Carfax claims its search service is "your best protection against buying a used car with costly, hidden problems." But in their suit, Tennessee attorneys Frank Watson and David McLaughlin charge that Carfax's ads promise more than it can deliver. Carfax fails to disclose the limitations of its database, they said.
McLaughlin and Watson charge that auto dealer Mid-South Motors purchased a 1995 BMW 525i from another wholesaler in 2002 after buying a CARFAX report that showed no ?salvage? brands and no police accident or damage disclosure records.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Keira Knightley
Her breakthrough role, however, came when she was still in her teens in the form of writer-director Gurinder Chadha's unlikely sleeper hit "Bend It Like Beckham" (2002) as part of a pair of soccer-obsessed teen gal pals who dream of careers kicking like soccer superstar David Beckham. Knightley quickly capitalized on the attention she garnered as the second banana in the warm, quirky film and was snatched up by Disney for the big screen blockbuster "Pirates of the Caribbean" (2003), loosely based on the beloved theme park attraction, in which she played Elizabeth Swann, the daughter of a governor who teams with rogue pirate and unlikely ally (Johhny Depp) and a dashing love interest (Orlando Bloom) to cross blades with evil marauders led by the villainous Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush)—she would later reprise the role for a pair of sequels shot back-to-back in 2005. The actress was also used to terrific effect in writer-director Richard Curtis' "Love Actually" (2003) as a bride who realizes her groom's best man is madly in love with her.
Next, Knightley's athletic frame and acting intensity were put to good use in the action-minded "King Arthur" (2004), a "demystified" and supposedly historically correct interpretation of the myth of the English King in which she played Queen Guinevere as a blue war paint-sporting warrior chieftess. She followed up with a turn in the mysterioso thriller "The Jacket" (2005) playing the woman who may hold the key to the salvation of an amnesiac man (Adrien Brody) who envisions their meeting in the future. The actress, who seemed to be even more confident with each role, took center stage as the central figure character in director Tony Scott's hyperkinetic "Domino" (2005), playing Domino Harvey, the real-life daughter of actor Lawrence Harvey who defied her Beverly Hills upbringing and early career as a model to become a resourceful, tough-as-nails bounty hunter. Knightley delivered a dynamic performance, but it was frequently undercut by Scott's overly stylized direction. Her final 2005 film was a refreshingly lively adaptation of Jane Austen's classic "Pride and Prejudice," which cast Knightley as the tale's bright and strong-willed heroine Elizabeth Bennett, a role that allowed much of the actress' coltish personal charm and winsome pluck to shine through. She was honored with several award nominations for Best Actress, including a Golden Globe and Academy Award.
Knightley started 2006 on a high note when she co-starred in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” (2006), a harrowing, energetic and worthy addition to the swashbuckling franchise. She revived her love-torn character, Elizabeth Swann, to join Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and the swaggering, but effete Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) in a quest to find a long-lost treasure containing the heart of Davey Jones, undead captain of the fabled Flying Dutchman. “Dead Man’s Chest” went on to break several box office records, including biggest single-day gross and biggest opening weekend ever, paving the way for the third installment, “Pirates of the Caribbean 3,” which was shot simultaneously with the second.
Also Credited As: Kiera KnightleyBorn: Kiera Knightley on 03/26/1985 in Teddington, London, EnglandJob Titles: ActressFamily
Brother: Caleb Knightley. born c. 1979
Father: Will Knightley.
Mother: Sharman McDonald.
Significant Others
Companion: Del Synnott. actor; met in 2001, while working together on "Princess Of Thieves"; split November 2003
Companion: Jamie Dornan. model; met at a Manhattan photo shoot in August 2003; began dating in 2004; announced split August 10, 2005.
Companion: Rupert Friend. met while co-starring in "Pride & Prejudice"; began dating December 2005
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Holidays in Gran Canaria
Best for...
Beautiful beaches, a lively nightlife and wildly diverse scenery, Gran Canaria is a paradise for young people and families...
