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Edward P. Jones Edward P. Jones, the New York Times bestselling author, has been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and the Lannan Literary Award for The Known World; he also received a MacArthur Fellowship in 2004. His first collection of short stories, Lost in the City, won the PEN/Hemingway Award and was short-listed for the National Book Award. He has taught fiction writing at a range of universities, including Princeton.
Billy Packer Leading college basketball analyst for CBS Sports.
Alan Page Prominent jurist, attorney, and motivational speaker, Alan Page serves as a Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. A former Assistant Attorney General with the State of Minnesota, Alan Page was an all-American football player in college an NFL all-pro defensive lineman with the Minnesota Vikings and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Clarence Page Clarence Page, the 1989 Pulitzer Prize winner for Commentary, has been a columnist and a member of the newspaper's editorial board since July 1984. His column is syndicated nationally by Tribune Media Services and he does twice-weekly commentary on WGN-TV, Chicago. He has been based in Washington, D.C. since May 1991. Page is an occasional guest panelist on "The McLaughlin Group," a regular contributor of essays to the MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour and a host of documentaries on the Public Broadcasting System. He is a regular panelist on Black Entertainment Television's (BET) weekly "Lead Story" news panel program and a biweekly commentator for National Public Radio's (NPR) "Weekend Sunday." Page was a reporter and assistant city editor for the Chicago Tribune from 1969 to 1980. He joined WBBM-TV in August 1980 as director of the Community Affairs Department. He was a reporter and planning editor at the station from August 1982 to July 1984. Page's awards include a 1980 Illinois UPI award for community service for an investigative series titled "The Black Tax" and the Edward Scott Beck Award for overseas reporting of a 1976 series on the changing politics of Southern Africa. Page also participated in a 1972 Chicago Tribune Task Force series on vote fraud which won the Pulitzer Prize. He has received awards from the Illinois and Wisconsin chapters of the American Civil Liberties Union for his columns on civil liberties and constitutional rights. He was inducted into the Chicago Journalism Hal of Fame in 1992. As a freelance writer, he has published articles in Chicago Magazine, the Chicago Reader, Washington Monthly, New Republic, Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, and Emerge. His new book, Showing My Color: Impolite Essays on Race and Identity, has been published by HarperCollins. A 1965 graduate of Middletown High School, Middletown Ohio, he began his journalism career as a freelance writer and photographer for the Middletown Journal and Cincinnati Enquirer at the age of 17. Page received his Bachelor of Science in journalism degree from Ohio University in 1969. He has received honorary degrees from Columbia College in Chicago and Lake Forest (Illinois) College.
Dr. Rod Paige Dr. Rod Paige served as the 7th U.S. Secretary of Education during President George W. Bush’s first term in office. His vast experience as a practitioner — from the blackboard to the boardroom — paid off during the long hours of work needed to pass President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). Now he is leading the charge — in partnership with states and districts — to implement these historic reforms.
SuChin Pak Born in Korea, SuChin Pak joined the MTV news team as a correspondent in 2001. A political science major at U.C. Berkeley, she has become a role model for many bi-cultural Asian-American teens.Suchin Pak, MTV News team member, has cover world entertainment to 9/11 news, and had presentation such as Growing Up Asian and Pak Attack: Suchin Rolls onto MTV.
Michael Palascak Michael Palascak (Pal-a-sack) really likes to make people laugh--mostly because it keeps them from asking why he still lives at home with his parents. This young comedian from the Midwest grew up in Wabash, Indiana—“The First Electrically Lighted City in the World.” Most recently Michael performed at The Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. He also performed at Caesar’s Palace in The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas and was the winner of HBO’s Lucky 21 Stand-up Contest. He also won the Chicago region of Comedy Central’s Open Mic Fight and went on to make his Comedy Central debut on Live at Gotham this summer. Having trained at The Second City in Chicago, IO, and Annoyance, Michael also recently debuted his one-person sketch show in Chicago--Pursuing Happiness: A bunch of scenes about people that moved out of their parents' house, got a real job, and got married. Performed by a guy who didn't. Onstage he shares hilarious, relatable moments about living at home with his parents and avoiding as much “real world” responsibility as possible. His affable, self-effacing persona allows audiences to laugh a lot. Michael has been heard on Q101’s The Ryan and Kevin Manno Program and seen on The Bob and Tom Show. Michael has been seen on WGN—The Bozo Show, Age 9, Large Boot Relay Team Blue (Runner-up). In his free time, Michael plays baseball, watches TV, and compliments his mother on her cooking. Michael dedicates his entire career to his late orange and black goldfish named Tiger that did flips whenever its favorite TV show came on. Michael swears Tiger did a flip. At least once.
Steve Palermo Heroic baseball umpire who was shot and paralyzed in an attempt to thwart a post-game robbery. An inspiring and motivational speaker.
Steve Palermo From the time he began his career as an American League Umpire in 1977, Steve Palermo was widely regarded as one of the best umpires in the game. In 15 years on the field, he brought a boundless energy and enthusiasm to a game that he loved. His career highlights include two of the most famous games in N.Y. Yankees history. In 1978, he worked the Yankees one game playoff against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park to determine the Eastern Divisional winner. In fact, it was Palermo, serving as the third base umpire, who signaled "fair ball" when Bucky Dent hit the game winning home run. On July 4, 1978 he worked behind the plate for Dave Righetti's no-hitter against the Red Sox at Yankees Stadium. In early July 1991, it seemed that Palermo's umpire career might have ended, but everyone knows it is difficult to win an argument with an umpire and Steve refuses to lose this one. On July 7, 1991, Steve and several friends were dining after a Texas Rangers game when they were alerted that two waitresses were being mugged in the parking lot. In an attempt to apprehend the assailants, Steve suffered a bullet wound to his spinal cord, resulting in instant paralysis to the lower extremities. Doctors told Steve and his wife, Debbie, that he would probably never walk again. Yet through rehabilitation and a lot of determination, Palermo is winning his argument...he is walking with the use of one small leg brace and a cane, and says he will return to the game he loves so much. On December 1, 1992, the Steve Palermo Foundation for Spinal Cord Injuries (SPF/SCI) formally opened their doors. The foundation was formed to fund research for the discovery of a cure for paralysis while also providing hope and support to those with spinal cord injuries and their families...helping them get "One Step Closer to Home." On January 1, 1995, the SPF/SCI merged with the Kent Waldrep National Paralysis Foundation (KWNPF). When the KWNPF closed in September of 2003, Steve and his family looked for a way to continue the work that they had started. They found their answer by forming a partnership with the Kansas University Endowment Association. The Steve Palermo Endowment for Spinal Cord Injury Research was formed. The same drive and dedication that returned Palermo to his feet fuels the efforts of this endowment to aid in the discovery of a cure for paralysis. Since Steve’s injury, he has become highly regarded as a motivational speaker. He travels the country relaying his message of “Never Admit Defeat” to corporations and organizations nationwide. In 1994, Steve was named special Assistant to the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. In 1996 – 1997, he provided feature reports and served as a color analyst for the New York Yankees cable network. In 2000, Steve was named Supervisor of Umpires, an additional role he now plays with Major League Baseball.
Jim Palmer Hall of Fame baseball player, sportscaster and television personality.
Arnold Palmer Arnold Palmer is many things to many people – world famous golf immortal and sportsman, highly-successful business executive, prominent advertising spokesman, skilled aviator, talented golf course designer and consultant, devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a man with a down-to-earth common touch that has made him one of the most popular and accessible public figures in history. His popularity and success have grown with the tremendous golf boom in the last 50 years to heights few ever anticipated. Each certainly contributed to the other, a fact given recognition when he was named "Athlete of the Decade" for the 1960s in a national Associated Press poll. Before, during and after that great decade, Arnold amassed 92 championships in professional competition of national or international stature by the end of 1994. Of those victories, 61 came on the PGA Tour, starting with the 1955 Canadian Open.
Parker Palmer Parker Palmer is known for his work in education, spirituality and social change in institutions including schools, community organizations, primary, secondary and higher education, and business and corporations. He is author of numerous books, including A Hidden Wholeness (2004), Let Your Life Speak: Listening to the Voice of Vocation (2000), and The Active Life: A Spirituality of Work, Creativity and Caring (1990). Palmer's writing has earned numerous awards and citations and has been translated into several languages. His work has been cited in the major voices in the media, including the New York Times, National Public Radio and The Chronicle of Higher Education. He travels extensively as a speaker, facilitator and workshop and retreat leader. A native of Chicago and graduate of Carleton College and the University of California at Berkeley, where he received a doctorate in sociology, Palmer serves as a senior associate of the American Association of Higher Education, a senior advisor to the Fetzer Institute and the founder of Courage to Teach, for k-12 teachers nationwide
Hayden Panettiere Hayden Panettiere plays Claire Bennet on the hit show "Heroes". A comely blonde who literally grew up in front of the camera, Panettiere was already a veteran of over 50 commercials when she landed a role on One Life to Live at age 4. Within a few years she was appearing in TV-movies and films, notably voicing the role of Dot in A Bug's Life and playing a succession of strong adolescents battling great odds, including cancer (twice) and child abuse. A string of impressive guest turns led to recurring roles on Ally McBeal (as the title character's long-lost daughter) and Malcolm in the Middle, as well as her first leading film role in 2005's Racing Stripes. In 2006, she donned a cheerleading outfit and held the fate of the world in her hands as one of the superpowered stars of the NBC drama Heroes.
