Melissa Baker is an American model who appeared in the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Biography

Career

She has modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch, Express, McDonalds, Sisley and appeared on the cover of ''Bridal Magazine''. Baker has been photographed by Bruce Weber, Terry Richardson, Sylvia Krivickova, Richard Phibbs, Raphael Mazzucco, Antoine Vergas, Miko Lim and many more. She has appeared on ''V'' and ''Maxim''. She walked for the Malan Breton Spring 2009 Runway collection during New York Fashion Week.

Gallery

Notes

External links

Elizabeth Maresal Mitchell (born February 10, 1974), known professionally as Elizabeth Banks, is an American actress. Banks had her film debut in the low-budget independent film ''Surrender Dorothy''. Since then, she is best known for her roles in the films ''Definitely, Maybe'', ''Zack and Miri Make a Porno'', ''W.'', ''Role Models'', ''Wet Hot American Summer'', ''The Uninvited'' and the ''Spider-Man'' franchise.

On television, Banks currently stars in the recurring role of Avery Jessup on the sitcom ''30 Rock'', which gained her a nomination for an Emmy Award. Previously, Banks had starred in the recurring role of Dr. Kim Briggs on ''Scrubs'' from 2006 to 2009.

Early life and education

Her father was a factory worker for General Electric and her mother worked in a bank. As a young teenager, she was a contestant on the Nickelodeon game show ''Finders Keepers''. She graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1992 and attended the University of Pennsylvania where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Banks graduated ''magna cum laude'' in 1996. In 1998, she completed schooling at the American Conservatory Theater and earned an MFA.

Career

In August 2005, at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Banks starred in William Inge's ''Bus Stop'' as Cherie, the sexy, blond, aspiring nightclub singer. Jeffrey Borak wrote that Banks' portrayal was acted "with poise, clarity and a shrewd feel for Cherie's complexities. Her performance is all of a piece and in harmony, stylistically, with the performances around her...." In 2005, she appeared on the show ''Stella'', and in May 2006, she had a role in the season five finale of the NBC comedy ''Scrubs'' as Dr. Kim Briggs, the love interest of J.D. (Zach Braff). The character has appeared throughout seasons six, seven and eight as a recurring guest star.

In 2006, Banks appeared in the American football drama film ''Invincible'', in which she played Mark Wahlberg's love interest. The film is based on the true story of bartender Vince Papale. Later, she and co-star Wahlberg were nominated for the "Best Kiss" award at the MTV Movie Award. Also that year, she landed the starring role in the comedy-horror ''Slither''. Despite mildly positive reviews from critics, it grossed only $12 million worldwide, less than half the budget of the film.

In 2007, she played the female lead in the comedy ''Meet Bill'', alongside Aaron Eckhart and Jessica Alba. Also that year, Banks had a small role in the Christmas comedy film ''Fred Claus'', co-starring Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti. In 2008, she played a love interest in the comedy ''Definitely, Maybe'', alongside Isla Fisher and Ryan Reynolds, starred with Seth Rogen as the eponymous female lead in the Kevin Smith comedy ''Zack and Miri Make a Porno'', and played United States First Lady Laura Bush in ''W.'', Oliver Stone's biopic of George W. Bush.

In 2009, Banks appeared in the thriller ''The Uninvited'', a remake of the Korean horror film ''A Tale of Two Sisters''. The film was about an intrusive stepmother who makes life miserable for the teen daughters of her new husband. Banks based her character, Rachel, on Rebecca De Mornay's character in ''The Hand That Rocks the Cradle''". "It was very important to me that every line reading I gave could be interpreted two ways," says Banks of her role, "So that when you go back through the movie you can see that".

Banks is a frequent co-star of actor Paul Rudd, the two having appeared in five films together to date (''Wet Hot American Summer'', ''The Baxter'', ''The 40-Year-Old Virgin'', ''Role Models'' and ''Our Idiot Brother''). "There was a David O. Russell movie that I really wanted to make with Vince Vaughn that ended up falling apart", said Banks, referring to the film ''H-Man Cometh'', in a January 2009 interview.

On December 8, 2009, it was announced that Banks would appear in at least four episodes of the Emmy-winning sitcom ''30 Rock'' as a love interest for Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin). She went on to appear in nine episodes of the fourth season. Banks is set to star alongside Leslie Mann in ''What Was I Thinking?'', based upon the book by Barbara Davilman and Liz Dubelman.

Personal life

Filmography

References

External links

Category:American film actors Category:American Jews Category:American television actors Category:Converts to Judaism Category:Jewish actors Category:Actors from Massachusetts Category:People from Berkshire County, Massachusetts Category:University of Pennsylvania alumni Category:1974 births Category:Living people

Sophie Charlene Akland Monk (born 14 December 1979) is a London-born Australian pop singer, actress and model. Monk was a member of female pop group Bardot and released a solo album ''Calendar Girl''. She has appeared in films such as ''Date Movie'' and ''Click''.

