Congratulations goes out to President Barack Obama who has just been named the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize recipient at an announcement ceremony in Oslo, Norway by the Norwegian Nobel Committee Head Thorbjoern Jagland. Cited for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy, cooperation between peoples and vision for a world without nuclear weapons” in just the first few months of his presidency, President Obama becomes only the 3rd sitting president to win the Nobel Peace Prize (after Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson). Obama becomes the 4th president to win the Nobel Peace Prize overall (President Jimmy Carter won his award after he left office). Here are photos of Jagland making the award announcement in Oslo earlier today and President Obama making his acceptance comments at the White House just moments ago:

US President Barack Obama sensationally won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday just nine months into his term, prompting world leaders to urge him to use the accolade to step up efforts for global peace. The jury hailed Obama’s “extraordinary” efforts in international diplomacy and to hasten nuclear disarmament, but criticism surged quickly over how the award could be given so soon. The US leader, 48, said he was “humbled” by the distinction. “Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future,” the Nobel jury said in making the stunning announcement. A gasp went through the Nobel Institute in Oslo as Obama’s name was read out. The committee attached “special importance to Obama’s vision and work for a world without nuclear weapons” and said he had created “a new climate in international politics.” Obama took office on January 20 and has sought to restore US standing after widespread criticism over the war in Iraq and the world superpower’s attitude to efforts to control global warming. The first black American president has brought the Israeli and Palestinian leaders together for a meeting, approved new diplomatic engagement with Iran, Myanmar and North Korea and signalled a new willingness to attack growing environmental problems. Obama went to Cairo to make a major speech on relations with the Muslim world, badly tarnished by President George W. Bush’s order to invade Iraq. At the United Nations, he has launched an initiative to reduce the number of nuclear weapons. The US president was awoken at 6:00 am at the White House by his spokesman to be told of the award. An administration official quoted Obama as saying he felt “humbled”. Obama was honored “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples,” the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee Thorbjoern Jagland said, adding that it was “a unanimous decision.” The jury said: “Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations,” it said. “Thanks to Obama’s initiative, the US is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic changes the world is confronting.” The committee said it was seeking to encourage Obama’s ideals rather than recognise concrete results. Speaking to AFP, Jagland said: “It was unavoidable to give the prize to the man who has improved the international climate and emphasised negotiations and dialogue. Before he took office the situation was so dangerous. Step by step he has given the message to the world that he wants to negotiate on all conflicts, strengthen the United Nations and work for a world without any nuclear arms.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the award, calling it an “incentive to the president and to us all” to do more for peace.

This is quite an achievement and much congratulations goes out to our President today. Obama seems to instill a vision of hope that resonates beyond our US borders and was clearly recognized by the jury of the Nobel Prize. I fully expect this honor to inspire President Obama to do even more to work towards “strengthening international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples” not only for the duration of his time in office as president but for the rest of his life. Much, much congrats President Obama!!

UPDATE: President Obama has announced that he will donate the $1.4 million in prize money to charity. That’s classy, y’all!

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Beyoncé was on hand at The Pierre Hotel in NYC, NY earlier today to accept her latest accolade at Billboard magazine’s 4th Annual Women In Music Brunch. Billboard has named Beyoncé their Woman of the Year and presented her with her award at today’s award ceremony. Here are photos of B making her red carpet arrival earlier today:

