RiDdLe Of ThE wEeK ??? #1

Samuel was out for a walk when it started to rain.
He did not have an umbrella and he wasn't wearing a hat.
His clothes were soaked, yet not a single hair on his head got wet.
How could this happen?

Answer to be posted next week...

Good luck.

Thirsty Thursday-Cassie

This article is about the American R&B singer. For the British singer, see Cassie Compton. For the Canadian actress, see Cassie Steele.
Cassie

Background information

Birth name
Casandra Ventura

Born
August 26, 1986 (1986-08-26) (age 20)

Origin
New London, Connecticut,United States
Genre(s)
R&B/Pop

Years active
2005–present
Label(s)
NextSelectionBad Boy

Website
LoveCassie.com
Casandra Ventura (born August 26, 1986 in New London, Connecticut), professionally known as Cassie, is an American R&B singer, model and actress. She is best known for her 2005 single "Me & U", which became a hit in 2006.[1]



Contents[hide]
1 Biography
2 Discography
2.1 Albums
2.2 Singles
3 Nominations and awards
4 Notes
5 External links




Biography
Ventura is the daughter of a Filipino father and an African American/West Indian/Mexican mother.[2][3] While attending The Williams School, a preparatory school on the Connecticut College campus, Ventura began her career as a model at the age of fourteen, appearing in ads for Delia's, Adidas, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Seventeen. When she completed high school in 2004, she announced that she was going to pursue her career in modeling and music, foregoing college.[1][4]
In New York - where Ventura was modeling for Abercrombie and Fitch - she took classes at the Broadway Dance Center. Producer Ryan Leslie began spotting her at clubs and parties in late 2004, later saying he was charmed by her personality. She was finally introduced to him by Sean "Diddy" Combs' make-up artist, who had worked with Ventura on one of her modeling assignments.[4]



Shortly after being introduced to music producer Ryan Leslie, Ventura's mother supposedly[citation needed] asked Ventura to record a song for her as a birthday gift. Ventura approached Leslie, who wrote a duet for them called "Kiss Me". Leslie played the track for Tommy Mottola, who offered Ventura a management deal. Ventura inked a deal with Leslie's NextSelection label. Leslie also co-wrote and produced Ventura's first single, "Me & U", in 2005. By March 2006, Ventura had signed with Diddy's record label, Bad Boy Records.[4]
On its release, "Me & U" proved to be a massive hit - particularily in the US. It took the charts by storm, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100, number four on the Billboard Pop 100, and number one on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[4] Follow-up single "Long Way 2 Go" was far less successful in comparison, peaking at ninety-seven on the Billboard Hot 100.
Currently she is working on her second album, which is currently untitled. Ryan Leslie and Robin Thicke have been confirmed producers.
Billboard reported that Ventura's second album is due out September 18, 2007.

Thirsty Thursday-Catherine Bell

Biography forCatherine Bell

Date of Birth14 August 1968, London, England, UK

Birth NameCatherine Lisa Bell
Height5' 10" (1.78 m)




Mini Biography
Catherine was born in London, but moved to California with her Iranian mother at age 2. Her mother still acts as her personal assistant. As a child, she acted in various TV adverts. She went to UCLA to study biology, but dropped out to become a model in Japan. She moved back into acting with a Mexican commercial for Amex and then followed that up by being Isabella Rossellini's nude body double in Death Becomes Her (1992), where she also met her future husband, Adam Beason, who was director Robert Zemeckis's assistant. The couple currently live near L.A. with their daughter Gemma.IMDb Mini Biography By: John Sacksteder and Louis Lee




Spouse
Adam Beason
(8 May 1994 - present) 1 child


Trivia
Studied for awhile at UCLA, and wanted to be either a surgeon or a biomedical engineer.
Has a heart tattoo with the word "love" inside of it on her right ankle.
She is fluent in the Persian language Farsi, as well as English.
Is very physically fit and loves all sports, particularly kick-boxing, skiing, and snowboarding.
When she was in her 20s, she had thyroid cancer and had to have her thyroid removed. She doesn't cover the scar on her neck because she thinks it's kind of cool.
Studies acting at The Beverly Hills Playhouse with Milton Katselas.
She was selected #84 in year 2001, #38 in 2002, and #20 in the 2004 list of the FHM magazine's 100 Sexiest Women in the World.







Was a contestant on "The Match Game" (1990) and introduced herself as Cathy Bell, a massage therapist. She won $900, but didn't make it to the final Super Match round. Was also a contestant on "To Tell the Truth" and introduced herself (an impostor) in the same manner. She and the other two stumped the entire panel for a winnings of $3000.
Correctly predicted the winner and final score of Super Bowl XXXVI, in a survey of 70 celebrities who had nothing to do with football conducted by The Sporting News. Specifically, she correctly predicted that the New England Patriots would beat the St. Louis Rams by a score of 20-17. (She is incorrectly rumored to have made this prediction before the season began; in fact, she made it after after both teams had already won their respective conference championships.).
Gave birth to a daughter, Gemma on 16 April 2003
Often plays roles in military movies. JAG, Black Thunder, Crash Drive, and Men of War.
Signed on for a supporting role in the second half of the first season of "Threshold" (2005) and shot one episode before the show was canceled.
Named #75 on the Maxim magazine "Hot 100 of 2005" list.

