An Award-Winning Digital Marketing Strategist and Personal Publicist, Joy Kennelly has covered the worlds of entertainment, red carpet events, celebrities, travel, technology, politics, food and fashion festivals for many years.
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No matter how times change, some things will always remain the same. By this, I'm referring to Pre-Oscar Gifting Suites. All the stars and wannabe stars flock to these like they've never received a gift in their life, or else that's just my impression having been to so many over the years, but seriously, they're the one time all of Hollywood mixes for a daytime party. Free gifts. Fun People. Glamour. Photos. Networking. An Oscar pre-party.
What's not to love?
I enjoyed attending two very different types of gifting suites during this past weekend. One that's been around for years and one that was new and both were unique and special in their own ways.
Luxury Experience & Co and Valerie Beverly Hills presented a luxury gifting lounge honoring nominees and presenters during Oscars Weekend at the exclusive Valerie Beverly Hills located in the “Golden Triangle” in the heart of Beverly Hills, California. With quality and luxury in mind, LE & Co gifted celebrities an unparalleled level of style and sophistication in beauty, health, home, travel and wellness.
"Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" actor Kirk Bovill, Selling Sunset star Amanza Smith, "Dollface" actor Gilles Marini, Amber Friendly (Apple TV’s “The Morning Show"), Tyler Perry's "The Have and the Have Nots" actor Celeste Thorson, Filmmaker/Actress Kathy Kolia, Actress/TV Host Caitlin O'Connor, John Singleton’s “Snowfall,” star Angela Lewis, Adrian Dev (Westworld, Mulan), and many others, which created a great mix of film and television talent.
Protégé Footwear was a huge hit among women due to their mechanically engineered fit designed by Candace Chen, the Founder and CEO. A woman's heel is cupped at the heaviest weight of the body on the heel, with gel padding at the ball of the foot, interchangeable straps to vary the look and a toe grip that prevents your foot from awkwardly sliding forward.
I've ordered a pair and am very curious to see how I like the fit since I've had injuries in the past that prevent me from wearing most high heels. Plus, I don't need extra height, but these were too beautiful and interesting not to buy.
LE & Co founder Melissa McAvoy, named 2019 Top Dynamic Women by Modern Luxury | Angeleno Magazine, toasted to the success of talent walking away from the event with incredible gifts, valuable new connections and a sense of celebration for the amazing past year in entertainment.
"We couldn't have asked for a better partner to host such a successful event with," McAvoy said of Valerie Beverly Hills. Taken from the Valerie's website and I quote:
"Valerie Beverly Hills is a cosmetic company and makeup boutique based exclusively out of Beverly Hills, California. A luxury brand prized for selling a unique line of high quality cosmetics, Valerie Beverly Hills offers an unparalleled beauty experience to its consumers.
So cheers to all who attended, showcased their wares, and gave us a great memory. We enjoyed the experience. It was a great party and can't wait for the next one. And in the meantime, don't mind me. I'm grateful for my gift bag and seeing as it's one of my love languages, very happy now! Thank you Melissa and team! Great Pre-Oscar event!
I don't really know what I want to write today, except that I need to say something. I went to Kelp Journal's book launch last night at the Hermosa Beach Museum and listening to everyone read excerpts from their stories inspired me to share.
I recently lost my favorite Aunt, the last remaining relative of my little Mom, and I have felt numb. I keep waiting for the tears and sobs I experienced when my Uncle died a few years earlier, but think because his death was sudden, whereas she was in hospice and expected to die any day, perhaps I grieved earlier? I can't tell, but I wish the heaviness in my chest would go away.
I finally finished watching the final season of Ted Lasso, and watching "Ted" struggle to stay in Europe away from his young son and all the emotions that raised for him was how I felt living in TX knowing my Dad needed me. I also loved all the other subplots with various characters, but none more than "Rebecca" because I desire to love and be loved like her too. And watching the regret of the "Wonder Kid" as he turned his back on his "football" family and endured his Dad's critical nature, made me desire to have a loving community that would stand by me too, as the Captain did for Hughes and Rebecca did for the crazy publicist, Keeley.
Here's a compilation someone made of what they felt were the best parts of the show, but to me the entire show was stellar Jason Sudeikis.
Grief is so weird.
I know when I was living in Alpine, TX and my friend's husband had a stroke, I just cried and cried when I found out because I had a feeling he wouldn't recover. We were 3 hours from the closest major hospital and it seemed inevitable although we all held out hope and prayers. I visited him in the hospital where his wife held vigil and told him I loved him, encouraged my friend and sat until I couldn't sit still any longer.
The loss of a loved one is never easy. And the older I become, the less easier it is as more and more loved ones pass. When I lived here in CA 2021 or was it 2022? I can't remember, but I do know 6 family and close friends died within 6 months and I couldn't handle thinking if I stayed living with my Dad, I would one day wake up to see him dead too.
My Dad understood and along with my friend, Bobby, helped packed up my car to allow me to go live in Florida and escape. My Dad continues to surprise us and recently celebrated his 92nd birthday early September. It's a miracle and testimony to his strength of will because many of his circle of Over the Hill gang buddies have passed away recently.
One man died a week after moving into an assisted living place which may be one reason my Dad doesn't want to move into one. Another had a bad fall and soon passed away not long after. Both men were long-time family friends whose children I had attended school with and it was a sad day when we heard.
I have to wonder how losing all my Dad's friends is affecting his mental health because there has to be a toll, even though he would never talk about it. I remember when my little Mom died and he and I were writing thank you notes to everyone who came to her memorial how precious that time was together. We would think of what he wanted to say to express his appreciation for their support and it was one of the most loving, vulnerable times I've ever shared with my Dad.
Although I've written in the past about some of the trauma I've experienced with him growing up, more and more, the older I become, I remember all the good times too that made my childhood so special and unique.
Like when he turned our Christmas presents into animals like an elephant or rabbit. Or Sunday afternoons when Mom served us Sunday dinner after church and we would be "forced" to listen to classical music to gain an appreciation for the arts. Or while living in Reno, NV we all rode our bikes to hear live music in the park and would eat watermelon while we listened. Or my favorite memory, when we were traveling cross country, Dad would buy a gallon of ice cream and a huge bottle of root beer and we would have root beer floats as lunch. That was always the best.
He never would let me become a cheerleader or wear Ditto pants because he never wanted us to be sexualized like so many young women were. I didn't attend my prom, didn't wear shorts to school because it wasn't respectful, and went to church 5 times a week, Sunday 3 times, Wednesday Bible Study, Friday youth group. I'll never forget how liberating it felt when I went to Bible College after high school to skip services.
Ironically, attending Montana Wilderness Bible College (now known by another name) in the wilderness outside Augusta, MT, it was the first time I tried a glass of wine, saw my first R-rated movie, got to wear whatever I wanted because other students thought Californians were crazy anyway, and hiked a mountain by myself. It was also my first school-wide food fight in the school cafeteria, first nickname, first of many crushes on the guys there too, first time pranking the guys, first time being away from home, first time throwing a Good Bye MASH party where I was Hot Lips Hoolihan, and first time seeing that adultery could happen even in a Christian school.
I'm still friends with many of the friends I made during that one year and have stayed with almost all of them during various trips. I think when you're 18 or 19 years old, those friendships define who you are and leave an imprint on your life that many others do not.
I remember returning from that year feeling changed, and hating all the concrete of CA because I couldn't see the beauty of the ocean after living amongst trees and hills. It's probably why I chose to attend another Christian school in the Pacific Northwest. I loved all the greenery, but I grew to dislike the rain.
That time, when I returned from school, all I could see was the sunshine and I wondered why anyone ever stayed inside when the glorious sun was always shining.
Every time I've left CA, I've returned and seen something new that I appreciate. This time it's been the very temperate weather. After living in TX for 2 years, where it feels like you're walking into an open oven every time you open your door during the summer, even when we've had a heatwave here, it hasn't affected me and I've still loved CA weather.
But I constantly ask myself, is CA really where I will end up? I still don't like the policies of Governor Newsom. I resent the increased crime and homelessness. And I hate how unaffordable everything is. I daydream about living overseas and wonder which country will I escape to next. Unless work comes through here in the USA first. I just don't know any more.
I watch Emily in Paris and eagerly soak in the TV version of Paris and Rome. Are these cities I will love with the same passion "Emily" does? Will I meet someone overseas like she does? Recently, one of my close friends has met the love of her life and it gives me hope that one day I too, will meet the partner I am to spend the rest of my life with.
But as I told the guy in the waiting room of my mechanic, how can I date anyone when my main priority is making sure my Dad is taken care of and until I know for a fact I'm not needed to do so, can I rest. And that constant state of fear and worry isn't healthy. I recently began taking a Magnesium supplement and finally am almost sleeping the entire night. I haven't felt this rested in ages. It's like the nooks and crannies of my body that were empty and making me feel fragile have been getting filled in so I feel almost fully human again.
I've also really enjoyed helping people find and buy their favorite cruises and vacations as a Travel Advisor again. I forgot how much I love sharing my knowledge and travel expertise to help people find the right hotels, restaurants, and things to do wherever they're going.
Happy to help you too!
But it all feels temporary, like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop, or when my Dad will pass. I feel the time I have left with him I want to enjoy every moment that I can despite all the obstacles and issues my family and a friend of my fathers throws my way to prevent me doing so. It's why I returned to CA, but will it continue to be the reason I stay? I haven't decided.
All I know is, after listening to the life story of Mariner's Pastor Eric Geiger this morning, and the love and kindness his father expressed towards him after a disastrous summer purge like experience, it has made me emotional all day. To see a grown man choke up when sharing about his Dad's love for him, it made me think of my Aunt and my Dad. And my friends here who have loved and held me up during my life.
My Aunt was my confidante, my friend, my teacher, my role model, my cooking inspiration, and my ideal of what it meant to live a life of class and courage. Despite experiencing numerous heart attacks, strokes, the loss of her leg below her knee, she continued to live with grace and dignity and humor. Even when she couldn't speak, she would still manage to say, Whoo hooo, when she liked something someone said. She remained competitive too, winning costume jewelry at bingo.
I remember asking her once why she wore so much gold and diamond jewelry. She replied, it's my armor and gives me confidence. I've never been one to wear much jewelry and didn't understand it, but seeing her pile on the costume bracelets and necklaces later when she couldn't wear her real jewelry in the nursing home, I had to wonder if it was serving another purpose.
Each friend and family member I've lost has given me something special to remember them by. My friend Alex taught me the value of homeopathic medicine and how to be honest in male/female friendships. My friend John taught me how to be a better publicist and friend. My friend Evie taught me to keep moving forward and not let the turkeys get me down. My friend Suzy taught me how to live extravagantly and fully. My friend Dave taught me what it meant to be a loving father and husband as he lived into his 90's. My Uncle taught me the value of stability and choosing to live a life of focus. My Aunt taught me how to live courageously and positively.
I believe we truly don't appreciate the wisdom and love in our lives until we don't have those friends or family members around any more. That said, it's why I want to spend as much time with my Dad while he is living. I don't want to have any regrets that I didn't spend time with him, care for him or do right by him. I just don't.
That's why I'll continue pursuing every avenue I can to make his final days or months quality. I want him to know I loved him and was there for him. I want my conscience to be clean and to have peace when he passes that I did everything I could to make his life better when he couldn't do it for himself.
Like I tried to do for my Aunt. And all my other friends I've loved and lost. They have all touched my life in ways I will never forget. They made hard times easier and good times better. I sometimes wonder if I'll find new friends like them, but until then, I will keep on living the best way I can and loving on the friends I still have around me.
If you want to hear an amazing story of living with no regrets, I highly recommend taking a listen to the message Pastor Eric Geiger of Mariner's Church shared today. It will touch your heart and maybe even your soul if you let it.
I will admit, perhaps I watch too many TikToks, Instagram reels and videos on Facebook and YouTube, so shoot me. Just realized I shouldn't say that now that I live in Texas! People might take me up on it. lol
I am an info addict and those feed my curiosity immensely. Little bits of knowledge and wisdom parsed out in quick bites is perfect for the way my mind processes things. Then, if I'm really curious, I'll dig a little deeper or go down the rabbit hole in that person's feed to see what else they say about a subject.
Am I alone in this? Or are you a consumer of social media the way I am?
In any case, lately, I've been enjoying watching male comedians because for some reason a lot of female comedians come across as too shrill or bitter for me or too intent on bashing men, and I like men.
I learn a lot about the male psyche watching guys like Tom Segura, Joe Rogan, Bert the bear (can't spell or remember his last name.:), Gary Owen, Theo (whatever his last name is), Bobby and Andrew (I'm really bad with last names and too lazy to look them up so bear with me), John Crist, Ali Sidik (sp?:) and others whose names escape me because I haven't had coffee yet.
Why am I awake so early!? Did you know your brain is most plastic and open to new concepts right when you wake up? Learned that listening to a neuroscientist. I have to wonder if that's why as Christians, we're encouraged to read our Bible when we first wake up to make what we read stick more.
And did you know if you don't turn your phone on right when you wake up and do other things like see the sun for 15 minutes first thing, you will reset your body clock to help break insomnia? I'm putting this in layman's terms, but I've heard it repeatedly by people who study human motivation and the brain.
"A pioneering researcher transforms our understanding of trauma and offers a bold new paradigm for healing in this New York Times bestseller
Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust.
He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives."
Doesn't that sound fascinating? I've included my affiliate link above if you want to buy it. (Sorry, this is a new way of blogging for me so excuse the crass money plugs, but why shouldn't I get compensated when I refer someone to something good?:)
In any case, listening to these comedians, they're extremely vulnerable in sharing their lives and I think that's why I'm so drawn to listening right now. Joe Rogan, not as much, but I like him because he's always sharing extremely obscure bits of information and then shows the video to back it up. I didn't use to like him because he swore so much, but lately, he's been more respectful, or else I'm immune now.
I hate when people use the F-word as a crutch in comedy. It's why I stopped watching Kevin Hart. I used to LOVE Kevin too, but after a while, the swearing is desensitizing and dehumanizing. I feel it demeans our society and reduces language to the lowest common denominator when there are so many more words in the English dictionary and the world of language in general.
My favorite from old times is hurly-burly. Dictionary Definitions from Oxford Languages hurl·y-burl·y /ˌhərlēˈbərlē/ noun busy, boisterous activity. "the hurly-burly of school life"
But I digress as my other favorite gay comedian, Greg, always says. He likes to share what his students say to him in drama class and it always cracks me up to hear what children think in this day and age. But sometimes all the bodily fluid jokes become too much.
Where was I? Oh yes, trauma in the body. I was fascinated to learn that there is so much trauma in the world among common folks. I always thought PTSD was confined to veterans, rape victims, and other victims of violence or horrible things, but the deeper I dive, the more I learn it really can affect all of us as explained above.
And I don't know about you, but I feel relieved to know that certain patterns of behavior like moving a lot, having lots of jobs, or on the flip side, being a workaholic, having difficulty with being emotionally trusting in relationships, not liking loud noises, and other things are a reflection of trauma.
I'm listening to a bird sing outside my window and it's so pleasant. I rarely hear them so let's all take a pause on trauma and enjoy the quiet moments in life that we experience when we wake up super early and live in a peaceful environment.
