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Is Jamie Lynn Spears really engaged?

Jamie Lynn Spears, all of 16 years old and 6 months pregnant, has reportedly been proposed to by her 18 year old boyfriend/fiance, Casey Aldridge.  According to locals, the younger Spears has been seen flashing a diamond ring to friends and family in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Jamie Lynn has taken the high road when it comes to celebrity appearances since December; she moved back to Kentwood, LA.  The family’s focus is currently on the baby; keeping both mother and child healthy.

In addition to staying out of the limelight, Spears is trying to get her GED. 

Despite the youthful pregnancy, it would seem that this Spears girl has her head on straight(er)…. at least for now.

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Special TV Packages from DirecTV

With the looming switch to all-digital TV coming in 2009, many television owners will be left without standard broadcast TV (via their antenna). Options are numerous, including digital converters, upgrading to a new TV or even going without a TV altogether. Ok, so that last one is very unlikely for most people.

One option that might not be clear up-front, is getting satellite TV to replace your antenna service. Think about, cable TV is relatively cheap, has more high quality channels and quality programming not available on standard televisions.

Perhaps the best option for many, will be DirecTV cable service (sometimes mistakenly called Direct TV). With numerous subscription plans, this cable service is almost a must-have. With over 95 HD (High Definition) channels available at higher subscription rates, along w/ HBO, Showtime, TNT, ESPN, Discovery Channel and more, you’re sure to get your fill of nature, poker championships, sports events, movies and your favorite classc TV shows.

As 2009 approaches, don’t get caught off-guard by the switch to digital televisions - get local satellite cable from a provider near you.

For more information on the topic, here is an article from Christine Peppler, courtesy of AdZines.com:

Television - What You Need to Do Before 2009

Changes are coming in the world of television. Traditional over-the-air television broadcasts will cease on February 18, 2009 and all stations will broadcast digitally. Although the majority of consumers already have the equipment and services necessary to continue to receive their television programming, there will still be an estimated 20 million who will need to take action if they want to continue viewing programming.

The digital switch over will occur in order to free up those portions of the broadcast spectrum, which traditional analog broadcasts currently occupy, for use by wireless and broadband services. Improved communications for public and safety services and more affordable high speed internet are just two of the potential benefits of the switch.

For most consumers who utilize cable or satellite TV services no action prior to the change over should be necessary as the set-top boxes or receivers they use will allow them to receive the digital signals. However, for those households who receive their television programming exclusively through over-the-air analog broadcasts, additional equipment will be needed in most instances.

Consumers who have purchased a television set in the past year or two may already have a set with a digital tuner which will allow them to pick up the new signals. However, because not every television manufactured prior to March 1, 2007 was required to have a digital tuner having a newer television may not exempt consumers from needing to seek out additional equipment.

For those households with a television that does not currently have a digital tuner and which receive programming over-the-air, one of three options are available.

• Purchase a digital ready television

• Subscribe to a cable or satellite TV service

• Obtain a set top box to allow an existing television to receive digital television signals

Purchasing a new television of course carries a price tag. Depending upon the size and display type, a new television could run from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars. Subscribing to a cable or satellite TV service would provide additional programming options and would eliminate the need to purchase additional equipment but would involve adding another monthly bill onto the household budget for homes that don’t currently subscribe to such services. The final option, which is probably the least expensive, is to purchase a set-top converter box; the cost of which is anticipated to be around $50 by the 2009 change over.

To assist consumers who receive over-the-air television programming without cable or satellite TV services, the US Department of Commerce will be providing a coupon program beginning in 2008. The program will reportedly provide up to two $40 vouchers per household to help offset the cost of this change for such households.

Certainly the change over to digital television should provide a needed boost for emergency services communications and wireless capabilities while improving television signal efficiency and quality for home viewers. Like most change however, it will not be completely without pain, as millions of home viewers on a budget may find they need to take action if they wish to keep their current television service.

Author Resource Box
Christine Peppler is the webmaster of homemedias.info, an online home electronics store. Visit the site to learn more about a digital camera, cordless phone, camcorder, television or other electronics.