Sagte transie's ... 2007 Audi TT Clubsport Quattro Study

Every Audi TT is noted for its clear lines, unmistakable dynamism and the driving characteristics of a sports car. Audi now presents the TT in its most purist form: the Clubsport Quattro Study. The Audi TT clubsport quattro study reduces the TT Roadster to a pure driving machine. A powerful engine, state-of-the-art technology and numerous traits borrowed from the world of motorsport are the dominant features of the TT clubsport quattro.

The goal that the development engineers set themselves for this vehicle study was to achieve purism at a premium level. No hood, no A-post – instead, a wraparound windscreen kept extremely low which deliberately evokes images of a speedster. The flat, slightly tinted window strip surrounds the cockpit. The panoramic windscreen and the two humps located behind the interior in place of the hood compartment are reminiscent of a racing car. The rollover bars familiar from the TT Roadster are kept flatter and are the same height as the sports bucket seats.The front end is dominated by the single-frame grille which has aluminium inserts to give its design a horizontal emphasis. This makes the TT clubsport quattro appear even flatter than it already is. The four rings of the logo are not located in the grille as on most Audi models, but on the bonnet. The large air inlets in the front end supply additional air to the more potent TFSI engine. LED daytime running lights provide an eye-catching highlight at all times of day. The visible stainless steel rear silencer is the striking feature in the rear bumper, while the blade under the rear silencer visibly underscores the vehicle’s sports character. The dual-branch exhaust system with its oval tailpipes calls to mind the sporty Audi production models such as the RS 4. There is a deliberate lack of visual interruptions in the side line and you will look in vain for door handles. The TT clubsport quattro is opened by remote control: the doors spring open at the press of a button.

The size of the two exterior mirrors has also been minimised. 20-inch wheels with tyres of size 265/30 R20 emphasise the car’s muscular appearance, as does its track width which has been increased by a total of 80 millimetres compared with a production TT. Not only that, but the wheel arches have also been enlarged additionally.The car is painted Daytona Grey, a colour that Audi used for the first time on the RS 4 and the S8. The exterior design features dark shades of grey. This forms a contrast with the metallic elements, with the grille and side grille in Gun Metal, a steely colour which imbues the TT clubsport quattro with a look which is both sporty and pure. The brake callipers, the orange colour of which links the exterior design to the interior, provide a visual contrast. These bright colour highlights also provide attractive visual touches in the interior, on elements such as the instrument cowl, the armrest and on the back of the bucket seats. The black leather seat itself also boasts a special feature in the shape of a laser pattern worked into the seat. This was specially designed for the TT clubsport quattro and plays on the TT logo.

The sports character demonstrated by the exterior design is continued inside the car, where purism was also the driving element. Racing bucket seats are provided for both occupants. Together with four-point belts that are three inches wide, these offer both driver and passenger excellent support, even in extreme driving situations – on the racetrack, for example. The generous use of aluminium is characteristic of Audi. This starts with the steering wheel which is adorned with a twin spoke crafted from this lightweight metal. The pedals are also made of aluminium and exhibit a grooved structure. They consequently not only afford a better grip, but also help to save weight. Foot rests are provided for both driver and passenger in the TT clubsport quattro. The gear lever gate adopted from the new mid-engined sports car, the Audi R8, and the aluminium gear knob are a joy to behold. This lightweight metal is also used for the door pull and the door opener, both of which are cut-out, a feature which further underlines the interior’s purist character. The sill area has also been restyled compared with the production model. Rather than being interrupted by a sill strip, it now emphasises the width of the car. A new door sill trim located further inside the car, along with floor mats sporting the TT logo as an aluminium inlay provide further visual highlights.

The surrounding strip on the top shoulder is also made of this lightweight metal.The Audi designers came up with a special idea in the field of entertainment. Instead of the middle of the three round air vents in the upper part of the dashboard, they integrated an interface here, designed among other things for the B&O MP3 player BeoSound 2. The round player built by Audi’s premium partner fits exactly into the circular opening and is a sheer delight for the senses, both visually and acoustically. The instrument cluster is very different from the one in a production model. The vertical needles and colour graphics are the eye-catching features. The clock and odometer have been omitted in keeping with the car’s underlying purist philosophy.The racing character of the Audi TT clubsport quattro is underscored by its technology. The Audi engineers have packed the 2.0 TFSI engine with even more power than the 260 bhp familiar from the Audi S3. The turbocharged four-cylinder unit with petrol direct injection breaks the magic 300 bhp barrier. Thanks to a modified intake manifold, it has been possible to get even more power out of this highly efficient engine (which was “Engine of the Year” in its class in 2005 and 2006).

Power is transferred to all four wheels, making the TT clubsport quattro the first new-generation TT with four-cylinder engine and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The transmission is also new in this performance category. Thanks to its dual clutch, the S tronic direct-shift gearbox changes gear virtually without interrupting the flow of power, a process that goes unnoticed by the driver. The six gears can, however, also be changed manually, with gearshifts taking just fractions of a second. Anyone opening the bonnet will be met by a fascinating sight. Thanks to a lack of cables and auxiliaries, the engine compartment looks extremely clean. The engine has deliberately not been hidden under a cover. The cross brace running above the engine is a technical stroke of genius. It not only makes the car more rigid, but also contains the coolant expansion tank. The ABS system has been moved from the engine compartment to the interior. The air conditioning and activated charcoal filter are not to be found in the engine compartment either. A racing air filter ensures that the engine takes in a sufficient amount of air.

