Barbara_Palvin_Cannes_2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Barbara_Palvin_Cannes_2016.jpg/423px-Barbara_Palvin_Cannes_2016.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbara Palvin at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Born 8 October 1993 (age 22)<br />Budapest, Hungary<br />Nationality Hungarian<br />Modeling information<br />Height 1.72 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in)<br />Hair color Light Brown<br />Eye color Blue<br />Manager Ace Models<br />Bon Image Corporation<br />IMG Models<br />Tempo Models<br />UNO Models<br />Filmography<br />Film<br /><br />
<br />
Barbara Palvin (pronounced [ˈbɒrbɒrɒ ˈpɒlvin]; born 8 October 1993) is a Hungarian model and actress.<br /><br />
<h2>
<b><u>Modeling career</u></b></h2>
<br />Discovered on the streets of Budapest at the age of 13, Palvin shot her first editorial in 2006 for Spur Magazine. Palvin subsequently moved to Asia where she maintained a steady stream of bookings. Since then, Palvin has been on the cover of L'Officiel (Paris, Russia, Turkey, Thailand, Singapore), Vogue (Portugal), Marie Claire (Italy, Hungary), Glamour Hungary , Elle (Britain, Italy, Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Sweden, Serbia, Hungary), Allure, Harper's Bazaar and Jalouse Magazine. Palvin has appeared in campaigns for Armani Exchange, H&M, Victoria's Secret, and Pull & Bear. In February 2012, she became an ambassador for L'Oréal Paris. In 2016, Palvin was revealed to be a part of the 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie Class. She also became the new face of Armani's signature scent "Acqua di Gioia." <br /><br />Her runway debut was as an exclusive for Prada during Milan Fashion Week in February 2010. Palvin has also walked for Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Nina Ricci, Emanuel Ungaro, Christopher Kane, Julien MacDonald, Jeremy Scott, Vivienne Westwood, Etro, and opened the pre-Fall 2011 Chanel show. In 2012, she walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and wore Rosa Clara on the Barcelona Bridal Week 2012 runway.<br /><br />Palvin is often compared to Russian model Natalia Vodianova; British Vogue editor Miranda Almond said, "We chose Barbara because she is absolutely exquisite looking a cross between a young Brooke Shields and Natalia Vodianova". Palvin credits Vodianova and Kate Moss as her favorite models.<br /><br />As of 2016, Palvin was ranked number 14 on the Money Girls list by models.com.<br />
<h2>
<b><u>Acting career</u></b></h2>
<br />Palvin appeared in the 2014 film Hercules.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chicobsession.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/barbara_palvin_marie_claire_may_2014-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.chicobsession.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/barbara_palvin_marie_claire_may_2014-9.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">barbara palvin editorial, barbara palvin marie claire, barbara palvin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/bc/94/6b/bc946b68aea1f6c68c0526b2999e8652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/bc/94/6b/bc946b68aea1f6c68c0526b2999e8652.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">barbara palvin and candice swanepoel </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://www.hawtcelebs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/BARBARA-PALVIN-at-2012-Victoria%E2%80%99s-Secret-Fashion-Show-in-New-York-5.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.celebuzz.com/uploads/2013/01/23/barbara-palvin-valentine-victorias-secret-lingerie-2-415x560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.celebuzz.com/uploads/2013/01/23/barbara-palvin-valentine-victorias-secret-lingerie-2-415x560.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Victoria's Secret Model Barbara Palvin Poses in Valentine's Day Lingerie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-25707636881217638362016-09-19T22:14:00.000-07:002016-09-19T22:14:25.284-07:00Jasmine Tooke<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u> Jasmine Tooke</u></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/64/20141202_Jasmine_Tookes_at_the_2014_Victoria's_Secret_Fashion_Show.jpg/399px-20141202_Jasmine_Tookes_at_the_2014_Victoria's_Secret_Fashion_Show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/64/20141202_Jasmine_Tookes_at_the_2014_Victoria's_Secret_Fashion_Show.jpg/399px-20141202_Jasmine_Tookes_at_the_2014_Victoria's_Secret_Fashion_Show.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tookes at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Born 1 February 1991 (age 25)<br />Huntington Beach, California<br />Modeling information<br />Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)<br />Hair color Dark brown<br />Eye color Brown</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jasmine Tookes (born February 1, 1991) is an American model.</div>
<h2>
<u><br />Early life</u></h2>
<br />Tookes was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California. She has a younger sister, who is 19 years her junior. She did gymnastics for ten years and was also active in volleyball and softball before she became a model at about the age of 15. Her mother is a celebrity fashion stylist. Tookes was discovered at one of her mother's showroom appointments.<br /><br />As a child, she was inspired by Tyra Banks.<br /><br />
<h2>
<u>Personal life</u></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/JasmineTookesOhneTitelSS14ChristopherMabsurak.jpg/397px-JasmineTookesOhneTitelSS14ChristopherMabsurak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/JasmineTookesOhneTitelSS14ChristopherMabsurak.jpg/397px-JasmineTookesOhneTitelSS14ChristopherMabsurak.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tookes in 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<u> </u></h2>
Tookes is of mixed ancestry. African, Brazilian, and West Indian. She was in a relationship with Danish model Tobias Sorensen for 4 years from May 2012 to June 2016. She is currently dating Juan David Borrero a Senior Partnership Manager for Snapchat <br />
<h2>
<u>Career</u></h2>
<br />Tookes' first commercial ad campaigns were in 2010 for ugg boots and Gap. Before breaking out on the international scene, she booked a Spring 2011 DKNY campaign and a layout in Vogue Italia. According to Page six of The New York Post, when Oprah Winfrey saw Tookes perform on the catwalk in October 2011 at the "Lincoln Center Presents: An Evening With Ralph Lauren", Winfrey extolled Tookes' buttery soft skin and requested that Tookes "Rub your face against mine."Models.com named Tookes as one of the top 10 new models in a September 27, 2011 fashion week post. Tookes was selected by Style as its top new model in November 2011 based on her work for the Spring Fashion Shows. She was one of eleven new models for the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2012. The 2012 show was taped in November and broadcast on the CBS network on December 4. The night before the airing of the fashion show, Tookes and fellow Victoria's Secret models Behati Prinsloo and Jacquelyn Jablonski guest starred on the December 3 "Ha'awe Make Loa" episode of CBS' Hawaii Five-0. French Vogue named her as one of its 10 New faces from fall/winter 2012-2013 Fashion Week. Her runway experience includes Shiatzy Chen, Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, Prada, Miu Miu and Versace.<br /><br />In 2015, she became a Victoria's Secret Angel.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/77/c7/32/77c732cd8e9c49270796f2fa873f3178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/77/c7/32/77c732cd8e9c49270796f2fa873f3178.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J<span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">asmine Tookes - Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://az801229.vo.msecnd.net/wetpaint/2015/11/victorias-secret-fashion-show-2015-jasmine-tookes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://az801229.vo.msecnd.net/wetpaint/2015/11/victorias-secret-fashion-show-2015-jasmine-tookes.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Jasmine Tookes in Rainbow-Colored Wings</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lafashionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/fashion-show-runway-2015-portrait-of-an-angel-jasmine-look-14-victorias-secret-hi-res-1364x2048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lafashionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/fashion-show-runway-2015-portrait-of-an-angel-jasmine-look-14-victorias-secret-hi-res-1364x2048.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Model Jasmine Tookes walks the runway </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-1724468699051319002016-09-19T21:44:00.000-07:002016-09-19T21:44:11.115-07:00Gigi Hadid - Jelena Noura "Gigi" Hadid<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Gigi Hadid - Jelena Noura "Gigi" Hadid</u></h2>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/Gigi_Hadid_2016.jpg/371px-Gigi_Hadid_2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/Gigi_Hadid_2016.jpg/371px-Gigi_Hadid_2016.jpg" width="247" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hadid in November 2015<br />Born Jelena Noura Hadid<br />April 23, 1995 (age 21)<br />Los Angeles, California, U.S.<br />Residence New York City, New York, U.S.<br />Alma mater The New School<br />Occupation Model<br />Parent(s) Yolanda Hadid<br />Mohamed Hadid<br />Relatives Bella Hadid (sister)<br />Modeling information<br />Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)<br />Hair color Blonde<br />Eye color Blue/Green<br />Manager IMG Models (New York) </div>
<br />
Jelena Noura "Gigi" Hadid (/həˈdiːd/ HUH-DEED; born April 23, 1995) is an American fashion model and television personality. She was named one of the 12 rookies in Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit issue in 2014. She has also appeared on the reality TV series The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, in which her mother Yolanda Hadid has starred since season three in 2012. In November 2014, Hadid made her debut in the Top 50 Models ranking on models.com.<br /><br />
<h2>
<u>Early life</u></h2>
<br />Gigi Hadid was born and raised in Los Angeles to real-estate developer Mohamed Hadid and former model Yolanda Hadid (née Van den Herik). Her mother is a Dutch-born American, and her father is Palestinian-American. Through her father she descends from Daher Al Omer, Prince of Nazareth and the Sheikh of Galilee. Hadid has two younger siblings, Bella, who is also a model, and a brother, Anwar. She has two older half-sisters, Marielle and Alana, on her father's side. Following her parents' divorce, her mother married music producer David Foster, through whom she has five stepsisters. In 2013, Hadid graduated from Malibu High School, where she was captain of the varsity volleyball team as well as a competitive horseback rider.<br /><br />Following high school, she moved to New York City to focus on her studies and modeling career. Hadid studied at The New School beginning fall 2013.<br />
<h2>
<u>Career</u></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/Gigi_Hadid_August_2015.jpg/412px-Gigi_Hadid_August_2015.jpg" width="274" /> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hadid in August 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Hadid's modelling career began when she was two years old after she was discovered by Paul Marciano, of Guess. She started modelling with Baby Guess before she stopped to concentrate on school. Hadid eventually returned to modeling, signing with IMG Models in 2011. She resumed working with Marciano, and was named the face of a Guess campaign in 2012. She has shot three campaigns with Guess as an adult.<br />
<br />In February 2014, Hadid made her New York Fashion Week debut walking for Desigual's show. On July 15, 2014, she starred alongside actor and model Patrick Schwarzenegger in fashion designer Tom Ford's Eyewear autumn/winter campaign. She co-hosted the Daily Front Row's Fashion Media Awards that was held in New York City on September 5, 2014.<br /><br />In January 2015, she was named the Daily Front Row's "Model of the Year". Hadid appeared in the 2015 Pirelli calendar. In January 2015, she was named a Maybelline brand ambassador. By May 2015, Hadid had walked for designers including Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Michael Kors, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Max Mara. In December 2015, she made her first appearance in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. In 2016, she has walked for Versace, Chanel, Elie Saab, Anna Sui, Miu Miu, Balmain, Diane Von Furstenberg, Tommy Hilfiger, Fenty x Puma and Giambattista Valli. She appeared in campaigns and runway promotions for the movie Zoolander 2. Hadid has also starred in campaigns for Tom Ford F/W 2014, Tom Ford Velvet Orchard Fragrance, Tom Ford Beauty 2014, Guess, Versace, Balmain F/W 2015, Max Mara, Stuart Weitzman, Topshop, Seafolly, Tommy Hilfiger The Girl Fragrance 2016 and Tommy Hilfiger F/W 2016. In May 2016, Hadid was revealed as the new face of the Philippine-based international casual wear brand Penshoppe. She co-designed a capsule collection with Tommy Hilfiger called Gigi by Tommy Hilfiger which was released in the fall of 2016.<br /><br />Hadid has appeared on magazine covers including Vogue (United States, Spain, Australia, Brazil, the Netherlands, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, China), Schön!, Numero, W Magazine and Teen Vogue as well as Elle Canada and Harper's Bazaar Malaysia. Hadid has also shot editorials for VMAN, Elle, Grazia, Cleo, Vogue, Sports Illustrated, Paper magazine, Vanity Fair and V Magazine. She was on the cover of Galore magazine and Carine Roitfeld's CR Fashion Book in 2014. In 2015, Hadid became the first ever model to cover the CR Fashion Book twice. Hadid's sister Bella is also a model, and the two sisters have been featured together in some modelling appearances.<br /><br />In 2016, Hadid starred in an interactive campaign including a commercial for the BMW M2. Hadid played Australian singer Cody Simpson's love interest in the video for his song "Surfboard" which was released on April 14, 2014. She played the love interest of singer Miguel in the music video for "Simplethings", released May 29, 2014. In May 2015, she was also featured in Taylor Swift's Bad Blood music video as the character Slay-Z. Hadid starred in Calvin Harris' music video "How Deep Is Your Love", which was released on August 6, 2015. She also co-directed the video for DNCE's "Cake by the Ocean". Hadid starred in Zayn's music video for "Pillowtalk" in January 2016. She hosted the 2016 iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards in Toronto on June 19, 2016.<br />
<h2>
<u>Personal life</u></h2>
<br />Hadid was in a relationship with singer Cody Simpson from 2013 to May 2015. In October 2015, she and singer Joe Jonas were photographed on dates together. Since November 2015, she has been seen on dates with singer Zayn Malik; they later confirmed that they are in a relationship. Hadid and Malik were featured together in a fashion spread for the May 2016 edition of US Vogue.<br />
<h2>
<u>Filmography</u></h2>
<h3>
<u>Film and television</u></h3>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 859px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 4644; mso-width-source: userset; width: 95pt;" width="127"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 9801; mso-width-source: userset; width: 201pt;" width="268"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 5997; mso-width-source: userset; width: 123pt;" width="164"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 6290; mso-width-source: userset; width: 129pt;" width="172"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="31" style="height: 23.25pt;">
<td class="xl64" colspan="2" height="31" style="height: 23.25pt; mso-ignore: colspan; width: 296pt;" width="395">Filmography</td>
<td style="width: 123pt;" width="164"><br /></td>
<td style="width: 129pt;" width="172"><br /></td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><br /></td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="24" style="height: 18.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" colspan="2" height="24" style="height: 18.0pt; mso-ignore: colspan;">Film
and television</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl79" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">Year</td>
<td class="xl80" style="border-left: none; width: 201pt;" width="268">Title</td>
<td class="xl80" style="border-left: none; width: 123pt;" width="164">Role</td>
<td class="xl81" style="border-left: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Notes</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">2012</td>
<td class="xl78" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 201pt;" width="268">Virgin
Eyes</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 123pt;" width="164">Andrea</td>
<td class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Short
Film</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30.0pt;">
<td class="xl82" height="40" style="border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">2012–present</td>
<td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">The Real Housewives
of Beverly Hills</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 123pt;" width="164">Herself</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Recurring
cast member (beginning in season 3)</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl69" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">2015</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 201pt;" width="268">Those
Wrecked by Success</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 123pt;" width="164">Herself</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Short
Film</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl69" height="40" style="border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">2016</td>
<td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">MasterChef</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 123pt;" width="164">Herself</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Episode:
"MasterChef Celebrity Showdown"</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl69" height="40" style="border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">2016</td>
<td class="xl73" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Lip Sync Battle</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 123pt;" width="164">Herself</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Episode:
"Gigi Hadid vs. Tyler Posey"</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl74" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">2016</td>
<td class="xl75" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Much Music Video
Awards</td>
<td class="xl76" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 123pt;" width="164">Host</td>
<td class="xl77" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Music
award show</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="24" style="height: 18.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="24" style="height: 18.0pt;">Music videos</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl93" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">Year</td>
<td class="xl93" style="border-left: none; width: 201pt;" width="268">Title</td>
<td class="xl93" style="border-left: none; width: 123pt;" width="164">Artist</td>
<td class="xl93" style="border-left: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Role</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl83" height="40" rowspan="2" style="border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">2014</td>
<td class="xl83" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 201pt;" width="268">"Surfboard"</td>
<td class="xl84" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Cody Simpson</td>
<td class="xl83" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Herself</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl87" height="20" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; width: 201pt;" width="268">"Simplethings"</td>
<td class="xl88" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Miguel</td>
<td class="xl87" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Love
Interest</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl87" height="80" rowspan="4" style="border-top: none; height: 60.0pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">2015</td>
<td class="xl88" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">"Bad Blood"</td>
<td class="xl88" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Taylor Swift</td>
<td class="xl87" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Slay-Z</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl88" height="20" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">"Flower"</td>
<td class="xl88" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Cody Simpson</td>
<td class="xl87" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Herself</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl88" height="20" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">"How Deep Is Your Love"</td>
<td class="xl88" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Calvin Harris</td>
<td class="xl87" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Girl
in Love</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl88" height="20" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">"Cake by the Ocean"</td>
<td class="xl88" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">DNCE</td>
<td class="xl87" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Director</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl91" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">2016</td>
<td class="xl92" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">"Pillowtalk"</td>
<td class="xl92" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Zayn</td>
<td class="xl91" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Girlfriend</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="31" style="height: 23.25pt;">
<td class="xl64" colspan="2" height="31" style="height: 23.25pt; mso-ignore: colspan;">Awards
and nominations</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl93" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">Year</td>
<td class="xl93" style="border-left: none; width: 201pt;" width="268">Association</td>
<td class="xl93" style="border-left: none; width: 123pt;" width="164">Category</td>
<td class="xl93" style="border-left: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Result</td>
<td class="xl93" style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" width="64">Ref.</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="23" style="height: 17.25pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl83" height="283" rowspan="6" style="border-top: none; height: 212.25pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">2015</td>
<td class="xl84" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">First Annual Fashion
Los Angeles Awards</td>
<td class="xl83" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 123pt;" width="164">Model
of The Year</td>
<td class="xl85" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Won</td>
<td class="xl86" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 48pt;" width="64"><sup>[68][69]</sup></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl88" height="20" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Teen Choice Awards</td>
<td class="xl88" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Choice Model</td>
<td class="xl89" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Nominated</td>
<td class="xl88" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">[70]</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="60" style="height: 45.0pt;">
<td class="xl88" height="240" rowspan="4" style="border-top: none; height: 180.0pt;">Models.com
Industry Awards</td>
<td class="xl87" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 123pt;" width="164">Model
of the Year: Women (Readers' Choice)</td>
<td class="xl90" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Won</td>
<td class="xl88" rowspan="4" style="border-top: none;">[71]</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="60" style="height: 45.0pt;">
<td class="xl87" height="60" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; height: 45.0pt; width: 123pt;" width="164">Runner-Up Model of the Year: Women (Industry’s
Vote)</td>
<td class="xl90" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Won</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="60" style="height: 45.0pt;">
<td class="xl87" height="60" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; height: 45.0pt; width: 123pt;" width="164">Social Media Star: Women (Industry's Vote)</td>
<td class="xl90" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Won</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="60" style="height: 45.0pt;">
<td class="xl87" height="60" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; height: 45.0pt; width: 123pt;" width="164">Runner-Up Social Media Star: Women (Readers'
Choice)</td>
<td class="xl90" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Won</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl87" height="41" rowspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1.0pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 30.75pt; width: 95pt;" width="127">2016</td>
<td class="xl88" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">Teen Choice Awards</td>
<td class="xl87" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 123pt;" width="164">Choice
Female Hottie</td>
<td class="xl89" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; width: 129pt;" width="172">Nominated</td>
<td class="xl88" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">[72]</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl92" height="21" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt;"> </td>
<td class="xl92" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> </td>
<td class="xl92" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> </td>
<td class="xl92" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> </td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0United States37.09024 -95.712891000000013-36.4186355 99.052733999999987 90 69.521483999999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-39203430737978199502016-09-19T01:09:00.000-07:002016-09-19T01:09:09.123-07:00Miranda May Kerr<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Miranda May Kerr</u></b></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/40/Miranda_Kerr_(6873397963).jpg/400px-Miranda_Kerr_(6873397963).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/40/Miranda_Kerr_(6873397963).jpg/400px-Miranda_Kerr_(6873397963).jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Miranda Kerr in February 2012<br />Born Miranda May Kerr<br />20 April 1983 (age 33)<br />Sydney, Australia<br />Occupation Model<br />Years active 1997–present<br />Spouse(s) Orlando Bloom (m. 2010; separated 2013)<br />Partner(s) Evan Spiegel (2015–present)<br />Children 1<br />Website www.mirandakerr.net<br />Modeling information<br />Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)<br />Hair color Brown<br />Eye color Blue<br />Manager IMG Models<br />Traffic Models<br />Chic Management <br />
<br />
Miranda May Kerr (born 20 April 1983) is an Australian model. Kerr rose to prominence in 2007 as one of the Victoria's Secret Angels. Kerr was the first Australian Victoria's Secret model and also represented the Australian department store chain David Jones. Kerr has launched her own brand of organic skincare products, KORA Organics, and has written a self-help book.<br /><br />Kerr began modelling in the fashion industry when she was 13, winning the 1997 Dolly magazine model search competition. Since 2008, Kerr has consistently ranked on the Forbes list of highest earning models.<br /><br />
<h2>
<u>Early life</u></h2>
<br />Kerr was born in Sydney and raised in Gunnedah, New South Wales. She is the daughter of Therese and John Kerr. She has a brother, Matthew, who is two years younger. In an interview, Kerr stated that her ancestry is mostly English with smaller amounts of Scottish and French. During her childhood, Kerr "raced motorbikes and rode horses on her grandmother's farm". She describes her early life in the Australian countryside as "very grounding ... there wasn't any pretentiousness and no one really cared what you were wearing. You could just be you."<br /><br />Her family moved to Brisbane to allow Kerr and her brother to experience city life. She graduated from All Hallows' School in 2000. Kerr studied nutrition and health psychology before pursuing modelling.<br />
<h2>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>Career</u></span></b></h2>
<h3>
<u>1997–2006: Career beginnings</u></h3>
<br />At age 13, Kerr entered and won the 1997 annual Dolly magazine/Impulse model competition. She was flown to Sydney a week before her 14th birthday to shoot for the magazine. Upon Kerr's win, local media expressed "concerned outrage" at her young age. The controversy raised concerns about the glorification of young girls within the fashion, beauty, and entertainment industries.<br /><br />Some media outlets[according to whom?] claimed her Dolly shoot (including images of a 14-year-old Kerr in bathing suits) constituted a form of paedophilia[citation needed]. Of the press, Kerr said: "In the media at the time they were trying to cling on to anything remotely to do with paedophilia. Dolly is a magazine for teenage girls, not for old men. And I was fully clothed! Doing a winter shoot! They just made something out of nothing."<br /><br />Kerr signed to Chic Management's Sydney division. She received considerable commercial exposure after a series of beachwear ads predominantly for Australian surf chain Billabong, in which Kerr modelled surf brands Tigerlily, Roxy, Billabong Girls, and One Teaspoon. This increased her profile in the Australian and Asian markets, after which Kerr relocated to New York where she became co-owner of the Bowery Ballroom.<br /><br />In New York, Kerr had a multitude of runway appearances and then signed with NEXT Model Management in early 2004. From there, she was booked for runway and print campaigns for labels, including Alex Perry, Baby Phat, Lisa Ho, Voodoo Dolls, Levi's, Bettina Liano, Nicola Finetti, L.A.M.B., Heatherette, Betsey Johnson, Trelise Cooper, Jets, John Richmond, Blumarine Swimwear, Neiman Marcus, Seafolly Swimwear, Anna Molinari, Rock and Republic, Roberto Cavalli, and Ober Jeans. Kerr was also booked for print in magazines such as Elle, Australian Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, and was featured in Australian television advertisements for clothing and hair-removal products.<br /><br />In early 2006, Kerr appeared on the TV show Project Runway, modelling clothes for contestant Daniel Vosovic's final collection. She signed a contract with cosmetics firm Maybelline New York. Along with several other Victoria's Secret and Next agency models, Kerr was also featured in a music video for the single "Number One" by artists Kanye West and Pharrell.<br />2007–2012: Victoria's Secret and high fashion work<br /><br />Following her success with Maybelline, Kerr became the first Australian model to be offered a contract with Victoria's Secret in 2007, replacing Gisele Bündchen. Upon her acceptance, she became the first ever Australian Victoria's Secret Angel joining the stable of models already signed to the lingerie giant, including Alessandra Ambrosio, Karolína Kurková, Adriana Lima, Selita Ebanks, Izabel Goulart, and Heidi Klum. Before becoming an Angel in 2007, Kerr was already picked to become the successor of Alessandra Ambrosio as the face of PINK in 2006. Kerr's popularity continued to increase as one of the globally recognised Angels when she appeared in the Victoria's Secret 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 televised runway shows, which aired on four continents.<br /><br />In 2007, Kerr signed on as the face of Californian fashion retailer Arden B. After debuting in their spring and summer ad campaigns, Kerr returned for their fall 2007 campaign, shot by fashion photographer Diego Uchitel. Following her modeling success with Victoria's Secret, Kerr made a small guest appearance in the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother alongside fellow Angels Adriana Lima, Marisa Miller, Alessandra Ambrosio, Heidi Klum and Selita Ebanks.<br /><br />In 2008, Kerr became the new face of the fragrance Clinique Happy and signed a six-figure deal to be the new face of Australian department store David Jones, replacing model Megan Gale. She also graced the cover of British Harper's Bazaar. Earning an estimated $3.5 million over the previous 12 months, Forbes placed Kerr at No. 10 on the list of the world's top-earning models.<br /><br />In June 2009, Kerr posed naked, chained to a tree, for an issue of Rolling Stone Australia, to raise awareness for the endangered koalas.In August, Kerr released an inspirational self-esteem, self-help book, Treasure Yourself. Treasure Yourself is aimed at female teenagers.[citation needed]In October, Kerr launched her own brand of organic skincare products, KORA Organics, with George Moskos,[better source needed] and became the face for the company. Kerr also shot a spring/summer ad campaign for XOXO. Kerr appeared in Forbes 2009 list of the world's highest-paid models, ranking at No. 9 with estimated earnings of $3 million. She left NEXT Model Management and signed with IMG Models.She then ended the year walking in the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.<br /><br />Kerr appeared in the 2010 Pirelli Calendar, photographed by Terry Richardson in Bahia, Brazil. Previously better known for her Victoria's Secret status rather than her high fashion work, Balenciaga is credited for launching her high fashion modelling career when casting directors Ashley Brokaw and Nicolas Ghesquière chose her to walk exclusively for the brand's spring 2010 runway show. It was her first designer fashion show, aside from Victoria's Secret, since 2007. A season later she walked for design company Prada for their fall 2010 collection in Milan alongside fellow Angels Doutzen Kroes and Alessandra Ambrosio. Kerr then modelled for campaigns for Prada and Jil Sander, and was shot by Steven Meisel for the cover of Italian Vogue for September. She appeared on the Forbes 2010 list of the world's highest-paid models, ranking at No. 9 where she earned $4 million.<br /><br />In January 2011, Kerr became the first pregnant model for Vogue when featured in Vogue Australia, being six months pregnant at the time of the shoot.[citation needed] In March she hit the catwalk for Balenciaga's fall 2011 ready-to-wear collection as part of Paris Fashion Week, two months after giving birth.[better source needed] Kerr also posed nude for a 2011 Harper's Bazaar photo shoot. In October at Paris Fashion Week SS12, Kerr walked for Dior, Lanvin, Chanel, John Galliano, Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf and Loewe. Kerr was chosen to present the $2.5 million Victoria's Secret Fantasy Treasure Bra for their fashion show in November 2011.Kerr then featured in the Spring 2012 campaign for Bally alongside Julia Stegner.<br /><br />In January 2012, she was named ambassador for Qantas. In March, Kerr walked for Chanel and Miu Miu at Fall/Winter Paris Fashion Week.Kerr graced the June cover of Numéro Tokyo, shot by Nino Muñoz. In August, Kerr graced the cover of Vogue Turkey and in November, was named the new face of high street brand Mango, replacing Kate Moss for its spring/summer 2013 campaign. Kerr placed at No. 7 in Forbes 2012 list of the world's highest-paid models with earnings of $4 million.<br />
<h2>
<u>2013–present: Continued success</u></h2>
<br />In March 2013, negotiations to renew her five-year contract with David Jones "fell through," leading to a peaceful split between the two parties. The following month, it was reported that Kerr's three-year, $1-million contract with Victoria's Secret was not being renewed. Anonymous sources claimed Kerr had a "difficult reputation" and was not "a big seller for VS"; however, Kerr's camp stated she was unable to commit the necessary time to the brand. In response, Victoria's Secret chief marketing officer Ed Razek stated he had already invited Kerr to walk in that year's fashion show.Kerr graced the April issue of Vogue Australia and the July issue of Vogue Korea.<br /><br />She was ranked No. 2 in Forbes 2013 list of the world's highest-paid models, behind only Gisele Bündchen, with estimated earnings of $7.2 million, which is $3.2 million more and a jump of five places in the list from the previous year. In October, Kerr was named the face of Austrian crystal house Swarovski for their fall 2013 compaign, and that December she starred in social shopping website ShopStyle's first national campaign.<br /><br />In February 2014, Kerr replaced Gisele Bündchen as the face of Swedish clothing brand H&M. She then featured in high-profile campaigns for Reebok and Wonderbra. In March, Kerr opened and closed for Sonia Rykiel at Fall/Winter Paris Fashion Week. On 22 April 2014, Kerr released her first single online, featuring her and crooner Bobby Fox, in a cover of Elvis Presley's "You're The Boss".In July, Kerr became the face of the Escada fragrance, Joyful, attending the launch at the brand's flagship Munich store. Kerr graced the covers of the May issue of Vogue Taiwan and the July issue of Vogue Australia. She was among the 50 models on the September cover of Vogue Italia, celebrating the magazine's 50th anniversary. She also graced the November, 15th anniversary issue of Vogue Japan, shot by Mario Testino. Kerr ranked No. 3 on the 2014 Forbes list of highest earning models, earning an estimated $7 million.<br /><br />Kerr graced the cover of the February 2015 issue of American Harper's Bazaar, shot by Richardson. She also covered the March issue of Australian Harper's Bazaar, shot by Kai Z Feng.In July, Kerr designed a jewelry line with Swarovski, having served as the face of the brand since 2013. Kerr spoke of the collaboration, "I wanted it to be reflective of myself and my personality and who I am. And [Swarovski] really let me have full creative control. I knew what I wanted. I wanted it to be fine, and delicate and have meaning, and hopefully, inspiration". Kerr ranked No. 6 on the 2015 Forbes list of highest earning models, earning an estimated $6.5 million. She then graced the December cover of Vogue Thailand, the first Australian model to do so. She was also shot by Doug Inglish in a short video as part of LOVE's annual advent calendar. <br /><br />Kerr began 2016 fronting Riccardo Tisci's Spring/Summer campaign for Givenchy, alongside models including Joan Smalls, Natalia Vodianova and fellow Australian, Gemma Ward. Her January/February cover for Australian Harper's Bazaar sparked controversy, depicting a nude Kerr under the coverline "What Lies Beneath". The cover was later pulled from national supermarket chain, Coles. In March, Kerr was announced as the face of Joe Fresh's fall campaign.She also featured on international covers of Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Madame Figaro and L'Officiel. In June, she opened Jeremy Scott's Resort 2017 show for Moschino, alongside veteran models including Devon Aoki and fellow Victoria's Secret Angels Chanel Iman and Alessandra Ambrosio.The same month, Kerr filmed a guest mentor role on cycle 10 of Australia's Next Top Model.Kerr ranked No. 10 on the 2016 Forbes list of highest paid models, earning an estimated $6 million.<br /><br />
<h2>
<u>Public image</u></h2>
<br />In February 2010, Kerr became the subject of global headlines when David Kiely, a banker at Macquarie Bank in Sydney, was caught viewing explicit photos of her on his computer while in the background of a colleague's live television interview with Channel 7. Within days, a clip of the interview uploaded onto YouTube received over 1.3 million hits. Eventually, Kiely was suspended and an internet campaign launched on his behalf. Kerr herself gave him her backing: "I am told there is a petition to save his job, and of course I would sign it." The incident prompted a 100% increase in the number of Google searches for Kerr's name. A few days after the incident, Macquarie Bank announced that Kiely would keep his job.<br /><br />Kerr has frequently been said to be one of the sexiest women in the world. Models.com ranks her number 4 on the Top 20 sexiest models. She has been ranked in FHM's '100 Sexiest Women' poll at No. 56 in 2009, No. 36 in 2010, No. 44 in 2011, No. 51 in 2012, No. 56 in 2013 and No. 48 in 2014. Kerr was named one of the "100 Hottest Women of All-Time" by Men's Health beating the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. She was named "Sexiest Woman Alive 2012" by Esquire UK. She has also regularly ranked on AskMen's list of Top 99 Women coming in at No. 19 in 2008, No. 46 in 2009, No. 10 in 2010, No. 5 in 2011, No. 25 in 2012, No. 6 in 2013 and No. 46 in 2014.<br /><br />Kerr's model trademark is her dimples. Celebrity photographer Russell James stated:<br /><br /> The US has fallen in love with her. We love her because she has the most incredible girl-next-door look and she's also insanely beautiful. It means women are not intimidated by her looks and guys think they might be able to talk to her. It's a fantastic combination ... people want to be around her; she's fun on a shoot … and she's not stupid, which can be a very annoying trait among some models.<br /><br />Model agent Ursula Hufnagl described Kerr as "the perfect endorsement", citing her ability to "truly sell a product".<br /><br />
<h2>
<u>Personal life</u></h2>
<br />In 2003, Kerr dated finance broker Adrian Camilleri. Following an Australian Securities and Investments Commission investigation, Camilleri was found guilty on five counts of fraudulent behaviour from February 2003 to February 2004. A 2007 newspaper report claims that Kerr suffered financially "after taking her boyfriend's financial advice" but chose not to take legal action.<br /><br />From 2003 to mid-2007, She dated Jay Lyon (Brent Tuhtan), the lead singer of the band Tamarama. Kerr starred in Tamarama's video clip for "Everything To Me".<br /><br />Kerr began dating English actor Orlando Bloom in late 2007. In 2009, a gang of thieves known as the Bling Ring broke into Bloom's home. The group stole luxury brand clothing and jewellery. In this case, the ringleader allegedly wanted Kerr's Victoria's Secret lingerie. Kerr and Bloom announced their engagement in June 2010, and they were married the following month. Kerr gave birth to their son in 2011. In October 2013, Kerr and Bloom announced that they had separated several months earlier, and intend to end their marriage.<br /><br />In 2015, She began dating billionaire Snapchat co-founder/CEO Evan Spiegel. On 20 July 2016, Kerr announced her engagement to Spiegel.<br /><br />
<h2>
<u>Religion</u></h2>
<br />In response to claims that Kerr is a practicing Buddhist, she told The Telegraph, "I'm not Buddhist. I'm Christian. I pray every day. I meditate every day and I do yoga. I'm not religious, I'm spiritual. And praying is something my grandmother taught me as well. To pray and be grateful, have gratitude, is a big thing for me." She later told Into The Gloss:<br /><br /> I like to pray and I like to meditate. Doing just three minutes of prayer and a minimum of five minutes meditation twice a day sets the tone—like an arrow so that you're hitting your target. When I pray I always thank Mother Nature for all the beauty in the world; it's about having an attitude of gratitude. And then I pray to Christ to say, 'Thank you for this day and my family and my health,' and now that I'm older I've added, 'Please illuminate me. Please open my heart chakra. Open my aperture and uplift my consciousness so that I can be the best version of myself.'<br /><br />She credits meditation, speaking with friends, and writing as ways of dealing with challenges such as the death of her then-boyfriend at age 15, and "makes it a priority to pray about forgiving herself and others."<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-88012446086913682016-09-09T00:31:00.000-07:002016-09-09T00:31:30.359-07:00Mount Roraima in Brazil<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Mount Roraima - (World Mysterious Places)</b></u></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gj45hyTRJ0w/Taydu_cboQI/AAAAAAAAAPU/r5OqHA8w8mc/s1600/mount+roraima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gj45hyTRJ0w/Taydu_cboQI/AAAAAAAAAPU/r5OqHA8w8mc/s1600/mount+roraima.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></h2>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Venezuela_relief_location_map.jpg/673px-Venezuela_relief_location_map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Venezuela_relief_location_map.jpg/673px-Venezuela_relief_location_map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Location of Mount Roraima in eastern Venezuela (on border with Guyana and Brazil)<br />
Highest point<br />
<b>Elevation </b> 2,810 m (9,220 ft) <br />
<b>Prominence </b> 2,338 m (7,671 ft) <br />
<b>Listing </b> Country high point<br />
Ultra prominent peak<br />
<b>Coordinates</b> 5°08′36″N 60°45′45″WCoordinates: 5°08′36″N 60°45′45″W<br />
<b>Geography</b><br />
<b>Location</b> Venezuela/Brazil/Guyana<br />
<b>Parent range </b> Guiana Highlands<br />
<b>Geology</b><br />
<b>Mountain type</b> Plateau<br />
<b>Climbing</b><br />
<b>First ascent </b> 1884, led by Sir Everard im Thurn and accompanied by Harry Inniss Perkins and several Guyanese natives[2][3]:497<br />
<b>Easiest route</b> Hike<br />
<br />
<br />
Mount Roraima (Spanish: Monte Roraima [ˈmonte roˈɾaima], also known as Tepuy Roraima and Cerro Roraima; Portuguese: Monte Roraima [ˈmõtʃi ʁoˈɾajmɐ]) is the highest of the Pakaraima chain of tepui plateaus in South America.:156 First described by the English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh in 1596, its 31 km2 summit area:156 is bounded on all sides by cliffs rising 400 metres (1,300 ft). The mountain also serves as the triple border point of Venezuela (85% of its territory), Guyana (10%) and Brazil (5%).<br />
<br />
Mount Roraima lies on the Guiana Shield in the southeastern corner of Venezuela's 30,000-square-kilometre (12,000 sq mi) Canaima National Park forming the highest peak of Guyana's Highland Range. The tabletop mountains of the park are considered some of the oldest geological formations on Earth, dating back to some two billion years ago in the Precambrian.<br />
<br />
The highest point in Guyana and the highest point of the Brazilian state of Roraima lie on the plateau, but Venezuela and Brazil have higher mountains elsewhere. The triple border point is at 5°12′08″N 60°44′07″W, but the mountain's highest point is Maverick Rock, 2,810 metres (9,219 ft), at the south end of the plateau and wholly within Venezuela.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u>Flora and fauna</u></h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Tepuy_vegetation_-_Roraima_Venezuela.JPG/800px-Tepuy_vegetation_-_Roraima_Venezuela.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Tepuy_vegetation_-_Roraima_Venezuela.JPG/800px-Tepuy_vegetation_-_Roraima_Venezuela.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetation on Mount Roraima</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Many of the species found on Roraima are unique to the tepui plateaus with 2 local endemic plants found on Roraima summit. Plants such as pitcher plants (Heliamphora), Campanula (a bellflower), and the rare Rapatea heather are commonly found on the escarpment and summit. It rains almost every day of the year. Almost the entire surface of the summit is bare sandstone, with only a few bushes (Bonnetia roraimœ) and algae present. Low scanty and bristling vegetation is also found in the small, sandy marshes that intersperse the rocky summit. Most of the nutrients that are present in the soil are washed away by torrents that cascade over the edge, forming some of the highest waterfalls in the world.<br />
<br />
There are multiple examples of unique fauna atop Mount Roraima. Oreophrynella quelchii, commonly called the Roraima Bush Toad, is a diurnal toad usually found on open rock surfaces and shrubland. It is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae and breeds by direct development. The species is currently listed as vulnerable and there is a need for increased education among tourists to make them aware of the importance of not handling these animals in the wild. Close population monitoring is also required, particularly since this species is known only from a single location. The species is protected in Monumento Natural Los Tepuyes in Venezuela, and Parque Nacional Monte Roraima in Brazil.<br />
<h2>
<u>Culture</u></h2>
<br />
Since long before the arrival of European explorers, the mountain has held a special significance for the indigenous people of the region, and it is central to many of their myths and legends. The Pemon and Kapon natives of the Gran Sabana see Mount Roraima as the stump of a mighty tree that once held all the fruits and tuberous vegetables in the world. Felled by Makunaima, their mythical trickster, the tree crashed to the ground, unleashing a terrible flood. Roroi in the Pemon language means blue-green and ma means great.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u>Ascents</u></h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Roraima-Tepui_Wand.jpg/800px-Roraima-Tepui_Wand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Roraima-Tepui_Wand.jpg/800px-Roraima-Tepui_Wand.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steep rock wall of Monte Roraima.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Although the steep sides of the plateau make it difficult to access, it was the first recorded major tepui to be climbed: Sir Everard im Thurn walked up a forested ramp in December 1884 to scale the plateau. This is the same route hikers take today.<br />
<br />