Doesn't that feel calming? Now do you see why I love living in Texas? I listened to my favorite original podcast recently, This American Life by Ira Glass, and his Russian producer was sharing the story of her mother coming to America as an immigrant and having difficulty adjusting to New York.
Listening to her share, I realized I'm going through something similar living here in Texas. It's a HUGE adjustment because everything is new. The way people interact interpersonally, the way the streets are set up, how people socialize, what there is to do here, and a very different way of life overall.
What I find ironic is that it's been 6 months plus since I've been living in Austin, TX and there are times I hate it so much if I didn't have a lease that penalizes you $2,000 if you terminate it early, I would already have moved on. However, since I'm stuck because I don't feel like wasting that money, I'm going to attempt to stay in one place and make the best of it and dig in like my Texas friends encourage me to do.
Such a novel concept.
I think trauma has affected society overall when I observe dating now that I'm open to it again. I see so many men liking my profile, and wanting to be friends, or more, then when you match, they don't reach out. And if they do, they are younger men who like older women for their sexual prowess, or they have a thing for voluptuous women because they think we're more accepting of them and that's why they reach out. But what I find most fascinating is when you provide your number, they hide behind texting.
If I wanted a pen pal, I would find a child in a foreign country and sponsor them. LOL
I'm at the stage of my life where I want a man to be a man and allow me to be in my feminine. Just pick up the phone, call, and see if you connect already!:)
I saw one of my TikTok faves, Scott D Henry, duet with a girl who was explaining why she didn't want to date a guy after her first date and I agreed with her. Scott was mocking her for wanting the guy to be the one to make plans, set a time, confirm, and then meet vs letting the girl make all the decisions on where to meet, the guy not making any reservations, and then just planning to wing it the day of by calling to confirm day of.
I think because so many women have been so easy to get into bed lately, men think they don't have to earn it anymore or put in any effort and I think that is also a reflection of trauma.
When you're not raised to value yourself or trust yourself, when you're young, you feel giving yourself away quickly will cause a guy to fall in love with you, but it doesn't work like that ladies. And men, stop taking advantage of this and start respecting yourself too. Sure you can sleep with tons of women, but is it fulfilling? Is this really how you want to spend your life? Or do you want to be loved and love back? Think about it.
I read this book years ago and it was very interesting to learn how men are so different! I think that's why I enjoy listening to my male comedian rotation so much. Even though they're crass and sometimes dirty, at least with videos, I can just click past until I find one I like better. And you learn how guys think in an unfiltered, honest way.
Comedian Neal Brennan is one guy I don't particularly find that funny, sorry Neal, but I enjoy his podcast where he interviews other comedians. I find him too intellectualizing in his humor and when I want to laugh, I don't want to have to think that hard. I think so much about so many other things, comedy is where I relax and enjoy. So nothing personal Neal, just not my style.
He interviewed Gary Owen and he had a lot of trauma growing up in a trailer park with an absent dad who barely loves him even now, a mother whose constantly changing lovers were required to take him to school, and other things that were really sad to hear. But because he's a comedian and tells it funnily, I was laughing.
I noticed too a pattern of people who have endured trauma is they hide it under laughter or joke about it. I remember one time a group of us went to the Aspen Comedy Festival together for fun and we arrived early because the one girl had a beautiful mansion we were able to stay in. And I do mean mansion. It was one of the best vacations I think I've ever had. Comedy for a week, a beautiful mansion, and having fun? Sign me up again!
We went to hear all the comedians and I'll never forget one guy who had been pursuing comedy as a career for a very long time who just went off on a furious rant that he wasn't being selected to have a sitcom or agent even. He was so angry I was worried he might hurt someone. His trauma was in our faces that day.
I often wonder how many famous people wouldn't have become famous if they didn't have a trauma wound pushing them to find love and validation from society because they didn't receive it from home or their relationships or whatever.
I enjoy reading memoirs because of the real stories of how hard it was to climb the ladder of success and how they overcame a lot to achieve the level of success they had. It's never, look at me, my life is great! It is more like, these were the hard things I went through, this is how I've overcome it, and here are the results.
Just recently John Stamos wrote his biography, If You Would Have Told Me An Audible Best of the Year 2023 Celebrity Memoir Selection This program is read by the author.
“...I love him, and I respect him, and I need him. We all do.” —from the foreword, written and read by Jamie Lee Curtis
It's comforting to hear famous people struggle because then I realize that even though I don't want to be famous, as long as I keep plugging away, one day I will achieve my goals too. It never happens overnight.
That's why it bothers me that Kat Williams would tear other guys down so hard. And if it's true what he's said about sexual favors, then I wish those comedians would speak up to help change the entertainment industry rather than hide behind their success and pretend it never happened. If this is prevalent, bring it to the light so it can be cleaned up!
Sexual abuse isn't limited to one gender. And I feel the entertainment industry in particular is a breeding ground for that due to unresolved trauma in the people who perpetuate it. The more I learn about trauma, the more I realize how negatively it's affected all aspects of our lives in society and how much healing is needed.
I heard someone say recently that looking back into your trauma and healing it, is similar to a slingshot. You pull back and back and back all the layers of your truth, and once you're healed, you spring farther ahead even farther because now nothing is holding you back.
I hope what I've shared has made sense and you will consider your trauma if you're carrying any. Do you want to continue to live a life that is shadowed by past wounds? Or do you want to be free to live a life that is fully lived and happy?
I look at friends who have had loving, supportive childhoods and their life experiences and expectations are drastically different than mine. I have difficulty trusting, they don't. I want what they have and I'm going to do everything in my power to achieve it even if it's painful and difficult.
I believe healing is powerful and worth fighting for. I hope you will too.
Take care. The birds have stopped, I have lots to do, but it's been nice to share what's been on my heart with you. I hope you have a wonderful day!
And remember, it's never too late to have a happy childhood.:)
Southern Californian native, Aaron Anastasi, was born to an Italian father with Middle Eastern ancestry, and an Italian mother with Eastern European ancestry. His father, a lifetime saw filer tradesman, and his mother, a career secretary, Aaron was the first person in his family to graduate college as the second son of seven boys.
Spending the majority of his younger years in and around Huntington Beach, California, Anastasi's early years were filled with surfing, playing guitar, and performing music. In high school, Anastasi trained, acted, and sang in a number of music theater productions.
A talented singer-songwriter and vocal coach, his music career took off when he was in college, and for many years Anastasi spent summers and weekends touring widely, performing music, sketch, and stand-up comedy with his band, including, most notably, Nathan Chapman, two-time Grammy Award winning producer of Taylor Swift, who played guitar on Anastasi’s debut album, Star Seven.
Academics came naturally to Anastasi. After high school he received a Humanities BA degree from Lee University and achieved a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, where he studied philosophy, psychology, and theology.
After Anastasi stopped performing music, he co-founded several successful music-oriented businesses, including an online singing lesson course entitled Superior Singing Method, with long-time best friend, Chas Smith, a fellow musician and college roommate. With over 50M views and 500K subscribers on YouTube, Superior Singing Method became world-renowned, being ranked the #1 online singing program for over a decade.
Anastasi's academic training proved invaluable when he began coaching clients in industry-leading roles ranging from TV and film directors, to Netflix and Google executives, to TED Talk speakers and Billboard-charting artists. He credits EST Founder, Werner Erhard, as well as Byron Katie, founder of The Work, and philosopher Martin Heidegger, with the transformational style he employs which is also based on his extensive ongoing reading of personal development and leadership materials, of which he is unashamedly obsessed.
Taking his own coaching advice, Anastasi has limited his executive coaching to a small, exclusive, high-profile clientele in order to fully pursue his passion for acting.
After shaving his head as an experiment, Anastasi’s career spiked, booking four dramatic roles back-to-back including his appearance as “Adrian” on Marvel's Runaways, as well as an efficient paramedic on 9-1-1 and Bosch, and a recurring role on The Baxters.
A prolific creator, Anastasi has also written, produced, and starred in the episodic web series entitled Adam & Jamero, produced 3 documentaries, and played a vigilante ex-cop in the film, Vigilance, which he wrote, produced and starred in, along with a few one-hour drama thrillers in various levels of development.
It was only a matter of time before someone came out with a comedy mocking everything we've all gone through with the pandemic and Re-Opening kills it!
If you can read this, you have better eyes than me, but suffice it to say, some comedy and film heavyweights were involved in creating this gem of a film. You may recognize the directors' Chris Guerra from The Groundlings Main Company and Matthew John Koppin.
Official synopsis: "RE-OPENING is a fully-improvised lockdown mockumentary following the cast and crew of a struggling theater (All Voice IS Theater) in Pigeon Valley, Tennessee. They attempt to prepare the theater to reopen to the public after months of lockdown, encountering setbacks along the way."
This was an 6 month, 18 day shoot and Kelsey Cooke co-wrote it along with Chris & Matthew and she also produced it. But wait, there's more! She also stars in it!
Here's some of the cast on the red carpet last night. This was a huge ensemble cast and so many talented people participated who aren't reflected in this picture.
That's only a smattering of the talented people who make this film so hysterical. Here's the trailer where you can see everyone involved...
If you want to look back at the past two years of the pandemic, laugh at all the hoops we all jumped through, and see some very funny people in action, then you will enjoy this film!
Actor Aaron Anastasi and his lovely wife Martha attended the screening last night at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills and we met a lot of the cast prior which was very fun. I posted more pix on my Facebook page here.
In the Q & A afterwards, the filmmakers shared that the people in TN were very gracious to work with and one guy allowed them to use his theater for free because he had once taken a class at the Groundlings.
So many venues were able to upgrade their facilities including the Fine Arts Theater and it looks stunning now. Here's Aaron and Martha again against the plush red theater backdrop. Her look was a huge hit.
If you want to see Re-Opening yourself, you can catch it next week streaming at the Malibu Film Festival which states, "Malibu Film Foundation is proud to present the 22nd annual Malibu Film Festival virtual edition March 20-27. All access pass is only $4.99.
WATCH and VOTE on your favorite Malibu Film Festival official selections available on our streaming partner XOLO (http://www.xolo.org). Proceeds benefit the XOLO sanctuary of Los Angeles, a permanent home animals in need."
I've been a fan of John Mayer's music for a long time and over the course of the pandemic dove deep into his repertoire which I was surprised was so deep and thoughtful. I know everyone enjoys Daughters, Gravity and other familiar songs, but if you really delve into his musical history, you learn he's much deeper and more talented as a guitarist than one might think.
But rather than take my word for it, read Esquire's article which analyzed all his albums to date. Every John Mayer Album, ranked
I have to admit, often, when I couldn't sleep due to pandemic whirling brain, I would turn on one of his albums, lay in bed listening and before I knew it, his singing had calmed my brain and body to sleep. I must have listened to his music like this almost half the pandemic. It was the only thing that would calm my brain down enough to rest.
He also made me laugh all the time when I would see his silly videos, listen to his interviews or watch him goof around on his Instagram live show, Current Mood. Here's an example of a toned down one he did during the height of the pandemic that I particularly enjoyed. He just had a way of putting things into perspective that was calming, funny and insightful.
He's a sensitive, multi-talented musician and I think has had a bad rap for a long time about his dating life long beyond necessary. Kinda makes me think Pete Davidson is experiencing a little of the same, only with a little Kanye thrown in to make it more about the whole love triangle than just Pete's dating life which is why he's not getting as blasted as John did in years past.
John Mayer is my favorite geek. There I've said it. I like nerds. I just do. Especially when they're funny, kind, intelligent, knowledgeable and interested in a wide variety of topics and cultural things, in addition to being extremely talented at playing music. Oh, and cute too.
Here's an example of what I'm talking about being a talented geek. Don't you love the Marvin Gaye vibe?? And who doesn't love a dancing panda or two?
That's why I'm excited to fly to Vegas and see him perform at the MGM Grand this weekend with my good friend Julie who is just as excited as I am to enjoy his new music. One of my favorite songs is New Light which I'm happy he added to the Sob Rock collection. It always makes me dance and is just silly fun. Have you seen this? Isn't he just the biggest lovable geek you ever did see? He cracks me up in this one every single time I watch it.
He's gotten a wee bit more sophisticated with his music videos for Sob Rock which you can enjoy here.
Wild Blue is his favorite song on the album and it's so reminiscent of 70's rock I grew up on it's a walk down memory lane. It's unusual to find someone younger who enjoys 70's and 80's music, but apparently his mother influenced his taste growing up. I'm not complaining, are you?
EMANUEL Documentary Available For Free Now On The Starz App And Across Most Starz On-Demand Platforms Through June 23rd
Panel Discussion Will Include Executive Producers Viola Davis, Julius Tennon and Co-Producer Mariska Hargitay
WHAT:
“Stop the Silence,” an initiative created to help restore peace, bring comfort to George Floyd’s family and supporters, honor black lives lost, lead peaceful protests, prayers for healing and champion for justice, will host a Q & A to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, via Facebook Live.
The discussion will be moderated by EMANUEL documentary producer, Pastor and activist Dimas Salaberrios. Pastor Dimas is continuing his mission to fight racial injustice with the newly announced “Stop The Silence” initiative, bringing community and faith leaders together in prayerful protest against police brutality and systemic racism in order to both promote awareness, and offer hope and healing.
EMANUEL SYNOPSIS: National headlines blazed the story: Churchgoers Gunned Down During Prayer Service in Charleston, South Carolina. After a 21-year-old white supremacist opened fire in Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, nine African Americans lay dead, leaving their families and the nation to grapple with this senseless act of terror. Featuring intimate interviews with survivors and family members, EMANUEL—from executive producers Stephen Curry and Viola Davis, co-producer Mariska Hargitay, and director Brian Ivie (The Drop Box)—is a poignant story of justice and faith, love and hate, examining the healing power of forgiveness. The film will be available for FREE on the following platforms without a subscription through June 23rd: the STARZ App and STARZ On-Demand, Amazon and iTunes, AT&T, Dish, Roku Verizon, Cox, DirecTV, Mediacom NBC Universal.
The Honorable James E. Clyburn (House Majority Whip) Viola Davis (Executive Producer) Julius Tennon (Executive Producer) Mariska Hargitay (Co-Producer) Dr. A.R. Bernard (Author/Pastor)
Moderator: Pastor Dimas Salaberrios (Producer)
WHEN: Panel Discussion: Tuesday, June 16th at 6PM ET / 3PM PT WHERE: We Stop the Silence Facebook Live
The Emanuel Nine Myra Thompson Susie Jackson Ethel Lance Daniel Simmons, Sr. DePayne Middleton-Doctor Tywanza Sanders Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Clementa Pinckney Cynthia Graham Hurd
For more information on “Stop the Silence,” Emanuel and interview requests with Pastor Dimas, please contact media@strategicheights.com.
High gloss monthly and weekly magazines credits include Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, People Magazine and Who Weekly Australia. The New York Post, Daily Mail and E! Entertainment are just some of the daily publications and on-line news services that have featured his work. Benefits and charity event coverage include The George Lopez Foundation, Project Save Our Surf, Working Dreams Foundation and various Hollywood's Walk of Fame inductions.
Copyright @Clinton H. Wallace/@Photomundo
Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
At these events and others, Wallace has shot Hollywood A-Listers Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock, Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman, Helen Mirren, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez and Bryan Cranston, along with Christina Aguilera, Rod Stewart, Kim Kardashian, Puff Daddy, Nicole Ritchie, Snoop Dog and Paris Hilton. Producers and directors include Jerry Bruckheimer, Ridley Scott, JJ Abrams and Guillermo del Toro.
HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS FILMMAKER GUILLERMO DEL TORO WITH STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
Award-winning independent filmmaker, Clinton H. Wallace, was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Some of his producer and executive producer credits, for both shorts and features, include the documentary German Town Jamaica: The Lost History of Seaford Town, Jamaica, currently playing the college circuit, along with Blue Dream and the Côte d'Azur WebFest Awards Show 1st Edition. Having worked on more than fifty films, his big break came producing the horror film cult classic Machete Joe.
The inaugural Brentwood & Pacific Palisades International Film Festival was held at The Landmark Theatre in West Los Angeles on June 10th. The event screened thirty films and mini-movies and was founded to encourage young filmmakers and give them a place to showcase their work. Additional honorees included Maria Conchita Alonso, Eric Roberts and John Savage.
The entire Ivy Entertainment Summit runs from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and is chock full of amazing speakers, insider tools and strategies to stay viable in a disrupted industry, discussions on how to leverage diversity and digital distribution in ways that increase your ROI, and exclusive mentoring roundtables scheduled throughout the day.
The full-day event will culminate with a complimentary exclusive networking reception for All-Access Pass Holders at Hollywood's historic Cat & Fiddle just minutes from AFI.
AGENDA *
09:30 am - 10:00 am Arrivals & Networking
10:00 am - 11:00 am Diversity, Disruption, & Digital Distribution - Speakers John Kim, Deep C Digital, and Nina Ameri Entertainment Attorney / Partner, One LLP
11:00 am - 12:00 pm A Creative Person's Secrets to Success - Pen Densham (Producer, ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES, BACKDRAFT) and Lisha Yakub Sevanian (USC, Producer / Attorney, Sony Pictures Television)
12:00 pm - 01:00 pm Screenplay Masterclass - Jim Hart (Screenwriter of Hook, Contact & Dracula) and the new tools available for mapping stories.
Each class teaches the tips and techniques Levine gained over 20 years as a successful actor, producer, director and casting director of 1000’s of commercials and theatrical projects for such notable clients as Apple, Microsoft, Chase, Capital One, Sears, Disney, The Voice, and Comedy Central, to name a few.
Each workshop session provides students the opportunity to audition on-camera, watch themselves on playback, and receive immediate personalized coaching from James. Private coaching is offered separately online and in-person and includes audition self-taping in On Your Mark Studios on an appointment basis.
Levine has taught classes in Los Angeles and internationally with Stella Adler Academy and TVI Studios. In addition to his “Bring It!” book, he also co-hosts and produces an online interview show for Casting Frontier called The Curve which recently featured such luminaries as Bernard Hiller, April Webster, Stuart k. Robinson and many more.
**Please Note: At the conclusion of the class/workshop, the instructor will NOT be taking home nor given access to your headshot, resume, or any other of your promotional materials. Your headshot/resume and any other promotional materials will be returned to you. This is not an audition or employment opportunity. **
A Woman’s Work: The NFL’s Cheerleader Problem shines a spotlight on the NFL and its practices around wage theft and illegal employment of cheerleaders. Director Yu Gu follows several former cheerleaders, sharing both their legal and personal struggles as they fight for minimum wage and end 50 years of inequality inflicted by the NFL. FEATURING: MARIA PINZONE, LACY THIBODEAUX-FIELDS, DARCI BURRELL, SHARON VINICK, LESLIE LEVY, SEAN COONEY
The film takes us on a journey focusing on an historic class-action lawsuit that cheerleaders were finally able to bring against the NFL. The subjects of the film inspire each other to take on this seemingly insurmountable battle, and share a story that is more timely than ever. Their fight for wage and gender equality epitomizes many of the challenges faced by working women in all sectors today.
PUBLIC SCREENING SCHEDULE:
Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 6:30 PM at VEC-07 – WORLD PREMIERE Location: Village East Cinema, 181-189 2nd Ave | between 11th & 12th Streets
Monday, April 29, 2019 at 5:45 PM at VEC-03 - 2nd Screening Location: Village East Cinema, 181-189 2nd Ave | between 11th & 12th Streets
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 6:45 PM at VEC-05 - 3rd Screening Location: Village East Cinema, 181-189 2nd Ave | between 11th & 12th Streets
Saturday, May 4 at 3:45 PM at VEC-04 - 4th Screening Location: Village East Cinema, 181-189 2nd Ave | between 11th & 12th Streets
Yu Gu is a filmmaker born in Chongqing, China and raised in Vancouver, Canada. She works in both narrative and documentary film, exploring identity, migration, and the individual’s relationship to society. Her filmmaking practice is supported by the Sundance Institute, ITVS, Tribeca Film Institute, Firelight Media, and Film Independent.
If you're a fan of Academy Award®-nominated, Golden Globe- and Tony Award-winning performer, Hugh Jackman, and his performance in The Greatest Showman, Les Miserable and more from Broadway and film, then you will be happy to learn that he announced his first world tour this past November called The Man. The Music. The Show while accompanied by a live orchestra.
In casee you missed his appearance announcing this World Tour, here's Hugh on the Today Show this past December.
The Man. The Music. The Show. will visit the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Saturday, July 13, 2019 with numerous other dates for his world tour listed below. The tour is produced by AEG Presents, TED-Dainty, and Robert Fox. Here's some of what you can expect as a reminder:
Following a run in the UK and Europe, the 22-city North American leg will begin Tuesday, June 18th at Toyota Center in Houston, TX, with stops in Chicago, Toronto, Boston, Las Vegas, and New York, with two shows at Madison Square Garden, as well as two performances at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Tickets for the North American shows went on sale Friday, December 7th at 10 AM local time at HughJackmanTheShow.com. A limited number of exclusive VIP packages were available. These exclusive offers can include an amazing selection of reserved-seated tickets, custom merchandise (designed exclusively for package purchasers) and much more. For more information please visit HughJackmanTheShow.com.
Hugh Jackman has made an impression on audiences of all ages with his multi-hyphenate career persona, as successful on stage in front of live crowds as he is on film. From his award-winning turn on Broadway as the 1970s singer/songwriter Peter Allen, to his metal claw-wielding Wolverine in the blockbuster X-Men franchise, Jackman has proven to be one of the most versatile actors of our time.
Jackman garnered his first Academy Award® nomination, for Best Actor, for his performance in Tom Hooper’s Les Misérables, based on the popular stage show created from Victor Hugo’s famous novel of the same name. Jackman’s standout performance as protagonist Jean Valjean also earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical, as well as Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award® nominations, for both Best Ensemble and Best Male Actor in a Leading Role, and a BAFTA Award nomination. Most recently, he was nominated for his role as P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman. Sales for the soundtrack to the film have broken records the world over and reached multi-platinum status in many countries including the UK and America.
HUGH JACKMAN – THE MAN. THE MUSIC. THE SHOW
Date
Venue
Market
Tuesday, June 18
Toyota Center
Houston
Wednesday, June 19
American Airlines Center
Dallas
Friday, June 21
United Center
Chicago
Saturday, June 22
Xcel Energy Center
St. Paul
Monday, June 24
Little Caesars Arena
Detroit
Tuesday, June 25
Scotiabank Arena
Toronto
Thursday, June 27
TD Garden
Boston
Friday, June 28
Madison Square Garden*
New York City
Saturday, June 29
Madison Square Garden*
New York City
Sunday, June 30
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia
Monday, July 1
Capital One Arena
Washington DC
Wednesday, July 3
State Farm Arena
Atlanta
Friday, July 5
Amalie Arena
Tampa
Saturday, July 6
BB&T Center
Sunrise
Wednesday, July 10
Pepsi Center
Denver
Thursday, July 11
Vivint Smart Home Arena
Salt Lake City
Saturday, July 13
MGM Grand Garden Arena
Las Vegas
Sunday, July 14
Gila River Arena
Glendale
Tuesday, July 16
Valley View Casino Center
San Diego
Wednesday, July 17
SAP Center at San Jose
San Jose
Friday, July 19
Hollywood Bowl
Los Angeles +
Saturday, July 20
Hollywood Bowl
Los Angeles +
*tickets for the Madison Square Garden shows went on sale Monday, December 10th at 10 AM local
+ The on-sale date for the Hollywood Bowl shows will be announced soon
About AEG Presents
AEG Presents is one of the world’s largest live music companies. The company is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global concert tours, regional music events and world-renowned festivals. AEG Presents operates in North America, Europe and Asia with 15 regional offices. Touring artists include Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Elton John, Celine Dion, Kenny Chesney and more. The festival roster includes the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Stagecoach, Desert Trip, Firefly, Hangout, and British Summertime at Hyde Park, totaling more than 40. The company owns, manages or exclusively promotes in more than 75 clubs and theaters worldwide, including Agora Theatre, Cleveland; Forest Hills Stadium and Webster Hall, New York; Shrine Auditorium and The Fonda, Los Angeles and Eventim Apollo, London. AEG presents more than 12,000 shows annually and conducts business under such globally renowned brands as AEG Presents, Goldenvoice, The Bowery Presents, Concerts West, Messina Touring Group, Marshall Arts LTD, and Madison House Presents. For more information visit www.aegpresents.com.
About TEG-DAINTY
TEG-DAINTY produces and promotes shows across Australia and New Zealand, South East Asia and South Africa. Tours include Guns N Roses, Katy Perry, Phil Collins, Michael Bublé, Bon Jovi, Eminem, Queen and Adam Lambert, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, George Michael, U2, Yusuf (Cat Stevens), Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Hugh Jackman, Oprah Winfrey and many more. Sports entertainment, Live Events include World Wrestling Entertainment. Theatrical Productions and investments include Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays, Hairspray the Musical, The Rocky Horror Show. For more information visithttp://www.tegdainty.com.
About Robert Fox Ltd
Robert Fox has produced over sixty shows in the West End, Broadway and Australia. He produced Hugh Jackman in the musical The Boy From Oz about Australian entertainer Peter Allen on Broadway, as well as the Australian Arena tour of the same show. He also produced Hugh Jackman’s Back on Broadway and Broadway to Oz. Other productions include David Bowie’s Lazarus, Skylight, The Audience, God of Carnage, The Breath of Life, Another Country, The Blue Room, The Lady in the Van, Chess. Film and TV credits include Netflix’s The Crown, The Hours, Atonement, Iris, Notes on a Scandal. For more information visit www.robertfoxlimited.com.
About MGM Grand Garden Arena
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound. Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez as well as Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquaio; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, U2, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert. The MGM Grand Garden Arena also has been home to annual events including the Academy of Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Championship and Frozen Fury NHL pre-season games hosted by the Los Angeles Kings.
My review of the Railroad Park Resort is biased because I've known the owners, Mark & Mary Lilley, for a very long time and know they ran a very successful campground elsewhere for about 30 years. They know what they're doing and it makes me happy to see them take on this very fun adventure here in Dunsmuir. For those who don’t know where Dunsmuir is, it’s just below the Oregon border, past Medford, on the northernmost part of California, above Shasta Lake in an area called Siskiyou (Siss Kew.)
According to the visitor site for Siskiyou: “Presiding over it all is Mount Shasta – the 14,179′ strato volcano that towers 10,000 over the surrounding area – and provides a ready playground for climbers, skiers, hikers and sightseers of all stripes.”
To me, the Railroad Park Resortlooks like a perfect place for a HUGE children's party because kids LOVE trains. I wonder if any of the celebrities with children would consider renting out the entire place? LOL Sandra Bullock? Charlize Theron? Chris Pratt? He's a big kid himself! Can't you just see Angelina Jolie's brood enjoying this? How about it folks?
Family size caboose with a special climb-up Cupola
Or what about a press junket stop for Murder on the Orient Express?! Doesn't that film look fabulous? In theaters November 10th.
It reminds me a little of The Grand Budapest Hotel film, although Grand Budapest is hilarious! If you haven't seen it yet, you simply must! The views of the countryside are sumptuous, the acting superb, the cinematography amazing and the plot-line hysterical. For mature audiences only. Helps if you're a fan of Wes Anderson's directing too.
I also thought the Railroad Park Resort would be a great place for a conference because each of the 23 cabooses are independent, there's also six large cabins, an RV Park attached, multiple attached fine dining cars, and a very cute gift shop. Many of the cabooses include double beds, queen and king if memory holds true. Check out the website for exact details though because all the real details are there: http://www.rrpark.com/
Railroad Park Resort grounds
We enjoyed breakfast the next day and it was very hearty. Can you tell I like hearty?:) You don't have to stay here to dine either so if you're craving a unique night out with the Mrs., pop in.
Joy goofing around
Owners Mark & Mary Lilley enjoying breakfast here
Breakfast, dinner and a bar. What more could you want?
Each caboose is as it was originally, but with some enhancements to the restrooms because apparently when they were working cabooses your restroom would have been the size of a closet! LOL Now they're normal size and come with a shower or bathtub depending on your preference. Again, check the website because then you can choose which one suits you. Just know, it's a little hard to find when driving north because semi's often block the signs for the exit. I would mark it on your GPS to keep an eye out to make it simple. There's great signage heading south and it's very easy to find. Just look for Railroad Park Road exit. There's also a RV camp so pick your poison!:)
It's a fun, unique experience as you're driving between CA and the Pacific Northwest. It's reasonably priced, there's specials and I would encourage you to check it out! Mary and Mark are great and will take great care of you!
Having each lived in New York City at one point, we've both definitely dozed off inside trains before.
But sleeping on the subway or on a commuter train definitely lacks the romance of yesteryear. So when we discovered Railroad Park Resort — a lodge made entirely of antique railroad cars — we signed up pretty much immediately.
We got there right before sunset and asked the friendly desk agent where the best place to get a view of nearby Mount Shasta would be, and she literally just pointed up the road.
This place was pretty much a one-stop shop of gorgeous views.Continue reading here.
Here's another fun travel video produced by Go There Media which gives a nice overview of everything there is to see and do in and around the Railroad Park Resort, but please note, there are now 23 cabooses since this was filmed:
Sharing this because my very talented writer/director friend, John David Ware, has created a beautiful film entitled "Unbridled," (available in Nov., all rights intact) and will be participating at AFM. "Unbridled" has won festival awards in many categories including Acting, Best Film, Best Director and Best Score.
UNBRIDLED is a girl-and-her-horse thriller that tackles the hot-button, global social issue of human trafficking. Sarah (Tea McKay) eludes her captors and temporarily hides and finds healing at an equine-assisted therapy ranch.
“A surprisingly sensitive film, stripped of the visual agony of what these girls have suffered. Ware is careful to keep 'Unbridled' low-key and straightforward, never dipping into contrivances the premise might encourage.” (ThatMomentIn.com)
Featuring such stars as T.C. Stallings (“War Room” $90M), Eric Roberts (Dark Knight $533M), Dey Young (Flicka, $21M Red Eye $57M, Pretty Woman $178M), Lindsley Register (The Walking Dead, House of Cards) Jenn Gotzon (God’s Not Dead 2, $21M), UNBRIDLED introduces Tea McKay.
“McKay is very convincing, a natural, believable actress with good presence. She’s easily identifiable for teens and all (characters are) portrayed with great authenticity.” (ThatMomentIn.com)
A PG-13 rating is expected. The film is not visually graphic and is suitable for families with tweens on up.
