Official name	Pendleton, Oregon
Settlement type	City
Motto	The Real West
Map caption	Location in Oregon
Coordinates region	US-OR
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Oregon
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Umatilla
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Phillip Houk
Established title	Incorporated
Established date	1880
Area total sq mi	10.1
Area total km2	26.0
Area land sq mi	10.1
Area land km2	26.0
Area water sq mi	0
Area water km2	0
Population as of	2010
Population total	16,612
Population density km2	628.3
Population density sq mi	1627.2
Timezone	Pacific
Utc offset	-8
Timezone dst	Pacific
Utc offset dst	-7
Elevation m	365.8
Elevation ft	1200
Website	www.pendleton.or.us
Postal code type	ZIP code
Postal code	97801
Area code	458 and 541
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	41-57150
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1125283
Footnotes	}}

Pendleton () is a city in Umatilla County, Oregon, United States. Pendleton was named in 1868 by the county commissioners for George H. Pendleton, Democratic candidate for Vice-President in the 1864 presidential campaign. The population was 16,612 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Umatilla County.

Pendleton is the smaller of the two principal cities of the Pendleton-Hermiston Micropolitan Statistical Area, a micropolitan area that covers Morrow and Umatilla counties and had a combined population of 87,062 at the 2010 census.

History

A commercial center in the locality of Pendleton began as early as 1851, when Dr. William C. McKay established a trading post at the mouth of McKay Creek. A Post Office with the name of Marshall (named for the owner of another local store, and sometime gambler) was established April 21, 1865, and later renamed Pendleton. The city was incorporated by the Oregon Legislative Assembly on October 25, 1880.

By 1900, Pendleton had a population of 4,406 and was the fourth-largest city in Oregon. Like many cities in Eastern Oregon, it had a flourishing Chinatown. The sector is supposed to have been underlain by a network of tunnels which are now a tourist attraction, although its authenticity as a tunnel system has been questioned.

Pendleton had a red light district, which as late as 1947 counted 20 brothels in the heart of the city. In 1953, the district closed after a Presbyterian minister threatened to read a list of names of brothel patrons in church. One survivor, however, Stella Darby, continued to operate her establishment until she retired in 1965. The four blocks that were once the red-light district are now the "old town" of Pendleton, and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Economy

Pendleton Woolen Mills, founded in 1893, is known worldwide as a maker of fine Indian trading blankets and men's plaid shirts.

Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) is located in Pendleton. EOCI is the state's only facility where the internationally-recognized "Prison Blues " line of blue denim clothing is manufactured. The garment factory is one of two prison industries programs operating at the facility. The prison's commercial laundry cleans clothing and other items for EOCI and Snake River Correctional Institution, in addition to Pendleton's local high school, the city's fire department, the Pendleton Convention Center, and Krusteaz Flour Mill. Other inmate work opportunities include: food service, clerical, and facility maintenance.

Geography and climate

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.1 square miles (26.0 km²), all of it land.

The Umatilla River flows through Pendleton.

Pendleton experiences a semi-arid climate (Köppen ''BSk'') with short, cool winters and hot summers. Pendleton had the highest temperature recorded in Oregon at 119 degrees in 1898.

Demographics

As of the census of 2010, there were 16,612 people, 5,964 households, and 3,727 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,627.2 people per square mile (628.3/km²). There were 6,352 housing units at an average density of 632.0 per square mile (244.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 89.15% White, 1.53% African American, 2.52% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 3.68% from other races, and 2.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.00% of the population.

There were 5,964 households out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.5% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 114.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 116.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,800, and the median income for a family was $47,410. Males had a median income of $31,763 versus $23,858 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,551. About 8.7% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.4% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Annual events

In addition to the woolen mills, Pendleton is also famous for its annual rodeo, the Pendleton Round-Up. First held in 1910, it is part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned rodeo circuit. In 1999, the Pendleton Round-Up Association added a two night Professional Bull Riders Classic to the Annual events. The rodeo is noted for being the only PRCA ever held on a grass field.

The Pendleton Christmas Carriage Parade began in 2007 and occurs midday every year on the first Saturday of December. Riders, travois, and carriages with costumed drivers represent the history of the region, and carolers also perform. The Festival of Trees follows on the same evening.

Museums and other points of interest

Pendleton has been a center of culture and art in the region for many years. Local arts institutions include the Pendleton Center for the Arts (in the town's old Carnegie Library building) and Crow's Shadow Institute of the Arts on the nearby Umatilla Indian Reservation.

The Pendleton Farmers' Market began in 2002 and operates mid-May thru mid-October, on Fridays from 4-7pm on Pendleton's Main Street. Featuring farmers from the Columbia Plateau, hand-made crafts, live music, and food vendors. Vendors call it the largest and friendliest market in northeast Oregon. The Market accepts SNAP and Farm Direct Nutrition Coupons/Vouchers as well as debit cards.

Sports and recreation

Every year since 1964, Pendleton has hosted the Oregon School Activities Association 2A basketball tournament. It is held in the Pendleton Convention Center.

The Pendleton Aquatic Center opened in 1996.

Transportation

Highways serving Pendleton include Interstate 84 and U.S. Route 30 running east-west and U.S. Route 395 running north-south. The city is also served by Oregon Route 37 and Oregon Route 11.

Pendleton is on the La Grande Subdivision of the Union Pacific Railroad, constructed originally through the area in the 1870s as the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company. Between 1977 and 1997, the city was a regular stop along the former route of Amtrak's ''Pioneer'' between Chicago, Salt Lake City, Portland and Seattle.