Boasting a variety of resorts and facilities, Gran Canaria has something to offer all ages and types of holidaymaker. Families will love the island's soft sandy beaches, warm blue waters and family-orientated activities, while couples seeking a romantic hideaway will enjoy the pretty marinas and flower-filled walkways. If bustling beach resorts are more your thing, you'll be more than satisfied with the wealth and variety of evening entertainment found in Gran Canaria's liveliest resorts, which are renowned for their party days and party nights.
What to do…
With year-round sunshine Gran Canaria is a popular winter sun destination though temperatures peak in the summer months. Five popular beach resorts - Puerto de Mogan, Playa del Ingles, Puerto Rico, Playa Amadores and Maspalomas are the highlights of the island.
Just an hour from the airport Puerto de Mogan is a picturesque working fishing village that has earned the name 'Little Venice' thanks to its tiny canals, ornate walkways and numerous waterfront restaurants. It makes a great getaway for families and couples looking for a relaxing escape with its attractive marina and quaint craft shops though for those who prefer a more bustling atmosphere there are ferries throughout the day to the livelier Puerto Rico.
With its busy sandy beaches Puerto Rico is unquestionably the most energetic area of Gran Canaria with a number of beach bars and stay-late restaurants as well as a buzzing commercial centre that is ideal for tax-free shopping. The area is extremely popular with the British and this is reflected in the restaurants and facilities available.
International dining is popular in both Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas. The island's resorts cater for every taste from Chinese to Italian, as well as many traditional dishes including fresh seafood and tapas. This is accentuated within the Yumbo Centre at Playa del Ingles, which has many mini-markets, bars, gift shops and cafes. This centre also caters heavily for the gay travel market and is known for its very lively entertainment 24hrs a day. The area also has a beautiful, golden sand beach that blends into the spectacular sand dunes of Maspalomas, which is the ideal setting for secluded sunbathing backed by the Charca da Maspalomas, a protected nature reserve and lagoon. There are also a number of fairground attractions to keep the family busy at Holiday World along with tenpin bowling, Aquasur's waterpark and an eighteen-hole golf course.
Playa Amadores is neatly situated between Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan and has arguably the most idyllic beach on the island as well as watersports and fishing facilities, though it should be avoided by those with walking difficulties due to its steep hills
Beautiful beaches, a lively nightlife and wildly diverse scenery, Gran Canaria is a paradise for young people and families...
Boasting a variety of resorts and facilities, Gran Canaria has something to offer all ages and types of holidaymaker. Families will love the island's soft sandy beaches, warm blue waters and family-orientated activities, while couples seeking a romantic hideaway will enjoy the pretty marinas and flower-filled walkways. If bustling beach resorts are more your thing, you'll be more than satisfied with the wealth and variety of evening entertainment found in Gran Canaria's liveliest resorts, which are renowned for their party days and party nights.
What to do…
With year-round sunshine Gran Canaria is a popular winter sun destination though temperatures peak in the summer months. Five popular beach resorts - Puerto de Mogan, Playa del Ingles, Puerto Rico, Playa Amadores and Maspalomas are the highlights of the island.
Just an hour from the airport Puerto de Mogan is a picturesque working fishing village that has earned the name 'Little Venice' thanks to its tiny canals, ornate walkways and numerous waterfront restaurants. It makes a great getaway for families and couples looking for a relaxing escape with its attractive marina and quaint craft shops though for those who prefer a more bustling atmosphere there are ferries throughout the day to the livelier Puerto Rico.
With its busy sandy beaches Puerto Rico is unquestionably the most energetic area of Gran Canaria with a number of beach bars and stay-late restaurants as well as a buzzing commercial centre that is ideal for tax-free shopping. The area is extremely popular with the British and this is reflected in the restaurants and facilities available.
International dining is popular in both Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas. The island's resorts cater for every taste from Chinese to Italian, as well as many traditional dishes including fresh seafood and tapas. This is accentuated within the Yumbo Centre at Playa del Ingles, which has many mini-markets, bars, gift shops and cafes. This centre also caters heavily for the gay travel market and is known for its very lively entertainment 24hrs a day. The area also has a beautiful, golden sand beach that blends into the spectacular sand dunes of Maspalomas, which is the ideal setting for secluded sunbathing backed by the Charca da Maspalomas, a protected nature reserve and lagoon. There are also a number of fairground attractions to keep the family busy at Holiday World along with tenpin bowling, Aquasur's waterpark and an eighteen-hole golf course.