SYNOPSIS:
Sarah (Tea McKay) is abused by a sex trafficker in her own home. She fights, but is overpowered by her mother’s new boyfriend, Roger, (Eric Roberts – The Dark Knight). Sarah’s mother, Karen (Dey Young – Pretty Woman) looks the other way. Roger toys with police Detective Sangrin (T.C. Stallings –War Room), who is desperate to find his own missing daughter.
Sarah escapes from Roger with help from some friends; including a boy she likes named Kenny (David Topp – Beverly Hills Canine Country Club).They guide her to The Academy, a safe place where she meets a mysterious horse, whose harrowing journey parallels her own. Sarah meets a closed group of young girls, who make her prove herself before being accepted. Her relationship with the horse promises healing until Roger is freed from jail. Sarah's life hangs in the balance as he hunts her down to re-join his dark empire. “UNBRIDLED” is inspired by a North Carolina Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program called Corral.
The teaser has 462,000 organic views on Facebook and YouTube and a rabid fan base. The team have identified at least three distinct audience segments: Horse Lovers, Anti-Human Traffic (Endorsements from The Salvation Army and Passage Out, etc.), and Faith-Based audiences.
The Director (Ware) can leverage a vast, worldwide network of filmmakers. He has built this network since 2003 through his amazing 168 Film Project which has launched 18,000 filmmakers. He has excellent ties to high level entertainment executives, faith-based organizations and churches, all who will get behind this film.
If this is of interest to you, John will have good availability starting the morning of Friday, Nov. 3 during AFM.
Since many South Bay folks have been looking forward to my write-up on the recent White Light, White Nights cancer fundraiser review, just wanted to point you in the right direction since I am expanding my readership and guest blogged for my buddy, Micheal's site, South Bay Foodies.
On Saturday, August 22nd, Walk With Sally hosted its 9th Annual White Light White Night in El Segundo, CA. Although the food and drinks are always delicious, it’s the heart of this event that brings people back year after year to experience one of the most highly anticipated parties of the South Bay summer season.
Nick Arquette started this charity in honor of his mother who passed away due to cancer and it has become a beacon of hope in the South Bay for those who have lost someone to cancer.
Fox Sports host, Jessica Rosales welcomed special guests as the evening began on the red carpet. Local notables included Supervisor for the 4th District of LA County candidate, Steve Napolitano and restaurateur Michael Zislis; Chef Deven Alexander, Cookbook author and Host of Healthy Decadence on Fit TV; and Walk With Sally Mentor, Amy Dorr. Celebrities like James Anderson (NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys) and Carissa Rosario, International Maxim Model, were also in attendance.
Even though my hands hurt and I still need to write about my experiences at MAGIC, I feel compelled to share my heart about this achingly beautiful story about a loving relationship between a jazz great, Terry Clark and a blind pianst, Justin Kauflin, called Keep On Keepin' on.
If you are following me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram you have seen my many posts, but it's not enough room to share how much this film has deeply, deeply moved me and my desire to see the world feel how this film made the whole audience feel.
LOVE.
If there's one word to describe it, it's just love.
Love between Terry Clark and all his students, but especially blind pianist, Justin Kauflin, Quincy Jones and the two Aussies who spent years of their lives honoring a man Alan Hicks (the Director) played drums with, Terry Clark, to create this award-winning documentary, shot by Cinematographer, Adam Hart.
I sat in my seat next to three other women I've never met before and we were all weeping by the end. I alternated between tears and smiling throughout the entire film because there were so many aspects that moved me and made me laugh. I wasn't alone either.
We were so blessed to actually hear how they made this film and the influence Terry Clark has had on their lives in a special live performance by Justin and Q & A with all three - Justin, Adam & Alan sharing their struggle to capture their mentor and friend. (I taped both songs, but can't figure out how to transfer from my phone to my computer since I'm tired. Maybe tomorrow.:)
Terry is in his 90's now, had to have both his legs amputated, yet continues to inspire and love young musicians with even more vigor now that the poison has left his body. He's influenced the lives of so many jazz performers like Wynston Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Quincy Jones, Miles Davis and the star of the film, blind pianst Justin Kauflin (seen here with his guide dog, Candy, and Cinematographer/Executive Producer, Adam Hart.
I grew up with a father who played all kinds of music for us. I heard Duke Ellington who Terry played with, and a whole slew of amazing, eclectic musicians which has shaped and molded my love of music since a child.
That's why I loved this film so much because it tells you the history of jazz through the eyes of a man who lived with many, many musicians I admire. When I was in my jazz phase I would go to every Al Jarreau live concert I could get to and heard David Sanborn open for him, but the most amazing opening act, who I didn't really understand or appreciate at the time, was Miles Davis. He was opening for Al on a New Year's Eve and I took my friend Carol, who shares the same New Year's Eve birthday as I do, and we loved it.
Talk about a great memory.
I grew up in the South Bay and my sister was very much into the punk and ska scene which I grew to appreciate because of her influence. I also have always loved R & B, classical, and love music of all genres because each reminds me of a special time in my life.
Jazz is part of our rich American history. I hope you will enjoy this film from all the different levels I did and leave a comment if you saw it this weekend, or next weekend. Also, buy Terry Clark's book which is his autobiography available here if you don't have a screening in your city.
I'd love to hear if you do. I feel with all the horrible news in the world, like the numerous beheadings, wars, and more, the world needs a little more love like this film brings to everyone who has seen it.
And with this, I must bid you adieu and Good Night.
Sweet dreams.
I'm taking one of my painkillers and I know I will.:)
I wasn't sure I wanted to write about Robin Williams' death out of respect for his family and because my feelings were so close to the surface when I found out he died. I love comedy, comedians and laughing which is why his death hit me a little hard even though I never personally met him.
Reading comments from a friend that he was "weak" and hearing a news anchor had called him a "coward" compelled me to write because I have contemplated suicide in the past and I don't consider myself either of those terms.
I think if you're artistic you feel more, you are more sensitive, you care more and often are more misunderstood than those who are "normal" because we don't experience life the same way "normal" people do. I think this meme floating around captures it best:
It's easy to judge famous people, or anyone for that matter, who chooses suicide, but if you've never walked in their shoes, felt their pain, or lived their life, who are we to judge?
Yes, it's awful. Yes, what about his family? Yes, he could have found help, but rather than judge, maybe consider volunteering for a suicide helpline and hear the pain people are experiencing on a daily basis. Or really mean it when you ask someone, "How are you doing?"
Or if you're contemplating suicide yourself, reach out for help from friends, or from the National Suicide Prevention Lifelife: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
I know I did oh so many years ago and it helped me gain perspective. I haven't felt suicidal in so long I know God heals and I know you can find help if you seek it.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
I recently saw Get On Up - the amazing story of James Brown's life and when I left the theater, I cried. I couldn't imagine growing up with the pain and struggles he experienced. Yet, I have had my own pain and struggles. We all do.
You are not alone.
Here's a little insight into the film and the actor who played him courtesy of Ebony Magazine: "Chadwick Boseman, who epitomized the legendary Godfather of Soul, exclusively tells EBONY he originally didn’t want the role that is now giving him Oscar worthy buzz.
"When my manager brought me the script, I didn’t even want to read it because I knew attempting to play James Brown would just be crazy," cited Boseman. However, once he received the role, beating out 20 actors for the part, he was completely dedicated to capturing the essence of Brown. “He was a complicated man, both good and bad. Once you understand the reasons for his dichotomy, it’s easier to grasp who he was.”
If you haven't seen the film, please do. Brilliant acting. Oh, and on a side note, tonight at the Hollywood Bowl is a tribute to James Brown if you're interested. More info here.
That dichotomy is what made Robin Williams great as well. I will never forget watching Mork and Mindy growing up, or seeing Dead Poet's Society, another film where I left the theater and just drove around crying it impacted me so deeply. Or who can forget Good Morning Vietnam or Mrs. Doubtfire? Or any of his roles?
The depth and breadth of his talent for playing such a diverse range of roles is what set him apart and why I think people are grieving so much more than normal. He was a comedic genius, an icon of entertainment and someone who shaped the world in which we live through his talent. I always hate when people discount entertainment as shaping our world when it's so obvious it does - both for good and for evil.
I liked the fact Robin Williams was patriotic too. Have you seen this clip before? I never had and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did:
It's so easy to judge those who are famous, but I ask that you consider the fact we're all human, we all struggle, we all face demons and struggles no one else knows about.
Sympathy, empathy and compassion go a lot farther than judgement.
Matthew 7:1-2 Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
And I leave you with this thought because right now I think the world needs a little more love and little less judgement for those who suffer:
John 13:34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
I love you. God loves you.
Robin Williams rest in peace. May your life and death not be in vain.
Last night, R&B icon Janelle Monae performed an intimate show at The St. Regis New York as a part of Starwood Preferred Guest’s Hear the Music, See the World Concert Series.
New York socialite Olivia Palermo was spotted having a fun night out on the town letting loose and dancing in the crowd during Janelle’s one-of-a-kind performance.
"Monáe is known for her captivating music that zips listeners from genre to genre — in just one album she can take you from R&B and funk to rap, psychedelic rock and disco. But the singer-songwritter is also widely respected for her style.
Monáe always wears what she calls her uniform: always a jacket and pants, all her clothes are black or white and her hair is done up in a Fifties-style quiff.
That uniform has caught the attention of fashion royalty like Andre Leon Talley, editor at large of Vogue, who in 2010 included her in an editorial. In August this year, Monae also became a COVERGIRL, joining the ranks of Christie Brinkley, Tyra Banks and Sofia Vergara who have become spokesmodels for the beauty brand.
During her acceptance speech at BLACK GIRLS ROCK! 2012 Monáe spoke candidly about her family and said she wears her uniform in honor of them.
'When I started my musical career I was a maid, I used to clean houses. My parents—my mother was a proud janitor, my step-father who raised me like his very own worked at the post office and my father was a trash man. They all wore uniforms. And that’s why I stand here today in my black and white and I wear my uniform to honor them,' Monáe said, fighting back tears.
'This is a reminder that I have work to do, I have people to uplift, I have people to inspire,' she said after explaining that she grew up in Wyandotte County, 'the poorest county' in Kansas City." (To read more of this article, click here. I really admire her.)
Monae and Palermo bonded after the show during the VIP meet and greet over their signature “reds” – Monae known for her signature red lips and Palermo for her signature red nails.
Long time no chat, howzit going out there?:) Since arriving in Vegas it's been a whirlwind of activity and writing opportunities that always preclude my writing here.
Now that I've had bronchitis for almost two weeks and feel like I'm finally coming back from the dead, I feel inspired to share all the fun things that have been happening just in case you're curious.:)
I dove head first into getting involved with the tech scene and enjoyed many Downtown Podcasts with my Girls in Tech friends until I started having other events and illness affect my ability to participate. The Downtown Podcast is a fun gathering of tech entreprenuers who live in Vegas and is produced by the founders of Ticketcake.com.
Girls in Tech is a "global non-profit organization which aims to support the collaboration, promotion, growth and success of women in the local technology sector.
It does this by offering educational workshops and lectures, panel discussions, networking functions, social engagements, and recruitment events."
I was fortunate to arrive just in time to participate in GIT's Computer Education classes for the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada and really enjoyed helping young girls develop a passion for technology.
Plus, made some new fun girlfriends in the process! You can see Christina Aldan sharing our events during a recent Downtown Podcast. She runs Lucky Girl Designs and is a great person. Connect with her on Linkedin here! http://www.linkedin.com/pub/christina-aldan/8/2/b13
There's a really supportive community for female entreprenuers out here in Vegas and I was able to participate in a recent Women of Influence seminar featuring: Jean Birch, Owner/CEO Birch Company and Former CEO of IHOP Restaurants and Romano's Macaroni Grill; Rose McKinney-James, Managing Principal of Energy Works LLC; Fafie Moore, Owner of Realty Executives of Nevada; Renee West, President/COO Luxor and Excalibur and Dr. Kate Zhong, Senior Director of Clinical Research and Development at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
I crashed Zappos Headquarter move to Downtown Vegas which was really cool too!
Tony Hseih cutting the Zappos celebratory cake
Also, the Downtown Project tour given by the Pixie of Positivity, HeidyNoelle Stamper, (isn't she great!:) which gives you the overview of the vision for Downtown was interesting too.
I especially enjoyed the last speaker I heard during the Downtown Speaker series too. You can view those pictorial essays here: https://www.facebook.com/JoyKennelly?ref=hl - just scroll down a bit.
I also loved participating in the DISH Las Vegas Three Square Food Bank Charity Fundraiser held at the "Palms Casino Resort (at The Palms Pool & Bungalows) with tastes from Las Vegas’ most acclaimed restaurants, including: N9NE Steakhouse, NOVE Italiano, TAO Asian Bistro, LAVO Italian Restaurant & Nightclub, rm Seafood, Border Grill and Bar+Bistro @ The Arts Factory." (As written in their press announcement.)
Talk about a feast! It was really fun and for a great cause too. Here's a little facts on Three Square Food Bank and how they help the community. They are partnered with over 650 community program partners including non-profit and faith-based organizations, schools and feeding sites; serve over 100,000 people monthly; and have provided the equivalent of roughly 18 million meals in 2011 alone!
In addition, I've enjoyed the Cowboy BBQ, hosted by my former employer, O Entertainment, who recently relocated here to Vegas as well!
And for a change of pace, crashed The Las Vegas Biker Fest with another new Vegas BFF, Jamie, with very fun results. We never know what will happen when we hang out which always makes it fun.
Just another Adventure!:) See what I mean?:)
Earlie that day we visited The Mob Museum in Downtown Vegas which is really interesting, but very graphic too. Here's me with the cut-out of the former Mayor of Vegas, Oscar Goodman, recognize him?:)
His memoir was very good too by the way, although I think he kinda white-washed the criminals he represented in my humble opinion. No offense mobsters who might be reading this, but when you kill and rob people, you're not a family man, no matter how many times you say it out loud or want to believe it.
I worked the amazing Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction which I have always wanted to attend ever since an attorney I was working for years ago helped Micheal Jackson sell his Maybach there.
Here's a teaser... It was so cool to see Siegfried and Roy on the final day make an appearance. I remember that fateful day 10 years ago when the tiger attacked Roy and was thrilled to see Vegas royalty live at the auction fully recovered and supporting the community.
I still have to share about other adventures including the cool luxury travel show, Rock of Ages, crashing a local Harley Davidson BBQ, exploring the Strip, and much, much more...
I also wrote an article on social media for a classy, cultured magazine out here in Vegas called BLVDS Las Vegas which I will be able to share soon. I was pleased to include my friend, Social Media Guru, Peter Shankman, and his esteemed colleague, Dr. Jennifer Hartstein, of Hartstein Psychological Services in New York
City whom you may recognize as a contributing psychologist for CBS’ The Early Show.
So, needless to say, I've been berry, berry busy.:) Oh, and in addition to all of this, have managed to create my budget and work on more details for Joy's Travel Adventures, despite being too sick to participate in a cool pitching event in front of a bunch of potential investors. Sad face, but there will be other opportunities.
I'm continuing to plan my next travel video now that I'm here in Vegas and reaching out to all the cool casinos for freelance and permanent work because you always create stronger relationships when you work with people.