If you’ve found this article to be useful & informative, please let us know and we’ll be sure to pass on your comments to the author.

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Celebrities not Immune to Stretch Marks

When it comes to stretch marks no one is immune. They can affect anyone - rich or poor, young and old and yes, even men!  

Glamorous celebrities also have them. Take Cindy Crawford for instance. From the pictures taken by the Daily Mail during a Hawaiian holiday, it’s obvious that motherhood has taken its tool on the 41-year-old supermodel. Crawford is the mother of two kids aged 8 and 6. Her stretch mark – ravaged tummy is a far cry from her days as one of Playboy’s 100 Sexiest Stars of the 20th century.   

Other members of the stretch marked set include Reese Witherspoon, Kate Beckinsdale, Nicole Ritchie, and Scarlett Johansson. While not all of them are mothers, they are living proof that stretch marks can form if the conditions are right.   

“The science is simple - put your body under too much trauma, too quickly, and it will manifest the stress and strain as a stretch mark - a gap deep below the skin’s surface in the dermis, caused by the stretching or tearing of collagen and elastin fibers that form the support network responsible for tone and firmness,” explained the Daily Mail.   

Stretch marks occur when the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching. This usually occurs during pregnancy, weight gain or extreme weight loss. The skin is normally elastic and retains its shape. However, during these conditions, the overstretched dermis or middle layer of the skin breaks down causing stretch marks to form.  

“If you’re noticing stretch marks on your body, you’re not alone. Most girls and women have stretch marks, which tend to show up on the breasts, thighs, hips, and butt. Many women get them during pregnancy. And while they’re more common in girls, guys can get stretch marks, too,” said TeensHealth, a project of the Nemours Foundation’s Center for Children’s Health Media.    

“People who are obese often have stretch marks. Bodybuilders are prone to getting stretch marks because of the rapid body changes that bodybuilding can produce. Stretch marks also may occur if a person uses steroid-containing skin creams or ointments (such as hydrocortisone) for more than a few weeks, or has to take high doses of oral corticosteroids for months or longer,” added TeensHealth.   

Stretch marks may start as reddish or purplish lines that may appear indented and have a different texture. Later they become glossy and appear streaked in silver or white. They usually fade and become less noticeable over time but that can mean eternity for those who love to wear revealing outfits and swimsuits.  

If you can’t wait that long, try Strevaxl, a new product that repairs and renews the skin to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and prevent the formation of new ones. For details, visit http://www.strevaxl.com/.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/celebrities-not-immune-to-stretch-marks-356195.html

About the Author:
Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine  http://www.HealthLinesNews.com.

Tickets Hannah Montana Concert- a Spectacular Show

Getting tickets Hannah Montana concert might be tough, but they are tickets to an unforgettable music experience. For those of you with pre-teen children in your life, you know that the time is at hand, where they will be pestering you to go to their first concert. Rather than send them to a concert that you are not very happy about in the first place, it makes much more sense to make their first concert experience a Hannah Montana one.  

Wholesome Entertainment

A Hannah Montana concert has the unique quality of being appreciated by both parents and children. Hannah Montana and the actor who portrays her, Miley Cyrus have become pop icons, as more and more kids become enamored with the energy she brings to the show and to the stage. Hannah Montana is a different kind of role model, in that she has a great deal in common with her audience. Apart from that, her message is always a positive one that encourages youngsters to believe in themselves.  

This is why; parents can get tickets Hannah Montana concert with a sense of satisfaction and relief. You know that if you accompany your kids to this concert, you won’t come back with damaged eardrums or a bad experience. You can also be assured that your kids will be watching a show that doesn’t have anything suggestive or gratuitous about it. The Hannah Montana show is clean, wholesome entertainment, which is so woefully lacking in our day and age.  

What is The Story?  

