Each July, seven evening performances are presented on the beautiful Cumorah hillside next to the new Visitors' Center.

 The production features a 10-level stage, with 50-foot light towers.

A cast of over 650 actors, hundreds of brilliant costumes and stunning special effects are presented to an audience in the thousands each performance night. A Hollywood production team designed the special effects, including waterfalls, water screens, volcanoes, fireballs and explosions. An estimated 500,000 watts of electricity are required to power each performance. As an illustration of the magnitude of these spectacular effects, pageant organizers are required to obtain clearance from U.S. aviation authorities before the show's opening night!

The music was composed by world renown Crawford Gates, who also directed the recording with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Salt Lake Symphony, and a 100 voice children's choir. In his history entitled "The delights of making Cumorah's Music" Mr. Gates shares his spiritual preparation that was invested in the composition process:

"If I expected the incomparable blessing of inspiration to help me fulfill this calling, I needed to improve my own spiritual life, to recleanse myself. Georgia and I went to the temple more often. I taught a Book of Mormon class at BYU to more fully immerse myself in this scripture. Dr. Hansen and I both received special blessings at the hand of Apostle Harold B. Lee. My blessing was a particularly wonderful one. When I returned home, I recorded in writing as much of it as I could remember. Its conditional promises were indeed fulfilled..."

The pageant has been performed in upstate New York since 1937. Hill Cumorah is one of the Church's most significant landmarks. Latter-day Saints believe that near this area the Church's founder, Joseph Smith Jr., received a record of ancient American peoples from an angel. That record, written on metal plates, was translated into what is known as the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

And when it comes to some beauty contests, I have always wondered a thing or two. Like during the display of the evening gown segment, why do the contestants shoe heels need to be so high? I have been to several beaches so far in my life, and never have I seen a woman sporting a bathing suit in high heels in real life. So I think if heels are not worn on the beach by a beach lover in the real world, why should a contestant in a beauty pageant parade on stage in heels during the swim suit display part of the program? And is politics somehow involved?

For most women who frequent the beach may wear sandals, rubber slippers, or no footwear at all. Who wants to be bothered with all that on one of the most relaxing places on the planet; the beach?

Or maybe some beauty contests are more about politics than they are about beauty and a sense of comfort when someone is wearing an evening gown or just out for a stroll along the beach.

Especially since the high cost of gas has been such a heavy issue lately. Almost everywhere you go or everyone you run into, someone has something to say about the price of gas.

So when the Miss Universe 2008 contestant for the oil rich nation of Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza, won the title, I was not surprised. The other non surprise? When Miss Colombia, Taliana Vargas was first runner up. A country that was recently in the news about the hostage rescue mission that also included the rescue of Colombian politician, Ingrid Betancourt.

Oh and someone once told me that in life there are no coincidences. Maybe some things are just about politics, beauty pageant or not.

And in case some of you were wondering, the contestant who represented Miss USA, in this year’s Miss Universe competition, Crystle Stewart, made it to the top ten.

  This year 22 year old Dayna Mendoza is the winnerand the entire country is celebrating her victory. She was crown in Nha Trang Vietnam where the event was held this year. In the meanwhile other Venezuelan hopefuls starts preening themselves for next year's event. The runner up was another Latinamerican beauty from Columbia.

Congratulations

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What is your response?

click on the pictures to get a closer look!

The Mermaid Queen!
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The Summer Faery!
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Thank you for clicking on my pictures and looking at these two lovely tutu costumes!

Originally uploaded by Darius Cordell Couture Designs

The back of evening gown style number 2002 by Darius Cordell Couture Designs is dramatic but still quite an elegant dress

the front of this garment has a high scoop neck but as you can see tha back is the main feature with this very low dropped cowl design with chiffon falls drapping down the side.

All darius cordell designs can be made in any color, all fabric, any measurements and with any changes that a client may need.

We specialise in mother of the bride dresses, formal ball gowms, beaded pageant dresses, special occasion gowns and formal evening wer of all kinds.

to see all darius designs in our current collection please go to ....

www.dariuscordell.com

If you think you have what it takes, head over to KSG and sign up, or vote for your favourite.

Pageant sponsers are:

• Bluebell Productions
• Marokva Apparel
• Whittentons
• Horizon Ventures
• Ganesha
• Thai Racer
• Akeasher
• EMH

The talents ranged from tanning a caribou hide (all the way from shaving the flesh to conditioning the hide in fermented brain water) to a knuckle-based equivalent of the wheelbarrow race to butchering a beluga whale to making earrings out of beads, porcupine and moose bone.

The girls were really cool. I talked to them afterward and they mainly all went to college (the one athletic type to Dartmouth) and had one foot in the modern real world and one foot in the indigenous reality they grew up in.

What if Paramount Pictures got a hold of this? Actually, ESPN did sniff out the Eskimo Indian Olympics so I'm sure it's been sensationalized to the max. However, I am covering the muktuk (whale blubber) eating contest so I will have to reign in the temptation to over-write that. Somehow, I think the flavor will shine through on its own....

