Marisol Valles Garcia: Kepala Polisi Muda Nan Cantik

(AP Photo/Raymundo Ruiz)

Marisol Valles Garcia, menjadi kepala polisi termuda. Di usianya yang baru menginjak 20 tahun, mahasiswi ini resmi dilantik menjadi kepala polisi di suatu kota kecil di negara bagian Chihuahua, Meksiko.

Valles memimpin kepolisian karena tak ada orang lain yang mau melakukannya.

Meski kota kecil, kota di perbatasan dengan Amerika Serikat ini menjadi bagian dari perang obat bius. "Dia satu-satunya orang yang menerima pekerjaan itu," kata seorang pejabat kota itu seperti dilansir NY Daily News, 20 Oktober 2010 waktu setempat.

Keinginan Garcia menjadi polisi dilatarbelakangi karena dia sudah lelah dirundung ketakutan dari teror para kriminal yang berkeliaran di kotanya, Praxedis G. Guerrero, sebuah kota berpenduduk tidak sampai sembilan ribu jiwa. Praxedis kondang sebagai wilayah kekuasaan para mafia.

Valles yang memiliki seorang bayi ini mengatakan, keadaan ini memang menakutkan. "Kami semua takut di Meksiko saat ini. Namun kami tak bisa membiarkan ketakutan mengalahkan kami," kata dia setelah diambil sumpah.

Kota Praxedis ini sering menjadi arena pertempuran dua kartel obat bius, Juarez dan Sinaloa. Mereka telah membunuh pejabat polisi dan walikota sebelumnya. Namun, Garcia memberanikan diri menduduki posisi "neraka" itu.

Sebagai Kepala Polisi, Valles membawahi 12 personel polisi. Langkah pertama Garcia memerintahkan mereka pergi mengecek rumah-rumah dan mencari elemen kriminal yang pekan lalu membunuh delapan orang. Kliki di sini untuk melihat aksi Garcia menjadi kepala polisi di Kota Praxedis.

Minka Kelly

Minka Dumont Kelly (born June 24, 1980) is an American actress. She starred in the NBC series Friday Night Lights as Lyla Garrity from 2006 to 2009.

Kelly was born in Los Angeles, California. She is the only child of former Aerosmith guitarist Rick Dufay and Maureen Kelly, an exotic dancer and single mother who often moved with her daughter to different communities before settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico, by the time Minka was in junior high school. Kelly has recalled her childhood as "pretty rough". She resented Dufay, as he had abandoned her and her mother. However, at seventeen, she attempted to reconcile with him by inviting him to New Mexico. She is of Irish and French descent.

At 19, after graduating from high school, Kelly returned to Los Angeles. While on a test shoot for a modeling agency, she was approached by a former Playboy Playmate interested in managing her, and who placed Kelly as a receptionist at a surgeon's office who would provide Kelly breast augmentation in exchange for hours worked. She then attended school for a year to become a surgeon's assistant, afterwards working as a scrub tech. She spent four years in that vocation while also auditioning as an actress before landing the new NBC television drama Friday Night Lights, based on the high school football movie of that name. In the interim, she had small roles in movies and shows, including the film State's Evidence, and a recurring-guest role on the TV sitcom What I Like About You.

In preparation for her role as cheerleader Lyla Garrity on Friday Night Lights, she trained with the Pflugerville High School cheerleading squad. Kelly received praise for her acting on the series, with the The New York Times calling her performance "heartbreaking".

She shot a cameo for The Kingdom, alongside Jamie Foxx. Peter Berg, the creator and pilot director of Friday Night Lights, directed the film. Kelly was the lead actor on the The CW's 2009 pilot Body Politic which did not go to series.

Minka joined forces with Alyson Hannigan, Jaime King, Emily Deschanel, and Katharine McPhee in a video slumber party featured on FunnyorDie.com to promote regular breast cancer screenings for the organization Stand Up 2 Cancer.

Minka Kelly landed a role in the CBS comedy pilot True Love as Kate, a Midwestern girl who falls in love with Henry — part of the quartet in the ensemble show — at the top of the Empire State Building, but was replaced by Sarah Chalke.

The actress currently guest stars in the NBC primetime series Parenthood.

Minka was named 'Sexiest Woman Alive' by Esquire magazine for 2010.

Michelle Branch

Michelle Branch (born July 2, 1983) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. During the early 2000's, she released two top-selling albums, The Spirit Room and Hotel Paper, as well as singles such as "Everywhere," "All You Wanted," "Are You Happy Now?," and the Grammy-winning collaboration with Santana, "The Game of Love." She was nominated in 2003 for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Following her marriage and subsequent pregnancy in 2004, Branch placed her career on hold. In 2005, she formed the country music duo The Wreckers with friend and fellow musician Jessica Harp, and produced a Grammy-nominated single "Leave the Pieces." Despite that success, the band took a break in 2007 to pursue their solo careers. Her new album Everything Comes and Goes will explore her acoustic/alternative musical roots as well as country music, and will be released in 2009.

Biography
1983-2000: Early life and Broken Bracelet

Michelle Jacquet DeSevren Branch was born on July 2, 1983 in Sedona Arizona to an Irish father and a mother of Dutch Indonesian ancestry. She was named after the Beatles song Michelle and her surname is of French origin. When she was 8 years old she began taking voice lessons from Julie Carrick near St. Mary's School in Flagstaff, AZ. Branch received a guitar for her fourteenth birthday from her uncle and she immediately taught herself chords, and she composed her first song within a few days. During high school, she began writing songs extensively. She initially attended Sedona Red Rock High School but was soon continuing her education through home schooling. Branch's career began with the release of Broken Bracelet, an album released on the independent record label Twin Dragon Records on June 1, 2000. Its title was inspired by an occurrence at a Lisa Loeb concert she attended. Before the concert began, musician Steve Poltz gave her a bracelet made by pop singer Jewel; he told Michelle that "when it breaks, you'll be famous." A year later the bracelet snapped and she thought nothing of it.

2001-2004: The Spirit Room and Hotel Paper

Branch soon signed a recording deal with Maverick Records while opening for Hanson in December 2000. Her first album for the label The Spirit Room was released in August 2001, producing the hit single "Everywhere," which won the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards Viewer's Choice Award. This was followed by "All You Wanted" and "Goodbye to You." Comparisons to other popular singers Marion Raven, Avril Lavigne, and Vanessa Carlton soon followed, all of whom rose to prominence at around the same time. In 2002, her career as an artist began to blossom when she teamed up with Santana on the song "The Game of Love," which went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. She would then earn a Grammy nomination in 2003 for Best New Artist, but was edged out by Norah Jones. Her second album Hotel Paper was released in 2003 and was met with mixed reviews. The lead single "Are You Happy Now?" was a chart success, and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, but was edged out by Pink's "Trouble." The following singles, however, "Breathe" and "'Til I Get over You," did not match the first single's success. Branching out into television, she appeared in several shows, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, American Dreams, and Charmed. In June, 2004 she hosted MTV's "Faking the Video" alongside Nick Lachey and JC Chasez. She also appeared in the Rob Schneider film The Hot Chick.

2005-2007:The Wreckers

Branch decided to collaborate with her backup singer and longtime friend Jessica Harp on a new project in July, 2005. They were initially known as the "The Cass County Homewreckers" as a joke by Branch's husband, but they trimmed it down to The Wreckers. Their album attempted to combine their respective genres, pop rock and country. It was originally slated for release in June, 2005 but was delayed because of reasons surrounding Branch's pregnancy. The duo's first single "Leave the Pieces" was released in February, 2006, while their album Stand Still, Look Pretty was released in May. During this period, they contributed to Santana's album All That I Am, with the song "I'm Feeling You," appeared in the American teen television drama One Tree Hill, and joined country music stars Rascal Flatts and Gary Allan on a U.S. tour. They initially toured with Gavin DeGraw. The album did not satisfy some of her fans, who voiced their displeasure on the message boards for The Wreckers' official website, which had to be shut down. Despite the negative backlash, the group was nominated for the 2006 CMA Awards Vocal Duo of the Year and for a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for the song "Leave the Pieces" in December, 2006. Stand Still, Look Pretty was certified Gold by the RIAA with sales of 851,000 copies as of March 2009. As of early August, 2007, Branch and Jessica Harp announced on the band's official message board that they were putting the band on hold while they moved forward with solo albums. Subsequent press statements have made it clear that The Wreckers, at least as a partnership between Branch and Harp, is no more.

2008-present: Everything Comes And Goes

Immediately thereafter, Branch wrote an unreleased song for Mandy Moore's 2007 album Wild Hope and also wrote "Together" for the soundtrack of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. In October 2007, she announced that she was working on a new solo album and later reported the title would be Everything Comes and Goes. In June 2008, she played several live shows in preparation for the album's release with her sister Nicole singing backing vocals. She was also quoted in Billboard as saying the album would retain a country flavor. A few song titles discussed were "Long Goodbye," "Texas In The Mirror," "This Way," and the ballad "Crazy Ride." On her web site, Branch put up a 46-second clip of her new single "This Way" and in February 2009 released the full song as a free download for her web site's members. Also in early 2009, she sang the song "I Lose My Heart" in a duet with Chris Isaak on his new album Mr. Lucky. The first single from the album "Sooner Or Later" was released on July 28, 2009. In August 2009 during a live show at The Grove in Los Angeles, Michelle confirmed the album is to be released in November 2009.

Personal life

Branch married her bass player Teddy Landau in Mexico on May 23, 2004, and gave birth to a baby girl named Owen Isabelle on August 3, 2005. Her other relatives include an older half-brother named David, a younger sister named Nicole, a maternal grandmother, who was held by the Japanese in an internment camp during World War II, and a maternal grandfather, who was French and Indonesian. During 2007, she sold her Calabasas home, and in January 2008 moved to Nashville. On June 15, 2008, Branch announced on her official message board that she will be fulfilling a lifelong dream by opening a bakery in Nashville called "The Sugar Bar" with pastry chef Rebekka Seale. Unfortunately, the plan was postponed so that she could focus on her music career.

Musical style

Branch owns at least fourteen guitars, but mainly uses a Gibson Hummingbird after retiring her blue Taylor 614ce. In addition to the guitar, she also plays other instruments such as the piano, drums, and mandolin. She states that her music has been influenced by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Aerosmith, Patsy Cline, Cat Stevens, Stevie Nicks, and Joni Mitchell, but also enjoys listening to more contemporary artists such as Incubus, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Metallica, Silverchair, Madonna, Lisa Loeb, Sheryl Crow, and Patty Griffin. Her other interests include classical music and older country music.

Chicago

Chicago is an American pop rock/jazz fusion band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. The band began as a politically charged, sometimes experimental, rock band and later moved to a predominantly softer sound, becoming famous for producing a number of hit ballads. They had a steady stream of hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Second only to the Beach Boys in terms of singles and albums, Chicago is one of the longest running and most successful U.S. pop/rock and roll groups.

According to Billboard, Chicago was the leading U.S. singles charting group during the 1970s. They have sold over 120 million albums worldwide, scoring 22 Gold, 18 Platinum, and 8 Multi-Platinum albums. Over the course of their career they have charted five No. 1 albums, and have had twenty-one top ten hits.

Beginnings

The band was formed when a group of DePaul University music students began playing a series of late-night jams at clubs on- and off-campus. The group eventually grew to seven players and went professional as a cover band called The Big Thing. The band featured an unusually versatile line-up of musicians, including a full horn section (saxophonist Walter Parazaider, trombonist James Pankow, and trumpet player Lee Loughnane) in addition to the more traditional rock instrumentalists: guitarist Terry Kath, keyboardist Robert Lamm, drummer Danny Seraphine, and bassist Peter Cetera.