Regional commercial aviation service is through Eastern Oregon Regional Airport located three miles outside Pendleton. The airport is owned by the City of Pendleton. SeaPort Airlines schedules three daily flights to and from Portland.

Radio

KTIX AM 1240

KUMA AM 1290

KRBM FM 90.9

KVAN FM 92.1

KLKY FM 96.1

KUJJ FM 101.9

KWHT FM 103.5

KWVN-FM 107.7

Notable people

Tracy Baker - Major League Baseball player

John Bunnell - hosted ''World's Wildest Police Videos''

Dave Cockrum - comic book artist

Dave Kingman - Major League Baseball player

Michael J. Kopetski - former representative for Oregon's 5th congressional district

Frances Moore Lappé - author and activist

James Lavadour - Walla Walla artist

Elaine Miles - actress who played Marilyn Whirlwind on ''Northern Exposure''

Roy Schuening - former offensive guard for the Oregon State Beavers football team, currently with the Oakland Raiders

Lawrence Shurtliff - Grateful Dead roadie and president of GDP

Gordon Smith - former U.S. Senator from Oregon

Milan Smith - judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and brother to Gordon

Kenneth Snelson - sculptor and photographer

Sister cities

Pendleton has two sister cities:

Minamisoma, Japan Växjö, Sweden

References

External links

Pendleton listing in the ''Oregon Blue Book''

Pendleton Chamber of Commerce

Pendleton Farmers' Market

Category:Cities in Oregon Category:County seats in Oregon Category:Populated places in Umatilla County, Oregon Category:Populated places established in 1851 Category:Pendleton-Hermiston micropolitan area

af:Pendleton, Oregon ar:بيندلينتون، أوريغون bg:Пендълтън (град, Орегон) ca:Pendleton (Oregon) cs:Pendleton (Oregon) de:Pendleton (Oregon) es:Pendleton (Oregón) fr:Pendleton (Oregon) io:Pendleton, Oregon it:Pendleton (Oregon) ht:Pendleton, Oregon nl:Pendleton (Oregon) pt:Pendleton (Oregon) vi:Pendleton, Oregon vo:Pendleton (Oregon)

name	Victoria Pendleton
fullname	Victoria Louise Pendleton
birth date	September 24, 1980
birth place
height
weight
currentteam	Britain
discipline	Track
role	Rider
ridertype	Sprinter
amateurteams	Mildenhall Cycling Club
proyears	??–20082008–Present
proteams	Science in Sport / TrekSky+ HD
updated	26 March 2011
medaltemplates	}}

}} }}

Victoria Louise Pendleton MBE (born Stotfold, Bedfordshire, England, 24 September 1980) is a British Olympic and world champion track cyclist. Her father, Max, was also a British national grass-track cycling champion.

Early years

Pendleton rode her first race, a 400m event on the grass track at Fordham at nine. Pendleton showed her promise at 13 and was spotted three years later by the assistant national track coach, Marshal Thomas. At that time she wanted to concentrate on her education, graduating from Fearnhill School in Letchworth Garden City, and later awarded a degree in Sport and Exercise Science by Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne. She enjoyed some success on the track as a student before graduating and becoming a full-time cyclist.

Success on the track

Pendleton won one bronze and three silver medals in the British National Track Championships in 2001, while still a student. In 2002, she qualified for the England Commonwealth Games team, finishing fourth in the sprint. She again came fourth in the sprint at the 2003 world championships in Stuttgart and the 2004 World Championships in Melbourne. She ranked 2nd overall in the World Cup for the sprint in 2004, winning the World Cup event in Manchester.

At the 2004 Summer Olympics, she finished sixth in the time trial and ninth in the women's 200m sprint

At the 2005 World Championships, Pendleton won her first major medal with gold in the women's sprint. She became the third British woman to become a cycling world champion in 40 years.

At the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, she won silver in the 500m time trial and gold in the sprint.

At the 2007 UCI Track World Championships, she won the team sprint with Shanaze Reade, the individual gold in the women's sprint, and a third gold in the women's Keirin. She crowned the year by being named ''Sunday Times'' Sportswoman of the Year for 2007, becoming the first cyclist to win the award in its 20-year history. Pendleton was also voted Sports Journalists' Association of Great Britain's sportswoman of the year for 2007. During her build-up to the Olympics she won two gold medals at the 2008 UCI Track World Championships in the women's sprint, and the women's team sprint (again with Shanaze Reade); she was also second in the women's keirin. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Pendleton won the gold medal in the Women's Individual Sprint Event.

Pendleton was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours.

She retained her world sprint title at the 2009 UCI Track World Championships in Pruszków. Each sprint was so closely matched it required several photos, leaving Pendleton emotional but victorious over her Dutch opponent, Willy Kanis.

Off-track

In July 2009, Pendleton appeared on the cover of men's magazine FHM. In February 2011 she stated she was engaged but planned not to marry until after the 2012 Olympics.