Career

Bardot

Monk's professional music career began in 1999 when she responded to an advertisement at the recommendation of her mother which requested girls with vocal and dance experience. The advertisement was for an Australian reality television series, ''Popstars'', a TV talent show which aimed to create a successful new girl group. Monk, who has been trained in classical and pop singing and has been performing since she was eight years old, drove all night to audition. In one audition, she performed a rendition of Marilyn Monroe's famous "Happy Birthday, Mr. President", working on her previous experience as a Monroe impersonator at Warner Bros. Movie World. After numerous rounds of singing and dancing workshops, Monk was selected as a member of the group, which was named Bardot.

Bardot became the first Australian act to debut at the #1 position with both its debut single, "Poison", and self-titled debut album. Further singles "I Should've Never Let You Go" and "These Days" followed and in August, the group embarked on its first national tour. Bardot performed at the 2000 ARIA Awards at which they were nominated in three categories.

In July 2001, the group released "ASAP", the first single from their second album. Bardot now had more control over their music and image. The single peaked Top 5, as did follow-up single, "I Need Somebody", their most successful single since "Poison". The second album, ''Play It Like That'' debuted at #16, achieving gold status. Monk co-wrote the album track "Feel Right" with fellow bandmate Sally Polihronas. In 2002, final single, "Love Will Find A Way" completed Bardot's string of consecutive Top 20 hits and the group embarked on its second national tour. In May, the group disbanded.

Acting career

In 2005 Monk portrayed Andy in the spoof comedy ''Date Movie''. Filming took place in Los Angeles, California in late 2005 and the film was released on 17 February 2006. The film stars Alyson Hannigan and Jennifer Coolidge. Despite negative reviews, the film was a box office success earning worldwide $84,795,656. She also appeared in the Adam Sandler comedy ''Click'' portraying Stacey, a flirtatious, bimbo secretary whom Monk described in an interview as ''"... kind of a floozy that kind of just works there because she gets around a bit. Another serious character"''.

In 2007 Monk made her American television debut in the HBO comedy series ''Entourage'' in the episode "The Day Fuckers". She also had a role portraying Cynthia Rose in ''Sex and Death 101''.

In 2006 she was cast to play the villain Mason Masters in Warner Premiere's ''Spring Breakdown''. Monk describes her character as ''"... the head of the evil girls. I'm like the evil bitch that everyone wants to be like and they all end up hating her"''. The film suffered a long post-production period due to distribution problems. The film, originally set for a cinematic release, was released to DVD on 16 January 2009 to mixed reviews.

In September 2008 Dark Castle Entertainment announced Monk was to portray Alexa in ''The Hills Run Red''. Filming took place towards the start of 2009 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The film premiered at UK Frightfest, a horror film festival. The film was released straight-to-DVD on 29 September 2009.

In 2009 Monk announced to MTV Australia she has signed on for the comedy film ''Spring Break '83'' portraying Brittney. Filming took place in March 2009 in Los Angeles. The film stars Jamie Kennedy, Raviv Ullman and John Goodman. A preview premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. The film suffered salary issues and distribution problems and is not yet released.

In 2007 Monk signed on for the indie horror film ''Murder World'' portraying Brooke. The film stars Scout Taylor-Compton. The film has suffered in development with numerous pushbacks and distribution problems. The film was announced to be picked up by Lionsgate for a worldwide distribution deal. The film would be later retitled ''Life Blood''. The film was released straight-to-DVD 27 April 2010.

Monk will appear alongside Cameron Richardson in the indie comedy ''Hard Breakers'' portraying Lindsay Greene. Filming took place in 2009 in Los Angeles. She will also portray Princess Ellen in the National Lampoon comedy ''The Legend of Awesomest Maximus''.

Other ventures

Personal life

Monk started dating Benji Madden in 2006, but in January 2008, media outlets reported that the couple had split up. Monk had returned to Australia alone, almost a year to the day since Madden proposed. On 12 February 2008, it was announced by Monk's Sydney agent, Yoon Kim, that "Sophie and Benji have officially split. The decision was mutual and they remain amicable."

In February 2010, Monk was photographed in a wheelchair following a car crash in Los Angeles.

On 25 January 2011, Monk announced her engagement to boyfriend Jimmy Esebag, chairman of America's Licensing Holding Group. She announced the news on radio during the Kyle and Jackie O show on 104.1 Today FM while temporarily filling in as host for Jackie O. Sophie was placed 96th place for 2011 Maxim's hot 100.

On 7 March 2011, Monk announced on Chelsea Lately that she had separated from fiancé, Jimmy Esebag and was single.