While gaining some success as a cover band, the group began working on original songs. In June 1968, they moved to Los Angeles, California under the guidance of their friend and manager James William Guercio, and signed with Columbia Records. After signing with Guercio, The Big Thing changed their name to Chicago Transit Authority.

Their first record (released in April 1969), the eponymous The Chicago Transit Authority, was an audacious debut: a double album, very rare for a first release, featuring jazzy instrumentals, extended jams featuring Latin percussion, and experimental, feedback-laden guitar abstraction. The album began to receive heavy airplay on the newly popular FM radio band; it included a number of pop-rock songs — "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Beginnings", and "Questions 67 and 68" — which would later be edited to a radio-friendly length, released as singles, and eventually become rock radio staples.

Soon after the album's release, the band's name was shortened to Chicago, when the actual Chicago Transit Authority threatened legal action.

Chicago's greatest prominence

The band's popularity increased with the release of their second album, another double-LP set, which included several top-40 hits. This second album, titled Chicago (also known as Chicago II), was the group's breakthrough album. The centerpiece track was a thirteen-minute suite composed by James Pankow called "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" (the structure of this suite was inspired by Pankow's love for classical music). The suite yielded two top ten hits, the crescendo-filled "Make Me Smile" (#9 U.S) and prom-ready ballad "Colour My World", both sung by Terry Kath. Among the other popular tracks on the album: Terry Kath's dynamic but cryptic wah-wah-buttressed "25 or 6 to 4" (a reference to a songwriter trying to write at 25 or 26 minutes to 4 in the morning, sung by Cetera, Chicago's first Top Five hit), and the lengthy war protest song "It Better End Soon."

The band recorded and released LPs at a rate of at least one disc per year from their third album in 1971 through the 1970s. During this period, the group's album titles invariably consisted of the band's name followed by a Roman numeral indicating the album's sequence in their canon, a naming pattern that lent an encyclopedic aura to the band's work. (The two exceptions to this scheme were the band's fourth album, a live boxed set entitled Chicago at Carnegie Hall and their twelfth album Hot Streets. While the live album itself did not bear a number, each of the four discs within the set was numbered Volumes I through IV.) The distinctive Chicago logo was designed by Nick Fasciano (bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Coca-Cola logo) and has graced every album cover in one form or another; as an American flag on III, a piece of wood on V, a dollar (or U.S. currency) bill on VI, a Cardinal on VIII, a Hershey bar on X, a computer silicon chip on 16, and mosaic on 18 being among the examples.

In 1971, Chicago released the ambitious quadruple-album live set, Chicago at Carnegie Hall Volumes I, II, III, and IV, consisting of live performances, mostly of music from their first three albums, from a week-long run at the famous venue (along with the James Gang and Led Zeppelin in 1969, one of the few rock bands to play the historic concert hall since the Beatles performed there on February 12, 1964). The performances and sound quality were judged sub-par; in fact, trombonist James Pankow went on record to say that "the horn section sounded like kazoos." The packaging of the album also contained some rather strident political messaging about how "We [youth] can change The System," including massive wall posters and voter registration information. Nevertheless, Chicago at Carnegie Hall went on to become the best-selling box set by a rock act, and held that distinction for 15 years.

The group bounced back in 1972 with their first single-disc release, Chicago V, a diverse set that reached number one on both the Billboard pop and jazz albums charts and yielded the Robert Lamm-composed-and-sung radio hit and perennial fan favorite "Saturday in the Park", which mixed everyday life and political yearning in a more subtle way. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1972. Chicago would long open their concerts with the hit song.

In 1973, the group's manager, Guercio, produced and directed Electra Glide in Blue, a movie about an Arizona motorcycle policeman. The movie starred Robert Blake, and featured Cetera, Kath, Loughnane, and Parazaider in supporting roles. The group also appeared prominently on the movie's soundtrack.

Other successful albums and singles followed in each of the succeeding years. 1973's Chicago VI topped the charts buoyed by the hits "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" (#10 U.S.) and "Just You 'N' Me" (#4 U.S.) and it was also the first of several albums to include Brazilian jazz percussionist Laudir de Oliveira. Chicago VII, the band's double-disc 1974 release, featured the Cetera-composed "Wishing You Were Here", (#11 U.S.) sung by Terry Kath and Cetera with background vocals by Cetera and The Beach Boys and some fusion jazz. Chicago VII also provided one of the group's enduring signature tunes, the anthemic "(I've Been) Searchin' So Long," which started with as a soft ballad and culminated in a hard-rock conclusion featuring Terry Kath's electric guitar soloing against the Chicago horn section and a soaring string arrangement by Jimmie Haskell. "Happy Man," another song from Chicago VII, was also a popular favorite on FM radio, was a big hit in South America and subsequently covered by Tony Orlando and Dawn on their album To Be With You. Their 1975 release, Chicago VIII, featured the political allegory "Harry Truman" and the nostalgic Pankow-composed "Old Days". Both hits reached the Top 15, with the latter even reaching the Top Five. That summer also saw a very successful joint tour across America with The Beach Boys, with both acts performing separately, then coming together for a rousing finale. The tour was considered one of the highest grossing in rock music up to that time.

Chicago gave a concert in Mexico City in 1975 at the Auditorio Nacional which was highly appreciated by the attendants in spite of the fact that the Mexican press later reviewed it not as one of the band’s better performances, presumably for the band not being "in the best of shape". The tickets for the concert sold so fast that thousands of people were not able to get in, so Terry Kath asked those inside to applaud for those standing outside. Carmen Romano de Lòpez Portillo, the wife of Mèxico's then-President Josè Lòpez Portillo, is said to have been among the attendants in the first row.

But for all their effort, none of their singles went to number one until Chicago X in 1976, when Cetera's slow, exquisite ballad "If You Leave Me Now" climbed to the top of the charts and remained there for two weeks. The song also won Chicago their only Grammy award, for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 1977. Ironically, the tune almost did not make the cut for the album; "If You Leave Me Now" was recorded at the very last minute. The huge success of the song would foreshadow a later reliance on ballads that would typecast the group on radio, despite the presence of mellower songs on all the previous albums. The group's 1977 release, Chicago XI, was another big success for the band; it included Cetera's hit ballad "Baby, What a Big Surprise", a #4 U.S. hit which became one of the group's last big hits of the decade.

Time of transition

1978 was a tragic and transitional year for Chicago. The year began with an acrimonious split with long-time manager James William Guercio (which had actually occurred three months earlier). Then, on January 23, guitarist/singer/songwriter/group co-founder Terry Kath died of an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound. Another version describes Kath's drunken last words to guitar tech Don Johnson: "Don't worry, guys. It isn't even loaded. See?" Kath was the group's leader onstage, and for many longtime fans, its musical soul. Terry Kath's stunning death could have meant the end for Chicago, but encouraged by friends and admirers such as Doc Severinsen, the group held fast and soldiered on.

After auditioning over 30 potential replacements for Kath, Chicago decided upon guitarist/singer/songwriter Donnie Dacus, who joined the band in April 1978 just in time for the Hot Streets album and its energetic lead-off single "Alive Again", which brought Chicago back to the Top 15.. The group was briefly re-energized by Dacus, whose long blond hair and rock star image stage presence seemingly overshadowed his musical abilities. The kinetic Dacus may have been out of character for the normally laid-back Chicago, but he could sing and play, and the band responded by delivering some of their tightest live performances ever. Hot Streets, with producer Phil Ramone now at the helm, was Chicago's first album with an actual title rather than a number and was the band's first LP to have a picture of the band featured prominently on the cover (with the ubiquitous logo downsized,) two moves that were seen by many as a way to indicate the band had changed following Kath's death. To a degree, the band returned to the old naming scheme on its subsequent releases, although most titles would now bear Arabic numerals rather than Roman numerals. The release of Hot Streets also marked a move somewhat away from the jazz-rock direction favored by Kath and towards more pop songs and ballads. Dacus didn't last long, only staying with the band through the 1979 album Chicago 13 (Dacus is also featured in a promotional video on the DVD included in the Rhino Records Chicago box set from 2003). 13, again produced by Phil Ramone, was the group's first studio album not to contain a Top 40 hit.

1980's Chicago XIV, produced by Tom Dowd, relegated the horn section to the background on a number of tracks, and the album's two singles failed to make the Top 40. Production values were spare, perhaps due to the lean, stripped-down New Wave music that was popular at the time. Chris Pinnick handled the guitar duties and came close to the "Kath sound," but did not sing. He would remain with the band through 1985. Believing the band to no longer be commercially viable, Columbia Records dropped them from its roster in 1981 and released a second "Greatest Hits" volume later that year to fulfill its contractual obligation.

The second major phase of the band's career took off in late 1981 with a new producer (David Foster), a new label (Warner Brothers), and the addition of keyboardist/guitarist/singer Bill Champlin and guitarist Chris Pinnick (who had played on XIV and subsequent tour); percussionist Laudir de Oliveira also departed at this time along with former Buckingham and sax player Marty Grebb, who had joined the group briefly for the XIV tour.

Foster brought in studio musicians for some of the tracks on Chicago 16 (including the core members of Toto), and Chicago once again topped the charts with the single "Hard to Say I'm Sorry/Get Away". This was followed up by a song that barely missed the top 20, "Love Me Tomorrow." The following album, Chicago 17, became the biggest selling album of the band's history, producing two more Top Ten singles ("You're the Inspiration" and "Hard Habit to Break") (both #3 hits) and two other singles ("Stay the Night" (#16) and "Along Comes a Woman" (#14). Peter's brother, Kenny Cetera, was brought into the group for the 17 tour to add percussion and high harmony vocals.

Lead vocalist Peter Cetera's desire to record a second solo album (he'd done his first one in 1981) and not continue with the band's gruelling tour schedule caused him to leave Chicago in 1985. Although other band members (including Lamm and Champlin) have released solo material, Cetera has proved the most successful, topping the pop charts with The Karate Kid, Part II theme song "Glory of Love," and also with Amy Grant on "The Next Time I Fall". Two more songs, a 1988 solo hit called "One Good Woman" (#4 U.S.) and a 1989 duet with Cher called "After All" (#6 U.S.) reached the Top Ten.

The post-Cetera era

Cetera was replaced in September 1985 by bassist/singer Jason Scheff, who joined the band for the final Foster-produced album Chicago 18. This album was not as commercially successful as the previous two, but still produced the #3 single "Will You Still Love Me?," a Top 5 Adult Contemporary and Top 20 Pop song ("If She Would Have Been Faithful..."), and also a high-tech and highly programmed version of "25 or 6 to 4" with a concept video that got a lot of airplay on MTV. Soon after the album was recorded, the band hired guitarist Dawayne Bailey from Bob Seger's Silver Bullet Band. Bailey and Scheff had previously played in bands together, so Scheff introduced Bailey to the band in time for the Chicago 18 tour (Scheff and Bailey's first concert with Chicago took place on Friday Oct 17, 1986 in Rockford, Illinois).

In 1988, the band replaced producer Foster with Ron Nevison and Chas Sanford, and they topped the charts again with the Diane Warren-composed single "Look Away," from the album Chicago 19. The album also yielded two more Top 10 hits, both with Bill Champlin singing solo lead for the first time and another Top 5 single that would officially be a release from the forthcoming greatest hits record. Chicago 19 was followed in short order by Greatest Hits 1982-1989, which included the aforementioned #5 hit "What Kind Of Man Would I Be?," a slightly remixed tune originally included on 19 and sung by Jason Scheff. The album's other Top Ten hit, "You're Not Alone", reached #10 in early 1989. During 1989, Chicago did a reprise joint concert tour with The Beach Boys (and would do so once again in 1997).

The band continued in the decade of the 1990s, even though their popularity began to decline. There was also another personnel change: founding member Danny Seraphine was fired by the band in 1990 after a severe falling out with some of the others in the group and was replaced by session drummer Tris Imboden, who first appeared on the 1991 album Twenty 1. Imboden was well-known in the industry as the longtime drummer for Kenny Loggins. On a happier note, Chicago was recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 23, 1992.