The exhaust system has been adapted to suit the car’s sporty performance: the specially tuned exhaust emits the genuine sound of motor racing. Ceramic brakes are fitted in the TT for the first time. These are absolutely non-fading and enable countless sharp braking manoeuvres without any loss of stopping power. Once again, Audi has taken advantage of its superior wealth of experience: ceramic brakes are already offered for the RS 4, the A8 and S8, for example, and are enjoying increasing popularity with customers.The Audi TT clubsport quattro is a purist driving machine that combines the performance of a sports car with a unique design language. It consequently remains a TT on the one hand, while at the same time demonstrating just what is possible with such a fascinating production vehicle. The possible small-series production of this model is being considered.

Thirsty Thursday-Ashanti

Ashanti (singer)

Ashanti
Background information

Birth name
Ashanti Shequoyia Douglas

Also known as
Shan, Shany, Bonnie

Born
October 13, 1980 (1980-10-13) (age 26)

Origin
Glen Clove, New York, United States
Genre(s)
R&B, pop, hip hop soul

Occupation(s)
Singer, songwriter, record producer, choreographer, dancer, poet, actress, fashion designer, model

Years active
1994–present
Label(s)
Jive (1994–1995)Epic (1997–1998)AJM Records (1999–2003)The Inc. (2001–Present)

Website
AshantiThisIsMe.com

Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas (born October 13, 1980 in Glen Cove, New York), professionally known as Ashanti, is a Grammy Award-winning American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, model, and fashion designer who rose to fame in the early 2000s. Ashanti is a lyric coloratura soprano.[citation needed]
She is most famous for her eponymous debut album Ashanti which featured the hit song "Foolish", and sold 503,000 copies (Gold) in its first week on release in the USA in April 2002, a record breaking feat. In the same week, she became the first female performer to simultaneously hold the top two places on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with "Foolish", and "What's Luv" (with Fat Joe). She broke records again by having three Top Ten songs (Foolish, What's Luv, & Always on Time (with Ja Rule)) on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the same week. Ironically, Ashanti wrote and sang background on the song "Ain't It Funny" sung by Jennifer Lopez which was also in the top 10 charts at the same time as "Foolish", "Always on Time" (with Ja Rule) and "What's Luv" (with Fat Joe).[1] In 2002, she was also acclaimed as the "Princess of Hip Hop and R&B." As of 2007 Ashanti has sold more than 7 million albums in the U.S., and more than 12 million worldwide.

Ashanti cites Mary J. Blige, Ella Fitzgerald, and Blue Magic as her musical influences.[2]
Contents[hide]
1 Biography
1.1 Early life
1.2 Early Career
1.3 Irv Gotti & Murder Inc.
1.4 Debut album: Ashanti
1.5 Chapter II
1.6 Ashanti's Christmas
1.7 Concrete Rose
1.8 Ashanti:The Making Of A Star DVD
1.9 Collectables by Ashanti
1.10 Incredible
1.11 Acting career
2 Other activities
2.1 Legal dispute
3 Personal life
4 Filmography
4.1 Films
4.2 Television
5 Endorsements & Products
6 Discography
7 Albums
8 Awards
8.1 Grammy Awards and nominations
8.2 2002
8.3 2003
8.4 2004
9 Footnotes
10 External links
//

Biography

Early life
Ashanti was born on October 13, 1980, in Glen Cove, New York. She inherited a zest for music from her mother Tina, a former dance teacher, and her father Ken-Kaide, a former singer. Her mother named her after the Ashanti tribe in Ghana. In this tribe, the women are in control and that's the kind of strong and confident woman Ashant's mother wanted her daughter to be. Her grandfather, James, was a civil rights activist who associated with Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 1960s.[3] Growing up, Ashanti took dance lessons and joined the church choir. Ashanti went to Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center where she studied different dance styles including tap, jazz, ballet, African, modern and hip hop. She danced with the Senior Pro Ensemble at Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Avery Fisher Hall, and the Black Spectrum Theater. She also performed at the 1994 Caribbean Awards and dancing with Judith Jamison of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. With actress and choreographer Debbie Allen at the helm, Ashanti also performed in the Disney TV film Polly alongside stars Keshia Knight Pulliam and Phylicia Rashad.
Ashanti displayed a knack for singing when she was six by singing in a gospel choir. Her love of music continued to rise as she attended high school. Ashanti also wrote songs. As a teenager, she performed in a local talent show and at the Soul Cafe, China Club, Madison Square Garden, Caroline's Comedy Club and Greek Fest 2000.[4] By the time she hit puberty, her mom was sending out demo tapes of her daughter's vocal and dancing talents. The family couldn't afford to go to a studio and record a formal demo so when labels called, Ashanti would have to sing and dance in front of the record company executives.