Playa Amadores is neatly situated between Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan and has arguably the most idyllic beach on the island as well as watersports and fishing facilities, though it should be avoided by those with walking difficulties due to its steep hills
Guide to student banking and finance - part 1 of 2
The importance of a budget
Pre-preparing a budget may help you keep a tight grip on your finances. It's crucial to take EVERYTHING into account as money will be extremely tight. Think beyond the obvious major outlays such as rent, bills, books and food and think about the smaller expenses that will quickly add-up. Think about the costs of using your mobile phone (including texts), printing, photo-copying, using public transport and factor in those inevitable night-outs. The more you can plan for the better.
Budgeting is a vital tool not just at university, but in life. Thinking ahead and sticking closely to your plan is crucial if you are to avoid student debt.
Work out your cost of living
A little bit of mathematics can go a long way and a neat calculation can help you prepare for university life. Here is what we recommend that you consider:
Income for term - This will include parental contributions, a student loan (usually about £1,250) and a wage from a part-time job.
Term expenditure - This will include rent (usually about £800), books, clothes, CDs, etc - larger sums that you will spend over the course of a term.
Weekly expenditure - This should factor in the essentials and non-essentials, so food, leisure, travel, household bills and more.
Firstly add up the income and then add up your term expenditure. Also calculate your weekly expenditure over the course of a term - there are normally twelve weeks in a term. Once you have the three totals worked out, add the two expenditure totals together and subtract them from your income. The total will be the money you have left after all these costs are factored in. Consequently you might wish to reduce certain costs based on these results - you could decide to cut out the odd night out or spend a little less on leisure to keep yourself within a budget. Always reserve some cash for emergencies.
Part-time work
Though many like to claim that students are work-shy the opposite is often true as many young people hold down part-time jobs to ease financial worries in addition to dealing with their studies. Of course work should never come ahead of study, but if you can cope with perhaps a weekend job or even work through the holidays it is a great way to boost your income.
Pre-preparing a budget may help you keep a tight grip on your finances. It's crucial to take EVERYTHING into account as money will be extremely tight. Think beyond the obvious major outlays such as rent, bills, books and food and think about the smaller expenses that will quickly add-up. Think about the costs of using your mobile phone (including texts), printing, photo-copying, using public transport and factor in those inevitable night-outs. The more you can plan for the better.
Budgeting is a vital tool not just at university, but in life. Thinking ahead and sticking closely to your plan is crucial if you are to avoid student debt.
Work out your cost of living
A little bit of mathematics can go a long way and a neat calculation can help you prepare for university life. Here is what we recommend that you consider:
Income for term - This will include parental contributions, a student loan (usually about £1,250) and a wage from a part-time job.
Term expenditure - This will include rent (usually about £800), books, clothes, CDs, etc - larger sums that you will spend over the course of a term.
Weekly expenditure - This should factor in the essentials and non-essentials, so food, leisure, travel, household bills and more.
Firstly add up the income and then add up your term expenditure. Also calculate your weekly expenditure over the course of a term - there are normally twelve weeks in a term. Once you have the three totals worked out, add the two expenditure totals together and subtract them from your income. The total will be the money you have left after all these costs are factored in. Consequently you might wish to reduce certain costs based on these results - you could decide to cut out the odd night out or spend a little less on leisure to keep yourself within a budget. Always reserve some cash for emergencies.
Part-time work
Though many like to claim that students are work-shy the opposite is often true as many young people hold down part-time jobs to ease financial worries in addition to dealing with their studies. Of course work should never come ahead of study, but if you can cope with perhaps a weekend job or even work through the holidays it is a great way to boost your income.
Best and Worst U.S. Housing Markets
Southern metros also boasted gains. In San Antonio, prices went up 11.2%, and Austin, Tex., prices climbed 5.4%. Charlotte, N.C., and Raleigh, N.C., rose 6.4% and 6.3%, and Richmond, Va., and Norfolk, Va., improved 6.2% and 5.9%.
