Written by: Jim Jarmusch

Directed by: Jim Jarmusch

MPAA Rating: R for moments of strong violence, a graphic sex scene and some language
Color: Black and white

Date: 1995

Running Time: 121 minutes

Plot:

The film begins with a scene in which a man called William Blake (Johnny Depp) is on a train to get to the West. He’s been promised a position in a factory but when he gets there, he understands that not only his job is taken but also he is left penniless in the town. After spending the night with an ex-prostitute, he kills her ex as a result of defending himself. William Blake then tries to escape from punishment with the help of an Indian, but gets killed in the end.

Setting:

Time: the 2nd half of the 19th century Place: A town called Machine in the West. Blake himself is from Cleveland, Ohio. Although we never see the city, he constantly talks about it.

Social Class:

The majority of people in the town of Machine are illiterate, uncivilized hunters and workers, while William Blake used to be an accountant and doesn’t fit in the city.

Genre: Western

Main Characters:

1. William Blake

o Physical Characteristics:

He hasn’t got a strong body, showing the fact that he is not a laborer. He is also, in comparison to the other people in the town, peculiarly-dressed.

o Psychological Characteristics:

Inflexible, shocked and not adaptable

o Other Characteristics:

He is 30ish, and due to the previous place he was living in, he expects to see a rather civilized town with kind people but what he sees is completely different.

2. Nobody

(William Blake’s companion who is an Indian.)

o Physical Characteristics:

He has got a muscular, strong physique.

o Psychological Characteristics:

He is very well-travelled and has gained a sort of calmness which looks very strange to William Blake. He also has got a sacred vision.

o Other Characteristics:

When he was a child, he is kidnapped and taken to England where he is educated. He escapes from England by the inspiration he gets from reading the poems of a poet called “William Blake”. He mistakenly thinks that his companion is the real William Blake and tells him that he must be dead (by telling him, “You’re a dead man, then.”) Besides, he is astonished that Blake cannot remember any of his poetry.

Vocabulary:

The words that are repeatedly used in the film are William Blake, Nobody, dead man, tobacco and gun. All of these words are symbols and have got specific meanings.

William Blake:

William Blake (1757-1827) was an English romantic poet who was considered odd even among the other romantic poets. Here you see that William Blake in the film was considered odd by other people. But what this character mostly represents is the ideal thoughts the Pilgrims had when they came to America. They wanted to build “a city upon a hill”, a utopia but what their descendants built is a dystopia, a mere scene of slaughter. This idea is well reflected in Nobody’s remark to William Blake “Your poetry will now be written with blood.”

Nobody:

The film starts with this sentence: “It is preferable not to travel with a dead man.” (by Henry Michaux) Now, let’s change this sentence to “Nobody likes to travel with a dead man.” Makes sense, doesn’t it? “Nobody” does like to travel with a dead man (William Blake) because they have one important thing in common: They are outcasts. Blake is trying to get away with murder while Nobody is living alone because his tribe didn’t accept him. After escaping from England, he got back to his tribe and told his people about the extraordinary things he saw but nobody believed him and they named him Exaybachay meaning “He who talks loud, saying nothing.” But he prefers to be called “Nobody”.

Dead Man:

Dead man can have two meanings: the superficial one is what Nobody told William Blake. Because Blake, the poet, was dead by that time Nobody calls Blake “a dead man”. The in-depth meaning is that if you are followed in the USA by law or murderers or any other person, there is clearly no possibility of escape and you are automatically turned into a dead man. Even if you are alive, you cannot live with your true identity. Isn’t this situation like being dead in fact?

Two other words that are repeated throughout the film are tobacco and gun. If you are an American, you must have both of these. The only person who doesn’t have these two is William Blake. However, by the end of the film, both of them are accompanying him. Everybody keeps asking him whether he’s got tobacco or not and he simply says that he does not smoke. The response Thel (the ex-prostitute) gives him when he asks why she keeps a gun is really thought-provoking. She honestly says “Because this is America.”