In 1993, Chicago wrote and recorded their 22nd album, Stone of Sisyphus. Their record company at the time though, Reprise [Warner Music Group], was unhappy with the finished result, and thus the album was not released, although in succeeding years bootleg recordings of the album went on to surface worldwide, including over the Internet. It is also rumored that the label would not release the album as a result of being unable to reach a licensing agreement with band management over the back catalog. Selected tracks from the unreleased album were later officially released on four international compilation greatest hits CDs and the Rhino Records 2003 box set, and four were re-recorded for band members' solo albums. One track, "The Pull," was performed live during their 1993 appearance at the Greek Theatre (taped for PBS, and released on video in 1993). The album finally did see a release in June 2008, almost 15 years after its completion.

Starting on their 1994 tour, Chicago attempted to merge their unique sound with Big Band music for the 1995 album Night & Day Big Band, which consisted of covers of songs originally recorded by artists like Sarah Vaughan, Glenn Miller, and Duke Ellington (from whom the album mainly got its inspiration). Session guitarist Bruce Gaitsch handled the guitar work, and the album featured guest appearances by Paul Shaffer of "David Letterman" fame, and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry.

Keith Howland joined the band as guitarist in early 1995 to replace the departed Dawayne Bailey.

During a Los Angeles concert in 1997, Chicago teamed up with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra to perform a James Pankow/Dwight Mikelson orchestral arrangement of Pankow's rock epic "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon". Also during this year, the group released The Heart of Chicago 1967-1997, a compilation album which went gold and yielded the #1 Adult Contemporary hit "Here in My Heart."

In 1998, Chicago released Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album, which mixed traditional holiday favorites with an original Lee Loughnane composition. It went gold in the US. (The album was re-released with additional tracks in 2003, under the title ''What's It Gonna Be, Santa?) The album featured Howland's first, and to date only, lead vocal on a Chicago record.

The band released a live album in 1999, Chicago XXVI, which included only two of the many songs Cetera helped to write while in the group. In 2000, the group (minus Cetera) had the opportunity to tell their story in an episode of VH1's Behind The Music. This included gems such as Pankow relating this story from the early 1980s: "One record company said 'Man, if you get rid of the horn section, we'll sign ya... That's like tellin' Elton John to get rid of the piano." The show, however, was not without its difficulties. The episode put more emphasis on the death of Terry Kath than their entire career combined. Cetera completely disowned the special and went so far as to not allow VH1 to use any of the songs he composed for the band, even declining to be interviewed (although stock footage of a Cetera interview does appear).

Chicago today

Despite the personnel changes over the years, the group is still active four decades after its founding. They are one of the few major rock groups that have never broken up or even taken an extended hiatus. Four of the six surviving founding members (major songwriters Lamm and Pankow, plus Loughnane and Parazaider) remain to this day providing continuity, while Jason Scheff has over 23 years with the band, Tris Imboden over 18, and Keith Howland over 13.

As a new century turned, the band licensed their entire recorded output to Rhino Records (after years with Columbia Records and Warner Brothers as well as their own short-lived label). In 2002, Rhino released a two-disc compilation, The Very Best of Chicago: Only The Beginning, which spans the band's entire career. The compilation made the Top 40 and sold over 2 million copies in the US. Rhino has also begun releasing remastered versions of all of the band's Columbia albums, each including several bonus tracks; and in 2005 they released a compilation entitled Love Songs.

Chicago continues to appear in big and small venues worldwide. In 2004–2005 they toured jointly with the band Earth, Wind & Fire; a DVD recorded during that tour, Chicago/Earth, Wind & Fire - Live at the Greek Theatre, was certified platinum just two months after its release.

The group released Chicago XXX, on March 21, 2006, their first all-new studio album since Twenty 1. Two songs from this album, "Feel" and "Caroline", were performed live during Chicago's Fall 2005 tour; the studio recording of "Feel" debuted on WPLJ radio in New York in November 2005. "Feel" was the first single released. The album contains two versions of the song: one with horns and an orchestral tag that echoes "Love Me Tomorrow", and another non-brass version. "Love Will Come Back" was the second single released. The album was produced by Rascal Flatts bassist Jay DeMarcus, who is a friend of Chicago bassist Jason Scheff. Seven of the 12 tracks were co-written by Scheff, and the album included a large roster of guest musicians, supplanting band members in many cases. While Chicago XXX did manage to debut at No. 41 on the US album chart (besting some other entries including Chicago XIV which hit US #71 and Twenty 1 which topped out at only US #66), it only remained in the top 200 for two weeks.

During March 2006, Chicago made a multi-week appearance at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, which was repeated in May of the same year. In July 2006, the band made a series of US appearances with Huey Lewis and the News. Highlights of that tour included Chicago's Bill Champlin performing with Huey Lewis and the News on a couple of songs, members of Huey Lewis and the News contributing to Chicago's percussion-laden song, "I'm a Man," and Huey Lewis singing the lead vocal on Chicago's "Colour My World."

In early 2006, original drummer Danny Seraphine formed California Transit Authority, who play many of the older Chicago songs.

At the end of 2006, the band played at CD USA's New Year's Eve party on Fremont Street in Las Vegas. Chicago toured the summer of 2007 with the band America. On October 2, 2007, Rhino Records released the two-disc The Best of Chicago: 40th Anniversary Edition, a new greatest hits compilation spanning their entire forty years, similar to The Very Best of: Only the Beginning, released four years earlier.

June 17, 2008 saw the official release of the Stone of Sisyphus album by Rhino Records, recorded in 1993 and originally slated for a March 1994 release until being shelved by Warner Records. The album contains eleven of the original twelve tracks (the raucous "Get on This" was left off), plus four demo recordings. Its official title is "Chicago XXXII: Stone of Sisyphus" (it was originally slated to be album #22). Summer of 2008 also included multiple European tour dates, with members of the horn section missing at various times. This trend of fill-in players has continued into 2009, with Lamm sometimes the only original member on stage. As Chicago has existed as a "faceless" band for years, the lack of original members may not concern the audience like it would with another long-lived band such as the Rolling Stones and high-profile members like Mick Jagger.

In 2009 Chicago reunited with Earth, Wind & Fire for yet another joint tour.

In August 2009, Bill Champlin, who was with Chicago for 28 years, left the band to focus on his own music and solo career. His replacement is Lou Pardini.

Stephen Lang

Stephen Lang (born July 11, 1952) is an American film actor who started in theatre on Broadway. He is currently co-artistic director (along with Carlin Glynn and Lee Grant) of the famed Actor's Studio at its headquarters in New York City. He is currently represented by Innovative Artists.

Lang was born in New York City, the son of Theresa (née Volmer) and Eugene Lang, who works in business and philanthropy.Lang's mother is Irish-American and his father is Hungarian-American. He married Kristina Watson, a costume designer and teacher, on June 1, 1980. They have four children, Lucy Jane, Noah, Grace and Daniel. Lang attended the P S 178 school in Jamaica Estates, Queens. He graduated from Swarthmore College in 1973 with a degree in Theatre.

Lang played one of Dustin Hoffman's sons (Happy) in the Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman in 1985, and appeared in the first Hannibal Lecter film, Manhunter (1986), as reporter Freddy Lounds. From 1986 to 1988, he played attorney David Abrams in the television series Crime Story. He played the title role in the NBC 1991 made-for-television film, Babe Ruth. He later played the "One Armed Man" in the 2000 revival of The Fugitive starring Tim Daly. The series was a modest success, but only lasted one season due to its expensive production budget.

In 1992, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his lead role in The Speed of Darkness. His role in the film version of Last Exit to Brooklyn garnered him universal acclaim and Oscar buzz, but its limited release prevented the film from reaching a wider audience. On stage, he was the first to play the role of Colonel Nathan Jessup in A Few Good Men, a role made famous on film (1992) by Jack Nicholson. He is the winner of over half a dozen theatre awards including the Drama Desk and Helen Hayes awards.

He played Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett in the 1993 film Gettysburg and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson in the 2003 film Gods and Generals, both from director Ronald F. Maxwell. He considers his portrayal of Stonewall Jackson in Gods and Generals to be his finest performance. Arguably his most famous film role was his portrayal of the villainous Ike Clanton in the successful 1993 Western Tombstone, with Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer.

Before Arthur Miller's death in February 2005, Lang appeared in his longtime friend's last play which was Titled Finishing the Picture. It premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago in the Fall of 2004. This was the same theatre where Lang had the second run of his own play Beyond Glory, which had premiered in Arlington, Virginia early in 2004, and also his Tony-nominated portrayal for The Speed of Darkness. In 2006 he played the role of Colonel Littlefield in John Patrick Shanley's play Defiance. He brought Beyond Glory to Roundabout's Off-Broadway Laura Pels Theatre in 2007. Since its New York City premiere, Beyond Glory has been nominated for a Drama Desk Award and a Lucille Lortel Award both for outstanding solo performance.

Recently, he filmed a key role in the ESPN mini-series The Bronx is Burning as well as roles in the independent features Save Me and From Mexico With Love. On August 3, 2007, Twentieth Century Fox announced that Lang has signed on to play a lead role in James Cameron's sci-fi epic Avatar.

He appeared in Michael Mann's film Public Enemies as Texas Ranger Charles Winstead, the man widely considered to have fired the shots that killed John Dillinger. Lang recently joined the cast of Grant Heslov's The Men Who Stare at Goats alongside Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, and George Clooney, as an intelligence officer.

In 2009 he narrated the audiobooks Road Rage including Richard Matheson's Duel and Throttle by Stephen King and Joe Hill.

Riyo Mori

Riyo Mori (森 理世, Mori Riyo) (born December 24, 1986 in Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, Japan) is a Japanese dance instructor who won the Miss Universe 2007 title in May 2007.

Mori was crowned Miss Universe on May 28, 2007, by the outgoing titleholder Zuleyka Rivera.

As Japan's representative in the Miss Universe 2007 pageant, Mori travelled to Mexico City, Mexico in early May to participate in four weeks of events, rehearsals and preliminary competitions with the other seventy-seven delegates.

In the final competition, broadcast internationally on May 28, 2007, Mori was announced as one of fifteen semi-finalists who would move forward to compete for the title. She achieved the highest score in the swimsuit competition, which advanced her to the top ten and the evening gown competition, in which she placed fourth. Mori's kimono-inspired black/floral evening gown of choice came from the Spring/Summer 2007 collection of Gucci.

In the last round, Mori was asked by Elle magazine fashion director and Project Runway judge Nina Garcia to speak about the one lesson she learned as a child that still affects her life. Mori said that since childhood she has been dancing and hence she was constantly surrounded by students and teachers. Due to the interactions with them, she has learned to become always happy, patient, and positive in her life. She also expressed a desire to teach these principles to the next generation.

At the conclusion of the competition, she was crowned Miss Universe, becoming the second woman from Japan to hold the title. The first Miss Universe winner from Japan was Akiko Kojima in 1959. Mori is the eleventh Asian woman to win the pageant, the most recent being Lara Dutta of India who was Miss Universe 2000.

Mori was the third Japanese woman to place in the top five at Miss Universe in the past five years. Miyako Miyazaki placed fourth runner-up at Miss Universe 2003, and Mori's predecessor Kurara Chibana was first runner-up in 2006. Mori aims to use her success and popularity as a springboard into humanitarian causes. "I think I have a samurai soul, I'm very patient, and I can serve others."

As of December 2007, Mori has traveled to Indonesia, Spain, the Bahamas, St. Kitts and Nevis, China, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Vietnam, France, Monaco, San Marino, Russia and Italy in addition to numerous trips and her homecoming in Japan.