"What we're seeing now are the areas which still have a strong economy, but didn't have the overheated prices [during the housing boom], are the ones holding on strong now," says Kermit Baker, a senior research fellow at Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies.
In the Northeast, the New York City metropolitan area turned in a steady 1% growth rate, and smaller metros like Albany, N.Y.; Trenton, N.J.; and Allentown Pa.--which improved by 6.3%, 7.1% and 5.8% respectively--helped overcome Boston's continuing slump to lift the Northeast to a 1.2% overall price growth, making it the only region in the black.
Now the bad news.
Cloudy Skies
Median home prices in Florida are down, according to NAR: Tampa by 2%, and Sarasota, Palm Bay and Daytona by an average of 9%. Overall, Florida prices plunged 25%, making the Sunshine State not so sunny. Miami, however, which had been hamstrung early in the housing downturn, improved by 2%. The rally may be tenuous however, as 23% of Miami housing loans are subprime, according to First American LoanPerformance, a mortgage data provider.
"We've had 30 subprime lenders go under, which leads to a tightening of credit," says Jonathan Miller, president of Miller Samuel, a New York-based real estate appraisal and consultancy firm of lenders nationwide. "That adds one more barrier to transactions, something that couldn't have come at a more delicate time for the housing market. On a national level, there are a lot of markets which are going to have some problems."
The Gulf Coast, where home prices had roared back at a double-digit clip the year following Hurricane Katrina, is one such market. Biloxi, Miss., grew by 15.7%, and Baton Rouge, La., by 9.7%, but the subprime hammer came down on New Orleans, where a 20% delinquency rate on subprime loans contributed to an 11% drop in home values, the NAR reports.
Worse News To Come?
For many markets, things may get worse before they get better. Nationwide, prices fell by 6.6%, a number that makes sense at this point in the housing cycle, experts say.
"When housing prices slip, nothing really changes until you try to sell, which is what we've had happen in the last couple of months," says Miller. "I don't think the housing slowdown has fully hit the national economy yet."
Overexpansion was a problem for most metro areas. Homeowner vacancy rates stood at 2.8% in the first quarter of this year, a statistically significant rise from the 2.1% rate a year ago and the 1.7% average between 1995 and 2005, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Those high inventory numbers flatten prices and make new development less lucrative.
"It's becoming more difficult to put together financing for new development projects," says Miller. "That'll actually provide some constraint on supply, but that's a couple years down the road. You figure the lead on new development is probably two years, so it's going to be a couple years before units stop coming off the conveyor belt."
Moving forward, there is concern surrounding the strength of the national macro economy. In the first quarter of 2007, growth came in at a disappointing 1.3%--hampered by 4% inflation--but the Federal Reserve predicts growth between 2.5% and 3% for the remainder of 2007.
"We do have a massive inventory correction, which will happen a lot easier and a lot less painfully if it continues to happen during an economic expansion," says Baker. "The fear is now that even though the direct housing hit was absorbed, the indirect hit could be serious too. We're into that now, but it doesn't look like it's enough to throw the economy into recession."
Some might disagree. Fears about the ripple effect of the housing market have traders particularly bearish.
The S&P/Case-Shiller housing futures market on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange is based on repeat sales of homes across 10 markets ranging from Boston to San Diego. There, traders are betting on a 4.5% decline from now until next year.
"What we're seeing now are the areas which still have a strong economy, but didn't have the overheated prices [during the housing boom], are the ones holding on strong now," says Kermit Baker, a senior research fellow at Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies.
In the Northeast, the New York City metropolitan area turned in a steady 1% growth rate, and smaller metros like Albany, N.Y.; Trenton, N.J.; and Allentown Pa.--which improved by 6.3%, 7.1% and 5.8% respectively--helped overcome Boston's continuing slump to lift the Northeast to a 1.2% overall price growth, making it the only region in the black.
Now the bad news.
Cloudy Skies
Median home prices in Florida are down, according to NAR: Tampa by 2%, and Sarasota, Palm Bay and Daytona by an average of 9%. Overall, Florida prices plunged 25%, making the Sunshine State not so sunny. Miami, however, which had been hamstrung early in the housing downturn, improved by 2%. The rally may be tenuous however, as 23% of Miami housing loans are subprime, according to First American LoanPerformance, a mortgage data provider.