The only non-technical route to the top is the Paraitepui route from Venezuela; any other approach will involve climbing gear. Mount Roraima has been climbed on a few occasions from the Guyana and Brazil sides, but as the mountain is entirely bordered on both these sides by enormous sheer cliffs that include high overhanging (negative-inclination) stretches, these are extremely difficult and technical rock climbing routes. Such climbs would also require difficult authorizations for entering restricted-access national parks in the respective countries.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/Roraima_Maverick_Stone3.jpg/800px-Roraima_Maverick_Stone3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/Roraima_Maverick_Stone3.jpg/800px-Roraima_Maverick_Stone3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maverick Rock, the highest point of Mount Roraima</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In Brazil the Monte Roraima National Park lies within the Raposa Serra do Sol Indigenous Territory, and is not open to the public without permission.<br />
<br />
The 2013 Austrian documentary Jäger des Augenblicks - Ein Abenteuer am Mount Roraima (Moment Hunters - An Adventure on Mount Roraima) shows rock climbers Kurt Albert, Holger Heuber, and Stefan Glowacz climbing to the top of Mount Roraima from the Guyana side. Similarly, in 2010 Brazilian climbers Eliseu Frechou, Fernando Leal and Márcio Bruno opened a new route on the Guyanese side, climbing to the top in 12 days of a very difficult vertical wall climb. They called the new route Guerra de Luz e Trevas (Portuguese for "War of Light and Darkness") and classed it as 6° VIIa A3 J4. A 28-minute Vimeo video called Dias de Tempestade (Days of Storm) is available documenting their climb (English subtitles, audio in Portuguese).<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><b> Facts About Mount Roraima - strangefacts</b></u></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li> Mount Roraima (mountain, South America) giant flat-topped mountain, or mesa, in the Pakaraima Mountains of the Guiana Highlands , at the point where the boundaries of Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana meet.</li>
<li> About 9 miles (14 km) long and 9,094 feet (2,772 metres) high, it is the source of many rivers of Guyana, and of the Amazon and Orinoco.</li>
<li> Mount Roraima is a pretty remarkable place. It is a tabletop mountain with sheer 400-metre high cliffs on all sides.</li>
<li> There is only one ‘easy’ way up, on a natural staircase-like ramp on the Venezuelan side – to get up any other way takes and experienced rock climber</li>
<li> On the top of the mountain it rains almost every day, washing away most of the nutrients for plants to grow and creating a unique landscape on the bare sandstone surface.</li>
<li> This also creates some of the highest waterfalls in the world over the sides (Angel falls is located on a similar tabletop mountain some 130 miles away).</li>
<li> Though there are only a few marshes on the mountain where vegetation can grow properly, these contain many species unique to the mountain, including a species of carnivorous pitcher plant.</li>
<li> The mountain marks the border between Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana, although more than three quarters of the mountain is in Venezuelan territory .</li>
<li> It is the highest mountain in Guyana, but Venezuela and Brazil have higher mountains. The triple border point on the summit is at 5°12'08N, 60°44'07W.</li>
<li> Roraima lies on the Guiana Shield in the southeastern corner of Venezuela's 30,000 km² Canaima National Park, which is roughly located in the Gran Sabana region .</li>
<li> The tabletop mountains of the park are considered some of the oldest geological formations on Earth, dating back to the Precambrian Era, some two billion years ago.</li>
<li> The average height of the plateau is about 2,500 metres (8,200 feet), making it the highest point for distance of 549.44 kilometres (341.48 miles) in any direction.</li>
<li> The nearest peak that is taller is Cerro Marahuaca, to the west-southwest.</li>
<li> Despite the fact the steep sides of the plateau make it difficult to access, it was the first major tepui to be climbed: Sir Everard im Thurn walked up a forested ramp in December 1884 to scale the strangely wind-and-water sculpted plateau.</li>
<li> This is the same route hikers take today.</li>
<li> It is thought that the reports from early Victorian expeditions to the mountain inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write his classic adventure yarn, The Lost World, in 1912 - now made into countless films.</li>
<li> Since long before the arrival of European explorers in Venezuela the mountain has held a special significance for the indigenous people of the region and it is central to many of their myths and legends.</li>
<li> The Pemon Indians of the Gran Sabana see Roraima as the stump of a mighty tree that once held all the fruits and tuberous vegetables in the world.</li>
<li> Felled by one of their ancestors, the tree crashed to the ground, unleashing a terrible flood. "Roroi" in the Pemon language means blue-green and "ma" means great.</li>
<li> Mount Roraima has been climbed on a few occasions from the Guyana and Brazil sides, but as the mountain is entirely bordered on both these sides by enormous sheer cliffs that include high overhanging (negative-inclination) stretches, these are extremely difficult and technical rock climbing routes.</li>
<li> </li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-90857851105905749912015-02-17T22:36:00.001-08:002015-02-17T22:36:17.483-08:00Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 - Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci</span></u></b></h2>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Francesco_Melzi_-_Portrait_of_Leonardo_-_WGA14795.jpg/417px-Francesco_Melzi_-_Portrait_of_Leonardo_-_WGA14795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Francesco_Melzi_-_Portrait_of_Leonardo_-_WGA14795.jpg/417px-Francesco_Melzi_-_Portrait_of_Leonardo_-_WGA14795.jpg" height="400" width="277" /></a></div>
<br />
Portrait of Leonardo by Francesco Melzi<br />
<b>Born<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci<br />
April 15, 1452<br />
Vinci, Republic of Florence (present-day Italy)<br />
<b>Died<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>May 2, 1519<br />
Amboise, Kingdom of France<br />
<b>Known for</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Diverse fields of the arts and sciences<br />
Notable work(s)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mona Lisa<br />
The Last Supper<br />
The Vitruvian Man<br />
Lady with an Ermine<br />
<b>Style</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>High Renaissance<br />
<br />
<br />
Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (Italian: [leoˈnardo da ˈvintʃi] ( listen); 15 April 1452 – 2 May 1519) was an Italian polymath, painter, sculptor, architect, musician, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist, and writer. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest painters of all time and perhaps the most diversely talented person ever to have lived. His genius, perhaps more than that of any other figure, epitomized the Renaissance humanist ideal. Leonardo has often been described as the archetype of the Renaissance Man, a man of "unquenchable curiosity" and "feverishly inventive imagination". According to art historian Helen Gardner, the scope and depth of his interests were without precedent and "his mind and personality seem to us superhuman, the man himself mysterious and remote". Marco Rosci states that while there is much speculation about Leonardo, his vision of the world is essentially logical rather than mysterious, and that the empirical methods he employed were unusual for his time.<br />
<br />
Born out of wedlock to a notary, Piero da Vinci, and a peasant woman, Caterina, in Vinci in the region of Florence, Leonardo was educated in the studio of the renowned Florentine painter Verrocchio. Much of his earlier working life was spent in the service of Ludovico il Moro in Milan. He later worked in Rome, Bologna and Venice, and he spent his last years in France at the home awarded him by Francis I.<br />
<br />
Leonardo was, and is, renowned primarily as a painter. Among his works, the Mona Lisa is the most famous and most parodied portrait and The Last Supper the most reproduced religious painting of all time, with their fame approached only by Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam. Leonardo's drawing of the Vitruvian Man is also regarded as a cultural icon, being reproduced on items as varied as the euro coin, textbooks, and T-shirts. Perhaps fifteen of his paintings have survived, the small number because of his constant, and frequently disastrous, experimentation with new techniques, and his chronic procrastination. Nevertheless, these few works, together with his notebooks, which contain drawings, scientific diagrams, and his thoughts on the nature of painting, compose a contribution to later generations of artists rivalled only by that of his contemporary, Michelangelo.<br />
<br />
Leonardo is revered for his technological ingenuity. He conceptualised flying machines, an armoured vehicle, concentrated solar power, an adding machine, and the double hull, also outlining a rudimentary theory of plate tectonics. Relatively few of his designs were constructed or were even feasible during his lifetime, but some of his smaller inventions, such as an automated bobbin winder and a machine for testing the tensile strength of wire, entered the world of manufacturing unheralded. He made important discoveries in anatomy, civil engineering, optics, and hydrodynamics, but he did not publish his findings and they had no direct influence on later science.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Life<br />Childhood, 1452–1466</span></u></h2>
<br />
Leonardo was born on 15 April 1452 (Old Style), "at the third hour of the night" in the Tuscan hill town of Vinci, in the lower valley of the Arno River in the territory of the Medici-ruled Republic of Florence. He was the out-of-wedlock son of the wealthy Messer Piero Fruosino di Antonio da Vinci, a Florentine legal notary, and Caterina, a peasant. Leonardo had no surname in the modern sense, "da Vinci" simply meaning "of Vinci": his full birth name was "Lionardo di ser Piero da Vinci", meaning "Leonardo, (son) of (Mes)ser Piero from Vinci". The inclusion of the title "ser" indicated that Leonardo's father was a gentleman.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Vinci_casa_Leonardo.jpg/800px-Vinci_casa_Leonardo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Vinci_casa_Leonardo.jpg/800px-Vinci_casa_Leonardo.jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leonardo's childhood home in Anchiano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Little is known about Leonardo's early life. He spent his first five years in the hamlet of Anchiano in the home of his mother, then from 1457 he lived in the household of his father, grandparents and uncle, Francesco, in the small town of Vinci. His father had married a sixteen-year-old girl named Albiera, who loved Leonardo but died young. When Leonardo was sixteen his father married again, to twenty-year-old Francesca Lanfredini. It was not until his third and fourth marriages that Ser Piero produced legitimate heirs.<br />
<br />
Leonardo received an informal education in Latin, geometry and mathematics. In later life, Leonardo recorded only two childhood incidents. One, which he regarded as an omen, was when a kite dropped from the sky and hovered over his cradle, its tail feathers brushing his face. The second occurred while he was exploring in the mountains: he discovered a cave and was both terrified that some great monster might lurk there and driven by curiosity to find out what was inside.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Study_of_a_Tuscan_Landscape.jpg/800px-Study_of_a_Tuscan_Landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Study_of_a_Tuscan_Landscape.jpg/800px-Study_of_a_Tuscan_Landscape.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leonardo's earliest known drawing, <br />
the Arno Valley (1473), Uffizi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Leonardo's early life has been the subject of historical conjecture. Vasari, the 16th-century biographer of Renaissance painters, tells of how a local peasant made himself a round shield and requested that Ser Piero have it painted for him. Leonardo responded with a painting of a monster spitting fire which was so terrifying that Ser Piero sold it to a Florentine art dealer, who sold it to the Duke of Milan. Meanwhile, having made a profit, Ser Piero bought a shield decorated with a heart pierced by an arrow, which he gave to the peasant.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Verrocchio's workshop, 1466–1476</u></span></h2>
In 1466, at the age of fourteen, Leonardo was apprenticed to the artist Andrea di Cione, known as Verrocchio, whose workshop was "one of the finest in Florence". Other famous painters apprenticed or associated with the workshop include Domenico Ghirlandaio, Perugino, Botticelli, and Lorenzo di Credi. Leonardo would have been exposed to both theoretical training and a vast range of technical skills including drafting, chemistry, metallurgy, metal working, plaster casting, leather working, mechanics and carpentry as well as the artistic skills of drawing, painting, sculpting and modelling.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Andrea_del_Verrocchio%2C_Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Baptism_of_Christ_-_Uffizi.jpg/512px-Andrea_del_Verrocchio%2C_Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Baptism_of_Christ_-_Uffizi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Andrea_del_Verrocchio%2C_Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Baptism_of_Christ_-_Uffizi.jpg/512px-Andrea_del_Verrocchio%2C_Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Baptism_of_Christ_-_Uffizi.jpg" height="320" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Baptism of Christ (1472–1475)—<br />
Uffizi, by Verrocchio and Leonardo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Much of the painted production of Verrocchio's workshop was done by his employees. According to Vasari, Leonardo collaborated with Verrocchio on his The Baptism of Christ, painting the young angel holding Jesus' robe in a manner that was so far superior to his master's that Verrocchio put down his brush and never painted again. On close examination, the painting reveals much that has been painted or touched-up over the tempera using the new technique of oil paint, with the landscape, the rocks that can be seen through the brown mountain stream and much of the figure of Jesus bearing witness to the hand of Leonardo. Leonardo may have been the model for two works by Verrocchio: the bronze statue of David in the Bargello and the Archangel Raphael in Tobias and the Angel.<br />
<br />
By 1472, at the age of twenty, Leonardo qualified as a master in the Guild of St Luke, the guild of artists and doctors of medicine, but even after his father set him up in his own workshop, his attachment to Verrocchio was such that he continued to collaborate with him. Leonardo's earliest known dated work is a drawing in pen and ink of the Arno valley, drawn on August 5, 1473.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Professional life, 1476–1513</span></u></h2>
<br />
Florentine court records of 1476 show that Leonardo and three other young men were charged with sodomy but acquitted. From that date until 1478 there is no record of his work or even of his whereabouts. In 1478 he left Verrocchio's studio and was no longer resident at his father's house. One writer, the "Anonimo" Gaddiano claims that in 1480 Leonardo was living with the Medici and working in the Garden of the Piazza San Marco in Florence, a Neo-Platonic academy of artists, poets and philosophers which the Medici had established.In January 1478, he received his first of two independent commissions: to paint an altarpiece for the Chapel of St. Bernard in the Palazzo Vecchio and, in March 1481, The Adoration of the Magi for the monks of San Donato a Scopeto. Neither commission was completed, the second being interrupted when Leonardo went to Milan.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Adorazione_dei_Magi_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg/632px-Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Adorazione_dei_Magi_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Adorazione_dei_Magi_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg/632px-Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Adorazione_dei_Magi_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Adoration of the Magi, (1481)—Uffizi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In 1482 Leonardo, who according to Vasari was a most talented musician, created a silver lyre in the shape of a horse's head. Lorenzo de' Medici sent Leonardo to Milan, bearing the lyre as a gift, to secure peace with Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. At this time Leonardo wrote an often-quoted letter describing the many marvellous and diverse things that he could achieve in the field of engineering and informing Ludovico that he could also paint.<br />
<br />
Leonardo worked in Milan from 1482 until 1499. He was commissioned to paint the Virgin of the Rocks for the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception and The Last Supper for the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie. In the spring of 1485, Leonardo travelled to Hungary on behalf of Ludovico to meet Matthias Corvinus, for whom he is believed to have painted a Holy Family. Between 1493 and 1495 Leonardo listed a woman called Caterina among his dependents in his taxation documents. When she died in 1495, the list of funeral expenditures suggests that she was his mother.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Study_of_horse.jpg/447px-Study_of_horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Study_of_horse.jpg/447px-Study_of_horse.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Study of horse from Leonardo's journals –<br />
Royal Library, Windsor Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Leonardo was employed on many different projects for Ludovico, including the preparation of floats and pageants for special occasions, designs for a dome for Milan Cathedral and a model for a huge equestrian monument to Francesco Sforza, Ludovico's predecessor. Seventy tons of bronze were set aside for casting it. The monument remained unfinished for several years, which was not unusual for Leonardo. In 1492 the clay model of the horse was completed. It surpassed in size the only two large equestrian statues of the Renaissance, Donatello's Gattamelata in Padua and Verrocchio's Bartolomeo Colleoni in Venice, and became known as the "Gran Cavallo". Leonardo began making detailed plans for its casting; however, Michelangelo insulted Leonardo by implying that he was unable to cast it. In November 1494 Ludovico gave the bronze to be used for cannon to defend the city from invasion by Charles VIII.<br />
<br />
At the start of the Second Italian War in 1499, the invading French troops used the life-size clay model for the "Gran Cavallo" for target practice. With Ludovico Sforza overthrown, Leonardo, with his assistant Salai and friend, the mathematician Luca Pacioli, fled Milan for Venice where he was employed as a military architect and engineer, devising methods to defend the city from naval attack. On his return to Florence in 1500, he and his household were guests of the Servite monks at the monastery of Santissima Annunziata and were provided with a workshop where, according to Vasari, Leonardo created the cartoon of The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and St. John the Baptist, a work that won such admiration that "men and women, young and old" flocked to see it "as if they were attending a great festival".<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Plan_of_Imola_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg/800px-Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Plan_of_Imola_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Plan_of_Imola_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg/800px-Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Plan_of_Imola_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leonardo da Vinci's very accurate map of Imola,<br />
created for Cesare Borgia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In Cesena, in 1502 Leonardo entered the service of Cesare Borgia, the son of Pope Alexander VI, acting as a military architect and engineer and travelling throughout Italy with his patron. Leonardo created a map of Cesare Borgia's stronghold, a town plan of Imola in order to win his patronage. Maps were extremely rare at the time and it would have seemed like a new concept. Upon seeing it, Cesare hired Leonardo as his chief military engineer and architect. Later in the year, Leonardo produced another map for his patron, one of Chiana Valley, Tuscany, so as to give his patron a better overlay of the land and greater strategic position. He created this map in conjunction with his other project of constructing a dam from the sea to Florence, in order to allow a supply of water to sustain the canal during all seasons.<br />
<br />
Leonardo returned to Florence where he rejoined the Guild of St Luke on October 18, 1503, and spent two years designing and painting a mural of The Battle of Anghiari for the Signoria, with Michelangelo designing its companion piece, The Battle of Cascina. In Florence in 1504, he was part of a committee formed to relocate, against the artist's will, Michelangelo's statue of David.<br />
<br />
In 1506 Leonardo returned to Milan. Many of his most prominent pupils or followers in painting either knew or worked with him in Milan, including Bernardino Luini, Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio and Marco d'Oggione. However, he did not stay in Milan for long because his father had died in 1504, and in 1507 he was back in Florence trying to sort out problems with his brothers over his father's estate. By 1508 Leonardo was back in Milan, living in his own house in Porta Orientale in the parish of Santa Babila.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Old age, 1513–1519</span></u></h2>
From September 1513 to 1516, under Pope Leo X, Leonardo spent much of his time living in the Belvedere in the Vatican in Rome, where Raphael and Michelangelo were both active at the time. In October 1515, Francis I of France recaptured Milan. On December 19, Leonardo was present at the meeting of Francis I and Pope Leo X, which took place in Bologna. Leonardo was commissioned to make for Francis a mechanical lion which could walk forward, then open its chest to reveal a cluster of lilies. In 1516, he entered François' service, being given the use of the manor house Clos Lucé near the king's residence at the royal Château d'Amboise. It was here that he spent the last three years of his life, accompanied by his friend and apprentice, Count Francesco Melzi, and supported by a pension totalling 10,000 scudi.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Clos_luce_04_straight.JPG/800px-Clos_luce_04_straight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Clos_luce_04_straight.JPG/800px-Clos_luce_04_straight.JPG" height="205" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clos Lucé in France, where Leonardo died in 1519</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Leonardo died at Clos Lucé, on 2 May 1519. Francis I had become a close friend. Vasari records that the king held Leonardo's head in his arms as he died, although this story, beloved by the French and portrayed in romantic paintings by Ingres, Ménageot and other French artists, as well as by Angelica Kauffman, may be legend rather than fact.Vasari states that in his last days, Leonardo sent for a priest to make his confession and to receive the Holy Sacrament. In accordance with his will, sixty beggars followed his casket. Melzi was the principal heir and executor, receiving as well as money, Leonardo's paintings, tools, library and personal effects. Leonardo also remembered his other long-time pupil and companion, Salai and his servant Battista di Vilussis, who each received half of Leonardo's vineyards, his brothers who received land, and his serving woman who received a black cloak "of good stuff" with a fur edge. Leonardo da Vinci was buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert in Château d'Amboise, in France.<br />
<br />
Some 20 years after Leonardo's death, Francis was reported by the goldsmith and sculptor Benevenuto Cellini as saying: "There had never been another man born in the world who knew as much as Leonardo, not so much about painting, sculpture and architecture, as that he was a very great philosopher."<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Relationships and influences</span></u></h2>
<br />
Florence: Leonardo's artistic and social background<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Gylleneportarna.jpg/405px-Gylleneportarna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Gylleneportarna.jpg/405px-Gylleneportarna.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise, (1425–1452) <br />
were a source of communal pride. <br />
Many artists assisted in their creation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Florence, at the time of Leonardo's youth, was the centre of Christian Humanist thought and culture. Leonardo commenced his apprenticeship with Verrocchio in 1466, the year that Verrocchio's master, the great sculptor Donatello, died. The painter Uccello, whose early experiments with perspective were to influence the development of landscape painting, was a very old man. The painters Piero della Francesca and Fra Filippo Lippi, sculptor Luca della Robbia, and architect and writer Leon Battista Alberti were in their sixties. The successful artists of the next generation were Leonardo's teacher Verrocchio, Antonio Pollaiuolo and the portrait sculptor, Mino da Fiesole whose lifelike busts give the most reliable likenesses of Lorenzo Medici's father Piero and uncle Giovanni.<br />
<br />
Leonardo's youth was spent in a Florence that was ornamented by the works of these artists and by Donatello's contemporaries, Masaccio, whose figurative frescoes were imbued with realism and emotion and Ghiberti whose Gates of Paradise, gleaming with gold leaf, displayed the art of combining complex figure compositions with detailed architectural backgrounds. Piero della Francesca had made a detailed study of perspective, and was the first painter to make a scientific study of light. These studies and Alberti's Treatise were to have a profound effect on younger artists and in particular on Leonardo's own observations and artworks.<br />
<br />
Massaccio's "The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden" depicting the naked and distraught Adam and Eve created a powerfully expressive image of the human form, cast into three dimensions by the use of light and shade, which was to be developed in the works of Leonardo in a way that was to be influential in the course of painting. The humanist influence of Donatello's "David" can be seen in Leonardo's late paintings, particularly John the Baptist.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/Workshop_of_Andrea_del_Verrocchio%2C_1470s_Metropolitan_Museum_N-Y.jpg/438px-Workshop_of_Andrea_del_Verrocchio%2C_1470s_Metropolitan_Museum_N-Y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/Workshop_of_Andrea_del_Verrocchio%2C_1470s_Metropolitan_Museum_N-Y.jpg/438px-Workshop_of_Andrea_del_Verrocchio%2C_1470s_Metropolitan_Museum_N-Y.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small devotional picture by <br />
Verrocchio, c. 1470</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A prevalent tradition in Florence was the small altarpiece of the Virgin and Child. Many of these were created in tempera or glazed terracotta by the workshops of Filippo Lippi, Verrocchio and the prolific della Robbia family. Leonardo's early Madonnas such as The Madonna with a carnation and The Benois Madonna followed this tradition while showing idiosyncratic departures, particularly in the case of the Benois Madonna in which the Virgin is set at an oblique angle to the picture space with the Christ Child at the opposite angle. This compositional theme was to emerge in Leonardo's later paintings such as The Virgin and Child with St. Anne.<br />
<br />
Leonardo was a contemporary of Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Perugino, who were all slightly older than he was. He would have met them at the workshop of Verrocchio, with whom they had associations, and at the Academy of the Medici. Botticelli was a particular favourite of the Medici family, and thus his success as a painter was assured. Ghirlandaio and Perugino were both prolific and ran large workshops. They competently delivered commissions to well-satisfied patrons who appreciated Ghirlandaio's ability to portray the wealthy citizens of Florence within large religious frescoes, and Perugino's ability to deliver a multitude of saints and angels of unfailing sweetness and innocence.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Hugo_van_der_Goes_006.jpg/716px-Hugo_van_der_Goes_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Hugo_van_der_Goes_006.jpg/716px-Hugo_van_der_Goes_006.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Portinari Altarpiece, <br />
by Hugo van der Goes for a Florentine family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These three were among those commissioned to paint the walls of the Sistine Chapel, the work commencing with Perugino's employment in 1479. Leonardo was not part of this prestigious commission. His first significant commission, The Adoration of the Magi for the Monks of Scopeto, was never completed.<br />
<br />
In 1476, during the time of Leonardo's association with Verrocchio's workshop, the Portinari Altarpiece by Hugo van der Goes arrived in Florence, bringing new painterly techniques from Northern Europe which were to profoundly affect Leonardo, Ghirlandaio, Perugino and others. In 1479, the Sicilian painter Antonello da Messina, who worked exclusively in oils, traveled north on his way to Venice, where the leading painter Giovanni Bellini adopted the technique of oil painting, quickly making it the preferred method in Venice. Leonardo was also later to visit Venice.<br />
<br />
Like the two contemporary architects Bramante and Antonio da Sangallo the Elder Leonardo experimented with designs for centrally planned churches, a number of which appear in his journals, as both plans and views, although none was ever realised.<br />
<br />
Leonardo's political contemporaries were Lorenzo Medici (il Magnifico), who was three years older, and his younger brother Giuliano who was slain in the Pazzi Conspiracy in 1478. Ludovico il Moro who ruled Milan between 1479 and 1499 and to whom Leonardo was sent as ambassador from the Medici court, was also of Leonardo's age.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/Ghirlandaio_a-pucci-lorenzo-de-medici-f-sassetti_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/Ghirlandaio_a-pucci-lorenzo-de-medici-f-sassetti_1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lorenzo de' Medici between Antonio Pucci and <br />
Francesco Sassetti, with Giulio de' Medici, <br />
fresco by Ghirlandaio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With Alberti, Leonardo visited the home of the Medici and through them came to know the older Humanist philosophers of whom Marsiglio Ficino, proponent of Neo Platonism; Cristoforo Landino, writer of commentaries on Classical writings, and John Argyropoulos, teacher of Greek and translator of Aristotle were the foremost. Also associated with the Academy of the Medici was Leonardo's contemporary, the brilliant young poet and philosopher Pico della Mirandola. Leonardo later wrote in the margin of a journal "The Medici made me and the Medici destroyed me." While it was through the action of Lorenzo that Leonardo received his employment at the court of Milan, it is not known exactly what Leonardo meant by this cryptic comment.<br />
<br />
Although usually named together as the three giants of the High Renaissance, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael were not of the same generation. Leonardo was twenty-three when Michelangelo was born and thirty-one when Raphael was born. Raphael only lived until the age of 37 and died in 1520, the year after Leonardo, but Michelangelo went on creating for another 45 years.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Personal life</span></u></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Isabella_d'este.jpg/441px-Isabella_d'este.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Isabella_d'este.jpg/441px-Isabella_d'este.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Study for a portrait of Isabella d'Este <br />
(1500) Louvre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Within Leonardo's lifetime, his extraordinary powers of invention, his "outstanding physical beauty", "infinite grace", "great strength and generosity", "regal spirit and tremendous breadth of mind" as described by Vasari, as well as all other aspects of his life, attracted the curiosity of others. One such aspect is his respect for life evidenced by his vegetarianism and his habit, according to Vasari, of purchasing caged birds and releasing them.<br />
<br />
Leonardo had many friends who are now renowned either in their fields or for their historical significance. They included the mathematician Luca Pacioli, with whom he collaborated on the book De Divina Proportione in the 1490s. Leonardo appears to have had no close relationships with women except for his friendship with Cecilia Gallerani and the two Este sisters, Beatrice and Isabella. He drew a portrait of Isabella while on a journey which took him through Mantua, and which appears to have been used to create a painted portrait, now lost.<br />
<br />
Beyond friendship, Leonardo kept his private life secret. His sexuality has been the subject of satire, analysis, and speculation. This trend began in the mid-16th century and was revived in the 19th and 20th centuries, most notably by Sigmund Freud. Leonardo's most intimate relationships were perhaps with his pupils Salai and Melzi. Melzi, writing to inform Leonardo's brothers of his death, described Leonardo's feelings for his pupils as both loving and passionate. It has been claimed since the 16th century that these relationships were of a sexual or erotic nature. Court records of 1476, when he was aged twenty-four, show that Leonardo and three other young men were charged with sodomy in an incident involving a well-known male prostitute. The charges were dismissed for lack of evidence, and there is speculation that since one of the accused, Lionardo de Tornabuoni, was related to Lorenzo de' Medici, the family exerted its influence to secure the dismissal. Since that date much has been written about his presumed homosexuality and its role in his art, particularly in the androgyny and eroticism manifested in John the Baptist and Bacchus and more explicitly in a number of erotic drawings.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Assistants and pupils</span></u></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Saint_John_the_Baptist_C2RMF_retouched.jpg/463px-Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Saint_John_the_Baptist_C2RMF_retouched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Saint_John_the_Baptist_C2RMF_retouched.jpg/463px-Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Saint_John_the_Baptist_C2RMF_retouched.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John the Baptist. Salai is thought to have <br />
been the model.[60] (c. 1514)—Louvre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></div>
Gian Giacomo Caprotti da Oreno, nicknamed Salai or Il Salaino ("The Little Unclean One" i.e., the devil), entered Leonardo's household in 1490. After only a year, Leonardo made a list of his misdemeanours, calling him "a thief, a liar, stubborn, and a glutton", after he had made off with money and valuables on at least five occasions and spent a fortune on clothes. Nevertheless, Leonardo treated him with great indulgence, and he remained in Leonardo's household for the next thirty years. Salai executed a number of paintings under the name of Andrea Salai, but although Vasari claims that Leonardo "taught him a great deal about painting", his work is generally considered to be of less artistic merit than others among Leonardo's pupils, such as Marco d'Oggione and Boltraffio. In 1515, he painted a nude version of the Mona Lisa, known as Monna Vanna. Salai owned the Mona Lisa at the time of his death in 1525, and in his will it was assessed at 505 lire, an exceptionally high valuation for a small panel portrait.<br />
<br />
In 1506, Leonardo took on another pupil, Count Francesco Melzi, the son of a Lombard aristocrat, who is considered to have been his favourite student. He travelled to France with Leonardo and remained with him until Leonardo's death. Melzi inherited the artistic and scientific works, manuscripts, and collections of Leonardo and administered the estate.<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Painting</span></u></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Leonardo_Da_Vinci_-_Annunciazione.jpeg/800px-Leonardo_Da_Vinci_-_Annunciazione.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Leonardo_Da_Vinci_-_Annunciazione.jpeg/800px-Leonardo_Da_Vinci_-_Annunciazione.jpeg" height="146" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annunciation (1475–1480)—Uffizi, is thought <br />
to be Leonardo's earliest complete work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Despite the recent awareness and admiration of Leonardo as a scientist and inventor, for the better part of four hundred years his fame rested on his achievements as a painter and on a handful of works, either authenticated or attributed to him that have been regarded as among the masterpieces.<br />
<br />
These paintings are famous for a variety of qualities which have been much imitated by students and discussed at great length by connoisseurs and critics. Among the qualities that make Leonardo's work unique are the innovative techniques which he used in laying on the paint, his detailed knowledge of anatomy, light, botany and geology, his interest in physiognomy and the way in which humans register emotion in expression and gesture, his innovative use of the human form in figurative composition, and his use of the subtle gradation of tone. All these qualities come together in his most famous painted works, the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper and the Virgin of the Rocks.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Early works</span></u></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Leonardo%2C_san_girolamo.jpg/459px-Leonardo%2C_san_girolamo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Leonardo%2C_san_girolamo.jpg/459px-Leonardo%2C_san_girolamo.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.370400428772px; line-height: 17.3185615539551px; text-align: left;">Unfinished painting of </span><i style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.370400428772px; line-height: 17.3185615539551px; text-align: left;">St. Jerome<br /> in the Wilderness</i><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.370400428772px; line-height: 17.3185615539551px; text-align: left;">, (c. 1480), </span>Vatican</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></div>
Leonardo's early works begin with the Baptism of Christ painted in conjunction with Verrocchio. Two other paintings appear to date from his time at the workshop, both of which are Annunciations. One is small, 59 centimetres (23 in) long and 14 centimetres (5.5 in) high. It is a "predella" to go at the base of a larger composition, in this case a painting by Lorenzo di Credi from which it has become separated. The other is a much larger work, 217 centimetres (85 in) long. In both these Annunciations, Leonardo used a formal arrangement, such as in Fra Angelico's two well-known pictures of the same subject, of the Virgin Mary sitting or kneeling to the right of the picture, approached from the left by an angel in profile, with a rich flowing garment, raised wings and bearing a lily. Although previously attributed to Ghirlandaio, the larger work is now generally attributed to Leonardo.<br />
<br />
In the smaller picture Mary averts her eyes and folds her hands in a gesture that symbolised submission to God's will. In the larger picture, however, Mary is not submissive. The girl, interrupted in her reading by this unexpected messenger, puts a finger in her bible to mark the place and raises her hand in a formal gesture of greeting or surprise. This calm young woman appears to accept her role as the Mother of God, not with resignation but with confidence. In this painting the young Leonardo presents the humanist face of the Virgin Mary, recognising humanity's role in God's incarnation.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Paintings of the 1480s</span></u></h2>
<br />
In the 1480s Leonardo received two very important commissions and commenced another work which was also of ground-breaking importance in terms of composition. Two of the three were never finished, and the third took so long that it was subject to lengthy negotiations over completion and payment. One of these paintings is that of St. Jerome in the Wilderness. Bortolon associates this picture with a difficult period of Leonardo's life, as evidenced in his diary: "I thought I was learning to live; I was only learning to die."<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Leonardo_da_Vinci_Virgin_of_the_Rocks_(National_Gallery_London).jpg/389px-Leonardo_da_Vinci_Virgin_of_the_Rocks_(National_Gallery_London).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Leonardo_da_Vinci_Virgin_of_the_Rocks_(National_Gallery_London).jpg/389px-Leonardo_da_Vinci_Virgin_of_the_Rocks_(National_Gallery_London).jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virgin of the Rocks, National Gallery, <br />
London, demonstrates Leonardo's <br />
interest in nature</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Although the painting is barely begun, the composition can be seen and it is very unusual. Jerome, as a penitent, occupies the middle of the picture, set on a slight diagonal and viewed somewhat from above. His kneeling form takes on a trapezoid shape, with one arm stretched to the outer edge of the painting and his gaze looking in the opposite direction. J. Wasserman points out the link between this painting and Leonardo's anatomical studies. Across the foreground sprawls his symbol, a great lion whose body and tail make a double spiral across the base of the picture space. The other remarkable feature is the sketchy landscape of craggy rocks against which the figure is silhouetted.<br />
<br />
The daring display of figure composition, the landscape elements and personal drama also appear in the great unfinished masterpiece, the Adoration of the Magi, a commission from the Monks of San Donato a Scopeto. It is a complex composition, of about 250 x 250 centimetres. Leonardo did numerous drawings and preparatory studies, including a detailed one in linear perspective of the ruined classical architecture which makes part of the backdrop to the scene. But in 1482 Leonardo went off to Milan at the behest of Lorenzo de' Medici in order to win favour with Ludovico il Moro, and the painting was abandoned.<br />
<br />
The third important work of this period is the Virgin of the Rocks which was commissioned in Milan for the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception. The painting, to be done with the assistance of the de Predis brothers, was to fill a large complex altarpiece, already constructed. Leonardo chose to paint an apocryphal moment of the infancy of Christ when the infant John the Baptist, in protection of an angel, met the Holy Family on the road to Egypt. In this scene, as painted by Leonardo, John recognizes and worships Jesus as the Christ. The painting demonstrates an eerie beauty as the graceful figures kneel in adoration around the infant Christ in a wild landscape of tumbling rock and whirling water. While the painting is quite large, about 200 × 120 centimetres, it is not nearly as complex as the painting ordered by the monks of St Donato, having only four figures rather than about fifty and a rocky landscape rather than architectural details. The painting was eventually finished; in fact, two versions of the painting were finished, one which remained at the chapel of the Confraternity and the other which Leonardo carried away to France. But the Brothers did not get their painting, or the de Predis their payment, until the next century.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Paintings of the 1490s</span></u></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/%C3%9Altima_Cena_-_Da_Vinci_5.jpg/800px-%C3%9Altima_Cena_-_Da_Vinci_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/%C3%9Altima_Cena_-_Da_Vinci_5.jpg/800px-%C3%9Altima_Cena_-_Da_Vinci_5.jpg" height="174" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Last Supper (1498)—Convent of Sta. <br />
Maria delle Grazie, Milan, Italy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></div>
Leonardo's most famous painting of the 1490s is The Last Supper, painted for the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria della Grazie in Milan. The painting represents the last meal shared by Jesus with his disciples before his capture and death. It shows specifically the moment when Jesus has just said "one of you will betray me". Leonardo tells the story of the consternation that this statement caused to the twelve followers of Jesus.<br />
<br />
The novelist Matteo Bandello observed Leonardo at work and wrote that some days he would paint from dawn till dusk without stopping to eat and then not paint for three or four days at a time. This was beyond the comprehension of the prior of the convent, who hounded him until Leonardo asked Ludovico to intervene. Vasari describes how Leonardo, troubled over his ability to adequately depict the faces of Christ and the traitor Judas, told the Duke that he might be obliged to use the prior as his model.<br />
<br />
When finished, the painting was acclaimed as a masterpiece of design and characterisation, but it deteriorated rapidly, so that within a hundred years it was described by one viewer as "completely ruined". Leonardo, instead of using the reliable technique of fresco, had used tempera over a ground that was mainly gesso, resulting in a surface which was subject to mold and to flaking. Despite this, the painting has remained one of the most reproduced works of art, countless copies being made in every medium from carpets to cameos.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Paintings of the 1500s</span></u></h2>
<br />
Among the works created by Leonardo in the 16th century is the small portrait known as the Mona Lisa or "la Gioconda", the laughing one. In the present era it is arguably the most famous painting in the world. Its fame rests, in particular, on the elusive smile on the woman's face, its mysterious quality brought about perhaps by the fact that the artist has subtly shadowed the corners of the mouth and eyes so that the exact nature of the smile cannot be determined. The shadowy quality for which the work is renowned came to be called "sfumato" or Leonardo's smoke. Vasari, who is generally thought to have known the painting only by repute, said that "the smile was so pleasing that it seemed divine rather than human; and those who saw it were amazed to find that it was as alive as the original".<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/Mona_Lisa%2C_by_Leonardo_da_Vinci%2C_from_C2RMF_retouched.jpg/402px-Mona_Lisa%2C_by_Leonardo_da_Vinci%2C_from_C2RMF_retouched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/Mona_Lisa%2C_by_Leonardo_da_Vinci%2C_from_C2RMF_retouched.jpg/402px-Mona_Lisa%2C_by_Leonardo_da_Vinci%2C_from_C2RMF_retouched.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mona Lisa or La Gioconda (1503–1505/1507)<br />
—Louvre, Paris, France</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Other characteristics found in this work are the unadorned dress, in which the eyes and hands have no competition from other details, the dramatic landscape background in which the world seems to be in a state of flux, the subdued colouring and the extremely smooth nature of the painterly technique, employing oils, but laid on much like tempera and blended on the surface so that the brushstrokes are indistinguishable. Vasari expressed the opinion that the manner of painting would make even "the most confident master ... despair and lose heart." The perfect state of preservation and the fact that there is no sign of repair or overpainting is rare in a panel painting of this date.<br />
<br />
In the painting Virgin and Child with St. Anne the composition again picks up the theme of figures in a landscape which Wasserman describes as "breathtakingly beautiful" and harkens back to the St Jerome picture with the figure set at an oblique angle. What makes this painting unusual is that there are two obliquely set figures superimposed. Mary is seated on the knee of her mother, St Anne. She leans forward to restrain the Christ Child as he plays roughly with a lamb, the sign of his own impending sacrifice. This painting, which was copied many times, influenced Michelangelo, Raphael, and Andrea del Sarto, and through them Pontormo and Correggio. The trends in composition were adopted in particular by the Venetian painters Tintoretto and Veronese.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Drawings</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cl8DRkZM4po/VOQtOqdfD6I/AAAAAAAAAeU/d07j_Ir5Al0/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cl8DRkZM4po/VOQtOqdfD6I/AAAAAAAAAeU/d07j_Ir5Al0/s1600/Untitled.png" height="279" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></div>
Leonardo was not a prolific painter, but he was a most prolific draftsman, keeping journals full of small sketches and detailed drawings recording all manner of things that took his attention. As well as the journals there exist many studies for paintings, some of which can be identified as preparatory to particular works such as The Adoration of the Magi, The Virgin of the Rocks and The Last Supper. His earliest dated drawing is a Landscape of the Arno Valley, 1473, which shows the river, the mountains, Montelupo Castle and the farmlands beyond it in great detail.<br />