Conclusion:

This English proverb gives a very good image of what this film is about: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Although the Founding Fathers wanted to do good in the continent, the only thing their descendants are doing by the end of the film is killing. The new generations have forgotten all those high values. They cannot remember any of those ideals just like William Blake cannot remember any of his poetry.

What is very moving in the end of the film is the part in which Nobody is preparing Blake’s canoe to be sent on water and Blake still cannot believe that he is a dead man. He still thinks he’s getting back to Cleveland. There’s also another similarity here between Blake the poet and Blake in the film. The former died largely unknown, now if we take this fact into account that both Nobody and that white murderer are killed in the end of the film, it is unknown to the public what happened to William Blake. This is again revealing the fact that nobody exactly knows what happened to the ideals the Puritans had when they came to this continent.

Author: Elaheh Jarrahi
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Cast & Credits

Lucy: Evan Rachel Wood

Jude: Jim Sturgess

Max Carrigan: Joe Anderson

Sadie: Dana Fuchs

Revolution Films presents a movie directed by Julie Taymor. Written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. Based on the story by Julie Taymor, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.

Running time: 131 minutes.

** Spoilers ahead **

How about a 131-minute long Beatles video?

This movie is nothing short of a masterpiece. It has controlled, striking and deep performances, beautiful photography by the Oscar nominated Bruno Delbonnel, a charming story and to top all that, 34 breathtaking songs composed by the Beatles themselves.

Set in the 60s, the story starts in Liverpool, with a young ship mechanic named Jude (Jum Sturgess, as a reference to the song ‘Hey Jude’ that is used later in the film). From the scenes in the beginning of the film, we get the impression that Jude is leaving Liverpool for better things to come, and so he does. He travels to the US in search of his father, who never knew he existed. After a short, very matter-of-fact confrontation with him at Princeton University where he works as a janitor, Jude moves along with his life, making friends with some students on-campus. Among them, is Max (Joe Anderson, and a definite character reference to the song ‘Maxwell’s Silver Hammer’), a money wise fortunate, yet defiant young man, who sees no sense in studying further.

Max takes Jude home to celebrate thanksgiving, where he meets the family, who show great concern in Max’s rebellious nature, and are hell-bent on an explanation. But in the midst of chaos, Jude finds beauty in the form of Lucy (Evan Rachel Woods in her second stunning performance this year after King of California, and as a reference to the song ‘Lucy in the sky with diamonds’). Lucy’s boyfriend is drafted to Vietnam at this point and we already know what’s going to happen next.

Max then drops out of Princeton and moves to New York with Jude. Lucy follows suit soon, and together they meet their hot landlord Sadie (Dana Fuchs, and a reference to the song ‘Sexy Sadie’) and her boyfriend JoJo (Martin Luther) who incidentally turn out to be struggling musicians. It has been suggested that Sadie and JoJo are references to Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, two infamous musicians of that era.

There is a rude awakening from the comfort of home as Max is suddenly tested for being drafted to Vietnam in a sequence that is award-worthy and drenched in symbolism. Soldiers with protruding jaw lines and robotic gestures march through a miniature of Vietnam holding a giant Statue of Liberty over their backs. We are also introduced to Prudence, a young bisexual girl who hitchhikes from Ohio to New York. And boy, did she have an entrance. ‘She came in through the bathroom window’. Although, later in the movie, she does lock herself in her room, and cause everyone else to sing ‘Hey Prudence’, the song that you must’ve already associated her name with.

Pretty soon, Lucy and Jude become somewhat of an item. Bono makes a special appearance in the film as Dr. Robert, singing ‘I am the walrus’, as he introduces our central characters to psychedelic drugs and takes them on a journey in his bus, throwing the film into a vortex of wildly colourful and suggestive imagery. Comedian Eddie Izzard makes a commanding appearance as a circus ringmaster singing ‘For the benefit of Mr. Kite’ as he entertains them with his uncanny circus.