Mori crowned her successor, Venezuela native Dayana Mendoza with a $120,000-USD tiara, Miss Universe 2008 on July 14th, 2008 in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

At the end of her reign as Miss Universe 2007, she was considered by Donald Trump, as one of the two best Miss Universe's of all time, the other being Jennifer Hawkins.

Zuleyka Rivera

Zuleyka Jerrís Rivera Mendoza (born October 3, 1987 in Cayey, Puerto Rico, and raised in Salinas, Puerto Rico) is a Puerto Rican beauty queen who held the titles Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2006 and Miss Universe 2006. She made her debut as a telenovela actress in Telemundo's soap opera Dame Chocolate.

Zuleyka Rivera represented Puerto Rico in the Miss Universe 2006 pageant which was televised live internationally from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on July 23, 2006. After competing in swimsuit, evening gown and interview, she was crowned Miss Universe by outgoing titleholder Natalie Glebova of Canada.

Later that evening, Rivera fainted briefly during a press appearance. The incident was reportedly attributed to heat exhaustion (from the stage lights) coupled with the weight of the heavy, chained dress she was wearing. However this caused controversy as many believed her fainting was due to malnutrition.

Rivera was the fifth Puerto Rican to win the title, which makes the island, along with Venezuela (2008) the second most successful entity in the pageant (behind the United States). Prior to Rivera's win, Puerto Rico had been tied with Venezuela, with each having won the pageant four times. Rivera was the third consecutive delegate from Puerto Rico to make the top five at Miss Universe, after Alba Reyes placed second runner-up at Miss Universe 2004 and Cynthia Olavarría was first runner-up at Miss Universe 2005.

Rivera's win came only five years after Denise Quiñones, the most recent winner from Puerto Rico, won the crown. As Miss Universe, Rivera represented the Miss Universe Organization, both in the United States and internationally. She was based in New York City, where she shared an apartment with Tara Conner, Miss USA and Katie Blair, Miss Teen USA 2006.

At the Miss Universe 2007 pageant she passed her crown to Riyo Mori of Japan in Mexico City, Mexico on May 28, 2007 before a predicted audience of 1 billion viewers.

Natalie Glebova

Natalie Glebova, (born November 11, 1981) is a Russian Canadian beauty queen who has held the title Miss Universe 2005.

Glebova was born in Tuapse, Russia. She is a classical pianist and also has won various regional gymnastic championships. Prior to competing at Miss Universe, Glebova worked as a model and received her Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology Management and Marketing at Ryerson University in Toronto. She has also worked as a motivational speaker for grade school and high school students.

Glebova currently resides in Thailand and is married to Paradorn Srichaphan. The couple, who met during the 2006 Thailand Open, became engaged in April 2007 and were married on November 29, 2007 in Bangkok, Thailand.

In 2008, Glebova joined The Amazing Race Asia 3 and she partnered with Pailin Rungratanasunthorn. They represented Thailand and came in 8th place.

In 2004, Glebova attempted to win the Miss Universe Canada pageant where she placed as 3rd runner-up. The eventual winner, Venessa Fisher, failed to place in the Miss Universe 2004 finals. Glebova competed again in January 2005, and won the title.

Glebova competed in the Miss Universe 2005 pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand in June 2005, where she became the fourth Canadian in ten years to make the initial cut of semi-finalists. She competed in the evening gown and swimsuit competitions, advancing to the top five where she competed in the final interview round. The final interview round was a tough selection; the strongest delegates who managed the Top 5 were Cynthia Olavarria of Puerto Rico, Laura Elizondo of Mexico, Renata Sone of Dominican Republic, and Monica Spear of Venezuela, who were all considered to be pageant powerhouses. At the conclusion of the pageant, Glebova survived the Latin onslaught and was crowned Miss Universe 2005 by outgoing titleholder Jennifer Hawkins of Australia. Glebova's win was Canada's second: Karen Dianne Baldwin of London, Ontario had won in 1982. Glebova and Baldwin graduated from the same high school, London Central Secondary School.

Jennifer Hawkins

Jennifer Hawkins (born 22 December 1983) is an Australian beauty queen, model and television presenter best known as Miss Universe 2004 and the face of Australian department store Myer.

Hawkins was born in Holmesville, New South Wales, Australia and currently resides in Sydney. She attended West Wallsend High School. She is one of four children, and her parents are of Australian heritage. Hawkins was a former cheerleader for the Newcastle Knights rugby league team, and the Hunter Pirates basketball team and also worked as a model. It was as a model that she was cast as Miss Australia for the Miss Universe competition. Hawkins also worked as a choreographer for a dance team that toured Australia specialising in Hip-Hop and Ballet.

Career

Miss Universe

After being selected to represent Australia in the internationally televised Miss Universe 2004, Hawkins sought advice from previous titleholder Ashlea Talbot, and learned basic Spanish prior to travelling to Ecuador.

The Miss Universe pageant was held in Quito, Ecuador on 1 June 2004. A week prior to the event, Hawkins was ranked sixth favourite to win the crown. During the final competition, Hawkins became the first Australian to make the semi-finals since Voni Delfos in 1993. She then proceeded to the top ten after competing in the evening gown competition, where she wore an unusual vintage copper gown that was designed by Bora and cost AU$25,000. After the swimsuit competition, Hawkins advanced to the top five, and eventually won the Miss Universe title. The remaining top five were all delegates from the Americas and Caribbean, including Shandi Finnessey of the USA (1st runner-up), Alba Reyes of Puerto Rico (2nd runner-up), Yanina Gonzalez of Paraguay (3rd runner-up) and Danielle Jones of Trinidad and Tobago (4th runner-up). Hawkins was the first winner from Oceania since Lorraine Downes of New Zealand held the title in 1983, and the first Australian since Kerry Anne Wells in 1972.

Hawkins was crowned by outgoing titleholder Amelia Vega from the Dominican Republic, after famously being announced by host Billy Bush as the "thunder from down under". Pageant co-owner Donald Trump described Hawkins as "the most beautiful Miss Universe I have seen in many, many years".

Hawkins received an elaborate Mikimoto pearl encrusted crown, worth $250,000 as well as an extensive prize package. Hawkins was the first blonde haired woman to win the title since Angela Visser of the Netherlands in 1989.

As Miss Universe, Hawkins represented the Miss Universe Organization. Her "sister" 2004 titleholders were Shelley Hennig (Miss Teen USA, of Louisiana) and Shandi Finnessey (Miss USA, of Missouri). During her reign, Hawkins travelled to Korea, The Bahamas, Brazil, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Singapore, Indonesia, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, India, Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, had multiple trips to Thailand, the host of Miss Universe 2005, and her home country of Australia. As part of her year-long reign as Miss Universe, she resided in New York City in a riverside apartment provided by the Miss Universe Organization. Also during her reign as Miss Universe, Hawkins stated that her wish was to continue modelling and become a television presenter.

Shortly after being crowned Miss Universe in 2004, Hawkins created news during a fashion show at Westfield Miranda, an Australian shopping centre, when she tripped on the hem of her dress, which fell to the floor. Hawkins was left scantily clad in her red thong in front of a surprised crowd. Hawkins later apologized, laughingly adding she "wished she wore better underwear". The incident received the dubious distinction of being named "The most embarrassing moment ever shown on Australian television" by Australia's Nine Network. The "Wardrobe malfunction" was widely circulated through news outlets and according to Google, caused a sharp increase in internet searches for "Jennifer Hawkins".

Hawkins served as a judge for the Miss Universe 2008 finals in Vietnam.

Television presenting

Hawkins signed a contract with the Seven Network at the 2004 Melbourne Cup Carnival. Her first appearances were as a guest presenter on the network's travel show, The Great Outdoors, where she took viewers on tours throughout the world. When she ended her reign as Miss Universe, she became a regular presenter on the show, which resulted in a 2006 Logie nomination for Most Popular New Female Talent. The series may be cancelled in 2009 due to its high budget and because of the ecenomic crisis.

Hawkins is served as the host and one of the judges for Australia's Make Me a Supermodel, which debuted 6 August 2008 on the Seven Network. The series is yet to be announced for a second season.

Other

Hawkins was one of the participants in the fourth season of Australia's Dancing with the Stars and was the fifth celebrity eliminated. On 15 February 2006 she was in a celebrity version of Deal or No Deal called Dancing with the Deal which featured celebrities from Dancing with the Stars. She won $2,000 after refusing every deal.

Hawkins is featured as the love interest of Australian artist, Guy Sebastian in the music video for the second single "Elevator Love" off his third album, "Closer To The Sun". She has made cameo appearances in multiple episodes of The Apprentice with Donald Trump. Hawkins turned down the role of Sophie Solandres in the Pink Panther 2 due to scheduling conflicts, which was eventually given to Former Miss World and Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai.

Carlos Santana

Carlos Augusto Alves Santana (born 20 July, 1947) is a Mexican-born American Grammy Award-winning rock musician and guitarist. Santana became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which pioneered a blend of rock, salsa and jazz fusion. The band's sound featured his melodic, blues-based guitar lines set against Latin percussion such as timbales and congas. Santana continued to work in these forms over the following decades. He experienced a sudden resurgence of popularity and critical acclaim in the late 1990s. Rolling Stone also named Santana number 15 on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time in 2003.

Santana's record sales in the 1990s were very low. Toward the end of the decade he was without a contract. However, Arista Records' Clive Davis, who had worked with Santana at Columbia Records, signed him and encouraged him to record a star-studded album with mostly younger artists. The result was 1999's Supernatural, which included collaborations with Everlast, Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, Eric Clapton, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Cee-Lo, Maná, Dave Matthews, K. C. Porter, J. B. Eckl, and others.

He also created a line of shoes at some time.

However, the lead single was what grabbed the attention of both fans and the music industry. "Smooth", a dynamic cha-cha stop-start number co-written and sung by Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, was laced throughout with Santana's guitar fills and runs. The track's energy was immediately apparent on radio, and it was played on a wide variety of station formats. "Smooth" spent twelve weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming in the process the last #1 single of the 1990s. The music video, set on a hot barrio street, was also very popular. Supernatural reached number one on the US album charts and the follow-up single, "Maria Maria", featuring the R&B duo The Product G&B, also hit number one, spending ten weeks there in the spring of 2000. Supernatural eventually sold over 15 million copies in the United States, making it Santana's biggest sales success by far.

Supernatural won nine Grammy Awards (eight for Santana personally), including Album of the Year, Record of the Year for "Smooth", and Song of the Year for Thomas and Itaal Shur. Santana's acceptance speeches described his feelings about music's place in one's spiritual existence. In 2001, Santana's guitar skills were featured in Michael Jackson's song "Whatever Happens", from the album Invincible.

In 2002, Santana released Shaman, revisiting the Supernatural format of guest artists including P.O.D. and Seal. Although the album was not the runaway success its predecessor had been, it produced two radio-friendly hits. "The Game of Love" featuring Michelle Branch, rose to number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent many weeks at the top of the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, and "Why Don't You & I" written by and featuring Chad Kroeger from the group Nickelback (the original and a remix with Alex Band from the group The Calling were combined towards chart performance) which reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. "The Game of Love" went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

In August 2003, Santana was named fifteenth on Rolling Stone magazine's "List of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".

In 2005, Herbie Hancock approached Santana to collaborate on an album again using the Supernatural formula. Possibilities was released on August 30, 2005, featuring Carlos Santana and Angélique Kidjo on "Safiatou". Also, in 2005, the fellow Latin star Shakira invited Santana to play soft rock guitar ballad Illegal on her second English-language studio album Oral Fixation Vol. 2.

Santana's 2005 album All That I Am consisting primarily of collaborations with other artists; the first single, the peppy "I'm Feeling You", was again with Michelle Branch and The Wreckers. Other musicians joining the mix this time included Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Kirk Hammett from Metallica, hip-hop/reggae star Sean Paul and R&B singer Joss Stone. In April and May 2006, Santana toured Europe, where he promoted his son Salvador Santana's band as his opening act.

