Iceland, Ecuador early favorites for Miss Universe

Sandra Vinces, Miss Ecuador 2009, competes in her BSC Swimwear and Nina Shoes during the swimsuit segment of the Miss Universe 2009 Presentation Show at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas on August 16, 2009. Vinces, 19, and Iceland's Ingibjorg Egilsdottir, 24, are early favorites on Facebook and other social networking sites ahead of Sunday's Miss Universe contest

Ecuador's Sandra Vinces, 19, and Iceland's Ingibjorg Egilsdottir, 24, are early favorites on Facebook and other social networking sites ahead of Sunday's Miss Universe contest.

Eighty-four contestants will parade in swimwear for the judges who this year include actors, TV producers, photographers, fashion critics and vintage supermodel Valeria Mazza.

In the run-up to the big event at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Panama's Diana Broce won the prize for best national costume.

And the contest actually sparked a diplomatic kerfuffle.

Bolivia's culture minister was outraged when Miss Peru Karen Schwarz wore a typical costume known as a "Diablada," saying it was a symbol of his country -- and not Peru.

The costume is worn during Bolivia's Oruro Carnival, a UNESCO-honored cultural event. The term Diablada also refers to a typical dance of Aymara indigenous people, who live in Peru, Chile and Bolivia.

With a worldwide audience and a particularly rapt following in Latin America, the Miss Universe contest airs on NBC television on Sunday.

Miss Universe Swimsuit Parade

Arno Diana, Miss Estonia 2009, Stefania Fernandez, Miss Venezuela 2009, Kristina dung-Gotlib, Miss Ukraine 2009 and Mareike Baumgarten Oroa, Miss Paraguay in 2009 at the Atlantis on Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Miss Universe organizers met in the Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas - the organizer of the Miss Universe Pageant are satisfied with the partnership with the Bahamas.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid text"Based on comments we received, I am very happy with the way in which everything that is happening," said Minister of Tourism and the aerospace industry, the Hon Senator Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace. "In fact, the organizers of the event was held had ever had, and not just credit, Ministry, but also for companies involved in this effort."
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textThe Bahamas will host the 58th annual Miss Universe competition with the 84 \ 's most beautiful women. E 'airs live from Atlantis, Paradise Island, August 23 on NBC and Telemundo.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textPaula Shugart, president of Miss Universe, said after the competition here embodies the qualities that the Bahamas. "Paradise," he says. \ "There is no better name for the beauty of the Bahamas and the island.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid text"The world of television, the warmth, beauty and hospitality of the islands of the Bahamas, and the famous Atlantis Resort."
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textDoes your organization, it is said, is "a wonderful collaboration" with the Bahamas and Atlantis for many years. "I am very excited that this international event of this partnership to a whole new level," he says.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textMinister Vanderpool-Wallace added: "The people of the Bahamas is proud and pleased with the opportunity to host some of the most beautiful people in the world in some of the most beautiful islands in the world." The feeling, as perfect. We welcome the submission of the hospitality of its inhabitants, the clarity of our waters, the liveliness of music, dance, food and spirit. "
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textThe current Miss Universe, Venezuela, Dayan Mendoza, is the world as an advocate for HIV / AIDS, education, research and justice.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textThe three categories are swimwear, evening gown and interview.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textThe competition is organized by Billy Bush, co-anchor "Access Hollywood" and Claudia Jordan of "Celebrity Apprentice" and "Deal or No Deal." International artists, is Flo Rida Hits \ 'turn right "and" Spring "During the bath in the range. It' also a power Monday, reality star Heidi with their single" Turn Ya Head '. David Guetta and Kelly Rowland sings her hit "If love is more than" in the segment of the toga. Donald Trump and Phil Gurin is considered as executive producer.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textPhoto: participants of the Miss Universe Pageant, the government is at home in the image of His Excellency Arthur D Hanna, Department of Tourism \ 's Paints Walkin CEO, and members of the Royal Bahamas Police Band. (BRI / Photos Derek Smith)

Miss Universe float parade postponed

Nassau, Bahamas - The Miss Universe Float Parade is Monday, August 10, has been postponed to Thursday, August 20, 4 on the same street.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid text"The Committee deeply regrets the disappointment of hospitality and inconvenience caused to the public Bahamas" said Owen Bethel, local coordinator of the Pageant. "We regret that the announcement was not before each meeting on the road, but despite the efforts of swimmers Designer, was inevitable."
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textAs a result of intermittent heavy rain showers in recent days, a number of swimmers lasting damage unforeseen delays in the reconstruction. The cars must be constructed to establish strict rules.