Palmarès

;1999 :3rd Sprint, British National Track Championships

;2000 :3rd Sprint, British National Track Championships

;2001 :2nd Sprint, British National Track Championships :2nd 500m Time Trial, British National Track Championships :2nd Scratch Race, British National Track Championships :3rd Points Race, British National Track Championships

;2002 :1st Sprint, British National Track Championships :1st 500m Time Trial, British National Track Championships

;2003 :1st Sprint, British National Track Championships :1st 500m Time Trial, British National Track Championships :1st Keirin, British National Track Championships :1st Scratch Race, British National Track Championships :3rd Points Race, British National Track Championships

;2004 :1st Sprint, British National Track Championships :1st 500m Time Trial, British National Track Championships

;2005 :1st Sprint, World Track Championships :1st Sprint, British National Track Championships :1st 500m Time Trial, British National Track Championships :1st Keirin, British National Track Championships :1st Scratch Race, British National Track Championships

;2006 :1st 15px Sprint, Commonwealth Games, Melbourne :2nd 15px Time Trial, Commonwealth Games, Melbourne :2nd 15px Sprint, World Track Championships :1st Sprint, British National Track Championships :1st 500m Time Trial, British National Track Championships :1st Keirin, British National Track Championships :1st Scratch Race, British National Track Championships :1st British National Derny Championships

;2007 :1st Sprint, World Track Championships :1st Team Sprint (with Shanaze Reade), World Track Championships :1st Keirin, World Track Championships :1st Sprint, British National Track Championships :1st 500m Time Trial, British National Track Championships :1st Keirin, British National Track Championships :1st British National Derny Championships

;2008 :1st Sprint, World Track Championships :1st Team Sprint (with Shanaze Reade), World Track Championships :2nd 15px Keirin, World Track Championships :1st 15px Sprint, 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing :1st Sprint, British National Track Championships :1st Team Sprint (with Anna Blyth), British National Track Championships :1st Keirin, British National Track Championships

;2009 :3rd :2nd 15px Team Sprint (with Shanaze Reade), World Track Championships :1st Sprint, World Track Championships :1st 500m Time Trial, British National Track Championships :1st Sprint, British National Track Championships

;2010 :1st Sprint, World Track Championships :2nd 15px Keirin, World Track Championships ;2011 :2nd :3rd 15px Sprint, World Track Championships

References

External links

Official Website

Profile at British Cycling

Off the Bike – Victoria hosts the British Cyclosportive DVD – Cyclefilm

Victoria's secrets – The Guardian

Victoria Pendleton's secrets – The Times

Profile at Cycling UK

Category:1980 births Category:Living people Category:Track cyclists Category:English cyclists Category:Female cyclists Category:UCI World Champions Category:Cyclists at the 2004 Summer Olympics Category:Cyclists at the 2008 Summer Olympics Category:Olympic cyclists of Great Britain Category:Olympic gold medalists for Great Britain Category:Alumni of Northumbria University Category:People from Stotfold Category:Members of the Order of the British Empire Category:Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year award winners Category:Olympic medalists in cycling

cy:Victoria Pendleton de:Victoria Pendleton es:Victoria Pendleton fr:Victoria Pendleton it:Victoria Pendleton nl:Victoria Pendleton ja:ヴィクトリア・ペンドルドン no:Victoria Pendleton pl:Victoria Pendleton pt:Victoria Pendleton fi:Victoria Pendleton uk:Вікторія Пендлтон

name	Austin Pendleton
birth date	March 27, 1940
birth place	Warren, Ohio, U.S.
occupation	Actor
yearsactive	1968–present
website	}}

Austin Pendleton (born March 27, 1940) is an American film, television, and stage actor, a playwright, and a theatre director and instructor.

Life and career

Pendleton was born in Warren, Ohio, the son of Frances Manchester Pendleton, a professional actress, and Thorn Pendleton, who ran a tool company. Pendleton is a graduate of Yale University, where he was a member of Scroll and Key Society. As a stage actor, he has appeared in ''The Last Sweet Days of Isaac'' (for which he won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance and an Obie Award ), ''The Diary of Anne Frank,'' ''Grand Hotel'', ''Goodtime Charley,'' ''The Little Foxes'', ''Fiddler on the Roof'', and ''Up from Paradise''.

Pendleton penned the plays ''Uncle Bob'', ''Booth'', and ''Orson's Shadow'', all of which were staged off-Broadway. His direction of Elizabeth Taylor and Maureen Stapleton in Lillian Hellman's ''The Little Foxes'' garnered him a Tony Award nomination. Additional directing credits include ''Spoils of War'' by Michael Weller, ''The Runner Stumbles'' by Milan Stitt, and ''The Size of the World'' by Charles Evered.

Pendleton served as Artistic Director for Circle Repertory Company with associate artistic director Lynne Thigpen.

Pendleton is an ensemble member of the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. He began his artistic relationship there by directing Ralph Pape's ''Say Goodnight, Gracie'' for the 1979-80 season. In addition to directing at Steppenwolf, Mr. Pendleton has appeared as an actor in such Steppenwolf productions as ''Uncle Vanya'', ''Valparaiso'' and ''Educating Rita''. In the seventh and final season of ''Homicide: Life on the Street'' he portrayed Dr. George Griscom, a medical examiner with a quirky outlook on his profession and a dark sense of humor. He also appeared in the ''Tales from the Crypt'' episode "Doctor of Horror" as a doctor with a bizarre obsession. In the 1970s, Pendleton had a small role on "Good Times"; he played Mr. Hargrove the Director who recommended Michael Evans to attend trade school instead of college due to a low score on an IQ test.

Recent work

He has had several television roles as well including a recurring role on HBO's ''Oz'' as the mentally unstable murderer William Giles. He did voice-over work as Gurgle in ''Finding Nemo''.