Every so often, there comes a point in my journey where I realize I can't do it all by myself no matter how hard I try. I need help. As an entreprenuer it's easy to get so focused on what you're working on that you forget there are people in your life who are struggling too and we're not alone in this.
We're all in this together. We all want each other to succeed.
Sometimes it doesn't feel like that. Sometimes it doesn't look like that. But when you peel away the facade, hear someone's story and realize they're struggling to make it just like you it's really encouraging. I'm not alone. I can relate to someone else. They get me too.
It was another reason I returned to LA after living in GA. I missed the entreprenuerial spirit, the "we're going to make something big happen," and the excitement of seeing people find success when they worked hard enough and long enough towards a goal. The skies the limit out here. You never know when you'll meet the next Bill Gates, Ralph Lauren, Van Gogh, or Jennifer Lawrence and that's exciting.
I also love the international aspect of CA. My new client is from the Domican Republic, I have a Russian friend I'll be telling you about in a little bit, and LA is such a melting pot you're always meeting new cultures, new personalities and new people. Love it!
Being an entreprenuer is something I've been all my life. I don't really know how else to be. When I was very young I picked flowers from our yard and sold them to our neighbors. When I was in high school my sisters and I sold the most candy bars in the entire school to earn a TV because we didn't have one growing up and really wanted it. We went door-to-door, sold them outside grocery stores and just made it happen.
My Dad wanted us to read and not be influenced by TV, but gave in when we won one of our own. What could he say? He's very entreprenuerial too and despite having stability with his teaching career, always invested wisely in real estate and taught us the value of a dollar and working hard to achieve it.
I've tried corporate life and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Each time has been a learning experience, a growing experience, and a chance to see how other people run their companies - what works, what doesn't. What systems are in place, what roles people play, how people accept certain things, or not. Also, a chance to make friends, many I've kept in touch with long after.
I've been working at Shopzilla, a shopping portal, off and on for a few years now and it's one of my favorite companies I have ever worked for. They're chill, low-key, low stress, no drama, and everyone genuinely likes each other and working there. At least that's what I've observed.
I always feel welcome when I pop in for my gigs and like I have value. It may be a minor role I play, but I feel accepted, supported and like I have friends who care. When I'm not there I don't think about them or hang out, but keep up on Facebook and when I'm back, it's like no time has passed at all.
All that to say, it's what I realize is missing in my life more and more. Working on my new web series/travel show and corresponding online social community for women has been a lonely, isolated experience. I don't have an office I go to, I don't have co-workers to bounce ideas off of, and I am not actively encouraging or supporting anyone else in their endeavors until recently.
That's why I was so happy to work with an actress to help her launch her career now that she has a starring role in a big TV movie airing on GMC this spring called "What Would You Do for Love." She's beautiful, talented, grounded, humble and smart. Everything you could ever ask for of someone you represent.
Her name is Suveria Mota and mark my words, you will remember her name because this is just the start of something big for her. She's too talented, too beautiful, and too motivated not to succeed. Plus, she has the support of her family which makes all the difference in the world.
Actress Suveria Mota - Pretty in Pink
Sultry Actress Suveria Mota
See what I mean? Beautiful inside and out.
And we're just getting started working together! It was so fun to have her join me at the OK! Magazine's "So Sexy" party at the Mondronian Sky Bar recently because it was a great party filled with lots of beautiful people. Recognize anyone?:)
It feels good to sow into her life and help her achieve her goals because I love helping women move forward in their lives.
It's why I started my Goal Gals group and it's why I'm starting my travel adventure website/show for women too.
I want to show women they can have fun traveling, escape the worries of their life and come back with a renewed, refreshed outlook and perspective to attack life more joyfully, with an open-heart and feeling fulfilled. Travel does that as a by-product of new experiences and new people.
It's life-changing.
I may not have a lot of physical possessions, but the memories I've developed over the years from traveling is priceless. I'm not materialistic, never have been.
I like nice things, but don't need them to feel I have value as a human being. I learned that volunteering with Hungarian orphan children right after college and through my spiritual studies. The orphans gave freely of the little they had and were the happiest children I have ever met. It's why I ran a toy drive to give them toys for four years after meeting them until a Hungarian woman took over the toy drive for me.
That's why I wanted to share another friend's story with you too. You have probably seen Victoria Kashtan at various Silicon Beach events shooting pictures, smiling, always gracious, always kind, but her humble demeanor hides her brilliance which I really feel needs to shine and why I felt compelled to share her doc with you today.
Plus, her doc, Notes of a Freshman, includes another tech startup company I respect and support, Enplug. Win, win.:)
Here's the story line: "They are both Freshman – they’re both dreamers. An amateur Russian filmmaker struggling for her life in America meets a Chinese entrepreneur – David – building a new media Empire in Hollywood.
Inspired by David’s personality and deeply believing in his ideas, she rises to the challenge of making a movie about him and his company. Treating his character as a future celebrity in the beginning of his way she stakes her career on creating the story of the American Dream in the twenty-first century."
Watch and see...
Isn't she talented? And so interesting too. I find her Russian background very unique and also, Enplug's story too. If you care to contribute, or get involved, click here for info: http://www.victoriakashtan.com/#!notes-of-a-freshman/c23eb
So, all this to say, even though our LA Tech and Entertainment scene can be disjointed. Even though it sometimes feels like you're not really supported, you are. We're not alone. We are in this together. We really do want each other to succeed. I know I need to immerse myself even more by moving closer and getting involved even more.
Find an accelerator to be around more like minds. Find funding to move my project along faster. Find business people I can learn and grow from even more. Find more cool events to take my client to and introduce her to the right people.
I need the support and encouragement of friends who get me and what I'm doing too. I also need some distance between me and my family to be able to focus on what I need to accomplish for my client and myself more fully.
Even though I have no idea what the future holds, I'm excited for it. I know if I work hard enough I will find success for Suveria and myself. And hopefully other women who need a positive role-model to see they can make it too against incredible odds.
I gain encouragement from the youthful optimism of the young female entreprenuers I meet at various tech events who haven't faced road blocks yet, or experienced aging parents yet and all the dynamics that brings.
Here's something Victoria has on her website which encapsulates this feeling:
“Very quickly I realized that if you really want to become Someone in America you have to create something unique and be persistent in promoting yourself. Even if you can only show your naked ass in the window you have to show it every day at the same time so finally you’ll start to get paid for it”
– Vica for Notes Of A Freshman
I need to be reminded by younger entreprenuers that it is possible. Life can be good. And everything's going to be ok. Sometimes I just wish I had someone strong to lean against to gain strength from, but since I don't have a guy in my life right now I gain encouragement from my friends and my church. And God.
"For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13
9 "And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12: 9,10
And I'll leave you with this because it's one of my favorite songs to listen to and sing along with. Gives me such hope and encouragement too. Christina Perri's A Thousand Years
I covered Designer Marc Jacobs' appearance in the new film, Disconnect, a bit ago and it opens tonight! Always fun to see people play roles that are outside their real life profession. Here's the blurb from the official site:
"Disconnect explores the consequences of modern technology and how it affects and defines our daily relationships. Shot with eavesdropped naturalism, it marks the first fiction feature from Henry-Alex Rubin, director of the Oscar-nominatedMurderball. Disconnect is produced by Mickey Liddell and Jennifer Monroe of LD Entertainment and William Horberg of Wonderful Films from an original screenplay by Andrew Stern.
The ensemble cast includes Jason Bateman (Identity Thief, The Change-Up, Up in the Air), Hope Davis (Real Steel, Mildred Pierce), Frank Grillo (Gangster Squad, The Grey), Paula Patton (Precious,Mission Impossible-Ghost Protocol), Michael Nyqvist (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Andrea Riseborough (Oblivion, Brighton Rock, W. E.), Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood, Melancholia) and Max Thieriot (Jumper), as well as Jonah Bobo (Crazy, Stupid, Love), Colin Ford (We Bought A Zoo) and Haley Ramm (X-Men).
Can't wait to see this because it's getting rave reviews as evidenced here:
As someone deeply enmeshed in this realm, have to admit, a little nervous to see it too because apparently it's your worst internet nightmare come to life.
Here's the trailer in case you haven't heard the buzz.
The stories of strangers, neighbors
& colleagues collide in a dramatic thriller about ordinary people
struggling to connect in today's wired world. Now Playing! disconnectthemovie.com (As taken from their Twitter page.:)
Looking forward to seeing Justin Bateman too. He's always great.
Found this on GQ and thought you might like it too: "In fashionable enclaves of Los Angeles, an exodus is underway, as throngs
of music junkies and waifish indie princesses embark on their yearly
pilgrimage to Indio for three days of pool parties, look-at-me fashion,
and stargazing.
This year's festival lineup features over a hundred
acts on six stages, ranging from Blur and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, to
Jessie Ware and Pusha T. To help us navigate the party, we reached out
to some of the most trusted tastemakers in LA's music scene to find out
what acts you can't miss, the best new artists to catch, and three
cardinals rules of Coachella.
Then come back here to see what to wear.:) Here's some ideas for men and women to beat the heat, stay warm at night and look fashionable during the day.
I forgot to list where you can buy these cute fashions so here, in no particular order are the brands and websites if you click the link ok? Enjoy!
Just to get you in the mood, here's Eva Langoria promoting the Lay Potato Chip Finalists wearing (as the jewelry publicist put it) "TACORI earrings in her new Lay's "Do Us a Flavor" Chip Finalists commercial with celebrity chef, Michael Symon. The actress glowed in TACORI 18K Yellow Gold Madeira Citrine round stud earrings (#SE105Y09, $470; www.tacori.com)."
Eva is also glowing because she is the Executive Producer of the new dating reality show, Ready for Love, premiering tonight on NBC at 9/8c. Here's the trailer in case you were unaware or curious:
And here's a video you can watch to hear him before tonight's show: The show looks fun and informative. While you all enjoy this I'll be attending a very informative tech event with a hilarious founder. More on that later.:)
Now for a commercial break, Lay's! Don't forget to vote for your favorite!:)
Recently I had the pleasure of attending the Farm Sanctuary's Fundraiser featuring Colbie Caillat and Kevin Nealon among others at the Peterson Auto Musuem. If you've never been to the musuem, here's a taste of what to expect when you first arrive.
Now to be honest, as soon as I read this event featured a special acoustic performance by Grammy award winner COLBIE CAILLAT, I decided I'd like to attend.
Plus, I've always appreciated Kevin Nealon's humor and since he was host, I was sure it would be a fun time. Who could resist an invitation with their cute faces? Or these farm animals as seen above?
Once I arrived however, I was drawn into the cause, Farm Sanctuary, America’s largest and most effective farm animal rescue and protection organization. A friend had always recommended I see the documentary, Forks over Knives, which features Farm Sanctuary and I was curious as a result.
Everyone I met that night was so passionate about protecting farm animals and many were vegans, something I've never considered, but found very fascinating due to their passion. Plus, everyone looked so fit and thin the lifestyle kinda spoke for itself.
As my friend Patti said, "It doesn't matter what people are passionate about, as long as they have a passion for something." Which I had to agree with because even though all the charities I will support financially have always involved children, I'm always open to learning about new charities and supporting causes by writing about them because I feel it's nice to raise awareness.
Apparently, so did these celebrities since so many turned out in support. Recognize anyone?:)
Jennifer Coolidge, one of my favorite comedic idols, whom you may recognize her from American Pie and Legally Blonde, but I will always remember her from Best in Show.
Brilliant comedic timing and a very nice person to boot. She was cracking us up on the red carpet. Who hasn't worn a coat to an event to hide bra straps?:)
She wasn't the only female actress to show up though, you may recognize these women too.
Kelly Thiebaud of General Hospital fame was there.
Here's Gene Baur (whom I accidentally called Jack:), president of Farm Sanctuary, with Sarah Dawson of Survivor Philippines fame, and Ady Gil. Sarah shared she was a fifth generation vegan and attributed part of her success on Survivor to this fact. Who knew?:)
What I found interesting was many of the men in attendance dressed for the farm aspect of the event while the ladies read cocktail and wore evening wear. Don't you wish Michael Vartan was back on TV?
And you may recognize Mackenzie Astin from his days on "Facts of Life" or maybe even the fact he's the son of Patty Duke or Sean Astin's younger brother, but regardless, isn't he dapper? Lovin' the bow tie.
And the woman of the hour, Colbie Caillat, who is very tall. Just because I know I have a lot of male readers, here's another pic of her just for you guys.:)
Yummy, eh? Very flavorful and nothing like I had tasted before. A self-proclaimed "Vegan Boss" told me his favorite site for vegan recipes is called, what else? www.allveganrecipes.com
When I asked him to choose his favorite veggie to descrbe himself, he said, Kale because it's green, leafy and awesome! Everyone was real kick back and fun. People were dancing, playing poker, eating, buying raffle tickets and more the entire night.
If you look closely you will see Reid Ewing (Modern Family) who became a fan of Farm Sanctuary after rescuing a homeless chicken; Torrance Coombs (The Tudors/Heartland/Just cast in “Kill For Me”) and Alyssa Campanella (Miss USA 2011) posing; Edwin Hodge (Cougar Town, NCIS) Ciddy Fonteboa (Horror Haiku) who told me she had been involved in a very abusive marriage and once she got out of it, she became a vegan because anything that overpowers should never ever happen. She made it so vivid, it brought tears to my eyes.
Pretty soon it was time for the main event, Colbie performing.
Now if you're like me, you love Spotify and the ability to create a "radio" station that tailors to the kinds of music you like. I'm such a fan of Colbie's music, I have a Colbie Caillat station since it's the best music to write to.
If you're not familiar with her music, here's a new song she just created along with Gavin DeGraw for the film, Safe Haven:
She's on tour, but her website/fan page hasn't listed dates and/or cities otherwise I'd tell you where. In any case, it was really fun to have this private, intimate party with a few hundred cool people who really love this cause and her music.
Farm Sanctuary President, Gene Baur said a few words, Kevin Nealon entertained us encouraging us all to give the gift of a cow, and then Colbie came on to perform.
Now, if you're like me and city born and bred, there's still hope for us. Farm Sanctuary's 26-acre Southern California Shelter is located on a beautiful hacienda ranch in Acton, just 45 minutes from Hollywood.
In addition to providing shelter for more than 100 animals, Farm Sanctuary’s Animal Acres offers one-hour guided tours on Sundays and group tours are available by appointment.
Their sanctuary gift shop is open before and after tours. Visitors will find educational materials, as well as a variety of items available for purchase including apparel, books, and souvenirs.
For Visitor Center hours and tour times, please click here.
Doesn't this sound fun? Who doesn't want to see Charlotte in her own habitat? In any case, the evening was a great eye opener and has made me realize areas of my life where I can adjust my diet too.
My next step is to watch Forks Over Knives. Here's the trailer in case you're not familiar with it:
Eat healthy! Save an animal! Buy a Cow! Or a Pig! Or even a Chicken! Better than a dog and you don't even have to care for it, Farm Sanctuary does it for you.
So with that, I wish you all a vegetarian good night!:)
Sometimes I receive so much good content it's hard to keep up and it takes awhile to actually find time to post everything. Since I have a few moments available today, thought I'd share a few.
In particular, an intriguing mystery film called Disconnect with people I respect like Jason Bateman, Frank Grillo, Paula Patton, Alexander Skarsgard, Max Thieriot and fashion designer Marc Jacobs who makes his film & acting debut in the upcoming dramatic thriller opening in select theaters on April 12th, 2013!