Fans are still getting to know Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé’s musical alter ego, formally introduced on the singer’s 2008 album, “I Am…Sasha Fierce.” Most probably don’t know, however, that the singer/songwriter has been friends with Fierce since elementary school. Manager and father Mathew Knowles will never forget the moment he first met Fierce. A 7-year-old Beyoncé was entered in a talent search open to Houston elementary and middle school students. The song she sang? John Lennon’s “Imagine.” “Beyoncé was the youngest,” Knowles says. “She got up onstage and when she was finished, she received a standing ovation. Her mother [Tina Knowles] and I looked at each other and said, ‘That can’t be our Beyoncé. She’s shy and quiet.’ ” Twenty-two years later, that simmering brew of shy, quiet talent peppered with fierce determination and ambition is at a boiling point. The former frontwoman of Destiny’s Child has come into her own, enjoying one of the best years of a still-evolving solo career. On Oct. 2, Beyoncé will add one more honor to her array of accolades when she accepts Billboard’s Woman of the Year Award. The presentation will be made at Billboard’s Women in Music brunch in New York, recognizing the year’s top 30 women in the music business. “Beyoncé is a multiplatinum artist and a multitalented woman who clearly embodies the qualities of excellence and achievement that the Billboard Woman of the Year Award was created to honor,” Billboard editorial director Bill Werde says. “She has not only influenced pop culture with her hit songs and her signature dance moves, but has inspired women everywhere with her unique style, business savvy and dedication to charitable causes.” In the past 12 months alone, Beyoncé has accomplished several career milestones. She not only sang “American the Beautiful” during the opening ceremony of the 2009 presidential inauguration, she also sang the Etta James hit “At Last” as President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama danced their first dance at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. In March Beyoncé launched her worldwide I Am…tour, which has grossed some $53.5 million to date, according to Billboard Boxscore. She’s also the star and executive producer of the 2009 film “Obsessed,” which opened at No. 1 and has grossed more than $68.3 million in North America, according to Nielsen EDI. “I Am…Sasha Fierce” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 when it was released by Columbia Records in November. The album, the singer’s third solo set, has spun off a string of Billboard Hot 100 hits: “If I Were a Boy,” “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” “Halo,” “Ego” and “Sweet Dreams.” After accepting MTV’s video of the year award for her iconic “Single Ladies” video a few weeks ago, Beyoncé gained a new level of fan and industry respect at the Sept. 13 event when she unselfishly brought Taylor Swift back onstage to complete the acceptance speech cut off by Kanye West’s surprise interruption. Beyoncé also continued her commitment this year to ongoing philanthropic projects and entrepreneurial activities from fashion to fragrances.

Beyoncé is my girl and I couldn’t be more happy that she has been chosen as Billboard’s Woman of the Year. There is no doubt that she has enjoyed a storied music career thus far and has reached new heights of success as a solo artist. 2009 has deffo been her year and she is really the only person who could’ve been named Woman of the Year. I’ve been a Beyoncé fan for years but she really won me over as a superfan after I saw her perform live in concert. To be honest, I see no sign of the girl slowing down and I only wish her nothing but the happiest of successes. Much love and congrats goes out to Beyoncé on this latest achievement … she deffo earned it.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

Prince Harry was on hand to present awards to some of the UK’s bravest children coping with serious illness at The Children’s Health Awards in London, England yesterday. One of the night’s award recipients, Alex Burke, wasn’t convinced that Prince Harry was really a prince because he wasn’t wearing a crown … Harry insisted that he is the real deal and sent the little tyke on his way. I understand this funny bit was among the highlights of the evening:

He may have one of the most recognisable faces on the planet but young Alex Burke was determined to check that Prince Harry was the real deal. Looking puzzled as he met the third in line to the throne at a charity awards ceremony this evening, the six-year-old said: ‘Are you sure you are Prince Harry? Where’s your crown?’, before asking for good measure: ‘So you’re not William then?’ Fortunately, Harry, 25, took it all in his stride as he scooped Alex up into his arms. ‘I’m sorry, you’ll have to put up with me!’ he spluttered. The prince, who was on a day off from training to be an army helicopter pilot, was at the WellChild Children’s Health Awards in London, which recognises the courage of youngsters coping with serious illness. Alex, from Manchester, has Neurofibromatosis Type 1, a genetic condition which causes non cancerous tumours to grow on the nerves in his body prompting a host of painful health problems. The lively youngster takes his condition in his stride, however, and was full of beans as he accepted his award from Harry yesterday – celebrating by blowing bubbles in the prince’s face. His mother, Sarah, 26, a full-time carer, said; ‘The only kind of princes that Alex knows about are the ones in stories who wear cloaks and crowns. ‘I have been showing him pictures of Harry and his brother, trying to explain who they are but he couldn’t understand why he wasn’t wearing his crown. I just told him that he wasn’t allowed to take it out with him.’ Among the other award winners was Lucy Tutton, eight, named the most caring child in the country for helping with her poorly sister, Sophie, five, who suffers from Rett Syndrome, a severe neurological disorder. Lucy, from Bristol, screamed with excitement and gave Harry a flower made out of balloons. Afterwards she said; ‘Oh wow – I felt like a princess.’ Harry got a fit of the giggles himself when he was presented with a framed picture of his elder brother by another brave young guest, saying: ‘Oh no, look who it is!’ He was given the photograph by Harrison Holmes, eight, from Barrow-in-Furness, who suffers from chronic lung disease and met William earlier this year on a trip with WellChild to the Lake District. The chatty youngster bowed as he handed his prized posession over to Harry and made him promise to give it to William. Harrison told him that William, who he calls his ‘Prince of Cuddles’, had promised to come to his house. ‘Oh, he is so sweet,’ said Harry, ‘I will definitely remind him of his promise.’ And the prince liked the balloons so much he took them home…