[edit] Early Career

Can't Stop (recorded in 1997 but released in 2004)
When she was 14, there was a bidding war going on for her by Jive Records, EMI and Bad Boy Records. Initially, she went to Bad Boy Records and sang one of Mary J. Blige's songs in front of P.Diddy and Biggie Smalls. After being impressed by her singing ability, Diddy then challenged her character. He pulled out a bottle and told her it was his new fragance which he loved. After one sniff, Ashanti exclaimed, "Oh pew, it stinks. I hate it!" Diddy just started laughing and said it was just a test to judge her character. In the end, she didn't sign with Diddy. This ultimately led to a record deal with Jive Records in 1994. Unfortunately, this relationship soured when Jive tried to make the soulful singing teen into a run-of-the-mill pop star.[5]
Ashanti regrouped by throwing herself into schoolwork, cheerleading, and running on her school's track team. Her skills in the 100- and 200-meter dash as well as the triple jump, her specialty, earned her athletic scholarships to Princeton & Hampton University. But she put college pursuits aside when Epic Records came calling with a contract in 1998. However, the label's management changes quickly left Ashanti out in the cold. Undaunted, she continued to croon at local New York clubs and began hanging out at the Murder Inc. recording studio, hoping for another big break.[6]

[edit] Irv Gotti & Murder Inc.
It was when she was noticed by Murder Inc. mastermind Irv Gotti that Ashanti began to blossom. Gotti noted her dancing and acting abilities in addition to her vocal skills. In 2001, Ashanti was first featured as a background vocalist on rapper Big Pun's song "How We Roll". In the same year, Ashanti was featured on fellow labelmate Cadillac Tah's singles "Pov City Anthem" and "Just Like A Thug". She also appeared on the 2001 The Fast and the Furious soundtrack as a featured artist on Vita's 2001 hip hop remake of Madonna's "Justify My Love" and on the solo track "When a Man Does Wrong". She appeared as a background vocalist on "I'm Real (Murder Remix)", a collaboration by labelmate Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez (she also appeared in the music video for Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix), the 2nd duet between Lopez & Rule, for which she also sang background vocals on), and was featured on Fat Joe's "What's Luv?" and Ja Rule's "Always on Time". "What's Luv?" and "Always on Time" were released simultaneously and became two of the biggest hit songs of 2002. Ashanti became the first female to occupy the top two positions on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart when "Always on Time" and "What's Luv?" were number-one and number-two respectively.

[edit] Debut album: Ashanti

Ashanti (2002)
Following the success of her collaborations with Ja Rule and Fat Joe, Ashanti released her debut single, "Foolish", which contained a sample of the 1983 song "Stay With Me" by DeBarge (also utilized by The Notorious B.I.G. in his 1995 hit "One More Chance"). She became the second artist (after the The Beatles) to have their first three chart entries in the top ten of the Hot 100 simultaneously. Ashanti's self-titled debut album, Ashanti, was released on Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. record label in April 2002. It debuted at number-one on the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart, selling over 503,000 copies in its first week (the most successful first week sales for a debut R&B female artist).[7] The album has been certified 3x platinum in the U.S and platinum (300,000 copies) in the UK. The album has sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide. Ashanti penned all 12 songs on the album, most written on-the-spot in the studio.
Ashanti's follow-up singles, "Happy" and "Baby", were not as successful as her debut single but did peak in the top ten and top twenty in the U.S. respectively. During the summer of 2002, Ashanti appeared on Ja Rule's "Down 4 U" with labelmates, female rappers Vita and Charli Baltimore. The song appeared on a Murder Inc. compilation titled Irv Gotti Presents The Inc. Ashanti's debut album earned her many awards including eight Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, a Lady of Soul Award for "Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year," and a Grammy Award.
In September 2002, Ashanti and her sister Kenashia appeared on the first DisneyMania cd which was released under Walt Disney Records. The album featured contemporary Disney classics. Ashanti & her sister sang "Colors of the Wind" from the Disney movie Pocahontas. The album was considered a commercial success, achieving Gold certification in February, 2003.
Ashanti's global appeal became very apparent, as FHM credited her as the "Sexiest Woman in Music" in 2002. In 2003, Ja Rule and Ashanti collaborated on another hit song, "Mesmerize." Its music video was a parody of a scene from the film Grease.

[edit] Chapter II

Chapter II (2003)
In July 2003, Ashanti released her second album Chapter II. It debuted at number-one on the Billboard 200 with first week sales of 326,000 in the U.S. According to Billboard magazine, the album has been certified Platinum (1.5 million copies) in the U.S. and Gold (100,000 copies) in the UK. Chapter II's first single, "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)", became a hit, peaking at number-two on the Billboard Hot 100. Its steamy video, which showed Ashanti in a bikini frolicking on a beach and riding an elephant named Bubbles, was nominated for two 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. A remix of the song contained interpolations of Michael Jackson's "Rock with You".
The second single, "Rain on Me," reached the top ten of the Hot 100. In the "Rain on Me" mini-movie music video directed by Hype Williams and co-starring Larenz Tate, Ashanti portrays a troubled young woman in an abusive relationship. Ashanti's powerful song and lyrics combined with William's visuals to impart the power and horror of the cycle of domestic violence. Ashanti partnered with LidRock to distribute this mini-movie using LidRock's unique platform. This promotion, in conjunction with heavy rotation on MTV, BET, and other music video programs, has brought this film and her cause to the attention of millions of fans. It has also helped to raise money for the cause with proceeds from the $5 mini-disc going toward helping to stop domestic violence.[8]
The album has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Ashanti was scheduled to join Mariah Carey on her "Charmbracelet" US tour but due to schedule issues she was the opening act for R.Kelly's five-date tour in summer 2003 instead.
In May 2003, Ashanti appeared on VH1 Divas and performed her single "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)." She also participated in duets with Stevie Wonder (who later gave her the nickname Little Libra) performing "Do I Do," and the Isley Brothers performing "Who's That Lady".