A hard-working lawyer, attached to his cell phone, can't find the time to communicate with his family. A couple is drawn into a dangerous situation when their secrets are exposed online. A widowed ex-cop struggles to raise a mischievous son who cyber-bullies a classmate. An ambitious journalist sees a career-making story in a teen that performs on an adult-only site. They are strangers, neighbors and colleagues and their stories collide in this riveting dramatic thriller about ordinary people struggling to connect in today's wired world. (Official blurb provided by publicist)
Watch the riveting trailer here which opens with one of my favorite songs right now:
And then just because I like fun, flirty ads, two of my favorite fashion ads to date by White House/Black Market featuring the incredible dancer, Coco Rocha, including a behind-the-scenes peek at what goes into making these commercials.
WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET - FALL 2012
Model Coco Rocha takes center stage in a television ad entitled 'Alter Ego'. Performing a carefully choreographed dance routine, the multi-talented Rocha demonstrates that being a great model can sometimes mean more than just striking a pose.
For the spot she perfected her moves with the help of Broadway choreographer Laurin Latarro. Featuring approximately 12 different head-to-toe looks in the 30 second spot - Rocha becomes the tap dance equivalent of a quick change artist. All plays out with a surprise reveal that takes the concept to the next level.
The print ads and marketing images, photographed by Glen Luchford, also carry through with the dance theme. Shot on the same set at the TV spot, the images feature Rocha in various states of dance as well as some more traditional fashion poses.
Then, because this spot was so popular, Supermodel and co-host of TV’s The Face, Coco Rocha was invited back for White House | Black Market’s Spring 2013 ad campaign.
Grabbing the spotlight once again, Coco Rocha brings a sense of vibrancy and freshness to an otherwise static, robotic work environment. Coco dances her way through six head to toe work-wear ready looks from the White House Black Market WorkKit Collection.
This has been your lunch break. Hope you enjoyed what the publicists shared with me!
I was sent this by a publicist who must be watching my Pinterest account since I love the show, Nashville!
So, for all the fans enjoying it tonight, here's a little heads up and quick interview with Connie Britton per her publicist:
"You’ve loved her since Friday Night Lights, now she lights up your living room Wednesday nights on ABC’s Nashville. From her famous hair (she doesn’t have a Twitter account, but her hair does) to what it’s like to grow older, MORE gets Connie’s whole story.
Her disappointment and heartbreak and her triumphs and successes make a character anyone can relate to and feel great affection for.
Here's some quotes from the full interview:
On her study-abroad in Beijing 1986 with Senator Kristen Gillibrand: “You mean my roommate from China? The one I lip-synched a Madonna song with at the American Embassy?”
On her loss of the lead in Jerry Maguire to Renée Zellweger: “For the subsequent 10 years, it was probably the biggest heartbreak of my life.”
On her interview protocol: “I’m always honest in interviews, to a fault, really.”
On what it’s like to grow older: “There’s something really great, once you hit forty, about taking on something that fully flexes new and different muscles, because, man is it scary.”
On her famous hair: “It’s funny because every day people compliment me on it, I don’t have a Twitter feed, but I’m told my hair does. Apparently, there’s a blog – I haven’t seen it – about my hair.”
On where she finds herself today: “I think that I now know the importance of grace and sitting back. I have a deeper understanding of how most people are just trying to do the best they can.”
Now if you'll excuse me, I want to watch the ending of tonight's episode.:)
Defiance star Julie Benz sparkled on the red carpet in TACORI at the Entertainment Weekly Screen Actors Guild Awards Pre-Party at Chateau Marmont.
The actress wore a TACORI 18K White Gold .65ct Diamond Ring (#FR811, $4,340; www.tacori.com) seen below:
While Betsy Brandt glowed in TACORI jewelry on the red carpet of the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles the next afternoon.
The Breaking Bad actress wore a TACORI White and Pink Gold .42ct Diamond Ring (#FR805, $3,850), a pair of White and Pink Gold .33ct Diamond Earrings (#FE624, $3,390) and a white and Pink Gold .51ct Diamond Pendant (#FP624, $4,380; www.tacori.com) seen below.
Sometimes I feel like a modern day philosopher because I feel things so deeply in my spirit I am compelled to share a side of an issue that isn't normally covered in the media or discussed in normal life until a tragedy occurs like the massacre at the school in CT.
I always wonder if I'm the only one to feel this way, but also don't care because there comes a point when I can't do anything else, but share.
It affects me that deeply.
And when I do, then I find many others do feel the same way as I do. They were just waiting for someone else to speak out first.
Even though I am not raising my son and technically am not a mother in the tradional sense of the word, only a "birth mother" as those of us in the adoption world are called who have placed our children with other parents to raise, I still feel deeply about protecting children from ills in society.
I only wish more people in power did too.
Pornography, alcoholism, drug abuse, the way women are portrayed in the media have all been topics I've covered here in my blog in the past and now, with the horrific shooting in CT, I feel compelled to address the growing glorification of violence in society, especially as Quentin Tarantino prepares to launch his latest killing spree film, Django, wherein Jamie Foxx, whom I normally love and will watch in anything he does, went on SNL to brag about killing white people.
Yes, maybe Jamie was trying to be satirical, but at a certain point, that commentary ceases to be funny. It crossed a line.
He needs to apologize and SNL too.
And now, even more so when innocent children are gunned down so horrifically after what happened in CT.
When will this glorification and mockery of the sanctity of life end in Hollywood? Why is there such a disconnect on cause and effect?
I posted a bunch of articles, books, and images yesterday on Facebook to process what has happened which helped me and many others. After sleeping on it, I feel a broader audience needs to hear this too which is why I'm sharing it here.
I know many people in Hollywood and in politics are going to be clamoring for more gun control now as they always do after something like this happens, but I hope you will read what else could be causing our society to implode upon itself with an open mind because many, many, many researchers concur that violence in TV, Film and video games is causing people to become more violent.
Aw, it's just a movie. A video game. A TV show. A music lyric.
How can Family Guy, American Family, Django, Inglorious Bastards, Grand Theft Auto III, or Postal 2 or any number of violent media or even violent music videos have this much affect on society you ask?
Thanks for asking. Well, let me tell you.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, "While the causes of youth violence are multifactorial and include such variables as poverty, family psychopathology, child abuse, exposure to domestic and community violence, substance abuse and other psychiatric disorders, the research literature is quite compelling that children's exposure to media violence plays an important role in the etiology of violent behavior."
And who can forget this tragedy and what the killer had to say: "(CNN) -- Norway's alleged mass killer testified on Thursday that he played video games as a way to train for a shooting spree that killed 77 people last summer. In particular, Anders Behring Breivik said at his trial that he played "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" as a means of shooting practice, according to CNN's report."
If you're interested in more information on the cause and effect of violence in the media, review Myths and Facts About Youth and Violent Media for an intensive, comprehensive review of this issue.
Not to harp on my sister's friend, Quientin, but did you read the review of the premiere of Django in the New York Times? It's especially chilling in light of what just happened:
"Ms. Thurman, of course, has done numerous movies for Mr. Tarantino including 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Kill Bill.' She can’t give an exact tally of how many people she’s killed on-screen for him. 'At least 88,' she said.
Nearly everyone in the house professed to love his latest offering. 'It was three hours of Tarantino perfection,' Cameron Diaz said, though she admitted to having some trouble watching some of the bloodier scenes.
'It was awesome' Patti Smith said. 'The guy kills 100 people and doesn’t even get wounded. I want to go see it again at midnight with a theater packed full of crazy kids screaming.'
Notice how Patti Smith said "crazy kids?" Who do you think is being influenced by this film?
Yes, kids.
And this is why I feel it needs to stop. Hollywood has to stop glorifying murdering people. Did you ever stop to think about how Quentin Tarantino learned to make films? By watching videos non-stop in his video selling job in Manhattan Beach.
See the correlation? Or is it too obtuse for you?
I have nothing against the guy. I admire what he's accomplished and how he directs. However, I wonder if any Hollywood filmmaker who is making bucco bucks off this violent trend is even considering donating money to support the victims they help cause indirectly. I wonder how many even have a conscience when they see this happening more and more in our society? Are they that blinded to their influence?
And even the Oscars will be glorifying the Family Guy creator who is one of the worst racist, offensive offenders on TV. WHEN WILL THIS STOP? CHOOSE SOMEONE ELSE TO "ENTERTAIN" OUR CULTURE DURING THE OSCARS.
I am tired of the glorification of violence in society. I'm tired of the killing of innocent adults and children in real life.
Author, Lt. Col Dave Grossman is an expert in the field of "killology" and in his first book, On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society also looked at the techniques the military uses to train soldiers to kill which offers compelling evidence THAT THE MEDIA EMPLOYS THE SAME TECHNIQUES, RESULTING IN DE-SENSITIZED KIDS.
This isn't just about males though, it's affecting girls too which is why I was happy to share what my friend, Doreen Hanna is doing with her Becoming a Modern Day Princess program to mentor young women into living lives of value, purpose and strength.
We either address the core issues affecting our society and look at what we're doing to perpetrate this violence upon our innocent generation, or accept the consequences. We can't have it both ways. Guns, in and of themselves, aren't the issue.
It's evil people and their drugged out state too.
So, are we going to allow our American culture to become what it is over in Israel? Will we soon see teachers carrying guns to the classroom to protect themselves like this?
I hope not. This tragedy in CT didn't have to happen. My heart and prayers go out to the victims and their families.
It breaks my heart.
I cried yesterday over the loss of innocent lives which didn't have to happen. We don't live in a war torn country, yet it's beginning to feel like it.
But then I remember people like Mr. Rogers and his wise sayings:
You can become one of the helpers too.
"Sympathy cards and/or letters of support and solidarity can be sent directly to the school:
But also, seriously consider what impact the media is having on your child, on your view of violence and what is within your power to change how our society looks at this issue.
Will you Hollywood professionals continue to create films, TV and video games that glorify violence?
Will you pharmaceutical drug companies, continue to push drugs on society that influence this behavior?
Will you gun sellers, continue to sell guns without considering the consequences?
Where does it end? When everyone is murdered and we live in a lawless society?
I find it ironic that the more we remove the good news of Christmas and Jesus coming to save us from our sins, the more we see this violence become prevalent.
There is a cause and effect from removing moral values from our society.
You can't have it both ways.
You either see sin and evil and do something about it, or you allow it to take over. I prefer to see evil and attempt to stop it.
But that's just me. Or is it? Will you join me?
I was happy to see someone in Hollywood saw the need to make a change and switched out Family Guy episodes in light of what has happened:
So, in closing, wanted to share this beautiful image someone posted to encourage those who have lost loved ones yesterday or any time.
And as President Obama shared so thoughtfully with this verse yesterday, Psalm 147:3, He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.
And here's another verse I love:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
God bless you. Think on these things. Will you do something to make a difference?
If so, I hope you do.
We are one nation, one community, one legacy.
Let's leave a loving one for our world and children.
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has
not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
― Mother Teresa
Had a great couple of days and now that the final Presidential debate is over feel like sharing. Hope you watched and have registered to vote if you live in CA cuz today is the final day! You have until midnight to do so here: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm
Moving right along...
Really enjoyed learning more about the Motion Picture TV Fund this past Saturday night because so often it's easy to only see the selfish, greedy, evil side of Hollywood and there really is a sweet, caring, loving side to it as well as evidenced by the power house turn-out at this private fundraiser.
I was very inspired listening to the stories of those who had benefited from the services and lived on campus as read by actors. It was all I could do not to take pix, but if you read the Hollywood Reporter in the upcoming days, I'm sure you'll see an eyeful.:) Here's one of my favorites though which he shared with his fans.
It was also very inspiring to see the level of people involved in caring for the elderly and infirm of Hollywood.
I've only considered the church as caring because that's what I've grown up with and have experience with, but to see Hollywood in action was very humbling and inspiring on so many levels.
What I loved hearing the most from the evening, above and beyond all the stories of people who have benefited, was the fact we are all one community. This was repeated throughout the night. We are our brother's keeper.
Loved that sentiment! As I said on Facebook, God bless you and God bless Hollywood! And I don't say that lightly!:) Very moved and inspired...
Another Hollywood event I enjoyed attending recently was the Kingdom Come screening hosted by Paste Magazine and my friend, Michael Dunaway. Recognize this man? (This fun pic is courtesy the talented Comic, Shelby Bond with the rest from this event graciously provided by Filmmaker/Photographer, Clinton H. Wallace of Photomundo, International.)
Kingdom Come is a documentary about the making of Broken Kingdom, by new filmmaker, yet accomplished Actor, Daniel Gillies and his lovely wife, Actress, Rachel Leigh Cook.
What was enjoyable about this doc, was hearing all the other stories of successful filmmakers and actors sharing their experiences with their efforts to create films intermixed too. So true!
Very fun night. Here's a few other interesting folks in attendance.
Illeana Douglas
Jennie Garth and Dania Rameriz
Rachel Leigh Cook, Joel Michaely, Clinton Wallace, Daniel Gillies, Arjay Smith
Moving right along.
I've been super busy and wasn't able to immerse myself in this season's LA Fashion Week as much as I would have liked, but did manage to see my two favorite Filipino designers, Furne One and Alexis Monsanto.
Last time I had covered their shows, their work really wasn't as popular in Hollywood, but both designers have exploded on the Hollywood scene which I wasn't expecting at all! Congrats to both of them!
"Alexis Monsanto is an emerging
fashion star whose A-list clientele has included talent such as: Drew Barrymore
and Kate Beckinsale, and whose designs have also been worn by Charlize Theron,
Felicity Huffman, Kara DioGuardi, Jordin Sparks, Laura Kaepler (Miss America
2012), Oscar-nominated Robin Fryday (2012) and Kimberly Rivers Roberts (2009),
world renowned soprano Sumi Jo, and cast members of the popular ABC-TV hit
series, “Revenge,” among many others."
He says, “I embrace a style that is
irreverent, unafraid, existential and provocative. With fashion, I aspire to
create challenges for myself, while creating a whimsical world for my client.
Ideally, they’ll tap into a form of expression that would otherwise seem
unattainable. I am inspired by everything in my life, from the cold black
objectivity of commerce to the warm subjective embrace of the muses."
Here's a few pix from the official photographer, Christian Del Rosario, which you can see in their entirety here. You can see my take on each fashion show event overall on my Facebook Fan page here and here.
In the meantime, enjoy my video coverage of the final procession for both shows. Please watch with the sound off for "optimal" viewing.:)
And just found my Sue Wong Fashion Show video which you can enjoy here too.
So, I think that about wraps up my latest adventures now that I've been back in Los Angeles.
On a closing note, since people ask me all the time what the biggest difference between living in GA versus now being back in CA, what I have come to recognize is the fact I know more people in Los Angeles and have a good reputation out here whereas I had to start from the ground up in Atlanta which is extremely difficult.
When I saw Monsanto at the fashion show, he acknowledged me from the stage and was delighted to see me at his show. I receive invites to private events others aren't included in by virtue of the professional and personal relationships I've carefully, and successfully, built over the years.
It just feels good to know, even though I was gone for a year, I wasn't forgotten. I feel more and more as time goes by I'm getting back into my groove slowly, but surely. As one friend pointed out, when I shared all the difficulties I went through in GA with my car, my health, my job and living situtations, she said, it was like I was Jonah running away from Ninevah and God wanted me back here in Hollywood.