What an amazing awards ceremony. I love that these brave children were allowed a night in the spotlight so that they could be honored for having to endure their serious illnesses. That a member of the royal family would be on hand to do the honors of giving out the awards to these brave children is very impressive. As we are well aware, Prince Harry is no saint … but he deffo has his heart in the right place and I wholeheartedly commend him for his tireless charity work. Much congrats goes out to all the award recipients last night … here’s hoping for speedy recoveries!!

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Instrumental Saxophone musician Dave Koz, who I have been a fan of for many years (ever since my marching band days in high school), was on hand here in Hollywood today to receive the 2,389th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony that took place in front of the Capitol Records building. Now, I’m sure 99% of you do not know who Dave Koz is but I can assure you, he is an extremely talented musician and I couldn’t be more happy that he received this honor today. Here are a few photos from Dave’s Walk of Fame ceremony today and some deets about his career accomplishments:

In a career spanning two decades, Dave Koz has established himself as a platinum-selling artist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host, and instrumental music advocate. A six-time Grammy® nominee, the list of artists he has played with bears testament to his talent and includes such musical luminaries as Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, U2, Barry Manilow, Michael McDonald, Luther Vandross, and Rod Stewart. Many of his own hits – smash singles such as “You Make Me Smile,” Koz’s signature song, “Castle of Dreams,” “Can’t Let You Go” featuring the late Luther Vandross, “Together Again,” “Honey-Dipped,” “All I See Is You,” and “Faces of the Heart,” which was the theme song for “General Hospital” for more than 10 years – were collected in his first-ever retrospective album, Dave Koz – Greatest Hits, which bowed at No. 1 on both Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and iTunes’ Jazz Album chart in September 2008. “Life In The Fast Lane,” one of four new songs included on the album, spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Smooth Jazz chart and “Bada Bing” hit No. 2. Koz’s latest single, “And Then I Knew,” produced by Rob Cavallo (Dave Matthews Band, Green Day) just went to radio … Koz also serves as the host of a weekday afternoon radio show that’s nationally distributed on the Smooth Jazz Radio Network; and, on weekends, as the host of the Dave Koz Radio Show, now in its 15th year and syndicated in approximately 120 markets. As an entrepreneur, Koz founded Rendezvous Entertainment. As a philanthropist, he has served for 17 years as global ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. He recently partnered with Vinum Cellars, a Napa Valley boutique winery, and Whole Foods Market® to introduce three types of KOZ wines. He is donating all his proceeds from KOZ wines – available exclusively at Whole Foods Market stores in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada – to help Starlight continue its vital mission. Koz completed a four-year term on the Grammy Foundation Artists Committee, has served as National Trustee for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) and is an ongoing member of the Board Of Governors for the Grammy® Foundation.

I met Dave Koz at an in-store meet and greet many years ago while I was still in high school and his kindness and encouragement helped me remain steadfast in my music studies in school. He signed an autograph for me telling me that he would like to hear me play one of his songs, Castle of Dreams, one day and that alone inspired me to keep practicing. When Koz came out publicly as a gay man, his influence spoke to me even more. My good friend Sherri and I have seen Koz perform live in concert many times … and I’m just so happy that he has reached this level of success in his career. Much love and congrats goes out to Dave Koz on his big day. Instrumental jazz fans might want to check out Dave Koz’s albums … they’re really great :)

[Photo credit: Wireimage]

Each year the Hugo Awards, named in honor of Hugo Gernsback — the founder of the pioneering science fiction magazine Amazing Stories, present awards to deserving artists who excel in science fiction or fantasy works and achievements (kind of like the “nerd Pulitzers“) and this year, those awards were handed out at a ceremony in Montreal, Canada over the weekend. My fave contemporary author, Neil Gaiman, took home his 4th Hugo Award — this time for his novel The Graveyard Book — and Buffyverse maestro Joss Whedon took home an award for Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog. Here are a couple photos of Gaiman at the Hugo Awards this weekend with his newest trophy (Whedon was not in attendance) and some deets about Neil’s much-deserved win:

