In light of the tragic assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benzair Bhutto, liberated Pakistani women grabbed a victory for progression this past month, when Saman Hasnain was crowned Mrs. Pakistan World 2008.  In the second annual pageant, Hasnain’s crowning marks a time when modern and independent Pakistani women are doing all they can to gain a voice on the international stage.

Hasnain, a happily married mother of two, will go on to compete in the Mrs. World 2008 competition for her birth country.  Hasnain, who now lives in San Francisco with her family looks at this win as a great honour and triumph for Pakistani women.  “I would like to change the world’s perception of Pakistani women.  It is important to raise funds and help resolve issues faced by Pakistan.  I hope to act as a role model and encourage, educate and motivate Pakistani women to help achieve a strong and progressive Pakistan” says Hasnain.

On December 27th, the world took a collective gasp over the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, one of the few political leaders who could have catapulted Pakistan into economic and political liberation.  One may see Bhutto’s death as a giant step backwards, however many are realizing that it is a sign that this can no longer be a one-woman-show.

The newly crowned Mrs. Pakistan World 2008 is a real estate agent by trade, but has already worked diligently to aid a struggling Pakistan find its footing.  She showed her charitable nature by helping build a school in a small village in Pakistan for 1000 children, and has shown consistent support for DIL (Development in Literacy), all while volunteering at her children’s school in San Francisco.  She plans to use her new title to increase her work and broaden her scope throughout the world.

Sonia Ahmed, president of Miss Canada Pakistan Inc., the organization who created Mrs. Pakistan World, says “Our goal is to show the world that Pakistani women have global voice and a desire to progress and help change the world.”  Ahmed also created Miss Pakistan World in 2002, and as the 6th annual pageant approaches, she has seen her mission come to light as the crown winners have won several international titles and helped prove that all Pakistani women can eventually have a positive and free-thinking future on a global scale.

The organization’s headquarters is in Toronto, Ontario where recently a young girl, Aqsa Parvez, was strangled to death by her father for not wearing her hijab (a traditional part of Muslim attire) in public.  Occasions like these act as a deep reminder to those who are liberated from the radical traditions of the fundamentalists within the Pakistani community, that advancement is an irrefutable necessity.

One from western society may find it challenging to see how a beauty pageant would act as a means for women’s liberation, however for the women of Pakistan, these pageants are a sign that there is a lot to look forward to in the progression of their country.  A global voice is something that many of these women grew up not realizing would be possible in their lifetime.

For further information, contact:

Daniel Thompson, TDPR:  647-343-3105

 Breaking free from a boy-band past, brotherly duo RyanDan shine on their new self-titled album, showcasing their maturity and incredible vocal synchronicity.

As members of the Canadian boy band B4-4, brothers Ryan and Dan Kowarsky had moderate success during the time of N’Sync and the Backstreet Boys.  Their new venture in the music world takes on a whole new genre and no doubt will garner a whole new level of success.

RyanDan provides a heartfelt addition to the classical-pop scene joining heavy hitters Josh Groban and Il Divo.  Notably one stand-out element that the brothers have over their competition is the undeniable beauty of their harmonization.  As identical twins, their tonal match creates a magical resonance that can chill the spine!  The album blends original music with classics such as Bring Him Home (Les Mis), and I’ll Be There (The Jackson 5).

Their first single Like The Sun, is the most powerful track on the album and has given the record great notice on a global scale.  Hitting a high of #7 in the UK, #4 in Hong Kong and breaking the Canadian Top 10 in the first week (#9), the brothers are off to an impressive start and will be breaking out in the US in 2008.

Ryan and Dan Kowarsky prove that Canadian artists can feel success across different generes and across different oceans.  Congratulations friends!

Tamara Daniels PR

For over a decade, reality TV has enabled strangers to live, sleep and inevitably fight with each other while being watched by the rest of the world.  It has given people the opportunity to meet Mr. or Miss Right Now in hopes of turning them into “the one”.  It has given people the ability to live on a deserted island to see if they have what it takes to survive.  It has given people the ability to skydive and eat bugs for instant cash.  And it has given some lucky people the quick path to becoming a millionaire (before taxes).  It was only a matter of time before reality television would give someone the opportunity to run an entire country!

CBC Television has extended their deadline for the newest Canadian reality project, Canada’s Next Great Prime Minister.  Contestants aged 18 through 25 can submit their big ideas for the future of Canada and finalists will be tested and questioned by Prime Ministers Brian Mulroney, Kim Campbell, Paul Martin and Joe Clark.  Granted, the winner will not actually be taking office, however the future of the show could be the next step in ultimate democracy!