"We've had 30 subprime lenders go under, which leads to a tightening of credit," says Jonathan Miller, president of Miller Samuel, a New York-based real estate appraisal and consultancy firm of lenders nationwide. "That adds one more barrier to transactions, something that couldn't have come at a more delicate time for the housing market. On a national level, there are a lot of markets which are going to have some problems."
The Gulf Coast, where home prices had roared back at a double-digit clip the year following Hurricane Katrina, is one such market. Biloxi, Miss., grew by 15.7%, and Baton Rouge, La., by 9.7%, but the subprime hammer came down on New Orleans, where a 20% delinquency rate on subprime loans contributed to an 11% drop in home values, the NAR reports.
Worse News To Come?
For many markets, things may get worse before they get better. Nationwide, prices fell by 6.6%, a number that makes sense at this point in the housing cycle, experts say.
"When housing prices slip, nothing really changes until you try to sell, which is what we've had happen in the last couple of months," says Miller. "I don't think the housing slowdown has fully hit the national economy yet."
Overexpansion was a problem for most metro areas. Homeowner vacancy rates stood at 2.8% in the first quarter of this year, a statistically significant rise from the 2.1% rate a year ago and the 1.7% average between 1995 and 2005, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Those high inventory numbers flatten prices and make new development less lucrative.
"It's becoming more difficult to put together financing for new development projects," says Miller. "That'll actually provide some constraint on supply, but that's a couple years down the road. You figure the lead on new development is probably two years, so it's going to be a couple years before units stop coming off the conveyor belt."
Moving forward, there is concern surrounding the strength of the national macro economy. In the first quarter of 2007, growth came in at a disappointing 1.3%--hampered by 4% inflation--but the Federal Reserve predicts growth between 2.5% and 3% for the remainder of 2007.
"We do have a massive inventory correction, which will happen a lot easier and a lot less painfully if it continues to happen during an economic expansion," says Baker. "The fear is now that even though the direct housing hit was absorbed, the indirect hit could be serious too. We're into that now, but it doesn't look like it's enough to throw the economy into recession."
Some might disagree. Fears about the ripple effect of the housing market have traders particularly bearish.
The S&P/Case-Shiller housing futures market on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange is based on repeat sales of homes across 10 markets ranging from Boston to San Diego. There, traders are betting on a 4.5% decline from now until next year.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
WITTY ANSWER TO 'HOW ARE YOU?' MAKES SOME PEOPLE FEEL FINE
So, I make a game of it. Unlike the greeter who blurts out the salutation without thinking, I listen and am prepared with several responses. For "How ya doin'?" I answer, "Not so good. My wife and oldest son and I just got out of three months in rehab for peanut butter addiction. I was a two-jar-a-day man myself. My boy had it even worse -- three jars of the hard stuff, crunchy!"
When asked, "What's up?" I'm inclined to respond, "My blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index!" -- DAVE IN MARSHALL, WIS.
DEAR DAVE: Many readers who wrote to comment on that letter said they were perplexed at how "How are you?" has essentially replaced the greeting "Hello." And they were eager to share the quips they use to answer that rhetorical question. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: I have an alternative to the answer you gave to "Fine, Thank You" that I often use.
I'm a recovering alcoholic. When someone who knows I'm in AA asks me how I'm doing, my favorite reply is, "I'm walking, breathing and sober -- anything beyond that is gravy."
Another favorite I often use with people who don't know I'm in AA is, "Well, I woke up on this side of the grass, so I must be doing pretty well!" -- SHIRLEY IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR ABBY: I have been having a lot of fun with this response to the "How are you?" question. I say, "I can't answer that." Expecting the worst, most people ask me why. That's when I say, "Because of the Medical Privacy Act!" Everyone has a good laugh and is relieved not to have had to listen to a list of my ailments. -- HAPPY BOB IN KIMBOLTON, OHIO
DEAR ABBY: I learned some years ago the power of a positive attitude. When an acquaintance asks how I am, I set the tone for my own day by answering, "I'm fabulous, thanks! How are you?"