Widespread Panic One of the many neo-hippie jam bands inheriting the road-warrior mantle left behind by the Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic established a devout grassroots following on the strength of constant touring and a loose, rootsy brand of Southern rock informed by jazz and blues textures. The group's origins dated to 1982, when vocalist John Bell and guitarist Mike Houser first began playing together while attending college in Athens, GA; when bassist Dave Schools left academia to join the duo the next year, Widespread Panic was officially born. The band recorded their debut single, "Coconut Image," in 1986; drummer Todd Nance joined soon after, followed by the addition of percussionist Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz and finally keyboardist John "JoJo" Hermann. Widespread Panic released their energetic debut LP, Space Wrangler, in 1988 on the tiny Landslide label; after several years of relentless touring, they signed to major label Capricorn, which issued the group's eponymously titled sophomore effort in 1991. Appearances on the 1992 and 1993 H.O.R.D.E. tours greatly expanded their fan base prior to 1993's Everyday, while 1994's Ain't Life Grand spawned the AOR hits "Airplane" and "Can't Get High." After teaming with fellow Georgian Vic Chesnutt to record 1995's Nine High a Pallet under the name Brute, Widespread Panic reconvened for the album Bombs and Butterflies, released in 1997. In the spring of 1998, the band released Light Fuse, Get Away. Til the Medicine Takes followed a year later. Another Joyous Occasion (2000) and Don't Tell the Band (2001) marked the band's first albums of the new millennium. In June 2002, Widespread Panic returned to the road for their annual summer tour of the States, but within a month, founding member and lead guitarist Michael Houser had to bow out. Houser was battling cancer and returned home to Athens, GA, to rest while guitarist George McConnell stepped in to finish the tour. On August 10, 2002, Houser succumbed to complications from pancreatic cancer at the age of 40. Houser's wish was that the band would carry on after his passing, and with McConnell becoming a permanent replacement, Widespread Panic did just that. Their next full-length album, Ball was released in April of 2003. Night of Joy and Über Cobra, both of which appeared in late March 2004, featured live selections from two of the band's shows at The House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC, while they toured in support of Ball. It marked Widespread Panic's second and third live efforts, follow-ups up to 2000's Another Joyous Occasion. They returned to the studio later that year for the Halloween-themed covers record Jackassolantern and again in 2006 for Earth to America.
Vince Papale In 1976, Vince Papale was working as a schoolteacher and a part-time bartender. Philadelphia Eagles' then-rookie head coach Dick Vermeil held a press conference and invited locals, including Vince, who was a former track star, to a workout. The rest is history. Vince showed up at the workout and ran a 4.5 40-yard dash, a world-class time! Coach Vermeil offered Vince a contract on the spot, but this 30-year-old walk-on still had to make the team. Vince overcame tremendous odds to become the oldest rookie in the history of the NFL. He eventually became a team captain and played in the NFL for four years. He was voted Man of the Year by the Eagles in 1978, for his many charitable activities and honored by the NFL. His never say die attitude became the inspiration for turning the Eagles into a Super Bowl team. Vince's inspirational journey from humble working class beginnings and troubled home life to successful professional athlete and businessman is a story that audiences of all demographics will relate to. His story is the subject of a book and a major motion picture from Disney titled Invincible. The hit film was released in August 2005 and stars Mark Wahlberg as Papale and Greg Kinnear as Eagles coach Dick Vermeil.
Melinda Paras Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and Policy Institute, she served as Health Commissioner of San Francisco and pioneered efforts to make AIDS services available to poor disenfranchised communities.
Rob Paravonian Sharp, clean, and intelligent, whether he's singing his own songs or deconstructing the ones on the charts, Rob uses music to get the laughs. Rob brings to the stage the best of both worlds: he's a top notch comic with impeccable timing and he's a solid musician with extremely funny songs. He not only takes his audiences on a hilarious ride, he takes comedy to the next level.
Rob Paravonian After growing up in the Chicago area, son of a first-generation Armenian-American school teacher who was also involved with local politics, Rob Paravonian went to college at USC in Los Angeles and now lives in New York . Rob writes and performs comedy and music and is a regualar at New York stand-up clubs and alternative comedy spaces. He also tours the country playing colleges and comedy clubs everywhere from Florida to Alaska, and from Maine to Montana. Rob discovered music at an early age, learning cello at age six and playing it from grade school through to the Waukegan High School Symphony (yes, there was a Waukeagn High School Symphony). At age 10 Rob got his first taste of life on the road when the Grade School Orchestra went to nationals in Nashville, and at 13 he went to Florida with the High School Chamber Orchestra. While in high school, Rob taught himself guitar and bass and began playing in bands, much to the dismay of his music instructors. While he was still underage, he played in bars in Chicago, Milwaukee, and once he went to college, the greater Los Angeles area. Although music had been the bulk of his life up until college, as an undergrad Rob pursued his other passion and studied writing. U.S.C.'s creative writing program was headed by author T.C. Boyle and Rob focused on short fiction and novellas. Rob also found a new love while in college comedy; and he began performing at wide-open shows in artsy cafes in L.A. (the precursor to the alternative comedy trend). Comedy took Rob back to Chicago after college, where he studied improvisation and ensemble work at the legendary Second City Training Center. While in Chicago Rob became a regular at the Improv and began going on the road, playing the midwest clubs and headlining colleges from coast to coast. Not wanting to limit himself to being a touring performer, Rob moved to New York where he has made a name for himself as an intelligent and unique performer. Rob quickly became a regular at Catch a Rising Star, has appeared on Comedy Central, VH1, has written cartoon theme songs, written and performed sketch shows and is on his third solo show.
Bill Parcells Trendsetter, team builder, innovator and “The Man and the Plan” are but a few of the accolades the media and fans use to describe Bill Parcells. He is a man who has proven throughout his career that he is synonymous with winning. Since retiring from coaching, Parcells has accepted a position as a football studio analyst for ESPN. One of the most successful coaches in NFL history, Parcells led the New York Giants to victories in Super Bowls XXI and XXV, took the AFC Champion New England Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI, and led the 1998 New York Jets to a franchise first AFC Eastern Division Championship. Recently, Parcells was head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, and led the team to the playoffs during his first season, but retired from this position in January of 2007. A football legend, Parcells is one of only three coaches in NFL history to lead two different teams to the Super Bowl. Parcells’ dream to become an NFL coach began while as a teenager as he watched the New York Giants defeat the Chicago Bears in the 1956 NFL championship game. The seed was planted. The young man born in Englewood, New Jersey in 1941 decided he would someday be an NFL coach. Parcells graduated from River Dell High School in 1958 and, after a brief stint at Colgate, went to Wichita State where he was a star linebacker. After he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round, he decided to turn immediately to coaching instead and took a position with Hastings College in Nebraska. Parcells then returned to Wichita State where he was defensive coach before he became assistant coach at West Point, defensive coordinator at Florida State, defensive assistant at Vanderbilt, and Texas Tech, and then head coach of the Air Force Academy. After a brief stint as linebacker coach for the New England Patriots, Parcells joined the Giants as defensive coordinator. Under Parcells’ direction, the Giants defense improved dramatically. In 1980, the team had allowed 425 points. However, under Parcells’ guidance, the defense improved from its No. 25 ranking to No. 3 and allowed only 257 points. They also had the lowest average-per-rush (3.4) allowed and lowest average-per-play (4.2) allowed. Parcells was named Head Coach of the New York Giants beginning with the 1983 season. The boyhood dream had become a reality which would, in the next eight years, again become dream-like. Parcells established one of the highest winning percentages of all NFL Coaches. He was named Coach of the Year in 1986 in all the major polls. In 1989 he was named NFL Coach of the Year by NFL Films and NFC Coach of the Year by The Washington Post. He was also named Coach of the Year for the All-Madden Team for the 1990 season. To date, probably the greatest tribute to Parcells’ success is the fact that he took a struggling New York Giants and transformed them into world champions that would claim the Super Bowl title in 1986 and 1991. In only eight years as head coach, he accomplished what most coaches only hope to accomplish in a lifetime.
Alan Parisse Popular business and motivational speaker.
Ishle Park ISHLE PARK is a writer, educator and activist who has performed at colleges in the United States, Cuba and Korea as both a solo artist and as part of a new collective called Diva*Diction. She is the first Korean American woman to compete in the National Poetry Slam. Currently, Ishle teaches creative writing and poetry in high schools, colleges, prisons, and community centers as part of Youthspeaks and WritersCorps. She worked as Arts-In-Education Director of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, and was a poetry editor for Gathering of the Tribes and The Asian Pacific American Journal. A recipient of a fiction grant from the New York Foundation for the Arts, her work has appeared nationally in New American Writing, Slam, The Cream City Review, The NuyorAsian Anthology, and Beacon Best 2001. Catch her on the HBO series “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry.” In 2004 she was named the Poet Laureate of Queens, NY.
Adam Pascal Adam Pascal The performer, singer, and songwriter, best known for the hit Broadway musical "Rent" as well as the movie.
