Mr. Gay World 2013 Pre-Arrival Favorites

          Mr. Gay World is an annual pageant for gay men seeking to establish ambassadors of goodwill for gays and human rights with the winner being the ideal spokesperson for gender equality and human rights.   The primary purpose for this event is to end the discrimination against LGBT community around the world. This is the 5th year this pageant is taking place since it was first held in 2009 in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. It is being held in different countries every year representing the different continents symbolizing that gays can be found in all corners of the world. This year, Mr. Gay World Finals will be held on August 4, 2013 at the Elckerlijc Theatre, Antwerp, Belgium.

          Meanwhile, here are my pre-arrival favorites for Mr. Gay World 2013:

 

1. Spain - Miguel Ortiz

  

2. New Zealand - Christopher Michael Olwage 

 

3. Belgium - Tom Goris

  

4. Italy - Alessio Cuvello

  

 

5. Switzerland - Luis Bonfiglio

  

6. Philippines - Erimar Sayo Ortigas

  

7. France - Armando Santos

  

8. Mexico - David Bernal

  

9. Australia - Aaron Taylor 

  

10. Canada - Danny Dionysios Papadatos

  

11. India - Nolan Lewis

 

12. Austria - Joachim Trauner

  

13. Puerto Rico - Juan Luis Ortiz

  

14. The Netherlands - Bobby de Vries

  

15. Pakistan - Amir Rafique 

Special Mentions / Probable Spoilers

Chile
Ireland
Myanmar
Northern Ireland
Taiwan

Photo Sources:

Hashmi Photography
MrGay.com

Miss USA 2013 Is...SURPRISE!

Erin Brady of Connecticut was crowned Miss USA 2013 by the outgoing Miss USA 2012, Nana Meriwether

 

Miss Universe 2013 will be held at the Crocus City Hall, Moscow, Russia on November 9 as announced by Mr. Donald Trump, owner Miss Universe Organization and the reigning Miss Universe 2012, Olivia Culpo at the culmination of Miss USA 2013. 

Las Vegas, Nevada - 25 year-old Erin Brady from East Hampton, Connecticut was crowned as the new Miss USA 2013 at a glittering event held at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Sunday, June 16. It was Connecticut's first title in the history of Miss USA. She beats 50 other contestants including the District of Columbia to win the title and earned the right to represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2013 at Crocus City Hall, Moscow, Russia on November 9 as announced by Mr. Donald Trump, owner of Miss Universe Organization and the reigning Miss Universe 2012, Olivia Culpo right before the announcement of winners and the culmination of the event and thus, the biggest surprise of the night. She nailed the competition when she answered a question if she agrees with the Supreme Court decision for criminal offenders to undergo DNA profiling which she readily conceded to seek out truth and justice. The 1st runner up went to Alabama, Mary Margaret McCord, 2nd runner up is Illinois, Stacie Juris, 3rd runner up is Utah, Marissa Powell, 4th runner up is Texas, Ali Nugent and 5th runner up went to South Carolina, Megan Pinckney. Miss Photogenic goes to Utah, Marissa Powell and Miss Congeniality goes to Oregon, Gabrielle Neilan. The celebrity judges include Bob Harper, Betsey Johnson, NeNe Leakes, Wendie Malick, Jessica Robertson, Larry Fitzgerald, Nikki Bella, Mo Rocca and Christina Milian. Earlier, a surprise has been announced to allow netizens and pageant fanatics to vote via Twitter among the Top 10 contestant they wanted to advance to the final round answering the final question giving her a shot for the crown of Miss USA 2013. It will only be the second time in 40 years that a European country will host the prestigious event since Greece hosted Miss Universe in 1973. 