Dayan Mendoza Miss Universe: nude in Maxim

At the age of 23, Dayan Mendoza is retired.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textShe reigned as Miss Venezuela and Miss Universe, interior design through the school, has traveled the world and perform his duties as a woman more beautiful life.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textNot bad career. But now that the heavy domination of South America, in the end, is ready to do something wonderful that hasn \ 't may still ...
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textNu one for men trashige \ \ \ 's Magazine.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textStill pending with the naked and give the crown (a new Miss Universe is called Sunday), Dayan Mendoza hopes to avoid negative returns.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textBeauty Queens always the warmth of their first pictures, as we know. Since the holidays are very conservative, and respect for women, after all.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textIt 'better than light-years from Monday, Heidi nude Playboy shoot. On the one hand, Dayan Mendoza is really hot. Secondly, Heidi \ \ \ 's photos have been less significant. Finally, Dayan \ \ \ 's Maxim interview not \' t be listed on Spencer Pratt, their orgasms.

Dayan Mendoza Miss Universe: nude in Maxim

USA_ _arguably costume, not just this competition!

Miss Universe 2009 delegates visited the country second largest city of the 'island of Grand Bahama on Sunday for the long-awaited presentation bathroom. It is important to note that this is not a competition, but even more, a fashion show of nature, with participants in a swimsuit. The ladies were at the international airport in Grand Bahama with a real first brass band serenaded by a choir of young people of Grand Bahama, where they went in the terminal. Accompanied by two drums of goatskin, the choir sang "Welcome to Grand Bahama ... we are so happy that you are coming before the fall into a medley of the Caribbean and the Bahamas Ring play songs. The women danced, as they sip on board the coconut water from coconut, not, or if you want the terminal when it is said, it was time to go.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textUnable to perform Translation:invalid textThere was a delicious breakfast at the Yacht Club of Grand Bahama, before visiting the garden of the Groves - an area of 12 hectares of botanical garden, orchids, ferns, duck ponds and waterfalls - for a photo with PO Dayan Mendoza Miss Universe and the establishment, under the management and staff. Dayan has remained for the garden, while the participants at the head of Our Lucaya Beach Resort in preparation for the event bathroom. The place was incredible! A giant tent was the Great Lawn of the hotel with sea view. Piece of cloth decorated in light colors, while the ceiling of 100 seats in the audience was essentially objects with color. Although the event is not up to 5 hours, the arrival of people have begun as early as 3! Over time, that was ready to begin, the position of the capacity was filled with Pageant Fans in several countries like the Philippines (there are around 50 Filipinos in the audience), the Turks and Caicos Islands (ci Turks are many islanders who live in Grand Bahama), Guyana, China, the United States and, of course, the Bahamas.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textIn his welcome remarks, Paula Shugart said that the Bahamas, while it is still the smallest host Miss Universe, the reconstruction of the event held on this day has ever known in 10 years, is already on the organization Miss Universe. 'It is better not only in the Bahamas, "he says," but you know, like the Bahamas.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textThe participants were in groups of 12 and has a wide choice of costumes from Thailand BSC overalls, shoes Nina. I can tell you that it will be a hell of a competition on institutions, on the track! It 'very difficult for the jury for a job most of the participants this year, because both of them are in better shape, both as regards the condition of the structures and their ability to bridge. The delegates, that my eyes were:
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textUnable to perform Translation:invalid textAngola - great body, strong bridge
Australia - fantastic body, beautiful face, a good bridge
Bahamas - the hometown boys a thunderous round of applause for their strong bridge
Brazil - beautiful face, great body
Canada - amazing body! Not an ounce of fat anywhere!
Cayman Islands - great body, strong bridge
Colombia - great body, sexy catwalk
Czech Republic - very good body and face, that oh!
Dominican Republic - great body, excellent gateway
France - good body, very sexy and track
United Kingdom - Burden of personality, a good place
Honduras - great body, big parades, beautiful face
Hungary - beautiful face, great body, but the work must be on the podium
Iceland - very good body, big parades Jamaica - beautiful face, beautiful body
Japan - great body, strong bridge
Mexico - good body, great personality, a good bridge
Netherlands - very good body!
Nicaragua - great body, fun to see on stage
Norway - amazing body!
Puerto Rico - fabulous body, great capacity for parades
Russia - great body, amazing face, very sexy catwalk
Slovak Republic - good body, a good bridge
South Africa - great body, legs for days!
Spain - a great place
Sweden - fantastic body, pretty face, port capacity could be more
The United States - great body, probably the best in the bathroom in this contest!
Venezuela - great body, classic beauty
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textUnable to perform Translation:invalid textThe presentation of the bath, the participants ate dinner before a return flight to Nassau. Here's an interesting anecdote. The long day of competition does not seem to relate to the participants, because they have a secret weapon - Red Bull! The Ministry of Tourism has arranged for refreshments for the girls at every stop, and the Red Bull is often made in haste. It also seems that the girls to drink more water to stay hydrated in the heat of summer.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textUnable to perform Translation:invalid textMonday, competition begins on the first event given. The costume contest is in response to a float-parade through the streets of Nassau. There are no Miss Trinidad & Tobago. MUO director of talent relations and PR Esther Swann confirmed that only 84 participants this year on reconstruction and there is Miss Trinidad and Tobago. When asked about the reports, as a delegate from Trinidad, said he would check, but as we know, there has never been a Miss T & T. I apologize for this round of reporting.