Adrian Pasdar Adrian Pasdar plays Nathan Petrelli on the hit show "Heroes" With athletic good looks and a sexy but mysterious air, this former college football player has a love-hate relationship with Hollywood. Although he made his film debut in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, his breakout role came a year later as a reluctant vampire in the indie flick Near Dark. Able to embody sexy and scary simultaneously, Pasdar seemed poised to join the ranks of '80s leading men such as Jason Patric and Kiefer Sutherland. Instead, the rebel player quit the biz for two years. In the '90s he came back, turning in a string of solid supporting performances in mostly forgettable films and TV-movies, which prompted him to quit a second time. (During his hiatus he worked the register in a diner.) But performing won out in the end and when Pasdar returned, he turned to the small screen for meaty parts, winning kudos (if not viewers) as the corrupt title character in the short-lived series Profit. His marriage to Dixie Chick Natalie Maines and a recurring role on Judging Amy as a dangerous love interest for the title character raised his profile in the '00s, and suddenly the veteran actor was enjoying name recognition for the first time in his spotty career
Jeff Passan Jeff Passan is an award-winning reporter who previously was the national baseball writer for The Kansas City Star and now of Yahoo! Sports. He graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in journalism.
Joe Paterno Leading collegiate football coach and top motivational speaker.
Dan Patrick Dan Patrick is widely recognized for his poignant interviews and dry wit in his role as an ESPN anchor/reporter, primarily on ESPN's 11 p.m. ET SportsCenter. He also reports from major events such as the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals and Final Four, and has called play-by-play for select NCAA basketball telecasts since joining ESPN in March 1989 Patrick is a writer for ESPN The Magazine. He authors "Outtakes," the magazine's most popular page featuring a no-holds-barred, question-and-answer interview with the sports world's most interesting figures. In May 2000, Patrick released a book entitled Outtakes, based on the magazine column. Additionally, he serves as host of The Dan Patrick Show weekdays from 1-4 p.m. ET on ESPN Radio, carried by more than 600 affiliates nationwide. Patrick: has his own Web page linked off of ESPN.com, which serves as a vehicle for his musings on the sports world. was named the “National Sportscaster of the Year” by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association, making him just the second cable commentator to receive the honor. has received a CableACE Award and Sports Emmy Award. was a sports anchor/reporter for CNN. was the primary host of ESPN SportsCentury, the network's 30-minute, weekly series profiling the 50 greatest North American athletes of the 20th century. has brought out the best in many of sports' premier personalities-including Michael Jordan, Mark McGwire, Wayne Gretzky, Larry Bird, and Reggie Jackson- on SportsCenter's “Sunday Conversation,” ESPN's in-depth interview segment.
Dr. Orlando Patterson Professor of sociology at Harvard University and the author of Rituals of Blood, the second volume of trilogy on race relations. His study of slavery and domination prompted interest in the study of the nature and development of its shadow concept of freedom. He also focused his research on contemporary America with special emphasis on race, immigration and multiculturalism.
Thomas Patterson Thomas E. Patterson is Bradlee Professor of Government and the Press. His most recent book, The Vanishing Voter, looks at the causes and consequences of declining electoral participation. His book on the media's political role,Out of Order, received the American Political Science Association's Graber Award as the best book of the decade in political communication. An earlier book,The Unseeing Eye, was named by the American Association for Public Opinion Research as one of the 50 most influential books on public opinion in the past half century. He also is author of Mass Media Election and two general American government texts: The American Democracy and We the People. His articles have appeared in Political Communication, Journal of Communication, and other academic journals, as well as in the popular press. His research has been funded by the Ford, Markle, Smith-Richardson, Pew, and National Science foundations. Patterson received his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1971.
Lachlan Patterson Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Comedian Lachlan Patterson now lives in Los Angeles, California where he watches way too much television. "He can turn the most unfortunate events of the human condition into laughs." -Crystal Kuhn, Beyond Robson Patterson's relaxed manner makes for a unique performance highlighting the many mistakes he has made throughout his life. In his spare time Lachlan surfs the internet -- cutting out things other people wrote about him and pasting them in his bio. "Patterson's performance was not only unique and entertaining, but from sitting in the audience, you could see the passion he had for his comedy." Now in his 10th year of performing stand-up comedy, Lachlan is starting to make a name for himself in the industry, and that name is Lachlan Patterson. You can catch his Comedy Central debut on Live at Gotham airing throughout the United States and Canada. Or you can just go to Europe and waste your life away.
Chris Paul Chris Paul has quickly become one of the NBA’s rising stars. Paul was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 NBA Draft and quickly adapted to the level of play in the NBA and was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month each month. His impeccable skill led him to be named the 2005-2006 NBA Rookie of the Year and helped lead the USA National Basketball team to the bronze medal at the 2006 FIBA World Basketball Championships. During his sophomore season, Paul proved himself yet again by leading the Hornets in total points, steals and assists. A Winston-Salem, North Carolina native, Paul has been dedicated to his community long before he became an NBA star. Paul initiated a philanthropic campaign designed to highlight his dedication to both his grandfather’s spirit and to the Winston-Salem community that nurtured him from his days as a stand-out high school student-athlete to a national star at Wake Forest. Paul and his family created the CP3 Foundation in partnership with the Winston-Salem Foundation to support charitable causes of great importance to them. The CP3 Foundation has raised more than $200,000 which has helped establish the Nathaniel Jones Scholarship Fund in memory of Paul’s late grandfather. Paul has also reached out in Oklahoma City and New Orleans by donating food baskets and bikes for underprivileged children. In 2006 the NBA acknowledged Paul’s community involvement and service and awarded Paul the NBA’s Community Assist Award. Articles • “His heart: Oh, what a beauty” Biography New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul is quickly becoming one of the NBA's rising stars. The fourth overall selection in the 2005 NBA Draft, Paul quickly adapted to the level of play in the NBA and was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month each month after leading all rookies in points (16.1), assists (7.8), steals (2.2), triple-doubles (2) and minutes played (36.4). He would later be named the 2005-06 NBA Rookie of the Year, garnering 124 of the 125 first-place votes. Following his rookie year, Paul helped lead the USA National Basketball team to the bronze medal at the 2006 FIBA World Basketball Championships. During his sophomore season, Paul led the team in assists, steals and total points and was a member of the sophomore squad at the 2007 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam at the NBA's All-Star Weekend. A Winston-Salem, NC native, Paul choose to stay close to home for college and starred at Wake Forest University where he went on to become a two-time All-American. Paul decided to make himself eligible for the NBA Draft after his sophomore year at Wake Forest. Paul's rise to the NBA began on the courts of West Forsyth High School where he led the Titans to the state Class 4-A Eastern Regional Final and a record of 27-3 during his senior year. Arguably one of the most significant moments in his basketball career came when he tallied 61 points in one game as a senior in honor of his grandfather, Nathaniel Jones, who was tragically murdered just days before. When Paul reached the 61-point mark (his grandfather was 61-years old), he intentionally missed a free throw, then took himself out of the game in a fitting tribute to the man that meant so much to him.
Jane Pauley Popular broadcast journalist, Jane Pauley is the principal anchor of award-winning prime-time newsmagazine, "Dateline NBC".
Dr. Ruby K. Payne Well known educator, consultant, lecturer and author of the best selling book, A Framework for Understanding Poverty.
Judea Pearl Pearl received a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Technion, Israel, in 1960, a Master degree in Physics from Rutgers University, U.S.A, in 1965, and a Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, U.S.A, in 1965. He worked at RCA Research Laboratories on superconductive parametric and storage devices and at Electronic Memories, Inc., on advanced memory systems. He then joined UCLA in 1970, where he currently works. In 2002, his son Daniel Pearl was killed in Pakistan, leading Judea and the other members of the family and friends to create the Daniel Pearl Foundation.
Mariane Pearl Mariane Pearl was five months pregnant when her husband, The Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and brutally murdered by a militant Islamic fundamentalist group in Pakistan in 2002. Determined not to be broken, she wrote A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband Daniel Pearl that introduced the world to Daniel Pearl as he was when he was alive while also providing a heart-breaking first person account of his disappearance and death. It has been translated into 14 languages and turned into a major motion picture starring Angelina Jolie. Amazon.com has said, Mariane Pearls candor is remarkable and her courage, along with that of her late husband, serve to make A Mighty Heart, despite Danny Pearl's death, an uplifting story.” In a moving and uplifting presentation, Mariane relays a message of courage as a tribute to her husband’s life and the values and ideals which they shared. While terrorists did take Daniel from her, they could not make her fearful enough to abandon their principles of hope for the future that she continues to pass on to their young son Adam. A renowned international journalist, Mariane is the recipient of The National Headliners Award for magazine writing, the Time Warner Woman of the Year Award, the White House Project Award, the Internews Award for excellence in international reporting, the Vital Voices Award, the Sciences and Society award in Canada, the El Mundo editorial award in Spain, and the Prix Verite in France for excellence in non-fiction writing. Marianes second book In Search of Hope is a collection of profiles of extraordinary women around the world which were collected from her Global Diary columns in Glamour magazine that she continues to write today. The profiles feature women from Cambodia, Cuba, Liberia, Mexico, Turkey, Columbia, Puerto Rico and Uganda and Mariane explores how their courage and accomplishments inspire hope and courage in all of us. Marianne continues to gain strength by celebrating life, the values of humanism, and dignity. She is Co-Founder of the Daniel Pearl Foundation created to further the ideals that inspired his life and work and to promote cross-cultural understanding through journalism, music, and innovative communications. She also contributes to The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Self Magazine and others and is at work on a non-fiction book.
M. Scott Peck, MD Renowned psychiatrist and best-selling author of The Road Less Traveled.
Mario Van Peebles Well known movie star, director and producer.