I feel that very clearly now. I enjoyed a taping of one of my favorite music shows today and was seated in front of the judges which made me realize how lucky I am to have experiences like this so easily.
Hollywood is a special place and now that I've spent a year away from it, I appreciate it now more than ever. So, that's all. I just felt like sharing.
Hope you enjoyed reviewing some of my adventures with me. I'm sure there are more ahead!
Here's a pictorial essay of some of the fun events I've attended in the past few weeks for your viewing pleasure. First up, the Supperclub LA.
If you go tomorrow, they're offering 50% off on ALL dinners this Saturday, October 6th ONLY! This includes a four-course meal, complimentary shot, performances and the Club action afterwards. This excludes additional alcohol and gratuity.
Regular dinners are $75 and the experience starts at 7:45pm this Saturday. Please call 323-466-1900 to reserve your recline dining seating and mention Valentine Group to get your 50% off. Tell 'em Joy sent you too.:) Hope you can go! We had a great time when we were there!
My friend Debra & I enjoying the single life!:)
We were all pretty cold and started goofing around with the sheet cuz it cracked us up.
It's very atmospheric and totally unlike any place I've been to in LA before.
Who knew this is what lies behind the old Vogue Theater doors? Stunning, eh? LOTS OF FUN!
It's definitely a one-of-a-kind experience and one I recommend if you like really unusual, artsy, funky kinds of performances. Just be prepared for the unexpected is all I have to say. Totally felt like a vaudeville circus act which was extremely entertaining. Plus, the DJ is amazing and the food was delicious.
Very fun time! We did take pix with men who attended too, but these were all my friends sent me.:)
Next up, attended the wildly entertaining Lloyd Klein fashion show at Lure up in Hollywood hosted by Janice Dickenson, AnnaLynne McCord, and Lloyd Klein himself. What was fun about that event was seeing all my fashion friends who I only see at fashion events and being part of such a unique way to showcase a line. (More pix later I promise!)
Where else would you also get to hear Chaka Khan sing Happy Birthday to a guy named Mohammad?:) All while mixing and mingling with really interesting people, admiring Hotties on Ducatti's and meeting actors like hunky Geno Segers? (If he's single, tell him so am I!:)
Or always eclectic, Bai Ling? Janice Dickenson is always my favorite wild card though! You never know what's going to come out of her mouth, or what she'll do next. She's crazy fun.
Chaka Khan with Designer, Lloyd Klein in the middle, and a guest
Just one of the hotties on a Ducati
Chaka Khan! I grew up singing along to her music, especially Through the Fire, and it was a thrill to see her!
I personally took some pix which I'll share next time from all these experiences, but wanted to get this blog out since I've been promising it for sooooo long!
Another really fun fashion event I was invited to attend was Sue Wong's fashion show held at the Conga Room in LA Live in conjunction with the HD Fest (or something like that. I'm not their publicist and was more interested in the fashion to be honest. However, it was very cool!)
Just one of the many celebrity guests in attendance. Meet Lauren Mayhew, an actress and singer, who you will soon see on Dexter! Visit her fan page to learn more of this amazing talent: www.facebook.com/OfficialLaurenMayhew She's wearing a Sue Wong design in honor of the occasion.
Lovely wedding dresses were the highlight of the Grand Finale as Sue Wong came down to applause.
LG sponsored a special after-party and we all enjoyed delicious food and talked shop with all the filmmakers who were there as well. You may recognize some of these guys if you're into Horror.:)
We first met when I was working with Actor/Producer, Domiziano Arcangeli. Clinton was one of the first photographers to shoot him before Domi became as well known as he is today. Always have a soft spot for him as a result.:) Aren't these guys fun? They're both producers and/or directors Clinton knows. L Geza Decsy R John Michael Elfers
I always enjoy hanging out with Clinton because he knows everybody in town and always includes me in his conversations. Plus, he's super laid back, does his job really well and rarely complains (unlike some photographers I've worked with in the past, or know casually.)
Oh, and in honor of my high school reunion taking place this weekend, I thought I'd close out with a picture of some of us taken in elementary school because many of us grew up attending all the same schools together. Can you tell which one is me?:) Recognize anyone else?
Have a great night! Off to see my Atlanta artist friend, Yunny Bunny, who is out here in Los Angeles showcasing her work at the amazing art & music show downtown.
I grew up watching the Abbott and Costello comedy team and loved their brilliant sense of comedic timing. As a result, when I learned Hollywood Talent Manager and "Queen of Hosting" Coach, Marki Costello, was the granddaughter of Lou Costello after reading a review of her new book in the New York Post, I knew I wanted to talk to her.
Plus, her 20 year successful career in the business was so impressive I knew I would learn from her because I always love hearing strong women's experiences of making it in Hollywood.
For those unfamiliar, or too young to remember Abbott and Costello, here's a famous sketch they did entitled, "Who's on First?" to share why they were so popular back in the day. Although, maybe they were so popular because they were also the first ones to start the "wrap" party at the end of a film production according to their fan website: http://www.abbottandcostello.net/:)
Marki has distilled 20 years of Hollywood experience into her new book, Become A Host: The Inside Secrets Used by Every Successful Television Host, and if you click the link here, you can read the New York Post review as she covers all the celebrities you see listed in the pic here and more. Very interesting perspective and right on the money.
I had planned to attend Marki's "Sweet and Greet" book signing where she was donating the proceeds from the sale of the book launch party to her favorite charity, Alexandria House, to interview her there, but covering Fashion's Night Out that same night was too all-consuming and we just couldn't fit it in.
Here's a pic though of Marki in action that night. It was a huge success and a friend who attended said he had a great time. They're still tallying the amount raised from the book sales as they're waiting on online sales, but I'm sure if what he estimated as crowd attendance is correct, it will be a healthy amount!
It was a pleasure to have a one-on-one phone interview with her a few days later when everything had calmed down and I knew I would be able to focus.
Have to admit, when I first spoke to her I called her a "Ballsy Broad" because I had been watching quite a few of her previous video interviews to see what had, and hadn't been, covered already.
She is definitely a force to be reckoned with! A producer friend of mine agreed with me when I mentioned I was going to interview her, saying she is a "presence."
I believe it now!
What I love about Old School Hollywood people who have grown up around movie stars and Hollywood like she has, is the fact nothing and nobody fazes them. When you have a step-father like Craig Martin, the older brother of Dean Martin, and have Hollywood royalty in your lineage, it's just natural to feel comfortable in any setting with anybody.
That's why I think she's so successful in her Become A Host trainings, her management and casting career as well. Nothing fazes her! She just goes out and gets the job done! Did you know she casts 30% of every hosting job in Hollywood? May want to take her class and get noticed!:)
I was very curious about what it was like to be raised in the world of Hollywood and asked her about being related to Lou Costello to start off my interview. She explained, "It didn’t affect
me in the way kids are self-entitled now, I learned hard work pays off. Work your ass off.
Everything is fleeting. I’ve created a huge niche for myself – I manage, cast, and teach host talent in the hosting genre. I reinvent myself every four years."
Before her Mother died, she told her to go to college and Marki briefly attended UCLA. However, once her mom passed away, she knew her Dad wasn’t supporting her and she needed to work. "My very first job was working for Chuck Barris. One
season was 365 days a year from 9am – 9pm. I worked on all his shows, The Newlywed Game, The Gong Show, and The Dating Game."
When I asked her if she agreed he was a spy, she agreed, without hesitation, very quickly "Yes!" For those of you have never seen Charlie Kaufman's film on Chuck Barris called, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, which was directed by George Clooney, you really must rent it. Actor Sam Rockwell is brilliant and funny as Barris.
Marki continued on with her experiences with Chuck and how she got into the business of hosting. "He created reality shows. He was wonderful at making sure people on the show
knew how important they were. I started out doing cue cards, but always would
be talking to the audience."
Chuck told an associate, "She’s terrible with cue cards, but great with the
contestants." After that, Marki was the last person contestants would meet before going on the show and never did cue cards again. She's always been great
with people.
After working for Chuck, she opened up own casting company, Creative Management Entertainment Group and never looked back. A friend had approached her about managing her career and soon she was managing talent too. "I realized I had a gift for coaching people," she said. She knew what the networks wanted, she knew how to teach people to do it, and after starting out with 20 actors and 1 host, she now represents 1 writer and 30
hosts!
When she started in the business of hosting, only one or two people were trying to do hosting. "People have tried to
copy me," Marki freely admitted. "I realized how flattering it is, but it’s taken me 20 years to get here." Needless to say, no one else has had the longevity, the credibility, or the success Marki has had.
Just ask E! News Host, Jason Kennedy, The Voice/Musician,
Ceelo Green, or Game Show Host, Todd Newton who won an Emmy last year who have all gone through her program, and/or are managed by her.
Marki realized she needed to speak the language of actors and studied with the famous acting coach, Sandy Meisner, who told her, "Marki, you should be in front of the
camera."
Perhaps you remember seeing Marki as the take-no-prisoner casting agent on a reality show which is where I first saw her, or her appearance on the Real Housewives of Orange County where she coaches Gretchen Rossi?
I'm telling you, if she can make Gretchen seem less wooden, then you know she's a miracle working coach.:) Remember this scene from the Real Housewives of Orange County?
I like Gretchen, don't get me wrong, but damn! If she can make it, so can you! See what the power of a good coach can do? (As a little aside, I attended a Super Bowl party years ago in the OC and Gretchen was there with Slade. Both very sweet, low-key people.:)
Where was I? Oh yeah, Marki and keys to successful hosting...:)
I was very curious to hear what she thought made a host successful and here's what Marki told me in her no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is manner:
"Hosting is a very visual medium. You need to be visually appealing in this medium. You can’t be
700 lbs, with pimples. You have to clean up your look. Otherwise get into radio. "It" factor is what makes you want to watch that person. You want to hear what Chelsea Handler and Howard Stern have to say. He is very aware of his audience. Oprah Winfrey also puts her audience first. When I watched her Behind the Show episode, it was all about 'my audience, my audience.' It’s not about Oprah, it’s
about her audience. Her final show was a love letter to her audience."
On the flip side, she gave this little story on Piers Morgan which totally explained why I dislike his interview style so much and now know why.
"If you don’t put the audience first – what they want, what they need, and balance it by
your point-of-view, you're not going to be a good host. Piers Morgan is so worried about himself – kissing the
celebs butt, when he was interviewing Beyonce, she wanted to tell him about the pregnancy and he didn’t even pick up on what she was alluding to. I was so pissed I changed
the channel."
I was very curious to follow up on her impression of Khloe Kardashian as a new host and Marki told me. "I would hope Khloe comes to me. Talent thinks hosting is so
easy – I can just be me. Hosting is the great balancing act. You need a strong sense of
self, must be super comfortable with yourself, and understand you’re not going to make everyone happy
so let it go. You have to recognize the elements."
I wasn't familiar with that term and asked her what elements she was referring to. She responded, basically it's the need to co-exist with the co-host,
connect to your audience, read the teleprompter, and still have a relationship with your
audience. "Intellectually, it's easy to grasp, but you don’t want to practice on the show," Marki continued as she explained her view of Khloe hosting. "The single most important thing is putting her
audience first."
I also asked Marki what she thought about ageism in Hollywood and if older people have a shot at hosting at all:
"Every advertisers want the average demo 18-34. They want to
hire talent their audience relates to, but in this day and age it's more open. For example, there's now a host for a show called, Sex after 60. You have to build your brand, tweet daily, blog, and buyers will find you and come to you. Very cool thing about the internet is you can showcase your talent."
And as she's fond of saying, "If you build it, they will come, and when they do, you better know
what to do. You only get one shot for a first impression."
I was very surprised to hear the internet was a place where networks are finding talent and inquired more into that because of all the videographers I've seen over the years on red carpets who I never thought had a chance at doing anything beyond their little internet shows.
"Tons of people are breaking from the internet. The Networks tell me all the time, 'Find me
people from the internet.' Here’s what I say. I don’t think you need a lick of talent to be a great host, but you definitely do as an actor. It’s hosting. You have to have a strong sense of self, strong point
of view, get the media’s attention, put your audience before your ego and BS.
That’s 100% trainable."
She added, "You have to have a strong work ethic. Work on building your brand. There are hosts on the air today making a million a
year. Check your ego at the door. Hosting is about asking me to be me, but also why do people want to hear what I have to say?"
Great advice, wouldn't you agree? She has been leading "Hosting Boot Camps" for over 17 years and actually has a free seminar open to those who have never attended before happening on September 28, 2012 in Los Angeles, CA.
Here's what one professional has to say about Marki and her classes: "Marki Costello is one of the
most revered leaders in the world of television hosting and casting.
Her off-kilter sense of humor, her dedication to her clients and her widespread relationships throughout the entertainment industry are just a few of the qualities that make her so wonderfully unique and special..."
-Lisa Germani, TVGuide Network
Marki definitely knows what she's talking about. Everywhere I looked, all I saw were positive comments and that's impressive. You can find out more about all her programs here: http://www.becomeahost.com/
When I asked her why she had written her book,
which you can purchase here: Become a Host: The Inside Secrets Used by Every Successful Television Host, she explained by saying, "I
was having people fly in from NZ, NY, everywhere and not everyone can travel. I wrote the book for them." She told me her book has sold 10,000 copies in three months which is unbelievable numbers for a first-time author.
Just goes to show you, build a brand and those who like it, will buy it!:) Part of her brand is giving back. Here's what she had to say about why she donated the proceeds of her book sales from her Sweet and Greet book launch.
"I am very passionate about giving back. If you don’t give back,
you shouldn’t be living," Marki said assertively. "Say thank you, care about the answer to the question, 'how are you?' Help a homeless person. Think of all the women in the world who
don’t have something. Give back. It takes very little to be kind to another
human being."
And with that admonition, I will close out my interview. Big thank you to Marki for her time and hope you enjoyed the read!
I have so many more events to share and hope to have these stories ready soon too!
Sorry for the delay in posting my Fashion's Night Out wrap-up and Kristi Yamaguchi interview. My hands have been hurting since I'd been working so much six days straight and needed to take a quick break from the computer to allow the nerves to calm down. Back to normal now.
Moving right along.
What I admire about the famous people I'm having the privilege to personally interview lately, and what I've found true in any famous person's autobiography I've ever read, is the importance of giving back.
Years ago I represented Script Consultant, Dr. Linda Seger and her book, Web Thinking: Connecting, not competing for success,
and the basic premise was those who are relationship-oriented and share control and power, are much more successful in life than those who aren't.
That's why I was more curious about Kristi Yamaguchi's decision to donate a portion of her new activewear line to her foundation, Always Dream, vs. the actual designs when we spoke. Learned a lot and will share some with you now.
But as I always say, since you've been so patient, here's some designs to showcase her cute clothes before I get started. This jacket was one of my favorites. Don't you love the inner lining?
And notice the attention to detail on this other cute jacket too. Now if only the diamond ring came with it!:) Kristi has a very supportive husband who actually works on the line and is responsible for all the licensing agreements. Good job landing Lord & Taylor! That's where you can pick up these cute items and more from her Tsu-ya line.
If you want to read a great article on her activewear line as a whole, check out her recent interview in the new Los Angeles Fashion Magazine. I picked up an issue during Fashion's Night Out and was impressed.