But this drug-spiked state of bliss is short-lived. Soon, Max is drafted to Vietnam. Lucy takes it upon herself to make a change because she didn’t want to lose one more person to the war. She joins a radical anti-war movement, leaving Jude mostly alone at home, sketching away in solitude. This affects him mentally and results in a fracture in his relationship with Lucy, and as a result, we see the fracture spread across the spine of the entire storyline. Sadie and JoJo suddenly are having problems and Max is being terrorised by the war he’s fighting. Jude then storms into Lucy’s office one day and argues and fights with her colleagues, forcing them to throw him out. Lucy’s heart breaks and following this, she leaves Jude.

Jude later finds her at an anti-war protest that turns violent, and in his attempt at saving Lucy, he gets sent to prison, where he is recognised as an illegal resident and sent back to Liverpool. This, in some respects, has been said to bear resemblance to John Lenon’s deportation by the US Government for being ‘Unamerican’, an act of control against the peace protests he was known for.

Later, Lucy walks into her political group’s office and finds them making home-made explosives. She is disturbed by this and walks away, leaving them for good. In another award-worthy scene, Jude and Max, who has now returned from war communicate through what must have been a letter, a scene that was filmed with my personal favourite song, ‘Hey Jude’.

This film is wonderful because more than anything, it’s a study of the Beatles. The music – the influences, the political, psychedelic and personal catalysts that made them what they were. Everything in this film is a reference to the Beatles in some way or the other. So, if you’re a Beatles fan, you’ll really love this movie. For others, it might take a little getting used to, because there’s hardly a total of 10 minutes in the movie where there isn’t a song playing. So, you get the picture.

But if there’s one thing that this film has done to me, it sure has turned me into a Beatles fan. Look out for the soundtrack of this film. I hear there’s a 31-track deluxe edition available.

Author: John Antony
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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I wish it weren’t the case but, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with By Heart. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Jim Brickman possesses the characteristic of being able to win you over with him talent alone. The kind of artist I frankly just flat out enjoy listening to.

Listen to this CD and I believe you’ll find there’s not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Jim Brickman is clearly in top form. So much so that if you’re even mildly into Jazz music you’ll enjoy this album.

While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 8 – Where Are You Now?, track 5 – Nothing Left To Say, and track 12 – By Heart

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Angel Eyes. Outstanding!

By Heart Release Notes:

Jim Brickman originally released By Heart on April 11, 1995 on the Windham Hill Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Angel Eyes 2. Lake Erie Rainfall 3. Looking Back 4. In A Lover’s Eyes 5. Nothing Left To Say 6. Little Star 7. Sudden Inspiration 8. Where Are You Now? 9. If You Believe 10. On The Edge 11. All I Ever Wanted 12. By Heart

Personnel includes: Jim Brickman (piano), Laura Creamer (vocals), Martin Tillman (cello), Andy Kubiszewski (percussion).

Recorded at Kingsound Studios, North Hollywood, California, and Landmark Recording, Cleveland, Ohio.

All songs written or co-written by Jim Brickman.

Author: Tom Milson
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The CD kicks off with an outstanding track, Soul Mate, that I suspect will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It really is a very nice track.

Rock music fans will recognize some of the well known guests that have been assembled to play along with Levert on several of the tracks. Artists like Randy Bowland and Emma Kummrow just to name a couple.

This is a first rate CD, delivering a little something for everyone. I give it two thumbs up. It’s quite simply great listening. A must buy for the Rock fan.

While the entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 – DJ Played Our Song, track 3 – What Makes It Good To You, and track 15 – Dream With No Love

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Soul Mate. It’s a great track!