<br />
Among his famous drawings are the Vitruvian Man, a study of the proportions of the human body, the Head of an Angel, for The Virgin of the Rocks in the Louvre, a botanical study of Star of Bethlehem and a large drawing (160×100 cm) in black chalk on coloured paper of The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and St. John the Baptist in the National Gallery, London. This drawing employs the subtle sfumato technique of shading, in the manner of the Mona Lisa. It is thought that Leonardo never made a painting from it, the closest similarity being to The Virgin and Child with St. Anne in the Louvre.<br />
<br />
Other drawings of interest include numerous studies generally referred to as "caricatures" because, although exaggerated, they appear to be based upon observation of live models. Vasari relates that if Leonardo saw a person with an interesting face he would follow them around all day observing them. There are numerous studies of beautiful young men, often associated with Salai, with the rare and much admired facial feature, the so-called "Grecian profile". These faces are often contrasted with that of a warrior. Salai is often depicted in fancy-dress costume. Leonardo is known to have designed sets for pageants with which these may be associated. Other, often meticulous, drawings show studies of drapery. A marked development in Leonardo's ability to draw drapery occurred in his early works. Another often-reproduced drawing is a macabre sketch that was done by Leonardo in Florence in 1479 showing the body of Bernardo Baroncelli, hanged in connection with the murder of Giuliano, brother of Lorenzo de' Medici, in the Pazzi Conspiracy. With dispassionate integrity Leonardo has registered in neat mirror writing the colours of the robes that Baroncelli was wearing when he died.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Observation and invention</u><u><br /></u><u>Journals and notes</u></span></h2>
See also: List of works by Leonardo da Vinci § Manuscripts<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Da_Vinci_Vitruve_Luc_Viatour.jpg/441px-Da_Vinci_Vitruve_Luc_Viatour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Da_Vinci_Vitruve_Luc_Viatour.jpg/441px-Da_Vinci_Vitruve_Luc_Viatour.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vitruvian Man (c. 1485) <br />
Accademia, Venice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Renaissance humanism recognized no mutually exclusive polarities between the sciences and the arts, and Leonardo's studies in science and engineering are as impressive and innovative as his artistic work. These studies were recorded in 13,000 pages of notes and drawings, which fuse art and natural philosophy (the forerunner of modern science), made and maintained daily throughout Leonardo's life and travels, as he made continual observations of the world around him.<br />
<br />
Leonardo's writings are mostly in mirror-image cursive. The reason may have been more a practical expediency than for reasons of secrecy as is often suggested. Since Leonardo wrote with his left hand, it is probable that it was easier for him to write from right to left.<br />
<br />
His notes and drawings display an enormous range of interests and preoccupations, some as mundane as lists of groceries and people who owed him money and some as intriguing as designs for wings and shoes for walking on water. There are compositions for paintings, studies of details and drapery, studies of faces and emotions, of animals, babies, dissections, plant studies, rock formations, whirlpools, war machines, flying machines and architecture.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/Da_Vinci_Studies_of_Embryos_Luc_Viatour.jpg/408px-Da_Vinci_Studies_of_Embryos_Luc_Viatour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/Da_Vinci_Studies_of_Embryos_Luc_Viatour.jpg/408px-Da_Vinci_Studies_of_Embryos_Luc_Viatour.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A page showing Leonardo's study of a <br />
foetus in the womb (c. 1510) Royal Library, <br />
Windsor Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These notebooks—originally loose papers of different types and sizes, distributed by friends after his death—have found their way into major collections such as the Royal Library at Windsor Castle, the Louvre, the Biblioteca Nacional de España, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan which holds the twelve-volume Codex Atlanticus, and British Library in London which has put a selection from the Codex Arundel (BL Arundel MS 263) online. The Codex Leicester is the only major scientific work of Leonardo's in private hands. It is owned by Bill Gates and is displayed once a year in different cities around the world.<br />
<br />
Leonardo's notes appear to have been intended for publication because many of the sheets have a form and order that would facilitate this. In many cases a single topic, for example, the heart or the human fetus, is covered in detail in both words and pictures on a single sheet.Why they were not published within Leonardo's lifetime is unknown.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Scientific studies</span></u></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/Leonardo_polyhedra.png/564px-Leonardo_polyhedra.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/Leonardo_polyhedra.png/564px-Leonardo_polyhedra.png" height="320" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhombicuboctahedron as published in Pacioli's<br />
De Divina Proportione</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Leonardo's approach to science was an observational one: he tried to understand a phenomenon by describing and depicting it in utmost detail and did not emphasize experiments or theoretical explanation. Since he lacked formal education in Latin and mathematics, contemporary scholars mostly ignored Leonardo the scientist, although he did teach himself Latin. In the 1490s he studied mathematics under Luca Pacioli and prepared a series of drawings of regular solids in a skeletal form to be engraved as plates for Pacioli's book De Divina Proportione, published in 1509.<br />
<br />
It appears that from the content of his journals he was planning a series of treatises to be published on a variety of subjects. A coherent treatise on anatomy was said to have been observed during a visit by Cardinal Louis 'D' Aragon's secretary in 1517. Aspects of his work on the studies of anatomy, light and the landscape were assembled for publication by his pupil Francesco Melzi and eventually published as Treatise on Painting by Leonardo da Vinci in France and Italy in 1651 and Germany in 1724, with engravings based upon drawings by the Classical painter Nicolas Poussin. According to Arasse, the treatise, which in France went into 62 editions in fifty years, caused Leonardo to be seen as "the precursor of French academic thought on art".<br />
<br />
While Leonardo's experimentation followed clear scientific methods, a recent and exhaustive analysis of Leonardo as a scientist by Frtijof Capra argues that Leonardo was a fundamentally different kind of scientist from Galileo, Newton and other scientists who followed him in that, as a Renaissance Man, his theorising and hypothesising integrated the arts and particularly painting.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Anatomy</span></u></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Studies_of_the_Arm_showing_the_Movements_made_by_the_Biceps.jpg/411px-Studies_of_the_Arm_showing_the_Movements_made_by_the_Biceps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Studies_of_the_Arm_showing_the_Movements_made_by_the_Biceps.jpg/411px-Studies_of_the_Arm_showing_the_Movements_made_by_the_Biceps.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anatomical study of the arm, (c. 1510)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></div>
Leonardo's formal training in the anatomy of the human body began with his apprenticeship to Andrea del Verrocchio, who insisted that all his pupils learn anatomy. As an artist, he quickly became master of topographic anatomy, drawing many studies of muscles, tendons and other visible anatomical features.<br />
<br />
As a successful artist, he was given permission to dissect human corpses at the Hospital of Santa Maria Nuova in Florence and later at hospitals in Milan and Rome. From 1510 to 1511 he collaborated in his studies with the doctor Marcantonio della Torre. Leonardo made over 240 detailed drawings and wrote about 13,000 words towards a treatise on anatomy. These papers were left to his heir, Francesco Melzi, for publication, a task of overwhelming difficulty because of its scope and Leonardo's idiosyncratic writing. It was left incomplete at the time of Melzi's death more than fifty years later, with only a small amount of the material on anatomy included in Leonardo's Treatise on painting, published in France in 1632. During the time that Melzi was ordering the material into chapters for publication, they were examined by a number of anatomists and artists, including Vasari, Cellini and Albrecht Dürer who made a number of drawings from them.<br />
<br />
Leonardo's anatomical drawings include many studies of the human skeleton and its parts, and studies muscles and sinews. He studied the mechanical functions of the skeleton and the muscular forces that are applied to it in a manner that prefigured the modern science of biomechanics. He drew the heart and vascular system, the sex organs and other internal organs, making one of the first scientific drawings of a fetus in utero. The drawings and notation are far ahead of their time, and if published, would undoubtedly have made a major contribution to medical science.<br />
<br />
As an artist, Leonardo also closely observed and recorded the effects of age and of human emotion on the physiology, studying in particular the effects of rage. He also drew many figures who had significant facial deformities or signs of illness. Leonardo also studied and drew the anatomy of many animals, dissecting cows, birds, monkeys, bears, and frogs, and comparing in his drawings their anatomical structure with that of humans. He also made a number of studies of horses.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Engineering and inventions</span></u></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/Design_for_a_Flying_Machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/Design_for_a_Flying_Machine.jpg" height="279" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A design for a flying machine, (c. 1488) Institut de France, Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
During his lifetime Leonardo was valued as an engineer. In a letter to Ludovico il Moro he claimed to be able to create all sorts of machines both for the protection of a city and for siege. When he fled to Venice in 1499 he found employment as an engineer and devised a system of moveable barricades to protect the city from attack. He also had a scheme for diverting the flow of the Arno River, a project on which Niccolò Machiavelli also worked. Leonardo's journals include a vast number of inventions, both practical and impractical. They include musical instruments, a mechanical knight, hydraulic pumps, reversible crank mechanisms, finned mortar shells, and a steam cannon.<br />
<br />
In 1502, Leonardo produced a drawing of a single span 720-foot (220 m) bridge as part of a civil engineering project for Ottoman Sultan Beyazid II of Constantinople. The bridge was intended to span an inlet at the mouth of the Bosporus known as the Golden Horn. Beyazid did not pursue the project because he believed that such a construction was impossible. Leonardo's vision was resurrected in 2001 when a smaller bridge based on his design was constructed in Norway.<br />
<br />
For much of his life, Leonardo was fascinated by the phenomenon of flight, producing many studies of the flight of birds, including his c. 1505 Codex on the Flight of Birds, as well as plan for several flying machines, including a flapping ornithopter and a machine with a helical rotor. The British television station Channel Four commissioned a documentary Leonardo's Dream Machines, for broadcast in 2003. Leonardo's designs for machines such as a parachute, and giant crossbow were interpreted, constructed and tested. Some of those designs proved a success, whilst others fared less well when practically tested.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fame and reputation</span></u></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/79/Francois_I_recoit_les_derniers_soupirs_de_Leonard_de_Vinci_by_Ingres.jpg/735px-Francois_I_recoit_les_derniers_soupirs_de_Leonard_de_Vinci_by_Ingres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/79/Francois_I_recoit_les_derniers_soupirs_de_Leonard_de_Vinci_by_Ingres.jpg/735px-Francois_I_recoit_les_derniers_soupirs_de_Leonard_de_Vinci_by_Ingres.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis I of France receiving the last breath <br />
of Leonardo da Vinci, by Ingres, 1818</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Within Leonardo's own lifetime his fame was such that the King of France carried him away like a trophy and was claimed to have supported him in his old age and held him in his arms as he died. Interest in Leonardo has never diminished. The crowds still queue to see his most famous artworks, T-shirts bear his most famous drawing, and writers continue to marvel at his genius and speculate about his private life and, particularly, about what one so intelligent actually believed in.<br />
<br />
Giorgio Vasari, in the enlarged edition of Lives of the Artists, 1568, introduced his chapter on Leonardo da Vinci with the following words:<br />
<br />
In the normal course of events many men and women are born with remarkable talents; but occasionally, in a way that transcends nature, a single person is marvellously endowed by Heaven with beauty, grace and talent in such abundance that he leaves other men far behind, all his actions seem inspired and indeed everything he does clearly comes from God rather than from human skill. Everyone acknowledged that this was true of Leonardo da Vinci, an artist of outstanding physical beauty, who displayed infinite grace in everything that he did and who cultivated his genius so brilliantly that all problems he studied he solved with ease.<br />
<br />
—Giorgio Vasari<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Leonardo_IMG_1759.JPG/764px-Leonardo_IMG_1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Leonardo_IMG_1759.JPG/764px-Leonardo_IMG_1759.JPG" height="251" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Leonardo in Amboise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The continued admiration that Leonardo commanded from painters, critics and historians is reflected in many other written tributes. Baldassare Castiglione, author of Il Cortegiano ("The Courtier"), wrote in 1528: "... Another of the greatest painters in this world looks down on this art in which he is unequalled ..." while the biographer known as "Anonimo Gaddiano" wrote, c. 1540: "His genius was so rare and universal that it can be said that nature worked a miracle on his behalf ...".<br />
<br />
The 19th century brought a particular admiration for Leonardo's genius, causing Henry Fuseli to write in 1801: "Such was the dawn of modern art, when Leonardo da Vinci broke forth with a splendour that distanced former excellence: made up of all the elements that constitute the essence of genius ..." This is echoed by A. E. Rio who wrote in 1861: "He towered above all other artists through the strength and the nobility of his talents."<br />
<br />
By the 19th century, the scope of Leonardo's notebooks was known, as well as his paintings. Hippolyte Taine wrote in 1866: "There may not be in the world an example of another genius so universal, so incapable of fulfilment, so full of yearning for the infinite, so naturally refined, so far ahead of his own century and the following centuries." Art historian Bernard Berenson wrote in 1896: "Leonardo is the one artist of whom it may be said with perfect literalness: Nothing that he touched but turned into a thing of eternal beauty. Whether it be the cross section of a skull, the structure of a weed, or a study of muscles, he, with his feeling for line and for light and shade, forever transmuted it into life-communicating values."<br />
<br />
The interest in Leonardo's genius has continued unabated; experts study and translate his writings, analyse his paintings using scientific techniques, argue over attributions and search for works which have been recorded but never found. Liana Bortolon, writing in 1967, said: "Because of the multiplicity of interests that spurred him to pursue every field of knowledge ... Leonardo can be considered, quite rightly, to have been the universal genius par excellence, and with all the disquieting overtones inherent in that term. Man is as uncomfortable today, faced with a genius, as he was in the 16th century. Five centuries have passed, yet we still view Leonardo with awe.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci Art Gallery</span></u></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/files/2013/08/medusashield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/files/2013/08/medusashield.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.designsnext.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/paintings-by-leonardo-da-vinci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.designsnext.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/paintings-by-leonardo-da-vinci.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/15-da-vinci-paintings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/15-da-vinci-paintings.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/10-christ-salvator-mundi-da-vinci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/10-christ-salvator-mundi-da-vinci.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/38-leonardo-da-vinci-anatomy.preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/38-leonardo-da-vinci-anatomy.preview.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/39-leonardo-da-vinci-anatomy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/39-leonardo-da-vinci-anatomy.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/34-leonardo-da-vinci-drawings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/34-leonardo-da-vinci-drawings.jpg" height="320" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/35-leonardo-da-vinci-drawings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/35-leonardo-da-vinci-drawings.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/27-leonardo-da-vinci-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/27-leonardo-da-vinci-art.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/26-leonardo-da-vinci-artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/26-leonardo-da-vinci-artwork.jpg" height="320" width="203" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/25-paintings-of-leonardo-da-vinci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/25-paintings-of-leonardo-da-vinci.jpg" height="267" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/23-leonardo-da-vinci-painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/23-leonardo-da-vinci-painting.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/24-paintings-by-leonardo-da-vinci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/24-paintings-by-leonardo-da-vinci.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/21-da-vinci-paintings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/21-da-vinci-paintings.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/19-da-vinci-paintings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/19-da-vinci-paintings.jpg" height="320" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/18-da-vinci-paintings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/18-da-vinci-paintings.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/16-da-vinci-paintings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2013/16-da-vinci-paintings.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
For more detail visit here: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo_da_Vinci" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo_da_Vinci</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-62898576252793679842015-01-27T10:07:00.001-08:002015-01-27T10:07:50.297-08:00Carolina "Pampita" Ardohaín<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">6- Carolina "Pampita" Ardohaín</span></u></h2>
<div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-anu7zSGz9SY/VDEiLnleEPI/AAAAAAABPWI/yW_99pkG6Dw/s1600/Carolina_Ardohain_victoriassecret.filminspector.com_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-anu7zSGz9SY/VDEiLnleEPI/AAAAAAABPWI/yW_99pkG6Dw/s1600/Carolina_Ardohain_victoriassecret.filminspector.com_15.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Born</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ana Carolina Ardohaín Dos Santos</div>
<div>
January 17, 1978 (age 37)</div>
<div>
General Acha, La Pampa, Argentina</div>
<div>
<b>Other names</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pampita</div>
<div>
<b>Ethnicity<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>Latin American</div>
<div>
<b>Modeling</b> information</div>
<div>
<b>Height</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>168 cm</div>
<div>
<b>Hair color</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Brown </div>
<div>
<b>Eye color<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>Brown </div>
<div>
<b>Measurements</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(US) 35-24-35 ; (EU) 90-60-90</div>
<div>
<b>Dress size</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(US) 4 ; (EU) 34 </div>
<div>
<b>Manager</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dotto Models</div>
</div>
<div>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div>
Ana Carolina Ardohaín Dos Santos (Spanish pronunciation: [kaɾoˈlina arðoaˈin]; born January 17, 1978 in General Acha, La Pampa) is an Argentine model, television personality and actress (e.g. as Lulu in Rebelde Way). She is widely known by the nickname Pampita, a diminutive for La Pampa, the Argentine province where she was born. She was one of very few people baptised at the monastery of Nuestra Señora del Pilar in Recoleta, Buenos Aires. Her mother is Brazilian.<br />
<br />Since 2013, the top model Carolina Ardohain represents the car makes Citroën and Citroën DS line.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.hdwallpapersimages.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Carolina-Ardohain-Photo-Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hdwallpapersimages.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Carolina-Ardohain-Photo-Picture.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Carolina_pampita_Ardohain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Carolina_pampita_Ardohain.jpg" height="400" width="276" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.news-people.fr/galerie/320003/2_hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.news-people.fr/galerie/320003/2_hd.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://celebsvenue.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Carolina-Ardohain-for-Aylike-swimwear-catalog-Summer-2013-photo-shoot-005-789x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://celebsvenue.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Carolina-Ardohain-for-Aylike-swimwear-catalog-Summer-2013-photo-shoot-005-789x1024.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For more detail visit here: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_%22Pampita%22_Ardoha%C3%ADn" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_%22Pampita%22_Ardoha%C3%ADn</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-57831195576804279642015-01-27T09:51:00.000-08:002015-01-27T09:51:05.116-08:00Selita Ebanks<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">7 - Selita Ebanks</span></u></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/SelitaEbanksJun09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/SelitaEbanksJun09.jpg" height="400" width="253" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>Born</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Selita Ebanks</div>
<div>
15 February 1983 (age 31)</div>
<div>
George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands</div>
<div>
Modeling information</div>
<div>
<b>Height</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)</div>
<div>
<b>Hair color</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Brown</div>
<div>
<b>Eye color</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Brown</div>
<div>
<b>Measurements<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>(US) 34-24-35</div>
<div>
(EU) 86-61-89</div>
<div>
<b>Dress size<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>(US) 4 ; (EU) 34</div>
<div>
<b>Manager</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Women Management (New York and Paris)</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Selita Ebanks (born 17 February 1983) is a Cayman-born British fashion model and actress. Ebanks has worked for high fashion brands Neiman Marcus and Ralph Lauren, and appeared in magazines such as the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Vogue, and Glamour, but she is best known for her work with Victoria's Secret, as one of the brand's "Angels" from 2005 to early 2009.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Early life</span></u></h2>
<div>
Born of African descent to a Jamaican father and a Caymanian mother in George Town, Grand Cayman, Ebanks was raised in a large family that included seven brothers. Her family, her mother in particular, encouraged her development through extracurricular programs. She moved to the United States and settled on Staten Island, where she graduated from Curtis High School. She was accepted by Columbia University and New York University, but instead chose to pursue modeling. In 2000, at the age of 17, while walking through the turnstiles at Six Flags Great Adventure, Ebanks was scouted by an agent from Elite Model Management.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Career</u><u>Modeling</u></span></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ebanks made her debut in February 2001 at the fall show for Tuleh. After working for the likes of Catherine Malandrino, James Coviello, Abercrombie & Fitch, and DKNY, she signed a contract with Victoria's Secret in 2005.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ebanks first modeled for Victoria's Secret for their Ipex Bra line, before being signed as an Angel. She and Izabel Goulart made their major débuts in the 2005 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, working as an Angel until 2008. In 2005, Tyra Banks said she was proud of Ebanks to be representing black women at Victoria's Secret.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In 2007, Ebanks was selected to wear the "Very Sexy" Holiday Fantasy Bra Set with a price tag of $4,500,000 dollars that contains diamonds, emeralds, rubies and yellow sapphires—which she wore in the Victoria's Secret "Christmas Dreams and Fantasies 2007" catalogue. She also wore the fantasy bra set during the Victoria's Secret fashion show on December 4, 2007.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ebanks made a special guest appearance on How I Met Your Mother (episode: "The Yips") on 26 November 2007 with her fellow Victoria's Secret supermodels (Miranda Kerr, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Marisa Miller, and Alessandra Ambrosio).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
According to Forbes, Ebanks ranked the twelfth highest paid supermodel for 2008, earning $2.7 million.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She appeared in Sports Illustrated's 2007 Swimsuit Issue. She is now a reoccurring character in BET's Husband's of Hollywood where she plays the love interest of comedian Kevin Hart.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Beyond modeling</u></span></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ebanks appeared on the third season of Celebrity Apprentice, but was fired in week 5 on April 11, 2010, placing 9th. Previously, she recorded music and appeared on the UPN-series South Beach.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She is featured in The-Dream's music video for the single "Make Up Bag", as well as Kanye West's 2010 short film Runaway, playing a fallen phoenix with whom West's character falls in love.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ebanks also appeared in a commercial for State Farm Insurance alongside actor/model Mehcad Brooks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ebanks also has her own line of swimwear,accessories and shoes called Sass which stands for Selita's Accessories Shoes and Swimwear. The line was seen on the BET Rip The Runway 2012 which she hosted alongside Pooch Hall.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Personal life</u></span></h2>
<div>
Ebanks has run her own talent school "Stardom Youth Foundation" since 2004 in her hometown Cayman Islands, providing career guidance for teenagers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She also formed a charity organization, "Women’s Coalition for Empowerment and Opportunity", after a trip to Sierra Leone in 2008. The organization helps to support women’s educational and professional programs in the civil war-torn African nation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She was engaged to comedian Nick Cannon for five months.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Selita Ebanks Real Images</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W22999Ve9UA/T1BODo8qmUI/AAAAAAABIZ0/5tB9Z4OYARk/s1600/foto-foto-wanita-cantik-selita-ebanks-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W22999Ve9UA/T1BODo8qmUI/AAAAAAABIZ0/5tB9Z4OYARk/s1600/foto-foto-wanita-cantik-selita-ebanks-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d39ya49a1fwv14.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/caribe-selita-ebanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d39ya49a1fwv14.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/caribe-selita-ebanks.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.hawtcelebs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/SELITA-EBANKS-at-Fashion-Group-International-Night-of-Stars-in-New-York-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hawtcelebs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/SELITA-EBANKS-at-Fashion-Group-International-Night-of-Stars-in-New-York-7.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></div>
<div>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div>
For more detail visit here: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selita_Ebanks" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selita_Ebanks</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-86203571656695392992015-01-06T09:04:00.002-08:002016-09-18T22:50:23.621-07:00Adriana Karembeu<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">8- Adriana Karembeu</span></u></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blog.hdwallsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/adriana-karembeu-hd-wide-wallpaper-54041-55772-hd-wallpapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.hdwallsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/adriana-karembeu-hd-wide-wallpaper-54041-55772-hd-wallpapers.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Karembeu in 2012<br />
<b>Born</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Adriana Sklenaříková<br />
17 September 1971 (age 43)<br />
Brezno, Czechoslovakia nowadays Slovakia<br />
<b>Spouse(s)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><br />
Christian Karembeu (m. 1998–2012)<br />
<b>Aram</b> Ohanian (m. 2014)<br />
<b>Partner(s)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>Mick Hucknall (1994–1997)<br />
Modeling information<br />
<b>Height</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)<br />
<b>Hair color</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Blonde<br />
<b>Eye</b> color<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Blue<br />
<b>Measurements</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>87.5–59.5–89 cm (34.5–23.5–35 in)<br />
<b>Dress size</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6 (US), 36 (EU)<br />
<b>Shoe size<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>8.5 (US), 39 (EU), 6 (UK)<br />
<br />
Adriana Karembeu (born Sklenaříková, on 17 September 1971) is a Slovak fashion model and actress. She is a former Guinness record holder for the longest legs among female models (at almost 50 inches).<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Early life</span></u></h2>
Adriana Sklenaříková was born in Brezno, a town in central Slovakia.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Career</span></u></h2>
<br />
While studying medicine in Prague, Sklenaříková entered and won a modelling contest.<br />
<br />
In 1998, she was hired as one of the models for the Wonderbra campaign.<br />
<br />
In the United States, she modeled for Victoria's Secret.<br />
<br />
In 2008 she participated in Rendez-vous en terre inconnue on France 2.<br />
<br />
In 2011 she was a contestant in the first season of the French Dancing with the Stars.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Personal life</span></u></h2>
Sklenaříková had previously dated English singer Mick Hucknall from 1994 to 1997.<br />
<br />
She met French football player Christian Karembeu on a flight from Paris to Milan in 1998, and they were married in December that year.<br />
<br />
On 9 March 2011, in an interview to French magazine Paris Match, Adriana revealed that she's separating from her husband. Adriana stated that the causes for the separation were the couple's constant exposure in the media and their "hectic lifestyle" as well as him being "upset to see photographs of [her] with other men appearing in the press and speculation that [she] had a lover". Christian Karembeu refused questions from the media about the divorce, stating that he would not comment in public about his private life.<br />
<br />
In June 2014, she married Armenian businessman Aram Ohanian, her boyfriend for three years. Their wedding was held in Marrakesh, Morocco, and was attended by numerous film and show business stars.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Award</span></u></h2>
2009 Vienna Fashion Award, category Style Icon<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img0.cfstatic.com/wallpapers/336aa5a56ee66739e9ac138cfe35168a_large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://img0.cfstatic.com/wallpapers/336aa5a56ee66739e9ac138cfe35168a_large.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theplace2.ru/archive/adriana_sklenarikova/img/Adriana_Karembeu_P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://www.theplace2.ru/archive/adriana_sklenarikova/img/Adriana_Karembeu_P.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theplace2.ru/archive/adriana_sklenarikova/img/03890_Adriana_Karembeu_Marie_Antoinette_Premiere_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://www.theplace2.ru/archive/adriana_sklenarikova/img/03890_Adriana_Karembeu_Marie_Antoinette_Premiere_01.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
For more detail visit here: <a href="http://adf.ly/vwJcP" target="_blank">http://adf.ly/vwJcP</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-81834933497079827822015-01-06T08:49:00.000-08:002015-01-06T08:49:00.966-08:00Kim Cloutier<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">9- Kim Cloutier</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://iv1.lisimg.com/image/596677/600full-kim-cloutier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://iv1.lisimg.com/image/596677/600full-kim-cloutier.jpg" height="400" width="323" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Born</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>March 25, 1987 (age 27)<br />
Montreal, Quebec, Canada<br />
Modeling information<br />
<b>Height</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1.77 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in)<br />
<b>Hair color</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Light brown<br />
<b>Eye </b>color<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Blue<br />
<b>Measurements</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>86-64-87 (EU)<br />
<b>Dress size</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3<br />
<br />
Kim Cloutier (born March 25, 1987) is a Canadian fashion model, known for numerous lingerie, swimsuit and cosmetics campaigns.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Career</span></u></b></h2>
Cloutier has appeared in the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. In the same year, she appeared on the cover of, and in an editorial in, the November issue of Details Magazine with Adam Lambert.<br />
<br />
She has appeared on the cover of Flare's Summer 2007 issue (Canada), in multiple spreads and features for international websites in Croatia, France,and Vietnam.<br />
<br />
She has also appeared in Elle Accessories (Canada), Glow Magazine (Canada) and Sirene (Denmark).<br />
<br />
Since 2010, Cloutier appeared in commercials for Soma Intimates.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Agencies</span></u></h2>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Next Models Canada (mother agent)</li>
<li>Ford Models in New York and Paris</li>
<li>NEXT Model Management in Milan</li>
<li>Premier Model Management in London</li>
<li>Mega in Germany</li>
<li>View in Barcelona</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wallpaperweb.org/wallpaper/babes/1440x900/kim_cloutier_20090912_0919_1440x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://wallpaperweb.org/wallpaper/babes/1440x900/kim_cloutier_20090912_0919_1440x900.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gentlemanschoice.info/img/?id=22917/Kim_Cloutier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gentlemanschoice.info/img/?id=22917/Kim_Cloutier.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://khongthe.com/wallpapers/people/kim-cloutier-249394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://khongthe.com/wallpapers/people/kim-cloutier-249394.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For more detail visit here: <a href="http://adf.ly/vwIFi" target="_blank">http://adf.ly/vwIFi</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-22563623831638235832015-01-06T08:36:00.000-08:002015-01-06T08:50:50.261-08:00Jenna Jameson<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">10- Jenna Jameson</span></u></h2>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gotceleb.com/wp-content/uploads/celebrities/jenna-pietersen/2013-lingadore-collection/Jenna%20Pietersen%20-%20%20Hot%20Photos%20for%202013%20Lingadore%20Collection-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gotceleb.com/wp-content/uploads/celebrities/jenna-pietersen/2013-lingadore-collection/Jenna%20Pietersen%20-%20%20Hot%20Photos%20for%202013%20Lingadore%20Collection-06.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jenna Jameson on March 11, 2008<br />
<b>Born</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jenna Marie Massoli<br />
April 9, 1974 (age 40)<br />
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States<br />
<b>Other names</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Jennasis<br />
Daisy Holiday<br />
Daisy Maze<br />
<b>Height</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)<br />
<b>Weight<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>110 lb (50 kg)<br />
<b>Spouse(s)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><br />
Brad Armstrong (1996–2001)<br />
Jay Grdina (2003–2006)<br />
<b>No. of adult films</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
173 as actress<br />
4 as director<br />
<br />
Jenna Jameson (born Jenna Marie Massoli; April 9, 1974) is an American entrepreneur, webcam model and former pornographic film actress, who has been called the world's most famous adult-entertainment performer and "The Queen of Porn". She started acting in erotic videos in 1993 after having worked as a stripper and glamor model. By 1996, she had won the "top newcomer" award from each of the three major adult-movie organizations. She has since won more than 35 adult-video awards, and has been inducted into the X-Rated Critics Organization (XRCO) and Adult Video News (AVN) Halls of Fame.<br />
<br />
Jameson founded the adult-entertainment company ClubJenna in 2000 with Jay Grdina, whom she later married and divorced. Initially a single website, this business expanded into managing similar websites of other stars and began producing sexually explicit videos in 2001. The first such movie, Briana Loves Jenna (with Briana Banks), was named at the 2003 AVN Awards as the best-selling and best-renting pornographic title for 2002. By 2005, ClubJenna had revenues of US$30 million with profits estimated at half that. Advertisements for her site and films, often bearing her picture, have towered on a 48-foot-tall billboard in New York City's Times Square.<br />
<br />
Jameson has also crossed over into mainstream pop culture, starting with a minor role in Howard Stern's 1997 film Private Parts. Her mainstream appearances continued with several guest-hosting and guest-starring on various television programs. Playboy TV hosted her Jenna's American Sex Star reality show, in which aspiring porn stars competed for a ClubJenna contract. Her 2004 autobiography, How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale, spent six weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list.<br />
<br />
Jameson announced her retirement from pornography at the 2008 AVN Awards, stating that she would never return to the industry. Although she no longer performs in pornographic films, she has been working as a webcam model since 2013.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Early life</span></u></h2>
Jenna Marie Massoli was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her father, Laurence Henry Massoli, was a police officer at the Las Vegas Sheriff's Department and program director for KSNV-DT. Her mother, Judith Brooke Hunt, was a Las Vegas showgirl who danced in the Folies Bergère show at the Tropicana Resort & Casino. Her mother died of melanoma on February 20, 1976, two months prior to her daughter's second birthday. The cancer treatments bankrupted the family and they relocated in Nevada, Arizona, and Montana, usually living in a trailer home or living with her paternal grandmother. She has an older brother, Tony. She was a frequent entrant in beauty pageants as a child, and enrolled in ballet classes throughout her childhood. In a featurette on the Zombie Strippers DVD, Jameson indicates she trained in dance for fifteen years.<br />
<br />
Jameson writes in her autobiography that in October 1990, when she was 16 years old and while the family was living on a cattle ranch in Fromberg, Montana, she was beaten with rocks and gang raped by four boys after a football game at Fromberg High School. The incident began after she attempted to hitchhike home, and that she entered the car of the four boys while believing that she would be driven to her home. She reported being raped a second time while still 16, by "Preacher," her boyfriend Jack's biker uncle. Preacher has denied the rape ever occurred. Rather than tell her father, she left home and moved in with Jack in her first serious relationship.<br />
<br />
Jack was a tattoo artist, and gave her the first of a series of tattoos, one of which would become her trademark tattoo, two hearts on her right buttock. According to E!, her brother Tony, who later owned a tattoo parlor himself, added the inscription "Heart Breaker."<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Career</u><u>Early</u></span></h2>
She tried to follow in her mother's career as a Las Vegas showgirl, but most shows rejected her for not having the then-typical height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). She was hired at Disneyland Resort, but left after two months stating concerns over the schedule and salary schedule.<br />
<br />
Her boyfriend Jack encouraged her to apply for jobs as a dancer, and in 1991, though underage, she began dancing in Las Vegas strip clubs using a fake identification. After she was rejected from the Crazy Horse Too strip club because of her orthodontia, she removed her braces with pliers and was accepted. After six months, she was earning US$2,000 per night, before graduating from Bonanza High School.<br />
<br />
Her first stage name as a dancer was "Jennasis", which she later used as the name of a business that she incorporated ("Jennasis Killing Co."). She chose the name "Jenna Jameson" to use as a model after scrolling through the phone book for a last name that matched her first name, before finally deciding on Jameson after the whiskey, which she is known to drink.<br />
<br />
Besides dancing, starting later in 1991, she posed for nude photographs for photographer Suze Randall in Los Angeles, with the intention of getting into Penthouse. After her photos had appeared in several men's magazines under various names, she then stopped working for Randall, feeling Randall was "a shark."<br />
<br />
While in high school, she began taking drugs – cocaine, LSD, and methamphetamine – accompanied by her brother (who was addicted to heroin) and at times her father. Her addiction worsened during her four years with her boyfriend. She eventually stopped eating properly and became too thin to model; Jack left her in 1994. She weighed 76 pounds (34 kg) when a friend put her in a wheelchair and sent her to her father, who was then living in Redding, California, in order to detox; her father did not recognize her when she got off the plane.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pornographic film</span></u></h2>
<br />
Jameson says that she started acting in pornographic videos in retaliation for the infidelity of her boyfriend, Jack. She first appeared in an erotic film in 1993, a non-explicit softcore movie by Andrew Blake, with girlfriend Nikki Tyler. Her first pornographic movie scenes were filmed by Randy West and appeared in 1994's Up and Cummers 10 and Up and Cummers 11. She quickly achieved notice and appeared in several other pornographic films while still living in Las Vegas.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Jenna_Jameson_Jan12_2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Jenna_Jameson_Jan12_2007.JPG" height="400" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo 2007, January 12, 2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Of her first pornographic movie, Randy West said "Jenna contacted me and said she wanted to get into the XXX business, but her agent didn't want her to do porn. A month later I'm on a shoot in Woodland Hills [a San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles], and there's Jenna. She said she wanted to get into the business, despite what her agent said. I told her if you want to just do a girl/girl scene, we can do that. She said she wanted to work with Kylie Ireland, so I set it up. When the sex started, she just fucking rocked! I knew Jenna was special right off the bat. I figured she'd be the next Ginger Lynn, but nobody had any idea she was going to be as big as she turned out to be. Jenna told me when we first met that she was going to be a star."<br />
<br />
Jameson got her first breast implants on July 28, 1994, to enhance her stripping and movie careers. By 2004, she had had two different sets of breast implants and a chin implant.<br />
<br />
Jameson's first pornographic film appearances were lesbian scenes (a common way that female performers ease into the business). She says: "Girl-on-girl was easy and natural. Then they offered me lots of money to do boy-girl." Her first heterosexual scene was in Up and Cummers 11 (1994). At the beginning of her career, she promised herself that she would never do anal sex or double penetration scenes on film. Instead, her "signature move" was oral sex, lubricated with saliva. She has also never done any interracial sex scenes with men (despite that category's runaway popularity during the 2000s). When asked about this on The Howard Stern Show on February 8, 2008, she said that she was not necessarily opposed to doing so; rather, "it never really came up", as there were few black men working in porn when she started, and none of them worked [exclusively] for the same company [as] she did.<br />
<br />
In 1994, after overcoming her drug addiction by spending several weeks with her father and grandmother, Jameson relocated to Los Angeles to live with Nikki Tyler. Her first movie after that was Silk Stockings. Later in 1995, Wicked Pictures, a then small pornographic film production company, signed her to an exclusive contract. She remembers telling Wicked Pictures founder Steve Orenstein: "The most important thing to me right now is to become the biggest star the industry has ever seen."<br />
<br />
The contract earned Jameson US$6,000 for each of eight movies in her first year. Her first big-budget production was Blue Movie (1995), where she played a reporter investigating a porn set; it won multiple AVN Awards. In 1996, Jameson won top awards from three major industry organizations, the XRCO Best New Starlet award, the AVN Best New Starlet Award, and the Fans of X-Rated Entertainment (F.O.X.E.) Video Vixen award. She was the first entertainer to win all three awards. A stream of other awards followed.<br />
<br />
By 2001, Jameson earned $60,000 for a day and a half of filming a single DVD, and $8,000 per night dancing at strip clubs. She tried to restrict herself to five films per year and two weeks of dancing per month. Her husband Jay Grdina has said that she earned as much as $25,000 per night dancing.<br />
<br />
Between 2005 and 2006, she hosted Playboy TV's Jenna's American Sex Star, where prospective porn stars compete in sexual performances for a contract with her company, ClubJenna. Winners of the contracts for the first two years were Brea Bennett and Roxy Jezel.<br />
<br />
In August 2007, Jameson had her breast implants removed, reducing her from a D to a C cup; she also said she was finished with appearing on camera in pornographic films, though she would continue running ClubJenna, which was grossing $30 million per year. In January 2008, Jameson confirmed she was retiring from pornographic performances and has since said that she "won't even do a Maxim cover."<br />