So how exactly did this tickets Hannah Montana concert madness grow? It all started with a television show of the same name. Hannah Montana is a glamorous pop star who is young and seems to have it all. But that’s not the whole story. The pop star is only half of the story- Hannah Montana is really just another ordinary girl named Mylie Stewart and she has a tough time keeping her pop star status a secret. The only people who know about it are her dad, her two best friends and her ex-boyfriend.   

What results is a delightful and very musical comedy show that follows our bright young heroine, as she tries her best to balance both worlds. She has the same issues and problems as other girls- not only that, the life of a pop star isn’t always as glamorous as one may think. Still, Hannah a.k.a. Mylie manages to make the best of things, with help from her family and friends of course.  

Watching a Hannah Montana show is a great way to enjoy some time with your kids, in a way that everyone will enjoy. Kids just love the energy that Mylie Cyrus brings to the stage and it’s hard even for adults to keep from singing along. Billy Ray Cyrus also makes an on-stage appearance as he plays Hannah’s father in the show and is Mylie’s dad in real life as well. Fans will get a generous helping of Hannah Montana numbers as well as a taste of Mylie’s own solo work. It will be outings the whole family can enjoy so do not delay- get to an online-authorized ticket to order your tickets Hannah Montana concert.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/tickets-hannah-montana-concert-a-spectacular-show-236794.html

About the Author:
Al is the webmaster  of the  Tickets Hannah Montana Concert  site, a New York City entertainment website with reviews and news on every event,  as well as Tickets Hannah Montana Concert information.

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New Site for Bands to Market Themselves

If you or your buds have a band and are trying to make it big, there’s good news… a new site called www.musicnation.com has arrived and could be your ticket to signing w/ EPIC Records.  Ok, so it’s a long shot, but it’s probably a bit closer than you might already be so give it a shot.

Here’s how it works..
MusicNationThink of it as a MySpace for bands, but better!  Create your own profile… upload your music videos… upload your MP3’s… get fans… get popular… get signed.  You get your own band page with a blog, photo gallery, calendar system, links pages and all the social features you’ve come to expect from other band sites - friends, sharing, comments & more.

If you prefer to keep your MySpace band profile, you’ll still benefit from MusicNation’s features.  You can point to your videos on MySpace and on Youtube, so your groupies & listeners end up wherever you want them to.  It’s a win-win!

In addition to the possibility of getting more fans for your band, you can also enter competitions and win prizes.

So what are you waiting for?  Visit MusicNation.com and sign your band up today ;)

Britney Spears Loses Control… Dad Named Conservator

After a roller-coaster month of incidents, the end of the “wild” Britney Spears appears to be in sight.  Ok, so the roller-coaster is more like 1 1/2 years, but the past month has been especially brutal. 

Courts have ruled that Britney’s father, James Spears, is now her “conservator” and has full rights to make decisions on the troubled Spears’ behalf.

So what is a “conservator”, get all the details here.

It basically boils down to giving James full control of who sees Britney, including at the psych ward and her home(s).  It also gives him control over her credit cards and temporary finances, which as long as he doesn’t abuse that power, is probably in her best interest also.

A court creates conservatorships when it determines that a person cannot care for themselves or handle their affairs. Commissioner Reva Goetz said Spears would be under conservatorship until Monday, at which time another hearing would be held.

“It is in the best interests of the conservatee to have conservatorship over her person,” Goetz told a packed courtroom. - Source: Associated Press

The court ruling essentially says that Britney Spears is incapable of making decisions for herself and that her father is now legally enabled to make decisions for her.  This comes just days after police located & escorted Britney to the psych ward for holding.  There’s no doubt this was the final straw and her family simply intervened in her troubled life. 

James has wasted no time in using his newly granted powers.  He has already issued a restraining order against Britney’s manager, Sam Lutfi, who seemingly has been able to provide Spears with anything positive.  It’s unclear if James Spears has also restricted Britney’s paparazzi beau “Adnan” from seeing her, but it would probably be a good idea to based on his recent interviews, etc.

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Introducing.. Denise Richards.. as Christmas Jones, The Worst 007 “Bond” Girl Ever

In a special survey by the UK Daily Mail, former 007 girl, Denise Richards, was voted as the worst Bond girl ever.  As if seeing her as a nuclear physicist wasn’t “believable” enough, the acting was terrible.