third national costume

third national costume

Name: Janja Rattanawan
Age: 20 E 'Mini Miss Universe 2007 Thailand.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid result dataIt \ 's Show on Thai literature \Manora.

Second national costume

Second national costume

Panama wins National Costume

BEST NATIONAL COSTUME
The winners of the costume competition were announced during the gala affair.The Best National Costume Award was given this year to Miss Panama, Diana Broce,whose costume depicted the Panamanian “Diablico Sucio”. In 2nd place was the costume of Miss Nicaragua, Indiana Sanchez and placing third was the costume of Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej.

Sophie Navita: Bikini Jangan Jadi Batu Sandungan Zizi

Pro Jakarta terus dan keputusan mewarnai against Puteri Indonesia 2009, Zizi berbikini Yang Kontesa Miss Universe. Sophie Artis NAVITI berharap Bikini tersebut tak Jadi Batu sandungan Bagi Zizi.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textBarata Pongki Istri tersebut melihat mengaku Bosana Masyarakat Indonesia Yang membicarakan Each Acara rutin Miss Bikini Universe Digel. Sophie menurut hal tersebut terlalu dibesar-besarkan.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid text"Jangan jadikan Bikini Batu sebagai sandungan. Kasihan hours sedang berjuang sound," Sophie ditemui Penta Ujar Study, Kebon Jeruk, Jakarta Barat, Kamis (13.8.2009).
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textPresenter merambah Yang Dunia Kini tarik vote Perempuan ITU mendukung perjuangan bernama ASLI Zivanna Letisha Siregar tersebut. Zizi berasal apalagi rumpuh of Batak, sama, as Sophie.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid text\ "I Karena nggak masalah itu dengan sound All pakai bikini. Kecuali Indonesia memang cuma aja Yang pakai bikini," jelas Sophie.