Geralds World Release Notes:

Gerald Levert originally released Geralds World on September 18, 2001 on the EastWest America label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Soul Mate

2. DJ Played Our Song

3. What Makes It Good To You (No Premature Lovin’)

4. You’re A Keeper

5. #1

6. Smile For Me

7. Can’t Win 8. Same Ol’

9. Just Us

10. Got Love

11. Make My Day – (featuring Sean Levert/Joe Little III)

12. Made To Love Ya

13. What You Cryin’ About

14. Forever You & Me

15. Dream With No Love

16. Untitled – (hidden track)

Personnel includes: Gerald Levert (vocals, arranger, programming, sequencing); Larry Gold (conductor, cello); Baby Dubb (various instruments); Randy Bowland, Larry Marcus, Willie Ross (guitar); Emma Kummrow, Igor Szwec, Gregory Teperman, Charlene Kwas (violin); Davis Barnett, Ruth Frazier (viola); Mark Ward, Lynne Bailer (cello); Sophie Labiner (harp); Jane Richter, George Barnett (French horn); Joe Little III, Niles McKinney (keyboards, programming, sequencing); Edwin “Tony” Nicholas (keyboards, programming); Zero (keyboards); Harvey Price (percussion); Mickey Dan, Di (background vocals).

Producers include: Mike City, Gerald Levert, Edwin ” Tony” Nicholas, J. Dubb, Joe Little III.

Engineers include: Jesse “Biz” Stewart, Ben Arrindell, Pete Tokar.

Recorded at The Record Plant Hollywood, California; Track Recorders, North Hollywood, California; On The Way, Cleveland, Ohio; Ear Paint Studios, Bratenahl, Ohio.

Author: Tom Milson
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It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it’s own.

The nice thing about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Jazz isn’t your favorite style you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Overall By Heart is outstanding from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Jazz fan. Really sensational from beginning to end.

While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 8 – Where Are You Now?, track 5 – Nothing Left To Say, and track 12 – By Heart

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Angel Eyes. What a nice track!

By Heart Release Notes:

Jim Brickman originally released By Heart on April 11, 1995 on the Windham Hill Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Angel Eyes 2. Lake Erie Rainfall 3. Looking Back 4. In A Lover’s Eyes 5. Nothing Left To Say 6. Little Star 7. Sudden Inspiration 8. Where Are You Now? 9. If You Believe 10. On The Edge 11. All I Ever Wanted 12. By Heart

Personnel includes: Jim Brickman (piano), Laura Creamer (vocals), Martin Tillman (cello), Andy Kubiszewski (percussion).

Recorded at Kingsound Studios, North Hollywood, California, and Landmark Recording, Cleveland, Ohio.

All songs written or co-written by Jim Brickman.

Author: Tom Milson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Now that we know a bit about the history of the evergreen. How did the Christmas tree come to be? In the late Middle ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or outside their doors to show hope in the coming of spring. St. Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity was said to have come across a group of pagans worshipping an oak tree. St. Boniface became angry and cut down the oak tree. And to his surprise, a young fir tree sprung up from the roots of the oak tree. So St. Boniface took this as a sign of the Christian faith. It was believed that the Christmas tree tradition came to the U.S. with Hessian troops during the American Revolution or with German immigrants to Pennsylvania and Ohio.

There is nothing in the bible that either commands or prohibits Christmas trees. Some have claimed that Jeremiah 10:1-16 which states in part, “For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter,” says that he prohibits the cutting down and decorating of trees in this manner. But Jeremiah is actually against idols made of wood, plated with silver and gold and worshipped. So unless we are worshipping and bowing to our Christmas trees and praying to it, this scripture cannot be applied. There is nothing spiritual to having or not having a tree. Whatever choice we make, must be made to please the Lord. Romans 14:5-6 says, “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord.” Christians shouldn’t look down on one another for choosing to celebrate Christmas with or without a tree. This is considered spiritual pride. And is a misuse of our freedom in Christ. If you remember that Jesus is the reason for the season, then all you do- will be to glorify God.

Author: Wanda Ball
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The CD opens with a great track, Walk Away, that I suspect will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It really is a very nice track.

Thirds is a pleasantly varied, mix of 9 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly gifted musicians. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.