Miss USA 2013 – Erin Brady – Connecticut

1st runner-up - Mary Margaret McCord – Alabama

2nd runner-up – Stacie Juris – Illinois

3rd runner-up – Marissa Powell – Utah

4th runner-up – Ali Nugent – Texas (chosen by popular votes via Twitter)

5th runner-up - Megan Pinckney - South Carolina


Top 10 Semifinalists 

Louisiana – Kristen Girault

Nevada – Chelsea Caswell

North Carolina – Ashley Love-Mills

Ohio – Kristin Smith


Top 16 Quarter-finalists

California - Mabelynn Capeluj

Maryland - Kasey Staniszewski

Massachusetts - Sarah Kidd

Pennsylvania - Jessica Billings

West Virginia - Chelsea Welch


Special Awards:

Congeniality – Gabrielle Neilan, Oregon

Photogenic – Marissa Powell, Utah



Judges:

Bob Harper - Health and Fitness Expert, Author and Star on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”

Betsey Johnson - Legendary Fashion Designer and Star of Style Network’s “XOX Betsey Johnson”

NeNe Leakes - Actress “Glee,” Bravo star of “Real Housewives Atlanta” and “I Dream of NeNe”

Wendie Malick - Actress, Star of TV Land’s “Hot in Cleveland”

Jessica Robertson - Reality TV Personality on A&E’s “Duck Dynasty”

Larry Fitzgerald - MVP Wide Receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, Seven-time Pro Bowl Selection

Nikki Bella - Former WWE® Diva Champion and TV Personality on E!’s “Total Divas”

Mo Rocca - Correspondent, “Sunday Morning” with Charles Osgood, Host of Cooking Channel’s“My Grandmother’s Ravioli”

Christina Milian - American Actress, Singer-songwriter, Social Media Correspondent on NBC’s “The Voice”



Host:

Nick Jonas – singer, songwriter and band member, Jonas Brothers

Giuliana Rancic – co-anchor of E! News 



Color Commentator: 

Jeannie Mai – Style Network’s “How Do I Look?” 



Performers: 

Jonas Brothers 
Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio



CORRECTION: Cyprus, which hosted the Miss Universe 2000 is strictly speaking a part of the continent of Asia geographically. Cyprus is geographically part of Asia. It is a part of the Adiam Continental plate. Even geologist can attest to that. The sediments, fossils and soil of Cyprus is like that of Israel, Turkey and Lebanon. AND, kindly refer to United Nations continental zoning. Cyprus is European by culture since it is closely associated with Greece and Turkey. And the Cypriot government associates with EU since it is a richer continent compared to Asia. It is only a part of Europe by culture and by its membership to European Union. Thus, Miss Universe 2013 will be only the second time Europe hosted the prestigious pageant after 40 years since Athens in Greece hosted the pageant in 1973, the first European country to host Miss Universe. 


Photo Courtesy Of:  

www.missusa.com, Official Miss USA Facebook Page

Watchful Eyes Miss USA 2013 Top 15 The Great Gatsby Women

Las Vegas, Nevada - Fifty-one (51) contestants coming from the fifty (50) states and the District of Columbia struts their stuff, walk the runway, show their pose, elegance and personality last night at the Miss USA 2013 Preliminary Competition. Along with the preliminary interview with all the contestants done the previous night, the preliminary competition which shows the ladies compete in the evening gown and swimsuit round will determine who will make the first cut of 15 semifinalists and one lucky contestant will join them chosen by popular votes done online on the Official Miss USA Website (to vote for your favorite contestant, Click Here). Miss USA 2013 Finals is on Sunday, June 16 (9 pm, ET) LIVE from Planet Hollywood Resorts and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. 
          Here now is my final pick of favorites for the crown of Miss USA 2013 based on the preliminaries with the official cover of Miss USA 2013 contestants with the theme of The Great Gatsby of the Roaring 1920s.

1. Louisiana - Kristen Girault

2. Kentucky - Allie Leggett

3. Tennessee - Brenna Mader

4. Nevada - Chelsea Caswell

5. Virginia - Shannon McAnally

6. Georgia - Brittany Sharp

7. Florida - Michelle Aguirre

8. Utah - Marissa Powell

9. Alabama - Mary Margaret McCord

10. Oklahoma - Makenzie Muse

11. Texas - Ali Nugent

12. District of Columbia - Jessica Frith

13. West Virginia - Chelsea Welch

14. New Jersey - Libell Duran

15. North Carolina - Ashley Love-Mills

Closer To The Elite and The Luxury: 

Montana 
California 
Washington 
Maryland 
Illinois

 Photos Courtesy Of:  www.missusa.com

Miss USA 2013 Contestants Says...