The  beginning is always the best for me because the girls get to wear their traditional culture costumes to represent their country. I think all the different colors and outfits are amazing and it's way to proudly show where you came from (unlike the swimsuit or evening gown rounds).

But what made me most excited was when they called Miss Vietnam was one of the Top 15 finalists. I mean, HOLY CRAP. I don't think that Miss Vietnam has ever been in any top things. It's not the fact that she wasn't pretty that made this an element of surprised. It was the fact that Viet Nam hasn't been cranking out pageantry standard women if you get what I mean. But beside that point, the fun and games ended there for Miss Vietnam anyways.

You know why?

'Cuz she's short that's why.

You can clearly see it when she stood next to all the other 14 contestants that she was a few inches shorter. And they say in life, when you're short, you don't get the big bucks. 5'9" won't beat a 5'11" (Miss Venezuela who won the competition).

But But But..she's so pretty! & it's JUST a few inches!

Well pretty doesn't get you anywhere hon. Pageants are about lanky long legged Amazonians that toward above ever with their sexy struts. I'm sorry Miss Vietnam. Should have worn a higher pair of heels.

SIDENOTE

DID ANYONE GET A KICK OUT OF THE FACT THAT MISS USA (OH GLORIOUS AMERICA!) FELL? MAKES IT THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE TIME NOW (AFTER LAST YEAR).

oh ho ho. kind of a metaphor for the US right now ain't it.

On a side note, what the hell is up with all the Jerry Springer lately? I'm seeing this guy everywhere! And by everywhere, I mean crappy, network television ala America's Got Talent. But, whatevs, to each his own. Jerry! Jerry! Jerry! (You can't see it, but I'm pumping my fist in the air right now.)

Some vintage Jerry for your viewing pleasure...

You're welcome.

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You know I never knew how much cosplay was the Miss Universe Pageant. Check out this hawt cosplay from Korea that I stole from the Miss Universe site. Her national costume come fully equipped with a gold plated sword. They really put those cosplayers at anime conventions to shame. Then again, the cosplayers at anime conventions probably didn't have hundreds of thousands of dollars to blow on their costume.

As expected from the birthplace of cosplay, Japan made a fine effort. I'm not sure what the character is, but it's hawt.

Anyway, here are some more notable cosplays from the pageant.

Hurray for whoever invented Muay Tai fighting

Dracula themed?

Man, I'm a sucker for chix with knives

On another note, what exactly is this costume suppose to represent? She's wearing a boomerang neck piece which is suppose to symbolise the Aboriginal Australian culture, but you can't even see it under her sash. Isn't it funny when we can't find enough culture in our country, we immediately steal borrow some Aboriginal culture and use it as our own.

Quite hawt, but doesn't handle a candle to Jennifer Hawkins

In lighter news, Miss USA falls AGAIN in her evening gown walk. Talk about coincidence, or maybe its some crazy conspiracy.

Dayana Mendoza, from Venezuela, won the pageant.

Probably not the most flattering photo of her

For some reason I only realised a few hours ago that Japan was last year's winner.

Miss Universe << and the winner is ? !! Video.

miss universe 2008 contestants << in bikini / swim suit contest for a full 30 minutes - woot !!

Miss Venezuela << Nice Bikini Close Up .... Boobs !!

Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza preliminaries << Strutting her shit in the prelim's

Wow a lot happened, Miss USA takes another fall, 30 minutes of bikini / swim suit mayhem, hot babes, skimpy clothes and not a chicken bone between them for dinner !! woot.

Personally I prefer a bit of meat with jelly !!

First elimination round winners:

Venezuela,

Kosovo,

Mexico,

Vietnam,

South Africa,

Australia,

Japan,

Dominican Republic,

Italy,

Colombia,

Russia,

Hungary,

Czech Republic,

USA, and

Spain.

Driven by the desire to achieve her goals, the country’s official representative to the 57th Miss Universe pageant proves to be a woman fueled with confidence by faith.

Jennifer Barrientos, the country’s reigning Binibining Pilipinas-Universe, is more than a stunning combination of beauty and brains. While a commanding presence at 5 feet 8 inches, she exudes an aura of enlightenment, brought about by being active in her local church ministry as a youth leader. But she also attributes some lessons in faith from her experience as a beauty queen.

“Joining Binibining Pilipinas taught me lessons in faith as well—faith in myself, in the things I can do for others, how I can make a difference,” she enthuses with a charming smile. Jennifer also claims that she values her Binibining Pilipinas experience as it teaches her different values by the day, as she goes about performing her various duties as a reigning queen. “Most importantly, I have learned a great deal about being independent, how to effectively do things on my own,” she adds.

The eldest child of Nestor and Elena Barrientos, Jennifer is always eager to meet new people and hone her talents. She unwinds by engaging in water sports and playing volleyball. Jennifer had previously worked as a Welcome Ambassador for the Star World Hotel in Macau after earning her BS Tourism degree from the University of Santo Tomas. Now she divides her time between her church duties and being a freelance model, and of course, training as the official Philippine representative to the Miss Universe pageant to be held at the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Vietnam on July 14, 2008.