Listen to this CD and I believe you’ll find there’s not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and this is clearly the work of a group of musicians in top form. So much so that if you’re even mildly into Rock music you’ll enjoy this album.

While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 4 – Dreamin’ In The Country, track 5 – It’s All The Same, and track 9 – Live My Life Again

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Walk Away. Outstanding!

Thirds Release Notes:

James Gang originally released Thirds on June 6, 2000 on the MCA Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Walk Away

2. Yadig?

3. Things I Could Be

4. Dreamin’ In The Country

5. It’s All The Same

6. Midnight Man

7. Again

8. White Man/Black Man

9. Live My Life Again

The James Gang: Joe Walsh (vocals, electric & pedal steel guitars, acoustic & electric pianos); Jim Fox (vocals, piano, organ, vibraphone, drums); Dale Peters (vocals, acoustic & electric basses). Additional personnel: Tom Baker (horns); The Sweet Inspirations, Bob, Mary Sterpka (background vocals). Producers: The James Gang, Bill Szymczyk.

Engineers: Bill Szymczyk, Ken Hamann, Eddie Youngblood.

Recorded at the Record Plant, Los Angeles, California; Cleveland Recording, Cleveland, Ohio; Hit Factory, New York, New York. Includes liner notes by Dale Peters and Jim Fox.

Author: Tom Milson
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As a beginner, he started clicking pictures in Chicago parks and his aunt’s farm. In 1903, he exhibited at the Chicago Art Institute. Weston moved to California in 1906 to pursue a career in photography. He began by working as a door-to-door portrait photographer. For a formal training, he returned to Illinois in 1909 and attended the Illinois College of Photography. The same year, he married Flora May Chandler with whom he later had four sons. Weston opened his studio in 1911 in Tropico, California, where he operated until 1922. He was a huge success with his ‘Pictorial Style Photography’ and won many salon and professional awards. Edward even wrote a number of articles on the unconventional methods of portraiture for various magazines, like American Photography, Photo Era, and Photo Miniature.

An exhibition on Modern Art, in San Francisco World Fair, in 1915, greatly influenced Weston. He had grown restless with ‘Pictorialism’ and found it to be a mechanical manipulation of painting styles. He began experimenting with light, shadow, and soft focus. After meeting Alfred Stieglitz and Paul Strand, he was further convinced that photographs should record the true essence of the subject, dead or alive, living or non-living. On a visit to Ohio in 1922, he clicked some photographs of the Armco Steel Plant. These pictures mark his tilt from ‘Pictorialism’ to ‘Straight Photography,’ involving the emergence of a sharp focused style.

Anita Brenner’s book “Idols behind Altars,” published some of his photographs, which he clicked during his brief stint in Mexico in 1923, along with professional & romantic companion Tina Modetti, who later even posed nude for him. These photos, such as “Tina Reciting and Excused,” showed his clear transition into ‘Straight Photography.’ In 1927, he made a series of monumental close ups for which he is best known. His subjects varied from the objects like seashells, vegetables (peppers and halved cabbages), landscapes, and nudes. Weston skillfully created sharp pictures, using a large format camera with a small aperture, capturing the real beauty of the subject. The photographer, along with his son Brett, opened up a new studio in San Francisco in 1928. Edward Weston became a co-founder of the f/64 group of ‘Purist Photographers,’ such as Ansel Adams and Willard Van Dyke, in 1932.

He was also the first recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship for Photography in 1937. In 1938, the photographer married his assistant, Charis Wilson, with whom he has been living since 1934. In 1941, Weston provided illustrations for an edition of ‘Whitman’s Leaves of Grass.’ His work started being hampered, as he was struck with Parkinson’s disease in 1946. The same year he and Chris divorced. He took his last photos at Point Lobos in 1948. In 1952, his Fiftieth Anniversary Portfolio was published with his images printed by his son Brett. Edward Weston died in Carmel, California, on January 01, 1958.