          Miss USA 2013 is heating up nowadays with lots of fun filled activities and worthwhile campaigns or charities for different causes and charities chosen by the Miss USA and Miss Universe Organization leading to the preliminary competition on June 12 wherein 51 contestants which represents 50 states and the District of Columbia will compete for swimsuit and evening gown and one lucky contestant chosen by popular online votes will advance to the semifinals and complete the top 16. 
          Meanwhile, to prove that beauty is not only skin deep but also from within I ask the contestants two (2) questions via twitter and know what they have to say about it. Here's what they have to say: 

           Remember every question counts and every words matter 


In this digital age (Social Media), everything is made public but what do you think should remain private? 


   "your personal life, your relationships!" 

   "I believe in using social media in an appropriate manner that allows you to still maintain a level of privacy that protects you" 

   "I think anything that would embarrass you or your family, or that would call for further explanation should be kept private!" 

   "live by this golden rule: Will my parents/family be proud or embarrassed. If it's the latter, keep it to yourself. 

   "I think that's really a subjective question as it depends on one's personal feelings and comfort. For me, I try to keep my personal life and the personal lives of those around me to a minimum display." 

   "Your current location when posting on social media should remain private for safety reasons, unless "checking-in"." 

   "Conflicts with others should be something that remains off the Internet and should be handled personally rather than publicly" 




In light of recent violent events and catastrophe, what do you think will keep us safe now? 


 "Our trust in law enforcement and faith in humanity will get us through. There's safety in numbers so we must work together." 

"The world has haters. That is fact. Accountability is key to end global bullying. stilling the affluence of hatred." 

"...the faith and belief that the communities of the USA can remain together and stay strong!! #Merica! Happy Memorial Day!"

 "there's no way to predict the future or the actions of others in relation to the recent violent events" 

 "What we can do is support one another, support our military & emergency responders and continue to be united." 

"obviously we have let some things slip through the cracks lately. I'm an advocate for tighter security all around. We need to be able to have trust and faith in our Government to keep us safe. The freedoms we enjoy are not free- we must earn it. We all can do this by being upstanding citizens & contributing members to society... By making the best choices we can e/a day." 

 "the only thing we can be sure to stay safe from is fear. And the only way to do that is with faith!" "Education will protect us. Acknowledging the problems and demons that exist today and then developing a way to cope & move on"

All -Time Greatest American Idol Contestants

          A new American Idol will be declared this week and for the season 12 a woman will be declared the winner the first since 2007 when Jordin Sparks won the coveted title.
          Although we are surprised to hear that this will be the last season that Randy Jackson and all the other 3 one-time judges namely, Keith Urban and alpha females, ever feuding Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey will be in the hot seat as judges and also the last time producer  Jimmy Iovine mentoring and critiquing the contestants (fortunately Ryan Seacrest remains as host), we are equally amused and excited about the much anticipated one on one battle between Candice Glover and Kree Harrison. Whoever wins American Idol this week is well deserved and will be loved by millions of Americans who themselves voted for their next idol.
          As we anticipate the next American Idol, it is interesting to take a look back at some of the All-Time Greatest American Idol contestants before this season who have graced the stage and wowed and swooned us with their heart melting numbers, breath taking performances, powerful and eardrum exploding vocals and soulful, hair raising rendition of songs.
          This list is not necessarily the winners but those fortunate contestants who were fated to step on the stage once, let the whole nation hear them sing and thus, born to take our breath away leaving us with imprints of good memories resounding the sweet melodies of the symphony and the ear popping drums and guitars of the band in our minds forever. These phenomenal performers are truly stars in the making taking the world by storm. 
          The names are listed in random order but according to the season they compete.