<br />
ameson's first appearance at an adult-entertainment event since her retirement was at the 2013 Exxxotica New Jersey convention in October. The following month, she returned to the adult industry as a webcam model. On January 15, 2014, Fleshlight released Jameson's signature artificial vagina. Jameson was also the master of ceremonies for the 2014 XBIZ Awards on January 24.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Business ventures</span></u></h2>
Jameson and Grdina formed ClubJenna as an Internet pornography company in 2000. ClubJenna.com was one of the first pornographic sites to provide more than pictures and videos; it provided explicit diaries, relationship advice, and even stock tips to paid members. The site reportedly was profitable in its third week. The business later diversified into multimedia pornographic entertainment, first by administering other porn stars' websites, then, in 2001, by production of pornographic films.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Exxxotica_NJ_2013-Jenna_Jameson.jpg/400px-Exxxotica_NJ_2013-Jenna_Jameson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Exxxotica_NJ_2013-Jenna_Jameson.jpg/400px-Exxxotica_NJ_2013-Jenna_Jameson.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna Jameson the 2013 Exxxotica convention <br />
in Edison, New Jersey on October 4, 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Early ClubJenna films starred Jameson herself, limiting herself to on-screen sex with other women or with Grdina, who appeared as Justin Sterling. The first ClubJenna film, Briana Loves Jenna (2001), co-produced with Vivid, cost US$280,000 to make, and grossed over $1 million in its first year. It was the best selling and best renting pornographic title of its year, winning twin AVN Awards.It was marketed as "Jenna. Her first boy/girl scene in over 2 years." referring to Jameson's abstention from heterosexual on-film intercourse. Grdina has said that Jameson's films averaged sales of 100,000 copies, compared with run-of-the-mill pornographic films, which did well to sell 5,000. On the other hand, he also said that their films took up to twelve days to film, compared with one day for other pornographic films.<br />
<br />
In a January 2009 interview with William Shatner on Shatner's Raw Nerve, Jameson said she came close to buying Penthouse magazine when publisher Bob Guccione filed for Chapter 11 reorganization of his business (which occurred in August 2003), but was thwarted when someone else swooped in and bought up all the stock. New York Magazine's Intelligencer quoted a source from Penthouse as saying "I'm sure she is considering it", adding that Jameson was to be cover girl in January 2004 – and "it's a really wild-looking shoot, even for a porn star."<br />
<br />
In 2004, the ClubJenna films expanded to starring other actresses without Jameson – Krystal Steal, Jesse Capelli, McKenzie Lee, Ashton Moore and Sophia Rossi – as Jameson stepped back from starring roles. In 2005 Jameson first directed a film, The Provocateur, released as Jenna's Provocateur in September 2006. The ClubJenna films were distributed and marketed by Vivid Entertainment, which Forbes magazine once called "the world's largest adult film company." They made up a third of ClubJenna's revenues, but over half of the profits.<br />
<br />
ClubJenna was run as a family business, with Grdina's sister, Kris, as Vice President in charge of merchandising. In 2005, ClubJenna had estimated revenues of $30 million, with profits of about half that.<br />
<br />
Jameson also capitalized on merchandising herself. Since May 2003, she has been appearing on a 48-foot (15 m) tall billboard in New York City's Times Square promoting her web site and movies. The first advertisement displayed her wearing only a thong and read "Who Says They Cleaned Up Times Square?" There is a line of sex toys licensed to Doc Johnson, and an "anatomically correct" Jenna Jameson action figure. She stars in her own sex simulation video game, Virtually Jenna, in which the goal is to bring a 3D model of her to orgasm. Y-Tell, ClubJenna's wireless company, sells Jenna Jameson "moan tones" (telephone ringtones), chat services, and games in partnerships with 20 carriers around the world, mostly in Europe and South America. In 2006, New York City-based Wicked Cow Entertainment started to expand her brand to barware, perfume, handbags, lingerie, and footwear, sold through high eend retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Colette boutiques. Her film and merchandising success enabled her to attain her goal of becoming the top porn star in the world.<br />
<br />
In August 2005, ClubJenna launched Club Thrust, an interactive website for Jameson's gay male fans, which includes videos, galleries, sex advice, gossip, and downloads. The director of webmaster relations for ClubJenna said the straight site had always had a lot of gay traffic. By 2006, ClubJenna administered more than 150 official sites for other adult-entertainment industry stars.<br />
<br />
In August 2005, a group of business investors that included Jameson purchased Babes Cabaret, a strip club in Scottsdale, Arizona, intending to make it the first foray of ClubJenna into live entertainment. Soon after the purchase attracted attention, the Scottsdale City Council proposed a new ordinance banning nudity at adult-entertainment venues and requiring a four-foot divider restricting contact with dancers. Such a divider would have also effectively banned lap dances, the dancers' main source of revenue. Jameson argued strongly against the ordinance, and helped organize a petition against it. On September 12, 2006, in a referendum on the ordinance, voters struck down the stricter rules, allowing the club to continue to operate as before.<br />
<br />
On February 3, 2006, Jameson hosted a "Vivid ClubJenna Super Bowl Party" with several other ClubJenna and Vivid Girls at the Zoo Club in Detroit, Michigan for a $500 to $1,000 ticket price. It featured a lingerie show, but no planned nudity or sex acts. When first announced, the party caused controversy with the National Football League, which did not sanction this as an official Super Bowl event. For 2007, Jameson signed up to play quarterback in the Lingerie Bowl, but retired due to her insurance company's damage concerns. She instead acted as commentator.<br />
<br />
On June 22, 2006, Playboy Enterprises announced that it had bought ClubJenna Inc., along with an agreement to have both Jameson and Grdina stay on as contracted executives. Playboy CEO Christie Hefner said that she expected to rapidly increase film production, producing about thirty features in the first year, and will expand the way they are sold, not only as DVDs but through TV channels, video-on-demand services and mobile phones. On November 1, 2006, Playboy renamed one of the Spice Network's pay-per-view channels from The Hot Network to ClubJenna.<br />
<br />
In April 2007, Tera Patrick and her production company Teravision filed a lawsuit against Jameson and Playboy Enterprises for failing to properly account for and pay royalties on revenue earned by Patrick's website, clubtera.com.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Books</span></u></h2>
<br />
Jameson's autobiography, How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale was published in 2003. It was co-written with Neil Strauss, a contributor to The New York Times and Rolling Stone, and published by ReganBooks, a division of HarperCollins. It was an instant bestseller, spending six weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list. The autobiography also won the 2004 "Mainstream's Adult Media Favorite" XRCO Award in a tie with Seymore Butts's Family Business TV series. It was translated into German as Pornostar. Die Autobiographie in November 2005, and Spanish as Cómo Hacer El Amor Igual Que Una Estrella Porno in January 2006.<br />
<br />
The book covers her early career from her beginning in show business living with her tattoo artist boyfriend, through receiving the Pornographic Hot d'Or award at Cannes, and wedding pictures from her second marriage. It does not omit sordid details, describing her two rapes, drug addictions, an unhappy first marriage, and numerous affairs with men and women. The first-person narrative is broken up by personal photos, childhood diary entries, family interviews, movie scripts, and comic panels.<br />
<br />
The autobiography publisher, Judith Regan, also served as executive producer of a tie-in television news special, Jenna Jameson's Confessions, airing on VH1 on August 16, 2004, one day before the book's launch. In April 2005, ReganBooks and Jameson filed lawsuits against each other. The point of contention was a proposed reality show about Jameson's everyday life, discussed between her then-husband, Jay Grdina, and the A&E Network. ReganBooks maintained that any A&E deal was a breach of Jameson's contract, which indicated that ReganBooks had a stake in the profits generated by both the special based on her memoir and a reality-based series, as well as "any similar projects." Jameson's suit claimed that the A&E deal preceded the ReganBooks contract. The reality series had still not materialized, and the lawsuit was still being discussed, when HarperCollins fired Judith Regan on December 15, 2006, over an unrelated issue.<br />
<br />
In January 2007, Jameson was reported in talks with producers on turning the autobiography into a movie. In March 2007, Jameson was reportedly missing meetings with producers, thus endangering the movie, due to problems with a recent vaginoplasty.<br />
<br />
In April 2013, Jameson announced she was working on a fictional erotic novel called Sugar. It was co-written with Hope Tarr and published by Skyhorse Publishing. It was released on October 21, 2013.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><br /></u><u>Mainstream appearances</u></span></h2>
Jameson is also known for achieving a high level of celebrity outside of pornography – even bringing pornography itself closer to mainstream society's awareness and acceptance. She has said: "I've always embraced my hard-core roots, but becoming a household name was an important thing to me."<br />
<br />
In 1995, Jameson sent photos of herself to radio host Howard Stern. She became a regular guest on his show, appearing more than 30 times, and played the role of "Mandy", the "First Nude Woman on Radio", in Stern's semi-autobiographical 1997 film Private Parts. This film appearance was the beginning of a series of non-porn film and television roles. In 1997, Jameson made an appearance for an Extreme Championship Wrestling pay-per-view, Hardcore Heaven '97 as the valet for the Dudley family; another appearance at ECW Living Dangerously on March 1, 1998; and a few months where she was ECW's on-screen interviewer. In 1998, she filmed a vignette with Val Venis, a character in the WWE, for airing on WWE programming. In the late 1990s, Jameson guest hosted several episodes of the E! cable network's hit travel/adventure/party show Wild On!, appearing scantily clad in tropical locations. Jameson was featured and interviewed on the British television show "European Blue Review" on Channel 5.<br />
<br />
Jameson appeared in a 2001 music video for the Eminem song "Without Me." She can be seen in bed with Eminem as one of the "two trailer park girls" that "go round the outside." Jameson voiced an animated version of herself in a July 2001 episode of Family Guy entitled "Brian Does Hollywood". Her character won an award for acting in a porn film directed by Brian Griffin, and at the close of the episode Peter Griffin kidnaps her. In 2002, Jameson and Ron Jeremy played themselves in Comedy Central's first feature television movie Porn 'n Chicken, in the roles of speakers for a pornography viewing club. Also in 2002, she appeared in two video games, most notably voicing Candy Suxxx in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Her character begins as a prostitute, but goes on to success as a pornographic actress and is displayed on several billboards within the game. Her performance won the 2003 G-Phoria "Best Live Action/Voice Performance Award – Female". She also provided both the appearance and the voice for "Daisy", a secret playable character for the video game Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, who performs provocative tricks with her clothing and skateboard. In 2003, Jameson appeared in two episodes of the NBC prime time television show Mister Sterling as the girlfriend of a political financier.<br />
<br />
In the months following the publication of her autobiography, she was interviewed on NBC, CNBC, Fox News, and CNN, and the book was reviewed by The New York Times, Reuters, and other major media outlets.<br />
<br />
Jameson was featured prominently in Samhain, a low budget horror film in which she starred with other pornographic actresses including Ginger Lynn Allen. It was filmed in 2002, but had sat unreleased until 2005, when it was re-cut and released as Evil Breed: The Legend of Samhain. She had another minor horror film role in Sin-Jin Smyth, delayed from release until late 2006.<br />
<br />
In February 2006, Comedy Central announced plans to feature Jameson as "P-Whip", in a starring role in its first animated mobile phone series, Samurai Love God. Mediaweek called her the biggest name attached to the project. In April 2006, Jameson was the star of a video podcast ad for Adidas, advertising Adicolor shoes by playing a provocative game of whack a mole. In July 2006, Jameson became the first pornographic actress to have a wax model at Madame Tussauds (in the Las Vegas museum). Jameson made an appearance in the U.S. reality TV show The Simple Life in the fifth season episode "Committed", broadcast on July 1, 2007; Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, while working in a "love camp", brought her in to help throw a "love ceremony" vow for the five dysfunctional couples. In 2008 Jameson had another starring role in the comedy horror film Zombie Strippers, loosely based on Eugène Ionesco's classic play Rhinoceros.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Controversial mainstream appearances</span></u></h2>
Some of her mainstream appearances sparked controversy. An interview with Jameson contained in the 1999 Abercrombie & Fitch A&F Quarterly was part of the motivation for Michigan Attorney General Jennifer Granholm and Illinois Lieutenant Governor Corinne Wood to speak out against the hybrid magazine-catalog. The campaign was joined by parents and Christian conservative groups, and got the Quarterly removed from shelves and eventually canceled in 2003.<br />
<br />
In November 2001, the Oxford Union debating society invited Jameson to come to Oxford to argue against the proposition "The House Believes that Porn is Harmful." She wrote in her diary at the time, "I feel like I am going to be out of my element, but, I could never pass this chance up ... it's a once in a lifetime thing." In the end, her side won the debate 204 to 27.<br />
<br />
In February 2003, Pony International planned to feature her as one of several pornographic actors in advertisements for athletic shoes. This was attacked by Bill O'Reilly of Fox News in an editorial called "Using Quasi-Prostitutes to Sell Sneakers", calling pornographic actors inappropriate role models for teens. In response, The Harvard Crimson proposed a boycott of O'Reilly and Fox News. Jameson herself sent a sarcastic email to the show, writing:<br />
<br />
I hope Bill understands the difference between a porn star and a hooker. I assume he has done some research on the subject because he requested some of my videos after we finished taping my appearance. I imagine he wanted them for professional reasons.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Personal life</u><u>Relationships and health</u></span></h2>
In 2004 Jameson stated that she was bisexual, and that she had had sex with 100 women and 30 men off-screen in her life, but by 2008 she described herself as "totally hetero." She has stated the best relationship she ever had was her lesbian relationship with porn actress Nikki Tyler, which she documents in her autobiography. They lived together at the start of her porn career and again before her second marriage. Famous boyfriends discussed in her autobiography include Marilyn Manson and Tommy Lee.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Jenna_Jameson_and_Jay_Grdina.jpg/398px-Jenna_Jameson_and_Jay_Grdina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Jenna_Jameson_and_Jay_Grdina.jpg/398px-Jenna_Jameson_and_Jay_Grdina.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With former husband Jay Grdina, at the<br />
XBIZ Award, November 2005</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
On December 20, 1996, Jameson married porn star/Wicked Pictures director Brad Armstrong (real name Rodney Hopkins). The marriage lasted just 10 weeks. Although they informally separated in March 1997, she remained contractually obligated to work on Wicked Pictures projects involving both of them. They legally separated and divorced in March 2001, after Brad discovered her sexual affair with Jorge Araya Montoya (whom she met on a visit to Costa Rica).<br />
<br />
In the summer of 1998, Jameson met former pornographic studio owner Jay Grdina (born John G. Grdina), scion of a wealthy cattle-ranching family, who had entered pornographic film production after college. From 1998 until Jameson's retirement, Grdina was Jameson's only on-screen male sex partner, acting under the name Justin Sterling. They were engaged in December 2000, well before her divorce from Armstrong/Hopkins, and married June 22, 2003. They tried to have children from mid-2004 onwards, as Jameson had planned to retire from adult entertainment upon becoming a mother. The couple resided in Scottsdale, Arizona, in a 6,700-square-foot (620 m2) Spanish-style mansion, bought for $2 million in 2002.<br />
<br />
In November 2004, Jameson was diagnosed with skin cancer. Though surgery removed it, she miscarried shortly after the diagnosis. She was unable to conceive again with Grdina, even with in vitro fertilization. Jameson said the in vitro process "wasn't a good thing for me"; she gained weight and did not get pregnant. According to Jameson, the stresses of the cancer plus infertility led to her marriage's collapse. In August 2006, Star magazine and TMZ.com confirmed with Jameson's publicist that she and Grdina had separated.<br />
<br />
In October 2006, it was reported that Jameson began dating mixed martial artist and former UFC champion Tito Ortiz, whom she met on Myspace. Ortiz canceled a November 12, 2006 appearance as the guest of honor at the United States Marine Corps birthday ball at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, when the Corps refused to let him bring Jameson as his guest. On November 30, 2006, in an interview on The Howard Stern Show, Ortiz stated that he was in love with Jameson, that she was no longer acting in pornography, and that they were in a monogamous relationship. On December 12, 2006, Jameson filed for divorce from Grdina. She introduced Ortiz and talked about their relationship at the 2008 AVN Adult Movie Awards while she was presenting an award. She also made brief appearances on two episodes of The Celebrity Apprentice to help Ortiz on the tasks assigned in those episodes.<br />
<br />
Jameson announced in August 2008 that she and Ortiz were expecting twins in April 2009. On March 16, 2009, Jameson gave birth to twin boys, Jesse Jameson and Journey Jette.<br />
<br />
Jameson's father, Laurence Henry Massoli, passed away on October 2, 2010, after suffering complications from triple bypass surgery.<br />
<br />
In an interview with Larry King in 2013, Jameson stated that she was raised Catholic and still considers herself religious, saying, "I've always been extremely Catholic."<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Political views</span></u></h2>
After viewing undercover videos of chicken production, Jameson agreed to do a short video for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals as part of the group's campaign against KFC's treatment of chickens.<br />
<br />
Jameson supported Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2008 United States presidential election, but Republican Mitt Romney in the 2012 United States presidential election, stating: "I'm very looking forward to a Republican being back in office. When you're rich, you want a Republican in office."<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Legal issues</span></u></h2>
On April 26, 2010, Ortiz was arrested for felony domestic abuse at the couple's Huntington Beach, California home. Jameson was photographed afterward that day with a bandaged arm, amid accusations by both parties against each other, with Ortiz accusing Jameson of being erratic and addicted to OxyContin, while she alleged that he was abusive. Since the incident occurred, both parties have recanted these allegations that were made toward one another, though as of April 29, 2010, the investigation by the police department remained open.<br />
<br />
On May 25, 2012, Jameson was arrested in Westminster, California and charged with three misdemeanor counts for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, driving with a blood-alcohol level over the state legal limit, and driving on a suspended license after her Range Rover struck a light pole. She initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, but later changed her plea to guilty. She was sentenced to three years of informal probation, ordered to pay $340 in fines, and participate in a Mothers Against Drunk Driving victims' impact panel. The charge for driving without a valid license was dismissed.<br />
<br />
Jenna Jameson filmography<br />
<br />
The following provides a list of the film, television, music video, and video game performances of American pornographic actress Jenna Jameson.<br />
<br />
Although noted primarily for her pornographic film career, Jameson has made several appearances in television series, music videos, and video games, as a guest performer or series host.<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Anime</span></u></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Words Worth (as Nina) (1999)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pornographic films</span></u></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Television.svg This film, television or video-related list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it with reliably sourced additions.</li>
<li>Fantasy Woman created 1993, Released March 15, 1994, registered June 15, 1994. Her first film, non-sex role.</li>
<li>Elements of Desire Released April 27, 1994, registered June 10, 1994. Lesbian only.</li>
<li>Up and Cummers 10 Produced April 18, 1994 and released May 2004, 1994, Erotica West, Randy West Productions.</li>
<li>Up and Cummers 11 (1994, Erotica West, Randy West Productions)- Produced April 19, 2004 Released June 3, 1994. Her first heterosexual film</li>
<li>Cherry Pie (1994, Sin City Video) - Released June 15, 1994</li>
<li>Baby Doll (Sin City Entertainment) Registered July 6, 1994, released August 16, 1994</li>
<li>The Dinner Party Adam and Eve Productions released September 12, 1994</li>
<li>Photoplay (1995)</li>
<li>Cover to Cover (1995)</li>
<li>The Kiss (1995)</li>
<li>Up and Cummers (1995)</li>
<li>Where the Boys Aren't 7 (1995)</li>
<li>Virtual Reality 69 (1995)</li>
<li>Starting Over (1995)</li>
<li>Picture Perfect (1995)</li>
<li>Lip Service (1995)</li>
<li>I Love Lesbians (1995)</li>
<li>On Her Back (1995)</li>
<li>Phantasm (1995)</li>
<li>Priceless (1995)</li>
<li>Up and Cummers 20 (1995)</li>
<li>Silk Stockings: The Black Widow (1995)</li>
<li>Blue Movie (1995, Wicked Pictures)</li>
<li>Smells Like...Sex (1995, Wicked Pictures)</li>
<li>Wicked One (1995, Wicked Pictures)</li>
<li>Exposure (1995, Vivid)</li>
<li>Jenna Loves Rocco (1996, Vivid)</li>
<li>Conquest (1996, Wicked Pictures)</li>
<li>Jenna's Revenge (1996, Wicked Pictures)</li>
<li>Cybersex (1996)</li>
<li>The F-Zone (1996)</li>
<li>Cum One, Cum All (1996)</li>
<li>Silver Screen Confidential (1996)</li>
<li>Pure (1996)</li>
<li>Jenna Ink (1996)</li>
<li>Precious Metal Volume 1 (1996)</li>
<li>Jinx (1996)</li>
<li>Hard Evidence (1996)</li>
<li>Satyr (1996) (Wicked Pictures)</li>
<li>Philmore Butts Taking Care of Business (1997)</li>
<li>Dirty Bob's Xcellent Adventures 35 (1997)</li>
<li>Jenna's Built for Speed (1997)</li>
<li>Convention Cuties (1997)</li>
<li>Paradise (1997)</li>
<li>Betrayed (1997)</li>
<li>Dangerous Tides (1998, Wicked Pictures)</li>
<li>Flashpoint (1998, Wicked Pictures)</li>
<li>Super Sexy (1998)</li>
<li>All American Superstars (1998)</li>
<li>Couples (1998)</li>
<li>Wicked Weapon (1998)</li>
<li>Hell On Heels (1999, Wicked Pictures)</li>
<li>Virtual Sex with Jenna Jameson (1999, Digital Playground FX)</li>
<li>Super Sexy Too (1999)</li>
<li>Dirt Merchant (1999)</li>
<li>Word's Worth (1999)</li>
<li>Blown Away (1999)</li>
<li>Silk Stockings - The Back Widow (1999)</li>
<li>Dream Quest (2000, Wicked Pictures)</li>
<li>Please Cum Inside Me (2000)</li>
<li>Where the Boys Aren't 14 (2001)</li>
<li>Briana Loves Jenna (2001, Vivid / Club Jenna)</li>
<li>Deep Inside Jenna (2001, Vivid / Club Jenna)</li>
<li>My Plaything: Jenna Jameson (2001)</li>
<li>I Love Lesbians 10 (2001)</li>
<li>I Dream of Jenna (2002, Vivid / Club Jenna)</li>
<li>3 Into Jenna Jameson (2002, Vivid)</li>
<li>Up Close & Personal: Ashlyn Gere (2002)</li>
<li>Young Jenna (2002)</li>
<li>The Masseuse (2002, Vivid / ClubJenna)</li>
<li>Where the Boys Aren't 16: Dark Angels (2003)</li>
<li>Where the Boys Aren't 17 (2003)</li>
<li>Udderly Ridiculous (2003)</li>
<li>I Dream of Jenna 2 (2003)</li>
<li>Last Girl Standing (2004)</li>
<li>Jenna Uncut & Uncensored (2004)</li>
<li>Tougher Love (2004)</li>
<li>Camera Sutra (2004)</li>
<li>5 Star Jenna Jameson (2004, Vivid)</li>
<li>Bella Loves Jenna (2004, Vivid / Club Jenna)</li>
<li>The Masseuse (2004, Vivid / Club Jenna)</li>
<li>Krystal Method (2004, Vivid / Club Jenna)</li>
<li>The New Devil in Miss Jones (2005, Vivid)</li>
<li>Jenna Does Carmen (2005)</li>
<li>Jenna Loves Pain (2005)</li>
<li>Jenna's Star Power (2005)</li>
<li>Sophia Syndrome (2005)</li>
<li>Last Girl Standing (2005)</li>
<li>The Passion of the Christies (2005)</li>
<li>Dasha: Like a Geyser (2005)</li>
<li>Jenna's Tough Love (2005)</li>
<li>Jesse Factor (2006)</li>
<li>Jenna Jameson: Uncut & Uncensored 2 (2006)</li>
<li>Forever Asia (2006)</li>
<li>Jenna Loves Justin (2006)</li>
<li>Janine Loves Jenna (2006, Vivid / Club Jenna)</li>
<li>Jenna's Depraved (2006, Vivid / Club Jenna)</li>
<li>I Love Pussy (2007, Vivid/Club Jenna)</li>
<li>Burn (2008)</li>
<li>Nikita Loves Jenna (2009) (V)</li>
<li>Jenna Loves Krystal and Justin (2010) (Vivid / Club Jenna)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mainstream films</span></u></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Private Parts (1997)</li>
<li>Ali G, Aiii (2000)</li>
<li>Porn 'n Chicken (2002)</li>
<li>New World Disorder III, Freewheel Burning (2003)</li>
<li>Evil Breed: The Legend of Samhain (2005)</li>
<li>What Love Is (2006)</li>
<li>Sin-Jin Smyth (2007)</li>
<li>Zombie Strippers (2008)</li>
<li>Horrorween (2010)</li>
<li>How to Make Love to a Woman (2010)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Video games</span></u></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (as Candy Suxxx) (2002)</li>
<li>Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (as Daisy) (2003)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Music videos</u></span></h2>
Eminem video "Without Me" (2002)<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Television</span></u></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Wild On! (1997, E!) guest hosted</li>
<li>Nash Bridges (2000, CBS)</li>
<li>Family Guy (2001) (Episode: "Brian Does Hollywood")</li>
<li>Mister Sterling (2003, NBC)</li>
<li>Jenna's American Sex Star (2005, Playboy Channel)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJhX3IhMb9Y/TbOy70STgLI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/RpI5XO3-Pjw/s1600/Jenna_Pietersen_pretty_hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJhX3IhMb9Y/TbOy70STgLI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/RpI5XO3-Pjw/s1600/Jenna_Pietersen_pretty_hat.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.imagozone.com/var/albums/fashion/LingaDore/2012/Jenna%20Pietersen09.jpg?m=1353188739" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.imagozone.com/var/albums/fashion/LingaDore/2012/Jenna%20Pietersen09.jpg?m=1353188739" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For more detail visit here: <a href="http://adf.ly/vwH5X" target="_blank">http://adf.ly/vwH5X</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-76288901195904471012014-11-01T11:38:00.000-07:002014-11-01T11:38:32.910-07:00Brunei<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u> Nation of Brunei, Abode of Peace/Negara Brunei Darussalam (Malay latin)/نڬارا بروني دارالسلام</u></span></h2>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/Flag_of_Brunei.svg/800px-Flag_of_Brunei.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/Flag_of_Brunei.svg/800px-Flag_of_Brunei.svg.png" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Emblem_of_Brunei.svg/635px-Emblem_of_Brunei.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Emblem_of_Brunei.svg/635px-Emblem_of_Brunei.svg.png" height="290" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Brunei_-_Location_Map_(2013)_-_BRN_-_UNOCHA.svg/254px-Brunei_-_Location_Map_(2013)_-_BRN_-_UNOCHA.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Brunei_-_Location_Map_(2013)_-_BRN_-_UNOCHA.svg/254px-Brunei_-_Location_Map_(2013)_-_BRN_-_UNOCHA.svg.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Motto: </b></u></span></h2>
<br />
<br />
الدائمون المحسنون بالهدى<br />
Sentiasa membuat kebajikan dengan petunjuk Allah<br />
"Always in service with God's guidance"<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Anthem: </u></span></h2>
<br />
<br />
Allah Peliharakan Sultan<br />
God Bless the Sultan<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Capital and largest city </b> Bandar Seri Begawan<br />
4°53.417′N 114°56.533′E<br />
<b>Official languages </b> Malay<br />
<b>Recognised </b> English<br />
Other languages <br />
<br />
Brunei Malay<br />
Tutong<br />
Kedayan<br />
Belait<br />
Murut<br />
Dusun<br />
Bisaya<br />
<br />
<b>Ethnic groups (2004) </b> <br />
<br />
66.3% Malays<br />
11.2% Chinese<br />
3.4% Indigenous<br />
19.1% other<br />
<br />
<b>Religion</b> Sunni Islam<br />
<b>Demonym </b> Bruneian<br />
<b>Government </b> Unitary Islamic absolute<br />
<b>monarchy</b><br />
- Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah<br />
- Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah<br />
<b>Legislature</b> Legislative Council<br />
<b>Formation</b><br />
- Sultanate 1368 <br />
- British protectorate 1888 <br />
- Independence from<br />
the United Kingdom 1 January 1984 <br />
<b>Area</b><br />
- Total 5,765 km2 (172nd)<br />
2,226 sq mi<br />
- Water (%) 8.6<br />
<b>Population</b><br />
- Jul 2013[4] estimate 415,717[4] (175th)<br />
- Density 67.3/km2 (134th)<br />
174.4/sq mi<br />
<b>GDP (PPP)</b> 2012 estimate<br />
- Total $21.907 billion<br />
- Per capita $50,440<br />
<b>GDP (nominal)</b> 2012 estimate<br />
- Total $17.092 billion<br />
- Per capita $39,355<br />
<b>HDI (2013)</b> Steady 0.852<br />
very high · 30th<br />
<b>Currency</b> Brunei dollar (BND)<br />
<b>Time zone</b> BDT (UTC+8)<br />
<b>Drives on the</b> left<br />
<b>Calling code</b> +673[c]<b><br />ISO 3166 code </b> BN<br />
<b>Internet TLD </b> .bn <br />
<br />
<br />
Brunei <span class="nowrap"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/En-us-Brunei.ogg" target="_blank"><span class="noexcerpt"></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Listen"><img alt="Listen" data-file-height="11" data-file-width="11" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Speakerlink-new.svg/11px-Speakerlink-new.svg.png" height="11" width="11" /></a><sup><span class="IPA" style="color: #0000ee; font: bold 80% sans-serif; padding: 0 .1em;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="File:En-us-Brunei.ogg">i</a></span></sup></span><span class="IPA" title="Representation in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Help:IPA for English">/</a></span><span class="IPA nopopups"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Help:IPA for English"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" title="'b' in 'buy'">b</span></a></span><span class="IPA nopopups"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Help:IPA for English"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" title="'r' in 'rye'">r</span></a></span><span class="IPA nopopups"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" title="/uː/ long 'oo' in 'food'">uː</span></span><span class="IPA nopopups"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Help:IPA for English"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" title="/ˈ/ primary stress follows">ˈ</span></a></span><span class="IPA nopopups"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Help:IPA for English"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" title="'n' in 'nigh'">n</span></a></span><span class="IPA nopopups"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Help:IPA for English"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" title="/aɪ/ long 'i' in 'bide'">aɪ</span></a></span><span class="IPA" title="Representation in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English" title="Help:IPA for English">/</a></span>, <span class="Unicode" title="English pronunciation respelling"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Pronunciation_respelling_key" title="Wikipedia:Pronunciation respelling key"><i>broo-<b><span class="smallcaps"><span class="SMALLCAPS" style="font-variant: SMALL-CAPS;"><span class="NOCAPS" style="text-transform: LOWERCASE;">NY</span></span></span></b></i></a></span> or <span class="nowrap"><span class="IPA" title="Representation in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English" title="Help:IPA for English">/</a></span><span class="IPA nopopups"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English#Key" title="Help:IPA for English"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" title="'b' in 'buy'">b</span></a></span><span class="IPA nopopups"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English#Key" title="Help:IPA for English"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" title="'r' in 'rye'">r</span></a></span><span class="IPA nopopups"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English#Key" title="Help:IPA for English"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" title="/uː/ long 'oo' in 'food'">uː</span></a></span><span class="IPA nopopups"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English#Key" title="Help:IPA for English"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" title="/ˈ/ primary stress follows">ˈ</span></a></span><span class="IPA nopopups"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English#Key" title="Help:IPA for English"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" title="'n' in 'nigh'">n</span></a></span><span class="IPA nopopups"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English#Key" title="Help:IPA for English"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" title="/eɪ/ long 'a' in 'base'">eɪ</span></a></span><span class="IPA" title="Representation in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English" title="Help:IPA for English">/</a></span></span> <span class="Unicode" title="English pronunciation respelling"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Pronunciation_respelling_key" title="Wikipedia:Pronunciation respelling key"><i>broo-<b><span class="smallcaps"><span class="SMALLCAPS" style="font-variant: SMALL-CAPS;"><span class="NOCAPS" style="text-transform: LOWERCASE;">NAY</span></span></span></b></i></a></span>; officially the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace (Malay: Negara Brunei Darussalam, Jawi: نڬارا بروني دارالسلام), is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Apart from its coastline with the South China Sea, it is completely surrounded by the state of Sarawak, Malaysia; and it is separated into two parts by the Sarawak district of Limbang. It is the only sovereign state completely on the island of Borneo; the remainder of the island's territory is divided between the nations of Malaysia and Indonesia. Brunei's population was 408,786 in July 2012.<br />
<br />
At the peak of Bruneian Empire, Sultan Bolkiah (reigned 1485–1528) is alleged to have had control over most regions of Borneo, including modern-day Sarawak and Sabah, as well as the Sulu archipelago off the northeast tip of Borneo, Seludong (modern-day Manila), and the islands off the northwest tip of Borneo. The maritime state was visited by Spain's Magellan Expedition in 1521 and fought against Spain in 1578's Castille War.<br />
<br />
During the 19th century the Bruneian Empire began to decline. The Sultanate ceded Sarawak (Kuching) to James Brooke and being force to install him as the White Rajah, and it ceded Sabah to the British North Borneo Chartered Company. In 1888 Brunei became a British protectorate and was assigned a British resident as colonial manager in 1906. After the Japanese occupation during World War II, in 1959 a new constitution was written. In 1962, a small armed rebellion against the monarchy was ended with the help of the British.<br />
<br />
Brunei regained its independence from the United Kingdom on 1 January 1984. Economic growth during the 1990s and 2000s, averaging 56% from 1999 to 2008, transformed Brunei into an industrialised country. It has developed wealth from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields. Brunei has the second-highest Human Development Index among the South East Asia nations, after Singapore, and is classified as a "developed country". According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Brunei is ranked fifth in the world by gross domestic product per capita at purchasing power parity. The IMF estimated, in 2011, that Brunei was one of two countries (the other being Libya) with a public debt at 0% of the national GDP. Forbes also ranks Brunei as the fifth-richest nation out of 182, based on its petroleum and natural gas fields.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Etymology</u></span></h2>
<br />
According to legend, Brunei was founded by Awang Alak Betatar. He moved from Garang, a place in the Temburong District to the Brunei River estuary, discovering Brunei. According to legend, upon landing he exclaimed, Baru nah (loosely translated as "that's it!" or "there"), from which the name "Brunei" was derived.<br />
<br />
It was renamed "Barunai" in the 14th century, possibly influenced by the Sanskrit word "varuṇ" (वरुण), meaning either "ocean" or the mythological "regent of the ocean". The word "Borneo" is of the same origin. In the country's full name, Negara Brunei Darussalam, darussalam (Arabic: دار السلام) means "abode of peace", while negara means "country" in Malay.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>History</u></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Early History</u></span></h2>
<br />
In 977 AD, Chinese records began to use the term Po-ni to refer to Borneo. In 1225, a Chinese official, Chua Ju-Kua, reported that Borneo had 100 warships to protect its trade, and that there was a lot of wealth in the kingdom.<br />
<br />
In the fourteenth century, the Javanese manuscript Nagarakretagama, written by Prapanca in 1365, mentioned Barune as the vassal state of Majapahit, which had to make an annual tribute of 40 katis of camphor. In 1369, the Sulus attacked Po-ni, looting it of treasure and gold. A fleet from Majapahit succeeded in driving away the Sulus, but Po-ni was left weaker after the attack. A Chinese report from 1371 described Po-ni as poor and totally controlled by Majapahit.<br />
<br />
It has been alleged, without any evidence, that the power of the Sultanate of Brunei was at its peak between the 15th and 17th centuries, with its power extending from northern Borneo to the southern Philippines. By the 16th century, Islam was firmly rooted in Brunei, and the country had built one of its biggest mosques. In 1578, Alonso Beltrán, a Spanish traveller, described it as being five stories tall and built on the water.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>War with Spain and decline</u></span></h2>
<br />
European influence gradually brought an end to the regional power, as Brunei entered a period of decline compounded by internal strife over royal succession. Since the Spanish regarded Brunei as a pirate haven Spain declared war in 1578, planning to attack and capture Brunei's capital, at the time, Kota Batu. This was based in part on the assistance of two Bruneian noblemen, Pengiran Seri Lela and Pengiran Seri Ratna. The former had travelled to Manila, then the centre of the Spanish colony, to offer Brunei as a tributary to Spain for help to recover the throne usurped by his brother, Saiful Rijal. The Spanish agreed that if they succeeded in conquering Brunei, Pengiran Seri Lela would be appointed as the sultan, while Pengiran Seri Ratna would be the new Bendahara.<br />
<br />
In March 1578, the Spanish fleet, led by De Sande, acting as Capitán-General, started from Manila for Brunei. The expedition consisted of 400 Spaniards, 1,500 Filipino natives and 300 Borneans. The campaign was one of many, which also included action in Mindanao and Sulu.<br />
<br />
The Spanish invaded the capital on 16 April 1578, with the help of Pengiran Seri Lela and Pengiran Seri Ratna. The Sultan Saiful Rijal and Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Abdul Kahar were forced to flee to Meragang then to Jerudong. In Jerudong, they made plans to chase the conquering army away from Brunei. Suffering high fatalities due to a cholera or dysentery outbreak, the Spanish decided to abandon Brunei and returned to Manila on 26 June 1578, after 72 days. Before doing so, they burned the mosque, a high structure with a five-tier roof.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/The_Tomb_of_the_King_of_Boni_(Brunei)_Nanjing.JPG/800px-The_Tomb_of_the_King_of_Boni_(Brunei)_Nanjing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/The_Tomb_of_the_King_of_Boni_(Brunei)_Nanjing.JPG/800px-The_Tomb_of_the_King_of_Boni_(Brunei)_Nanjing.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tomb of a ruler of Po-ni in Nanjing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Pengiran Seri Lela died in August or September 1578, probably from the same illness suffered by his Spanish allies. There was suspicion he could have been poisoned by the ruling sultan. Seri Lela's daughter had left with the Spanish, she married a Christian Tagalog, named Agustín de Legazpi de Tondo.<br />
<br />
The local Brunei accounts differ greatly from the generally accepted view of events. What was called the Castilian War was seen as a heroic episode, with the Spaniards being driven out by Bendahara Sakam, purportedly a brother of the ruling sultan, and a thousand native warriors. Most historians consider this to be a folk-hero account, which probably developed decades or centuries after. The country suffered a civil war from 1660 to 1673.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>British intervention</u></span></h2>
<br />
The British have intervened in the affairs of Brunei on several occasions. Britain attacked Brunei in July 1846 due to internal conflicts over who was the rightful Sultan.<br />
<br />
In the 1880s, the decline of the Bruneian Empire continued. The sultan granted land (now Sarawak) to James Brooke, who had helped him quell a rebellion and allowed him to establish the Kingdom of Sarawak. Over time, Brooke and his nephews (who succeeded him) leased or annexed more land. Brunei lost much of its territory to him and his dynasty, known as the White Rajahs.<br />
<br />
Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin appealed to the British to stop further encroachment by the Brookes. The "Treaty of Protection" was negotiated by Sir Hugh Low and signed into effect on 17 September 1888. The treaty said that the sultan "could not cede or lease any territory to foreign powers without British consent"; it provided Britain effective control over Brunei's external affairs, making it a British protectorate (which continued until 1984). But, when the Kingdom of Sarawak annexed Brunei's Pandaruan District in 1890, the British did not take any action to stop it. They did not regard either Brunei or the Kingdom of Sarawak as 'foreign' (per the Treaty of Protection). This final annexation by Sarawak left Brunei with its current small land mass and separation into two parts.<br />
<br />
British residents were introduced in Brunei under the Supplementary Protectorate Agreement in 1906. The residents were to advise the sultan on all matters of administration. Over time, the resident assumed more executive control than the sultan. The residential system ended in 1959.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Discovery of oil</u></span></h2>
<br />
Petroleum was discovered in 1929 after several fruitless attempts. Two men, F.F. Marriot and T.G. Cochrane, smelled oil near the Seria river in late 1926. They informed a geophysicist, who conducted a survey there. In 1927, gas seepages were reported in the area. Seria Well Number One (S-1) was drilled on 12 July 1928. Oil was struck at 297 metres (974 ft) on 5 April 1929. Seria Well Number 2 was drilled on 19 August 1929, and, as of 2009, continues to produce oil. Oil production was increased considerably in the 1930s with the development of more oil fields. In 1940, oil production was at more than six million barrels.The British Malayan Petroleum Company (now Brunei Shell Petroleum Company) was formed on 22 July 1922. The first offshore well was drilled in 1957. Oil and natural gas have been the basis of Brunei's development and wealth since the late 20th century.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Japanese occupation</u></span></h2>
Main article: Japanese occupation of British Borneo<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Yamato_at_Brunei.jpg/250px-Yamato_at_Brunei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Yamato_at_Brunei.jpg/250px-Yamato_at_Brunei.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The Japanese invaded Brunei on 16 December 1941, eight days after their attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States Navy. They landed 10,000 troops of the Kawaguchi Detachment from Cam Ranh Bay at Kuala Belait. After six days fighting, they occupied the entire country. The only Allied troops in the area were the 2nd Battalion of the 15th Punjab Regiment based at Kuching, Sarawak.<br />
<br />
Once the Japanese occupied Brunei, they made an agreement with Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin over governing the country. Inche Ibrahim (known later as Pehin Datu Perdana Menteri Dato Laila Utama Awang Haji Ibrahim), a former Secretary to the British Resident, Ernest Edgar Pengilly, was appointed Chief Administrative Officer under the Japanese Governor. The Japanese had proposed that Pengilly retain his position under their administration, but he declined. Both he and other British nationals still in Brunei were interned by the Japanese at Batu Lintang camp in Sarawak. While the British officials were under Japanese guard, Ibrahim made a point of personally shaking each one by the hand and wishing him well.<br />
<br />
The Sultan retained his throne and was given a pension and honours by the Japanese. During the later part of the occupation, he resided at Tantuya, Limbang and had little to do with the Japanese. Most of the Malay government officers were retained by the Japanese. Brunei's administration was reorganised into five prefectures, which included British North Borneo. The Prefectures included Baram, Labuan, Lawas, and Limbang. Ibrahim hid numerous significant government documents from the Japanese during the occupation. Pengiran Yusuf (later YAM Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Haji Mohd Yusuf), along with other Bruneians, was sent to Japan for training. Although in the area the day of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Yusuf survived.<br />
<br />
The British had anticipated a Japanese attack, but lacked the resources to defend the area because of their engagement in the war in Europe. The troops from the Punjab Regiment filled in the Seria oilfield oilwells with concrete in September 1941 to deny the Japanese their use. The remaining equipment and installations were destroyed when the Japanese invaded Malaya. By the end of the war, 16 wells at Miri and Seria had been restarted, with production reaching about half the pre-war level. Coal production at Muara was also recommenced, but with little success.<br />
<br />
During the occupation, the Japanese had their language taught in schools, and Government officers were required to learn Japanese. The local currency was replaced by what was to become known as duit pisang(banana money). From 1943 hyper-inflation destroyed the currency's value and, at the end of the war, this currency was worthless. Allied attacks on shipping eventually caused trade to cease. Food and medicine fell into short supply, and the population suffered famine and disease.<br />
<br />
The airport runway was constructed by the Japanese during the occupation, and in 1943 Japanese naval units were based in Brunei Bay and Labuan. The naval base was destroyed by Allied bombing, but the airport runway survived. The facility was developed as a public airport. In 1944 the Allies began a bombing campaign against the occupying Japanese, which destroyed much of the town and Kuala Belait, but missed Kampong Ayer.<br />
<br />
On 10 June 1945 the Australian 9th Division landed at Muara under Operation Oboe Six to recapture Borneo from the Japanese. They were supported by American air and naval units. Brunei town was bombed extensively and recaptured after three days of heavy fighting. Many buildings were destroyed, including the Mosque. The Japanese forces in Brunei, Borneo, and Sarawak, under Lieutenant-General Masao Baba, formally surrendered at Labuan on 10 September 1945. The British Military Administration took over from the Japanese and remained until July 1946.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Post-World War II</u></span></h2>