Twin Cities-area writer Neil Gaiman added to his steadily growing collection of awards, picking up a Hugo Award for best novel for “The Graveyard Book” Sunday night in Montreal. This is Gaiman’s fourth Hugo, and the second major award for “The Graveyard Book,” which won the Newbery Medal in January. It is the first time a book has won both the Hugo, awarded for science fiction and fantasy, and the Newbery, which is the highest honor for children’s literature. “It’s wonderful seeing two such different worlds embracing the same book,” said his publicist, Elyse Marshall of HarperCollins. Gaiman had confessed on his blog last winter that when he won the Newbery he had to tell himself not to swear like he did when he got the Hugo. Marshall said he did not swear at the podium Sunday, “although he did swear on Twitter.” (His Twitter message from Montreal is just three words. The second and third words are, “It won!”) Gaiman, who started out writing comic books and fantasy, is a prolific author who lately has concentrated on children’s books. He has three books out in 2009 — “Blueberry Girl,” published in March; “Crazy Hair,” in May, illustrated by Dave McKean, who also worked with Gaiman on “Coraline” and “The Graveyard Book”; and “Odd and the Frost Giants,” due in September and already nominated for a World Fantasy Award. (It was published last year in Great Britain.) “Coraline” was made into a hit movie this year, and “The Graveyard Book” is being made into a movie to be written and directed by Neil Jordan. It is the story of a little boy named Nobody Owens, whose entire family is murdered. Nobody escapes as a baby and makes it to the graveyard, where he is raised by ghosts.

Much love and congrats to Neil and to Joss (who won the award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form) on their respective wins. I was NOT aware that The Graveyard Book was being written and directed by Neil Jordan (of The Crying Game and Interview with the Vampire fame) … that should make for a very interesting movie. If you are interested, you can click HERE to see the full list of Hugo Award winners this year!

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Cameron Diaz, actress extraordinaire, was honored with her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at a ceremony here in SoCal yesterday afternoon. Diaz’s star is the 2,386th star on the Walk of Fame … here are a few pics from her ceremony yesterday:

US actress Cameron Diaz has received the 2,386th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where she attributed her successful career to “the eternal love my mom and dad shared.” “It was what has given me the strength and courage to live this extraordinary life and it is what powers the light that burns inside of me, bright enough for me to be honored today with this star on the Walk of Fame,” Diaz said. Diaz, 36, who earned a whopping 20 million dollars for her role in the film version of “Charlie’s Angels,” will return to the silver screen Friday for the premiere of “My Sister’s Keeper,” in which she plays a mother of two girls, including a cancer patient. Her father died of pneumonia at the age of 58 in April as she was nearing the end of filming for the drama by director Nick Cassavetes. The actress, who is especially known for her role in the 1998 feature “There’s Something About Mary,” attended Monday’s ceremony in front of the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, north of Los Angeles, before hundreds of adoring fans. She was also joined by friends and fellow actors Tom Cruise, her co-star in “Vanilla Sky,” his wife Katie Holmes, and Lucy Liu, who starred with Diaz in “Charlie’s Angels.” Born on August 30, 1972 in San Diego, southern California, Diaz began fashion modeling at the age of 16 and made her big break in acting with the 1994 hit “The Mask,” alongside Jim Carrey. Since then, she has been considered one of Hollywood’s top comedians, with an average salary listed at about 10 million dollars per film.

Ah, Cameron Diaz … I’ve traveled the long road of her stardom with her. There was once a time that I was not her biggest fan (longtime old skool readers may recall “Zitty McPussbags”) but I’ve since softened my stance on her (her performances in the Charlie’s Angels movies helped a lot). While I may not always agree with the awarding of stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I’m sure fans of the lucky celebs who receive these stars are very happy and appreciative for the celebs they love so dear. I suppose congrats are in order for Ms. Diaz. She will now be a part of Hollywood history for all time now that she is a part of the Walk of Fame … and that is no small feat.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

Last night the Council of Fashion Designers of America held their annual gala event (which is sometimes referred to as the Fashion Oscars) and brought out all the heavy-hitters in the fashion world. Two of the CFDA attendees were Taylor Lautner of Twilight fame and Bradley Cooper of The Hangover fame … behold:

Yes, I could’ve posted another round of celebs in gowns pouting and posing for the cameras or … I could post pics of these two dudes lookin’ sharp as hell in their swanky suits. I gotta say, Mr. Lautner is lookin’ really good in his finery. Bradley ain’t lookin’ too bad either. I don’t suppose any of y’all mind that these are the only two people that I chose to highlight … right?

[Photo credit: Splash News]