Melvin Van Peebles Controversial filmmaker, actor and motion picture director, Melvin Van Peebles is often credited by Spike Lee as being one of the pioneers for Blacks in the movie industry today. His movie, "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasss Song," which he wrote, produced, and directed remains among VarietyÔs list of all time moneymakers.
Holly Robinson Peete Well known actress who co-stars on the sitcom, For Your Love. Holly has also starred in the televsion comedy Hangin' With Mr. Cooper and Pacific Blue. With her husband, Holly has formed a foundation to raise money for under-privileged people with Parkinson's disease and develop educational programs for children.
Chien Chung Pei Noted Asian American architect.
Harvey Pekar Harvey Pekar Creator of the Comic Book Series American Splendor American Splendor - A Day in the Life of Harvey Pekar Before there was reality television and Jerry Seinfeld, there was Harvey Pekar. And Harvey Pekar knows that ordinary life is pretty complex stuff. For over 30 years, his autobiographical comic book series “American Splendor” has elevated day-to-day existence into art. Now the HBO Films/Fine Line Feature film about his life, American Splendor, has won the Sundance International Film Festival Grand Jury Prize, Cannes International Film Festival Fipresci Award, and the National Society of Film Critic's Best Picture Award and brings Pekar to the masses, solidifying his place as a counter-culture hero. At the podium, he is mundane yet poetic, honest and profound and shares his unique views in a not-to-be-missed multi-media presentation. The inauspicious ascent of Pekar began in the halls of the VA Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked full-time as a file clerk from 1966 to 2001. In his spare time, beginning in 1972, Pekar has written and self-published the comic book series “American Splendor,” while his friends—icons in their own right including R Crumb, Frank Stack and Joe Stacco—illustrate his self-professed “rants.” “American Splendor’s” first-person account of Pekar’s down-trodden life ranges from the sublime—like chatting with co-workers, going to the market and taking road trips—to the profound, including adopting a daughter and his 1990 brush with cancer. From a stint as a David Letterman recurring guest to a prolific career as a jazz music and book critic, Pekar’s storied existence is always interesting—even when it’s just about eating a piece of fresh-baked bread. Now, don’t just read about Harvey Pekar in “American Splendor”—get up close and personal with the man, the myth and the master of the mundane when he lectures at your venue.
Cedric Pendleton While working full time in corporate sales, he emerged himself in a concentrated, back-breaking internship at Actor's Express Theater under then Artistic Director Chris Coleman, the result of which was a stunning debut performance in Stand Up Tragedy in which he played the lead. He has since worked on stage with such respected actors and directors as Gary Yates, David Bell, Ella Joyce, Ruby Dee, Angela Gibbs, Joan Pringle, and Woody King, Jr. Committed and passionate from the very beginning, Cedric kept reaching and working. He added commercials, voice over work and industrials to his resume. And he made the most of Atlanta's burgeoning independent film community, in which his talent, perseverance, and charm served him well and put him on the local A-list. As he consistently honed his talents and skills, his independent film work soon led to roles in hit features such as Runaway Jury, Summer Catch, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and Madea's Family Reunion, allowing him to work with the likes of Brian Dennehy, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Debbie Allen, and Tyler Perry. All the while, he was paving his way to Oz. Once he took the plunge and moved West, he proved that he was not just a big fish in a small pond, but rather, he could hold his own with the big dogs. Cedric landed supporting and recurring roles in hit television shows and movies like The Fantasia Barino Story, The Shield, The Guardian, One Tree Hill, Strong Medicine, and NYPD Blue. For Cedric, like any true artist, there is no separation between his life and his craft. He commands attention like a star, and he thrives on it like a star. Unexpectedly, he accepts praise with grace. A multi-faceted treasure, he is also a producer, promoter, writer, poet, lyricist, and motivational speaker and a gifted athlete, martial artist, teacher, and mentor. Cedric Pendleton: Dedicated. Team player. Enthusiastic. He brings his best game. Every time.
Kal Penn Kal Penn is one of America's hottest and most respected young actors. The star of Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle and The Namesake, Penn , according to The Boston Globe, "could turn out to be the Desi Tom Hanks. Scratch that—he could be the next Tom Hanks, period." Starring in worldwide blockbusters, like Superman Returns, as well as critically adored indie films, like American Desi, Kal Penn’s popularity has put him into the top ranks of Hollywood’s young stars. But before his breakthrough in Harold and Kumar, he suffered, like many minority actors, his share of typecasting and prejudice. Now, as one of the few leading men of Indian descent in Hollywood, he is setting the stage for a sea change in attitude toward the portrayal of minorities on television and in the movies. With each role, he is working to get a fuller and truer range of racial and cultural experience into popular culture. As the star of one of this year’s most critically acclaimed films The Namesake, Penn plays Gogol, an Indian child growing up in America with a name that is from neither country. The movie embraces the reality of the immigrant experience, and is the sort of intelligent and popular entertainment for which he has come increasingly to be known. The New York Times called his turn in the movie, "a crackling star making performance." Penn was featured, with his friend Brandon “Superman” Routh, in the infamously rejected MTV pilot, Awesometown, and has guest-starred on episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, ER and NYPD Blue. He is also set to star the much-hyped sequel Harold and Kumar Go to Amsterdam. Recently named one of People magazine’s “50 Hottest Bachelors," he is currently attending Stanford University, studying International Relations. A graduate of UCLA in film and sociology, Penn will teach two undergraduate courses at the University of Pennsylvania in 2008.
Penn & Teller Award winning entertainers and magicians.
Ty Pennington Ty Pennington has certainly carved out a niche for himself as the lovable, off-the-wall, hunk-of-a-carpenter and home design guru. During his four-year stint on Trading Spaces, Ty became well-known as the cute and playful carpenter who would sometimes work shirtless. So it is not surprising that dozens of women desperately hope to catch a glimpse of Ty in action. Beyond cracking jokes, though, Ty enjoys designing, building and working with contractors and his fellow designers to help create magical homes for deserving families. A self-proclaimed "Jack of all Trades, Master of None," Ty can add bestselling author to his vast list of skills. His first book, Ty's Tricks, published by Hyperion in 2003, was a New York Times bestseller. In addition to being an author, Pennington has just signed an exclusive multi-year agreement with Sears. He will be partnering with Sears in a broad range of activities, including product design and development, merchandising and advertising, and is the ambassador for the Sears American Dream Campaign. Ty spent most of his childhood in Atlanta. Following high school, he attended Kennesaw College, focusing on art and history. After one year his art professor suggested a career in graphic design, so Ty started working as a carpenter by day and attending classes at the Atlanta Art Institute by night. After graduation he continued his education at the Atlanta College of Art, studying painting and sculpture while honing his carpentry skills to pay for his education. During his final semester, Ty was approached by a modeling scout and soon began an exciting and lucrative career. He traveled the world and modeled for various clothing companies and appeared in television commercials. He recently moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career, and appeared in the independent film, The Adventures of Ociee Nash, playing aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright.
Recycled Percussion Members of Recycled Percussion make their instruments from stuff other people throw out: barrels, basement garbage, building site leftovers, pots, pans, stepladders, fifty-gallon drums and even the occasional recycled chainsaw. Then the guys proceed to create heart-pounding beats in an interactive show that is great for all ages. In the four years Recycled Percussion has been together, the group has played with performers such as LL Cool J and entertained crowds during halftime shows of many NBA and NFL games. They have also been featured on television shows such as Late Night and Talk Soup.
Kelly Perdew This "GI Factory" host was born in Lexington, Kentucky 29 Jan 1967 and raised in Florida and Wyoming, Perdew was 37 years old when Apprentice 2 aired, the oldest candidate on the show. Prior to winning the show, he was president of CoreObjects, a software development outsourcing company based in Los Angeles. In his job as an "apprentice" of Donald Trump, Perdew was involved in the construction of Trump Place located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York. In The Apprentice 3 finale, Trump said Perdew was doing "an excellent job" in this task, and that Perdew was also given the job of Exec. VP for Trump's brand of bottled water, Trump Ice.
Rosie Perez This ebullient, high voiced Latina actress garnered attention for her portrayal of Spike Lee 's fast-talking, no non-sense girl friend in 1989 's "Do the Right Thing." Perez began her career as a featured dancer on "Soul Train", moving on to choreograph numbers for such recording artists as Bobby Brown and Diana Ross. Her choreography credits also include the opening title sequence for "Do the Right Thing" and the "fly girl" segments of TV 's "In Living Color". In the hit comedy feature "White Men Can 't Jump" (1992), Perez played Woody Harrelson 's girlfriend, a "motor-mouth" whose life 's ambition is to appear on the TV game show "Jeopardy". In 1993, Perez replaced her usually strident image with a much softer turn as a plane-crash survivor in Peter Weir 's "Fearless", for which she received good reviews and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting actress. She followed with a turn as Nicolas Cage 's greedy wife in "It Could Happen to You" (1994) and as a taxi dancer in love with the wrong man in Alexandre Rockwell 's "Somebody to Love".
Javier Perez de Cuellar Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1982-1992.
Richard Perle Conservative political analyst, domestic policy expert and former Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Reagan Administration.
Itzhak Perlman Itzhak Perlmans superstar status as a classical musician is due not only to his virtuosity as a violinist, but also to his performance as a conductor for several leading orchestras. Mr. Perlman is also the recipient of such honors as the "Medal of Liberty" and the "National Medal of Arts."