Filmography

; Television

; Music video

References

External links

Category:1979 births Category:Living people Category:Bardot members Category:Australian female singers Category:Australian film actors Category:Australian musicians Category:Australian pop singers Category:Australian people of English descent Category:Australian expatriate actors in the United States Category:Australian expatriates in the United States Category:Australian vegetarians Category:People from Queensland

Danny Kennedy MLA (born 6 July 1959) is a unionist politician in Northern Ireland a former deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Assembly Group and current Minister for Regional Development.

Background

Kennedy has served at all levels, both local and within the wider party organisation of the Ulster Unionist Party, which he joined in 1974. He ran unsuccessfully for the UUP in the Westminster election in 1997, in which he polled over 18,000 votes against Seamus Mallon.

Kennedy was UUP Assembly spokesman for education and chaired the Assembly Committee which both scrutinised and helped frame legislation at Stormont between 1998 and 2002. On the restoration of devolution in 2007 he became chairman of the Assembly Committee scrutinising the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. His performance in this office earned him the award for best Committee Chair from Northern Ireland blog Slugger O'Toole in 2008.

Kennedy is a member of his local Presbyterian church and is a member of the Orange Order.

Political career

References

External links

Category:1959 births Category:Living people Category:Presbyterians from Northern Ireland Category:Ulster Unionist Party politicians Category:Northern Ireland MLAs 1998–2003 Category:Northern Ireland MLAs 2003–2007 Category:Northern Ireland MLAs 2007–2011 Category:Northern Ireland MLAs 2011– Category:Councillors in Northern Ireland Category:People from Newry Category:Orangemen

Deric J. Ruttan (born January 27, 1972) is a Canadian country music artist from Bracebridge, Ontario. Signed to Lyric Street Records in 2003, he made his chart debut on the U.S. and Canadian country music charts that year with the release of his single "When You Come Around". His self-titled debut album was released that year, producing a total of five singles on the Canadian country music charts. A second album, titled ''First Time in a Long Time'', was released in April 2008.

Breakthrough

In 2003, just as his first single [When You Come Around was released, he celebrated his first #1 as a songwriter when friend and collaborator Dierks Bentley took the Ruttan/Bentley/Brett Beavers co-write "What Was I Thinkin'" to the top of the charts in the US. The song helped set Bentley on the path to country stardom. (To date, Bentley has recorded six Ruttan co-writes, including the 2005 chart-topper Lot of Leavin' Left To Do.) In 2004 Ruttan's "My Way", recorded by Aaron Pritchett, was the most-played Canadian country song of that year. Capitol Nashville's Eric Church had an American Billboard hit with his and Ruttan's "Guys Like Me" in 2007, and cuts on other acts followed (over two dozen to-date), on artists like Gary Allan, Paul Brandt, Doc Walker, Jason Blaine, and The Higgins.

In September 2007, Ruttan was awarded his first Canadian Country Music Award (CCMA) for Songwriter Of The Year (along with co-writers Aaron Pritchett and Mitch Merrett), for "Hold My Beer", recorded by Pritchett.

"It wasn't just that writing songs for other artists was taking time away from me writing my next record", says Ruttan. "It was that suddenly I was known as a guy who'd written radio hits for other acts – the bar had been raised for me, creatively, because of that. I felt the next record I made needed to be really, really good."

It took over four years for Ruttan to follow up his 2003 self titled release. In 2008 he released his second album, aptly titled First Time In A Long Time, which yielded four hit radio singles at Canadian country radio; the title track "Lovin' You Is Killin' Me", "California Plates" (co-written with members of Manitoba country band Doc Walker), and "Good Time", a duet with Ruttan's friend and collaborator Dierks Bentley. (The video for "Good Time" reached #1 on CMT Canada's video countdown).

At the Canadian Country Music Awards that September, Ruttan earned a total of four nominations – "Male Artist", "Songwriter", "Record Producer", and "Best Album," and closed the show performing alongside The Guess Who/Bachman Turner Overdrive guitar legend Randy Bachman. By the following year, "First Time In A Long Time" had garnered so much radio airplay that it earned Ruttan and co-writer Jimmy Rankin a SOCAN Country Music Award at the 2009 SOCAN Awards in Toronto.

Over the course of touring the First Time In A Long Time album in 2008 and 2009, Ruttan and his band developed a reputation for putting on high-energy shows.

The energy and the intimacy of Ruttan's live performances come through on every track of his latest release, "Sunshine". As Ruttan wrote or co-wrote every song on the album, it's also a very personal body of work. "As a singer/songwriter, my albums usually end up being windows into where I am in my life when I write and record them. It's never an intentional thing – but that's what ends up happening."

Songwriting

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

Music videos

References

External links