Tamara Daniels PR

Above:  Fashion Designer Andrew Majtenyi 

L’Oreal Fashion Week proves a firm launching pad for Canadian designers to catapult to the international marketplace.  Since his showing at L’Oreal Fashion Week in Toronto, Ontario this past spring, Canadian Designer Andrew Majtenyi has been enjoying the lights and runways of the international stage.

Showing at Dubai’s International Fashion Week last week, Majtenyi had models flown in from Paris, Milan and New York and his show was styled by Kithe Brewster of Project Runway.  The appearance came after two showings at London Fashion Week and a resulting invite to Zagreb Fashion Week in Croatia as a “special guest designer”.

His Spring/Summer ‘08 collection draws on influences from 1920’s and 1960’s silhouettes and heavily features full and mid-length dresses in blue-black greys.  Suits with strong tuxedo lapels and flirty baby-doll dresses finish the collection.

Toronto shoppers can see Majtenyi designs at Le Trou Boutique on Queen Street West.

www.andrewmajtenyi.com

Tamara Daniels PR

Above:  Canadian Avril Lavigne performs at the MTV Europe Music Awards

On November 1st in Munich, Germany, the MTV Europe Music Awards gave two Canadian artists top honour on the international stage.  Industry heavy-hitters like Justin Timberlake, Phianna, Kanye West and Christina Aguilera all lost top spots to Canadians this year.

The Canadian poppy-Punk Princess, Avril Lavigne took home two awards, Most Addictive Track and Best Solo Artist beating out Timberlake and Rhianna.

Months ago, rappers Kanye West and 50 Cent battled it out for highest sales in a dueling release week, but it was Nelly Furtado’s “Loose” that took the award for Album of the Year.

Canada’s impressive showing proves that music industry’s international standing is growing strong and loud.

Tamara Daniels PR

In recent years, the music industry has seen a major drop in revenues as modern technology has shaped a media-downloading, file-sharing, CD-burning generation.  For most young music lovers, the idea of driving to the local mall to grab the latest CD release from their favorite artist is a foreign idea.  to the dismay of major music labels, this has meant a steep downward spike in record sales.

All hope is not lost.  US figures from Neilsen SoundScan show that although CD sales dropped 19.3 percent during the first half of this year, digital music sales increased 50 percent during the same time frame.  It all comes down to perspective and priorities.  Several Canadian music entrepreneurs have shaped their view to the future and it shows.

Bruce Allen, a music manager from Vancouver knows that true job security for a musician today is in live performance.  “Even a girl like Nelly Furtado, who has sold as many records as she has - until she has a live base that can really sell tickets, that is when she’ll really start making money.”  Allen, who has worked with iconic Canadian acts like Anne Murray, Bryan Adams, and more recently, Michael Buble, knows that the album itself can be seen as the means to a national or global tour that can garner more money for the artist than the album itself.

Likewise, Toronto-based Runway Music owner, Daniel Cutler knows that sales from the CD itself can take up to a year to reach the hands of the artists, so his company has come up with an alternative focus.  Licensing for commercials, soundtracks, film and TV shows, along with ringtones can bring more immediate funds, and if properly executed, a higher profit.

Toronto music label, Arts & Crafts, which launched in 2002, was created to be “unlike a music label”.  Co-founders Jeffrey Remedios and Keven Drew set out to break ground, offering upfront deals with their artists on merchandising, touring, special licensing, and commercial writing.  Remedios says, “Unlike big labels, we don’t talk about the number of records we sell.  We judge success or failure based on all business units of the band”.

So as the music begins to fade on traditional record sales, those with a vision for the future know that it’s only the beginning of new records to be broken.

Tamara Daniels PR

The greatest gift we all have been given is the ability to dream.  If we close our eyes, we can see ourselves doing incredible things; walking on the moon; climbing to the top of Mt. Everest; swimming across the Atlantic.  The most difficult challenge we face is opening our eyes and still seeing those dreams as real possibilities.

The longer we live, the more we seem to toss our ideas into the dreaded “Impossible Goals” bin, and thus create a world for ourselves that is much smaller and safer than it has to be.  We feign our satisfaction in order to avoid judgement of possible failure.  It wasn’t all that long ago that our child-like minds allowed us to dream bigger dreams for ourselves.