Jennifer is one of the three Binibining Pilipinas 2008 title holders crowned recently, together with fellow queens Patricia Fernandez (Binibining Pilipinas International) and Janina San Miguel (Binibining Pilipinas World). Known as the country’s most prestigious pageant with four decades of glorious existence, Binibining Pilipinas is responsible for sending the official Philippine representatives to the three different international pageants recognizing beauty and the campaign for various causes worldwide.

“I intend to pursue the ongoing campaign for awareness on HIV and AIDS,” Jennifer answers when asked about her plans for advocacy. She also adds that she intends to focus on the rights of women and children as well as the development of the arts, particularly music. “I would want to pursue advocacies close to my heart as I believe I will be more productive promoting these causes,” she justifies.

Jennifer radiates true Filipina beauty inside and out, as she achieves her goals by the day driven by the strength of her faith. She is indeed out to do her country proud as she competes in one of this year’s most anticipated beauty pageants featuring the most beautiful women in the universe.

According to a recent interview to Jennifer at a local network, she is confident that she will be able to bring home the crown in the coming Miss Universe pageant to be held at the Crown Convention Center (Diamond Bay Resort) in Nha Trang, Vietnam on July 14, 2008^[2] where outgoing titleholder Riyo Mori will crown her successor. 80 contestants are expected to compete in the event^[3] which will be broadcast via NBC to TV outlets in more than 180 countries. The final presentation show is on July 8, the dress rehearsal on July 13 and the live telecast on July 14. Most activities are being held successively in Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ha Long and finally Nha Trang.

I hope Jennifer comes home a winner! You go Jennifer!

Credit goes to:

wikipedia

Text courtesy of Binibining Pilipinas.

For the entire pictures(LINK)

The entire shoot last from 8am to 11am but managed to cover at least 7 models but the most pretties were missed...We all have to literally scream "PRETTY MISS, PRETTY LOOK HERE PLEASE" and many times she doesn't due to the amount of people screaming the same thing. So had to pin point on her when she look at my direction.

Time passes very quickly when you're enjoying yourself. So, I got myself about 100 shots but mostly were spoilt due to my lack of skill of using fix lenses and shooting models in general.

Okay. so make due of what I had for the upcoming photo competition. Had SEVEN entries in the sea of 1200 total. And the LIVE judging event was yesterday.

For the entries I sent in, (LINK) Oh, I also included the points I received.

I think I did rather pathetically, perhaps I should do more practice on this form of photography and listen attentively to the masters of the art. Hopefully my cosplay shoot this coming weekend would lend me a few better shots that these.

OkOk...that's it from now. Perhaps later.

BE UPDATING SOON.

The FINALISTS :

Miss America
Miss Spain
Miss Britain
Miss Philippines
Miss Iran
Miss India
Miss Japan

QUESTION : Ms. America, how would you describe a male organ in your
country?
MS. AMERICA : Well, I would say that male organs in America are like
gentlemen.
QUESTION : Why do you say that?
MS. AMERICA : Because it stands everytime it sees a woman.....

(Applause!.... Applause!)

QUESTION : Ms. Spain, how would you describe a male organ in your
country?
MS. SPAIN : Male organs in our country are like toros in our very
own bullfight.
QUESTION : Why do you say that?
MS. SPAIN : Because it charges everytime it sees an opening.

(Applause!... Applause!)

QUESTION : Ms. Britain, how would you describe a male organ in your
country?
MS. BRITAIN : Male organs in our country are like Shakespearian
> actors and Heroes.
QUESTION : Why do you say that?
MS. BRITAIN : Because it cries after every performance and because
it is buried alive.

(Applause!... Applause!)

QUESTION : Ms. Iran, how would you describe a male organ in your
country?
MS. IRAN : Well, I can say that male organs in Iran
are like thieves
QUESTION : And why do you say that?
MS. IRAN : Because they always enter through the back door.....

(Applause!... Applause!)

QUESTION : Ms. India, how would you describe a male organ in your
country?
MS. INDIA : Well, I can say that a male organ in
> India is like a labourer.
QUESTION : Why do you say that?
MS. INDIA : Because it works day and night....

(Applause!..Applause!)

QUESTION : Ms. Japan, how would you describe a male organ in your
country?
MISS JAPAN: It's like an actor in a stageplay....because it bows
down after every performance.

(Applause!..Applause!)

QUESTION : Ms. Philippines, how would you describe a male organ in
your country?
MS. PHILIPPINES : Ahh...well, opcors, hihihihi...I can say dat male
organs in our country are like chismis...
QUESTION : Chismis
MS. PHILIPPINES : Ayy! Sorry... Its ano, ahh kuwan...it means GOSSIP
in our language.
QUESTION : Hmm... Interesting comparison. And why do you say that?
MS.PHILIPPINES : Ayy...Dyahe!!!!Hi hi hi hi hi hi...Kasi....I mean
because it passes from mouth to mouth..

(STANDING OVATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)