In August 2006, Pendleton appeared as the Chaplain in Bertholt Brecht's ''Mother Courage and Her Children'' with Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline in the New York Shakespeare Festival/Public Theater production directed by George C. Wolfe at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, New York City (photo, above, right). In 2007, he appeared as Friar Lawrence in the New York Shakespeare Festival/Public Theater's production of Shakespeare's ''Romeo and Juliet'' at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. In 2009 Pendleton directed ''Uncle Vanya'' at the Classic Stage Company starring Maggie Gyllenhall and Peter Saarsgard. Also that year, Pendleton starred in the off-Broadway production of ''Love Drunk'' written by Romulus Linney and directed by Kelly Morgan. Later on, in the summer of 2009, he appeared in Wyoming Seminary's Performing Arts Institute production of Gypsy as Herbie opposite Devon McFadden as Moma Rose and Allison Considine as Gypsy Rose Lee. Pendleton then went on to direct Tennessee Williams' autobiographical play ''Vieux Carré'' at The Pearl Theatre Company off-Broadway.

In January & February 2010, Pendleton directed 2 plays, "Bus Stop" at "The Olney Theatre" and "Golden Age" at the "Philadelphia Theatre Company". In April 2010, Pendleton acted with Eleanor Handley in the romantic comedy "Limonade Tous Les Jours"by Charles Mee, directed by Diana Basmajian.

Pendleton currently teaches acting at the HB Studio and directing at The New School, both in Greenwich Village.

There is a documentary film in production on Austin's life and work called "The Austin Pendleton Project: Where The Work Is" co-directed by Gene Gallerano and David Holmes.

Filmography

''2 Days in the Valley''

''Finding Nemo'' (Gurgle)

''A Beautiful Mind''

''What's Up, Doc?''

''Simon''

''Skidoo''

''Searching for Bobby Fischer''

''Catch-22''

''Greedy''

''Guarding Tess''

''The Front Page''

''Short Circuit''

''Mr. and Mrs. Bridge''

''Mr. Nanny''

''My Cousin Vinny''

''My Boyfriends Back''

''My Man Adam''

''The Muppet Movie''

''The Mirror Has Two Faces''

''Trial and Error''

''Christmas with the Kranks''

''June Moon''

''Raising Flagg''

''Manna from Heaven''

''Sgt. Bilko''

''True Identity''

''Homicide: The Movie''

''Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps''

References

External links

Austin Pendleton Talks about Stuttering and Acting

Category:1940 births Category:Actors from Ohio Category:Actors from New York City Category:American film actors Category:American stage actors Category:American television actors Category:American voice actors Category:Living people Category:The New School faculty Category:People from Warren, Ohio Category:Scroll and Key Category:Yale University alumni

de:Austin Pendleton fr:Austin Pendleton it:Austin Pendleton nl:Austin Pendleton no:Austin Pendleton

name	Alesha Dixon
background	solo_singer
birth name	Alesha Anjanette Dixon
born	October 07, 1978Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
instrument	Vocals
genre	R&B;, hip hop, UK garage
occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Model, rapper, Dancer, Television Presenter
years active	1999–present
label	Polydor Records (2005–2006) Asylum Records (2008-2011) Atlantic Records (2008–2011)
associated acts	Mis-Teeq Roll Deep Jay Sean
website
notable instruments	}}

Alesha Anjanette Dixon (born 7 October 1978) is an English singer-songwriter, dancer, model and television personality. She first found fame in the all-female R&B; trio Mis-Teeq, however, the trio separated in 2005 and Dixon continued pursuing her music career as a solo artist, signing to Polydor Records. Dixon began recording her debut solo album, ''Fired Up'' in 2006, but due to poor record sales of her first two singles, "Lipstick" and "Knockdown", she was dropped from Polydor.

In 2007 Dixon became a contestant on ''Strictly Come Dancing'' and eventually won. Her television exposure led to a successful comeback, which included her signing to Asylum Records, an offshoot of Warner Music Group. Dixon then released a second album, entitled ''The Alesha Show'' in 2008, which received platinum certification from BPI in the UK.

In September 2009 Dixon became a judge on the seventh series of ''Strictly Come Dancing'', replacing fellow judge Arlene Phillips. The replacement of Phillips by Dixon attracted criticism, as some questioned the extent of Dixon's dancing knowledge. Dixon herself dismissed the criticism, describing it as a "storm in a teacup", and refused to stand down as judge. In 2010 Dixon returned for the eighth series of ''Strictly Come Dancing'' and released her third studio album, ''The Entertainer''.

Early life

Alesha Anjanette Dixon was born in Welwyn Garden City on 7 October 1978, to an English mother, Beverly Harris, and Jamaican father, Melvin Dixon; she is mixed race. Dixon has five half-brothers called Adrian, Mark, John, Jeroame, Callum and one half-sister called Leyanne. She was educated at Monk's Walk School, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Dixon's mother and father split up when Dixon was four years old and Dixon's father moved away, resulting in Dixon later describing her family life as "very dysfunctional". Between the ages of eight and ten, Dixon witnessed her mother suffer domestic abuse from her partner; she only spoke publicly about the issue 21 years later, in 2010. Dixon created a documentary for the BBC, ''Don't Hit My Mum'', regarding the issue of domestic abuse from a child's perspective, and remarked upon her own childhood: "When I think about that time, I don't remember living in harmony, I don't remember any fun times, I suppose because the negativity has clouded it. The negative times and the scary times have blocked anything that was good [...] I believe that every child has the right to grow up in an environment where they feel secure and fearless going into the world, and I didn't really feel that".