In 2007, Santana appeared, along with Sheila E. and José Feliciano, on Gloria Estefan's album 90 Millas, on the single "No Llores". He also teamed again with Chad Kroeger for the hit single "Into the Night."

On October 19, his wife of 34 years, Deborah, filed for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences".

In 2008, Santana started working with his long-time friend, Marcelo Vieira, on his solo album Marcelo Vieira's Acoustic Sounds, which is due to be released at the end of the year. It features tracks such as "For Flavia" and "Across the Grave", the later featuring heavy melodic riffs by Santana.

Carlos Santana performed at the 2009 American Idol Finale with the top 13 finalists, which starred many acts such as KISS, Queen and Rod Stewart. On July 8 2009, Carlos Santana appeared at the Athens Olympic Stadium in Athens with his 10-member all-star band as part of his "Supernatural Santana - A Trip through the Hits" European tour. On July 10 2009, he also appeared at Philip II Stadium in Skopje. With 2.5 hours concert and 20 000 people, Santana appeared for the first time in that region.

Santana is being featured as a playable character in the music video game Guitar Hero 5. A live recording of his song No One To Depend On will also be included in game, which will be released on September 1.

Carlos has recently opened a chain of upscale Mexican restaurants called "Maria Maria". It is a combined effort with renown Chef Roberto Santibanez. They are located in Tempe AZ, Mill Valley & Walnut Creek CA, and Austin TX, and soon to Boca Raton FL.

Salma Hayek

Salma Valgarma Hayek Jiménez (born September 2, 1966) is a Mexican and American actress, director, and television and film producer. Hayek's charitable work includes increasing awareness on violence against women and discrimination against immigrants.

Hayek is the first Mexican national to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. She is one of the most prominent Mexican figures in Hollywood since silent film actress Dolores del Rio. She is also, after Fernanda Montenegro, the second of three Latin American actresses (the other being Catalina Sandino Moreno) to achieve a Best Actress Oscar nomination.

In July 2007, The Hollywood Reporter ranked Hayek fourth in their inaugural Latino Power 50, a list of the most powerful members of the Hollywood Latino community. That same month, a poll found Hayek to be the "sexiest celebrity" out of a field of 3,000 celebrities (male and female); according to the poll, "65 percent of the U.S. population would use the term 'sexy' to describe her". In December 2008, Entertainment Weekly ranked Hayek number 17 in their list of the "25 Smartest People in TV.

Selena Gomez

Selena Marie Gomez (born July 22, 1992) is an American actress and singer best known for playing Alex Russo on the Disney Channel Original Series, Wizards of Waverly Place.
Gomez, an only child, was born in Grand Prairie, Texas to Ricardo Gomez and Mandy Teefy (née Cornett), a former stage actress who was 16 when Selena was born. Gomez's parents split when Gomez was five years old. Gomez's mother later remarried in 2006 to Brian Teefy. Gomez was named after singer Selena. Her father is from Mexico, and she has Italian ancestry on her mother's side.

Acting

Gomez began her acting career at the age of seven, playing Gianna, a recurring role in the children's television series Barney & Friends. Gomez said of being on the show during an interview in 2008: "I was very shy when I was little," and "I didn't know what 'camera right' was. I didn't know what blocking was. I learned everything from Barney" but after two seasons, "[producers] felt like I was getting a little too old, so I got the boot." In 2003 she had a cameo role in Spy Kids 3D. She also had a cameo role in Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial By Fire.

In 2004 Gomez was discovered by Disney at a nation wide scouting. Her first Disney role was in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody as Gwen. In 2007, she appeared on Hannah Montana as Hannah Montana's enemy, Mikayla.

In 2007, Gomez was cast in the Disney Channel Original Series, Wizards of Waverly Place as one of the three main characters, Alex Russo. In 2008 Gomez had a voice-over role as the Mayor's 96 daughters in Horton Hears a Who!. Also in 2008, Gomez appeared in Another Cinderella Story as Mary; the film was released as direct-to-DVD movie and then premiered on ABC Family in January 2009, the premiere was watched by 5.3 million viewer and was ranked as January 2009's No. 1 cable movie across all key demos. She was cast as Carter, an insecure tomboy in Princess Protection Program alongside Demi Lovato. In July 2008, Gomez appeared in the third annual edition of the Disney Channel Games. In 2008, Gomez hosted the second show of Disney Channel Original Series short-show Studio DC: Almost Live. In October 2008, Gomez launched a production company, July Moon Productions.

Music

Gomez recorded the theme song, "Everything Is Not What It Seems" for Wizards of Waverly Place. She contributed a cover of "Cruella de Vil" for the 101 Dalmatians platinum DVD; the song was also featured on DisneyMania 6. In 2008 She recorded three songs for soundtracks, including "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" for Another Cinderella Story.

In July 2008 she signed a record deal with Hollywood Records. During an interview with MTV in August 2008, Gomez announced that she was planning on releasing a debut album in 2009. Gomez said during the interview on the album that "I'm going to be in a band — no Selena Gomez stuff," and continued with "I'm not going to be a solo artist. I think that I don't want my name attached to it". People Magazine reported in May 2009 that the album was set for a September 2009 release. Gomez said during an interview with MTV that the album's music genre will have a pop rock feel to it, and that she plans to play instruments on some of the album's tracks, Gomez said "I will be singing, and I'm learning drums and playing electric guitar." In 2009, Gomez also recorded "One and the Same", a duet with Demi Lovato for Princess Protection Program; the song also appeared on the Disney Channel Playlist. Gomez recorded 4 songs for the Wizards of Waverly Place Soundtrack. Gomez also recorded a duet version of Whoa Oh! with Forever the Sickest Kids.

Personal life

Gomez is best friends with Demi Lovato, whom she has known since they met at the Barney & Friends auditions. After Gomez and Lovato posted a video on YouTube in March 2008, Miley Cyrus uploaded a parody of that video, which caught the interest of entertainment media. Reports included the theory that Gomez and Cyrus were arguing over Nick Jonas, or that Gomez and Lovato might replace Cyrus. On the issue of replacing Cyrus, Gomez clarified, "I'm not interested in being anybody but myself, and I'm not here to replace anyone. I think that she's a wonderful performer, and of course it's a compliment. But I would like to take a different route."

In July, 2008, shortly after Gomez was featured in the Jonas Brothers music video Burnin' Up, playing Nick Jonas's love interest, media outlets began to speculate that Gomez was in a relationship with Nick Jonas but Gomez responded by saying, "I've gotten really close to the entire Jonas family this past year," and, "Nick and I are getting to know each other, but we're not confirming anything".

Charities

Gomez participated in UR Votes Count campaign, the campaign helped encourage over teenagers to learn more about their Presidential Candidates (Barack Obama, and John McCain). In October 2008, Gomez was named a spokesperson for the 2008 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. Gomez said of being a spokesperson, “I am extremely excited to be this year’s Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF spokesperson”.

In October 2008, Gomez participated in St. Jude's Children's Hospital "Runway For Life" benefit. Gomez is the ambassador of Do Something.org after being involved with the charity Island Dog, which help dogs in Puerto Rico. She got involved with the charity while she was filming the Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie in Puerto Rico.

Gomez was featured in State Farm Insurance's TV commercials, which help inform drivers of the dangers of the road, and how to be a good driver. Gomez is also involved with the charity RAISE Hope For Congo. Gomez is involved with the origination's charity events and fundraising efforts. Gomez is also involved in Disney's Friends for Change. She recorded "Send it On" with fellow Disney stars for the charity.

Demi Moore

Moore was born in Roswell, New Mexico and her birth name is " Demetria Gene Gynes" Stage name " Demi Moore". As a child she had a difficult and unstable home life. Her biological father, Charles Harmon, left her mother, Virginia King (November 27 1943 – July 2 1998), after a two-month marriage, before Moore was born. As a result, Moore had the surname of her stepfather, Danny Guynes (March 9 1943 – October 1980), on her birth certificate. Danny Guynes, who committed suicide in 1980, frequently changed jobs; as a result the family moved a total of forty times, once living in a small town called Rogers Manor, Pennsylvania. Moore's parents were alcoholics and often fought and beat each other. Moore was cross-eyed as a child, and wore an eye patch in an attempt to correct the problem until it was eventually corrected by two surgeries. She also suffered from kidney dysfunction. Demi Moore has heterochromia; she has one green eye, and the other hazel.

Moore's family settled in Los Angeles in 1976. Moore attended Fairfax High School in Hollywood, where her schoolmates included Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis and bassist Michael Balzary and actor Timothy Hutton. When Moore was sixteen, her friend, actress Nastassja Kinski, persuaded her to drop out of school to become an actress.

Moore has two younger half-brothers: James Craig Harmon (paternal) and Morgan Guynes (maternal, born 1967).

Career

Demi Moore's film debut was in the 1982 3-D science fiction/horror film, Parasite, which was a hit on the drive-in circuit, ultimately grossing $7 million. However, Moore was not widely known until she played the part of Jackie Templeton on the ABC soap opera, General Hospital, from 1982-1983. Moore also had an uncredited cameo at the end of the 1982 spoof Young Doctors in Love.
Demi Moore (1990)

In the mid-1980s, Moore appeared in the youth-oriented films St. Elmo's Fire and About Last Night, and she was often listed as one of the Brat Pack, a name the media dubbed a certain group of top young actors at the time. In 1988 Demi starred in The Seventh Sign directed by Carl Schultz. After the commercial success of Ghost, Moore was given more prominent roles in A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal, Disclosure and The Hunchback of Notre Dame for which she was the first actress to reach the $10 million salary mark. During the early 1990s, she was the highest paid actress in Hollywood. She never duplicated the success of Ghost and had a string of less successful films like The Scarlet Letter, The Juror, Striptease, and G.I. Jane. Meanwhile, Moore's Passion of Mind co-star Joss Ackland lambasted Moore by describing her as being "not very bright or talented". although he worked with her again on Flawless in 2008. At the same time she produced and starred in a TV mini-series called If These Walls Could Talk, written by Nancy Savoca. A three-part series on abortion, Savoca directed two segments, including the one in which Moore played a single woman in the 1950s seeking a back-alley abortion. She was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress for that role.

Moore was a founding "celebrity investor" in the Planet Hollywood chain of international theme restaurants (modeled after the Hard Rock Cafe and launched in New York on October 22, 1991) along with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and then-husband Bruce Willis.

After a break from her acting career, Moore returned to the screen as a former member of Charlie's Angels gone bad in the 2003 film Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. In 2006, she appeared in Bobby which featured an all-star cast including her husband Ashton Kutcher although they did not appear in any scenes together. She later starred in the thriller film Mr. Brooks, which was released on June 1, 2007. She appeared in Jon Bon Jovi's longform video "Destination Anywhere" as Janie.

In 2006, Moore became the new face for the Helena Rubinstein brand of cosmetics.

Vanity Fair controversy

In August 1991, Moore appeared nude on the cover of Vanity Fair under the title More Demi Moore. Annie Leibovitz shot the picture while Moore was seven months pregnant with her daughter Scout LaRue, intending to portray "anti-Hollywood, anti-glitz" attitude. The cover sparked an intense controversy for Vanity Fair and Demi Moore. It was widely discussed on television, radio, and in newspaper articles. Some retailers pulled the issue from newsstands, while others only sold it in a brown paper bag. The frankness of Leibovitz' portrayal of a pregnant sex symbol led to divided opinions, ranging from complaints of sexual objectification to celebrations of the photograph as a symbol of empowerment.