You know the old "fake it 'til you feel it" philosophy? That's why I originally started doing it, but it has paid off for me because I receive positive energy in return. Not only do I actually feel happier after the interaction, but it's difficult for someone else to respond negatively to your smile. -- COLLEEN IN PORT COQUITLAM, BRITISH COLUMBIA
DEAR ABBY: My reply? "I'm better on the inside than I look on the outside!" -- JOYCE IN CONVERSE, TEXAS
DEAR ABBY: I once heard this response: "Vertical and ventilating!" I still laugh when I think of it. -- DOC IN CHARLESTON, S.C.
DEAR ABBY: My favorite response is one I get from a friend: "All monitored systems are functional." -- ED IN SAN JOSE
When asked, "What's up?" I'm inclined to respond, "My blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index!" -- DAVE IN MARSHALL, WIS.
DEAR DAVE: Many readers who wrote to comment on that letter said they were perplexed at how "How are you?" has essentially replaced the greeting "Hello." And they were eager to share the quips they use to answer that rhetorical question. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: I have an alternative to the answer you gave to "Fine, Thank You" that I often use.
I'm a recovering alcoholic. When someone who knows I'm in AA asks me how I'm doing, my favorite reply is, "I'm walking, breathing and sober -- anything beyond that is gravy."
Another favorite I often use with people who don't know I'm in AA is, "Well, I woke up on this side of the grass, so I must be doing pretty well!" -- SHIRLEY IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR ABBY: I have been having a lot of fun with this response to the "How are you?" question. I say, "I can't answer that." Expecting the worst, most people ask me why. That's when I say, "Because of the Medical Privacy Act!" Everyone has a good laugh and is relieved not to have had to listen to a list of my ailments. -- HAPPY BOB IN KIMBOLTON, OHIO
DEAR ABBY: I learned some years ago the power of a positive attitude. When an acquaintance asks how I am, I set the tone for my own day by answering, "I'm fabulous, thanks! How are you?"
You know the old "fake it 'til you feel it" philosophy? That's why I originally started doing it, but it has paid off for me because I receive positive energy in return. Not only do I actually feel happier after the interaction, but it's difficult for someone else to respond negatively to your smile. -- COLLEEN IN PORT COQUITLAM, BRITISH COLUMBIA
DEAR ABBY: My reply? "I'm better on the inside than I look on the outside!" -- JOYCE IN CONVERSE, TEXAS
DEAR ABBY: I once heard this response: "Vertical and ventilating!" I still laugh when I think of it. -- DOC IN CHARLESTON, S.C.
DEAR ABBY: My favorite response is one I get from a friend: "All monitored systems are functional." -- ED IN SAN JOSE
Miss Japan crowned Miss Universe 2007
Dressed in a black, red and purple Japanese-style gown, Riyo Mori nervously grabbed the hands of first runner-up, Natalia Guimaraes of Brazil, just before the winner was announced. Then she threw her hands up and covered her mouth, overcome with emotion.
But she gathered herself together enough to catch the diamond-and-pearl-studded headpiece valued at $250,000 as it slipped off her head when Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico crowned her. Mori immediately placed it back on her head.
The last time Japan won the pageant was in 1959 when Akiko Kojima became the first Miss Universe from Asia.
"She is an amazing champion, an amazing woman and I hear that they go totally insane in Japan, so that's good," said Donald Trump, who co-owns the pageant with NBC.
Miss USA Rachel Smith, who slipped and fell to the floor during the evening gown competition and was jeered by the Mexican audience during the interview phase, was the contest's fourth runner-up.
Mori, from the small town of Shizuoka at the base of Mount Fuji, won the cheers of the Mexico City audience when she opened her interview, saying 'Hola, Mexico!'
"I learned how to always be happy, be patient and to be positive, and this is what I want to teach to the next generation," she said during the interview competition.
The daughter of a dance school operator, Mori said her grandmother told her as a child that she wanted her to be Miss Japan before she turned 20.
"From the very beginning, I entered the competition with high hopes and an unswerving determination to make this dream a reality," she said in a pre-competition interview.