Miss Italy, Miss France loans in the Bahamas

The countdown has begun and Ekta Chaudhary, Pantaloons Femina Miss India Universe 2009 has his eyes on the crown of Miss Universe. Currently, Ekta Chaudhary, Pantaloons Femina Miss India Universe 2009
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textBahamas, Ekta really busy preparing for the transition. What fitness regime of meetings and garment accessories, Ekta is little time to breathe
Swim in the tower at Pageant, Ekta sizzled in a pink costume surprising. For the rest of the Pageant, Ekta Ritu Kumar has become established in their bag for the national stage costumes. Gauri and Nainika have Ekta final wear suits.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textOther designers, including dresses Indian beauty queen is the port, even Lecoanet Hemant, Malini Ramani, Haasya Chandna, Narendra Kumar Ahmed, Rann Gill, Prasad Bidappa Vardha and Rajan (Arabella), Ashley Rebello and varun Bahla. Your wardrobe is stylish Jayati Bose with participants and fashion director Marc Robsinson.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textEkta conjunction with room to Miss France these days, we hope that it is again with some really interesting things about Sarkozi and Carla Bruni!
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textWe hope, as Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta, India, Ekta makes proud.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textEkta We wish him much success and I hope that this raises again the crown of India. Cheers!

Hoang Yen chosen mode of Miss Universe

VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnamese Vo Hoang Yen participant was one of 30 selected for the beauty of local fashion designers August 12 in the Bahamas.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textWith a beautiful body and a good gateway, Hoang Yen to many participants, the list of 30 models from 84 companies in providing for the "Miss Universe 2009. The competition took place on 7, August 8 (7 Vietnam time) .
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textOn August 11, after bathing, costume design and performance, participants were divided into small groups to participate in outdoor activities, but also many excursions on the island of Abaco, the harbor islands', the park and AquaQuest play with the dolphins at Atlantis.

NUDE Parting shots for Miss Universe

Miss Universe Dayan Mendoza (above) to work with their gifts. This appears topless in murder Venezuelan Maxim \ 's set issue, at newsstands, in violation of their crown in August to 23. Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. Mendoza excitation causes a low last year, when it was discovered that they \ 'd for an ad in nu jewels - a no-no for the participants of Miss Universe. Word received Pageant owner Donald Trump \ 's permission before you pose for Maxim.

MISS BAHAMAS

Miss Bahamas, Kiara Sherman, like a giant peacock

Bahamas to host Miss Universe 2009

The Bahamas to host Miss Universe 2009
The guest of Miss Universe 2009, his first attempt semi-finalist
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textUnable to perform Translation:invalid textUnable to perform Translation:invalid textNassau, Bahamas - It \ 's now confirmed: Miss Universe 2009, in the paradise islands of the Bahamas. It \ 's, was officially announced by the Prime Minister of the Bahamas on Monday, the House of the meeting, a press release, as well as the Miss Bahamas Universe Organization with the Public Relations Officer, Ms Monalisa Thompson.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textGaynel Ms. Stubbs, director of the National Pageant Miss Bahamas, said: "This is a dream for the Bahamas, and could not come at a better time."
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textThe year \ 's highly controversial Miss Bahamas Universe Pageant 2009 will take place in May, as many young beauties of' island to serve as the official ambassador for the Bahamas. The winner is simply for the home, which is nothing Bahamas beauty queen, in the editions of the Pageant: The Miss Universe \ 's half.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textThe final international television is the fabulous Atlantis Resort Paradise, presumably, August 30 (to be confirmed).
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textThe authorities think that is a great opportunity for the Bahamas, for its natural beauty in various locations throughout the world, including the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textMiss Universe is now the second international beauty seen throughout the world to an audience of nearly 1 billion people.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textOver eighty international delegates are expected this year, it \ 's case.

Global beauties prepare for Miss Universe

Jessica Umana, Miss Costa Rica 2009; Michelle Rouillard, Miss Colombia 2009, and Nicosia Lawson, Miss Cayman Islands 2009, (L-R) pose at Atlantis on Paradise Island in preparation for the Miss Universe 2009 pageant in the Bahamas in this August 7, 2009 handout photograph.