Phil Perry Popular singer and recording artist.
Tyler Perry Tyler Perry became America's most successful young playwright and the writer, producer and co-star of the box office hit Diary of a Mad Black Woman. But it was a long hard road. In 1992 Perry wrote letters to himself in an effort to deal with his childhood pain. These would provide the basis for the musical I Know I've Been Changed about adult survivors of child abuse. Tyler Perry saved $12,000 and moved to Atlanta in 1992, where he tried to stage the play. Initially, however, I Know I've Been Changed was a flop. Hardly anyone came to the shows and over the next 6 years, Tyler Perry found himself homeless on several occasions, and doing dozens of different jobs to support his determination that the play would succeed. He had come to the point of giving up on the show, when in 1998, the turning point came. I Know I've Been Changed opened at the House of Blues and sold out eight times over before moving to the Fox Theater where it sold out 9,000 seats for two shows. Since then Tyler Perry has been on a roll. His next production, Woman Thou Art Loosed based on the book by Bishop T.D. Jakes grossed over $5 million in five months. Further productions including I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Behind Closed Doors, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea's Family Reunion, Madea's Class Reunion, Meet the Browns, and Madea Goes to Jail have meant that the once broke Perry has now earned tens of millions of dollars.
Rodney Perry Rodney Perry has a wife and 5 kids, with such a big family “Making It” is the only option. Rodney was born in Chicago raised in Monroe, Louisiana and then ushered into the comedy world in the Bay Area. His Stage show is energy-driven with sidesplitting insights on everything from the work world to the everyday joys…and occasional trials…of family life. Rodney has appeared in the Fox Searchlight Film Johnson Family Vacation (Starring Kings of Comedy Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey). Rodney has made scene stealing performances in several upcoming films, Legac, Redrum and ShowStoppers all set for release in 2007. Most recently Rodney serves as Co-Host of Tv One’s hit comedy competition “Who’s Got Jokes”. Rodney Perrys television appearances include BETs Comic View, Showtimes LAFFAPALOOZA, and Hbos Def Comedy Jam. He has toured with legendary Hip-Hop artist RUNDMC as well as late music icon Ray Charles. Rodney is a McDonalds Bay Area Black Comedy Competition and Festival Champion.
Gail Perry Mason Financial expert and author of "Money Matters For Families," Gail Perry Mason has hosted weekly training sessions for Chrysler Corporation, held education seminars and hosts a weekly radio and cable T.V. show
Roberta Peters Metropolitan Opera star.
Thomas J. Peters Business consultant and author of the best-selling book, In the Search of Excellence.
Ted Peters Ted Peters the field of theology in the 20th and 21st centuries for both doctoral level students and for students preparing to serve in the ordained clergy. He is a Lutheran theologian an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America teaching in an ecumenical institution with students from an array of differing denominations; and he engages in inter-religious dialogue as well. He is author of GOD The World’s Future Systematic Theology for a Postmodern Era (Fortress 1992; 2nd ed. 2000); God as Trinity Westminster/John Knox Press, 199 and Sin: Radical Evil in Soul and Society (Eerdmans, 1994). He served as editor in chief of Dialog, A Journal of Theology from 1992 to 2007. SCIENCE AND RELIGION. Ted Peters serves as co editor with Robert John Russell of the journal, Theology and Science, published by the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences at the Graduate Theological Union. He worked as area editor for “Science and Religion for the 4th edition of Religion in Geschichte und Gegenwart, Volumes IV-VIII, and for the 2nd edition of The Encyclopedia of Religion (Macmillan 2005). He is author of Anticipating Omega (Vendenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2006) and Science, Theology, and Ethics (Ashgate 2003). With Martinez Hewlett he co-authored Evolution from Creation to New Creation (Abingdon 2003) and Can You Believe in God and Evolution? (Abingdon 2006). Peters edited Science and Theology: The New Consonance (Westview, 1998). He co-edited with Gaymon Bennett and Kang Phee Seng Bridging Science and Religion (SCM and Fortress, 2003) which has been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, German, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, and Indonesian Bahassa. He co-edited with Nathan Hallanger, God’s Action in Nature’s World: Essays in Honor of Robert John Russell (Ashgate 2006). GENETICS AND SOCIETY. Ted Peters served as Principal Investigator for a research project funded by the National Institutes of Health on Theological and Ethical Questions Raised by the Human Genome Initiative hosted at the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, 1990-1994. Based on his research he has written Playing God? Genetic Determinism and Human Freedom (Routledge, 2nd ed., 2002). He edited the findings of the CTNS-NIH project for publication in a multi-author book titled, Genetics: Issues of Social Justice (Pilgrim 1998); and authored The Stem Cell Debate (Fortress 2007). Along with Karen Lebacqz and Gaymon Bennett, he is co-author of Immortal Lines? Theologians Say “Yes” to Stem Cells, forthcoming with Roman & Littlefield. He currently serves on the Scientific and Medical Accountability Standards Working Group for the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CRIM) and the Genetics Task Force of the ELCA. BIOETHICS. As a member of the research team on the Religion, Culture, and Family project sponsored by the University of Chicago, he wrote For the Love of Children: Genetic Technology and the Future of the Family (Westminster/John Knox Press, 1996). He served as a member of the Ethics Advisory Board for the Geron Corporation, 1998-2002.
Liza Jessie Peterson Liza Jessie Peterson is an actress writer poet playwright educator..a layered woman beautifully flawed with facinating imperfections in all the right places...really human, really brilliant and my passion for art that inspires is collossal...life is my inspiration. i have appeared in many films "Love The Hard Way" (alongside academy award winner Adrian Brody), had a featured cameo in Spike Lee's "Bamboozled", Mark Levin's "Slam" (alongside Saul Williams and Sonja Sohn), filmed "A Drop of Life" about the international water crisis and spent two amazing weeks in the desert in India working alongside Ndita Das, appeared in Jamie Catto's international film soon to be released "What About Me" alongside Tim Robbins, Depak Chopra, Carlos Santana and others. Appeared on HBO's Def Poetry two different seasons, performed my poetry on PBS's popular children show "Between the Lions" alongside puppets (i love puppets as Jim Henson the quintessential puppetmaster and i were born on the same day!!!)And i worked in the prison system for over a decade teaching poetry, life skills and creative writing to incarcerated adolescents.I have written numerous plays including two One Woman Shows: "Chiron's Homegirl Healer Howls" a One Woman Funk Opera, and my latest baby "The Peculiar Patriot" which has toured adult (male and female) penitentiaries across the country in 2005, 2006 and 2007 ongoing. The Peculiar Patriot also did an 11 show/multiple facility tour of Rikers Islad exclusively in 2003 and 2004. Baby girl has put in work. My performances have also been exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art as well as too many venues in NYC to name (including the late CBGBs Gallery...rip!!!). Currently i am working on releasing The Peculiar Patriot DVD and Prison Pin Up calendar/coffee table book. The Peculiar Patriot screenplay is ready to roll and the feature film, documentary and animation series is on deck waiting in the wings for the greenlight check.
Jackie Pflug Jackie tells her story of being executed, thrown to a tarmac and left for dead during a deadly terrorist hijacking. Find out how she survived and the lessons learned from it. Her presentation, “The Courage to Succeed”, shows us how we can all become peak performers through our attitude and our reactions to change, adversity, and challenge. It is designed for groups who want to boost morale, provide their people with a lift, and inspire them to do their very best on a daily basis.
Dat Phan Is the Original Winner of NBCs Last Comic Standing, and is a Headlining Comedian touring live across the U.S. He has made numerous TV and Movie appearances including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Family Guy voiceover, and Cellular. Dat Phan Productions is working on several upcoming projects including a live DVD & CD to be released in 2008, and preproduction on a movie titled Yellow Fever.Dat was born in Saigon, Vietnam and grew up struggling and poor in San Diego, CA. His culturally insightful comedy inspects ridiculous stereotypes, and shares his experience of being a regular American guy with a Vietnamese heritage. He has been included in The Smithsonian Institutions exhibition of The Top 10 Most Influential Vietnamese American Individuals. Dat Phans mission is to bring a more positive portrayal of Asian Americans to mainstream entertainment and Hollywood. We want to be seen as more than just martial artists, or bad stereotype token roles in American TV & Movies. He has performed at countless Comedy Clubs, Universities & Colleges, Casinos, and Corporate events. Notably: Harvard Law, Sacramento Asian Chamber of Commerce, Penn State, Foxwoods, and the U.S. Marine Corps to name a few.
Digger Phelps Collegiate basketball coach and television color commentator.