[edit] Ashanti's Christmas
In November 2003, Ashanti's Christmas album, Ashanti's Christmas The album contained almost an equal amount of new songs to cover songs. The album debuted and peaked at 160 in late 2003 selling just around 100,000 copies.

[edit] Concrete Rose

Concrete Rose (2004)
In 2004, Ashanti was invited back to perform at VH1 Divas 2004. She appeared on stage with Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Jessica Simpson, and others. She performed Diana Ross' smash hit "I'm Coming Out" and she performed a soulful rendition of Chaka Khan's funk driven hit "Ain't Nobody."
Ashanti appeared on three more collaborations. "Southside," with male R&B newcomer and labelmate Lloyd, was released as his debut single and was a moderate hit while "Wonderful" with Ja Rule and R.Kelly peaked at #5 in the U.S and at #1 in UK. Ashanti was also featured on Shyne's song "Jimmy Choo".
Alongside artist such as Wyclef Jean, Mary J. Blige, Eve, Brandy, Fabolous, Jadakiss, Missy Elliott, and many others, Ashanti participated in a cover of the classic "Wake Up Everybody" in support of ACT, the left-leaning political action committee.
On December 14, 2004, Ashanti released her third studio album, Concrete Rose. The album debuted at #7 in the U.S with first week sales of 245,000, making this her first studio CD to not debut at #1. The first single, "Only U," reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and became her biggest hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at #2. Exactly one month after its release, the album was certified platinum and the single Only U was certified Gold In January 2005.

[edit] Ashanti:The Making Of A Star DVD
In December 2004, for a limited time after the release of her third studio album, Concrete Rose, Ashanti released the DVD Ashanti: The Making Of A Star. This deluxe DVD includes exclusive photo and video shoot footage, music from her multi-platinum albums Ashanti, Chapter II plus Concrete Rose, special concert footage, unreleased childhood school performances and behind-the-scenes interviews with family, friends, & fans. On June 21, 2005, a second version of the DVD with alternate music videos was made available to the public as a Walmart exclusive. It was paired with the hit movie Coach Carter, which Ashanti starred in as a pregnant teen named Kyra.

[edit] Collectables by Ashanti
On December 6, 2005, Ashanti released a remix album of Concrete Rose titled Collectables by Ashanti. The album features six remixes of previously released tracks and four newly recorded songs, including the single "Still on It", which featured rappers Paul Wall and Method Man. The album, was only an opportunity for her to fulfill her contract with Def Jam (and have the option of working with another label), managing to debut at #59 on the Billboard 200.

[edit] Incredible
Ashanti's next album has been confirmed by a BET interview as being entitled Incredible. This will be Ashanti's fourth studio album. On Monday, November 27, 2006, Ashanti appeared on BET's 106 & Park to promote the posthumous release of the song Pac's Life, which features herself and rapper T.I.. During the interview, Ashanti mentioned that her new LP would be coming out some time in 2007 and that some of the producers of her 2007 release included L.T. Hutton, Jermaine Dupri, and Pharrell Williams. She also stated that she recorded a "crazy" record with rapper Snoop Dogg.
In January 2007, a buzz track has leaked called "You Can't Deny It", featuring Jim Jones as did a feature with super producer 7 Aurelius titled "My Number Babe", which is scheduled to be on the producers' debut cd entitled Channel 7. On Friday, April 06, 2007, HUFF Events & PR (Ashanti's P.R. Group) confirmed that Ashanti has just finished recording some hot joints with super producers Pharrell Williams, Polow Da Don, Dr. Dre, Ron "Neff-U" Feemstar and L.T. Hutton. It was also confirmed that she has collaborated with fellow singers Robin Thicke, Babyface, rapper Nelly, and producers Bryan Michael Cox and Swizz Beats.[9][10]
Irv Gotti recently appeared in an interview with DJ FlexMaster where he mentioned Ashanti's album will "definitely be out this Summer". He was also quoted addressing the fact that Ashanti has ventured out and acquired producers and collaborations primarily outside the inc for the first time by saying, "she's having her little Janet Jackson "Control" moment. Every artist has their moment when the feel they need to take over their own music. This is hers." Rumors are circulating that Ashanti has left The Inc Records for a 15-20 million, four year contract with Jive records but no reliable sources have surfaced to back up this claim.