SEXY MISS UNIVERSE 2009(PART 2)

SEXY MISS UNIVERSE 2009(PART1)

There was a particularly high quota of bevy of beauties at the Terminal 5 departure gate to Nassau.

Miss India, Hungary, Germany, Slovak Republic and Switzerland were all on board the beauty airbus.

Introductions would have to wait however as the theory of 6 degrees of separation proved bang on as I settled in next to the neighbour of Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe.

My national auction gift is a pair of boxing gloves signed by the man himself you see.

All proceeds from the auction go to HIV and Aids awareness charities all championed by the Miss Universe organization and I\'m hoping for a legend like Joe, who has never been defeated, that people reach deep into their pockets.

On arrival we were taken to the Atlantis Resort in 4 stretched limos.
Living in the West End of London, I\'m pretty used to hustle, bustle and sirens going off left right and centre, so it only dawned upon me a couple of minutes into the journey that the sirens were for us - we had a full on police escort literally stopping traffic to usher us through

Since settling in with my room mate Miss Egypt, the first 48 hours have been non stop.

The team has just a couple of days to shoot and interview all 84 girls.

Hair stylists and make up artists have been flown in from all over the world - including good old Covent Garden, London - to help with the High Definition \"Beautification process\".

My highlight so far has without a shadow of a doubt been my shoot with Fadil. The man is a legend and shoots the swimsuit section for the programme every year and every lady looks like a goddess in them.

I can\'t wait to see the results (they don\'t release those for a while longer), especially as it involved skill clambering up into mid air.

Yes you read that correctly, I think I deserve extra brownie points for not breaking my neck, and lets face it the whole neck brace look is so much more becoming on Avid Merrion.
My make up for Fadil\'s shoot was executed by Isabel Perez. If you\'re not familiar with the name, you would be with her work.

She\'s had the likes of Britney pimped and preened to perfection on tour as well as in her \"I\'m Slave for You\" and \"Toxic\" videos.

The lady is magical, I want to put her in my bags and bring her back to London with me.

Isabel is allergic to the sun and I felt her pain, the weather is hot heavy and humid.

Miss Guatemala who I figured would cope with it no problem commented on how strong the sun was as I was lotioning sun block on her shoulders.

I decided it best to take my lead from Miss Panama and plonk myself under a brolly to have lunch and got chatting with Miss Israel.

She explained to me that she had taken a month\'s leave from her training in the army to compete in the pageant.

To me that\'s the depiction of a strong beautiful mama if ever I saw one.

The Bahamians have made us feel so very welcome and all sorts of shenanigans are planned over the upcoming weeks. There have even been whispers of swimming with dolphins!

For now, over and out - your roving reporter from Nassau!

MiSs uNIverSe NaTIoNAl CosToME(PART 2)

MiSs uNIverSe NaTIoNAl CosToME(PART 1)