Richards wasn’t your typical physicist afterall… she was typically running around in tanktops and short shorts.  She could’ve made it more believable if she could act, but it was a pretty shoddy performance on her part. 

Here’s the full list of Worst Bond girls and the Best Bond girls.  You might recognize their character’s names, but very few of these actresses ever got bigger than their Bond roles (at least in the US):

Worst Bond girls

1. Denise Richards as Dr Christmas Jones in “The World Is Not Enough”
2. Tanya Roberts as Stacey Sutton in “A View To A Kill”
3. Corrine Clery as Corinne Dufour in “Moonraker”
4. Maryam D’Abo as Kara Milovy in “The Living Daylights”
5. Karin Dor as Helga Brandt in “You Only Live Twice”
6. Britt Ekland as Mary Goodnight in “The Man With the Golden Gun”
7. Carey Lowell as Pam Bouvier in “License to Kill”
8. Lois Chiles as Holly Goodhead in “Moonraker”
9. Lynn-Holly Johnson as Lili Bahl in “For Your Eyes Only”
10. Maud Adams as Octopussy in, you guessed it, “Octopussy”

Best Bond girls

1. Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder in “Dr. No”
2. Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore in “Goldfinger”
3. Diana Rigg as Tracey Divicenzo in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”
4. Eva Green as Vesper Lynd in “Casino Royale”
5. Barbara Bach as Anya Amasova in “The Spy Who Loved Me”
6. Famke Janssen as Xenia Onatopp in “Goldeneye”
7. Michelle Yeoh as Wai Lin in “Tommorrow Never Dies”
8. Lotte Enya as Rosa Klebb in “From Russia With Love”
9. Jill St. John as Tiffany Case in “Diamonds Are Forever”
10. Carole Bouquet as Melina Havelock in “For Your Eyes Only”

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Britney Spears Video - Unable to Cope

Did you see the Britney Spears Video? I thought for sure she had finally graduated to the chiva, she looked like strawberry shortcake looking for the pied piper.  Then you find out that she was SOBER! I know people with bipolar, and she was more than bipolar! That chick has lost her fricken mind every which way this side of texas!

Okay, I have no problem calling someone on their shit, but this is way out of hand.  Britney Spears has done it again, and oh my God, i actually feel sorry for the chick.  It HAS to take that much pain to drive yourself that crazy.  It’s easy to point the finger at her and judge as though we could live her life better, but damn! I couldn’t even imagine my life being scrutinized every single growing pain of the way.  How many skeletons would come out of your closet? Plus with all that money - could you imagine having everything you want, when you want it, how you want it, where you want it? All the time.. you’d seconed guess all the loyalties of everone around you, and at such a young age, in such a plastic environment, how could she turn out well adjusted, never mind normal.  And, come on, as parents we all fuck up!  We can never be the perfect parent, but we always strive to be a good parent, but it’s in our nature to fuck up.  At what point do we expect young adults to take responsibility for themselves.  It’s not as if Lynne is some mass murderer, or some tweeker hanging out at the pool hall.

I feel empathetic for Brit. This is just way beyond comical anymore, and i really don’t get my rocks off watching torchered souls fall into oblivion.

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Pam & Rick Divorce? Not Just Yet Says Anderson

Buxom blonde Pamela Anderson and husband Rick Solomon were reportedly filing for divorce already, but Pam’s website says that’s not the case (just yet).   They’re apparently “working things out” now.  The marriage was only about 2 months ago and it came as a result of a gambling debt - Pam paid Rick off w/ sexual favors.  One thing led to another and here we are about 70 days later w/ mutterings of divorce.

This relationship looked like a bomb from day one, so it’s really no surprise that this is happening.  He’s a loser = horrible marriage.   I learned that in middle school.

My bet is that Pam ends up, again, with Tommy Lee (her ex).  It’s inevitable.  So all you horny, single guys out there… she’s already taken.