Acting career

Poster for The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
Ashanti got her first taste of acting as a child extra in the Spike Lee directed movies Malcolm X starring Denzel Washington & Who's Da Man. She also started as a dancer in the Disney tv film Polly.[11]
After success with her music career, Ashanti ventured back into acting and in 2004, she appeared in the English-language Bollywood film Bride and Prejudice, in which she sang "My Lips are Waiting" and "Touch My Body'. In January 2005, she made her feature film acting debut in the film Coach Carter alongside Samuel L. Jackson. The movie opened at number-one at the U.S. box office, eventually grossing $70 million in the U.S. In 2005, Ashanti also starred as Dorothy Gale in the made-for-television film The Muppets' Wizard of Oz which pulled in nearly 8 million viewers. She starred in the 2006 film John Tucker Must Die, which opened and peaked at #3 at the U.S. box office (competing with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and Miami Vice) which grossed $58.7 million worldwide. She has also appeared on the TV show Sabrina the Teenage Witch as herself and Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Lissa.[12] Ashanti will also appear in the 2007 film "Resident Evil: Extinction." Many rumors are floating around...one is that she will work with Quentin Tarantino (Who had a cameo as a The Muppets' Wizard of Oz) and to revive the 70's show Get Christie Love and she also up to star as Eartha Kitt in a bio-pic. Ashanti is to star in Spike Lee's protégé, Michael "Boogie" Pinckney's action flick, "You're Nobody 'til Somebody Kills You," which starts shooting in New York City in May 2007 alongside The Sopranos' Michael Imperioli and rappers Jadakiss, and Treach.[13]
In an interview Ashanti stated: "I can't say too much about them because we haven't signed on the dotted line, but there are a lot of interesting irons in the fire," she says. "Hopefully, by the next conversation, we'll be talking about the next two flicks."

[edit] Other activities

Ashanti's Perfume "Precious Jewel" (2005)
In addition to singing, Ashanti has emerged as a songwriter, penning songs for Jennifer Lopez, Christina Milian, and Toni Braxton. She released a book of poetry titled Foolish/Unfoolish Reflections on Love in 2002 and a fragrance, "Precious Jewel by Ashanti," in October 2005. In 2005, she signed an exclusive deal with MUDD to promote their brand of jeans titled "Delicious Curves." In early 2006, she released "Ashanti's OPC-3 Beauty Blend," a nutritional supplement. Ashanti also has a clothing line in Europe for teenage girls titled "Princess."
On May 2, 2002 Ashanti received the key to the city of Glen Cove, New York (her hometown and the day was named Ashanti Day); Ashanti also received a key to the city of Atlantic City, New Jersey (she was crowned princess of hip hop and r & b).[14]
Ashanti is set to showcase her style in a book, titled Ashanti Style, which will be released in late 2007. The book, which is being touted as Ashanti's "life and style guide" will offer fans a behind-the-scenes look into her style, both in her personal and professional life. Ashanti Style will be published by Jump at the Sun, an imprint of Disney's Hyperion Books for Children. Another venture Ashanti has enlisted in is her own handbags and pocketbook to be revealed in 2007.[15]

[edit] Legal dispute
In July 2005, record producer Genard Parker claimed Ashanti owed him money for records that never were completed or distributed.[16] A New York court heard Parker's claims and ordered her to pay Parker $636,000. But as the court stated no time records were ever produced. Parker is claiming over $2.3 million, while Ashanti's lawyers, say Parker never delivered any records and no records were ever distributed.[17] In late 2005 a judge later rejected most of the award, ruling that there was not sufficient facts to determine the proper amount of damages. The case went to court on 17 September, but was dropped in light of each party voluntarily dropping pending lawsuits against each other.

Personal life
Since mid-2003, Ashanti has been dating rapper Nelly, but she has denied reports that they were engaged.[18]

Filmography

Films

Poster for Coach Carter
Bride and Prejudice (2004)
Coach Carter (2005)
John Tucker Must Die (2006)
Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
You're Nobody Till Somebody Kills You (2007)

[edit] Television
American Dreams (2002)
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (2002)
The Proud Family (voice) (2003)
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (2003)
Pepsi Smash (2003)
Punk'd (2004)
Oxygen: Custom Concert (2004)
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz (2005)
Las Vegas (TV series) (2005)
All That (2005)
Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball (2006)

[edit] Endorsements & Products
Candies
Wet Seal
Hyperion Books
Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love
Ashanti Style (late 2007)
BET Public Service Announcement
Wrap It Up: AIDS/HIV Prevention
McDonald's
Make A Wish
Mercedes-Benz
Performer/Model
Lidrock
Rain On Me Mini Movie (Domestic Violence Prevention)
The Family Violence Prevention Fund (2003- )
Rain On Me Mini Movie
Public Service Announcement
Herbal Essence
Wal-Mart
Precious Jewel By Ashanti (2005)
MUDD Jeans
Delicious Curves Jeans (2005)
OPC-3 Beauty Blend
Ashanti's OPC-3 Beauty Blend (2006)

[edit] Discography
For full information including chart positions and singles, please see Ashanti discography.