The photograph was subject to numerous parodies, including the Spy magazine version, which placed Moore's then husband Bruce Willis' head on her body. In Leibovitz v. Paramount Pictures Corp., Leibovitz sued over one parody featuring Leslie Nielsen, made to promote the 1994 film Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult. In the parody, the model's body was attached to what is described as "the guilty and smirking face" of Mr. Nielsen. The teaser said "Due this March". The case was dismissed in 1996 because the parody relied "for its comic effect on the contrast between the original". In August of 1992, Moore would again appear nude on the cover of Vanity Fair, modeling for the world's leading body painting artist, Joanne Gair in Demi's Birthday Suit. The painting is considered by many to be the best-known example of modern body painting artwork.

Personal life

Moore married singer Freddy Moore in 1979 and they divorced in 1985. From 1984 to 1987, Moore had a relationship with Emilio Estevez; they were engaged. In 1987, Moore met Moonlighting star Bruce Willis. They soon fell in love and married two months later. The star couple had three daughters together: Rumer Glenn Willis (b. 16 August 1988), Scout LaRue Willis (b. 20 July 1991), and Tallulah Belle Willis (b. 3 February 1994). Demi and Bruce separated in 1998 and were divorced in 2000, but remain friends to this day. In 2003, Moore began dating actor Ashton Kutcher, who is sixteen years her junior. After much press speculation and interest, Demi married Ashton in 2005.

Moore's primary residence is in Hailey, Idaho, near the famous Sun Valley resort, although she spends much time in the Los Angeles area with Kutcher. She is a practicing follower of the Philip Berg's Kabbalah Centre religion, and initiated Kutcher into the faith, having said that she "didn’t grow up Jewish, but... would say that [she has] been more exposed to the deeper meanings of particular rituals than any of [her] friends that did". Contrary to popular belief, Moore claims she has never been a raw foodist and dispels the vegan rumors by eating a hamburger in a recent Mario Testino photoshoot.

Moore legally changed her last name to Kutcher two years after marrying husband Ashton Kutcher. However, she continues to use Moore in her professional life and her acting roles.

According to the New York Times, Moore is "the world's most high-profile doll collector", and among her favorites is the Gene Marshall fashion doll.

Adriana Lima

Adriana Francesca Lima (born June 12, 1981) is a Brazilian model best known as a Victoria's Secret Angel since 2000 and a spokesmodel for Maybelline cosmetics from 2003 to 2009. At age 15, Lima finished first place in Ford's "Supermodel of Brazil" competition and took second place the following year in the Ford "Supermodel of the World" competition before signing with Elite Model Management in New York City.

Lima never thought about being a model, although she had won many beauty pageants in elementary school. However, she had a friend at school who wanted to enter a modeling contest and didn't want to enter alone, so Lima entered with her. Both sent in pictures, and the contest sponsor soon asked Lima to come out for the competition. Soon after, at the age of 15, she entered and finished in first place in Ford's "Supermodel of Brazil" model search. She subsequently entered the 1996 Ford "Supermodel of the World" contest and finished in second place. Three years later, Lima moved to New York City and signed with Elite Model Management. After acquiring representation, Lima's modeling portfolio quickly began to expand, and she appeared in numerous international editions of Vogue and Marie Claire. As a runway model, she has walked the catwalks for designers such as Vera Wang, Christian Lacroix, Emanuel Ungaro, Giorgio Armani, Fendi, Ralph Lauren and Valentino, among others. Lima became a GUESS? girl in 2000, appearing in that year's fall ad campaign. She also appeared in the book A Second Decade of Guess? Images.

Lima continued to build upon her portfolio, doing more print work for Maybelline, for whom she worked as a spokesmodel from 2003 until 2009, the same year she appeared in the company's first calendar, a limited edition run also featuring Kemp Muhl, Jessica White, Julia Stegner, and Anna Wang. Lima has also worked for notable fashion brands bebe, Mossimo, Armani, Bulgari, De Beers, FCUK, Intimissimi, Keds, Swatch, Versace, and BCBG. She also appeared on the covers and in the editorials of other fashion magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, GQ, Arena, Cosmopolitan, and Esquire. Her April 2006 GQ cover was the highest-selling issue that magazine for the year, while her April 2008 cover brought a record number of hits to the magazine's website. She also appeared in the 2005 Pirelli Calendar and became the face of Italy's cell phone carrier, Telecom Italia Mobile, a move that earned her the nickname, "the Catherine Zeta-Jones of Italy."

In 2006, São Paulo Fashion Week released a calendar featuring twenty-five Brazilian models, including Lima. The calendar was accompanied by a movie containing interviews with the models, which was broadcasted at GNT in Brazil and then hit the shelves as a DVD.

In February 2008, she was featured on the cover of Esquire, re-creating the classic 1966 Angie Dickinson cover on Esquire's 75th anniversary along with fellow Victoria's Secret Angels Alessandra Ambrosio, Karolina Kurkova, Izabel Goulart and Selita Ebanks. She appeared only in shoes, diamonds and gloves for the November 2007 issue of Vanity Fair celebrating 20 years of supermodels with her fellow Angels. In February 2008, she was chosen to be the face of Mexico's Liverpool department store chain and launched the partnership with a press conference, runway show, and summer campaign. Lima returned to the high fashion runway in 2009, walking for Givenchy. That same year, after visiting Turkey, Lima signed a contract with Doritos to appear in print campaigns and commercials which began airing in Turkey in April. She is also one of the faces of Givenchy for the Fall/Winter 2009 season, alongside Mariacarla Boscono and Iris Strubegger

In 2006, Lima ranked as the fifth highest paid supermodel. In 2007 and 2008, she ranked as the world's fourth highest paid supermodel by Forbes Magazine.

Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a family car built by Mitsubishi Motors. It has been known as the Colt Lancer, Dodge/Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, Mitsubishi Carisma, and Mitsubishi Mirage in various countries at different times, and will be sold as the Galant Fortis in its home market from 2007. It has also been sold as Lancer Fortis in Taiwan with a different facelift compared to Galant Fortis from September 15, 2007.

Since its introduction in 1973 over six million Lancers have been sold.


First generation (A142A - A145A)

The Lancer (LA series in Australia, where it was called the Chrysler Valiant Lancer initially) was first launched in 1973 and proved to be particularly successful in rallies, a claim that it retains to this day. At the time of its launch, Mitsubishi had the Minica kei car and the compact Galant, so the Lancer served to fill the gap in the small to lower-medium segment of the growing Japanese market. Twelve models were launched, ranging from a basic 1.2 L sedan to a more powerful rally-derived 1600 GSR model.

There were three body styles, 2-door coupes, 4-door sedans, and a rarely seen 5-door station wagon.

Celeste

In 1975, the Lancer was complemented by a hatchback coupé called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste (also called the Mitsubishi Celeste or Colt Celeste in some markets; it was the Chrysler Lancer Coupé in Australia and the Plymouth Arrow in the United States), and sold with 1.4 L and 1.6 L options (a 2.0 L model was added later).

Facelift and exports

A facelifted Lancer followed soon after, called the LB series in Australia (and without the Valiant tag). It was this series that emerged in the United States as the Dodge Colt for the 1977 model year, taking over from a badge-engineered Mitsubishi Galant from the previous year. It was offered for one more model year before the Dodge Colt name was transferred to the front wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage.

Second generation (A172A - A176A)

In 1979, the Lancer EX was unveiled in Japan. Two engines were only offered back then, a 1.4 L MCA-JET equipped engine paired with Mitsubishi's Silent Shaft Technology, which generated 80 hp (60 kW) and a 1.6 L engine that generated 85 hp (63 kW) and 100 hp (75 kW). The MCA-JET system was something new than the used carburetor system. The MCA stands for Mitsubishi Clean Air which meant that the EX passes both Japan and US emission standards whilst the new cylinder head design of the engine gave way for a third or Jet valve that introduces an extra swirl of air to the combustion chamber swirling the fuel-air mixture for a cleaner, efficient and thorough burn. Another new breakthrough in the Lancer is the Silent Shaft Technology which is actually two counterbalancing shafts that rotate in opposite directions, cancelling the power pulses a normal 4 cylinder engine would be inherent back then, reducing engine noise and vibration providing a smoother ride. The 1.8 L Sirius 80 engines was then introduced in the Lancer in 1980, along with a new 70 hp (52 kW), 1.2 L engine a year after providing a wider choice of engines for the Lancer. Also, a turbocharged, 135 PS (133 hp/99 kW) engine was added in 1980 for a sportier performance and an Intercooler system was integrated in the existing turbocharged engine to produce 165 PS (163 hp/121 kW) in 1983.

Lancer EX 1800GSR and GT Turbo

In 1980, The Lancer EX was introduced with a 1.8 L turbocharged 4-cylinder option known as the 1800GSR and GT Turbo. The first generation 1800GSR and GT only came out with a turbocharged, non-intercooled 135 PS (133 hp/99 kW). And in 1983, an Intercooler was then introduced, making it achieve 160 PS (158 hp/118 kW).

Japan Model and Trim Levels

• 1400SL - 4-door sedan powered by a 1.4L engine, with a 4-speed Manual Transmission. 5-speed was also introduced. (1979-1987)
• 1200SL - Same as the SL, with a 1.2L engine option. (1979-1983)
• 1400GL - 3-speed Automatic version of the SL (1979-1983)
• 1400SL A/T - Same as the GL, with minor changes. (1983-1987)
• 1600XL - 4-door sedan powered by a 1.6L engine, with a 3-speed Automatic Transmission. (1979-1983)
• 1600XL Super - Same as the XL, with minor changes. (1983-1987)
• 1800SE - 4-door sedan powered by a 1.8L producing 100 hp engine, and available with a 5-speed Manual Transmission or a 3-speed Automatic Transmission. (1981-1983)
• 1800GSR Turbo - 4-door sedan powered by a turbocharged 1.8L engine producing 135 hp, with aesthetic upgrades.(1981-1983)
• 1800GT Turbo - Same as the GSR, but with a different body trim. (1981-1983)
• 1800GSR Turbo Intercooler - Intercooled version of the first turbo version, producing 160 hp, and with minor changes to the aesthetics. (1983-1987)
• 1800GT Turbo Intercooler - Same as the GSR Turbo Intercooler, again with different body trim. (1983-1987)
• 1800GSL Turbo - Same as the GSR Turbo Intercooler, only it used the engine from the GSR/GT Turbo, and equipped with a 3-speed Automatic Transmission, and with a more luxurious interior. Along with an AM/FM Multi-Cassette Stereo System. (1983-1987)

Lancer EX 2000 Turbo

In Europe, the Lancer EX was offered with a turbocharged 2.0 L 4–cylinder engine known as the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo. It was the first Lancer to use the very first 4g63 engine which was then used in succeeding models such as the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 and the Lancer Evolutions I to IX. It achieved a maximum output of 168 bhp (125 kW) and manages a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h) in less than 15.5 s. A new feature on this model is that it is equipped with ECI or Advanced Electronically-Controlled Fuel Injection which gave the Lancer more power and outstanding fuel economy as it did 23.0 mpg in city driving and 28.8 to 37.2 mpg in highway driving. A rally version of the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo was made for the 1000 Lakes Rally that gave out 280 PS (276 hp/206 kW). Sales of this model were low because of emission regulations Japan imposed at that time.

Philippines (1979-1989)

In The Philippines, the Lancer EX (which is popularly known as the Box Type Lancer) was offered with three variants. These variants are the SL, GSR, and GT. All engines were equipped with the Silent Shaft Technology (the SL had the 1.4 L MCA-JET engine) and soon after, Automatic was available for SL and GSR variants. Sales stopped in 1989 since it was to be replaced by the Fourth generation Lancer.