<br />
After World War II, a new government was formed in Brunei under the British Military Administration (BMA). It consisted mainly of Australian officers and servicemen. The administration of Brunei was passed to the Civil Administration on 6 July 1945. The Brunei State Council was also revived that year. The BMA was tasked to revive the Bruneian economy, which was extensively damaged by the Japanese during their occupation. They also had to put out the fires on the wells of Seria, which had been set by the Japanese prior to their defeat.<br />
<br />
Before 1941, the Governor of the Straits Settlements, based in Singapore, was responsible for the duties of British High Commissioner for Brunei, Sarawak, and North Borneo (now Sabah). The first British High Commissioner for Brunei was the Governor of Sarawak, Sir Charles Ardon Clarke. The Barisan Pemuda ("Youth Movement") (abbreviated as BARIP) was the first political party to be formed in Brunei, on 12 April 1946. The party intended to "preserve the sovereignty of the Sultan and the country, and to defend the rights of the Malays". BARIP also contributed to the composition of the country’s National Anthem. The party was dissolved in 1948 due to inactivity.<br />
<br />
In 1959, a new constitution was written declaring Brunei a self-governing state, while its foreign affairs, security, and defence remained the responsibility of the United Kingdom. A small rebellion erupted against the monarchy in 1962, which was suppressed with help of the UK. Known as the Brunei Revolt, it contributed to the failure to create the North Borneo Federation. The rebellion partially affected Brunei's decision to opt out of the Malaysian Federation.<br />
<br />
Brunei gained its independence from the United Kingdom on 1 January 1984. The official National Day, which celebrates the country's independence, is held by tradition on 23 February.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Writing of the Constitution</u></span></h2>
<br />
In July 1953, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III formed a seven-member committee named Tujuh Serangkai, to find out the citizens’ views regarding a written constitution for Brunei. In May 1954, the Sultan, Resident and High Commissioner met to discuss the findings of the committee. They agreed to authorise the drafting of a constitution. In March 1959 Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III led a delegation to London to discuss the proposed Constitution. The British delegation was led by Sir Alan Lennox-Boyd, Secretary of State for the Colonies. The British Government later accepted the draft constitution.<br />
<br />
On 29 September 1959, the Constitution Agreement was signed in Bandar Seri Begawan. The agreement was signed by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Sir Robert Scott, the Commissioner-General for Southeast Asia. It included the following provisions:<br />
<br />
The Sultan was made the Supreme Head of State.<br />
Brunei was responsible for its internal administration.<br />
The British Government was responsible for foreign and defence affairs only.<br />
The post of Resident was abolished and replaced by a British High Commissioner.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Five councils were set up:</u></span></h2>
<br />
The Executive Council<br />
The Legislative Council of Brunei<br />
The Privy Council<br />
The Council of Succession<br />
The State Religious Council<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>National development plans</u></span></h2>
<br />
A series of National Development Plans was initiated by the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III.<br />
<br />
The first was introduced in 1953. A total sum of B$100 million was approved by the Brunei State Council for the plan. E.R. Bevington, from the Colonial Office in Fiji, was appointed to implement it. A $US14 million Gas Plant was built under the plan. In 1954, survey and exploration work were undertaken by the Brunei Shell Petroleum on both offshore and onshore fields. By 1956, production reached 114,700 bpd.<br />
<br />
The plan also aided the development of public education. By 1958, expenditure on education totalled at $4 million. Communications were improved, as new roads were built and reconstruction at Berakas Airport was completed in 1954.<br />
<br />
The second National Development Plan was launched in 1962. A major oil and gas field was discovered in 1963, with this discovery, Liquefied Natural Gas became important. Developments in the oil and gas sector have continued, and oil production has steadily increased since then. The plan also promoted the production of meat and eggs for consumption by citizens. The fishing industry increased its output by 25% throughout the course of the plan. The deepwater port at Muara was also constructed during this period. Power requirements were met, and studies were made to provide electricity to rural areas. Efforts were made to eradicate malaria, an endemic disease in the region, with the help of the World Health Organisation. Malaria cases were reduced from 300 cases in 1953 to only 66 cases in 1959. The death rate was reduced from 20 per thousand in 1947 to 11.3 per thousand in 1953. Infectious disease has been prevented by public sanitation and improvement of drainage, and the provision of piped pure water to the population.<br />
Independence<br />
<br />
On 14 November 1971, His Royal Highness Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, which then used the title due to it being a protectorate of the UK, left for London to discuss matters regarding the amendments to the 1959 Constitution. A new agreement was signed on 23 November 1971 with the British representative being Anthony Henry Fanshawe Royle.<br />
<br />
Under this agreement, the following terms were agreed upon:<br />
<br />
Brunei was granted full internal self-government<br />
The UK would still be responsible for external affairs and defence.<br />
Brunei and the UK agreed to share the responsibility for security and defence.<br />
<br />
This agreement also caused Gurkha units to be deployed in Brunei, where they remain up to this day.<br />
<br />
On 7 January 1979, another treaty was signed between Brunei and the UK. It was signed with Lord Goronwy-Roberts being the representative of the UK. This agreement granted Brunei to take over international responsibilities as an independent nation. Britain agreed to assist Brunei in diplomatical matters.<br />
<br />
In May 1983, it was announced by the UK that the date of independence of Brunei would be 1 January 1984.<br />
<br />
In 31 December 1983, a mass gathering was held on main mosques on all four of the districts of the country.<br />
<br />
At midnight, on 1 January 1984, the Proclamation of Independence was read by His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah, which is now addressed in this manner.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Politics and government</u></span></h2>
Main article: Politics of Brunei<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Hassanal_Bolkiah.jpg/220px-Hassanal_Bolkiah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Hassanal_Bolkiah.jpg/220px-Hassanal_Bolkiah.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The political system in the country is governed by the constitution and the national tradition of the Malay Islamic Monarchy, the concept of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB). The three components of MIB cover Malay culture, Islamic religion, and the political framework under the monarchy. It has a legal system based on English common law, although Islamic shariah law supersedes this in some cases.<br />
<br />
Under Brunei's 1959 constitution, His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah is the head of state with full executive authority. Since 1962, this authority has included emergency powers, which are renewed every two years. The country has been under hypothetical martial law since the Brunei Revolt of 1962. Hassanal Bolkiah also serves as the state's Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Defence Minister. The Royal family retains a venerated status within the country. The country has a parliament.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Foreign relations</u></span></h2>
Main article: Foreign relations of Brunei<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/B_Yakimanka_12%2C10_May_2010_01.JPG/220px-B_Yakimanka_12%2C10_May_2010_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/B_Yakimanka_12%2C10_May_2010_01.JPG/220px-B_Yakimanka_12%2C10_May_2010_01.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Until 1979, Brunei's foreign relations were managed by the UK government. After that, they were handled by the Brunei Diplomatic Service. After independence in 1984, this Service was upgraded to ministerial level and is now known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<br />
<br />
Officially, Brunei's foreign policy is as follows:<br />
<br />
Mutual respect of others' territorial sovereignty, integrity and independence;<br />
The maintenance of friendly relations among nations;<br />
Non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries; and<br />
The maintenance and the promotion of peace, security and stability in the region.<br />
<br />
<br />
With its traditional ties with the United Kingdom, Brunei became the 49th member of the Commonwealth immediately on the day of its independence on 1 January 1984. As one of its first initiatives toward improved regional relations, Brunei joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984, becoming the sixth member. To achieve recognition of its sovereignty and independence, it joined the United Nations as a full member on 21 September on that same year.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Subdivisions</span></u></h2>
Main articles: Districts of Brunei and Mukims of Brunei<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tB4MbgRICkA/VFUk79NrPOI/AAAAAAAAAdM/oO2FeY23HgM/s1600/2qwqw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tB4MbgRICkA/VFUk79NrPOI/AAAAAAAAAdM/oO2FeY23HgM/s1600/2qwqw.png" height="251" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Brunei is divided into four districts (daerahs) and 38 subdistricts (mukims).<br />
<br />
The daerah of Temburong is physically separated from the rest of Brunei by the Malaysian state of Sarawak.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>No</b>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>District<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Capital<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Population (2011 census)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Area (km2)</b><br />
1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Belait<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Kuala Belait<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 60,744<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2,724<br />
2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Brunei-Muara Bandar Seri Begawan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 279,924<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 571<br />
3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Temburong<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Pekan Bangar<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 8,852<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1,304<br />
4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tutong<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Pekan Tutong<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 43,852<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1,166<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
As an Islamic country, Brunei became a full member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (now the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) in January 1984 at the Fourth Islamic Summit held in Morocco.<br />
<br />
After its accession to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) in 1989, Brunei hosted the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November 2000 and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in July 2002. Brunei became a founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1 January 1995, and is a major player in BIMP-EAGA, which was formed during the Inaugural Ministers' Meeting in Davao, Philippines on 24 March 1994.<br />
<br />
Brunei shares a close relationship with the Philippines and Singapore. In April 2009, Brunei and the Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that seeks to strengthen the bilateral co-operation of the two countries in the fields of agriculture and farm-related trade and investments.<br />
<br />
Brunei is one of many nations to lay claim to some of the disputed Spratly Islands. The status of Limbang as part of Sarawak has been disputed by Brunei since the area was first annexed in 1890. The issue was reportedly settled in 2009, with Brunei agreeing to accept the border in exchange for Malaysia giving up claims to oil fields in Bruneian waters. The Brunei government denies this and says that their claim on Limbang was never dropped.<br />
<br />
Brunei was the chair for ASEAN in 2013. It also hosted the ASEAN summit on that same year.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Subdivisions</u></span></h2>
Main articles: Districts of Brunei and Mukims of Brunei<br />
<br />
Brunei is divided into four districts (daerahs) and 38 subdistricts (mukims).<br />
<br />
The daerah of Temburong is physically separated from the rest of Brunei by the Malaysian state of Sarawak.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Geography</span></u></h2>
Main article: Geography of Brunei<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Panorama_of_Brunei_Regatta.jpg/800px-Panorama_of_Brunei_Regatta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Panorama_of_Brunei_Regatta.jpg/800px-Panorama_of_Brunei_Regatta.jpg" height="133" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Brunei is a southeast Asian country consisting of two unconnected parts with a total area of 5,765 square kilometres (2,226 sq mi) on the island of Borneo. It has 161 kilometres (100 mi) of coastline next to the South China sea, and it shares a 381 km (237 mi) border with Malaysia. It has 500 square kilometres (193 sq mi) of territorial waters, and a 200-nautical-mile (370 km; 230 mi) exclusive economic zone.<br />
<br />
About 97% of the population lives in the larger western part (Belait, Tutong, and Brunei-Muara), while only about 10,000 people live in the mountainous eastern part (Temburong District). The total population of Brunei is approximately 408,000 as of July 2010, of which around 150,000 live in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. Other major towns are the port town of Muara, the oil-producing town of Seria and its neighbouring town, Kuala Belait. In Belait District, the Panaga area is home to large numbers of Europeans expatriates, due to Royal Dutch Shell and British Army housing, and several recreational facilities are located there.<br />
<br />
Most of Brunei is within the Borneo lowland rain forests ecoregion, which covers most of the island. Areas of mountain rain forests inland.<br />
<br />
The climate of Brunei is tropical equatorial. The average annual temperature is 26.1 °C (79.0 °F), with the April–May average of 24.7 °C (76.5 °F) and the October–December average of 23.8 °C (74.8 °F).<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Economy</u></span></h2>
Main article: Economy of Brunei<br />
<br />
This small, wealthy economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account for about 90% of its GDP. About 167,000 barrels (26,600 m3) of oil are produced every day, making Brunei the fourth-largest producer of oil in Southeast Asia. It also produces approximately 25.3 million cubic metres (890×106 cu ft) of liquified natural gas per day, making Brunei the ninth-largest exporter of the substance in the world.<br />
<br />
Substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. Most of these investments are made by the Brunei Investment Agency, an arm of the Ministry of Finance. The government provides for all medical services, and subsidises rice and housing.<br />
<br />
The national air carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines, is trying to develop Brunei as a modest hub for international travel between Europe and Australia/New Zealand. Central to this strategy is the position that the airline maintains at London Heathrow Airport. It holds a daily slot at the highly capacity-controlled airport, which it serves from Bandar Seri Begawan via Dubai. The airline also has services to major Asian destinations including Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore and Manila.<br />
<br />
Brunei depends heavily on imports such as agricultural products (e.g. rice, food products, livestock, etc.), motorcars and electrical products from other countries. Brunei imports 60% of its food requirements, of that amount, around 75% come from the ASEAN countries.<br />
<br />
Brunei's leaders are very concerned that steadily increased integration in the world economy will undermine internal social cohesion. But, it has become a more prominent player by serving as chairman for the 2000 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Leaders plan to upgrade the labour force, reduce unemployment, which currently stands at 6%; strengthen the banking and tourism sectors, and, in general, broaden the economic base.<br />
<br />
It is promoting food self-sufficiency. Brunei renamed its Brunei Darussalam Rice 1 as Laila Rice during the launch of the "Padi Planting Towards Achieving Self-Sufficiency of Rice Production in Brunei Darussalam" ceremony at the Wasan padi fields in April 2009. In August 2009, the Royal Family reaped the first few Laila padi stalks, after years of attempts to boost local rice production, a goal first articulated about half a century ago. In July 2009 Brunei launched its national halal branding scheme, Brunei Halal, with a goal to export to foreign markets.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Laws and human rights</u></span></h2>
<br />
Brunei has numerous courts in its judicial branch. The highest court is the Supreme Court, which consists of the Court of Appeal and High Court. Both of these have a chief justice and two judges.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Women</u></span></h2>
<br />
The government has made efforts to protect women's rights. The law prohibits sexual harassment and stipulates that whoever assaults or uses criminal force, intending thereby to outrage or knowing it is likely to outrage the modesty of a person, shall be punished with imprisonment for as much as five years and caning. The law stipulates imprisonment of up to 30 years, and caning with not fewer than 12 strokes for rape. The law does not criminalise spousal rape; it explicitly states that sexual intercourse by a man with his wife, as long as she is not under 13 years of age, is not rape. Protections against sexual assault by a spouse are provided under the amended Islamic Family Law Order 2010 and Married Women Act Order 2010. The penalty for breaching a protection order is a fine not exceeding BN$2,000 ($1,538) or imprisonment not exceeding six months. During the year 23 rape cases were reported; at year's end police were investigating 11 and had forwarded 10 to the Attorney General Chambers.<br />
<br />
There is no specific domestic violence law, but arrests have been made in domestic violence cases under the Women and Girls Protection Act. The police investigate domestic violence only in response to a report by a victim. The police were generally responsive in the investigation of such cases. During the year a total of 62 cases of spousal dispute abuse reported; at year's end, 55 cases were under investigation, and eight had been forwarded to the Attorney General Chambers. The criminal penalty for a minor domestic assault is one to two weeks in jail and a fine. An assault resulting in serious injury is punishable by caning and a longer prison sentence.<br />
<br />
A special unit staffed by female officers has been established within the police department to investigate domestic abuse and child abuse complaints. A hotline was available for persons to report domestic violence. The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport's Department of Community Development provides counselling for women and their spouses. Based on individual circumstances, some female and minor victims were placed in protective custody while waiting for their cases to be brought to court. Islamic courts staffed by male and female officials offered counselling to married couples in domestic violence cases. Officials did not encourage wives to reconcile with flagrantly abusive spouses. Islamic courts recognise assault as grounds for divorce.<br />
<br />
Couples and individuals have the right to decide the number, spacing, and timing of their children, and have access to contraceptive devices and methods through the government and private clinics. According to information gathered by the UN, in 2008 the maternal mortality rate was an estimated 21 deaths per 100,000 live births. Citizens enjoy free medical and health care, including skilled attendance during childbirth, prenatal care, and essential obstetric and postpartum care. Women had equal access to diagnostic and treatment facilities for sexually transmitted diseases. Women had equal access to HIV treatment and counselling, as well as follow-up treatment.<br />
<br />
In accordance with the government's interpretation of Qur'anic precepts, Muslim women have rights similar to those of Muslim men in areas such as divorce and child custody. Islamic law requires that males receive twice the inheritance of women. Civil law permits female citizens to pass their nationality on to their children and to own property and other assets, including business properties. Women with permanent positions in the government can now apply for travel allowances for their children. They cannot do so for husbands working in the private sector. With this exception, they receive the same allowance privileges as their college-educated male counterparts. According to government statistics, women made up 57 percent of the civil service force and held 28 percent of senior management posts. Women are not discriminated against in access to employment and business.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Children</u></span></h2>
<br />
Citizenship is derived through one's parents rather than through birth within the country's territory. Parents with stateless status are required to apply for a special pass for a child born in the country; failure to register a child may make it difficult to enroll the child in school. By law sexual intercourse with a female under 14 years of age constitutes rape and is punishable by imprisonment for not less than eight years and not more than thirty years and not less than twelve strokes of the cane. The intent of the law is to protect girls from exploitation through prostitution and "other immoral purposes" including pornography.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Homosexuality</u></span></h2>
<br />
Male and female homosexuality is illegal in Brunei. The country passed a law that came into force on 22 April 2014 allowing the death penalty to be administered by stoning for homosexual acts (sexual intercourse and etc. ) given there is enough evidence (with 4 most trusted witnesses that never lied when spoken, never repeating the acts of sins and the one who not taking sides) pointing to the action. It has been acknowledged as a crime in Brunei with the introduction of the Sharia law.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Adultery</u></span></h2>
<br />
The law also stipulates that adultery is to be punished with death by stoning given there is enough evidence (four trusted witnesses that never lied when spoken, never repeating the acts of sins and the one who not taking sides) pointing to the action. Without 4 qualified witnesses, there will be no stoning.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Demographics</u></span></h2>
Main article: Demographics of Brunei<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/59/Sultan_Omar_Ali_Saifuddin_Mosque_02.jpg/1200px-Sultan_Omar_Ali_Saifuddin_Mosque_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/59/Sultan_Omar_Ali_Saifuddin_Mosque_02.jpg/1200px-Sultan_Omar_Ali_Saifuddin_Mosque_02.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque at night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The population of Brunei in July 2013 was 415,717 of which 76% live in urban areas. The rate of urbanisation is estimated at 2.13% per year from 2010 - 2015. The average life expectancy is 77.7 years. In 2004, 66.3% of the population were Malay, 11.2% are Chinese, 3.4% are indigenous, with smaller groups making up the rest.<br />
<br />
The official language of Brunei is Malay. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports supports for a lingual movement aimed at the increased use of the language in Brunei. The principal spoken language is Melayu Brunei (Brunei Malay). Brunei Malay is rather divergent from standard Malay and the rest of the Malay dialects, being about 84% cognate with standard Malay, and is mostly mutually unintelligible with it. English and Chinese are also widely spoken, English is also used in business, as a working language, and as the language of instruction from primary to tertiary education, and there is a relatively large expatriate community. Other languages spoken include Kedayan, Tutong, Murut and Dusun.<br />
<br />
Islam is the official religion of Brunei, and two-thirds of the population adheres to Islam. Other faiths practised are Buddhism (13%, mainly by the Chinese) and Christianity (10%). Freethinkers, mostly Chinese, form about 7% of the population. Although most of them practise some form of religion with elements of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, they prefer to present themselves as having practised no religion officially, hence labelled as atheists in official censuses. Followers of indigenous religions are about 2% of the population. More recently though, the Sultan has announced strict penalties for those involved in homosexual relationships and those who leave Islam.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Culture</u></span></h2>
Main article: Culture of Brunei<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Royal_Regalie_(1).JPG/1176px-Royal_Regalie_(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Royal_Regalie_(1).JPG/1176px-Royal_Regalie_(1).JPG" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17.3185615539551px; text-align: left;">Royal Regalia Museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The culture of Brunei is predominantly Malay (reflecting its ethnicity), with heavy influences from Islam, but is seen as much more conservative than Indonesia and Malaysia. Influences to Bruneian culture come from the Malay cultures of the Malay Archipelago. Four periods of cultural influence have occurred, animist, Hindu, Islamic, and Western. Islam had a very strong influence, and was adopted as Brunei's ideology and philosophy. Brunei's official main language is the Malay language but the English language is also widely spoken as it is considered a s a compulsory subject in majority of the schools.<br />
<br />
As a Sharia country, the sale and public consumption of alcohol is banned. Non-Muslims are allowed to bring in a limited amount of alcohol from their point of embarkation overseas for their own private consumption.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Media</u></span></h2>
<br />
Media in Brunei are said to be pro-government. The country has been given "Not Free" status by Freedom House; press criticism of the government and monarchy is rare. Nonetheless, the press is not overtly hostile toward alternative viewpoints and is not restricted to publishing only articles regarding the government. The government allowed a printing and publishing company, Brunei Press PLC, to form in 1953. The company continues to print the English daily Borneo Bulletin. This paper began as a weekly community paper and became a daily in 1990 Apart from The Borneo Bulletin, there is also the Media Permata and Pelita Brunei, the local Malay newspapers which are circulated daily. The Brunei Times is another English independent newspaper published in Brunei since 2006.<br />
<br />
The Brunei government owns and operates six television channels with the introduction of digital TV using DVB-T (RTB 1, RTB 2, RTB 3 (HD), RTB 4, RTB 5 and RTB New Media (Game portal) and five radio stations (National FM, Pilihan FM, Nur Islam FM, Harmony FM and Pelangi FM). A private company has made cable television available (Astro-Kristal) as well as one private radio station, Kristal FM. It also has an online campus radio station, UBD FM that streams from its first university, Universiti Brunei Darussalam'<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Defence</u></span></h2>
Main article: Royal Brunei Armed Forces<br />
<br />
Brunei maintains three infantry battalions stationed around the country. The Brunei navy has several "Ijtihad"-class patrol boats purchased from a German manufacturer. The United Kingdom also maintains a base in Seria, the centre of the oil industry in Brunei. A Gurkha battalion consisting of 1,500 personnel is stationed there. United Kingdom military personnel are stationed there under a defence agreement signed between the two countries.<br />
<br />
A Bell 212 operated by the air force crashed in Kuala Belait on 20 July 2012 with the loss of 12 of the 14 crew on board. The cause of the accident has yet to be ascertained. The crash is the worst aviation incident in the history of Brunei.<br />
<br />
The Army is currently acquiring new equipment, including UAVs and S-70i Black Hawks.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Infrastructure</u></span></h2>
Further information: Transport in Brunei<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/BIA_departure.JPG/220px-BIA_departure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/BIA_departure.JPG/220px-BIA_departure.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17.3185615539551px; text-align: left;">Brunei International Airport</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The population centres in the country are linked by a network of 2,800 kilometres (1,700 mi) of road. The 135-kilometre (84 mi) highway from Muara Town to Kuala Belait is being upgraded to a dual carriageway.<br />
<br />
Brunei is accessible by air, sea, and land transport. Brunei International Airport is the main entry point to the country. Royal Brunei Airlines is the national carrier. There is another airfield, the Anduki Airfield, located in Seria. The ferry terminal at Muara services regular connections to Labuan (Malaysia). Speedboats provide passenger and goods transportation to the Temburong district. The main highway running across Brunei is the Tutong-Muara Highway. The country's road network is well developed. Brunei has one main sea port located at Muara.<br />
<br />
The airport in Brunei is currently being extensively upgraded. Changi Airport International is the consultant working on this modernisation, which planned cost is currently $150 million. This project is slated to add 14,000 square metres (150,000 sq ft) of new floorspace and includes a new terminal and arrival hall. With the completion of this project, the annual passenger capacity of the airport is expected to double from 1.5 to 3 million.<br />
<br />
With one private car for every 2.09 persons, Brunei has one of the highest car ownership rates in the world. This has been attributed to the absence of a comprehensive transport system, low import tax and low unleaded petrol price of B$0.53 per litre.<br />
<br />
A new 30-kilometre (19 mi) roadway connecting the Muara and Temburong districts of Brunei is slated to be completed in 2018. Fourteen kilometres (9 mi) of this roadway would be crossing the Brunei Bay.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Health</u></span></h2>
<br />
There are four government run hospitals in Brunei, one for every district. There are also 16 health centres and 10 health clinics.<br />
<br />
Healthcare in Brunei is charged at B$1 per consultation for citizens. A health centre run by Brunei Shell Petroleum is located in Panaga. For medical assistance not available in the country, citizens are sent overseas at the government's expense. In the period of 2011–12, 327 patients were treated in Malaysia and Singapore at the cost to the government of $12 million.<br />
<br />
Brunei has 2.8 hospital beds per 1000 people. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is currently at 0.1%, and numerous AIDS awareness campaigns are currently being held.<br />
<br />
7.5% of the population are obese, the highest prevalence rate in ASEAN. Also, studies by the Ministry of Health show that at least 20% of schoolchildren in Brunei are either overweight or obese.<br />
<br />
The largest hospital in Brunei is Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS) hospital, which has 538 beds, is situated in the country's capital Bandar Seri Begawan. There are two private medical centres, Gleneagles JPMC Sdn Bhd . and Jerudong Park Medical Centre. The Health Promotion Centre opened in November 2008 and serves to educate the public on the importance of having a healthy lifestyle.<br />
<br />
There is currently no medical school in Brunei, and Bruneians wishing to study to become doctors must attend university overseas. However, the Institute of Medicines had been introduced at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam and a new building has been built for the faculty. The building, including research lab facilities, was completed in 2009. There has been a School of Nursing since 1951. Fifty-eight nurse managers were appointed in RIPAS to improve service and provide better medical care. In December 2008, The nursing college merged with the Institute of Medicines at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam to produce more nurses and midwives. It is now called the PAPRSB (Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'datul Bolkiah) Institute of Health Sciences.<br />
<br />
For more detail visit here: <a href="http://adf.ly/te7ME" target="_blank">http://adf.ly/te7ME</a><br />
<br />
Brunei Landscapes/ Image Gallery<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/Mosque_bsb_brunei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/Mosque_bsb_brunei.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/brunei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/brunei.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bgicapital.com/trad_brunei_clothes4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bgicapital.com/trad_brunei_clothes4.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-57038499853824377192014-10-26T22:42:00.000-07:002014-10-26T22:42:03.456-07:00Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad</u></span></h2>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Qazi_Kholiquzzaman_Ahmad.jpg/220px-Qazi_Kholiquzzaman_Ahmad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Qazi_Kholiquzzaman_Ahmad.jpg/220px-Qazi_Kholiquzzaman_Ahmad.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Born </b> 12 March 1943 (age 71)<br />Sylhet, Assam (now Bangladesh)<br /><b>Nationality</b> Bangladeshi<br /><b>Spouse(s)</b> Dr. Zaheda Ahmad<br /><b>Alma mater </b> University of Dhaka<br />London School of Economics<br /><b>Profession</b> Economist<br />environmentalist<br /><b>Religion</b> Islam<br /><b>Website</b> QK Ahmad's Official website<br />
<br />
Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad (Bengali: কাজী খলীকুজ্জমান আহমদ) is a leading Bangladeshi economist and development thinker and activist. He is currently the chairman of Dhaka School of Economics (DScE), a Constituent Institution of the University of Dhaka, devoted to post-graduate studies in economics and related subjects. He is also the chairman of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), which is largest rural development funding, skill development and management support agency in Bangladesh.<br /><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Early Life and Education</u></span></h2>
<br />Q K Ahmad was born in 1943 in Sylhet district of Bangladesh., which was at that time part of Indian Assam. His father, the late Mumtazul Muhaddisin Moulana Md. Mufazzal Hussain, was a member (MLA) of the Assam Legislative Assembly from 1946–52 and later a college professor. Ahmad was taught by his father until he went to school at the 8th grade. He achieved outstanding results in both secondary and higher secondary levels. He studied at the University of Dhaka, obtaining BA (Hons) in economics and MA (Econ.) degrees in 1961 and 1962 respectively. Later, he went to the London School of Economics(LSE), University of London, on a national merit fellowship and obtained MPhil (Econ.) and PhD (Econ.) degrees. He was active in promoting Bangladesh's nationalist aspirations during the 1960s and worked in the Planning Cell of Bangladesh Government-in-Exile during the War of Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Work</u></span></h2>
<br />Ahmad spent 23 years in a research career at Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) and its predecessor Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), having been a Research Director for a number of years. He left BIDS in 1987 and then worked as the chairman (chief executive) of Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad (BUP), which he helped, set up in 1980. He left BUP on taking over as chairman of the Governing Body of PKSF in November 2009. He is the founder chairman of Dhaka School of Economics -DScE, established in August 2010. He was elected President of Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA), the apex body of economists of Bangladesh, for consecutive three terms from 2002 to 2010.<br /><br />He was Coordinating Lead Author and Lead Author of the Third and the Fourth Assessments respectively of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published respectively in 2001 and 2007. He was President of the Kuala Lumpur-based Association of Development Research and Training Institutes of Asia and the Pacific—ADIPA (which is now renamed the Asian Political and International Studies Association—APISA) from 1979–83 and Vice-President of the Rome-based Society for International Development (SID) from 1988–91. He led many UN FAO/WFP food and crop assessment missions during the 1990s and early 2000s to food deficit African and Asian countries facing food crisis due to natural disasters and civil strife.<br /><br />In addition to his other responsibilities, he is currently Coordinator of Bangladesh Climate Change Negotiation Team within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). He represents Bangladesh in the UN Open Working Group (OWG) on Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He is also a member of the Executive Board of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of Kyoto Protocol, representing non-Annex-1 countries.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Awards</u></span></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li> 2012: He was awarded Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA)Gold Medal.</li>
<li> 2009: Was awarded the Ekushey Padak 2009.</li>
<li> 2007: Is a Member of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize winning UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change -IPCC Team.</li>
<li> 2005: Received Mercantile Bank Award-2005.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Publications</span></u></h2>
<br />His publications and research and other works include 35 books and over 200 articles, research reports and unpublished papers. He has also contributed numerous columns in newspapers. He is a well-known expert on water and climate change issues. Some of Ahmad's publications are listed below:<br /><br />
<ul>
<li> 2009: Tackling Social Exclusion: South Asia, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Description.</li>
<li> 2007: Socio-Economic and Indebtedness-Related Impact of Micro-Credit in Bangladesh, ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB), ISBN 984-0517-78-3. Description.</li>
<li> 2005: Emerging Global Economic Order and the Developing Countries, (editor), University Press Ltd (UPL), ISBN 984-0517-57-0. Description.</li>
<li> 2005: Climate Change and Water Resources in South Asia, (co-editor), Francis & Taylor,ISBN 0-415-36442-6. Description.</li>
<li> 2001: Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Region: A Framework for Sustainable Development (co-editor), University Press Limited (UPL), ISBN 9840516086. Description.</li>
<li> 1996: The Implications of Climate and Sea-Level Change for Bangladesh, co-editor, Kluwer Academic Publishers, ISBN 0792340019. Description.</li>
<li> 1984: Rural Poverty Alleviation in Bangladesh Experiences and Policies (co author) A WCARRD follow up Study, In depth Studies Series 10, FAO. Description.</li>
</ul>
For more detail visit here: <a href="http://adf.ly/tRVRV" target="_blank">http://adf.ly/tRVRV</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-62331349513929287302014-10-24T06:54:00.000-07:002014-10-24T06:54:48.041-07:00British Indian Ocean Territory<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">British Indian Ocean Territory</span></u></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Flag_of_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory.svg/600px-Flag_of_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Flag_of_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory.svg/600px-Flag_of_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory.svg.png" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a5/Coat_of_arms_of_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory.svg/519px-Coat_of_arms_of_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a5/Coat_of_arms_of_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory.svg/519px-Coat_of_arms_of_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory.svg.png" height="318" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coat of arms of the British Indian Ocean Territory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/British_Indian_Ocean_Territory_in_United_Kingdom.svg/800px-British_Indian_Ocean_Territory_in_United_Kingdom.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/British_Indian_Ocean_Territory_in_United_Kingdom.svg/800px-British_Indian_Ocean_Territory_in_United_Kingdom.svg.png" height="176" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Indian Ocean Territory in United Kingdom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Capital and largest city Diego Garcia</b><br />
7°18′S 72°24′E<br />
<br />
<b>Official languages</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>English<br />
<b>Ethnic groups (2001)</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>95.88% British / American 4.12% other<br />
<b>Government</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>British Overseas Territory<br />
- <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Monarch<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Elizabeth II<br />
- <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commissioner<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Peter Hayes<br />
- <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Administrator<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tom Moody<br />
- <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Responsible Ministera (UK)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mark Simmonds MP<br />
<b>Created </b>1965<br />
<b>Area</b><br />
- <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Total<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>54,400 km2<br />
21,004 sq mi<br />
- <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Water (%)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>99.89<br />
<b>Population</b><br />
- <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>estimate<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3,000<br />
- <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Density<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>58.3/km2<br />
160.0/sq mi<br />
<b>Currency<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><br />
US$ (de facto)<br />
UK pound (de jure)<br />
<b>Time zone</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(UTC+6)<br />
<b>Drives on the</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>right<br />
<b>Calling code</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>+246<br />
<b>ISO 3166 code</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>IO<br />
<b>Internet TLD</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.io<br />
<br />
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) or Chagos Islands is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom situated in the Indian Ocean halfway between Tanzania and Indonesia. The territory comprises the seven atolls of the Chagos Archipelago with over 1,000 individual islands – many tiny – amounting to a total land area of 60 square kilometres (23 sq mi).<br />
<br />
The largest and most southerly island is Diego Garcia, 44 km2 (17 sq mi), the site of a joint military facility of the United Kingdom and the United States. Following the eviction of the native population, the Chagossians, in the 1960s and 70s, the only inhabitants are US and British military personnel and associated contractors, who collectively number around 4,000 (2004 figures). The islands are off-limits to casual tourists, the media, and their former inhabitants.<br />
<br />
Mauritius sought to resume control over the Chagos Archipelago which was split from its territory by the UK in 1965 to form the British Indian Ocean Territory. Between 1968 and 1973, the Chagossians, then numbering about 2,000 people, were expelled by the British government to Mauritius and Seychelles to allow the United States to establish a military base on the island. Today, the exiled Chagossians are still trying to return, claiming that the forced expulsion and dispossession was illegal (see Depopulation of Diego Garcia).<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">History</span></u></h2>
Maldivian mariners knew the Chagos Islands well. In Maldivian lore, they are known as Fōlhavahi or Hollhavai (the latter name in the closer Southern Maldives). According to Southern Maldivian oral tradition, traders and fishermen were occasionally lost at sea and got stranded on one of the islands of the Chagos. Eventually they were rescued and brought back home. However, these islands were judged to be too far away from the Maldives to be settled permanently by them. Thus, for many centuries the Chagos were ignored by their northern neighbours.<br />
<br />
The islands of Chagos Archipelago were charted by Vasco da Gama in the early sixteenth century, then claimed in the eighteenth century by France as a possession of Mauritius. They were first settled in the 18th century by African slaves and Indian contractors brought by Franco-Mauritians to found coconut plantations. In 1810, Mauritius was captured by the United Kingdom, and France ceded the territory in the Treaty of Paris.<br />
<br />
In 1965, the United Kingdom split the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius and the islands of Aldabra, Farquhar and Desroches (Des Roches) from the Seychelles to form the British Indian Ocean Territory. The purpose was to allow the construction of military facilities for the mutual benefit of the United Kingdom and the United States. The islands were formally established as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom on 8 November 1965. On 23 June 1976, Aldabra, Farquhar and Desroches were returned to Seychelles as a result of its attaining independence. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago.<br />
<br />
In 1990, the first BIOT flag was unfurled. This flag, as well as containing the flag of the United Kingdom, has depictions of the Indian Ocean, where the islands are located, in the form of white and blue wavy lines and also a palm tree rising above the British crown.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Population</span></u></h2>
Main article: Depopulation of Diego Garcia<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Diplomatic_Cable_signed_by_D.A._Greenhill%2C_dated_August_24%2C_1966.jpg/220px-Diplomatic_Cable_signed_by_D.A._Greenhill%2C_dated_August_24%2C_1966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Diplomatic_Cable_signed_by_D.A._Greenhill%2C_dated_August_24%2C_1966.jpg/220px-Diplomatic_Cable_signed_by_D.A._Greenhill%2C_dated_August_24%2C_1966.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British diplomatic cable signed by D.A. Greenhill, <br />1966, relating to the depopulation of the Chagos <br />Archipelago stating "Unfortunately along with<br /> the birds go some few Tarzans or Men Fridays."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In 1966, the British government purchased the privately owned copra plantations and closed them. Over the next five years, the British authorities forcibly and clandestinely removed the entire population of about 2,000 people, known as Chagossians (or Ilois), from Diego Garcia and two other Chagos atolls, Peros Banhos and Salomon Islands, to Mauritius. In 1971, the United Kingdom and the United States signed a treaty, leasing the island of Diego Garcia to the US military for the purposes of building a large air and naval base on the island. The deal was important to the UK government, as the United States granted it a substantial discount on the purchase of Polaris nuclear missiles in return for the use of the islands as a base. The strategic location of the island was also significant at the centre of the Indian Ocean, and to counter any Soviet threat in the region.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Work on the military base commenced in 1971, with a large airbase with several long range runways constructed, as well as a harbour suitable for large naval vessels. Although classed as a joint UK/US base, in practice it is primarily staffed by the US military, although the British maintain a garrison at all times, and Royal Air Force long range patrol aircraft are deployed there. The United States Air Force used the base during the 1991 Gulf War and the 2001 war in Afghanistan, as well as the 2003 Iraq War.<br />