[edit] Albums
Year
Chart Statistics
Singles
2002
Ashanti
Studio album.
Released: April 2, 2002
USA peak position: 1
U.K. peak position: 3
U.S. sales: 3 million
RIAA certification: 3x platinum
Worldwide sales: 4 million
"Foolish"
"Happy"
"Baby"
2003
Chapter II
Studio album
Released: July 1, 2003
USA peak position: 1
U.K. peak position: 5
U.S. sales: 1.5 million
RIAA certification: platinum
Worldwide sales: 2.5 million
"Rock wit U (Awww Baby)"
"Rain on Me"
"Breakup 2 Makeup"
2003
Ashanti's Christmas
Holiday album
Released: November 18, 2003
USA peak position: 160
UK peak position:
U.S. sales: 100,000
RIAA certification:
Worldwide sales:
2004
Concrete Rose
Studio album
Released: December 14, 2004
USA peak position: 7
UK peak position: 25
U.S. sales: 650,000
RIAA certification: platinum
Worldwide sales: 1 million
"Only U"
"Don't Let Them"
2005
Collectables by Ashanti
Remix album
Released: December 6, 2005
USA peak position: 59
UK peak position: 72
U.S. sales: 100,000
Worldwide sales: 100,000
"Still on It

[edit] Awards

[edit] Grammy Awards and nominations
Career stats
Career wins: 1
Career nominations: 8
Year
Category
Genre
Title
Result
2003
Best New Artist
General
"Ashanti"
Nominated
2003
Best Contemporary R&B Album
R&B
"Ashanti"
Won
2003
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Rap
"Always on Time"
Nominated
2003
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Rap
"What's Luv"
Nominated
2003
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
R&B
"Foolish"
Nominated
2004
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
R&B
"Rain On Me"
Nominated
2004
Best R&B Song
R&B
"Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)"
Nominated
2004
Best Contemporary R&B Album
R&B
"Chapter II"
Nominated

[edit] 2002
Lady of Soul Awards
Best R&B/Soul New Artist
Aretha Franklin Entertainer Of The Year
Teen Choice Awards
Choice Breakout Artist
MOBO Awards
Best R&B Act
Best Hip Hop Act (Ashanti with Ja Rule)
Billboard Music Awards
Female Artist of the Year
Top New Pop Artist of the Year
Hot 100 Singles Artist of the Year
R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
R&B/Hip-Hop Female Artist of the Year
New R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
R&B/Hip-Hop Single of the Year ("Foolish")
R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Artist of the Year

[edit] 2003
ASCAP Pop Music Awards[19]
Award-Winning Pop Songs ("Foolish")
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards[20]
Top R&B/HIP-HOP Song ("Foolish")
Award-Winning R&B/HIP-HOP Songs ("Baby")
Award-Winning Rap Songs ("Down 4 U")
American Music Awards
Favorite New Artist in Pop/Rock
Favorite New Artist in Hip-Hop/R&B
Grammy Awards
Best Comtemporary R&B Album
Soul Train Awards
Best R&B/Soul Single, Female ("Foolish")
Best R&B/Soul Album, Female ("Ashanti")
NAACP Image Awards
Outstanding New Artist
Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards
Best New Artist
Celebrity Service Award[21]

[edit] 2004
ASCAP Pop Music Awards[22]
Award-Winning Pop Songs ("Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)")
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards[23]
Award-Winning R&B/HIP-HOP Songs ("Rain On Me")
Do Something Brick Awards
"Do Something" Brick Award ("Rain on Me")

Babalaas Monday...

1.An elderly man walks into a confessional.The following conversation ensues:Man: "I am 92 years old, have a wonderful wife of 70 years, manychildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Yesterday, I picked uptwocollege girls, hitchhiking. We went to a motel,where I had sexwith each of them three times."Priest: "Are you sorry for your sins?"Man: "What sins?"Priest: "What kind of a Catholic are you?"Man: "I'm Jewish."Priest: "Why are you telling me all this?"Man: "I'm 92 years old .... I'm telling everybody."

2.Put yourself in the teacher's position and think about what would you say after hearing this.

In a second grade class, a little girl asks, Teacher, can my

Mommy get pregnant? How old is your mother, dear? asks the teacher.

Forty. she replies.
Yes, dear, your mother could get pregnant.
The little girl then asks, Can my big sister get pregnant?
Well, dear, how old is your sister?
The little girl answers, Nineteen.

Oh yes, dear, your sister certainly could get pregnant.

The little girl then asks, Can I get pregnant?

How old are you, dear?

The little girl answers, I'm seven years old.
No, dear, you can't get pregnant...
Then, the little boy behind the little girl gives her a poke
and says,
See, I told you we had nothing to worry about.

3.An Afrikaner guy, an Indian guy, a beautiful girl and an old woman areSitting in a train.The train suddenly goes through a tunnel and it gets completely dark.Suddenly there is a kissing sound and then a slap!The train comes out of the tunnel.The old woman, beautiful girl and the Indian guy are sitting therelooking perplexed. The Indian guy is bent over holding his face, whichis red from an apparent slap.The old woman is thinking: "That Indian guy must have tried to kiss thatgirl and got slapped."The Indian guy is thinking: "Damn it, that Afrikaner guy must have triedto kiss the beautiful girl. She thought it was me and slapped meinstead."The beautiful girl is thinking: "That Indian guy must have moved to kissme, but kissed the old lady instead and got slapped."The Afrikaner guy is thinking: "If this train goes through anothertunnel, I could make another kissing sound and moer that Indian guyagain!"