She wants to someday open an international dance school in Tokyo.
"Right now I am only 20 years old, so I'm really excited about what I'm going to be able to do at this age to benefit society," Mori said after winning.
Smith was booed during her interview and several audience members chanted "Mexico! Mexico!" until she spoke in Spanish, saying "Buenas noches Mexico. Muchas gracias!" which earned her applause. Mexico has a fierce rivalry with its northern neighbor.
Also finishing in the top five were second runner-up Ly Jonaitis of Venezuela and third runner-up Honey Lee of Korea.
The winner travels the world for a year on behalf of charities and pageant sponsors.
The 15 finalists from a field of 77 contestants were announced early in Monday's show. They were picked last week during preliminary judging in the contest's swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories. Their names were not announced until Monday, allowing all 77 to be introduced to the television audience.
As soon as the final 15 had been selected, they immediately strutted across the stage in animal-print bikinis for the swimsuit competition. After the evening gown competition, five contestants were eliminated, and the judges chose the winner from the five remaining.
Missing from this year's contest was Miss Sweden, whose country is one of the few to win the crown three times. Isabel Lestapier Winqvist, 20, dropped out because many Swedes say the competition does not represent the modern woman.
Hours before the pageant began, dozens of protesters held a mock ceremony in downtown Mexico City that featured "Miss Marijuana," "Miss Sexual Health," "Miss Human Rights" and other candidates with obscenities written across their sashes. The group yelled "Neither ugly nor beautiful, should a woman be considered an object!"
But she gathered herself together enough to catch the diamond-and-pearl-studded headpiece valued at $250,000 as it slipped off her head when Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico crowned her. Mori immediately placed it back on her head.
The last time Japan won the pageant was in 1959 when Akiko Kojima became the first Miss Universe from Asia.
"She is an amazing champion, an amazing woman and I hear that they go totally insane in Japan, so that's good," said Donald Trump, who co-owns the pageant with NBC.
Miss USA Rachel Smith, who slipped and fell to the floor during the evening gown competition and was jeered by the Mexican audience during the interview phase, was the contest's fourth runner-up.
Mori, from the small town of Shizuoka at the base of Mount Fuji, won the cheers of the Mexico City audience when she opened her interview, saying 'Hola, Mexico!'
"I learned how to always be happy, be patient and to be positive, and this is what I want to teach to the next generation," she said during the interview competition.
The daughter of a dance school operator, Mori said her grandmother told her as a child that she wanted her to be Miss Japan before she turned 20.
"From the very beginning, I entered the competition with high hopes and an unswerving determination to make this dream a reality," she said in a pre-competition interview.
She wants to someday open an international dance school in Tokyo.
"Right now I am only 20 years old, so I'm really excited about what I'm going to be able to do at this age to benefit society," Mori said after winning.
Smith was booed during her interview and several audience members chanted "Mexico! Mexico!" until she spoke in Spanish, saying "Buenas noches Mexico. Muchas gracias!" which earned her applause. Mexico has a fierce rivalry with its northern neighbor.
Also finishing in the top five were second runner-up Ly Jonaitis of Venezuela and third runner-up Honey Lee of Korea.
The winner travels the world for a year on behalf of charities and pageant sponsors.
The 15 finalists from a field of 77 contestants were announced early in Monday's show. They were picked last week during preliminary judging in the contest's swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories. Their names were not announced until Monday, allowing all 77 to be introduced to the television audience.
As soon as the final 15 had been selected, they immediately strutted across the stage in animal-print bikinis for the swimsuit competition. After the evening gown competition, five contestants were eliminated, and the judges chose the winner from the five remaining.
Missing from this year's contest was Miss Sweden, whose country is one of the few to win the crown three times. Isabel Lestapier Winqvist, 20, dropped out because many Swedes say the competition does not represent the modern woman.
Hours before the pageant began, dozens of protesters held a mock ceremony in downtown Mexico City that featured "Miss Marijuana," "Miss Sexual Health," "Miss Human Rights" and other candidates with obscenities written across their sashes. The group yelled "Neither ugly nor beautiful, should a woman be considered an object!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)