<br />
During the 1980s[year needed], Mauritius asserted a claim to sovereignty for the territory, citing the 1965 separation as illegal under international law, despite their apparent agreement at the time. The UK does not recognise Mauritius' claim, but has agreed to cede the territory to Mauritius when it is no longer required for defence purposes. The Seychelles also launched a sovereignty claim on several of the islands.[which?][when?]<br />
<br />
The islanders, who now reside in Mauritius and the Seychelles, have continually asserted their right to return to Diego Garcia, winning important legal victories in the English High Court in 2000, 2006 and 2007. However, in the High Court and Court of Appeal in 2003 and 2004, the islanders' application for further compensation on top of the £14.5 million value package of compensation they had already received was dismissed by the court.<br />
<br />
On 11 May 2006, the High Court ruled that a 2004 Order in Council preventing the Chagossians' resettlement of the islands was unlawful, and consequently that the Chagossians were entitled to return to the outer islands of the Chagos Archipelago. On 23 May 2007, this was confirmed by the Court of Appeal. In a visit sponsored by the British government, the islanders visited Diego Garcia and other islands on 3 April 2006 for humanitarian purposes, including the tending of the graves of their ancestors. On 22 October 2008, the British government won an appeal to the House of Lords regarding the royal prerogative used to continue excluding the Chagossians from their homeland.<br />
<br />
According to a WikiLeaks disclosure document, in a calculated move in 2009 to prevent re-settlement of the BIOT by native Chagossians, the UK proposed that the BIOT become a "marine reserve" with the aim of preventing the former inhabitants from returning to their lands. The summary of the diplomatic cable is as follows:<br />
<br />
HMG would like to establish a “marine park” or “reserve” providing comprehensive environmental protection to the reefs and waters of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), a senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) official informed Polcouns on 12 May. The official insisted that the establishment of a marine park – the world’s largest – would in no way impinge on USG use of the BIOT, including Diego Garcia, for military purposes. He agreed that the UK and U.S. should carefully negotiate the details of the marine reserve to assure that U.S. interests were safeguarded and the strategic value of BIOT was upheld. He said that the BIOT’s former inhabitants would find it difficult, if not impossible, to pursue their claim for resettlement on the islands if the entire Chagos Archipelago were a marine reserve.<br />
<br />
The UK government established a marine reserve in April 2010 to mixed reactions from Chagossians. While the UK Foreign Office claimed that it was an environmental move as well as a necessary move to improve the coral populations off east Africa and therefore sub-saharan marine supplies, some Chagossians claimed that the reserve would prevent any resettlement due to the inability to fish in protected areas. The Chagossian UK-based Diego Garcian Society stated that it welcomed the marine reserve, noting that it was in the interest of Chagossians to have the area protected while they were exiled and that it could be renegotiated upon resettlement. The Foreign Office claimed the reserve was made "without prejudice to the outcome of the current, pending proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights".<br />
<br />
On 1 December 2010, a leaked US Embassy London diplomatic cable exposed British and US communications in creating the marine nature reserve. The cable relays exchanges between US Political Counselor Richard Mills and British Director of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Colin Roberts, in which Roberts "asserted that establishing a marine park would, in effect, put paid to resettlement claims of the archipelago's former residents." Richard Mills concludes: "Establishing a marine reserve might, indeed, as the FCO’s Roberts stated, be the most effective long-term way to prevent any of the Chagos Islands’ former inhabitants or their descendants from resettling in the British Indian Ocean Territory." The cable (reference ID "09LONDON1156") was classified as confidential and "no foreigners", and leaked as part of the Cablegate cache.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Politics and law</span></u></h2>
<br />
<br />
Main article: Government of the British Indian Ocean Territory<br />
As a territory of the United Kingdom, the head of state is Queen Elizabeth II. There is no governor appointed to represent the Queen on the territory, as there are no longer any native inhabitants. The head of government is the commissioner, currently Dr. Peter Hayes (since October 2012, replacing Colin Roberts), and administrator John McManus (since April 2011, replacing Joanne Yeadon), all of whom reside in the United Kingdom. The commissioner's representative in the territory is the officer commanding the detachment of British forces.<br />
<br />
The laws of the territory are based on the constitution, set out in the British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004, which gives the commissioner full powers to make laws for the territory. Applicable treaties between the United Kingdom and the United States govern the use of the military base. The United States is required to ask permission of the United Kingdom to use the base for offensive military action.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Geography</span></u></h2>
Main article: Geography of the British Indian Ocean Territory<br />
<br />
The territory is an archipelago of 55 islands, the largest being Diego Garcia, accounting for almost three-quarters of the total land area of the territory, which is 60 km². The terrain is flat and low, with most areas not exceeding 2 metres above sea level. The climate is tropical marine; hot, humid, and moderated by trade winds. In 2010 545,000 square kilometres (210,426 sq mi) of ocean around the islands was declared a marine reserve.<br />
<br />
With the exception of one four-lane motorway, most of the islands in the territory have no roads of any sort. Diego Garcia has a short stretch of paved road between the port and airfield; otherwise transport is mostly by bicycle. Diego Garcia's military base is home to the territory's only airport. At 3000 metres long, it is capable of supporting heavy USAF bombers such as the B-52 and would have been able to support the Space Shuttle in the event of a mission abort. It also has a major seaport.<br />
<br />
There is also a marina bus service along the main road of the island.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Conservation</u></span></h2>
In April 2010, an MPA (Marine protected area) was created in the BIOT that covers the territorial waters of the Chagos Archipelago, except for the area immediately surrounding Diego Garcia. This declaration doubled the total area of environmental no take zones world-wide. The benefits of protecting this area:<br />
<br />
Provides an environmental benchmark for other areas. Unlike the rest of the world, the BIOT has been relatively untouched by man's actions.<br />
Providing a natural laboratory to help understand climate change.<br />
Opportunity for research related to marine science, biodiversity, and climate change.<br />
Acting as a reserve for species in danger in other areas.<br />
Providing an export of surplus juveniles, larvae, seeds, and spores to help with output in neighbouring areas.<br />
The area had already been declared an Environmental (Preservation and Protection) Zone, but since the establishment of the MPA, fishing is no longer permitted in the area.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">MV Pacific Marlin</span></u></h2>
<br />
The BIOT Patrol Vessel, the MV Pacific Marlin, is based in Diego Garcia. It is presently operated by the Swire Pacific Offshore Group under a 4 year contract with the BIOT Administration which was renewed on 1 Jan 2011. The MV Pacific Marlin patrols the marine reserve all year, and since the marine reserve was designated in April 2010, the number of apprehensions of illegal vessels within the area has increased. The Pacific Marlin was built in 1978 as an ocean going tug. It is 57.7 metres long with a draft of 3.8 metres and gross tonnage 1,200. It has a maximum speed of 12.5 knots with an economic speed of 11 knots, permitting a range of about 18,000 nautical miles and fuel endurance of 68 days. It is the oldest vessel in the Swire fleet.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Demographics</span></u></h2>
The total population was reported at 4,000 in 2006, of whom 2,200 were American military personnel or contractors, 1,400 were Filipino contract workers, 300 were Mauritian contract workers, and 100 were members of the British Armed Forces. It is believed the population has significantly decreased since the end of US bombing operations from the island in August 2006.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Economy</span></u></h2>
All economic activity is concentrated on Diego Garcia, where joint Anglo-American defence facilities are located. Approximately 2,000 native inhabitants, known as the Chagossians or Ilois, were forcibly relocated to Mauritius before construction of these facilities; in 1995, there were approximately 1,700 UK and US military personnel and 1,500 civilian contractors living on the island.<br />
<br />
Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installations are carried out by military and contract employees from Britain, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. The licensing of commercial fishing provides an annual income of about $1 million for the territory.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Communications</span></u></h2>
Postage stamps have been issued for British Indian Ocean Territory since 17 January 1968. As the territory was originally part of the Seychelles, these stamps were denominated in rupees until 1992. However, after that date they were issued in denominations of British Pounds, the official currency of the territory.<br />
<br />
Separate telephone facilities for military and public needs are available, providing all standard commercial telephone services, including connection to the Internet. International telephone service is carried via satellite.<br />
<br />
Cable & Wireless started operating in 1982 under licence from the British Government to provide international public telecommunications services on the island of Diego Garcia. In April 2013 the company was acquired by the Batelco Group, a leading telecommunications provider which now operates in 16 markets spanning the Middle East & Northern Africa, Europe, the South Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. As of 19th August 2013 Cable & Wireless (Diego Garcia) Limited changed name to Sure (Diego Garcia) Limited. Sure International is the corporate division of the business,<br />
<br />
Services offered include international telephone, broadband internet and WiFi, GSM mobile, paging services and TV rebroadcast services. Telephone and internet services are also offered to maritime customers as well as an extensive portfolio of services to business and Government customers.<br />
<br />
The territory has three FM radio broadcast stations provided by American Forces Network and British Forces Broadcasting Service. Due to its geographic location in proximity to the equator with unobstructed views to the horizon, Diego Garcia has access to a relatively large number of geosynchronous satellites over the Indian and eastern Atlantic Oceans, and the island is home to Diego Garcia Station (DGS), a remote tracking station making up part of the Air Force Satellite Control Network. Diego Garcia Station has two sides to provide enhanced tracking capabilities for AFSCN users.<br />
<br />
Amateur radio operations occur from Diego Garcia, using the British callsign prefix VQ9. An amateur club station, VQ9X, was sponsored by the US Navy for use by operators both licensed in their home country and possessing a VQ9 callsign issued by the local British Indian Ocean Territory representative. However, the US Navy closed the station in early 2013, therefore any future licensed amateurs wishing to operate from the island will have to provide their own antenna and radio equipment.<br />
<br />
<br />
For more detail visit here: <a href="http://adf.ly/tHVMG" target="_blank">http://adf.ly/tHVMG</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/british-indian-ocean-territory-759_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/british-indian-ocean-territory-759_3.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.zianet.com/tedmorris/dg/DiegoGarciaBombDump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.zianet.com/tedmorris/dg/DiegoGarciaBombDump.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.zianet.com/tedmorris/dg/dgaerialfromsouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.zianet.com/tedmorris/dg/dgaerialfromsouth.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-12110859631762531702014-10-24T06:31:00.001-07:002014-10-24T06:31:13.981-07:00Dr. Muzaffar Ahmed<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dr. Muzaffar Ahmed </span></u></h2>
<b>Born</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>27 March 1936<br />
Kolkata, India<br />
<b>Died</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>22 May 2012 (aged 76)<br />
Dhaka, Bangladesh<br />
<b>Nationality</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bangladeshi<br />
<b>Institution</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>University of Dhaka<br />
<b>Alma mater</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>University of Chicago<br />
<b>Awards</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ekushey Padak<br />
<br />
Dr. Muzaffar Ahmed (Bengali: ড. মোজাফ্ফর আহমেদ; 27 March 1936 – 22 May 2012) was a leading Bangladeshi economist and an emeritus professor at the Institute of Business Administration of the University of Dhaka. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. He was also the Chairman of the Trustee Board of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). Ahmed was awarded the Ekushey Padak by the Government of Bangladesh in 2008.<br />
<br />
Professor Ahmed was also associated with an organization called "Sushashoner Jonno Nagarik", popularly called "Sujon," which promotes good governance. He was also one of the most prominent environmentalists in Bangaladesh.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Books</span></u></h2>
Ahmed, Muzaffar; Sobhan, Rehman (1980). Public enterprise in an intermediate regime: a study in the political economy of Bangladesh. Bangladesh: Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies. OCLC 773118575.<br />
Ahmed, Muzaffer (1981). Organizational framework, institutional relationships and management of public industrial enterprises: conference proceedings. New York: United Nations Industrial Development Organization. OCLC 10426398.<br />
Ahmed, Muzaffer (2002). Investing in ourselves: giving and fund raising in Bangladesh. Manila, Philippines: Asian Development Bank. ISBN 9789715614498.<br />
<br />
For more detail visit here: <a href="http://adf.ly/tHQV9" target="_blank">http://adf.ly/tHQV9</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-26166840522173898262014-10-24T06:25:00.002-07:002014-10-24T06:25:51.759-07:00Debapriya Bhattacharya<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Debapriya Bhattacharya</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/Debapriya_Bhattacharya_-_Portrait.jpg/220px-Debapriya_Bhattacharya_-_Portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/Debapriya_Bhattacharya_-_Portrait.jpg/220px-Debapriya_Bhattacharya_-_Portrait.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Born</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>29 April 1956 (age 58)<br />
<b>Nationality</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bangladeshi<br />
<b>Field</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Economics<br />
<b>Alma mater</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Plekhanov Institute of National Economy, Moscow<br />
Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford<br />
<br />
Debapriya Bhattacharya (Bengali: দেবপ্রিয় ভট্টাচার্য), (born 1956) is a macro-economist and public policy analyst from Bangladesh and Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dhaka – a globally reputed think-tank in Bangladesh. He was the first Executive Director of the CPD (1999–2007), also worked as a Senior Research Fellow at Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS).<br />
<br />
He is the Chair of Southern Voice on Post-MDG International Development Goals – a network of 48 think tanks from South Asia, Africa, and Latin America that has identified a unique space and scope for itself to contribute to this post-MDG dialogue. He had been the Special Adviser on LDCs to the Secretary General, UNCTAD (2009–2010). He was the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the WTO, UN office, and other international organisations in Geneva (2007–2009). He was the President of UNCTAD’s governing board as well as the coordinator of LDC Group in the UN System in Geneva.<br />
<br />
Bhattacharya is engaged in high-level policy designing and advising on behalf of the national government and various bilateral and international development agencies at home and in a number of developing countries. He serves in the boards of a number of national, regional, and international development organisations and networks. Dr Deb is the chair of the External Advisory Board of Overseas Development Institute (ODI), London for the programme on low-income countries. He is also the chair of LDC IV Monitor – an independent partnership for monitoring the Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA), adopted during the UN LDC IV Conference held in May 2011. Bhattacharya was the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Economic Association for three consecutive terms. He is a member of the governing body of BRAC, largest NGO of the world. He is a Member of the Editorial Board, South Asian Studies, Colombo, and Trade Insights, Kathmandu also the Regional Editor of the Oxford Development Studies.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Early life and education</span></u></h2>
Bhattcharya studied at St. Gregory's High School, Dhaka and Dhaka College, Dhaka. He did his M.Sc. in Economics with distinction. He obtained his Ph.D. (Economics) from the Plekhanov Institute of National Economy, Moscow. He researched as a post-doctoral fellow at the Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford.<br />
<br />
In 2004–05 was associated with the Center for Global Development (CGD), Washington D.C. as a Senior Fulbright Fellow. He was also a Visiting Fellow at the United Nations University-Institute of New Technology (UNU-INTECH), Maastricht and Department of Economics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Also, he has conducted joint research with the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE), Tokyo and Institute of Development Planning and Management (IDPM), Manchester.<br />
<br />
Late Justice Debesh Bhattacharya and former Member of Parliament Chitra Bhattacharya are parents of Dr Debapriya. He is married to Dr Irina Shebanova, an economist. They have a daughter, Alexandra Bhattacharya, who graduated from London School of Economics (LSE) with an undergraduate degree in Law (LLB) as well as a graduate degree in Law at UCLA (LLM). She is currently interning at the WTO in Geneva.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Career</span></u></h2>
Bhattacharya is a macro-economist and public policy analyst. As an institution builder, created a globally-recognized think-tank in Bangladesh, viz. the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), with a demand-driven research and outreach portfolio as well as endowed with a gender-balanced professional group and adequate programme funding. CPD was recognized as one of the top 228 think-tanks in the world in 2007. Raised $5.5 mln research grants in 8 years. Till November 2007, he steered the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), the most influential private sector think-tank of Bangladesh as its Executive Director. Prior to joining CPD he worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS). He served as Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to Geneva from 2007 to early 2009. He joined back Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) in April 2009. At present he is the Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dhaka.<br />
<br />
With a PhD in Economics from Plekhanov Institute of National Economy, Moscow and post-doctoral tenures in reputed international institutions such as the Queen Elizabeth House, Oxford University and Center for Global Development, Washington DC, have 27 years of experience in policy-oriented research and quality publications in the areas of trade and international economics, macro-economics and development policies. Among many major projects implemented, had been the Bangladesh Team Leader of “Participatory Review of Structural Adjustment Programmes” (SAPRI), a project of the World Bank, national governments and global civil society and also co-authored the global synthesis report. Led the “Independent Review of Bangladesh’s Development” for more than a decade which provided critical analysis of the state of the economy on an on-going basis. Spearheaded a participatory citizen’s initiative leading to preparation of a “Vision 2021” document for Bangladesh.<br />
<br />
Bhattacharya has been associated with a number of national, regional and international professional organisations. He was the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Economic Association for three consecutive terms. He was a member of the Panel of Advisory Board of the International Centre for Trade and Development (ICTSD), Geneva. He is currently the Regional Editor of the Oxford Development Studies, Member of the Editorial Board, South Asian Studies, Colombo and Chairperson of the EU-LDC Network. He was a member of the "Investment" and "WTO" Task Forces set up by the South Asia Centre for Policy Studies (SACEPS).<br />
<br />
He was the Study Director of the Structural Adjustment Participatory Review Initiative (SAPRI) in Bangladesh, a multi-country exercise of the Governments, the World Bank and a global network of civil society organisations. He was also the Study Director for the CPD’s Pre-Election Policy Brief Programme (2001) and Policy Review Programme (2003).<br />
<br />
Was elected General Secretary of the Bangladesh Economic Association for three consecutive tenures. He also served as a member of the governing body of BRAC – the largest NGO of the world. He also sits in the Academic Council of the BRAC University.<br />
<br />
Was engaged in high-level policy designing and advising on behalf of the national government and various bilateral and international development agencies at home and in a number of developing countries. Authored many strategy documents for WTO negotiations. Prepared the first-ever country-level Trade-Related Technical Assistance Need Assessment for Bangladesh under the multi-agency Integrated Framework. For UNDP, prepared the first-ever disaggregated Human Development Index for Bangladesh and Nepal. Since 2001, has regularly contributed to the preparation of the Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) of the World Economic Forum (WEF).<br />
<br />
Has cross-country experience in development issues. Undertook short-term assignments in Costa Rica for CARE International, in India for the World Bank, in Nepal for the UNDP, in Sri Lanka for the British ODA, in Malaysia for the EDI, World Bank, Mongolia for the APO, and Bulgaria and Moscow for UN-DESA.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Present positions:</span></u></h2>
<br />
Chair, LDC IV Monitor<br />
Chair, Southern Voice on Post-MDGs<br />
Member, International Food & Agricultural Trade Policy Council (IPC), New York<br />
Chair, External Advisory Board on Research (ODI)<br />
Regional Editor, Oxford Development Studies<br />
Member of the Editorial Board, South Asian Studies, Colombo<br />
Editorial Advisor of Trade Insights published by the South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE)<br />
Associate Fellow, Asia Society, New York<br />
Member, Future of Multilateral Trading System convened by Brooks World Poverty Institute, Manchester<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Global issues</u><u>LDC IV Monitor</u></span></h2>
<br />
Bhattacharya is the Chair of LDC IV Monitor. Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), a partner institution of the LDC IV Monitor. Bhattacharya organised the Expert Group Meeting (EGM) "Development Challenges of the Least Developed Countries: Tracking the International Commitments" in Dhaka on 7–9 September 2012. LDC IV Monitor is an independent global partnership for monitoring the outcome of the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (UN LDC IV). LDC IV Monitor is undertaking policy research, organising dialogues and carrying out outreach activities related to delivery of the Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA) adopted during the UN LDC IV Conference held in May 2011. These activities are expected to complement the official follow-up and review mechanism of the IPoA. The Secretary-General of the United Nations has mentioned LDC IV Monitor in his first annual report to the General Assembly on implementation of the IPoA.<br />
<br />
The operationalization of LDC IV Monitor is characterised by flexibility, flat structure and light secretariat. The core group of partner institutions constitutes the Steering Committee of LDC IV Monitor. They include:<br />
<br />
Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Bangladesh<br />
Centre de Recherches Economiques Appliquees (CREA), Senegal<br />
Commonwealth Secretariat (ComSec)<br />
Economic and Social Research Foundation, ESRF, Tanzania.<br />
Fondation pour les Etudes et Recherches sur le Développement International (FERDI), France<br />
Galatasaray University (GSU), Turkey<br />
International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD), Switzerland<br />
OECD Development Centre (DEV), France.<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Southern Voice on Post-MDGs</span></u></h2>
Bhattacharya is the Chair of Southern Voice on Post-MDGs. The Southern Voice on Post-MDG International Development Goals (Southern Voice) is a network of 48 think tanks from South Asia, Africa, and Latin America that has identified a unique space and scope for itself to contribute to this post-MDG dialogue. By providing quality data, evidence, and analyses that derive from research in the countries of the Global South, these think tanks seek to inform the discussion on the post-2015 framework, goals, and targets, and to help give shape to the debate itself. In the process, Southern Voice aims to enhance the quality of international development policy analysis, strengthen the global outreach capacity of Southern think tanks, and facilitate professional linkages between these think tanks and their respective governments. Bhattacharya recently was on an outreach mission to London, New York and Washington DC to disseminate the network’s document “First Approximations on Post-MDG International Development Goals” among the key players in the post-2015 processes. The other purpose of the mission was to understand the space available for the network’s strategic engagements in post-2015 global processes. On this mission Bhattacharya addressed three policy seminars organised by Overseas Development Institute (ODI) in London, United Nations Foundation in New York and Center for Global Development (CGD) in Washington DC. He met with Dr. Homi Kharas the Lead Author/Executive Secretary of the United Nations High Level Panel (HLP) as well as the key advisors to various members of the High Level Panel. Dr. Bhattacharya also called on the USG H. E. Gyan Acharya, UN-OHRLLS.<br />
<br />
As the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) approaches the deadline of 2015, the international development community is focusing on the one hand, on the experiences gathered so far regarding the implementation of MDGs, and, on the other, articulation of post-MDG framework, issues and targets. Taking note of the global power imbalance, knowledge asymmetry and MDG delivery experience, the Southern Voice on Post-MDGs seeks to channel its inputs from developing countries’ perspectives into the ongoing global discussions on post-MDGs (2015). This initiative intends to leverage the evidenced-based knowledge and policy experience in the South on think tanks to influence the emerging global development agenda.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">International assignments</span></u></h2>
Bhattacharya undertook assignments for a number of international organisations including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO, UNCTAD, ILO as well as bilateral development agencies from the US, Japan, UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden. Also, he undertook short-term overseas assignments in Costa Rica for CARE International, in India for the World Bank, in Nepal for the UNDP, in Sri Lanka for the British ODA, in Malaysia for the EDI, World Bank, Mongolia for the APO, and Bulgaria and Moscow for the UN-DESA.<br />
<br />
Bhattacharya has played a guiding role in organisation of the International Civil Society Forum 2005: For Advancing LDC Interests in the Sixth WTO held in Dhaka on 3–5 October 2005.<br />
<br />
Currently, Member of the Task Force on Doha Round of the Brooks World Poverty Institute, Manchester; Associate Fellow of Asia Society, New York and member of International Food and Agricultural Trade Policy Council, New York. Member of the Advisory Group of the World Bank’s Trade Policy preparation team. Was a member of the founding Panel of Advisory Board of the International Centre for Trade and Development (ICTSD), Geneva. Was Chairperson of the EU-LDC Network. Member of OECD DEFINE network. Actively engaged in a number of international and regional networks on development finance, migration, environment and poverty.<br />
<br />
Have published extensively – both scholarly outputs and popular thought pieces. Currently the Regional Editor of the Oxford Development Studies, Member of the Editorial Board, South Asian Studies, Colombo. Editorial Adviser of Trade Insights published by the South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE)<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b><b><u>Assignment in Geneva</u></b></span></h2>
<br />
On 20 October 2007, the Caretaker government of Bangladesh appointed Bhattacharya as Bangladesh's permanent representative (PR) based in Geneva. This was his first diplomatic assignment. Ambassador Bhattacharya assumed charge in Geneva in November. At the WTO he chaired a number of committees and sub-committees on different issues. He was also the coordinator of the LDCs. After the general election of 2008, a democratic government came into power and Debapriya resigned in February 2009. He returned to Bangladesh and joined back CPD.<br />
<br />
As Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh in Geneva, led delegation to various forums of Doha Round including the July Ministerial 2008. Was member of the “Green Room” of the DG, WTO. Participated actively in many high level international conferences; was the Deputy Team Leader to UNCTAD XII and HLM on Aid Effectiveness in Accra (2008). Have participated in all the Ministerials of the WTO since Doha (2001). Coordinated inter-governmental processes as LDC Chair in the UN system in Geneva. Spearheaded the intergovernmental processes in UNCTAD as President of the Trade and Development Board (2008–09). Had close internal exposure to the UN System during the tenure in UNCTAD as Special Advisor to the Secretary General. Demonstrated capacity to mobilize an effective team in a short period as the Chair of Inter-divisional Task Force on LDC IV in UNCTAD. Conceptualized the first Public Symposium of UNCTAD.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Working with Government of Bangladesh</span></u></h2>
Bhattacharya regularly participates in high-level consultative bodies of the Government of Bangladesh. He was a (a) member of the Consultative Committee on Macro-economic Policy Advisory Committee, Ministry of Finance; (b) member of the Banking Sector Reform Committee; (c) member of the Advisory Committee of the Securities and Exchange Commission; (d) a member of the Panel of Economists, Fifth Five Year Plan (1997–2002), Ministry of Planning; (e) Member, National Committee on Utilisation of Gas Resources, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.<br />
<br />
He prepared the draft of the Industrial Policy (1999) of the country for the Ministry of Industries as well as a number of position papers for the Ministry of Commerce. He was a Director of Janata Bank (1996–2000), the second largest commercial bank of the country in the public sector. He was also a member of the Task Force on “Foreign Aid” constituted under the Adviser for Planning in the Interim Government of 1991.<br />
<br />
Bhattacharya prepared the Trade-related Technical Assistance Need Assessment of Bangladesh, the first such country report prepared for support under the Integrated Framework of the WTO. He was a member of Bangladesh's official delegation to the WTO Fourth Ministerial Meeting held in Doha (November, 2001) and the Second Meeting of the LDC Trade Ministers held in Dhaka (June 2003). He provided leadership in conceiving and organising the Pre-Cancun LDC Civil Society Conference held in Dhaka (May 2003). He also played a critical role in the national preparatory process for the WTO Ministerial held in Cancun (September 2003). Currently he is a member of the Advisory Committee on WTO Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, Government of Bangladesh.<br />
<br />
Currently Bhattacharya, Bangladesh and Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI), Norway are jointly implementing a 3-year research programme "CPD-CMI Research Cooperation Programme focusing on issues of common interest to both the organisations and the countries. The programme is to be implemented during 2010–2012 with support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The signing ceremony of the programme took place on 23 June 2010 at the CPD office. Professor Rehman Sobhan, Chairman, CPD was present at the ceremony. H E Ms Ingebjorg Stofring, Ambassador of Norway in Bangladesh at that time signed the tripartite agreement on behalf of the Norwegian MFA. Dr Arne Wiig and Professor Mustafizur Rahman put their respective signatures on behalf of the CMI and CPD.<br />
<br />
The broad objective of this programme is to contribute towards improved governance and inclusive growth in Bangladesh. The programme will be implemented under two themes “Inclusive Growth” and “Good Governance” and research will be carried out on the following seven areas: Inclusive Growth (Agricultural Trade with India: Implications for Food Security and Poverty, Private Sector Development: The Role of Education and Business Training, Governance and Energy in Bangladesh: The Role of FDI); Good Governance (The Parliament of Bangladesh, The Political Parties of Bangladesh, Political Governance in Bangladesh, Democracy and Corruption).<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Public profile</span></u></h2>
Bhattacharya possesses excellent communication skills. Regularly participates as panel speaker in international events, and as commentator in national, regional and international electronic and print media. Have been quoted by Economist and the Wall Street Journal and interviewed by BBC, VoA and Deutsche Welle. He used to anchor/moderate a prime time talk show on development related issues/debates for four years (1996–2000) in Bangladesh Television. This fetched him mass popularity. He participates regularly in the national and international media as a commentator on contemporary economic issues.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Research interests</u></span></h2>
Bhattacharya's current interest relates to reform economics and strategic policy issues. His major works relate to foreign aid and global trade regime, investment and finance, industry and technology. He has also worked in the areas of regional cooperation, environment, human development, micro-credit and enterprise development. His current areas of research also includes development challenges of the least developed countries, multilateral trade negotiations, post-crisis financial architecture and macro-economics of green economy.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Publications</span></u></h2>
Bhattacharya has more than one hundred publications to his credit including chapters in books, monographs, journals, articles and research reports. He has contributed to the UN LDC Report 2000, UNCTAD-ICC Investment Guidelines, and Global Competitiveness Report 2001, 2002 and 2003 of the World Economic Forum.<br />
<br />
His most recent publications include:<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Book (Co-Editor)</span></u></h2>
<br />
Bhattacharya, D. and Rahman, M. 2012. Global Recovery, New Risks and Sustainable Growth: Repositioning South Asia. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Books</span></u></h2>
<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2008. Bangladesh Apparel Sector in Post MFA Era: A Study on the Ongoing Restructuring Process. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2007. State of the Bangladesh Economy in FY2005–06 and Outlook for FY2006–07. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2006. State of the Bangladesh Economy in 2004–05 and Outlook for 2005–06. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2006. Macroeconomic Performance of South Asian Economies. Dhaka: The University Press Limited (UPL).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2005. Options for Self Reliant Resurgence: CPD’s Rapid Assessment of Flood 2004. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and The University Press Limited.<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2005. Bangladesh in the Global Trade Regime: Labour, Environment, Agriculture, Export and Trade Negotiations. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Pathak Samabesh.<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2004. Structural Adjustment: The Policy Roots of Economic Crisis, Poverty and Inequality. The SAPRI Report. Zed Publishers: Structural Adjustment Participatory Review International Network (SAPRIN).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. and et al. (2004). Globalisation and the LDCs: Perspectives from the Asia-Pacific Region, CPD-Pathak Shamabesh, Dhaka.<br />
Bhattacharya, D. (2004). “Globalization and the State: Human Development and Capacity Building Needs – A Review of Asian Country Experiences” in Globalization and the State: Challenges for Economic Growth and Human Development. United Nations, New York.<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Book chapters</span></u></h2>
<br />
Bhattacharya, D., Rhaman, M., Khan, T.I. and Sadique, M.Z. 2012. “Monetary Policy Statement of January–June 2011: A Critical Appreciation.” In State of the Bangladesh Economy in FY2010–11 and Outlook for FY2011–12. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2010. “Giving voice to the ‘residual’: putting the least-developed countries on the G-20 Agenda.” In Velde, D.W. (ed.) The G-20 framework for strong, sustainable and balanced growth: what role for low-income, small and vulnerable countries? London: Overseas Development Institute (ODI).<br />
Bhattacharya, D., Iqbal, M.A. and Khan, T.I. 2010. “Delivering on Budget FY2009–10: A Set of Implementation Issues.” In State of the Bangladesh Economy in FY2008–09 and Outlook for FY2009–10. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. and Khan, T.I. 2010. “Recent Monetary Policy Statement of Bangladesh Bank (July 2009): An Analytical Commentary.” In State of the Bangladesh Economy in FY2008–09 and Outlook for FY2009–10. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).<br />
Rahman, M., Bhattacharya, D., Iqbal, M.A., Khan, T.I. and Paul, T.K. 2009. “Macroeconomic Management in the Face of Global Economic Crisis.” In Development of Bangladesh with Equity and Justice: Immediate Tasks for the New Government. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2004. “Bangladesh’s Experience with Foreign Direct Investment.” In Foreign Direct Investment: High Risk, Low Reward for Development. Bonn: Church Development Service (EED).<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Journal articles</span></u></h2>
<br />
Bhattacharya, D.; Sobhan, Rehman (September 1986). "Courting private foreign investment: the Bangladesh experience". Development Policy Review (Wiley) 4 (3): 211–232. doi:10.1111/j.1467-7679.1986.tb00382.x.<br />
Bhattacharya, D. (2005). "Least developed countries in trade negotiations: planning process and information needs". Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Review (United Nations ESCAP) 1 (1): 51–90.<br />
Bhattacharya, D.; Borgatti, Lisa (March 2012). "An atypical approach to graduation from the LDC category: the case of Bangladesh". South Asia Economic Journal (Sage) 13 (1): 1–25. doi:10.1177/139156141101300101.<br />
Bhattacharya, D.; Dasgupta, Shouro (August 2012). "Global financial and economic crisis: exploring the resilience of the least developed countries". Journal of International Development, special issue: EADI-DSA Conference, 19–22 September 2011 (Wiley) 24 (6): 673–685. doi:10.1002/jid.2860.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><br /></u><u>Policy briefs, reports and papers</u></span></h2>
<br />
Bhattacharya, D. and Hossain, S.S. 2011. Securing the Outcome of the UN LDC IV: The Need for an Independent Monitoring Mechanism. Policy Brief No. 5. Geneva: International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) (Available at: http://www.iadb.org/intal/intalcdi/PE/2011/08913.pdf)<br />
Bhattacharya, D. and Hossain, S.S. 2011. Least Developed Countries in the Next Decade: What is there in the Istanbul Programme of Action? Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), Geneva Office. (Available at: http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/iez/global/08724.pdf)<br />
Bhattacharya, D. and Misha, F.A. 2011. China and the Least Developed Countries: An Enquiry in the Trade Relationship during the Post-WTO Accession Period. Report prepared for the UNDP China Office for ‘China’s Entry into WTO Project.’ Beijing: China Development Research Foundation (CDRF).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2011. “China’s Trade Relations with LDCs in the Post-WTO Accession Period.” In Meléndez-Ortiz, R., Bellmann, C. and Cheng, S. A Decade in the WTO: Implications for China and Global Trade Governance. Geneva: International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD). 51–55.<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2010. In Quest of Structural Progress: Revisiting the Performance of the Least Developed Countries. UN Doc.TD/B/Ex (49)/2. May 12. Geneva: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).<br />
Rahman, M., Bhattacharya, D., Iqbal, M.A., Khan, T.I. and Paul, T.K. 2009. Global Financial Crisis Discussion Series Paper 1: Bangladesh. London: Overseas Development Institute (ODI). Available at: http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/docs/4319.pdf<br />
Duval, Y., Bhattacharya, D., Jayawardhana, T., Khanal, D.R., Tahsina, T. and Shreshta, P.K. 2008. Trade and Investment Linkages and Policy Coordination: Lessons from Case Studies in Asian Developing Countries. ARTNeT Policy Brief 15. Available at: http://www.unescap.org/tid/artnet/pub/polbrief15.pdf<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2008. Macroeconomic Challenges for the Growth of the Energy Sector in Bangladesh in the Context of Regional Integration. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. and Hossain, S.S. 2006. An Evaluation of the Need and Cost of Selected Trade Facilitation Measures in Bangladesh: Implications for the WTO Negotiations on Trade Facilitation.<br />
Working Paper Series No. 9. Bangkok: Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade (ARTNeT). Available at: http://www.unescap.org/tid/artnet/pub/wp906.pdf<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2006. Bangladesh 2020: An Analysis of Growth Prospect and External Sector Behaviour. CPD Occasional Paper No. 56. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2005. Hong Kong Ministerial of the WTO: Reflections on the Outcomes from Bangladesh Perspective. Trade Policy Brief No. 12. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. and Elliott, K. 2005. Adjusting to the MFA Phase-Out: Policy Priorities. CGD Brief. Washington, D.C.: Center for Global Development (CGD).<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2005. Road to Hong Kong Ministerial of the WTO: Anticipating the “First Approximations” from Bangladesh Perspective. CPD Occasional Paper No. 49. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).<br />
Khatun, F., Rahman, M. and Bhattacharya, D. 2004. Fisheries Subsidies and Marine Resource Management: Lessons from Bangladesh. A report prepared for the Economics and Trade Branch (ETB) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Available at: http://www.unep.ch/etu/fisheries%20meeting/bangladeshfinale.pdf<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Conferences, seminar papers, lectures</span></u></h2>
<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2008. Creeping Trade and Phantom Aid: LDCs in the Global Context and Priorities for Reform of Global Governance. Special Address on Global Economic Governance, hosted jointly with the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, University of Geneva<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Newspaper and magazine articles</span></u></h2>
<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2010. Fourth UN Conference of the Least Developed Countries: Ten Strategic Considerations for the Outcome. Trade Insight, 6 (3–4): 17–19.<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2010. Helping the world’s Least Developed Countries. Making It, November 2010. Available at: http://www.makingitmagazine.net/?p=2322<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2010. Fourth UN Conference on LDCs: What to Expect? Trade Hot Topic, 69. Commonwealth Secretariat; available at: http://www.thecommonwealth.org/files/220620/FileName/THT69FourthUNConferenceonLDCs.pdf.<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2009. Bangladesh and the Missing Voice at the G20 Summit. The Daily Star, 2 April.<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2009. Bangladesh’s Task Force on Global Financial Crisis. The Daily Star, 24 March.<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2008. Ways Forward for the Multilateral Trading System. Trade Hot Topic, 53. Available at: http://www.thecommonwealth.org/files/185089/FileName/THT53WaysForwardfortheMultilateralTradingSystem.pdf<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2008. Doing a Service for Developing Countries. Wall Street Journal Asia. Available at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120891506967536947.html<br />
Bhattacharya, D. 2007. The Economic Implications of the Rise of China and India. Bridges Review, 11 (5). Available at: http://ictsd.org/i/news/bridges/4129/<br />
Bhattacharya, D. (2005). “The Doha Round and Poverty: An LDC Perspective”. Bridges, Vol. 9, No. 5, pp. 13–14, May 2005, Geneva: International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD).<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Newspaper interviews</span></u></h2>
<br />
Reflections on a tumultuous decade for LDCs. Trade Negotiations Insight, 9 (8).<br />
<br />
<br />
For more detail visit here: <a href="http://adf.ly/tHOYJ" target="_blank">http://adf.ly/tHOYJ</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-3172254957197793682014-10-22T21:46:00.002-07:002014-10-22T21:46:23.589-07:00Rehman Sobhan<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rehman Sobhan</span></u></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://politicsinspires.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/prof_rehman-sobhan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://politicsinspires.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/prof_rehman-sobhan.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
Born 1935<br />Nationality Bangladeshi<br />Alma mater Aitchison College<br />Cambridge University<br />London School of Economics<br />University of Dhaka<br />Occupation Economist<br />Spouse(s) Salma Sobhan (−2003; widower)<br />Rownaq Jahan (-present)<br />Parents Khondker Fazle Sobhan<br />Awards Independence Day Award (2008)<br />
<br />
Rehman Sobhan (born 1935, Bengali: রেহমান সোবহান) is a Bangladeshi economist and freedom fighter. He played an active role in the Bengali nationalist movement in the 1960s. He was also a member of the first Planning Commission in Bangladesh and a close associate of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.<br /><br />Presently, Rehman Sobhan heads the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), a non-governmental research organization in developing countries.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Education and career</u></span></h2>