As business owners, it is important to reconnect yourself to the ideas that gave you the enthusiasm to start your company in the beginning.  During the conception of your business, your mind was allowed to wander and create your intentions with no real limits.  As years pass, it is much more difficult to see your goals outside of the day-to-day routine.  You must break free from that.

Every business owner should have a list of one or several “impossible” projects and goals that they would love to complete.  Once your list is compiled, eliminate any doubt, and begin to find some time each week to dedicate to the list.  You won’t be able to achieve these mega-goals overnight, so document your progress and analyze the lessons you learn as you go.

As you aim higher with your dreams, you will gain priceless strength in your every day business activities.  The cyclical effect of stretching yourself out in one area, only to be stretched in another as well, will bring you joy in knowing that your impossible dream can someday be realized.

Tamara Daniels PR

For years, science has tried to find and perfect topical treatments to keep you staying young and beautiful.  You have been smearing on lotions and potions to help slow the signs of aging and bring new life back to your skin.  A breakthrough by Canadian-based Pharos Life gives hope with a safe and unique way of maintaining healthy, vibrant skin.

The newly released Tanda ™ Skincare System is a portable device that uses blue and red light therapy to treat and prevent acne and helps reduce the signs of aging while enhancing the overall appearance of your skin.  The blue and red light each have different functions, however a purchased Tanda system will come with both attachments for you to use at home, in the car or at work.

The blue light (called Tanda Clear) helps to treat as well as prevent acne on the skin.  The blue, LED light helps to kill certain bacteria living on the skin that causes mild to moderate acne.  Scientific studies have shown that with only a 6 minute treatment, results can be as high as an 85% decrease in acne-causing bacteria.

The red light (called Tanda Regenerate) helps in stimulating collagen production, thus causing a younger appearance in skin.  Fine lines and wrinkles begin to fade, and the LED rays are proven to accelerate the skin in its natural healing process. 

High end salons and spas have been increasingly using light therapy in recent history, but the patented Tanda Skincare System allows consumers to bring the treatments into the comfort of their own homes.  For a bargain $295, you can get your own at www.tanda.com. 

Gems of Hope, a Toronto based non-profit organization that helps women in Third World countries is the grounding force behind Shopping for Gems, a special event showcasing local retailers and designers in Toronto on September 27^th.

The event, which will be held at Spin Gallery (1100 Queen St West) will give shoppers the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry and more while contributing to a good cause.  The profit of the event will go towards building strength in healthcare and education for women in less fortunate areas abroad.

Kendra Court, the host of the event says that the group is “proud of the fact that Shopping for Gems promotes local Canadian talent.  It truly is a win-win situation for all involved.”

Admission is $25.00 and begins at 6:00pm on Thursday.  Champagne and hors  d’oeuvres will be served and the first 150 guests will receive a gift bag and reflexology treatment.

Tamara Daniels PR

Left:  Tamara and Dan Levy at Roof II    Right:  Jessi Cruickshank and Tamara at C-Lounge

The trouble with Canadian television is that it is mainly “for us, by us”.  Millions of Canadians tune in to watch their favourite US programming on TV, and about half will also peruse through some Canadian programming throughout their week (aside from their local news).  American’s surely aren’t channel surfing through Canadian-made programming, frankly unaware that such a thing even exists.  As the programming umbrellas expand however, global positioning for Canadian-made television is certainly closer than ever.

MTV Canada has broken the border with their original series, The Hills Aftershow.  Currently in its second season in Canada, the open-forum styled talk show featuring hosts Jessi Cruickshank and Dan Levy debuted across all of North America for the first time on August 13^th.  Many have said that it would have been just as easy for MTV to create an American version of The Hills Aftershow, but to those who watch the show every Monday night at 10:30pm EST, MTV would be hard pressed to find a duo like Cruickshank and Levy.

The Aftershow gives viewers of The Hills the opportunity to compare notes with other fans and it also extends the otherwise too short half hour episodes of the reality show.  Cruickshank and Levy are a pretty dynamite pair as their sarcasm and slight jabs at one another coincide with the never ending “I was JUST thinking that!” from the viewers at home and in the live studio audience.

It’s a good sign for Canada.  Levy understands the scale of it all saying, “It’s just weird because it started out as such a small kind of thing that turned into something way bigger than we ever expected.”

With Canada’s Degrassi: The Next Generation series taking the US Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer TV Show (beating out heavy-hitters like So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Got Talent), it just goes to show that Canada is gaining momentum south of the border.

Tamara Daniels PR