Model And Trim levels

• SL - Base Model. 4-door sedan powered by a 1.4L engine with a 4-speed Manual Transmission and later introduced with the 1.2 L engine (4G11) alongside with the 3-speed Automatic Transmission
• GSR - Mid Range Model. 4-door sedan powered by a 1.6L engine with a 5-speed Manual Transmission. 3-speed Automatic Transmission along with a 1.8L engine option (4G62 - carb ver.) was then introduced.
• GT - Limited Edition version with the Lancer EX Turbo Bodykit, 14" alloy rims, and same 1.6L engine.

Other Markets

The Lancer EX (the Lancer name was used, and excluding Japan) was sold throughout the Asia and the Pacific (Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Australia, New Zealand). It was also sold in South America.

Engines Used

4G63 (A176A)

• ECI Turbocharged SOHC 1997 cc (2.0L) I4, 170 hp

4G62/G62B (A175A)

• ECI Turbocharged SOHC 1795 cc (1.8L) I4, 160 hp
• ECI Turbocharged (Non-Intercooled) SOHC 1795 cc I4, 135 hp
• Carb SOHC 1795 cc I4, 100 hp

4G32/G32B (A174A)

• Carb SOHC 1597 cc (1.6L) I4, 85 hp

4G33/G12B (A173A)

• Carb "MCA-JET" SOHC 1410 cc (1.4L) I4, 80 hp

4G11/G11B (A172A)

• Carb SOHC 1244 cc (1.2L) I4, 70 hp

Third generation (C12A - C18A)

In 1982, a new model was launched called the Lancer Fiore also known as third version, based on the Mitsubishi Mirage. The Fiore was often sold as a Lancer in international markets, but also the Mirage Sedan and, with the five-door hatchback model, remained in production for a good part of the 1980s. In Australia, it would eventually be sold as the Mitsubishi Colt Sedan although cosmetically different. Thus, Mitsubishi had two similarly sized models competing in the same market segment.

The following year, both Mirage and Lancer lines were renewed from the third generation. The Mirage four-door and Lancer sedan became the same car. Fuel injected and turbocharged models were an integral part of this range. A station wagon was added in 1985, and it spawned a raised, four wheel drive version. Often, the Mirage (or Colt) would be the name used on the three-door hatchback, and the Lancer name used on the remainder.

This model formed the basis of the original Proton sedan, the Saga, which was still in production until early 2008.

Fourth generation (C61A - C65A)

In 1988, a more aerodynamic-looking Lancer was launched, following the shape of the Galant. A five-door hatchback was added to the range. The Mirage and Lancer nomenclature continued. The station wagon continued on the old platform and shape, as did, in some markets, a five-door version of the Mirage. In Australia, all models were sold as the Mitsubishi Lancer, initially designated as the CA series and from 1990 as the CB. By that time, the Lancer name was shared with the Dodge Lancer sold in North America. The sedan was sold as the Mirage Aspire in Japan.

In some markets a 'van' model was produced, being the three-door hatchback (which had an upright profile) without rear side window (this triggered a reduced sales tax burden in the Dutch market).

Fifth generation (CB2A - CD9A)

It was only in 1991 that there was greater differentiation between the Mirage and Lancer. Although both were on the same platform, the Lancer sedan received different sheetmetal from the Mirage four-door. The Mirage variant was sold in North America under the Eagle Summit name. Minivan models, such as the Mitsubishi Space Runner and Mitsubishi Chariot, were mechanically related. In 1993, the Lancer wagon, named the Libero in Japan, was launched. An electric version was also released named the Libero EV that ran on NiCd batteries. A V6 variant was also introduced with only 1.6 L, making it the smallest mass-produced V6. The high-performance, turbocharged GSR version formed the basis of the contemporary Lancer Evolution (or 'Lancer Evo') from September 1993, using the drivetrain of the successful Galant VR-4 rally car.

The Mirage Asti Coupé in Japan was offered as the Lancer Coupé in many export markets.

The fifth generation Lancer was rebadged as the Proton Wira sedan and 5-door hatchback models in Malaysia in 1993 with 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 L engine capacities. A short-lived 2.0 L diesel model was also available. Currently, the car has stopped production as one of the longest running Proton models in Malaysia after Proton Saga, which is also based on a previous Lancer model. The Proton Wira was recently replaced by Proton's latest model, the Proton Persona.

Australia (1992–1996)

In Australia, this generation was officially referred to as the CC series. It was sold as a 2-door coupe, as well as a 4-door sedan, wagon and 5-door hatchback (essentially carried over from the previous generation). The GL trim model was the last Lancer to use a carburetor internal combustion engine. The rest of the range used an electronic fuel injection engine. This generation was sold until 1996, when it was replaced by the popular CE series model.

Model and trim levels:

• GL - 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and station wagon. Powered by a 1.5 L engine (67 kW)
• GLXi - 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 1.8 L engine (4G93 SOHC - 86 kW) (sold from new with 1.8 instead of 1.6 variant, due to Australia's poor quality "91 octane" fuel)
• Executive - 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 1.8 L engine (4G93 SOHC - 86 kW)
• GSR - 4-door sedan. Powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L engine (4G93t DOHC - 141 kW)

Philippines (1993-1996)

Described as "Lancer itlog"/Lancer egg (also known as Lancer hotdog type), because of the shape of its body and its rear signal light.

Model and trim levels:

• EL - 4-door sedan and no tachometer. Powered by a 1.3 L Cyclone Variable Venturi carbureted engine (4G13 SOHC) (59 kW)
• GLi - 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.5 L Cyclone ECI-MULTI engine (4G15 SOHC) (66 kW)
• GLXi - 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.6 L Cyclone ECI-MULTI engine (4G92 SOHC) (86 kW)
• EX - 4-door sedan. Same specifications as the EL, and released in 1996.

Europe (1992–1996)

Model and trim levels:

• GLi - 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 1.3 L ECI-MULTI engine (4G13 SOHC) (55 kW)CB2A
• GLXi - 4-door sedan and wagon. FWD or AWD. Powered by a 1.6 L ECI-MULTI engine (4G92 SOHC) (84 kW) CB4A
• GLX - 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 2.0 L DIESEL engine (4D68) CD8A
• GTI -(gera from over there) 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.8 L ECI-MULTI engine (4G93 DOHC) (103 kW) CB4A
• GSR - 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.8 L ECI-MULTI turbo-charged engine (4G93 DOHC turbo) (150 kW) CD5A

Latin America (1993–1997)
Model and trim levels:

• GL - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.3 L carburated engine (4G13 SOHC) (58 kW)
• GLX - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.5 L carburated engine (4G15 SOHC) (65 kW)
• GLXi - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.6 L ECI-MULTI engine (4G92 SOHC) (84 kW)

Sixth generation (CK2A - CM5A)

In 1995, the Lancer was renewed for its sixth generation, building on the earlier model's format. Apart from the Evo models' continuation, it did not depart from the established Lancer formula. A sedan and wagon (Libero in Japan) were offered, with a related Mirage model. The coupé continued as the Mirage Asti in Japan, known as the Lancer Coupé elsewhere. The 1995 Lancer (Model from 1995-2002 in some countries) is more popularly known as the 1997 Lancer. A turbocharged GSR version continued to be sold until the end of the 1990s. This platform was also the basis for the Mirage, as it was known in North America and various other markets.

From 1996-2004, the Mitsubishi Carisma replaced the Mitsubishi Lancer in some markets.

It is of note, that the Lancer Evolution V was the only Lancer Evolution to gain Mitsubishi the WRC constructors championship. However, driver Tommi Makinen was able to claim four WRC driver's championships for himself, in 1996-1999, driving Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution III, IV, V & VI.

Australia (1996–2004)

In Australia, the sixth sold from 1996-2004. It was designated as the CE series. Like the previous generation, it was available in a variety of body styles, which helped to cater for a more broad audience. The introduction of a sporty MR coupe helped to target this model directly towards a younger audience. The station wagon continued on as a CE model, even though it was essentially carried over from the previous generation. This model had an unusually long model run, becoming increasingly uncompetitive as the years went by and often heavily discounted by dealers. Towards the end of its model run, Mitsubishi introduced some limited edition models (based on the GLi) to remain competitive with its rivals, these editions featured extras such as sports interiors, alloys and body kits off higher spec models. Generally, this generation sold well throughout its production run.

It should be noted that despite the introduction of the eighth generation Lancer Cedia in 2002, the CE series continued to be sold alongside it until mid-2004. The sedan was available in GLi trim, until it was finally discontinued in 2003. The coupe was facelifted and now only available in GLi and MR trims.

Due to its appearance, affordability, and the rise in status of the Lancer Evolution, this generation was quite popular with young car enthusiasts and the aftermarket modified Japanese car scene. Some popular modifications include exhaust systems, suspension, after market stereos and replica Evolution body kits.

Model and trim levels:

Series I (96-98) and Series II (98-99)

• GLi - 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.5 L engine (4G15 SOHC - 69 kW)CK2A
• GLXi - 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8 L engine (4G93 SOHC - 88 kW)CK2A
• MR - 2-door coupe. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8L engine (4G93 SOHC - 86 kW)CK2A
• MR - 4-door coupe. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.6L MIVEC engine (4G92 DOHC - 130 kW)
• GSR - 4-door sedan. Powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L engine (4G93t DOHC - 141 kW)CM5A
• MXd - 4-door sedan. Powered by a Diesel Turbocharged 2.0L engine (4D68T SOHC - 65 kW)

Series III (99-03)

• GLi - 2-door coupe (1.5 L or 1.8 L) and 4-door sedan (4 cylinder, 1.8 L)
• GLXi - 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8 L engine
• MR - 2-door coupe. Powered by a 4 cylinder (6 cylinder, 99-00), 1.8 L engine

Series IV (02-04) coupe update only

• GLi - Choice of 1.5 L engine (discontinued in 2003) or 1.8 L engine, 4 Cylinder
• MR - Powered by a 1.8 L engine, producing 86 kW (115 hp) & 163 N·m (120 lb·ft) of torque (1500-4500 rpm) out of a 4 cylinder

Philippines (1996–2002)

Described as "Lancer Pizza" such for their pizza-shaped rear lamps.

• EL - 4-door sedan with 1.3 L carb engine (4G13 - 55 kW)
• GL - 4-door sedan with 1.5 L engine (4G15 - 65 kW)
• GLXi - 4-door sedan with 1.6 L SOHC engine (4G92 - 85 kW)
• GLX - 1999-2002 model 4-door sedan with 1.5 L carb engine
• GLS - 1999-2002 model 4-door sedan with 1.6 L Fuel injected engine
• MX - 1999-2002 model 4-door sedan top of the line with 1.6 L EFI SOHC engine with INVECS automatic transmission.
• GSR - 2-door coupe (97-02) Powered by 1.6 L 4G92 SOHC engine

Seventh generation (CS2A - CS5W)

The year 2000 saw the release of the seventh-generation Lancer Cedia in Japan (meaning - Century Diamond); though in most markets the seventh generation Lancer continued, built at Mitsubishi's Mizushima plant in Japan. The new model was available in sedan and station wagon forms. The Mirage, apart from the export models, became a different car in Japan that was unrelated to the Lancer. In Europe, the Lancer was not offered in some countries, being too close to the size of the Dutch-built Carisma, so the Evo VII model sold there bore the Carisma name. This is the first generation in many years where the Lancer nameplate is universally used. It is still sold in Japan where the eighth generation Lancer is known as Galant Fortis

In North America, the Lancer Cedia was introduced in 2002 as a direct replacement for the Mirage. It is powered by a 2.0 L 4G94 engine producing 120 hp (89 kW) and 130 ft·lbf (176 N·m) of torque.

In Australia, the seventh generation Lancer was introduced as the CG series in July 2002 with the 2.0 L 4G94 engine. It was introduced as a replacement for the seventh generation sedan, and was sold alongside the popular seventh generation coupe.