Michael Phelps He is the most decorated American Olympian ever having won a total of 14 Olypic Gold Medals; He won 8 Gold Medals at the 2008 Olympics, breaking Mark Spitz record of 7 Gold Medals in a single Olympics Michael Phelps holds the record for the most gold medals won at a single Olympics; a total of eight, surpassing Mark Spitz. Overall, Phelps has won 16 Olympic medals: six gold and two bronze at Athens in 2004, and eight gold at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. In winning these medals, he has twice equaled Soviet gymnast Alexander Dityatin's record of eight medals (of any type) at a single Olympics (Dityatin: Moscow 1980; Phelps: Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008). Out of his eight gold medals from Beijing, five were won in individual events, tying the record for individual gold medals at a single Games originally set by Eric Heiden in the 1980 Winter Olympics and equaled by Vitaly Scherbo at the 1992 Summer Games. Phelps ranks second in total career Olympic medals, after Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina, who won a total of 18 medals (nine gold) spanning three Olympic Games. Phelps' international titles, along with his various world records, have resulted in him being awarded the World Swimmer of the Year Award in 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007 and American Swimmer of the Year Award in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007. Phelps has won a total of 48 career medals thus far: 40 gold, six silvers and two bronze. This includes all of the Championships in which he has competed: The Olympics, the World Championships, and the Pan Pacific Championships. Phelps was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up in the Rodgers Forge neighborhood. He graduated from Towson High School in 2003. His father, Fred Phelps, worked for the Maryland State Police and his mother, Debbie Davisson Phelps, is a middle school principal. The two divorced in 1994. Michael, whose nickname is "MP", has two older sisters, Whitney and Hilary. In his youth, Phelps was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He started swimming at age seven, partly because of the influence of his sisters and partly to provide him with an outlet for his energy. He excelled as a swimmer, and by the age of 10 held a national record for his age group. More age group records followed, and Phelps' rapid improvement culminated in his qualifying for the 2000 Summer Olympics at the age of 15. Between 2004 and 2008, Phelps attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, studying sports marketing and management. In May 2008, Phelps said he intends to return to Baltimore following the 2008 Olympics, joining Bob Bowman there when he leaves the University of Michigan, saying, "I'm not going to swim for anybody else. I think we can both help the North Baltimore Aquatic Club go further. I'm definitely going to be in Baltimore next year." The club has announced that Bowman is leaving the University of Michigan to become the club's CEO. In a front page illustrated article profiling Phelps on the eve of the 2008 Summer Olympics, The Baltimore Sun described the hometown swimmer as "a solitary man" with a "rigid focus" at the pool prior to a race, but afterwards "a man incredibly invested in the success of the people he cares about". Bowman told a Sun interviewer, "He's unbelievably kind-hearted", recounting Phelps' interaction with young children after practices.
Bruce W. Piasecki Leading environmental expert, corporate consultant and author of In Search of Environmental Excellence; and Corporate Environmental Strategy: The Avalanche of Change Since Bhopal.
Hannah Goslar Pik Childhood friend of Anne Frank, Hannah Goslar Pik met Anne in Amsterdam when they were six years old. A survivor of Bergen-Belsen, Hanna now lives in Jerusalem. Ms. Pik was one of the main consultants for ABC TV's mini-series "Anne Frank, The Whole Story" which was aired in May 2001.
Dr. Jo Ann Pina Inspiring Leadership and Personal Success Dr. Jo Ann Pina is a Professional keynote speaker who has inspired thousands of people to take charge of their lives, realize their dreams and live up to their full potential though leadership development programs and motivational speaking engagements. Participants who have attended Dr. Pinas seminars and presentations rave about the wealth of knowledge and inspiration as well as the authentic way she connects with her audience Motivational speaker: No one exemplifies the idea of success over adversity better than Dr. Jo. She is a success specialist and shows you how you can achieve it! One of the few women of Hispanic heritage with advanced degrees in psychology and counseling, Dr. Jo also excels in cross-cultural communication, gender communication, and cultural diversity training --to enhance understanding between cultures and the sexes.
Randal Pinkett Randal is the first African American candidate to be hired on national television through the US version of The Apprentice, a television reality show starring Donald Trump. (There have been black candidates hired in the South African and British versions of the programme before Pinkett was hired.) Pinkett was hired on national television during the season finale of season four. Pinkett is the President and CEO of BCT Partners [1], a management, technology and policy consulting services firm. Over the course of the season, Pinkett had the best record as project manager, with an undefeated 3-0 record. Pinkett's competitor in the finale was Rebecca Jarvis, a journalist from Chicago. For his final task, Pinkett met with Outback Steakhouse executives and the CEO of Autism Speaks in order to coordinate his most difficult task of the entire series, a charity fundraiser for Autism Speaks. Pinkett planned a celebrity softball game, but the game was rained out. Pinkett was criticized by Trump's associate Carolyn Kepcher for lack of a detailed back-up plan and for failing to monitor the weather after an early forecast put the chances of rain at 30%. Pinkett arranged a last-minute auction in an undecorated white room, which raised nearly $11,000. Trump criticized Pinkett for not spotlighting the celebrities in attendance, who intermingled with the auction crowd. In an unusual twist, when Pinkett was hired by Trump, Trump asked Pinkett if he should also hire Jarvis. Pinkett replied, "I firmly believe this is 'The Apprentice,'" and that "there is one, and only one 'Apprentice' and if you're going to hire someone tonight, it should be one." He added that the show was called "The Apprentice" and not "The Apprenti" Trump said he "could have been convinced," but opted to agree with Pinkett and "leave it at that." Trump then dropped the subject, but many viewers were left with the impression that he had hoped to hire both Pinkett and Jarvis. (The fourth season of The Apprentice regularly saw Trump playing havoc with established procedures, including multiple firings.) Pinkett firmly stood by his decision, which was subsequently both praised and panned and sparked debate well after the finale aired. Pinkett later gave his version of the events in an interview with blackenterprise.com. He stated, "I'm satisfied with the decision I made and I'm pleased with the arguments I presented. As I said last night, 'in a competition there is only one winner.' You wouldn't ask the gold medalist in the Olympics to share with the silver medalist. Unfortunately for those that wanted to see a double hiring or see Rebecca win, I ended up being the bearer of bad news. However, at the end of day all I did was give Mr. Trump my recommendation. It was ultimately his decision to not hire Rebecca."
Dr. Drew Pinsky A trusted source of information and advice for millions of young adults, Dr. Drew Pinsky has been co-host on the nationally syndicated call-in radio show Loveline for 18 years. Loveline evolved when Dr. Drew, then a medical student, volunteered to answer a few questions on the radio. The show is now heard on more than 50 radio stations across the country. In 1996, he and his co-host Adam Carolla took their show to MTV, which had a successful five-year run. In 1998 Dr. Drew and Adam Corolla released a book from Dell Publishing entitled The Dr. Drew and Adam Book: A Survival Guide to Life and Love. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Amherst College and his M.D. from the University of Southern California School of Medicine, Dr. Drew continued at USC for his residency. He then became chief resident at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena. He is a board-certified internist and a board-certified addictionologist. Dr. Drew is the Medical Director for the Department of Chemical Dependency Services and the Chief of Service in the Department of Medicine at Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena. He continues to run a private clinical medicine practice and was recently named Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Los Angeles Children's Hospital. A regular on Politically Incorrect and The View, Dr. Drew has been a guest on numerous national television outlets, including Larry King Live. He is a regular contributor to USA Weekend, writing extensively on a variety of topics related to addiction, adolescent health, intimacy, and relationships. Dr. Drew has been profiled in Time, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, and other national media. A popular guest at college campuses across the country, Dr. Drew speaks to sold-out crowds at over 30 colleges per year. Dedicated to helping young people, Drew has been a spokesperson for the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and has participated in AIDS charity events such as Macy's Passport with Michael Jordan, and drDrew.com, a lifestyle online community for 14- to 24-year-olds was launched in 1999. The Internet is the logical medium for Dr. Drew to communicate with young adults. The site is rich with content, chat rooms, forums, exclusive celebrity interviews, home pages, user polls, and great information on relationships, sex, and health issues.
Daniel Pipes Daniel Pipes is an American neoconservative[1] columnist, author, counter-terrorism analyst, and scholar of Middle Eastern history. The author or co-author of 18 books, which have been translated into 19 languages, Pipes is both praised and criticized for his outspoken views on Islam and Islamism. Pipes is the founder and director of the Middle East Forum and Campus Watch, a former member of the board of the U.S. Institute of Peace, and a regular columnist for the New York Sun and The Jerusalem Post. He contributes regularly to David Horowitz's online publication FrontPageMag.com, and has had his work published by many newspapers across North America, including the Washington Post, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal. He is frequently invited to discuss the Middle East on American network television, as well as by universities and think tanks, has appeared on the BBC and Al Jazeera, and has lectured in 25 countries.
Mary Pipher Pipher is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Lincoln, Neb. The Middle of Everywhere, published in 2002, is her latest book, and it describes the plight of refugees settling in Lincoln as well as Pipher's interaction with them as a teacher, cultural broker and therapist. Greensboro is also a haven for refugees from many countries, and the all-city read will include discussions by many groups of people in the community. Pipher is the author of four other books, Hunger Pains: The Modern Woman's Tragic Quest for Thinness, The Shelter of Each Other: Rebuilding Our Families, Reviving Ophelia and Another Country: The Emotional Terrain of Our Elders. Reviving Ophelia, first published in 1994, broke new ground in helping parents understand the pressures teenage girls face in today's American culture. It reached No. 1 on The New York Times best seller list in 1995. Pipher earned her bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology from the University of California at Berkeley in 1969 and her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Nebraska in 1977. Her work combines her training in both the fields of psychology and anthropology. Her special area of interest is how American culture affects the mental health of its women. The recipient of several awards and honors, Pipher was awarded the distinguished Presidential Award from the American Psychological Association in 1998. She is a commentator for Nebraska Public Radio, a popular speaker and workshop leader. She has been a guest on NBC's Today program and National Public Radio's Fresh Air program.