<br />Sobhan attended St. Paul's School, Darjeeling in India and then later the Aitchison College in Lahore, Pakistan where he later became a School Prefect and winner of Churchill Medal for the best performance in HSC that year and then he went on to Cambridge University to earn his bachelor's degree. Subsequently, he attended London School of Economics for a doctoral degree in economics but returned without completing the degree. His cohorts at Cambridge included prominent economists of the Indian subcontinent such as Amartya Sen, Manmohan Singh and Mahbub ul Haq. He taught Economics at the University of Dhaka. After the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, Rehman Sobhan was appointed a member of the Planning Commission. He quit when he, along with others, fell from the grace of Sheikh Mujib in 1975. Later he worked as the Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies. After retirement from BIDS, he set up Centre for Policy Dialogue in 1993, a high-profile private sector think-tank, where he works as its Executive Chairman .<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Pre-independence contributions</u></span></h2>
In the 1960s, Sobhan, with a number of other nationalist economists under the intellectual leadership of Nurul Islam, contributed to the drafting of six-points programme that became the basis for the struggle for autonomy in the then East Pakistan. The writings of this group of economists on regional disparity between West Pakistan (Pakistan since 1971) and East Pakistan (Bangladesh since 1971) played an important role in fomenting nationalist aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. During the liberation war from 26 March to 16 December 1971), he was a roving ambassador for Bangladesh and lobbied in the United States.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Post-independence activities</u></span></h2>
<br />After the independence of Bangladesh he was appointed a member of the Planning Commission in 1972. He left the country after he was asked to quit. Upon his return to Bangladesh in 1982, he joined Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) and later he founded the Centre for Policy Dialogue. Currently he is the chairman of CPD, which is active in open public discussions of policy issues, particularly in the area of governance. He has authored numerous books and articles on various developmental issues. many of which appeared in leading national media. He was appointed an advisor of the Caretaker Government in Bangladesh in 1990–91.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Family</u></span></h2>
<br />Sobhan was first married to Salma Sobhan, a Barrister and a human rights activist. She died in 2003. He is currently married to Dr. Rownaq Jahan, a political scientist, who is a Distinguished Fellow at CPD. Sobhan's father Khondker Fazle Sobhan served as Pakistan's ambassador to Kenya. Rehman Sobhan's younger brother, Farooq Sobhan, is a former diplomat and the current President of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, a private-sector think tank of the country.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Awards</u></span></h2>
<br />Rehman Sobhan was awarded the Independence Day Award in 2008.<br />Selected bibliography<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Books</u></span></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1968). Basic democracies works programme and rural development in East Pakistan. Dacca, Bangladesh: Bureau of Economic Research, University of Dacca; distributed by Oxford University Press. OCLC 652243660.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman; Ahmed, Muzaffar (1980). Public enterprise in an intermediate regime: a study in the political economy of Bangladesh. Bangladesh: Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies. OCLC 773118575.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1982). The crisis of external dependence: the political economy of foreign aid to Bangladesh. London, U.K. Bangladesh: Zed Press University Press. ISBN 9780862321970.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1983). Public enterprise and the nature of the state: the case of South Asia. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Social Studies. OCLC 11134168.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1983). Rural poverty and agrarian reform in the Philippines. Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. OCLC 20375354.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1990). From aid dependence to self reliance: development options for Bangladesh. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, University Press. OCLC 614997139.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1991). Debt default to the development finance institutions: the crisis of state sponsored entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. Dhaka, Bangladesh: University Press. ISBN 9789840511556.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1991). Public allocative strategies, rural development, and poverty alleviation: a global perspective. Dhaka, Bangladesh: University Press. ISBN 9789840511587.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1992). Planning and public action for Asian women. Dhaka, Bangladesh: University Press. ISBN 9789840511983.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1993). Rethinking the role of the state in development: Asian perspectives. Dhaka, Bangladesh: University Press. ISBN 9789840512096.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1993). Bangladesh: problems of governance (governing South Asia). Delhi, India: Konark Publishers. ISBN 9788122003024.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1993). Agrarian reform and social transformation: preconditions for development. London Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey: Zed Books. ISBN 9781856491693.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman; et al (1995). Experiences with economic reform: a review of Bangladesh's development, 1995. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue University Press Limited. ISBN 9789840513086.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1996). Aid dependence and donor policy: the case of Tanzania, with lessons from Bangladesh's experience. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue University Press Limited. ISBN 9789840513369.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1998). Towards a theory of governance and development: learning from East Asia. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue University Press Limited. ISBN 9789840514151.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (2000). Growth or stagnation?: A review of Bangladesh's development 1996. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue University Press Limited. ISBN 9789840513888.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (1998). Crisis in governance: a review of Bangladesh's development 1997. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue University Press Limited. ISBN 9789840514366.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (2000). Trends in the post-flood economy: a review of Bangladesh's development 1998-1999. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue University Press Limited. ISBN 9789840515417.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (2001). Changes and challenges: a review of Bangladesh's development 2000. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue University Press Limited. ISBN 9789840515882.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (2005). Privatisation in Bangladesh: an agenda in search of a policy. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue University Press Limited. ISBN 9789840517046.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (2005). A citizen's social charter for South Asia: an agenda for civic action. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue University Press Limited. ISBN 9789840517435.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (2005). A macro policy for poverty eradication through structural change. Helsinki: United Nations University, World Institute for Development Economics Research. ISBN 9789291906741.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (2010). Challenging the injustice of poverty: agendas for inclusive development in South Asia. New Delhi Thousand Oaks: SAGE. ISBN 9788132106234.</li>
<li> Hussain, Akmal (2014). Democracy, sustainable development, and peace : new perspectives on South Asia. New Delhi New Delhi: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199082834.</li>
</ul>
<u><br /></u>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Chapters in books</u></span></h2>
<br /> Sobhan, Rehman (2009), "Agents into principals: democratizing development in South Asia", in Kanbur, Ravi; Basu, Kaushik, Arguments for a better world: essays in honor of Amartya Sen | Volume II: Society, institutions and development, Oxford New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 542–562, ISBN 9780199239979.<br /> Sobhan, Rehman (2014), "Reconstructing democracy in South Asia", in Dubey, Muchkund; Hussain, Akmal, Democracy, sustainable development, and peace: new perspectives on South Asia, New Delhi: Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780198092346.<br /><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Journal articles</u></span></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman; Bhattacharya, Debapriya (September 1986). "Courting private foreign investment: the Bangladesh experience". Development Policy Review (Wiley) 4 (3): 211–232. doi:10.1111/j.1467-7679.1986.tb00382.x.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (June 2002). "Aid effectiveness and policy ownership". Development and Change (Wiley) 33 (3): 539–548. doi:10.1111/1467-7660.00267.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (2003). "Globalization and the challenge to democracy". International Journal of Development Issues (Emerald Group Publishing Limited) 2 (2): 1–14. doi:10.1108/eb045831.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (4 September 2004). "Structural dimensions of malgovernance in Bangladesh". Economic and Political Weekly (EPW Research Foundation) 39 (36): 4101–4108.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (March 2005). "The twelfth SAARC summit charting a road map for South Asian cooperation". South Asian Survey (Sage) 12 (1): 3–19. doi:10.1177/097152310501200101.</li>
<li> Sobhan, Rehman (July 2005). "Increasing aid for poverty reduction: rethinking the policy agenda". IDS Bulletin (Wiley) 36 (3): 61–67. doi:10.1111/j.1759-5436.2005.tb00222.</li>
</ul>
<br />
For more detail visit here; Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-8253358862264914822014-10-22T21:42:00.000-07:002014-10-22T21:42:22.263-07:00Atiur Rahman <h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Atiur Rahman </u></span></h2>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/82/Dr._Atiur_Rahman%2C_Governor_of_Bangladesh_Bank.jpg/663px-Dr._Atiur_Rahman%2C_Governor_of_Bangladesh_Bank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/82/Dr._Atiur_Rahman%2C_Governor_of_Bangladesh_Bank.jpg/663px-Dr._Atiur_Rahman%2C_Governor_of_Bangladesh_Bank.jpg" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Governor of Bangladesh Bank<br />Incumbent<br />Assumed office<br />1 May 2009<br />Deputy Md. Abul Quasem<br />Abu Hena Mohd. Razee Hassan<br />Shitangshu Kumar Sur Chowdhury<br />Nazneen Sultana<br />Preceded by Salehuddin Ahmed<br />Personal details<br />Born 13 December 1953 (age 60)<br />Jamalpur, East Bengal (now Bangladesh)<br />Spouse(s) Dr. Shahana Rahman<br />Alma mater University of Dhaka<br />University of London<br />Profession Economist<br />Website Bangladesh Bank Governor Official website<br />
<br />
Atiur Rahman is the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of the country. As a development economist of Bangladesh, he is noted for writing on popular economic issues, and has written a number of books both in Bengali and English.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Early life</u></span></h2>
<br />From a very humble background Atiur Rahman rose to the top echelon of the society. He was born in a remote village in Jamalpur district in 1951. His father who was a landless farmer had received no schooling in his life. Atiur went to the school but had to quit after grade III because of poverty. However his strong determination and will power made him conquer all the barriers. He had to sit for the grade IV final examinations without attending any class. But when the result came out, his name topped the list.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Education</u></span></h2>
<br />Atiur's mother came off a better background and was literate. She was Atiur's first teacher. Atiur went to the village school till grade VI. After grade VI he wanted to go to a cadet college for better education. Eventually he got admitted to prestigious Mirzapur Cadet College in grade-VII. A school teacher of the village Foyez Moulavi collected charity to facilitate his admission. Considering his financial inability, the college authority granted him free tuition. Thus he could continue at the college from where he passed the SSC and HSC examinations with outstanding results securing positions in the merit list both times. He went to the Dhaka University for studying economics. After obtaining BSS and MSS in Economics, he applied for Commonwealth scholarship and was successful. He went to SOAS, London, from where he obtained his PhD in 1977. His PhD thesis later came out as a book under the title "Peasants and Classes" published by the Oxford University Press, which is much admired by the economists worldwide and is being used as a reference book in many universities throughout the world.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Work</u></span></h2>
<br />On 29 April 2009, he was appointed as the governor of Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of the country, for a tenure of four years. He assumed charge on 3 May 2009. He is the 10th governor of the Bangladesh Bank, succeeding Dr. Salehhddin Ahmed. Till then he was a professor in the department of Development Studies at the Dhaka University. Before that he had worked at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies in different capacities for nearly 28 years and retired as Senior Research Fellow on 4 April 2006. He also served as director of the state-owned Sonali Bank, the largest in Bangladesh. In 2001, government appointed him as the Chairman of the board of directors of the Janata Bank, the second-largest in the country. In 1994, he established a development NGO under the title Unnayan Samannay which grew into a centre for research, development and cultural learning in Bangladesh. He was the chairman of the board of Trustees of Shamunnay till taking up the job of the governor of Bangladesh. In 2006 he joined the Dhaka University in the department of Development Studies as a professor.Also, he has played a major role in the much publicised microcredit revolution in Bangladesh, serving in Mohammed Yunus' National Task Force on Poverty Eradication. He worked as Project Director or Team Leader of as many as twenty international and fifty national development projects of the country. He was also involved in the management of a number of socio-cultural organisations including Credit Development Forum, Monajatuddin Smriti Sangsad, Bangladesh Economic Association and Asiatic Society and Bangla Academy.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Poverty alleviation</u></span></h2>
<br />Atiur Rahman has distinguished himself as an expert on poverty alleviation. It is his pet area and he has been engaged in first hand research to find the causes of poverty and means of remedy. One of the most important researches is his work on char (shoal) dwellers and poverty alleviation.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Publications</u></span></h2>
<br />Atiur Rahman is a popular newspaper columnist who often writes on poverty, public expenditure, economic development, public welfare and such other socio-economic issues. He has published 45 titles as of 2009, of which 16 are in English and 29 in Bengali. Some of his publications are as follows:<br /><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Bengali language</u></span></h2>
<br /> Agami Diner Bangladesh: Ekusa sataker Unnayana Bhabana, Pathak Samabes, ISBN 984-8120-39-4<br /> Alo andharer Bangladesh: Manab Unnayaner Sambhabana O Cyalenja, Mawla Bradarsa, ISBN 984-410-337-1<br /> Apaunnayan: Samakalin Bangladesher Arthaniti, Samajniti, Pyapirasa, ISBN 984-8065-66-0<br /> Janaganer Bajet: Amsagrahanamulaka Pariprekshita, Pathaka Samabesa, ISBN 984-8120-28-9<br /> Susaner Sandhane Anyaprakas, ISBN 984-8682-36-8<br /> Svapnera Bangladesh, Khunje Phera, Dipti Prakasani, ISBN 984-8061-28-2<br /> Unnayan alap: Arthaniti, Paribesa O Unnayana Bitarka, Pathaka Samabesa, ISBN 984-8120-49-1<br /><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>English language</u></span></h2>
<br /> Beel Dakatia: The Environmental Consequences of a Development Disaster, University Press, ISBN 984-05-1258-7 (984-05-1258-7)<br /> Early Impact of Grameen, a Multi-Dimensional Analysis: Outcome of a BIDS Research Study, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies and Grameen Trust, ISBN 984-31-1416-7 (984-31-1416-7)<br /> Education for Development: Lessons from East Asia for Bangladesh Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, ISBN 981-230-132-1 (981-230-132-1)<br /> Peasants and Classes: A Study in Differentiation in Bangladesh Zed Books, Limited, ISBN 0-86232-346-0 (0-86232-346-0)<br /> Peasants and Classes: A Study in Differentiation in Bangladesh: Hardcover, Zed Books, Limited, ISBN 0-86232-345-2 (0-86232-345-2)<br /> People's Report, 2002–2003, Bangladesh Environment by United Nations Development Programme, Bangladesh, Unnayan Shamannay (Organization : Bangladesh) Unnayan Shamannay, ISBN 984-32-0866-8 (984-32-0866-8)<br /> People's Report, 2004–2005: Bangladesh Environment by United Nations Development Programme, Bangladesh, Unnayan Shamannay (Organization : Bangladesh<br /> Sustainable Environment Management Programme (Bangladesh), Unnayan Shamannay, ISBN 984-32-3225-9 (984-32-3225-9)<br /><u><br /></u><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Awards and recognition</u></span></h2>
<br />Atiur Rahman was awarded the Atish Dipankar Gold Medal in 2000 and the Chandrabati Gold Medal in 2008.<br />
<br />
For more detail visit here:Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-31186723220347647782014-10-22T21:37:00.000-07:002014-10-22T21:37:37.205-07:00Zahid Hasan <h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><br /></u></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Zahid Hasan </u></span></h2>
<br /><br /><b>Born </b> October 4, 1967<br />Sirajganj, Bangladesh<br /><b>Nationality</b> Bangladeshi<br /><b>Occupation </b> Film and drama actor, Director<br /><b>Spouse(s) </b> Sadia Islam Mou<br />
<br />
<br />Zahid Hasan (Bengali: জাহিদ হাসান) is a Bengali drama and film actor.<br /><br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Career</span></u></h2>
<br />
<h2>
<br /></h2>
A native of Sirajganj, Bangladesh, Hasan was part of a theatre group for several years before moving to television in 1990. He took the lead in the BTV adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's Shomapti and the protagonist in Bichchhu. While he made his first film appearance in 1986, his most notable role was in 2000's Srabon Megher Din, for which he won a national award. In addition to acting, he has directed several serials and teleplays.<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Personal life</span></u></h2>
<br />Hasan resides in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. He is married to Sadia Islam Mou, a model. Together they have two children - daughter Puspita and son Purno.<br />
<br />
<br />
For more detail visit here:Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060929529160447833.post-61559727671231680322014-10-16T23:25:00.001-07:002014-10-16T23:25:24.123-07:00Lionel Messi (Argentina & Barcelona)<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lionel Messi (Argentina & Barcelona)</span></u></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Lionel_Messi_Player_of_the_Year_2011.jpg/485px-Lionel_Messi_Player_of_the_Year_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Lionel_Messi_Player_of_the_Year_2011.jpg/485px-Lionel_Messi_Player_of_the_Year_2011.jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></div>
<u><br /></u>
<u><b>Personal information</b></u><br />
<b>Full name </b> Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini<br />
<b>Date of birth </b> 24 June 1987 (age 27)<br />
<b>Place of birth </b> Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina<br />
<b>Height </b> 1.69 m (5 ft 6 1⁄2 in)<br />
<b>Playing position </b> Forward<br />
<u><b>Club information</b></u><br />
<b>Current team</b> Barcelona<br />
<b>Number </b> 10<br />
<u><b>Youth career</b></u><br />
<b>1995–2000</b> Newell's Old Boys<br />
<b>2000–2003 </b> Barcelona<br />
<u><b>Senior career*</b></u><br />
<br />
<b>2003–2004</b> Barcelona C 10 (5)<br />
<b>2004–2005</b> Barcelona B 22 (6)<br />
<b>2004–</b> Barcelona 284 (249)<br />
<u><b>National team‡</b></u><br />
<b>2004–2005 </b> Argentina U20 18 (14)<br />
<b>2007–2008 </b> Argentina U23 5 (2)<br />
<b>2005– </b> Argentina 95 (44)<br />
<u><b>Honors</b></u><br />
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 21:14, 4 October 2014 (UTC).<br />
<br />
† Appearances (Goals).<br />
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 14 October 2014<br />
<br />
Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi Cuccittini (Spanish pronunciation: [ljoˈnel anˈdɾes ˈmesi] ( listen); born 24 June 1987), is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club FC Barcelona and captains the Argentina national team.<br />
<br />
By the age of 21, Messi had received Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations. The following year, in 2009, he won his first Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards. He followed this up by winning the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2010, and then again in 2011 and 2012. He also won the 2010–11 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. At the age of 24, Messi became Barcelona's all-time top scorer in all official club competitions. At age 25, Messi became the youngest player to score 200 goals in La Liga. In September 2014, Messi scored his 400th senior career goal for club and country aged just 27.<br />
<br />
Commonly ranked as the best player in the world and rated by some in the sport as the greatest of all time, Messi is the first football player in history to win four FIFA/Ballons d'Or, all of which he won consecutively, and the first to win three European Golden Shoe awards. With Barcelona, Messi has won six La Ligas, two Copas del Rey, six Supercopas de España, three UEFA Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups and two Club World Cups.<br />
<br />
Messi is the first and only player to top-score in four consecutive Champions League campaigns, and also holds the record for the most hat-tricks scored (4) in the competition. In March 2012, Messi made Champions League history by becoming the first player to score five goals in one match. He also matched José Altafini's record of 14 goals in a single Champions League season. Messi set the European record for most goals scored in a season during the 2011–12 season, with 73 goals. In the same season, he set the current goalscoring record in a single La Liga season, scoring 50 goals. Also in that season, Messi became the first player ever to score and assist in six different official competitions in one season. On 16 February 2013, Messi scored his 300th Barcelona goal. On 30 March 2013, Messi scored in his 19th consecutive La Liga game, becoming the first footballer in history to net in consecutive matches against every team in a professional football league. He extended his record scoring streak to 21 consecutive league matches, and the run came to a halt only when he sustained a hamstring injury. In March 2014, with a hat-trick against Real Madrid, Messi became the player with the most goals and most hat-tricks in the history of El Clásico.<br />
<br />
Messi helped Argentina win the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, finishing as both the best player and the top scorer (with six goals). In 2006, he became the youngest Argentine to play and score in the FIFA World Cup, and won a runners-up medal at the Copa América in 2007, in which he was named young player of the tournament. In 2008, he won an Olympic Gold Medal with the Argentina Olympic football team. At the 2014 World Cup, he led Argentina to the final, winning four consecutive Man of the Match awards in the process, and received the Golden Ball award as the best player of the tournament. In 2013, SportsPro rated him the second-most marketable athlete in the world. His playing style and stature have drawn comparisons to compatriot Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his "successor"<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Early life</span></u></h2>
<br />
Messi was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, to parents Jorge Horácio Messi, a factory steel worker, and Celia María Cuccittini, a part-time cleaner. His paternal family originates from the Italian city of Ancona, from where his ancestor, Angelo Messi, emigrated to Argentina in 1883. He has two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and a sister, María Sol. At the age of five, Messi started playing football for Grandoli, a local club coached by his father Jorge. In 1995, Messi switched to Newell's Old Boys who were based in his home city Rosario. He became part of a local youth powerhouse that lost only one match in the next four years and became locally known as "The Machine of '87", from the year of their birth.<br />
<br />
At the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Local team River Plate showed interest in Messi's progress, but were not willing to pay for treatment for his condition, which cost $900 a month. Carles Rexach, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, was made aware of his talent as Messi had relatives in Lleida in western Catalonia, and Messi and his father were able to arrange a trial with the team. Rexach, with no other paper at hand, offered Messi a contract written on a paper napkin. Barcelona offered to pay Messi's medical bills on the condition that he moved to Spain. Messi and his father duly moved to Barcelona, where Messi enrolled in the club's youth academy.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Barcelona</u><u><br /></u><u>2000–04 junior years</u></span></h2>
<br />
Messi played in FC Barcelona's junior Infantil B and Cadete B & A teams from 2000 to 2003 (scoring 37 goals in 30 matches in Cadete A). He was nearly released from the club in 2003 because of financial constraints, but his youth coaches convinced management to keep him (Cesc Fàbregas was released during this purge). Season 2003–04 saw him on a record five different teams: He started one match in Juvenil B (one goal) and got promoted to Juvenil A (14 matches, 21 goals). Later, he debuted for the FC Barcelona C team (Tercera División) on 29 November 2003 and for FC Barcelona B (Segunda División B) on 6 March 2004. He played for both teams during the season (10 matches, five goals and five matches, zero goals, respectively). Even before these two debuts, Messi made his official debut for the first-team on 16 November 2003 aged 16 years and 145 days, in a friendly match against Porto.<br />
<br />
Less than a year after his start, Frank Rijkaard gave him his league debut against RCD Espanyol on 16 October 2004 (at 17 years and 114 days), becoming the third-youngest player ever to play for Barcelona and youngest club player to play in La Liga, which would be broken by Bojan Krkić in September 2007. When he scored his first senior goal for the club against Albacete Balompié on 1 May 2005, Messi was 17 years, ten months and seven days old, becoming the youngest to ever score in a La Liga game for Barcelona until the record was broken by Bojan Krkić in 2007, scoring from a Messi assist. Messi said about his ex-coach Rijkaard: "I'll never forget the fact that he launched my career, that he had confidence in me while I was only 16 or 17." During the season, Messi played also in Barcelona B (Segunda División B) scoring six goals in 17 matches.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2005–06 season</span></u></h2>
<br />
On 16 September, for the second time in three months, Barcelona announced an update to Messi's contract; this time it was improved to pay him as a first team member and extended until June 2014. Messi obtained Spanish citizenship on 26 September 2005 and was finally able to make his debut in the season's Spanish First Division. Messi's first home outing in the Champions League came on 27 September against Italian club Udinese. Fans at Barcelona's stadium, the Camp Nou, gave Messi a standing ovation upon his substitution, as his composure on the ball and passing combinations with Ronaldinho had paid dividends for Barcelona.<br />
<br />
Messi netted six goals in 17 league appearances, and scored one Champions League goal in six. His season ended prematurely on 7 March 2006, however, when he suffered a muscle tear in his right thigh during the second leg of the second round Champions League tie against Chelsea. Rijkaard's Barcelona ended the season as champions of Spain and Europe.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2006–07 season</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Barcelona_vs_Rangers.jpg/800px-Barcelona_vs_Rangers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Barcelona_vs_Rangers.jpg/800px-Barcelona_vs_Rangers.jpg" height="173" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the 2006–07 season, Messi established himself as a regular first team player, scoring 14 times in 26 matches. On 12 November, in the game against Real Zaragoza, Messi suffered a broken metatarsal, ruling him out for three months. On 10 March, El Clásico saw Messi in top form, scoring a hat-trick to earn 10-man Barcelona a 3–3 draw, equalising three times, with the final equaliser coming in injury time. In doing so he became the first player since Iván Zamorano (for Real Madrid in the 1994–95 season) to score a hat-trick in El Clásico. Messi is also the youngest player ever to have scored in this fixture. Towards the end of the season he began finding the net more often; 11 of his 14 league goals for the season came from the last 13 games.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Lionel_Messi_goal_19abr2007.jpg/800px-Lionel_Messi_goal_19abr2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Lionel_Messi_goal_19abr2007.jpg/800px-Lionel_Messi_goal_19abr2007.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Regularly compared to Maradona, Messi proved the comparison was not all hype by nearly replicating the former player's most famous goals in the space of the single season. On 18 April 2007, he scored two goals during a 2006–07 Copa del Rey semi-final against Getafe CF, one of which was very similar to Maradona's famous goal against England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, known as the Goal of the Century. The world's sports press drew comparisons with Maradona, and the Spanish press labelled Messi as "Messidona". He ran about the same distance, 62 metres (203 ft), beat the same number of players (six, including the goalkeeper), scored from a very similar position, and ran towards the corner flag just as Maradona did in Mexico 21 years before. In a press conference after the game, Messi's team-mate Deco said: "It was the best goal I have ever seen in my life." Against RCD Espanyol Messi also scored a goal which was remarkably similar to Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal against England in the World Cup quarter-finals. Messi launched himself at the ball and connected with his hand to guide the ball past the goalkeeper Carlos Kameni. Despite protests by Espanyol players and replays showing it was clear handball, the goal stood. During his time at FC Barcelona, manager Frank Rijkaard decided to move Messi from the left flank onto the right wing, initially against the player's wishes, allowing him to cut into the centre of the pitch and shoot or cross with his left foot.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2007–08 season</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Messi_22_Sep_07_v_Sevilla.JPG/514px-Messi_22_Sep_07_v_Sevilla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Messi_22_Sep_07_v_Sevilla.JPG/514px-Messi_22_Sep_07_v_Sevilla.JPG" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
<br />
Messi was nominated for a FIFPro World XI Player Award under the category of Forward. A poll conducted in the online edition of the Spanish newspaper Marca had him as the best player in the world with 77 percent of the vote. Columnists from Barcelona-based newspapers El Mundo Deportivo and Sport stated that the Ballon d'Or should be given to Messi, a view supported by Franz Beckenbauer. Football personalities such as Francesco Totti have declared that they consider Messi to be one of the current best footballers in the world. Messi finished third in the 2007 Ballon d'Or, behind Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo, and finished second in the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year award, once again behind Kaká. He also came in third in the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker Award, once again behind Kaká and Andrea Pirlo.<br />
<br />
On 27 February, Messi played in his 100th official match for Barcelona against Valencia CF but only a few days later he was sidelined for six weeks following an injury on 4 March when he suffered a muscle tear in his left thigh during a Champions League match against Celtic FC. It was the fourth time in three seasons that Messi suffered this type of injury. Messi scored 6 goals and provided 1 assist during the Champions League that season, as Barcelona were knocked out in the semi-finals, to the eventual winners Manchester United. When the season was over Messi had managed to score 16 goals and assisted 13 times in all competitions.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2008–09 season</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/039_men_at_work_UEFA_2009%2C_Rome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/039_men_at_work_UEFA_2009%2C_Rome.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Upon Ronaldinho's departure from the club, Messi inherited his number 10 jersey. During this season he placed second in the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year awards with 678 points and third in the 2008 IFFHS World's Best Playmaker Award for the second consecutive year.<br />
<br />
Messi scored his first hat-trick of 2009 in a Copa del Rey tie against Atlético Madrid which Barcelona won 3–1. Messi scored another important double on 1 February 2009, coming on as a second half substitute to help Barcelona defeat Racing Santander 1–2 after being 1–0 down. The second of the two strikes was Barcelona's 5000th league goal. On 8 April 2009, he scored twice against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, setting a personal record of eight goals in the competition.<br />
<br />
As Barcelona's season was drawing to a close, Messi scored twice (his 35th and 36th goals in all competitions) to cap a 6–2 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in what was Real's heaviest defeat since 1930. He won his first Copa del Rey on 13 May, scoring one goal and assisting another two, in a 4–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao. He helped his team win the double by winning La Liga. On 27 May he helped Barcelona win the Champions League by scoring a second goal in the 70th minute giving Barcelona a two goal lead; he also became the top scorer in the Champions League, the youngest in the tournament's history, with nine goals. Messi also won the UEFA Club Forward of the Year and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year rounding off a spectacular year in Europe. Barcelona had won the Copa del Rey, La Liga and Champions League in one season; the first time a Spanish club had ever won the treble. The all-star attacking trio of Messi (38 goals), Samuel Eto'o (36 goals) and Thierry Henry (26 goals) scored exactly 100 goals between them in the club's historic treble year.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2009–10 season</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Messi_vs_Atlante.JPG/800px-Messi_vs_Atlante.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Messi_vs_Atlante.JPG/800px-Messi_vs_Atlante.JPG" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After winning the 2009 UEFA Super Cup, Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola asserted that Messi was probably the best player he had ever seen. This would also be the season in which Guardiola would first move Messi from the position of right winger into his now iconic "false-9" role in the centre of the front line at Barcelona. On 18 September, Messi signed a new contract with Barcelona, running until 2016 and with a buy-out clause of €250 million included, making Messi, then along with Zlatan Ibrahimović, the highest paid players in La Liga, with earnings of around €9.5 million yearly.<br />
<br />
Messi was named winner of the 2009 Ballon d'Or on 1 December 2009, beating runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo by largest ever margin of 473 to 233. He also placed second in the 2009 IFFHS World's Best Playmaker Award. behind team mate Xavi.<br />
<br />
On 19 December, Messi scored the winner in the final of the 2009 Club World Cup against Estudiantes in Abu Dhabi, giving the club their sixth title of the year. Two days later, he was given the FIFA World Player of the Year award, beating Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, Kaká and Andrés Iniesta. This was the first time he had won the award, and he became the first Argentinian to ever receive this honour. On 10 January 2010, Messi scored his first hat-trick in 2010 and his first hat-trick of the season against CD Tenerife in the 0–5 victory, and on 17 January he scored his 100th goal for the club in the 4–0 victory over Sevilla FC.<br />
<br />
Messi scored a hat-trick against Valencia CF in a 3–0 home win, and finally he scored another hat-trick against Real Zaragoza in a 4–2 away win, becoming the first Barcelona player to score back-to-back hat-tricks in La Liga. He played his 200th official match for Barcelona against CA Osasuna on 24 March 2010.<br />
<br />
On 6 April 2010, for the first time in Messi's career he scored four goals in a single match, netting the lot in a 4–1 home win over Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. This also saw him overtake Rivaldo as Barcelona's all time greatest scorer in the competition. In the final league match of the season against Valladolid, he scored two goals in the second half to tie Ronaldo's club record of 34 goals in a single league season, set in 1996–97, and to finish four goals behind the all-time record held by Telmo Zarra. He was named La Liga player of the year for the second year in a row on 3 June 2010. He finished the season with 47 goals in all competitions, tying Ronaldo's record from the 1996–97 season, and he provided 11 assists.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2010–11 season</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/RMDvsBAR_UCL_SF_1.jpg/800px-RMDvsBAR_UCL_SF_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/RMDvsBAR_UCL_SF_1.jpg/800px-RMDvsBAR_UCL_SF_1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On 21 August 2010, Messi scored a hat-trick in his first start of the season in a 4–0 victory over Sevilla FC in the Supercopa de España, helping Barcelona secure their first trophy of the season after a 1–3 first leg loss.<br />
<br />
On 19 September 2010, Messi suffered an ankle injury due to an ill-advised tackle by Atlético Madrid defender Tomáš Ujfaluši in the 92nd minute of their Round 3 match at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. At first sight it was feared that Messi suffered a broken ankle that could have kept the star player away from the pitch for a minimum of six months, but MRI performed the next day in Barcelona showed he suffered a sprain in the internal and external ligaments of his right ankle. Team-mate David Villa stated "the tackle on Messi was brutal" after watching the video of the play and also added that he believed the Atlético defender "didn't go into the tackle to hurt". The incident caused widespread media attention and brought up the debate of equality in protecting all players in the game. Against UD Almería Messi scored his second hat-trick of the season in an impressive 8–0 away win, the second of which was his 100th La Liga goal.<br />
<br />
Messi won the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or, beating his Barcelona teammates Xavi and Iniesta. Messi had been nominated for the awards for the fourth consecutive year. On 5 February, Barcelona broke the record for most consecutive league wins with 16 victories after they defeated Atlético Madrid 3–0 at the Camp Nou. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to ensure the victory for his side and after the match he stated, "it's an honor to be able to pass a record set by a great like "Di Stéfano" and "if the record has been around for so long is because it's very complicated to achieve and we have reached it by defeating a very difficult team who's going through a bad situation, which makes it even more difficult."<br />
<br />
After failing to score for a month he scored a brace against UD Almería; the second goal was his 47th of the season, equalling his club record return of the previous season. He surpassed his record on 12 April 2011 by scoring the winner against Shakhtar Donetsk in a UEFA Champions League game, which put him in the record book as all time top scorer in a single season for Barcelona. He scored his eighth goal on El Clásico on a 1–1 tie at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. On 23 April, Messi scored his 50th goal of the season against CA Osasuna in a 2–0 home victory which he came on as a substitute in the 60th minute. He finished the season by winning La Liga and scoring 31 goals as he finished runner-up in the Pichichi trophy to Cristiano Ronaldo, who had managed to score 40. Messi finished the league season as the top assist provider with 18 assists.<br />
<br />
On 20 April, Barcelona were defeated by arch-rivals Real Madrid in the 2011 Copa del Rey Final. Messi set up a goal for Pedro, which was however ruled offside. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal of the match in extra time. Messi was however the joint top-scorer of the tournament along with Cristiano Ronaldo, with 7 goals.<br />
<br />
In the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, he gave a memorable performance, scoring twice against Real Madrid in a 2–0 win, the second goal (a dribble past several players) being acclaimed as one of the best ever at that stage of the competition. At the Champions League Final at Wembley, Messi scored the eventual game-clinching goal to give Barcelona their third title in six years and fourth overall. This was also Messi's 12th goal in the Champions League that season, which allowed him to tie Ruud Van Nistelrooy's record of 12 goals in a single European Cup season, after it was re-established as the UEFA Champions League, in 1992. The overall record of goals scored in a single European Cup Season, is José Altafini's record of 14 goals, which Messi did however equal in the following season. Messi finished the 2010–11 season with 53 goals and 24 assists in all competitions combined.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2011–12 season</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/FC_Barcelona_Team_2%2C_2011.jpg/800px-FC_Barcelona_Team_2%2C_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/FC_Barcelona_Team_2%2C_2011.jpg/800px-FC_Barcelona_Team_2%2C_2011.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Messi started the season by lifting the Spanish Supercup with Barcelona, scoring three goals and providing two assists in a 5–4 aggregate win against Real Madrid. His vital interventions continued in the next official match played against Porto when he scored again following a weak back pass from Fredy Guarín before setting up Cesc Fàbregas to give Barcelona a 2–0 victory and the UEFA Super Cup, then the only official competition that remained for him to score in.<br />
<br />
In August, Messi became the second highest goalscorer surpassing László Kubala on 194 goals, being behind only to César Rodríguez on 232 goals in all official competitions.<br />
<br />
On 28 September, Messi scored his first two Champions League goals of the season against BATE Borisov, becoming Barcelona's second highest goalscorer in its history, tying László Kubala, at 194 goals in all official competitions. He surpassed that record when he scored two goals against Racing Santander. He became second in Barcelona's La Liga goalscorers list with 132 goals, one more than Kubala. He scored his 200th Barcelona goal and two more as part of a hat-trick in his next game against Viktoria Plzeň in the Champions League.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Lionel_Messi_Player_of_the_Year%2C_2011.jpg/657px-Lionel_Messi_Player_of_the_Year%2C_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Lionel_Messi_Player_of_the_Year%2C_2011.jpg/657px-Lionel_Messi_Player_of_the_Year%2C_2011.jpg" height="292" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Messi started the season by lifting the Spanish Supercup with Barcelona, scoring three goals and providing two assists in a 5–4 aggregate win against Real Madrid. His vital interventions continued in the next official match played against Porto when he scored again following a weak back pass from Fredy Guarín before setting up Cesc Fàbregas to give Barcelona a 2–0 victory and the UEFA Super Cup, then the only official competition that remained for him to score in.<br />
<br />
In August, Messi became the second highest goalscorer surpassing László Kubala on 194 goals, being behind only to César Rodríguez on 232 goals in all official competitions.<br />
<br />
On 28 September, Messi scored his first two Champions League goals of the season against BATE Borisov, becoming Barcelona's second highest goalscorer in its history, tying László Kubala, at 194 goals in all official competitions. He surpassed that record when he scored two goals against Racing Santander. He became second in Barcelona's La Liga goalscorers list with 132 goals, one more than Kubala. He scored his 200th Barcelona goal and two more as part of a hat-trick in his next game against Viktoria Plzeň in the Champions League.<br />
<br />
On 3 April, Messi scored two goals from penalty kicks against Milan in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, allowing him to surpass his personal record, joint with Ruud van Nistelrooy, of 12 goals in a single UEFA Champions League season. These goals allowed him to tie José Altafini's record of 14 goals in a single European Cup season in the 1962–63 season, before the tournament's re-establishment as the UEFA Champions League in 1992. Messi was unable to score in the semi-finals, although he provided an assist in the second leg, as Barcelona were knocked out to eventual winners Chelsea. During the second leg match, Messi missed an important penalty, hitting the crossbar. The goal would have put Barcelona ahead on aggregate.<br />
<br />
On 11 April, Messi scored his 61st goal of the season against Getafe CF, and made two assists. On 2 May, Messi scored a hat-trick against Málaga CF surpassing Gerd Müller's record (67 goals in 1972–73) with 68 goals, and thus becoming the best goalscorer in history in one season in Europe. It was the 21st multi-goal game of the season for Messi and his seventh La Liga hat-trick. He then scored four goals on 5 May against RCD Espanyol to take his tally to an unprecedented 72 goals, in the process becoming only the second player to pass 70 goals in a first division season since Archie Stark of Bethlehem Steel in the American Soccer League in 1924–25.<br />
<br />
On 25 May, he scored again in the 2012 Copa del Rey Final, helping Barcelona win their 26th Spanish Cup title, and increasing his seasonal goalscoring record to an unmatched 73 goals in all competitions. This was also Guardiola's last match as Barcelona's manager, and the Cup win marked Messi's second Copa del Rey title, after losing the final the year before, as well as his 14th Barcelona trophy during Guardiola's four seasons at the club. Although Barcelona failed to win their fourth consecutive Liga title under Guardiola, finishing runners-up to arch-rivals Real Madrid, Messi finished the 2011–12 season as the top goalscorer in La Liga for a second time, with a La Liga record of 50 goals. He was the second best assist provider in La Liga that season with 16 assists, after Mesut Özil, who managed 17. He also ended the season as the UEFA Champions' League Top Scorer for a fourth consecutive time, with 14 goals. He was one of the top assist providers of the tournament with 5 assists and finished the season with 73 goals and 29 assists in all club competitions, with more goals and assists than any other player.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2012–13 season</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Lionel_Messi_at_Bernabeu.jpg/298px-Lionel_Messi_at_Bernabeu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Lionel_Messi_at_Bernabeu.jpg/298px-Lionel_Messi_at_Bernabeu.jpg" height="320" width="158" /></a></div>
<br />
During Barcelona's first game of the season against Real Sociedad, Messi continued his goalscoring run with a brace in a 5–1 win at the Camp Nou. Messi added another goal from a penalty in a 3–2 win against rivals Real Madrid in the first leg of the 2012 Supercopa de España in Barcelona on 23 August. He added another brace against CA Osasuna as Barcelona came from behind away from home to beat them 2–1. Messi added another goal from a free kick in the second leg of the Supercopa de España, as Barcelona, down to ten men, were defeated by Real Madrid on away goals. This marked his 15th goal in the El Clásico Real Madrid-Barcelona derby, which made him Barcelona's top scorer in Clasico matches, putting him tied with Raúl, behind only Alfredo Di Stefano, with 18 goals. Messi placed second along with Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2012 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, with 17 votes each. The award was won by Messi's Barcelona team mate Andrés Iniesta. In his third league appearance on 2 September against Valencia CF, Messi assisted the only goal of the match, by team mate Adriano, from a short corner. Messi scored two more goals in a win against Getafe on 15 September and added another brace in his first Champions League match of the season against Spartak Moscow on 20 September, ending in a 3–2 win to Barcelona, also marking his tenth goal of the season.<br />