Pamela Anderson married Rick Solomon because of sexual favors that turned into love (ya right)

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Are “Deal, No Deal” Models Really Dumb?

The Prime Time Reality for Deal or No Deal Models

Decades ago, when shows like “Quiz Show” dominated the airwaves, getting on a game show took a stroke of luck and real brains. Decades later, while shows like Jeopardy see modest success, it is a new wave of game shows such as “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader”, “1 vs. 100″, “Power of 10″ and most recently the Mega-Hit Deal or No Deal that lead the pack. Many may ask themselves how it is that a show featuring average contestants opening cases for money has grown to be the number one show in America?

It is in fact Deal or No Deal that will exist long after the legions of competitors have been forgotten. Consumers must take a step back and ask: “Why is it that we are so enthralled with this simple show?”. The answer is simpler than you might think, sex appeal, humor and the chance for a quick buck. In fact, it is this unique combination of sex, money and the undying wit of our favorite bald man that has been responsible for three record seasons and the trend does not have any indication of slowing down.

Aside from Howie and promise of a quick buck for some of America’s most interesting contestants, the Deal or No Deal models are attributable for a great deal of the shows’ success. The series producers have done a great job of continually selecting models to satisfy the needs of the wide range of viewers. In season 3, the series features a model to satisfy the needs of those originating from every corner of the world:

  • Anya Monzikova representing eastern Europeans
  • Tameka Jacobs & Alike Boggan representing African Americans
  • Mylinda Tov representing Chinese and Western Europeans
  • Leyla Milani representing Middle Easterners
  • Lisa Gleave representing Australians
  • Liana Grethel representing Latin Americans
  • Aubrie Lemon representing red blooded Americans with an inexplicable fascination for blondes

Even the Hawaiians have someone to root for in the like of their native Megan Abrigo! This unique approach to casting models helps to create a global community of models and give the show widespread appeal across many ethnic groups.

The models themselves are clearly the shows greatest asset and contrary to common belief are more than just pretty faces. In fact, Laura Shields and Aubrie Lemon are both qualified to be in MENSA having IQs over 132 (The Average American’s IQ is 98). In addition, the majority of the Deal or No Deal models all have a four year degree with many having advanced degrees. There is even a lawyer in the house in the form of Stacy Gardener. It is important to remember that each model possesses unique talents and skills beyond just the ability to look great on stage.

In fact, offstage these models are doing a great deal to benefit society around them. When Katie Cleary is not busy with work, she is out helping animals through her participation in local humane societies. In her downtime, Tameka Jacob remains humble and focused on helping young girls in foster homes and adoption agencies. Aubrie Lemon is an active participant in the National Geographic Society and works to help local animals by participating in a series of events for the Los Angeles Zoo.

As much as the models do for the show, the show has done a great job of promoting many of the shows models careers into the stratosphere. These days, a season briefcase job guarantees the Deal or No Deal Models covers on Maxim, appearances on Oprah and a variety of other side gigs.

It’s a brave new world for the Deal or No Deal Models, are they ready for it? Visit http://www.dealornodealmodels.net and learn for yourself

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/television-articles/the-prime-time-reality-for-deal-or-no-deal-models-360564.html

Author: Morgan Kelps

Redskins’ Sean Taylor Dies 1 Day After Home Robbery

The Washington Redskins, family & friends have all lost someone close to their hearts - Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor died only 1 day after being shot in the leg during a home robbery.

The robbery marked the 2nd time in less than 10 days that Taylor’s home had been broken into.  The 1st incident was about 9 days ago, and the burglars (?) rummaged through drawers and left a knife on one of Taylor’s beds.

It really makes you wonder if Sean Taylor was targeted for some reason…  a shame.

Taylor sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and went into a coma for a short time.  The injury led to a high loss of blood, which Taylor really never recovered from.  There was hope after he came out of the coma, but he passed away early on Tuesday morning.

More info

“I’m Not Ugly… Take My Word” (Britney Spears)

Britney Spears isn’t ugly… or so she would have you think. Unfortunately, Maxim magazine and a % of the male population are inclined to think she is.