4.Gammatjie and Abdoltjie locked the car in a hurry, forgetting to remove the key, which was in the ignition. Realizing the mistake, Abdoltjie asked, "Why don't we get a coat hanger to open it." "No, that won't work" answered Gammatjie. "People will think we're trying to break in." So Abdoltjie suggested, "What if we use a pocket knife to cut around the rubber, then stick a finger in and pull up the lock?" "No," said Gammatjie. "People will think we're too dumb to use a coat hanger."
"Well," sighed Abdoltjie, "we'd better think of something fast. It's starting to rain, and the sun roof is open!"

5.> Sipho kom by die hemel en sien hy is innie kak want alles is WIT. Die
>
> Mense is WIT, die engele is WIT, die wolke is WIT.
> Petrus vra vir Sipho: Wat's jou naam?
> Sipho dink vinnig en antwoord: Leonardo De Caprio !
>
> Petrus lyk confused en roep vir Moses nader en vra hom:" Moses, het
> die fokken Titanic gebrand of gesink?

THINGS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN YOU DRUNK

Things that are difficult to say when you're drunk...
Innovative
Preliminary
Proliferation
Cinnamon

Things that are VERY difficult to say when you're drunk...
Specificity
British Constitution
Passive-aggressive disorder
Transubstantiate

Things that are ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE to say when you're drunk...
Thanks, but I don't want to sleep with you.
Nope, no more booze for me.
Sorry, but you're not really my type.
No kebab for me, thank you.
Good evening officer, isn't it lovely out tonight?
I'm not interested in fighting you.
Oh, I just couldn't - no one wants to hear me sing.
Thank you, but I won't make any attempt to dance, I have no co-ordination
I'd hate to look like a fool.
Where is the nearest toilet? I refuse to vomit in the street.
I must be going home now as I have work in the morning..

Sagte transie's ... 2007 Hamann BMW X5 E 70

Swabian Tuning for Bavarian elegant-SAV: New BMW X5 with extensive modifications from HAMANN
• Aerodynamic parts for sportier debut

• Increase in performance for 3.0si, 3.0d and 4.8i

• Agile road handling through sport springs

• four wheel designs available in three sizes

One of the most successful cars of its class is the BMW X5. BMW only recently introduced its latest successor and HAMANN has already put together a complete program for the new X5. Hardly any area has been left untouched. Whether it’s suspension, wheels, performance, interior or aerodynamics, the Laupheim German specialists provide clear individualisation launching far above the norm New aerodynamic components are mandatory hence HAMANN begins with a new front spoiler that lends the SAV X5 a significant powerful feature. It´s mounted on the series-produced front apron. In back HAMANN added a rear apron seizing the design of the front spoiler to match. This component is also affixed to the series-produced parts. A further sporty accent shines through with the HAMANN roof spoiler, providing a stabilizing effect.With such a large vehicle, every miniscule of power counts. For this reason, HAMANN reprogrammed the series-produced Motronic. The X5 3.0si received subsequently a power boost to about 14 PS/10kW and 25 Nm more torque. The X5 3.0d (with it´s basic 235 PS/173 kW) is raised by the tuners to 265 PS/ 195 kW and 600 Nm and 8-cylinder model 4.8i jumps by 18 PS/ 13 kW for more power and torque increase as well.

Not an easy choice!

Pondering over wheel choices will require the majority of customers´ time. Here are four designs of choice including PG3, Anniversary I and II as well as Edition Race.The noble tuners from Laupheim present a multi-pieced wheel PG3 available in silver finish with high-polished flange. It´s characterized through the sporty five-spoke design.The one-pieced wheel Anniversary I portrays a light footing with its´ multi-spoke design. HAMANN supplies these in silver finish with INOX stainless steel lip flange. The multi-pieced light alloy wheel Anniversary II exhibits a multi-spoke design as well projecting a feeling of pure motor sports. The silver rims with high-polished flange reflects both nobility and luxury simultaneously. The appearance of the three-piece, ultra light forged wheels Edition Race in crossing spoke design and black wheel spider is identified through its´ nine main spokes double-attached, branching and continually double-crossing towards the outside rim. Its´ stirring design becomes particularly noticeable through Titan studs. The high-polished flange is icing on the cake to complete this luxurious look. PG3 and Anniversary I are available through HAMANN for the X5 in 20 and 22-inch, Anniversary II in 22-inch and the wheel Edition Race comes in an impressive 23-inch. Naturally HAMANN offers the wheels in form of complete wheel sets.

Typical wheel / tire combinations::Edition Race

: FA/RA 10,5 Jx23 315/25R23 102Y XLPG3

: FA /RA 10,5 J x 22 295/30 ZR 22 PG3

: FA/RA 9,5 J x 20 295/40 ZR 20 Anniversary II

: FA/RA 10,5 J x 22 295/30 ZR 22 Anniversary I

: FA/RA 10,5 J x 22 295/30 ZR 22 Anniversary I

: FA/RA 10,5 J x 20 295/40 ZR 20Anniversary I

: FA/RA 10,5 J x 20 FA 275/40 ZR20 / RA 315/35 ZR 20

By using a set of progressive suspension springs, HAMANN reduces the center of gravity for the X5 . For those vehicles that have level regulation, it is lowered to about 40 mm in front, and for vehicles without level regulation or air suspension to about 40 mm in front and about 30 mm in back. Through this, the X5 receives a bit of agility back which, in contrast to its´ predecessor model, had suffered somewhat due to its bigger size.