Miss Universe Titleholders

Miss Universe 1952 country Finland-- Armi Kuusela

Miss Universe 1953 country France-- Christiane Martel

Miss Universe 1954 country USA-- Miriam Stevenson

Miss Universe 1955 country Sweden-- Hillevi Rombin

Miss Universe 1956 country USA-- Carol Morris

Miss Universe 1957 country Peru-- Gladys Zender

Miss Universe 1958 country Colombia-- Luz Marina Zuluaga

Miss Universe 1959 country Japan-- Akiko Kojima

Miss Universe 1960 country USA-- Linda Bement

Miss Universe 1961 country Germany-- Marlene Schmidt

Miss Universe 1962 country Argentina-- Norma Nolan

Miss Universe 1963 country Brazil-- Ieda Maria Vargas

Miss Universe 1964 country Greece-- Corinna Tsopei

Miss Universe 1965 country Thailand-- Apasra Hongsakula

Miss Universe 1966 country Sweden-- Margareta Arvidsson

Miss Universe 1967 country USA --Sylvia Hitchcock

Miss Universe 1968 country Brazil-- Martha Vasconcellos

Miss Universe 1969 country Philippines-- Gloria Maria Diaz

Miss Universe 1970 country Puerto Rico-- Marisol Malaret

Miss Universe 1971 country Lebanon-- Georgina Rizk

Miss Universe 1972 country Australia-- Kerry Anne Wells

Miss Universe 1973 country Philippines-- Maria Margarita Moran

Miss Universe 1974 country Spain-- Amparo Muñoz

Miss Universe 1975 country Finland-- Anne Marie Pohtamo

Miss Universe 1976 country Israel-- Rina Messinger

Miss Universe 1977 country Trinidad and Tobago-- Janelle Commissiong

Miss Universe 1978 country South Africa-- Margaret Gardiner

Miss Universe 1979 country Venezuela-- Maritza Sayalero

Miss Universe 1980 country USA-- Shawn Weatherly

Miss Universe 1981 country Venezuela-- Irene Sáez

Miss Universe 1982 country Canada-- Karen Dianne Baldwin

Miss Universe 1983 country New Zealand-- Lorraine Downes

Miss Universe 1984 country Sweden-- Yvonne Ryding

Miss Universe 1985 country Puerto Rico-- Deborah Carthy Deu

Miss Universe 1986 country Venezuela-- Bárbara Palacios Teyde

Miss Universe 1987 country Chile-- Cecilia Bolocco

Miss Universe 1988 country Thailand-- Porntip Nakhirunkanok

Miss Universe 1989 country Netherlands-- Angela Visser

Miss Universe 1990 country Norway-- Mona Grudt

Miss Universe 1991 country Mexico-- Lupita Jones

Miss Universe 1992 country Namibia-- Michelle McLean

Miss Universe 1993 country Puerto Rico-- Dayanara Torres

Miss Universe 1994 countryIndia-- Sushmita Sen

Miss Universe 1995 country USA-- Chelsi Smith

Miss Universe 1996 country Venezuela-- Alicia Machado

Miss Universe 1997 country USA-- Brook Mahealani Lee

Miss Universe 1998 country Trinidad and Tobago-- Wendy Fitzwilliam

Miss Universe 1999 country Botswana-- Mpule Kwelagobe

Miss Universe 2000 country India-- Lara Dutta

Miss Universe 2001 country Puerto Rico-- Denise Quiñones

Miss Universe 2002 country Russia-- Oxana Fedorova (Dethroned)
country Panama-- Justine Pasek

Miss Universe 2003 country Dominican-- Republic Amelia Vega

Miss Universe 2004 country Australia-- Jennifer Hawkins

Miss Universe 2005 country Canada-- Natalie Glebova

Miss Universe 2006 country Puerto Rico-- Zuleyka Rivera

Miss Universe 2007 country Japan-- Riyo Mori

Miss Universe 2008 country Venezuela-- Dayana Mendoza

MISS UNIVERSE 2009 - Atlantis Resort, Bahamas, August 23

MISS UNIVERSE 2009 - Atlantis Resort, Bahamas, August 23

Saturday, Aug 1 - Monday, Aug 3

~Arrivals, Registration and Official Photography

Wednesday, Aug. 5

~Visit to the Ardastra Gardens
~Tour of Fort Charlotte
~Tour of Clifton Heritage Site and Sacred Space
~Visit Arawak Cay (Fish Fry)

Thursday, Aug. 6

~Visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
~Courtesy Call on the Governor General
~Tea Party at Government House

Friday, Aug. 7

~Downtown Casual Shopping & Photo-ops
~Display of Authentically Bahamian Arts and Craft in Rawson Square
~Welcome Dinner

Saturday, Aug. 8

~Visit to Exuma and Bimini

Exuma: Tour of Moriah Harbour Cay and Elizabeth Harbour; Stocking Island

Bimini: Bimini Bay Resort; Visit to Fountain of Youth and Shark Lab

Sunday, Aug. 9

~Tour of Garden of the Groves and photo-ops
~Port Lucaya Marketplace
~Swimsuit Presentation, Grand Bahama Island. All contestants will parade in bikinis and awards will be given to the best figures.