Author: Annette Labedzki
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I wish it weren’t the case but, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Soul Journey. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Soul Journey is a nicely varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly outstanding artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are her own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

Overall Soul Journey is excellent from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Rock fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.

While this entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 2 – Make A Pallet On Your Floor, track 4 – I Had A Real Good Mother And Father, and track 10 – Wrecking Ball.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 10 – Look At Miss Ohio. This is a great track!

Soul Journey Release Notes:

Gillian Welch originally released Soul Journey on June 3, 2003 on the Acony Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Look At Miss Ohio

2. Make A Pallet On Your Floor

3. Wayside/Back In Time

4. I Had A Real Good Mother And Father

5. One Monkey

6. No One Knows My Name

7. Lowlands

8. One Little Song

9. I Made A Lovers Prayer

10. Wrecking Ball

Personnel: Gillian Welch (vocals, guitar); David Rawlings (various instruments, background vocals); Mark Ambrose (acoustic guitar); Greg Leisz (dobro); Ketcham Secor (fiddle); Matt Andrews, Jim Boquist (bass).

Author: Tom Milson
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USA

In 1986, Halle Berry, Ohio’s candidate, failed to capture the crown of Miss USA Universe in Miami, Florida. For this reason, she did not participate in the 34th Miss Universe in Panama City. Today Halle is a world-famous actress.

South Africa

Before a predominantly black audience at the Windhoek Country Club in Namibia ( Africa ), Augustine Masilela became South Africa’s first black delegate in the Miss Universe pageant ( 1995 ).

The Bahamas

In July 1982 Ava Marilyn Burke, Miss Bahamas, became the third black to conquer the Miss Photogenic Award after Bermuda’s Margaret Hill ( 1971 ) and Trinidad Tobago’s Janelle Commissiong ( 1977 ). Surprisingly Miss Bahamas defeated Cinzia Fiordeponti ( Italy ) and Odette Scrooby ( South Africa ). USA

Michigan-born Carole Gist became the first black Miss United States ( it should not be confused with “Miss America Pageant” ) in 1990. She was also the first non-Texas to be elected Miss USA Universe since 1984. This girl came close to winning the Miss Universe title in Los Angeles, California — she had been defeated by Mona Grundt ( Norway ).

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

In the mid-1980s, Miss Zaire, Kayonga “Benita” Mureka Tete, almost won the global title in Miami, Florida. Her exotic and natural beauty impressed international judges, including Victor Bannerjee ( actor ) and Susan George ( actress ). During her stay in Florida, she was one of the most popular entries. In addition to Miss Zaire 1985, the African nation has sent only three delegates to Miss Universe : Ombayi Mukuta ( Miss Congeniality 1972 ), Lokange Lwali ( 1984 ) and Aimee Likobe Dobala ( semifinalist, 1986 ). Since 1997 Zaire changed its name to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Colombia

On November 14, 2001, Vanessa Mendoza was the first black to win the Miss Colombia contest, one of the most popular events in the South American nation since 1935.Like their countrywomen Aura Maria Mojica ( 1977 ), Patricia López ( 1987 ) and Claudia Elena Vasquez ( 1997 ), she was one of the heavy favorites to win the Miss Universe crown, along with Russian Okasana Fyodorova and American Shauntay Renae Hinton.Unfortunately Vanessa, who admires Nelson Mandela, did not make even the semi-finals in San Juan de Puerto Rico in 2002.

Brazil

In 1986, Deisy Nunes de Souza, Miss Brazil, became the first African-Brazilian woman to make the semi-finals in the Miss Universe Pageant in Panama City’s Atlapa Convention Center.

Curacao

In 1968, Anne Marie Braafheid, Miss Curacao, made history when she was first runner-up at the Miss Universe.

USA

America’s contestant Chelsy Smith, who was Miss Texas , became the second black woman to be named Miss Universe in 1995 in Windhoek, the capital city of the African country of Namibia. She was also the first black semi-finalist since 1993.