1. Kelly Clarkson
2. Justin Guarini
3. Tamyra Gray
4. AJ Gil
5. Nikki McKibbin
6. Ruben Studdard
7. Clay Aiken
8. Josh Gracin
9. Fantasia Barrino
10. LaToya London
11. Jennifer Hudson
12. Diana DeGarmo
13. John Stevens
14. Carrie Underwood
15. Anthony Fedorov
16. Bo Bice
17. Constantine Maroulis
18. Nadia Turner
19. Vonzell Solomon
20. Taylor Hicks
21. Katherine McPhee
22. Elliott Yamin
23. Chris Daughtry
24. Paris Bennett
25. Kellie Pickler
26. Ace Young
27. Mandisa
28. Jordin Sparks
29. Blake Lewis
30. Melinda Doolittle
31. LaKisha Jones
32. Chris Richardson
33. David Cook
34. David Archuleta
35. Syesha Mercado
36. Jason Castro
37. Brooke White
38. Carly Smithson
39. Kristy Lee Cook
40. Ramiele Malubay
41. Amanda Overmyer
42. Asiah Epperson
43. Adam Lambert
44. Danny Gokey
45. Allison Iraheta
46. Matt Giraud
47. Anoop Desai
48. Scott MacIntyre
49. Crystal Bowersox
50. Casey James
51. Michael Lynche
52. Siobhan Magnus
53. Didi Benami
54. Scotty McCreery
55. Lauren Alaina
56. Haley Reinhart
57. James Durbin
58. Jacob Lusk
59. Casey Abrams
60. Ta-Tynisa Wilson
61. Clint Jun Gamboa
62. Ashthon Jones
63. Thia Megia
64. Naima Adedapo
65. Pia Toscano
66. Phillip Phillips
67. Jessica Sanchez
68. Joshua Ledet
69. Hallie Day
70. Jen Hirsh
71. Creighton Fraker
72. Skylar Laine
73. Elise Testone
74. Colton Dixon
75. DeAndre Brackensick
76. Heejun Han
77. Erika Van Pelt
78. Reed Grimm


 

Miss USA 2013 Pre-Arrival Favorites 1 - 10

             The 62nd Miss USA 2013 will be held on June 16, 2013 at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Las Vegas, Nevada. Fifty-one (51) contestants representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia will fight it out for the crown of Miss USA 2013 and to represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2013 at a venue and specific date to be announced by the Miss Universe Organization. The reigning Miss USA 2012 Nana Meriwether of Potomac, Maryland, who succeeded Olivia Culpo after the latter won Miss Universe 2012 will crown her successor at the end of the event. 
         Meanwhile, before the ladies hit the stage and compete for the title, photos of the 51 ladies surfaced on the web and the pageant fans and pundits including me cannot help but make their own favorites or bets for the crown before their arrival and even before they compete. Here is my own list of pre-arrival favorites for the crown. Their numbers here signify the rankings of ladies, whose timeless and effortless beauty, natural elegance and personality in the pictures captured my attention most. So here goes my early favorites for Miss USA 2013!

 

 1. Hawaii - Brianna Acosta

  

2. Illinois - Stacie Juris  
 

  

3. Maryland - Kasey Staniszewski

  

4. Connecticut - Erin Brady

  

5. Tennessee - Brenna Mader 

  

6. New Hampshire - Amber Faucher

  

7. California - Mabelynn Capeluj 

  

8. Indiana - Emily Hart

  

9. Alabama - Mary Margaret McCord

  

10. Colorado - Amanda Wiley 

Miss USA 2013 Pre-Arrival Favorites 11 - 20

 

 11. Nevada - Chelsea Caswell

  

 12. Pennsylvania - Jessica Billings

  

13. South Dakota - Jessica Albers

  

14. Utah - Marissa Powell

  

15. West Virginia - Chelsea Welch 

  

16. Florida - Michelle Aguirre

  

17. Louisiana - Kristen Girault

  

18. Texas - Ali Nugent

  

19. New Jersey - Libell Duran 

  

20. Virginia - Shannon McAnally

Warming Up: 
Arizona 
District of Columbia 
Georgia 
Kentucky 
Massachusetts