The Story is Out: Why Miss Maine USA opted out of Miss USA

Emily Johnson crowned Miss Maine USA last November.

I remember sitting at our January Titleholder Retreat when Mackenzie, the Executive Director for Miss Maine USA, got the call.  Her titleholder, Emily Johnson, had made her decision about foregoing the Miss USA pageant, thus relinquishing her title. 

The reason? The not-then-released date of the Miss USA telecast was falling on the same day as her big sister's wedding. Now I've known Mackenzie for years now and as a director, she only wants the best for her girls. As a friend, she wants nothing more than to see them reach their full potential. 

Naturally, she was upset for Emily, but only because she knew she was wrestling with such a tough decision. I never seen Mackenzie not support her girls. So with Emily's decision made, everyone did what was necessary to make sure Emily and her family were protected while starting Ashley, the new Miss Maine USA's journey to Miss USA. 

Executive Director, Mackenzie Davis with her 2009 Winners.

In the end, Emily gets to share in one of the most important moments her family will experience and Miss Maine USA, Ashley Lynn Marble, will show up gorgeous as ever to Miss USA on June 19th.

If you were in that situation, would you miss out on your sister's wedding or would you give up Miss USA? It's a tough call, but at the end of the day as long as you stay true to yourself, you can rest with the choice you've made. 

Everyone involved did an excellent job in handling the situation so that both Emily and Ashley could move forward positively and I cannot wait to see how fabulous Ashley will look at Miss USA!

Donald Trump for President: Is he or isn't he?

Speculation continues to rise as Donald Trump's favoritism rises in the Republican polls catapulting him to the top spot, a solid 9 points above Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin. Undoubtedly, Mr. Trump carries the name recognition needed in the Republican Party. Would he be strong enough in the race? Will the Tea Party jump on the Trump train?

Where do you stand on the issues?

 - Libyan conflict

 - Budget plans

 - Housing market

 - President Obama's Birth Certificate Controversy

Below is Mr. Trump's latest interview with Fox News host, Sean Hannity, and what he has called America's need for the Common Sense Mentality. 

 

And the 2011 Miss USA Cosmetics Sponsor is.....

I could not be more excited for our good friends at Rain Cosmetics! Ron has spent countless hours developing the sexiest, freshest, most red-carpet worthy makeup line in the world. Designed for A-list celebrities around the globe, Rain brings the professional-grade line to the every day woman. 

Rain is the first cosmetics line founded in Las Vegas and is a star favorite for the hundreds of red carpet events held there each year. From Paris Hilton to Britney Spears to ABC's hit show (and my personal favorite!) Dancing with the Stars, Rain has done it all. 

Now, tapped as the Official Cosmetics Sponsor for the 2011 Miss USA Telecast and Titleholder Reign, the 51 state delegates are in for a fantastic treat. I absolutely love this line and how beautiful it makes me feel especially in front of the camera. 

So congrats to Ron, the entire Rain Cosmetics family and everyone at the Miss Universe Organization!!

Twitter Explodes Over Donald Trump Today Show Interview

By: Mark Pasetsky

Donald Trump, the host of NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice and possible candidate for President of the United States, continued his non-stop media blitz with this morning’s appearance on the Today Show where he was interviewed Meredith Veira. The response of Twitter was fast and furious with Mr. Trump quickly becoming one of the big trending topics on Twitter.

Why the big fuss?  Trumps’ controversial comments on the Today Show regarding Obama’s birth certificate can partially explain the outburst on Twitter:

“I’m not convinced that he has one,” Trump said of the birth certificate issue.  “I’d like to have him show his birth certificate…And to be honest with you, I hope he can.”

The other reason Trump is lighting up Twitter? NBC’s Luke Russert tweeted this message, which indicates Trump could be a serious contender if he decides to run for President:

 “NBC/WSJ Poll has Donald Trump in 2nd place in #GOP field. Romney 21% Trump 17% Huck 17%. Trump leads amongst Tea Party voters.”

Trump will continue to be a big topic in social media — until at least June – when he’ll decide whether or not he will actually become a Presidential candidate.

Here's a re-cap on where he stands on the heavy issues.