Joe Pistone Posing as jewel thief “Donnie Brasco”, FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone carried out the most audacious sting operation ever, working under-cover for six years to infiltrate the flamboyant and deadly community of Mafia soldiers, “connected guys”, captains, and Godfathers. Pistone is the author of his best-selling autobiography, Donnie Brasco, which was made into a major motion picture of the same name.
Forever Plaid A musical comedy which has received rave reviews from New York to Japan. Forever Plaid is the story of four unlikely heroes whose dreams of musical glory come true. It concerns the miraculous return to earth of the Four Plaids. This endearing harmony group was snuffed out in a collision with a school bus. Now through a hole in the ozone layer these nerdy crooners with angelic voices come back to do the show they never got to do in life.
Belva Plain Best-selling novelist of such well known books as Random Winds; Blessings; Eden Burning and Evergreen.
The Percussion Plus Project The Percussion Plus Project is a unique contemporary chamber music ensemble, which focuses on an unusual and exciting repertoire that is little-known to general audiences. Their programs consist of works for percussion (ranging from one to many players) and another solo instrument. No other ensemble devotes itself solely to this repertoire. The Percussion Plus Project was founded in 1993 in Prague, Czech Republic, by Amy Lynn Barber, who was then professor of percussion at the Prague . The Percussion Plus Project had its own very successful concert series for several years in Prague, and later in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where Barber was a member of the Slovenian Philharmonic. From 1998-2002 it was based in Vienna, Austria. The ensemble has performed throughout Central Europe as a guests at international festivals and concert series, and has recorded many Czech, Slovak, and Slovenian works for radio and for CDs. Many composers have been inspired to write pieces for them. Guest soloists have included many outstanding European and American musicians. The concerts and recordings of the Percussion Plus Project have consistently won critical acclaim for the quality of their performance and for creative and unique programming.
Norman Podhoretz Conservative journalist, public policy analyst and former Editor-in-Chief of Commentary magazine.
Def Poetry The acclaimed late-night series RUSSELL SIMMONS PRESENTS DEF POETRY COMES TO YOUR SCHOOL. The audacious, uncensored late-night series Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry returns to HBO with a fifth season. This year the seminal spoken word series presents seasoned and up-and-coming poets performing their work onstage before a live audience, interspersed with a big-ticket lineup of celebrities also trying their hand at poetry.Praised by the New York Times as an "exuberant, daringly fresh series that breaks poetry out of the neat little boxes it's so often put it," Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry features a spectrum of voices.
Letty Cottin Pogrebin Social critic, feminist, author and a founding editor of Ms. Magazine.
Sidney Poitier Poitier is known the world over for his consistent, sensitive and powerful portrayals in such socially charged films as No Way Out, Blackboard Jungle, Something of Value, The Defiant Ones, A Raisin in the Sun, A Patch of Blue, To Sir With Love, In the Heat of the Night, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Lilies of the Field and many others. He has been walking tall among Hollywood's most respected and honored stars for more than five decades. He made his motion picture debut in No Way Out, garnered critical acclaim and national recognition in Blackboard Jungle, received his first Academy Award nomination for The Defiant Ones in 1958, and won the coveted Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in Lilies of the Field. In addition to Poitier's personal success, he has been a leading figure among African American achievers. He serves as the Ambassador to Japan from the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. He was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1968. He has received the American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Lifetime Achievement Award and the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nicole Polizzi Nicole Polizzi is from Marlboro, NY a town not far from Poughkeepsie. Shockingly, Snooki is not Italian but rather Chilean. However, she was raised by adoptive parents of Italian decent. As far as her “guidette” status goes, Nicole will suggest that it is more of a lifestyle than a national heritage. Snooki’s nickname came about in her middle school years. It originates from the character “Snooki the cootchie crook” from the movie Save the Last Dance. In high school Nicole was part of the cheerleading squad. This is the time when she developed an eating disorder and dropped to 80lbs. This has become a sensitive subject for Snooki and rightfully so, as seen in Episode 7 : What happens in the AC
Kevin Pollack Actor, Kevin Pollak, who starred in films like "Avalon," "A Few Good Men" and more recently, "Juwanna Mann," is also one of the funniest and most seasoned comedians on the stand-up circuit. His observations, as well as his dead-on impressions of people like William Shatner, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lt. Columbo (Peter Falk), make him one of the most sought after comedians in the country.
Veronica Portillo Veronica Portillo has grown into a confident, intelligent, sexy, and open-minded woman. A first generation Cuban-American, she was the first and only in her family to pursue a higher education. Her love and passion for the arts and multiculturalism inspired her to leave her childhood home in very republican and conservative Orange County, California for a much more dynamic and liberal environment as she studied at the University of California at Berkeley. It was here that Veronica truly found herself, and was able to define her own set of values by borrowing ideals from both living extremes and her inner strength. Having suffered from both bulimia and anorexia throughout her twenty-first year, Veronica has only truly become comfortable in her own skin through finding much needed confidence within herself. Not coincidentally, this time period has also been one where Veronica has overcome her long and repetitive history of emotionally abusive relationships with the opposite sex. Releasing herself from the physically binding and emotionally limiting unhealthy eating and relationship habits has given her a newfound freedom and has helped to form the beautiful and free-spirited person she is today. Upon feeling this change Veronica was determined to reach out and share her personal story and her knowledge with others. Her presence on MTVs Road Rules: Semester at Sea and three Real World/Road Rules Challenges has given her the opportunity to be impressionable and gifted her with a voice. At the time, Veronica speaks up at high schools, colleges, and universities around the country on topics such as selfesteem, body image, eating disorders, and relationships.
Paula Poundstone Paula Poundstones insightful musings about the world around her have been catching on like a house afire. She tells the truth and makes it funny - about her life as she lives it, about our public figures and about the little things in life we may have noticed ourselves but never stopped to reflect on. As one of the most popular stand-up comedians in the country today, Paula Poundstone's humor know no bounds. She continually goes where no comedian has gone before: providing backstage commentary to the '93 Emmy Awards telecast, adding humor to the pre- and post-shows for the '94 Oscar Awards, serving as "official correspondent" for The Tonight Show during the '92 Presidential race. As a performer, Paula Poundstone enjoys a uniquely intimate rapport with her audience. Her relaxed, comfortably humorous wanderings from topic to topic turn each show into a brilliant stream-of-consciousness experience. Her off-kilter view of the world and her complete honesty strike a receptive chord and have led to an impressive list of achievements, including: Two Cable ACE Awards, Best Female Stand-Up - American Comedy Awards, and an Emmy Award - as producer/star of a local PBS piece titled Life & Times. Other credits include: her own comedy series on HBO and ABC and numerous special appearances, including headlining the prestigious White House Correspondent Dinner in '92. Paula Poundstone is a contributing editor for Mother Jones Magazine with her own politically-skewed column in each issue for two consecutive years. She has written articles for the Los Angeles Times' Sunday Calendar, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour Magazine and Buzz Magazine and others.
Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint is Director of the Media Center of the Judge Baker Children's Center in Boston. He is also a Professor of Psychiatry and Faculty Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Harvard Medical School. Born in East Harlem, he attended Columbia and received his M.D. from Cornell University in 1960. He completed his postgraduate training at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Neuropsychiatric Institute, where he served as Chief Resident in Psychiatry in 1964-65. From 1965 to 1967, he was Southern Field Director of the Medical Committee for Human Rights in Jackson, Mississippi, providing medical care to civil rights workers and aiding in the desegregation of health facilities throughout the South. Dr. Poussaint is an expert on race relations in America, the dynamics of prejudice, and issues of diversity as our society becomes increasingly multicultural. He believes that extreme (violent) racists suffer from a delusional mental illness. Dr. Poussaint lectures widely on college campuses and also serves as a consultant to government agencies and private corporations. He is co-author, with James P. Comer, M.D., of Raising Black Children, 1992; and co-author, with Amy Alexander, of Lay My Burden Down, 2000. He was a script consultant to NBC's The Cosby Show and continues to consult to the media as an advocate of more responsible programming.
Kevin Powell Kevin Powell is widely considered one of Americas most important voices in these early years of the 21st century. Legendary feminist icon Gloria Steinem proclaimed that "as a charismatic speaker, leader, and a very good writer, Kevin Powell has the courage...to be fully human, and this will bring the deepest revolution of all." Famed scholar and social critic Dr. Michael Eric Dyson has called Powell "a mighty wind of fresh air." Kevin Powell is an activist, poet, journalist, essayist, editor, cultural curator, hiphop historian, songwriter, music producer, public speaker, political consultant and fundraiser, and businessman. A product of extreme poverty, welfare, fatherlessness, and a single mother-led household, he is a native of Jersey City, New Jersey and was educated at New Jerseys Rutgers University. Kevin Powell is a longtime resident of Brooklyn, New York, and it is from his base in New York City that Powell has published six books, including his current title, Whos Gonna Take The Weight? Manhood, Race, and Power in America, which is an Essence magazine bestseller. His next project, Someday Will All Be Free, will hit in 2006 and will feature essays on the 2004 presidential election, September 11th, and Hurricane Katrina and the Gulf Coast tragedy. Powell is also at work on his childhood memoir, homeboy alone, slated for 2008. Additionally, Powell is compiling his second volume of poetry, My Own Private Ghetto, and The Kevin Powell Reader, which will highlight the first twenty years of his literary career. Indeed, he has written numerous essays, articles, and reviews over the past two decades for publications such as Newsweek, The Washington Post, Essence, Code, Rolling Stone, The Amsterdam News, and Vibe, where he was a founding staff member and served as a senior writer. It was at Vibe that Powell interviewed and profiled a number of hiphop icons including, most famously, the late Tupac Shakur on several occasions.