Botswana

After a failed try for the 1997 Miss World title in Mahe, Seychelles ( Africa ), Mpule Kwelagobe, Miss Botswana, became Miss Universe in Chaguaramas ( Trinidad & Tobago ) in 1999. An international panel headed by former ambassador Charles Gargano chose Mpule — which means in Tswana “one who comes with the rain” — to be the last Miss Universe of the 20th century. Miss Universe 1999 once said, ” Today women use their beauty and brains to stand up for what they believe in, and pageants are platforms to spearhead and promote issues of concern”. She is one of Botswana’s five national idols.

Venezuela

Venezuela’s Carolina Indriago, who had been seen as the first black South American with real chance to capture a global title, finished fourth at the Miss Universe in 1999.

Trinidad & Tobago

Miss Trinidad Tobago, Janelle “Penny” Commissiong, lived up to her reputation as one of the most beautiful women of the Caribbean by winning the Miss Universe crown in 1977.She became the second woman to hold the MU and Miss Photogenic titles at the same time. During her reign, Janelle was seen as someone who could improve the status of race relations in the world.

Belize

Sarita Acosta became the first and only Miss Belize to make the semi-finals in the Miss Universe ( 1979 ). In the 70s, only five other black delegates did it : Cherrie Raphaelia Creque ( American Virgin Island, 1971 ), Maureen Ava Veira ( Aruba, 1974 ), Gerthie David ( Haiti, 1975 ), Janelle Commissiong ( Trinidad Tobago, 1977 ) and Gina Swainson ( Bermuda ).

Lesotho

Lesotho’s delegate Joan Libuseng Khoali was one of 12 favorites to win the universal title in Acapulco ( Mexico ) in 1978. She came from Lesotho, a tiny kingdom on the African continent.

Haiti

In the early 60s, Evelyn Miot, Miss Haiti, became the first black woman to make the second round in Miss Universe history.

Bermuda

Miss Bermuda, Margaret Hill, became the first black delegate to win the coveted Miss Photogenic trophy in 1970.

Tanzania

Tanzania, an African nation known for its mountains and wildlife, had a strong contestant in Miss Universe 2007.Her name: Flaviana Matata. “I am very glad to represent my country Tanzania and, above all, to make it to the top ten finals. I finished sixth out of the 77 contestants from across the world”, she said during an interview in Mexico City. She is the only MU semi-finalist from Tanzania.

Italy

Dominican-born Italian Denny Mendez came to international attention in 1996 when she was the first black girl to capture the Miss Italy, one of the world’s oldest beauty contests. She was chosen Miss Italy in a disputed and controversial election. In 1997 she placed fifth in the Miss Universe.

Panama

Gloria Karamanites was the only black candidate who qualified for the second round in the global contest in Seoul ( South Korea ) in 1980. In this decade, only five other black delegates did it: Benita Mureka ( Zaire, 1985 ), Deysi Nunes de Souza ( Brazil, 1986 ), Aimee Likobe Dobola ( Zaire, 1986 ), Carmelita Louise Ariza ( Turks & Caicos, 1987 ) and Sandra Foster ( Jamaica, 1989 ).

Trinidad and Tobago

Wendy Rachelle Fitzwilliam, a native from Trinidad Tobago, won the 46th Miss Universe title in Honolulu, Hawaii. Wendy once said: “My role model is Audrey Hepburn. Her extraordinary beauty and grace was reflected in all facets of her life. Ms. Hepburn was a good mother, always a lady, a pioneer in her support of UNICEF, and, of course, superb actress”.

France

African-born French Sonia Rolland, who escaped from the war in Rwanda, was crowned Miss France in 2000. This girl, now an actress, was one of the first black women to win the European contest. Miss France 2000 qualified for the second round in the 48th Miss Universe Pageant in Nicosia ( Cyprus ).

Author: Alejandro Guevara Onofre
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Make PCB Assembly