One doesn’t have to look far to see why Maxim would put Britney on the ugliest people list:

  • Shaving her head bald
  • Changing hair color
  • Horrible extensions

 Britney Spears ugly photo 1  Britney Spears ugly photo 2

You’d think Britney could get some credit for showing her crotch so many times this year, but ugliness is typically associated w/ everything above the shoulders and Spears definitely gets an “F” this year for that.

Britney Spears was reportedly on her way to a Maxim party when she found out she made the ugliest list. Once she knew - the party was off.  She is now requesting an apology from Maxim, but unless they are planning a photo shoot to feature her in the mag anytime soon, I don’t see an apology coming.

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K-Fed Gains Custody from Britney Spears

Updated 10/18/07
To further make this a “bigger” story - odd considering the timing of Britney’s new CD - Spears has apparently violated some kind of court order (or court request) and is now prohibited from visiting her two kids.  K-Fed has full custody and Britney Spears can no longer visit her kids  - not even w/ supervision.

This is a sad day for Britney… that is unless she’s getting exactly what she wants. 

Updated 10/8/07
To further my point that Britney Spears lost her children on purpose (or doesn’t care), TMZ is reporting that Spears missed her court appearance last Wednesday for “Starbucks” coffee.  Here’s the scoop:

… at the very same time the former pop starlet-turned-celebrity death pool pick should have been throwing herself on the mercy of the judge by promising to comply with each and every condition he set forth, she was in the midst of a crisis, one that only a Starbucks run with her Yorkie could solve.

Granted, she wasn’t required to show up for the hearing, but insiders tell TMZ her attorney du jour, Sorrell Trope, urged her to attend. Not surprisingly, the authority-eschewing Britster reportedly refused.

“It’s like Britney doesn’t care,” a mole tells the London Sun. “Her no-show did not impress the judge and only worsens her chances of ever getting her custody restored.”

Adds a source to E! Online’s Marc Malkin, “There have been no tears. It’s more like she’s angry. It’s more like, ‘Who are you to tell me I’m not a good parent?’”

Full story on MSN.com

Original Story
Britney Spears custody battle took a bad turn on Monday, when the court gave sole custody of the two kids to Kevin Federline (until further notice).

While you do have to feel bad for Britney, it’s also important to think about the things she’s done (willingly) to put herself in this situation.  It’s been reported on TMZ that Britney skipped several court appointed meetings.  This is of course, in addition to all the partying and irrational behavior we’ve been seeing on the news everyday.  Don’t forget about the older incidents as well: shaving her head, showing her crotch, her lesbian love affair, and others.

Bodyguard Details Extremely Troubled (former) Star

Recent reports from her former bodyguard have provided a rare glimpse into the daily lives of Spears.  These reports just add more cause for concern; there’s nothing in them to make you think Britney actually deserves to have custody of her kids.  The bodyguard details that he’s seen Britney Spears nude (he wasn’t suppose to look), that she almost overdosed while in rehab, and that she spends very little time with her kids as it is.

Did Britney Lose Custody on Purpose?

A lot of people are questioning whether or not Spears intentionally violated the court orders in an attempt to “rid herself” of her kids.  Face it… in her line of work and while trying to make a career comeback, kids aren’t exactly a great accessory.  This is horrible thinking (no doubt), but when you’re high on cocaine, drunk all the time, or downing Red Bull’s like they’re going out of style, how you can you put together rational thoughts - like “I love my kids and I never want to be away from them”.  Maybe she wants to get rid of them just because K-Fed won’t come back to her, and she doesn’t want anything to do w/ “his” kids.

Spears is on the same path as many other troubled actors and musicians… the death path.  Losing her kids is probably the most difficult situation she’ll ever go through (assuming she actually does want them), so it wouldn’t be too surprising to hear stories of her actually overdosing or committing suicide.