Her first job was at Ladbrokes, although she aspired to become a PE teacher after leaving college. After completing a diploma course in sports studies, she had planned to take up a place at Loughborough University, but whilst at dance classes in London she was approached by a talent scout from a production company. Whilst travelling back home on the train she was approached by another scout who was forming a band and asked if she was interested. Dixon's musical hopes had previously been met with scepticism from Melvin Dixon, as he encouraged Alesha to follow a more academic career path. Dixon explained that "his view was there weren't many black British musicians who were overly successful. I said, 'Dad, I can't base my decision on what people haven't done'". Ignoring her father's advice, Dixon decided to pursue a career in music.

History

1999-05: Mis-Teeq

Dixon's career began in 1999 when she met Sabrina Washington when they both joined a dance school in Fulham, south west London. Together they decided to form a band when Dixon and Washington, the two co-founders, spotted Su-Elise Nash, a girl auditioning for another band. Dixon and Washington proposed that Nash join the group and together they formed a trio. They were soon signed to Telstar Records with the addition of a new member, Zena McNally, and became the popular UK garage/R&B; girl band, Mis-Teeq.

After months of recording throughout 1999 and early 2000, Mis-Teeq released their debut single "Why?" in April 2000, however, it was not long before McNally left the band. The band made a decision to remain a trio. In 2001, they released their debut album ''Lickin' On Both Sides'', featuring hits "All I Want", "One Night Stand", "B with Me" and double A-side single "Roll On/This Is How We Do It". In 2002 Mis-Teeq performed and received a nomination at the BRIT Awards in Earls Court, later in the year band won the MOBO Award for Best Garage Act. After the success of their debut album, 2003 saw Mis-Teeq becoming the faces of JD Sports stores nationwide.

In 2003, Mis-teeq released their second album ''Eye Candy'', which included the singles "Scandalous", "Can't Get It Back" and "Style". In 2004, Mis-Teeq toured the United States and released their debut single Scandalous from their American self-titled debut, a compilation of the albums ''Lickin' On Both Sides'' and ''Eye Candy''. They also released "One Night Stand" before coming back to Europe to start work with their third album however, Telstar Records went into administration. The band was left with no choice but to release a Greatest Hits compilation under exclusive licences with Universal Records.

The last song Dixon recorded with Mis-Teeq was "Shoo Shoo Baby" for the Disney film ''Valiant''. In March 2005, their ''Greatest Hits'' compilation was released and it was announced that they were separating to pursue solo careers.

2006-08: ''Fired Up'' and record label departure

}} Dixon launched her solo career after Mis-Teeq's breakup and signed a £500,000, three-album deal with Polydor Records. She spent a year writing and recording her solo debut album, ''Fired Up'', working with a wide range of producers including Richard X, Xenomania, Johnny Douglas, Brian Higgins, Estelle and Paul Epworth. During this period Dixon performed mononymously, known simply as "Alesha".

In June 2005, she announced her first solo single to be "Superficial". However, at the last minute, the song "Lipstick" was chosen as the first single. "Lipstick" was released on 14 August 2006, and charted at 14 on the UK Single Charts. She released her second single "Knockdown" on 30 October 2006, which charted at 25 on the UK Download Chart. However on the official UK Singles Charts, the single peaked at number 45, falling down to 68 the following week.

On 6 November 2006, it was revealed that Dixon had been dropped by her label, Polydor Records. Polydor gave her full rights to her unreleased debut album, ''Fired Up''. Her first single from the album, "Lipstick", got to number 1 in Japan's international ringtone chart and number 2 in MTV Japan's hit list. ''Fired Up'' was officially released in Japan on 20 February 2008.

2008-09: ''The Alesha Show''

After her victory on ''Strictly Come Dancing'' Dixon soon became at the centre of a bidding war between record labels, and even Polydor Records, the label that had dropped her months previously, put in an offer. Dixon, however, chose to sign a four-album contract with Asylum Records in 2008. Dixon's first new album as part of her contract, ''The Alesha Show'' was released in the UK on 24 November 2008 and 21 November in Ireland. The official first single from the album, "The Boy Does Nothing" became her first solo top ten hit on the UK Singles Chart, following a 76 spot jump from 84 to 8 on the UK Singles Chart chart on downloads alone. The single eventually peaked at number 5. The song also fared well in continental Europe and is rising on the Australian Singles Chart. The second single from ''The Alesha Show'' was "Breathe Slow" and entered the UK Singles Chart at number thirty-nine solely on download sales. The single rose for three weeks before breaking into the top ten at number six, giving Dixon her second top ten hit in the UK from downloads alone, and eventually peaked at number 3 on the Top 40 UK Charts, giving Dixon her second consecutive top 5 single. She also put a song up on her website for free download on 19 October 2008 named "Colours of the Rainbow".

The third single from ''The Alesha Show'', titled "Let's Get Excited" was physically released on 11 May and reached a peak position of 13 in the UK Singles Chart. "Let's Get Excited" became Dixon's first track from ''The Alesha Show'' not to chart inside the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart. The song's presence in the charts boosted album sales and ''The Alesha Show'' rebounded at a new peak of 11. On 9 June it was announced on Dixon's official website that the album had received platinum certification from BPI, indicating sales of 300,000+ in the UK alone.