Monday, Aug. 10

~Motorcade through New Providence (1:00pm)
~National Costume Competition, Rainforest Theater, Wyndham Hotel (evening). A panel of judges will choose the winning costumes.

Tuesday, Aug. 11

~Tour of Harbour Island and Abaco

Harbour Island: Tour of island by golf cart; Beach and leisure activities at Coral Sands

Abaco: Visit to Treasure Cay; Green Turtle Cay

Wednesday, Aug. 12

~Junkanoo Summer Festival, afternoon
~Fashion Show with local designers, Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort (Cable Beach)

Thursday, Aug. 13

~National Gift Charity Auction, Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort (Cable Beach)

August 14-15

~Rehearsals, location filming

Sunday, Aug. 16

~Preliminary judging
~Presentation Show. All contestants will parade in swimsuits and evening gowns. Imperial Ballroom, Atlantis Resort


Monday, Aug. 17 - Tuesday, Aug. 18

~One on one interviews with panel of preliminary judges. Rehearsals.

Aug. 19-20

~Rehearsals


~Friday, Aug. 21

~Rehearsals. National Director Meeting

Saturday, Aug. 22:

Rehearsals


Sunday, Aug. 23:

~Dress Rehearsal (noon), Imperial Ballroom, Atlantis
~Live Telecast (9 pm EST), Imperial Ballroom, Atlantis
~Coronation Ball (11 pm), Atlantis Resort

Monday, Aug. 24

Departures

HISTORY OF MISS UNIVERSE

The Miss Universe contest, as we all know, is the most prestigious beauty pageant of the world. The beauty pageant has been taking place for over five decades. Here, we have provided you with the information spanning over 50 years about the history and origins of the Miss Universe event. The annual international beauty contest is organized by the Miss Universe Organization. The coveted event began in the year 1952 and was founded back then by the California clothing company Pacific Mills. Amongst those who acquired the rights of the event were Kayser-Roth and Gulf and Western Industries. Finally it came to be acquired by Donald Trump in 1996. The Miss Universe Organization is currently jointly owned by Donald Trump and National Broadcasting Company (NBC).

The Miss Universe beauty pageant owes its genesis to the winner of Miss America 1951 beauty pageant, Yoland Betbeze. Ms Betbeze refused to pose for its major sponsor, Catalina Swimwear. The brand’s manufacturer, Pacific Mills as a result withdrew from Miss America and set up the Miss USA and Miss Universe contests. Long Beach, California was the first destination where the Miss Universe 1952 was held. The first Miss Universe title was won by Armi Kuusela of Finland. The young lady however gave up her title to get married to a Filipino tycoon, Virgilio Hilario, shortly before her year as Miss Universe was to get complete.

The main Miss Universe pageant from 1952 to 1971 was held in the United States of America. Since 1971, the coveted event is being hosted across the globe in various Asian, European, African and Australian cities. The event is keenly awaited by people across the globe and enjoys millions of viewership.

The Miss Universe beauty pageant was first televised in 1955. From 1960 onwards, CBS began nationally broadcasting combined Miss USA and Miss Universe contests and from 1965 began separately broadcasting it. The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) in 2003 took the television rights of the event. The current President of the Miss Universe Organization is Paula Shugart.

As of 2005, only four countries have been represented at the Miss Universe since 1952. These are USA, Germany, Canada and France. The crown of the Miss Universe is designed by Mikimoto, the official jewellery sponsor of the Miss Universe Organization. The crown is valued at $250,000 and boasts of having 18 carat 800 diamonds, 120 pearls. The beautiful crown has been in use for the event since Miss Universe 2002 and is used for crowning the Miss Universe every year. The unique design of the crown depicts the phoenix rising, which signifies status, power and beauty. For Miss Universe 2008, Vietnam’s Phu Nhuan Jewellery Joint Stock Company has been given the task to design the crown. The estimated expense for the crown is going to be 200,000 – 250,000 US dollars.

The Miss Universe beauty pageant has come a long way, but what has not changed are the ethos the organizers believe in finding the most beautiful lady of the Universe over the years