<br />
On 11 November, Messi scored twice at RCD Mallorca, his 75th and 76th goals in 2012, surpassing Pelé's milestone of 75 goals (1958) in a calendar year, and moved within nine of German legend Gerd Müller's all-time Guinness World Records title. His 77th and 78th goals came against Real Zaragoza at Camp Nou which moved Messi seven goals away from the record. On 20 November, Messi scored twice at Spartak Moscow, his 79th and 80th goals of 2012 and moved to within five goals of the record. Messi continued his scoring run against Levante UD on 25 November with his 81st and 82nd goals of the year which moved him within three goals of Müller. On 1 December, Messi scored twice against Athletic Bilbao, his 83rd and 84th goals of the year, meaning he pulled to within one goal of Müller's record set in 1972. The two goals also meant Messi equaled the record for Barcelona's all time leading goalscoring record in La Liga, which was held by César Rodríguez with 190 goals. On 9 December, Messi scored twice against Real Betis, his 85th and 86th goals in 2012, surpassing Müller's milestone of 85 goals scored in a calendar year in 1972 with Bayern Munich and the German national team, as well as surpassing Rodríguez's record for most league goals for Barcelona. Messi sent Müller a No.10 Barcelona shirt, signed "with respect and admiration", after breaking his record. On 12 December, Messi increased his record to 88, after scoring twice against Córdoba CF in the first leg of a Copa del Rey game. On 16 December, Messi scored twice in a 4–1 Barcelona victory against Atlético Madrid, increasing his record to 90 goals. The tally found its end at 91 goals in a year after Messi scored once against Real Valladolid. FIFA, however, refuses to acknowledge the record for the most goals in a calendar year, citing verifiability issues. On 18 December 2012, it was announced that Barcelona would renew the contract of Messi, extending it until 30 June 2018. The contract was signed 7 February 2013.<br />
<br />
On 7 January 2013 odds-on favourite Messi won the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or, again beating Cristiano Ronaldo into second place with team-mate Andrés Iniesta third. In doing this, Messi became the only player in history to win the Ballon d'Or four times. Messi described receiving the accolade as "really quite unbelievable" and "too great for words". The achievement fuelled media comparison of Messi with former greats of the sport such as Diego Maradona and Pelé.<br />
<br />
On 27 January 2013, Messi scored 4 goals in a 5–1 win against Osasuna, including his 200th goal in La Liga, becoming the eighth and youngest player to do so. This brought his La Liga tally for the season up to 33, and his goalscoring total to 44 goals in all competitions. On 16 February 2013, Messi scored his 300th Barcelona goal the La Liga match against Granada CF, later scoring again in the match to bring his tally to 301 goals in 365 official matches. On 2 March 2013, Messi scored a goal against Real Madrid in a match that Barcelona lost 2–1. With that goal, Lionel Messi equalled Alfredo Di Stefano's Clasico goals record of 18. On 9 March 2013, Messi scored after coming on as a substitute against Deportivo de La Coruña, scoring in his 17th consecutive league match and breaking the all-time world record. Messi's record goalscoring run of 33 goals in 21 games ended against Atletico Madrid.<br />
<br />
On 12 March, Messi scored two goals, and helped create the fourth, to help Barcelona defeat Milan (4–0) in the second leg of their Champions League game and reach the quarter-finals. Messi's opening goal against Milan once again drew further comparisons between himself and Diego Maradona, due to the similarity between Messi's opening goal of the match and Maradona's famous goal against Greece in the 1994 World Cup. On 17 March 2013, in a match against Rayo Vallecano, Messi wore the captain's armband for the first time in an official match for Barcelona, taking over after Andrés Iniesta was substituted. On 30 March, Messi scored for the 19th consecutive La Liga game, netting Barcelona's second goal at Celta de Vigo and thus becoming the first footballer in La Liga's history to score in consecutive matches against every team.<br />
<br />
On 2 April 2013, after scoring a goal in a match against Paris Saint-Germain, Messi suffered from a hamstring problem in his left leg and was substituted at half time. Since then his first team appearances have been irregular. On 13 May 2013, Messi was unable to finish the match against Atletico Madrid due to recurrence of the hamstring injury in his left leg, he was forced to leave the field midway through the second half. It was later announced that he could miss the rest of the season due to the injury. In the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona were down a goal, and Messi was on the bench due to a recurring injury problem. In the second half, Messi came off the bench and combined with David Villa to help create Pedro's game tying goal for Barcelona, which allowed them to progress to the semi-finals. Barcelona were eliminated in the semi-finals by the eventual winners of the competition, Bayern Munich. Barcelona were also eliminated in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, by arch-rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona, however, managed to regain the La Liga title from Real Madrid, equalling their record 100 point campaign, which had been accomplished during the previous season. Messi once again finished as La Liga's top scorer for the second consecutive year, with 46 goals, also producing 12 assists in the competition. Messi scored 60 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions that season.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2013–14 season</span></u></h2>
<br />
Messi was nominated for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribéry, for a third consecutive year. Ribéry won the award with 36 votes. Messi finished in second place with 14 votes, while Ronaldo finished in third-place with 3 votes. On 18 August 2013, Messi opened the 2013–14 La Liga Season with two goals and an assist against Levante UD, as Barcelona went on to win the match 7–0. On 28 August, Barcelona claimed their 11th Supercopa de España title over Atlético Madrid on away goals.<br />
<br />
On 1 September, Messi scored his 23rd career hat-trick in a 3–2 win against Valencia CF. With these goals he became the player to score 100 away goals and become highest scorer in away fixtures in the league's history. These goals made him the sixth-highest goalscorer in the history of La Liga, surpassing Quini's tally of 219. On 18 September 2013, Messi scored his 24th career hat-trick in Barcelona's first Champions League win of the season, at home against Ajax, which ended 4–0. The goals made him the second-highest goalscorer of all time in the Champions League, with 62 goals, only behind Raúl, and the fourth-highest goalscorer of all time in European Competitions, with 63. With this hatrick Messi became the first player to score four hat tricks in the Champions League. On 10 November, Messi suffered an injury in a 4–1 away win against Real Betis, which would keep him sidelined until January 2014. This was his third injury of the season.<br />
<br />
On 8 January 2014, Messi returned from injury to score twice for Barça in a 4–0 Copa del Rey win against Getafe. On 13 January, he placed second in the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or, behind Cristiano Ronaldo. On 15 February, Messi scored twice against Rayo Vallecano in a 6–0 win to overtake fellow Argentine Alfredo di Stéfano and draw level with Raúl as the third-highest goalscorer in La Liga history with 228 goals.<br />
<br />
On 16 March 2014, Messi scored a hat-trick in a 7–0 defeat of Osasuna to overtake Paulino Alcántara as Barça's top goalscorer in all competitions, including friendlies. On 23 March, he scored a hat-trick in a 4–3 win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu to become the outright all-time top goalscorer in El Clásico fixtures, ahead of Di Stefano. These goals also enabled him to become the second highest goalscorer in La Liga, overtaking Hugo Sánchez.<br />
<br />
Messi finished his club season with only one trophy, the Spanish Super Cup, as Barcelona finished as runners-up in La Liga, behind Atletico Madrid, who had also eliminated them in the quarter-finals of the Champions League that season. Barcelona were also defeated in the Copa del Rey final by rivals Real Madrid, although Messi was the top scorer in the competition. Messi concluded the season with 41 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, but his 28 league goals in La Liga were not enough for him to defend the Pichichi trophy, which went to Cristiano Ronaldo, who managed 31 goals. On 16 May 2014, Messi agreed a new contract with the Catalan club.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2014–15 season</span></u></h2>
<br />
Messi opened the 2014-15 La Liga season for Barcelona by scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Elche CF. In the following match against Villareal CF, he set up Sandro's match-winning goal, although he suffered an injury to an abductor muscle in his right hip. On 27 September, Messi scored his 400th professional career goal, aged just 27, in a 6–0 home win over Granada CF; he later added a second, and also provided two assists during the match. In a post-match news conference he was lauded by his coach Luis Enrique, who stated: "It's like Messi was touched by a magic wand."<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>International career</u></span></h2>
<br />
Often referred to as an Argentine-Spanish player, this crossover was brought into sharp focus when in 2004, Lionel was offered the chance to play for the Spanish national U-20 team. He declined the offer given his Argentinian heritage, and was given the opportunity to play for Argentina's U-20 team in a friendly match against Paraguay in June 2004. Messi scored once against Paraguay and twice in friendly against Uruguay in July 2004. In 2005 he was part of a team that finished third in 2005 South American Youth Championship in Colombia. He won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands with the team and won the Golden Ball and the Golden Shoe, scoring in the last four of Argentina's matches and netting a total of six for the tournament.<br />
<br />
He made his full international debut on 17 August 2005 against Hungary at the age of 18. He was substituted on during the 63rd minute, but was sent off on the 65th minute because the referee, Markus Merk, claimed that Messi had allegedly elbowed defender Vilmos Vanczák, who was tugging Messi's shirt. The decision was contentious and Diego Maradona even claimed the decision was pre-meditated. Messi was later reportedly found weeping in the changing rooms after the decision. Messi returned to the team on 3 September in Argentina's 1–0 World Cup qualifier away defeat to Paraguay. Ahead of the match he had said "This is a re-debut. The first one was a bit short."He then started his first game for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier against Peru, in which he was able to win a crucial penalty for Argentina to win the match; after the match national coach José Pékerman described Messi as "a jewel". He scored his first goal for Argentina in a friendly match against Croatia on 1 March 2006.<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2006 World Cup</span></u></h2>
<br />
An injury that kept Messi from playing for two months at the end of the 2005–06 season jeopardised his presence in the 2006 World Cup. Nevertheless, Messi was selected in the Argentina squad for the tournament on 15 May 2006. He also played in the final match before the World Cup against the Argentine U-20 team for 15 minutes and a friendly match against Angola from the 64th minute. He witnessed Argentina's opening match victory against Ivory Coast from the substitutes' bench.<br />
<br />
In the next match against Serbia and Montenegro, Messi became the youngest player to represent Argentina at a World Cup when he came on as a substitute for Maxi Rodríguez in the 74th minute. He assisted Hernán Crespo's goal within minutes of entering the game and also scored the final goal in the 6–0 victory, making him the youngest scorer in the tournament and the sixth youngest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup. Messi started in Argentina's following 0–0 draw against the Netherlands. In the following game against Mexico, Messi came on as a substitute in the 84th minute, with the score tied at 1–1. He appeared to score a goal, but it was ruled offside with Argentina needing a late goal in extra time to proceed. José Pekerman left Messi on the bench during the quarter-final match against Germany, which they lost 4–2 on a penalty shootout.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2007 Copa América</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Messi_in_Copa_America_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Messi_in_Copa_America_2007.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Messi played his first game in the 2007 Copa América on 29 June 2007, when Argentina defeated United States 4–1 in the first game. In this game, he showed his capabilities as a playmaker. He set up a goal for fellow striker Hernán Crespo and had numerous shots on target. Carlos Tevez came on as a substitute for Messi in the 79th minute and scored minutes later.<br />
<br />
His second game was against Colombia, in which he won a penalty that Crespo converted to tie the game at 1–1. He also played a part in Argentina's second goal as he was fouled outside the box, which allowed Juan Roman Riquelme to score from a free kick, and increase Argentina's lead to 3–1. The final score of the game was 4–2 in Argentina's favor and guaranteed them a spot in the tournament's quarter-finals.<br />
<br />
In the third game, against Paraguay the coach rested Messi having already qualified for the quarter-finals. He came off the bench in place of Esteban Cambiasso in the 64th minute, with the score at 0–0. In the 79th minute, he assisted a goal for Javier Mascherano. In the quarter-finals, as Argentina faced Peru, Messi scored the second goal of the game, from a Riquelme pass in a 4–0 win. During the semi-final match against Mexico, Messi scored a lob over Oswaldo Sánchez to see Argentina through to the final with a 3–0 win. Argentina went on to lose 3–0 to Brazil in the final. Messi was elected young player of the tournament.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2008 Summer Olympics</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/55/Messi_olympics-soccer-7.jpg/800px-Messi_olympics-soccer-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/55/Messi_olympics-soccer-7.jpg/800px-Messi_olympics-soccer-7.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Having barred Messi from playing for Argentina in the 2008 Olympics, Barcelona agreed to release him after he held talks with newly appointed coach Pep Guardiola. He joined the Argentina squad and scored the first goal in a 2–1 victory over Ivory Coast. He then scored the opening goal and assisted Ángel Di María in the second to help his side to a 2–1 extra-time win against the Netherlands. He also featured in Argentina's match against rivals Brazil, in which Argentina took a 3–0 victory, thus advancing to the final. In the gold medal match, Messi again assisted Di María for the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Nigeria.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2010 World Cup qualification</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Messi_Podolski_Boateng_bench_2010.jpg/800px-Messi_Podolski_Boateng_bench_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Messi_Podolski_Boateng_bench_2010.jpg/800px-Messi_Podolski_Boateng_bench_2010.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On 28 March 2009, in a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela, Messi wore the number 10 jersey for the first time with Argentina. This match was the first official match for Diego Maradona as the Argentina manager. Argentina won the match 4–0 with Messi opening the scoring. Overall, Messi scored four goals in 18 appearances during the South American 2010 World Cup qualifying process.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2010 World Cup</span></u></h2>
<br />
In the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Messi wore the number 10 shirt for the first time in a major tournament. He played the entire game on Argentina's opening match of the tournament, the 1–0 victory against Nigeria. He had several opportunities to score but was repeatedly denied by Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who was named man of the match by FIFA. Messi started in Argentina's following 4–1 win against Korea Republic; he played in more of an attacking midfielder and playmaking role under Maradona, and participated in all of the goals of his team, helping Gonzalo Higuaín score a hat-trick. In the third group match, Messi was named captain for Argentina in a 2–0 win over Greece. He was again the centrepoint of Argentina's play, playing an important role in both of his team's goals, and was voted man of the match.<br />
<br />
At the Round of 16 he assisted a controversial goal to Carlos Tevez for the first goal in a 3–1 win against Mexico. The World Cup ended for Argentina with a 4–0 loss against Germany in the quarter-finals.<br />
<br />
Messi was nominated in ten player shortlist for Golden Ball award by FIFA Technical Study Group. The group identified Messi with the following words: "Outstanding in his pace and creativity for his team, dribbling, shooting, passing – spectacular and efficient".<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2011 Copa América</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Suisse_vs_Argentine_-_Granit_Xhaka_%26_Lionel_Messi.jpg/600px-Suisse_vs_Argentine_-_Granit_Xhaka_%26_Lionel_Messi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Suisse_vs_Argentine_-_Granit_Xhaka_%26_Lionel_Messi.jpg/600px-Suisse_vs_Argentine_-_Granit_Xhaka_%26_Lionel_Messi.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On 17 November 2010, Messi scored a last-minute goal against South American rivals Brazil after an individual effort to help his team to a 1–0 win in the friendly match, which was held in Doha. This was the first time that he had scored against Brazil at senior level.Messi scored another last-minute goal on 9 February 2011 against Portugal from a penalty kick which gave his side a 2–1 victory in the friendly match, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland. He had also previously assisted the first goal.<br />
<br />
Messi took part in the 2011 Copa América in Argentina, where he failed to score a goal but made three assists, finishing as the joint top assist provider of the tournament. He was selected as man of the match in the group matches against Bolivia (1–1) and Costa Rica (3–0). Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals in a penalty shoot-out against the eventual winners of the Copa América, Uruguay (1–1 a.e.t.), with Messi scoring as the first penalty taker. Messi had also previously assisted Higuaín's equaliser in the 17th minute.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2014 World Cup qualification</span></u></h2>
<br />
After Argentina's unsuccessful performance in the Copa América, Sergio Batista was replaced as Argentina coach with Alejandro Sabella. In August 2011, Sabella named Messi as the new permanent captain of the Argentina national team. Messi's first hat-trick for the Albiceleste came in a friendly match against Switzerland, on 29 February 2012, in a 3–1 win for Argentina.<br />
<br />
On 9 June 2012, Messi scored his second international hat-trick in a friendly match against rivals Brazil, including the match winner. The match ended 4–3 to Argentina and Messi was voted man of the match. This brought his international goalscoring tally up to 26 goals in 70 matches, and brought his 2012 tally up to 7 goals in 3 matches. This was also his record-breaking 82nd goal of the season, including all club and international matches. These goals also made him the fourth-highest goalscorer for the Argentinian national team.<br />
<br />
On 7 September, Messi scored his 28th goal for Argentina in a 3–1 victory against Paraguay in a 2014 World Cup qualifying match, sending them to the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table. This was his fourth goal in the current World Cup qualifying campaign and his eighth overall in World Cup qualifying matches, making him the third-highest scorer for Argentina in World Cup qualifying matches. This was also his tenth goal for Argentina in the past six matches and his ninth in five matches played in 2012.After scoring twice against Uruguay and once against Chile in October, Messi finished 2012 with 12 goals in nine appearances for Argentina.<br />
<br />
On 22 March 2013, Messi scored his first international goal of 2013 from the penalty spot in a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela. In the same match he provided two assists for Gonzalo Higuaín as Argentina won 3–0. On 14 June 2013, Messi scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 friendly win against Guatemala, surpassing Diego Maradona's 34 goals on Argentina's all-time top scorer's list and matching Hernán Crespo for second with 35 goals. Messi surpassed Crespo's tally in the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, scoring two goals from penalties as well as providing an assist for Sergio Agüero. The match finished 5–2 to Argentina, ensuring their qualification for the 2014 World Cup with two matches at hand. Messi ended the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign as second-top scorer in the South American section with ten goals. On 7 June 2014, Messi scored in a 2–0 win against Slovenia in a pre-World Cup friendly match, coming on as a substitute; this was his first goal for his national side in the year 2014.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2014 World Cup</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Germany_and_Argentina_face_off_in_the_final_of_the_World_Cup_2014_-2014-07-13_(24).jpg/728px-Germany_and_Argentina_face_off_in_the_final_of_the_World_Cup_2014_-2014-07-13_(24).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Germany_and_Argentina_face_off_in_the_final_of_the_World_Cup_2014_-2014-07-13_(24).jpg/728px-Germany_and_Argentina_face_off_in_the_final_of_the_World_Cup_2014_-2014-07-13_(24).jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Messi captained Argentina in their first match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, leading them to a 2–1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on 15 June. Argentina's opening goal came after three minutes when Messi's cross into the box from a free kick was met by Argentina defender Marcos Rojo whose header was deflected into the net by Sead Kolašinac. In the 65th minute, Messi scored Argentina's second, going on a trademark dribbling run past three players, after a one-two exchange with Higuaín, before scoring from the edge of the penalty area via a slight deflection off Mensur Mujdža. It was his first World Cup goal since scoring against Serbia and Montenegro on his World Cup debut in a 6–0 win in the 2006 tournament. In the team's second game, Messi scored a stoppage time winner against Iran with a strike from 25 yards out which curled into the left corner of the goal. This was Messi's 40th international goal, and the 1–0 win ensured Argentina qualified for the knockout stage. In the team's third group match on 25 June, Messi took his tally in the tournament to four goals, scoring twice in a 3–2 win against Nigeria, his second a free kick, as Argentina finished first in their group. Messi was elected man of the match in all three of Argentina's group games.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Cristina_Fern%C3%A1ndez_y_la_Selecci%C3%B3n_Argentina_de_f%C3%BAtbol_2014_%2C3.jpg/800px-Cristina_Fern%C3%A1ndez_y_la_Selecci%C3%B3n_Argentina_de_f%C3%BAtbol_2014_%2C3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Cristina_Fern%C3%A1ndez_y_la_Selecci%C3%B3n_Argentina_de_f%C3%BAtbol_2014_%2C3.jpg/800px-Cristina_Fern%C3%A1ndez_y_la_Selecci%C3%B3n_Argentina_de_f%C3%BAtbol_2014_%2C3.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In Argentina's round of 16 match against Switzerland, Messi assisted Ángel Di María's match winning goal in the 118th minute, giving Argentina a 1–0 win after extra time. After receiving the ball from Rodrigo Palacio, Messi began a dribbling run, taking it past Fabian Schär, and laying the ball off for Di María to score. Messi was once again elected man of the match. In the quarter-final match against Belgium, Messi started the play which led to Higuaín's match winning goal, sending Argentina to the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 1990. Argentina eliminated the Netherlands, 4–2 on penalties in the semi-final, after a 0–0 draw following extra time, allowing them to progress to the World Cup Final for the first time since Maradona had led them there in 1990. Messi was heavily marked by the Dutch and didn't score, but he netted Argentina's first penalty in the shootout.<br />
<br />
On 11 July, Messi was named on the 10-man shortlist by the FIFA technical committee for FIFA's Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player. The World Cup final match on 13 July, in a repeat of the 1990 final, was billed as the world's best player [Messi] versus the world's best team [Germany]. In the 29th minute, Messi had started a play which led to a goal by Higuaín, which was correctly ruled offside. Messi missed several opportunities to open the scoring throughout the match, in particular during his breakaway at the 47th minute, when his effort was put just wide of the far post. The game remained scoreless until German substitute Mario Götze scored in the 113th minute, then in the last minutes of extra time Messi's free kick sailed over the net, and Germany won the game 1-0 to claim the World Cup.<br />
<br />
Messi finished as the joint-third-highest goalscorer of the tournament, with four goals and an assist, though Neymar received the Bronze Boot due to the tie-breaking criteria of playing fewer minutes than Messi. Messi's goals against Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina were nominated for the goal of the tournament award, and were voted the ninth and eighth best goals of the tournament, respectively. Messi's four Man of the Match awards were the most of any player in the tournament.<br />
<br />
At the conclusion of the World Cup final, Messi was awarded the Golden Ball, as the tournament's best player, ahead of Thomas Müller and Arjen Robben, and was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team. Messi created the most chances, made the most successful dribbling runs, made the most deliveries into the box, and produced the most throughballs of any other player throughout the World Cup. However, the decision to award Messi the Golden Ball sparked controversy amongst the media, as Messi had no goals and just one assist (in the Round of 16 match) during the knockout round. FIFA President Sepp Blatter was surprised at the choice of Messi for the Golden Ball, while Argentina's former captain and coach Diego Maradona suggested that "marketing people" had chosen the wrong player for the award.On his award and the final, Messi commented: "I do not care about the Golden Ball. I am just upset by the wasted chances. We had the best chances. We knew we could not dominate the game but we knew what we wanted to do. Right now I do not care about my prize. I just wanted to lift the cup and bring it to Argentina. The pain is very great."<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Style of play</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Messi_Copa_America_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Messi_Copa_America_2011.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
Messi has been compared to compatriot Diego Maradona, due to their similar playing style and stature, which gives him a lower centre of gravity than most players, allowing him to be more agile and change direction more quickly, helping him to evade tackles. His short, strong legs allow him to excel in short bursts of acceleration and his quick feet allow him to keep control of the ball when dribbling at speed. His former FC Barcelona manager, Pep Guardiola, once stated: "Messi is the only player that runs faster with the ball than he does without it." Like Maradona before him, Messi is predominantly a left footed player. With the outside of his left foot, he usually begins dribbling runs, whilst he uses the inside of his foot to finish and provide passes and assists to team mates. Messi is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, and alongside Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, as one of the two best players in the world of his generation.<br />
<br />
Messi often undertakes individual dribbling runs towards goal, in particular during counterattacks, usually starting from the halfway line, or the right side of the pitch, although he has also been described as a versatile team player, with good vision, known for his passing and his creative combinations, in particular with Barcelona team mates Xavi and Iniesta. He is also an accurate free kick and penalty kick taker. With regard to his dribbling ability, Maradona has said of Messi: "The ball stays glued to his foot; I’ve seen great players in my career, but I’ve never seen anyone with Messi's ball control." Maradona considers Messi to currently be the greatest player in the world.<br />
<br />
Tactically, Messi plays a free attacking and occasionally a playmaking role, known for his finishing, pace, skill, dribbling, balance, positioning, vision and passing ability. He is comfortable attacking on either wing or through the centre of the pitch. He began his career as a left-winger and forward, but was later moved onto the right wing by former manager Frank Rijkaard, who noticed that from this position, Messi could cut through the defense into the middle of the pitch more easily, allowing him to curl shots on goal with his left foot, rather than predominantly crossing balls for team mates. He has more recently played in a false 9 role under Guardiola. This role is characterised by Messi's tendency to seemingly be playing as a centre forward, or as a lone striker, although he will often run back into deep positions drawing defenders with him, creating space for wingers, other forwards, and attacking midfielders to make runs, allowing him to provide them with assists or giving him space to begin dribbling runs, score goals or create attacking plays. With the Argentinian National team, Messi usually plays anywhere along the front line. He began as a forward or winger but has also played in a deeper role, in particular under Maradona, in more of an attacking midfield and playmaking role.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo</span></u></h2>
<br />
Main article: Cristiano Ronaldo–Lionel Messi rivalry<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Cristiano_Ronaldo_(L)%2C_Lionel_Messi_(R)_%E2%80%93_Portugal_vs._Argentina%2C_9th_February_2011_(1).jpg/800px-Cristiano_Ronaldo_(L)%2C_Lionel_Messi_(R)_%E2%80%93_Portugal_vs._Argentina%2C_9th_February_2011_(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Cristiano_Ronaldo_(L)%2C_Lionel_Messi_(R)_%E2%80%93_Portugal_vs._Argentina%2C_9th_February_2011_(1).jpg/800px-Cristiano_Ronaldo_(L)%2C_Lionel_Messi_(R)_%E2%80%93_Portugal_vs._Argentina%2C_9th_February_2011_(1).jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Both players have scored in two UEFA Champions League finals and have regularly broken the 50 goal barrier in a single season. Both have scored over 400 goals in their career for club and country. Sports journalists and pundits regularly argue the individual merits of both players in an attempt to argue who they believe is the best player in modern football. It has been compared to legendary sports rivalries such as the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier rivalry in boxing which culminated with the Thrilla in Manila, the Borg–McEnroe rivalry in tennis, and the Ayrton Senna-Alain Prost rivalry from Formula One.<br />
<br />
Some commentators choose to analyse the differing physiques of the two, while part of the debate revolves around the contrasting personalities of the two players: Ronaldo is depicted as an arrogant and theatrical showoff, while Messi is portrayed as a shy, humble character.<br />
<br />
With Messi and Ronaldo representing bitter rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, the two players face each other at least twice every season in the world's biggest club game, El Clásico, which had a global audience of 400 million viewers in March 2014. Off the field, they are the face of two rival sportswear giants, Messi of Adidas and Ronaldo of Nike. The two highest paid players in football, Ronaldo and Messi are among the world's best paid sports stars: in 2013, Ronaldo was second earning $80 million, and Messi was fourth with $64.7 million. They have the two biggest social media followings in the world among sportspeople with a combined 138 million Facebook fans by May 2014.<br />
<br />
Many figures in the sport have cited Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as being the two best players of their generation, such as Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona and the Brazilian Ronaldo. The two players have been named the world's best player by FIFA every year since 2008: FIFA World Player of the Year (Ronaldo 2008, Messi 2009) and FIFA Ballon d'Or (Messi 2010, 2011, 2012, Ronaldo 2013). Cristiano Ronaldo's former Real Madrid manager, José Mourinho, once stated: "If both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were born in different eras, they would have ruled the football scene and collected 10 FIFA Ballon d'Ors each."<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Outside football</u><u><br /></u><u>Personal life</u></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Lionel_Messi_(2009).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Lionel_Messi_(2009).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Messi was at one stage romantically linked to Macarena Lemos, also from his hometown of Rosario. He is said to have been introduced to her by the girl's father when he returned to Rosario to recover from his injury a few days before the start of the 2006 World Cup. He has in the past also been linked to the Argentine glamour model Luciana Salazar.<br />
<br />
In January 2009, he told "Hat Trick Barça", a programme on Canal 33: "I have a girlfriend and she is living in Argentina. I am relaxed and happy". He was seen with the girl, Antonella Roccuzzo, at a carnival in Sitges after the Barcelona-Espanyol derby. Roccuzzo is a fellow native of Rosario. On 2 June 2012, Messi assisted and scored a goal in Argentina's 4–0 win against Ecuador in a World Cup 2014 Qualifying match. He celebrated scoring his 23rd goal for Argentina, by placing the ball under his jersey, as his girlfriend was reportedly 12 weeks pregnant. She posted on Twitter that she expected to give birth in September. Messi stated that the child, a son, would be born in October, and that he and his girlfriend would name him Thiago.<br />
<br />
However, the birth came later than expected. On 2 November 2012, Messi became a father for the first time following the birth of his son Thiago. FC Barcelona's official website briefly stated "Leo Messi is a father". Besides, the Argentine striker added on his Facebook page: "Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift!" He also had the boy's name and handprints tattooed on his left calf.<br />
<br />
To celebrate his son's first birthday, Messi and Thiago were part of a publicity campaign for UNICEF. Those who signed up and participated in the social-media campaign had the chance to win a pair of Messi's shoes or a signed Messi T-shirt.<br />
<br />
Messi has two cousins also involved in football: Maxi, a winger for Club Olimpia of Paraguay, and Emanuel Biancucchi, who plays as a midfielder for Paraguay's Independiente F.B.C..<br />
<br />
In 2013, Messi, a devout Roman Catholic, met Pope Francis, himself a fan of Argentinian club San Lorenzo, at the Vatican, with Messi stating; “Without a doubt, today was one of the most special days of my life. We have to excel on and off the field.”<br />
<br />
Messi has maintained close ties to Rosario and his family since leaving for Spain, and has gone to great lengths to maintain them. He keeps in daily contact via phone and text with a small group of confidants from Rosario, most of them fellow members of "The Machine of '87". One time when he was in training with the Argentina national team in Buenos Aires, he made a three-hour trip by car to Rosario immediately after practice to have dinner with his family, spent the night with them, and then returned to Buenos Aires the next day in time for practice. Messi has also kept ownership of his old house in Rosario, although his family no longer lives in it; he maintains a penthouse apartment in an exclusive residential building in which his mother lives (Messi's father spends most of his time in Spain with him), as well as a family compound just outside the city.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Charity</span></u></h2>
<br />
In 2007, Messi established the Leo Messi Foundation, a charity supporting access to education and health care for vulnerable children. In response to Messi's own childhood medical difficulties, the Leo Messi Foundation has offered Argentine children diagnosed with illnesses treatment in Spain and funds covering the transport, hospital and recuperation costs. Messi's foundation is supported by his own fundraising activity with additional assistance from Herbalife.<br />
<br />
On 11 March 2010 Messi was announced as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Messi's UNICEF ambassador activities are aimed at supporting children’s rights. Messi is supported in this by Barcelona, who also have a strong association with UNICEF.<br />
<br />
He and Newell's have also ended a long public feud. Messi funded the construction of a dormitory inside Newell's stadium for the club's youth academy, as well as a new gymnasium for the club. For their part, Newell's has begun to embrace their ties with Messi, and plans to issue a special club membership card to Messi's son.<br />
<br />
On March 2013, Lionel Messi donated €600,000 towards the refurbishment of a children's hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. The money was used to renovate the oncology unit at the Victor J Vilela Children's Hospital, as well as paying for doctors to travel to Barcelona for training.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Wealth</u></span></h2>
<br />
In March 2010, France Football ranked Messi at the top of its list of the world's richest footballers, ahead of David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, with €33 million ($45 million) in combined income from salaries, bonuses and off-field earnings for the previous 12 months. In May 2014, Forbes ranked Messi second behind Cristiano Ronaldo in their list of the world's highest paid players with earnings of $65 million in the previous 12 months.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Salary</u></span></h2>
<br />
In December 2012, Barcelona announced that Messi would sign a five-year contract extension which will keep him at the club until 2018 and raising his base salary to €16 million ($21.2 million) net, which will make him the highest on-field earner in football. As the tax bracket for this level of income in Spain is 56%, it means that Barcelona will have to pay Messi's income tax of a little over €20 million ($26.5 million). His formal buy-out clause remains at €250 million.<br />
<h2>
<u><br /></u></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Sponsorships</u></span></h2>
<br />
In September 2012, Messi became the global brand ambassador of Turkish Airlines. Messi shot a commercial for the airline with NBA star Kobe Bryant. In the airline's latest commercial, the duo competes to win the attention of a young boy. Messi appeared in a 2012 television advert for Japanese face wash Scalp-D. In December 2013, Messi appeared in an advertisement for South Korean company Samsung, along with 10 other football players from around the globe, as the captain of a Galaxy XI managed by German football legend Franz Beckenbauer.<br />
<br />
In February 2014, Messi appeared in a Gillette advertisement with tennis star Roger Federer. He was announced as the global face of the company's international football campaign. Gillette has also become a partner of the Leo Messi Foundation to support its mission.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Tax evasion</u></span></h2>
<br />
Messi's father, Jorge Horacio Messi, was under investigation for an alleged €4 million in unpaid taxes from 2007 to 2009. Messi and his father were accused of chanelling funds through the United Kingdom and Switzerland, to a number of shell companies set up in tax havens of Belize and Uruguary, in order to shield royalties and other licensing income from Spanish income tax which allowed them to avoid paying around €4.165 million.<br />
<br />
The elder Messi made a payment of over €5 million in August 2013 to cover the unpaid taxes, plus interest. The prosecutor originally agreed that Jorge was responsible for the tax schemes and recommended that the charges be dismissed. However, a Barcelona court stated that there was sufficient evidence proving that the younger Messi should have known about and consented to the tax scheme and ordered them both to stand trial on tax evasion charges in fall 2014.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Media</u></span></h2>
<br />
Messi was featured on the front covers of the video games Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 and is also involved in promotional campaigns for the games. Messi, along with Fernando Torres, is the face of Pro Evolution Soccer 2010, and was also involved in the motion capturing and the trailer. However in November 2011, Messi was confirmed as the new face of PES's rival football series FIFA with his debut as a cover star of the series coming in 2012's FIFA Street. Messi was also chosen to be on the cover of FIFA 13 and FIFA 14. Messi is sponsored by the German sportswear company Adidas and features in their television advertisements. In June 2010, Messi also signed a three–year contract with Herbalife which further supports the Leo Messi Foundation.<br />
<br />
Messi was named twice in the Time 100, Time magazine's annual list of the most influential people in the world, in 2011 and in 2012.<br />
<br />
Within a few hours of its launch in April 2011, Messi's Facebook page had more than six million followers, and in 2013, Messi became the second sportsperson, after Cristiano Ronaldo, to amass over 50 million followers.<br />
<br />
Messi ranked second behind Neymar in SportsPro magazine's 2013 list of the world's most marketable athletes.<br />
<br />
Japanese jeweller Ginza Takana used a cast of Messi's left foot to create a solid gold replica, weighing 25 kilograms (55 lb), which went on sale in Japan in March 2013 to raise funds for victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. It was valued at $5.25 million.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Career statistics</u></span></h2>
<br />
Club<br />
<br />
As of match played 27 September 2014.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Honours</u></span></h2>
<h2>
<u><br /></u></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Barcelona</u></span></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>La Liga: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13</li>
<li>Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12; Runner-up 2010–11, 2013–14</li>
<li>Supercopa de España: 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013; Runner-up 2012</li>
<li>UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11</li>
<li>UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011; Runner-up 2006</li>
<li>FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Argentina</u></span></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Olympic Gold Medal: 2008</li>
<li>FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2005</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Runner-up:</u></span></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>FIFA World Cup: 2014</li>
<li>Copa America: 2007</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Individual</u></span></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>FIFA Ballon d'Or: 2010, 2011, 2012</li>
<li>Ballon d'Or: 2009</li>
<li>FIFA World Player of the Year: 2009</li>
<li>World Soccer Player of the Year: 2009, 2011, 2012</li>
<li>World Soccer Greatest XI of All Time: 2013</li>
<li>Onze d'Or: 2009, 2011, 2012</li>
<li>European Golden Shoe: 2010, 2012, 2013</li>
<li>UEFA Best Player in Europe Award: 2011</li>
<li>UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2009</li>
<li>FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2009, 2011</li>
<li>UEFA Champions League Top Goalscorer: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012</li>
<li>L'Équipe Champion of Champions: 2011</li>
<li>FIFA U-20 World Cup Player of the Tournament: 2005</li>
<li>FIFA U-20 World Cup Top Goalscorer: 2005</li>
<li>LFP Best Player: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013</li>
<li>La Liga Foreign Player of the Year: 2007, 2009, 2010</li>
<li>Pichichi Trophy: 2010, 2012, 2013</li>
<li>LFP Best Forward: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013</li>
<li>UEFA Champions League Forward of the Year: 2009</li>
<li>La Liga Ibero-American Player of the Year: 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012</li>
<li>FIFPro World Young Player of the Year: 2006, 2007, 2008</li>
<li>World Soccer Young Player of the Year: 2006, 2007, 2008</li>
<li>Bravo Award: 2007</li>
<li>Golden Boy: 2005</li>
<li>Marca Legend Award: 2009</li>
<li>Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11</li>
<li>ESPY Awards Best International Athlete: 2012</li>
<li>El País King of European Soccer: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012</li>
<li>IFFHS World's Top Goal Scorer: 2011, 2012</li>
<li>IFFHS World's best Top Division Goal Scorer: 2012</li>
<li>FIFA/FIFPro World XI: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013</li>
<li>UEFA Team of the Year: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012</li>
<li>ESM Team of the Year: 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013</li>
<li>Copa América Young Player of the Tournament: 2007</li>
<li>Copa América Top Assist Provider: 2011</li>
<li>Copa del Rey Top Goalscorer: 2010–11, 2013–14</li>
<li>Argentine Sportsperson of the Year Award: 2011</li>
<li>Olimpia de Plata: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013</li>
<li>2014 FIFA World Cup: Golden Ball (Best player)</li>
<li>2014 FIFA World Cup: Dream Team</li>
</ul>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Records</u></span></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>As of 5 June 2014.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">World</span></u></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Most FIFA Ballon d'Or awards: 4</li>
<li>Guinness World Records title for the most goals in a year: 91 goals</li>
<li>Most international goals in a year (club and national team): 25 goals (shared with Vivian Woodward)</li>
<li>Most consecutive league matches scored in: 21 matches (33 goals)</li>
<li>First footballer ever to score consecutively against all teams in a professional league</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Europe</u></span></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Most European Golden Shoe awards: 3</li>
<li>Most goals scored in a season (club): 73 goals</li>
<li>Most goals scored in a year (club): 79 goals</li>
<li>Most European Cup top scorer awards: 4 (shared with Gerd Müller)</li>
<li>Most consecutive European Cup top scorer awards: 4</li>
<li>Most hat-tricks in UEFA Champions League: 4 hat-tricks</li>
<li>Highest scorer in a UEFA Champions League game: 5 goals</li>
<li>Most goals scored in UEFA Champions League knockout phase: 31 goals</li>
<li>Only player to score in 21 different cities in the European Cup</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Argentina</u></span></h2>
<br />
Most goals scored in a year (national team): 12 goals (shared with Gabriel Batistuta)<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Spain</u></span></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Most goals scored for a single club: 359 goals</li>
<li>Most away goals scored in La Liga history: 107 goals</li>
<li>Most goals scored in La Liga in a season: 50 goals</li>
<li>Most consecutive La Liga matches scored in: 21 matches (33 goals)</li>
<li>Most La Liga hat-tricks in a season: 8 hat-tricks</li>
<li>Youngest player to score 200 La Liga goals: 25 years</li>
<li>First player to score at least 25 goals in five consecutive seasons in La Liga (shared with Cristiano Ronaldo): 2009–10 to 2013–14</li>
<li>First player to score at least 20 goals in six consecutive seasons in La Liga: 2008–09 to 2013–14</li>
<li>Most goals scored in El Clásico matches: 21 goals</li>
<li>Most hat-tricks in El Clásico matches: 2</li>
<li>Most goals scored in the Supercopa de España: 10 goals</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Barcelona</u></span></h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Top scorer in official competitions: 354 goals</li>
<li>Top scorer in La Liga: 243 goals</li>
<li>Top scorer in UEFA Champions League: 67 goals</li>
<li>Top scorer in European competitions: 68 goals</li>
<li>Top scorer in international competitions: 72 goals</li>
<li>Most hat-tricks in official competitions: 26 hat-tricks</li>
<li>Most hat-tricks in La Liga: 19 hat-tricks1. Lionel Messi (Argentina & Barcelona)</li>
</ul>
For more detail visit here: <a href="http://adf.ly/swX2g" target="_blank">http://adf.ly/swX2g</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07307649601119886529noreply@blogger.com0