The fourth single from ''The Alesha Show'', called "To Love Again" was released on 15 November 2009. The track, a ballad penned by Dixon and Gary Barlow, was the first single taken from the deluxe version, entitled ''The Alesha Show - Encore'', released on 23 November. Dixon also embarked upon a 17-date national tour, named The Alesha Show, which began on 20 October 2009 in Nottingham.

2010-11: ''The Entertainer'' and departure from Atlantic/Asylum Records

In early 2010, Dixon began work on her third studio album, ''The Entertainer'', which she intended to release during the summer. In May 2010 the ''Daily Star'' claimed that Dixon has been working with producer Jim Beanz and that Beanz stated "We're going to build some up-tempo dance songs to take the UK and the US by storm". She hopes to release the album in the US. Dixon's fansite also stated that Dixon had confirmed that she would once again be creating music with Xenomania, the producers who created "The Boy Does Nothing". On 15 March Dixon flew to Denmark to begin recording with Soulshock & Karlin, the producers of Dixon's "Breathe Slow". Dixon's fan site later reported that Dixon had secured a recording session with Rodney Jerkins, a record producer who has produced records for Michael Jackson's final studio album ''Invincible'' and most recently produced Lady Gaga and Beyoncé's "Telephone".

Dixon herself later confirmed via a diary update not on her official site but her fansite that she had recorded 2 tracks with Soulshock & Karlin and also revealed she had just finished recording a new track named "Bionic". Dixon described "Bionic" as "a powerful, fun, quirky song all about being strong when life tests you". On 16 June Dixon revealed on a post on her fansite that the upcoming album is to be called ''Unleashed'', and on 30 June her fansite president revealed the lead single is a track called "Drummer Boy", produced by Haitian-American producer , Shama Joseph p/k/a "Sham" or "ShamRock". Dixon has also announced that she has worked with Busbee, who wrote Alexandra Burke's "Bad Boys", on new tracks for her album, and has also announced that she and Gary Barlow have "become good friends" and he is to write for her new album. On 5 August it was revealed that Dixon had decided to change the album name from ''Unleashed'' to ''The Entertainer''. On 16 September it was announced that Dixon has collaborated with Roll Deep, and features the band's forthcoming single "Take Control". The second single from the album is "Radio". The third single was confirmed to be "Every Little Part of Me", which features guest vocals from Jay Sean. Other album cuts include "La La La" and "Cool with Me," which were written in part or full by another "Bad Boys" writer, Alex James.

Upon the release of The Entertainer, the album charted poorly only peaking at number eighty-four on the UK Albums Chart. The second single released with the album also charted lowly, only peaking at number forty-six on the UK Singles Chart. Subsequently, Alesha and her record label Atlantic/Asylum parted ways due to "artistic differences".

Other projects

In January 2008, less than a month after her profile was raised due to her victory on ''Strictly Come Dancing'', Dixon signed a deal with Ford to endorse the new Ford Focus, an ad campaign featuring her was made, and a track called '4 U I Will' was recorded using real car parts. Dixon said, "When Ford first showed me the original TV ad and the incredible instruments I immediately wanted to get involved." Some of the instruments being used were the 'door harp', the 'clutch guitar' and the 'hatchback kick drum', in total 21 parts were taken from the car and transformed into unique looking instruments. In February 2008 Dixon fronted a campaign for the Department of Health, promoting safe sex. The sum of money she received was never disclosed despite calls to have the sum made public. Later in 2008 Alesha became the face of a new Veet campaign.

In May 2009, Dixon collaborated with clothing label ''Dune'', selling limited edition necklaces, with all the profits being donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust. John Eagen, Dune’s CEO stated that "they are delighted to have Alesha support this cause". The necklace, which consists of three layers of gold, pewter and silver balls, was launched by Dixon to help raise awareness for the charity.

In June 2009, Dixon fronted a new campaign for Toblerone chocolate, offering fans a free download of an exclusive new track called "Before the Sun Goes Down". Fans were also able to enter a competition to win a pair of VIP tickets to see Dixon in concert and meet her. Jane Furze, Toblerone Marketing Manager said in a statement, "We're delighted to have Alesha on board - she's a great personality and the perfect fit with the brand".

In November 2009, it was announced that Dixon had signed a signed a four-year profit sharing deal with LA Fitness, to become brand ambassador for the gym chain as part of their multi-million pound re-launch scheme. Dixon's contract was described as "unique" by LA Fitness, as Dixon is not only endorsing the gym chain, but taking on an advisory role. The pay Dixon receives is in direct correlation to the gym's success over the term of the deal, meaning Dixon could earn up to £3 million in bonuses, considerably higher than the flat-fee that endorsers usually receive.

When asked by ''The Observer'' in 2010 whether celebrities have a responsibility to do good works, Dixon replied: "Absolutely. There are so many things you could reel off as negatives – your private life is exposed, every move is scrutinised – at the same time, you can think: 'Wow, I'm in a position to shine a light into these areas.' That's a powerful tool because, actually, it's quite a selfish job. It's a moral responsibility, I guess, I think I have."

In 2009 Alesha climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania for Comic Relief. Joining her on the climb were Girls Aloud members Cheryl Cole and Kimberley Walsh, Ben Shephard, Gary Barlow, Ronan Keating, Fearne Cotton, Denise Van Outen, and Chris Moyles. Together they raised over £3,500,000 towards helping combat malaria in Tanzania. The whole team met Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street. Dixon had previously been to Downing Street just months before the climb to meet with Sarah Brown in honour of the Cosmopolitan ultimate women of the year awards. While discussing the malaria issue in Tanzania, Dixon said,

"I think people in England take things for granted, we complain about our NHS system and yes it’s not perfect but believe me it’s far better than what they've got there."