Tony Powell What do you get when you cross the charisma of Eddie Murphy, the irreverence of Chris Rock, and the Old School charm of Bernie Mack? I have no idea, however, I do know that when you add a quick wit, great storytelling ability, and the performance chops of a seasoned pro you have Tony Powell. Like George Washington's unfinished portrait, accidents have a way of discovering pure artistry. While attending the University of Virginia, Tony Powell was asked to calm an unruly audience. Suddenly all those summer afternoons listening to Richard Pryor, and Bill Cosby albums seemed to have purpose. With his trademark quick wit, and clever impressions, Tony released the comedic genie trapped within to the delight of the unruly audience. Who knew at that moment in time that Powell was about to embark on a comedic odyssey that would lead to appearances on The Chris Rock Show , NBC's Showtime at the Apollo and two appearances on A&E's Comedy on the Road. Powell has made several appearances on The Comedy Channel. Powell has also opened for celebrity musical groups such as The Ojays and the Whispers. He has worked as the studio warm-up act for Bill Cosby and Nickelodeon's Keenan and Kel show. As an actor, he has recently appeared on three national television commercials (Visa, Dawn Detergent and Ritz Crackers). Tony was also the radio voice of Mr. Chill for Miller Genuine Draft and the U.S. Army reserves. Powells voice has also been featured in national radio spots for Fila and Heineken. Powell a college favorite as well, has showcased both the NACA Great Lakes and New England conferences. Growing up in East New York, Brooklyn, survival requires one of three things; you either have to be a great fighter, fleet of foot, or be a whole lotta funny. Lets just say, Tony Powell ain't no Ali or Carl Lewis, he is however, a whole lotta funny. Imus introduced Tony Powell on his new radio show WABC AM
Colin L. Powell General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) became the 65th Secretary of State on January 20, 2001. As he stated at his confirmation hearing, the guiding principle of U.S. foreign policy during his tenure was that "America stands ready to help any country that wishes to join the democratic world." General Powell brought extensive experience with him to his office. Before becoming Secretary of State, Colin Powell served as a key aide to the Secretary of Defense and as National Security Advisor to President Reagan. He also served 35 years in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Four-Star General and serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989 – 1993). During this time he oversaw 28 crises to include the Panama intervention of 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the victorious 1991 Persian Gulf War. That experience served him well, both before and particularly after the events of September 11, 2001, the day of the greatest tragedy on American soil since Pearl Harbor. As Secretary he stood shoulder to shoulder with the President and the other members of the President's cabinet in fighting the war on terrorism. As he often said, "winning that war is our first priority, and it will remain so for as long as necessary." A fervent purveyor of democratic values, Colin Powell stressed that fighting the war on terrorism is not just a military but also a diplomatic task – the two go hand in hand. He led the State Department in major efforts to solve regional and civil conflicts – in the Middle East, between Israel and its Arab neighbors; in Sudan, Congo and Liberia; in the Balkans, Cyprus, Haiti, Northern Ireland and elsewhere. He was especially concerned with the peace and security of Afghanistan and Iraq, countries where winning the peace is as important as Coalition battlefield victories. In all areas, he used the power of diplomacy and the universal ideal of democracy to build trust, forge alliances and then begin to transform these once-unstable regions into areas where societies and cultures prosper. General Powell was devoted to grasping opportunities as well as to confronting the global and regional security challenges of the 21st century. He was at the forefront of the administration's efforts to advance economic and social development worldwide – in the fight against HIV/AIDS, in the promise of the Millennium Challenge Account, the most significant change in helping needy nations since the Marshall Plan, and in pursuing a freer trading and investment climate worldwide. These efforts, too, are not separate from the nation's security agenda. Indeed, in testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, then Secretary Powell affirmed that our main purpose is to extend democracy, prosperity, and freedom to every corner of the world. It is a process that is establishing a balance of power that favors freedom across the globe.
Jane Poynter British-born Jane Poynter is a TV host, Biosphere 2 crewmember, sustainability consultant, author, speaker, and technology company president. She has flown experiments in space.... worked on projects to mitigate climate change... dived with sharks... raced motorcycles... and flown in zero gravity. Now she's turned her inimitable energy and passion to sustainability and living green.Jane Poynter is one of only eight people to agree to live sealed in an artificial world for two whole years and succeed. Her training for Biosphere 2 led her to ride the rugged and isolated Australian Outback on horseback, and sail across the Indian Ocean and Red Sea on a concrete research boat. Involved in the Biosphere from the start, she managed the farm where the crew grew its food. She authored The Human Experiment: Two Years and Twenty Minutes Inside Biosphere 2, out in paperback in the fall of 2007.Jane is now President of Paragon Space Development Corporation, which develops technologies for extreme environments (like outer space, under water and hyper efficient buildings). While inside Biosphere 2, she co founded the firm with fellow biospherian, Taber MacCallum, and several aerospace engineers. Jane has had experiments flown on the International Space Station, the Russian Mir Space Station, and the U.S. Space Shuttle.Jane also consults on, and writes about, sustainable development and cool things green. She has worked with the World Bank on projects to mitigate global climate change and grow crops in drought stricken Africa and Central America. She has appeared on hundreds of television and radio shows, and has been interviewed for hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles about Biosphere 2 and her work in space and the environment. She has been an invited speaker at events hosted by groups such as the United Nations Environment Programme, the US Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, MIT and Microsoft. She also hosted a children's educational program, which she filmed in zero gravity on a vomit comet. Jane hosts a TV segment titled Going Green, highlighting things we can do that are better for our health, our pocket books and the environment.
Hugh Price President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Urban League, the premier social service and civil rights organization in America.
Robbie Printz Robbies performance is a reminder of childhood wonders and adulthood absurdities; delivered with high energy and a fast pace that keeps audiences laughing from start to finish.Robbie has been seen on Comedy Central, NBC, MTV, and A&E. The Improper Bostonian named Robbie Printz Boston's best Comedy Act, in their Best of Boston 2003 issue. Robbie won the 2002 Boston Comedy Festival.Robbie has performed at the best comedy clubs across the nation, as well as numerous colleges and corporate events.
Jeff Probst Jeff Probst is currently the host of the Emmy Award-winning series “Survivor.” Additionally, Probst serves as host of VH1's “Rock and Roll Jeopardy,” which is now in its fourth successful season. Over his career, he has helmed several programs for the FX Network, including “SoundFX” and “BackChat.” Before hosting “Survivor,” Probst traveled around the world as a correspondent for the syndicated entertainment news show “Access Hollywood,” conducting celebrity interviews all over the world. Prior to that, he hosted a variety of shows for KIRO-TV, the CBS affiliate in Seattle. Probst made his directorial debut with “Finder's Fee,” a feature film from his own original screenplay, which won the prestigious Golden Space Needle Award for best picture at the Seattle International Film Festival. The psychological thriller is about a well-intentioned street artist who finds a wallet that contains a winning lottery ticket worth $6 million and ends up trapped inside a New York City apartment with the wallet's rightful owner. Probst, a native of Wichita, Kansas, currently lives in Los Angeles when not traveling the world for “Survivor.”
Paul Provenza Popular comedian who hosts the Comedy Channel talk show series, "Comics Only." Paul Provenza portrays a doctor on the hit television series, "Northern Exposure" and is a regular on the "Tonight Show" and the "David Letterman Show."
Puerto Rican Theater Company America's foremost ethnic drama company, the Puerto Rican Theater Company presents plays from a Hispanic point of view.
Howard Putnam Former CEO of Southwest Airlines Howard Putnam’s ultimate objective is “bottom line improvement.” He believes that cultures that place “people” as their #1 priority have the greatest long-term impact and success. Howard was raised on an Iowa farm and learned to fly out of a pasture in his Father's J-3 Piper Cub. He entered the airline business as a baggage handler at Midway Airport in Chicago for Capital Airlines at age 17. Capital was soon merged into United and Howard held thirteen different positions in sales, services and staff assignments in several cities, before being named Group Vice President of Marketing for United Airlines, the world's largest airline, in 1976. In 1978, Howard was recruited to become President and CEO of fledgling Southwest Airlines in Dallas, TX. While at Southwest, Howard and his team tripled the revenues and tripled profitability in three years. They also successfully guided Southwest through airline deregulation and Southwest was the first air carrier to order the Boeing 737-300 which later became the largest selling aircraft ever for Boeing. Howard led the visioning process at Southwest as well as further developing the "fun" culture and excellent customer service that Southwest is still known for today. Southwest has been profitable in every quarter for over twenty-five years, a record unsurpassed by any airline. In 1981, Howard was recruited by the board of directors of Braniff International to come aboard as CEO and save and/or restructure the financially failing airline. He was the first airline CEO to successfully take a major carrier into, through and out of Chapter 11. Braniff flew again in 1984. He is the author of "The Winds of Turbulence" on leadership and ethics. Harvard University wrote a case study on his experiences at Braniff, "The Ethics of Bankruptcy" as a model as to how to handle stakeholders in crisis. He has since been an entrepreneur, the Chairman of a startup investment company and in 1998, the co-founder and chairman of AIR, a commercial airline seat refurbishment company. Howard and Krista have two children, Michael, a commercial airline captain and Sue, in public relations and marketing.