Get help Britney…

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How to Find a Celebrity Endorser

Britney or Bust: How to Hire the Right Celebrity for Your Advertising by Lou Bortone

Celebrity endorsements are a staple in advertising, with more than 20% of all ads today featuring a famous face, voice or likeness.  The reason is simple: Celebrities sell.  Consumers pay attention to celebrities because they are attracted to the familiar.  Using a celebrity to promote your company can add awareness, credibility and star power to your business.  Three ways a celebrity spokesperson can be used by your business include:

  1. Advertising - Celebrities can pitch your product via print, television, radio, etc.
  2. Appearances and events - Celebrities can make personal appearances for your business at events ranging from charity fundraisers to grand openings.
  3. Media opportunities - Your spokesperson can speak on your behalf on TV talks shows, or at press conferences, trade shows or other media events.

Things to keep in mind when hunting for a celebrity spokesperson include:

Define your objectives

Determine what you expect from your partnership with your spokesperson and how to best utilize their talents.  Clarify your needs and expectations from the get-go.

Get-It-Done: Brooks International and Burns are a couple of many agencies who specialize in booking celebrity and sports talent.  These talent brokers can help you assess your needs.

  • Find the right fit

It’s important that the spokesperson you hire is a good match for your product or service.  The clearer the link between your company’s product and your talent, the better the partnership will work. (Think Michael Jordan and Nike!)

Get-It-Done: The Hollywood-Madison Group uses a proprietary database called the “Fame Index” to match businesses with appropriate talent.  The Fame Index contains the names of 10,000 stars and uses 250 categories to match talent to businesses and products.

  • Plan well in advance

When deciding on a celebrity spokesperson for your business, start early.  Make your plans at least 6 months in advance.  The bigger the name, the longer the lead time.

Get-It-Done: Celebrity Focus and The Celebrity Source are two talent agencies who can connect your company with talent and help you navigate the celebrity maze.

  • Consider the costs

Talent fees and celebrity endorsements run the gamut from a few hundred dollars for a local DJ appearing at a business to literally millions of dollars for an international movie star.  Catherine Zeta-Jones’ long-term endorsement deal with T-Mobile was reportedly worth 20 Million, but T-Mobile’s U.S. sales jumped 25% during the campaign.

Get-It-Done: If you’re looking for major star power, you can go with Hollywood biggies like William Morris or PMK/HBH Public Relations.  On a smaller scale, many local celebrities can be contacted directly or through their management.

  • Make contact

Talent agencies, entertainment marketing firms and even speakers bureaus can put you in touch with potential celebrity spokespersons.  Contacting talent can be easier than you might think.

Get-It-Done: In addition to some of the agencies listed above, the Screen Actors Guild provides an actor-locator service.

Other things to keep in mind when shopping for a celebrity spokesperson include:

  • Don’t be afraid to ask. Maybe that certain superstar is not out of your reach or budget.
  • Consider “B-List” stars who may be more available and less expensive.

Local talent such as home-town athletes may be your best shot.

  • Make sure you have an “out” clause in case your celebrity gets negative press or is involved in a scandal. (Sorry Britney!)

Lou Bortone is an award-winning writer, editor and television producer who has spent over 20 years in the entertainment industry, including several years at Fox and E! Entertainment in L.A.  Lou specializes in helping businesses create breakthrough video for the Internet. Email Lou at lou@theonlinevideoguy.com or visit http://www.theonlinevideoguy.com

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Britney Spears Gimme “Less” Perfomance at VMA Awards

A less than energetic Britney Spears took the stage Sunday for the 2007 VMA Awards, but her performance of “Gimme More“, her new single, left most wanting to throw up.

Spears appeared half asleep and was caught lip-syncing to the song several times. Britney’s opening performance was historical, but not for reasons she’ll probably want to be remembered for. From the onset, it appeared that Britney Spears’ dance routine wasn’t quite up to par; on several instances, it looked like she was going to trip over herself or fall over. These are only assumptions, but one can only wonder IF Britney was on any kind of drugs or even drunk during her performance; missed dance moves, poor lip-syncing and general lethargic-ness.

Watch the video and judge for yourself:



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