Dixon backed Nickelodeon's 'See Something, Say Something' campaign which is the UK’s anti-bullying initiative. The campaign aims to encourage children to speak out against bullies and help children gain the confidence to tell someone if they, or someone they know is being bullied. As the face of the campaign Alesha said: "Nickelodeon's See Something, Say Something campaign is extremely close to my heart, so I felt compelled to show my support. I was bullied as a child and know how important it is to tell someone about it".

Dixon is also a patron of the African-Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT), which is a voluntary charity, whose main aim is to increase the number of Black and Mixed Parentage people on the UK Bone Marrow Register. The members of the ACLT freely volunteer their time in attempting to raise awareness in the Black community; enabling potential donors to come forward and be involved in the process of offering hope and a healthy future to someone whose disorder may otherwise prove fatal.

In June 2009 Dixon was asked to become an official ambassador for the charity, 'Help a London Child'. In a statement Dixon said "I am very honoured that Help a London Child have asked me to be an ambassador and I have accepted. I have supported the charity for some time now and it makes sense to make my involvement more official. I am looking forward to continuing my support and I have already volunteered to run the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon to help raise funds for the charity!" Help a London Child Manager Kate Crabtree said, "This is fantastic news for Help a London Child and we are absolutely delighted. Alesha’s thoughtfulness and compassion make her the perfect ambassador and we look forward to her continued invaluable support."

Speaking in August 2010 to noted UK urban writer Pete Lewis - Assistant Editor of ''Blues & Soul'' - about her all-round positive attitude towards her philanthropic work, Dixon said: "Being in the entertainment industry I do feel I have a responsibility that comes with my fame. And, while some celebrities may spend their time moaning about the negative things that come along with being famous, my thing is, if you ''are'' in the limelight then why not try to find ''positive'' things that come with it? And for me the most positive thing is shedding light on subjects that matter but don't normally get a look-in!"

In May 2011, it has been rumoured that Dixon may possibly replace Cheryl Cole on the upcoming season of the British X Factor. However she turned down the role due to her commitment to Strictly Come Dancing.

In July 2011, Alesha Dixon was announced as associate producer for short film 'Victims' about domestic violence and its consequences, which has been nominated for the Film London Best of Borough Film Awards and is now online.

She hosts new CBBC show, Alesha's Street Dance Stars, which is named after her.

Modelling and television career

As a model, Dixon is represented by Select Model Management and has appeared on the cover of ''Cosmopolitan'', ''FHM'', ''Arena'', ''Company'', ''Bliss'' and other magazines and in various other editorial fashion shoots. In 2008 a poll showed that Dixon had "Britain's sexiest legs" beating Alexandra Burke, Naomi Campbell, Tiana Benjamin, Lily Cole and others. Dixon was cast as the lead female in the music video for "She Wants to Move" by N.E.R.D. Dixon has been featured in ''FHM'''s annual ''100 sexiest women in the world'' poll on a number of occasions. She is managed by Malcolm Blair.

Dixon has also presented many well-known shows in the UK, such as the ''MOBO Awards'', ''CD:UK'', ITV2's coverage of ''The Brit Awards'' and presented the ''Live From the Red Carpet'' show at the 62nd British Academy Film Awards for E!. She has also been a guest on BBC One's current affairs programme ''This Week'' on two occasions, in November 2006 and December 2007. In 2009 it was reported that Dixon was in talks with television companies about a possible chatshow. In 2009 she co-presented Children in Need alongside Terry Wogan and Tess Daly, she also presented 2008's coverage from BT Tower.

In March 2010, she presented the Mister World 2010 pageant, which took place in Incheon, Korea.

Dixon took part in series 5 of hit TV show ''Strictly Come Dancing'' in 2007, partnered with professional dancer Matthew Cutler. Dixon was at first hesitant to join, fearing that snobbery within the music industry would damage her career. In a later interview she said, "There’s always this preconceived idea that people do reality TV shows because they want to kick-start their careers whereas I was actually worried that it would affect it." They had been the favourite from the third week, receiving the most points from the judges on numerous occasions. Dixon herself gained high appraisal from the judges, even being likened to a "young Josephine Baker" by Bruno Tonioli. They received 4.5 million votes in the final, beating actor Matt Di Angelo and professional dancer Flavia Cacace to win the glitter disco ball.

Dixon was dubbed the "British Beyoncé" by ''Strictly Come Dancing'' host Bruce Forsyth, Alesha later said "There's only one Beyoncé. When Bruce said that, I got embarrassed. It’s very sweet... but it’s not true." Mis-Teeq were often cited as the British equivalent to Destiny's Child; the trio that first gave Beyoncé media attention.

Dixon is currently the most successful contestant to ever take part in ''Strictly Come Dancing'', with an average point score of 36.5/40, the highest average score from any contestant to ever take part in the show.