Mid-generation facelift (2003-06)
For 2004, a heavily restyled Lancer surfaced with a front facia that brought it into line with the Mitsubishi corporate look, as well as a restyled rear, to further differentiate itself from the Lancer Evolution and for a more modern appearance.

North America

In North America, additional minor styling changes also occurred for 2005 and 2006. For the 2005 model year, the grille was changed to include more fins to reflect a closer similarity to the North American Galant. For the 2006 model year, the fascia was changed again from a bridged fascia to one with an open vent after Mitsubishi received complaints from current owners regarding its similarity in appearance to General Motors Division Pontiac's corporate look, and to bring the appearance closer to its bigger brother, the Evolution.

In Mexico, the Lancer was available in DE, ES, LS and GS trims with a 2.0 L DOHC 4G63 engine. There were no estate versions: only the four-door saloon.

Ralliart

In addition to the facelift, North America received two additional models to the Lancer line in 2004 - Sportback and Ralliart. The latter slated in between the base and high performance Evolution model. Both the Sportback and Ralliart had high levels of equipment, based on the Australian Lancer VR-X. The main difference being that these cars came equipped with Mitsubishi's 2.4 L4G69 engine (rated at 160 hp (119 kW)/162 ft·lbf for the Sportback, and 162 hp (121 kW)/162 ft·lbf for the Ralliart), included a new, stiffer suspension package that improved handling and lowered the cars stance by 1 centimeter, 16" alloy wheels, front bucket seats borrowed from Japan's Mitsubishi Evolution GT-A, Fog Lamps, and a new aerodynamic ground package. The Ralliart also came equipped with a cosmetic rear deck spoiler, and clear rear tail lights. The Sportback was equipped with a 4-speed INVECS-II automatic transmission, with no option for a manual transmission, while the Ralliart came with a 5-speed manual transmission with an option for the 4-speed automatic. The Sportback was also available in the lower spec LS trim.

Due to Mitsubishi's deteriorating financial situation and slow sales, the Lancer Sportback wagon was cancelled in the United States one year after its release. But the Mitsubishi Lancer wagon was sold in Canada, Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and is still available in at least the last as of February 2009. The Lancer Ralliart is based on the Evo VII-VIII and Lancer OZ Rally.

Australia

The 2003 facelift, designated the CH series, introduced a heavily updated VR-X, which included new 16" alloys, stiffer suspension, body styling kit, and gear shifter borrowed from the Lancer Evolution. In 2004, the new Lancer wagon was introduced as a direct replacement for its ageing predecessor).

In August 2005, all Lancers were upgraded to the 2.4 L 4G69 engine, producing 115 kW (154 hp) and 220 N·m (162 lb·ft) of torque. The upgraded engine also saw a change in trim levels and upgraded equipment—the ES and LS models now featured a more upmarket looking black interior, while the VR-X gained a new black grille to closer resemble the Lancer Evolution IX. The equipment levels of all models were also upgraded, with the LS and VR-X gaining climate control, and a premium audio system sourced from the luxury Mitsubishi Verada. The Exceed model was discontinued, and all updated models now used JDM sized rear bumpers instead of the larger USDM sized versions. Additionally, the wagon also saw these changes; and as of 2007, continues to be sold alongside the sedan.

The ES and LS models were given a minor facelift for the 2007 model year; this time gaining the same front grille as the US models, and putting it into line with the current corporate look—similar to that of the Colt and the locally built 380. Prior to the introduction of the all-new ninth generation Lancer, a limited edition ES model dubbed 'Velocity' went on sale. This package included VR-X grill, rear spoiler, leather/alcantara bolsted seats, sports pedals, 15" OZ alloy wheels and chrome exhaust tip—all for the same price as the previous standard ES.

Other markets

In Japan, the Lancer Cedia was offered with many different trim levels and engines, including options which were never seen in export markets. It was also one of the first models to use the INVECS-III CVT transmission. There was also a Ralliart version of the sportswagon which was powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L GDI engine. As of 2007, the seventh generation Lancer sedan is still being sold alongside the new eighth generation, which is known in the home market as the Galant Fortis.

In Pakistan, this variant was launched in 2005 with cosmetic changes from the front and the back. Thai production was switched to the new model, and in all markets except for India the seventh-generation model was no longer marketed, four years after the Cedia's introduction.

India received the new Lancer in 2006, known locally as the Mitsubishi Cedia to distinguish it from this version that is still assembled and sold as the Lancer because of its continued popularity.

In some European markets, the Lancer began to take the place of the Carisma in 2004. It is powered by a 1.3 L SOHC 4G13, 1.6 L SOHC 4G18 engine and a 2.0 L DOHC 4G63 (all 4-cylinder).

In Malaysia, the Lancer was made available after Mitsubishi had sold all its shares in Malaysian carmaker Proton, marking the return of Mitsubishi in Malaysian market after being absent since 1985 due to the agreement with Proton. The Lancer sold in Malaysia was powered by the 4G18 engine which also powered the early 1.6 Proton Waja model.

In the Philippines, the Lancer underwent a facelift, now without the central semi-triangle in the grille. It is offered in 2 trims, the base GLX with a 5-speed manual and the GLS with an all-new INVECS-III CVT with manual override. All of them are powered with an l4 1.6L 4G16 SOHC engine.

Eighth generation (CY2A - CZ4A)

In 2005, Mitsubishi revealed the Concept-X model car at the Tokyo Motor Show and its Concept-Sportback model at the Frankfurt motor show. The new Lancer is based on these two concepts. The new Lancer was officially revealed in January 2007 at the Detroit Motor Show and went on sale in North American markets on March 2007 as a 2008 model. New Lancer features Mitsubishi's next-generation RISE safety body.

North America

For the United States, the new Lancer was initially available in DE, ES, and GTS trim levels. DE and ES are powered by a GEMA based 4B11, 2.0 liter DOHC engine producing 152 hp (113 kW) (except for California models which have been detuned to 143 hp (107 kW) to meet regulations). Transmission options include a brand new CVT, sourced from Jatco (code: F1CJA), alongside a regular 5-speed manual sourced from Aisin AI (code: F5MBB). GTS models get a 6-speed (fixed gears in sport mode) paddle shift version of the CVT.

In Canada, a fourth model (SE) was introduced to the Lancer lineup late in the model year. The SE model is a cross between the ES and GTS models. It includes the skirt package similar to the GTS, a rear spoiler, and unlike the GTS model, the SE includes a sunroof. Features not included in the SE model that are found in the GTS are the FAST key, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone interface, automatic climate control, Rockford Fosgate sound system, carbon fiber trim pieces, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and 18" wheels.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback (North America)

For U.S. markets, starting with the 2009 model year, an ES-Sport version was released similar to the SE model for the Canadian market. Externally the ES-Sport is similar in appaearance to the GTS' skirts, spoiler, mirrors, etc (with the exception of the wheels, the ES-Sport retains the ES wheelset). The ES-Sport also uses the ES 2.0 liter engine.

For 2009, the GTS is powered by a 2.4 L 4B12 engine producing 168hp and 167 lb ft.

Mitsubishi plans on selling the five-door hatchback version, known as the Sportback, in the U.S. for the 2010 model year, starting in late Summer 2009.

Australia

The Lancer was released in Australia in October 2007, designated as the CJ series. It will come in ES, VR, VRX and, since the forth quarter of 2008, Aspire trim levels. Active stability control and traction control will be standard on all models. Standard on the ES will be dual front airbags and a driver knee airbag. The VR and VRX will get side and curtain airbags also. It will have a 2 litre 4B11, 113 kW (152 hp) engine and be equipped with a 5-speed manual or with a 6 speed CVT transmission as a $AUD2300 option. A Ralliart model will follow, and a Lancer Evolution will also make the line up. The Lancer also scored a maximum of 5 stars in the ANCAP crash test. As of September 2008, Mitsubishi's Australian website revealed a new trim level called Aspire. A 2.4 litre engine has been introduced for the Aspire along with leather seats, High Intensity Discharge headlights, Rockord-Fosgate premium sound system and CVT as standard. The MMCS entertainment and satellite navigation unit is an option. The VRX has been upgraded with the larger engine. The Lancer Sportback is now available in Australia as of October 2008, the model line up includes ES, VR, VRX and Ralliart.

Asia

With the exception of the Lancer Evolution X, the Lancer is marketed as the Galant Fortis (Latin for strong, steadfast and courageous) in the Japanese domestic market. It comes in 3 trim levels: Exceed, Super Exceed, and Sport.

The new Lancer was released on September 15, 2007 in Taiwan and has been named Lancer Fortis. It's powered by a 4B11, 2.0 litre DOHC engine outputting 157 hp (117 kW) and the transmission is a 6-speed (fixed gears in sport mode) version of the CVT. However, unlike other Lancer models in USA and Japan, Mitsubishi has changed the front and rear ends to make it look like a family car.

Due to popular demand of the 7th-gen Lancer in Singapore, it will continue to be sold alongside the new Lancer which will be called the Lancer EX to differentiate itself from the former. The 1.5l, 2.0l and the GTS (marketed as the GT) variants are available in Singapore. For MY2009, the GT has been refreshed all around with updated front grill, darkened clear tail lamps, and chrome lining with an additional floor console internally. Rear brakes has also been upgraded for the 2.0 variants to disc brakes for better stopping power.

In Malaysia, only the GTS is offered and is marketed as the GT. However, the national car manufacturer Proton has renewed cross-licensing and technology transfer agreements with Mitsubishi as of October 2008, and the new Proton Waja for the 2010 model year will be a re-badged 8th-Generation Lancer but with possibly different engine options.

In Indonesia, like Malaysia, only the GTS is sold and is badged as the GT using the new 2.0L engine and is sold alongside the Evolution X, and like Singapore the previous generation Lancer is still sold, marketed as the Lancer Cedia using the same 1.8L engine as the 7th generation Lancer.

Hong Kong received its unique edition of the Lancer in 2008, dubbed the Lancer 2.0. The car comes in two trim levels, without a name for either of them. Both are equipped with the 4B11 2.0 4 cylinder engine, 7 airbags, 8 speaker stereo system (manufacturer not known), Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with HID as well as 18" alloy wheels. The upper trim has Ralliart style body kit which includes a revised front bumper, side skirt, rear bumper with diffuser and the addition of a correct-to-Evolution-X rear spoiler,while the lower trim make do without the abovementioned features.

In Philippines the Lancer arrived in Mid 2008 known as the Lancer EX to differentiate it from the 7th-generation Lancer still sold in the Philippines. It offers 4 variants, GT-A (CVT), GT (M/T), MX (CVT) and the entry level GLX (M/T).

Chile

To differentiate it from the previous model, still on sale, this generation Lancer is marketed as Lancer Serie R in Chile.

Europe

In Europe, a 140 hp (100 kW; 140 PS) 2000 cc diesel model is also available which is built by Volkswagen.

As of May 2008 the previous generation Lancer is still sold alongside the "New Lancer" in both saloon and wagon forms.

Lancer Ralliart

A detuned and cheaper version of the Evo X was announced at the 2008 Detroit auto show. This model became available for purchase in the United States in October, 2008. 177 kW (237 hp), 343 N·m (253 lb·ft) of torque.

For 2009, the Ralliart is available exclusively with the TC-SST transmission, although Mitsubishi has suggested the possibility of a 5-speed transmission at a later date. The TC-SST transmission equipped in the Ralliart offers 2 modes (Normal, Sport) rather than the 3 modes the same transmission offers in the Lancer Evolution X MR (Normal, Sport, S-Sport). The car also includes a simplified version of the Evolution X's AWD system (taken directly from the EVO IX), with a simple "mechanical limited slip" rear differential. According to Edmunds.com the Ralliart model underperformed the GTS in certain tests, including the skidpad, slalom, and braking distance. However, the Ralliart outperformed the GTS in other tests, including 0-60 and the quarter mile.