!Week #	!Dance/Song	!Total	!Result
	style="text-align:center;"|Rumba/Hurt		align="center"
	style="text-align:center;"		align="center"
			align="center"
	style="text-align:center;"		align="center"
	style="text-align:center;"		align="center"
	style="text-align:center;"		align="center"
	style="text-align:center;"|Cha Cha Cha/Crazy in Love		align="center"
	style="text-align:center;"|Tango/JealousySamba/Reach Out I'll Be There		align="center"
	style="text-align:center;"		align="center"
	style="text-align:center;"|Quickstep/ValerieArgentine Tango/I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You		align="center"
	style="text-align:center;"|Waltz/A Time For UsCha Cha Cha/Crazy in LoveJive/We Love to Boogie		align="center"

It was revealed in July 2009 that Alesha would be joining the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel in September 2009. She replaced Arlene Phillips, 66, which led to the BBC being accused of ageism and sexism by the media, and Dixon herself faced criticism by newspaper columnists such as Amanda Platell and Janet Street-Porter. Dixon, having a conflicting schedule also had to rearrange three dates on her upcoming tour, The Alesha Show in order to do the show, which is broadcast live on Saturday nights. The replacement of Arlene Phillips for Alesha Dixon even became dubbed "Alesha-gate" by some (the "-gate" suffix being a reference to the Watergate Scandal).

Dixon's judging debut was met by criticism by some viewers, and 272 complaints were received by the BBC, according to ''The Guardian''. In response to the complaints, television critic Jim Shelley commented that "the lynch-mob was such you'd have thought she had strangled a kitten". Despite the complaints, the BBC stated they were "delighted" with Dixon. Arlene Phillips herself stated in response to the claims that "[The BBC] hired Alesha because they wanted a different opinion - a voice of the viewer - and that's what she does. She was never hired to give a technical viewpoint [...] It is very hard for her - she must be incredibly nervous. The judges had all worked together for six series and she is new and on her own."

Fellow judge Bruno Tonioli accused critics of hypocrisy, saying "this time last year people were calling for Arlene to be sacked on the spot for being rude about John Sergeant [...] She was the Wicked Witch of the West, now all of a sudden she is Mother Teresa. What's going on here?" However, despite Dixon's debut causing hundreds of complaints, critics praised some of her later judging as the series progressed, with Richard Simpson of the ''Daily Mail'' stating, "it seems Miss Dixon has finally found her voice and is making up for lost time on that point".

Personal life

In June 2005, after a five-year relationship, Dixon married footballer MC Harvey, formerly of So Solid Crew, in a private ceremony at Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire. Dixon filed for divorce just over a year later after MC Harvey had an affair with Javine Hylton. They have no children together. She then dated Aston Villa and former Valencia CF Norwegian international John Carew; they split in 2008.

After her marriage broke down and her record label dumped her within the space of two weeks, Dixon suffered from depression. In a later interview she said, "It was the lowest point of my life. I just kept thinking, 'What have I done to deserve this?' I didn't see the point in living." She decided to move on and to turn around her life, saying "When you are knocked down you have two choices - stay down or get back up, stronger." She said that ''Strictly Come Dancing'' helped her overcome her problems and gave her a "Zest for life"

Dixon cut all contact with her older brother, Mark Harris, after he sold his story of their "terrible" childhood, claiming that they "often went to bed hungry" and that her mother, Beverley neglected them in favour of sometimes violent boyfriends, he also accused Dixon of turning her back on her family in the pursuit of fame and fortune. In response to the comments about her mother, Dixon said, "I cherish her. If anyone is rude about her or says a bad word about her they won't be a part of my life. Unfortunately, that's how I feel about my brother."

In February 2009, in an interview with the ''Daily Mail'', Alesha spoke about her obsessive-compulsive behaviour:

"My friends call me Monica because she's the one in ''Friends'' who's obsessed with cleaning. I always think the house looks messy; a messy house can depress me. It can make me feel messy. If my house is clean and everything is in order, I feel better."

She is currently living with her two dogs, a collie cross-breed called Roxy and a puppy called Daisy, both were adopted from an RSPCA animal centre. Dixon has stated that she hates her own laugh, describing it as sounding like a "Crow" or "Sid James" and saying "I'd change it if I could but it's become a trademark." Dixon in an interview also said "somebody stole my laugh and made it into a ringtone".

Discography

2006: ''Fired Up''

2008: ''The Alesha Show''

2010: ''The Entertainer''

Tours

;Headlining act 2009: The Alesha Show

;Supporting act 2009: Enrique Iglesias UK Tour

Awards and nominations

!Year	!Ceremony	!Award	!Nominated Work	!Result
	2006		Best UK Female
	2008	style="text-align:center;"	Ultimate Confidence Queen
		Best UK Act
Best Video
	Best Pop Video
Best Styling in a Video
		British Single
	Best Video	style="text-align:center;"
style="text-align:center;"	Sound of London

References

Further reading

;Books

Tripp, Anna. ''Alesha Dixon: Her Story - The Unauthorized Biography''. Michael O'Mara Books Ltd, 29 October 2009. ISBN 978-1-84317-443-1.

External links

Official Australian website

Category:1978 births Category:Living people Category:Asylum Records artists Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:British female singers Category:British rhythm and blues singers Category:British people of Jamaican descent Category:English-language singers Category:Mis-Teeq members Category:People from Welwyn Garden City Category:Reality show winners Category:Strictly Come Dancing judges Category:Strictly Come Dancing participants ar:أليشا ديكسون ca:Alesha Dixon cs:Alesha Dixon da:Alesha Dixon de:Alesha Dixon es:Alesha Dixon fr:Alesha Dixon gl:Alesha Dixon hr:Alesha Dixon it:Alesha Dixon nl:Alesha Dixon pl:Alesha Dixon pt:Alesha Dixon ro:Alesha Dixon ru:Диксон, Алиша simple:Alesha Dixon fi:Alesha Dixon sv:Alesha Dixon