When I asked Kristi why she started her charity, Always Dream, here's what she had to say:
She started it when she was 16 years old. She was inspired by Make a Wish
Foundation and worked closely with them to start off. "I saw the power of giving and
the ability to make a difference in children’s lives," says Kristi.
She has always been focused on children’s needs and is now focusing more on children’s literacy. "We want to create something positive to help close
the gap where children don’t have access to books or to help with reading, or
start school at their grade level," she continued.
Launching in kindergarten classes in CA, with six schools in Northern CA, as they see success there are plans to
expand. She has a great Board of Directors and Advisory Committee in education who provided a lot of research
and help designing the program.
"A big part of our motivation was to bring in
technology with the younger generation by partnering with Raising a Reader, who are nation-wide, with a book bag program at the preschool and kindergarten level
and give them tablets with books online to help children experience books in a new way," adds Kristi. "Times
are moving so fast, there’s so much more curriculum provided online, tablets
are smaller, easier and more intuitive for them to use."
She joked her kids find more things online than she knows. "Children are very good at adapting. Our 2nd program launching in schools
is a language arts program to supplement the reading curriculum already in the
schools to help with reading comprehension and vocabulary."
I also asked her, "What would you say to those who want to achieve
what you’ve achieved?" She answered, "Sometimes I feel like doing absolutely nothing, but always
do better with a challenge to focus on. My priority is my girls and making sure
they’re looked after. I will always stay involved with my foundation because
it’s exciting to give back in the community."
What I liked hearing is the
activewear line, Tsu-ya, donates a portion of the proceeds to Always Dream with the broader
picture to create a lifestyle brand with other types of products that will
fit under the Tsu-ya brand. Just think, when you buy a piece of her clothing, you're also helping children.
In closing, she said, "I like what Apollo Ono says, 'No regrets.' As an athlete your results are
directly affected by the work you put in. As an athlete you set a goal and use
it to motivate you and in the pursuit of your dream. Continue to believe in
yourself and keep your ultimate goal in sight. It’s not instant gratification,
but the work that leads up to it will be worth it in the end."
Isn't she inspirational? I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed speaking to her and sharing her thoughts with you.
Now, to wrap-up Fashion's Night Out in Los Angeles, here's a quick recap video, my friend/colleague, Nelson Brann of Film-Alchemy shot and edited, and I produced, for your fashion viewing pleasure.
If you look below the video, I've posted a map of everywhere we went and additional places we included in our video are the Beverly Hills Porsche fashion event and the over-the-top Beverly Center events too.
Enjoy! If you watch closely, you may even see some people you recognize.:) Kris Jenner, anyone?
While Kris was here in Los Angeles, Kim was busy at Lord & Taylor in NYC launching her new fragrance. Here's a video highlight. Just click the link: Kim Kardashian Reflections perfume launch at Lord & Taylor or simply enjoy her pic here.
I just finished an amazing interview with everyone's favorite hosting coach, Marki Costello, and plan to bring that to you soon.
Also, had the best time at the Los Angeles Supper Club last night which I'll share later as well.
Just in case you've been living under a rock, or will be sitting at home tonight wondering what to do besides watch the DNC, here's a little sneak peek at what is going on tonight all around the world - FASHION'S NIGHT OUT! Watch this very cute video with the adorable guy from Glee to see what I'm talking about!
Here's the website where you can find out all you ever wanted to know about this fantastic event in your city: http://fashionsnightout.com/
And here's the written overview to help you understand why this is going to be fabulous here in Los Angeles!
"Fashion's Night Out turns 4!
Join editors, stars, models, fashionistas, and designers on September 6, 2012, as they flood stores in cities across the country and around the world for fashion's most iconic extravaganza.
Last year's bash featured events in eighteen countries and more than 4,500 events here in the States. With special limited-edition products, celebrity appearances, and unforgettable performances, FNO 2012 is promising to be even bigger and better than before!
See you on September 6!"
Now if you fondly remember the Olympics, read books to your children or love learning about new fashion, then you'll love my interview with Kristi Yamaguchi as she told me about her life after the Olympics, raising her family, running a successful charity and now launching a beautiful activewear line called Tsu.ya (which is her middle name), for busy moms who want to look great and feel comfortable.
Her new line launches today at Lord & Taylor's during FNO!
Lord & Taylor celebrated FNO a little early by hosting the Project Runway Season 10 “Wrap Party” at its Fifth Avenue flagship store to celebrate the show’s first-ever capsule collection, created exclusively for the retailer by both past and present Project Runway designers.
Here's a little sneak peek from last night before I move on to my interview with Kristi ok? Here's Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia, and President of Lord & Taylor, Bonnie Brooks (wearing red.) And Heidi Klum wearing not much of anything.:)
Now, back to Kristi...
She's
just as gracious and humble in person as you'd expect. It's a little
refreshing to realize someone who so proudly represented America
actually epitomizes all that is good about America!
Ingenuity,
creativity, discipline, entrepreneurship, humbleness, humor, love of
life, love of family, and more.
Isn't she cute in this outfit? This is just one of the many cute styles you will be able to buy today!
Her line is inspired by her figure skating days. Aren't you glad it's not inspired by her stint on Dancing with the Stars? LOL
Although I did enjoy watching her compete and win on that show too. I mainly remember growing up watching her as she
competed in the Olympics with such ease and poise.
And how her kilowatt
smile always made it seem like she was just happy to be there doing her
thing even though it was such a grueling regimen to get there.
I was very curious how difficult it was to transition from training every day to regular life after winning the Olympics and asked how she fits in exercise now that she's a busy philanthropist, entrepreneur and mom.
It was very cool to speak with her knowing she is an Olympic Gold
Medalist and NY Times Best Selling Author.
And a mom.:)
She said, "I wish I had more of a regimen, but now I work out at least two to
three times a week, even if it’s just elliptical, light floor weights, a TV
program to get a quick work-out at home, or otherwise meet a friend at the gym. Believe me,
I do not train like an athlete any more, I work out to feel good to keep my
energy levels and eat the things I want. It’s more to burn some calories, do
some cardio, nothing too overwhelming."
That was encouraging to hear because it made me think I could do that too.:)
I asked her what her favorite Olympic moment was from the summer to which she answered, "So exciting
to see the US team was so strong and see all the
inspiring stories that came out of it. Gymnastics is one of my favorite summer
Olympics and to see the women’s team win the Gold." I had to agree since Gabby stole my heart.
Since Kristi's a former Olympic athlete I asked her if her new designs were something women competing in the Olympics could wear, or who she envisioned wearing it. She acknowledged they probably could, but she really designed it for the busy woman who likes to be active and has a fashion sense.
The whole look and feel came from Kristi, who worked
very closely with the main manufacturer to design and they helped with color
trends, fabrication, textiles to use, but she worked very closely on the details
of the design.
“My lifestyle is demanding. As a mother, as an author and as an
athlete, the clothing that I wear needs to be functional as well as
fashionable. Up until now there wasn’t an activewear line available to
me that met those needs so I created Tsu.ya to fill the void. Moms like
me know that our attire needs to live up to our standards and to our
activities and Tsu.ya does just that - and with style,” said Kristi.
I'm going to receive more images today and will upload them as soon as I receive them, I promise!
Here's the official description courtesy her publicist:
"Kristi's
new line, Tsu.ya, provides a variety of designs, some fun and flashy
(inspired by her figure skating days) and some more modern and chic,
with comfortable fabrics tucking you in where you need it to and
accentuating your figure where you want it to. The line will be
available at select Lord and Taylor stores and via the retailer’s
website in September of this year with a limited 18 piece edition for
fall with yoga pants, leggings, jackets, T’s and tops.
A portion of Tsu.ya sales will go to Kristi’s Always Dream Foundation (http://www.alwaysdream.org/) which funds programs that empower children to reach their dreams through education and inspiration."
Now her charity work really intrigued me too and we talked quite a bit about her inspiration for this endeavor. I'll share more of my interview and more images from her line (which are super cute and unique) in my next blog post later ok?
HIGHLY ANTICIPATED BEAUTY WEB SERIES “SPEAKING OF BEAUTY WITH HOLLY FULGER” DEBUTS TODAY!
ACTRESS, WRITER AND BEAUTY SPOKESPERSON HOLLY FULGER (ELLEN, thirtysomething,
ANYTHING BUT LOVE) IS ON A MISSION TO OPEN A DIALOG WITH WOMEN
ON INNER BEAUTY & AGING GRACEFULLY
Los Angeles, CA...Actress, Writer and Beauty Spokesperson Holly Fulger (“Ellen” / “thirtysomething” / “Anything But Love”) is on a personal mission with her newest ground-breaking digital series, “Speaking of Beauty with Holly Fulger,” to open a dialog among women to address their concerns and insecurities about aging and ultimately help women discover their inner-beauty, enhance their self-image and feel more beautiful at every age.
Created and Executive Produced by Holly Fulger, and directed and produced by Melinda Augustina (“16 to Life” / “Fun with War Crimes” / “Three-Fifty”), the new beauty web series showcases Holly’s interviews with her favorite role models and “everyday heroes” of all races, ages and backgrounds.
These dynamic individuals discuss their personal vision of beauty, the negative effects of media's "ideal woman," and how these perceptions influence their lives and their power as women.
Interviews include: Writer/Performer, Dari Mckenzie, who launched Twiggy’s clothing line and worked with Fellini in the 60's, sharing her perspective on aging gracefully; Twelve-year-old Student and Aspiring Writer, Grace Williams, who shares her “wise-beyond-years” thoughts on the imperfections of beauty; Jewelry Designer, Rachel Abroms, sharing how family and Society’s negative focus on weight led her to self-mutilate before finding peace; and Professional & Personal Development Coach of Missing Peace, Cynthia Ordebuga, sharing beauty wisdom passed down from her grandmother and from her own experiences growing up as an African-American in a segregated society.
Fans who subscribe to “Speaking of Beauty with Holly Fulger” on YouTube channel will be the first to receive additional access to beauty-related health data, provided by “Speaking of Beauty’s” medical partner, the Cleveland Clinic’s health education program, Speaking of Women’s Health. (@SPKwomenshealth)
In addition, today only from 10am to 4pm PT, “Speaking of Beauty with Holly Fulger” will exclusively offer YouTube viewers & Blip.TV viewers the ability to submit questions, or comments, to be personally answered by Holly and her guests.
In September 2012, the Cleveland Clinic partnership will be formally announced in conjunction with additional episodes rolling out weekly to all fans on the official web site: http://www.speakingofbeauty.tv, along with the official release of the corresponding “Speaking of Beauty Inner Beauty” journal book by Holly Fulger.
Taking a profound look at both the positive and negative aspects of beauty, Holly’s new web series presents a platform for resolving the paradox of being "beautiful" and the power of being yourself.
An accomplished actress, “Speaking of Beauty” Host, Holly Fulger was a television series regular on such shows as “Ellen,” “thirtysomething,” “Anything But Love” with Jamie Lee Curtis. Additional appearances and feature films include the Disney trilogy “Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century,” and over fifteen television movies. Holly is married to character actor, Ron Bottitta, and lives with their two children and all their rescue animals, in Hancock Park, California.
Actress, Writer and Beauty Spokesperson, Holly Fulger is on a personal mission to help women discover their inner beauty and feel more beautiful at every age.
Working first as a model and then as an actress, she always felt compelled to lie about her age, Holly experienced the good, the bad and the misguided aspects of beauty in our Hollywood and Madison Avenue driven culture.
As a result, she developed a lifelong passion to help women develop a positive, compassionate, and beautiful self-identity. It’s now the driving force behind her latest her new web series, SPEAKING OF BEAUTY WITH HOLLY FULGER, designed to open a dialog among women to address their concerns and insecurities of aging, and ultimately, help women discover their inner-beauty, enhance their self-image, and feel more beautiful at every age.
As she interviews some of her favorite role models and “everyday heroes” of all races, ages and backgrounds, each woman discusses their personal vision of beauty, the negative effects of media's "ideal woman", and how these perceptions influence their lives. Holly takes a profound look at both the positive and negative aspects of beauty and presents a platform for resolving the paradox of being "beautiful" and the power of being yourself.
Holly has always loved beauty and fashion, but it wasn’t until she became a step-mother that she felt comfortable with her own beauty and actual age. Struggling with feelings of inadequacy since a teen-ager, Holly knows firsthand the struggles women experience in today’s distorted view of beauty.
A year ago, she co-launched an inner-beauty workshop with a professional makeup artist and held numerous workshops teaching women how to internalize the truth of their own unique beauty and create a deeper connection between their inner and outer selves. Many women experienced beauty breakthroughs for the first time with the information, support, and resources provided.
As a spokesperson and inner-beauty workshop leader, Holly has written numerous articles on beauty. An article she wrote for iCNN caught the attention of a CNN producer who interviewed Holly and seven other women on their perception of beauty. To Holly, the most interesting part of her beauty workshops and being on CNN, was listening to other women’s stories and hearing how difficult it was for women to say what is beautiful about themselves.
“We don’t talk enough about beauty and the issues it brings up, to one another. I believe that is beginning to change” says Holly. “The older I become, the more I see that physical beauty is lovely to look at, but ultimately meaningless. Beauty is a reflection of who we are. It is, quite simply, our soul reflected outwardly.”
Prior to moving to Hollywood from her Ohio hometown, Holly studied stage acting at the acclaimed Remains Theatre Co. in Chicago, where she starred in many award-winning plays directed by Tony® award-winning director, Robert Falls. Now that her children are teen-agers, Holly has returned to her theater roots and just worked on a new play by Mark Roberts (creator of MIKE and MOLLY) with the Rogue Machine Theater in Los Angeles, where she is a company member.
Holly Fulger is married to character actor, Ron Bottitta, and lives with their two children and all their rescue animals, in Hancock Park, CA.
Bookmark: www.speakingofbeauty.tv to see the launch of Holly's new web series on beauty. Holly & friends will be available to answer questions and comments from 10am - 4pm PT tomorrow too!
In case you can't find anything on TV you want to watch, or have no plans and are just chilling looking for something innovative and unique to watch online, look no further. Received this information from a couple of publicists awhile ago and have been meaning to share it with you for quite some time.
You haven't missed out though because the show was created with the ability for an audience to create their own playlists, to group character story arcs, geography, chronology, etc and curate content on your own Youtube pages/social media.
It's completely non-linear and each of the 48 five-minute episodes can be watched in any order.
Isn't that cool?
The series takes viewers on a journey into an apocalyptic future where technology has begun to spiral out of control and 33% of the world give up cell phones and laptops in favor of a stunning new device by H+ Nano Teoranta, an innovative technology company that connects the internet to the human mind 24 hours a day.
I would never do this, but I know some tech heads who might find it fun.:)
As mentioned earlier, H+ is created, written and executive produced by John Cabrera (“Gilmore Girls”). What's cool about the YouTube format, is that it allows for viewers to have direct contact and conversation with John as they are watching.
Don't ask me how, just try it!:) Here's the trailer to give you a taste. It's really, really well done!
The Miami native graduated from DePaul University with a degree in Acting and co-founded the theater company “Collaboraction” and was awarded the Joseph Jefferson Award Citation for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Cabrera also wrote and directed web series “The Homes” an indie rock musical road trip starring Chelsea Kane. In his spare time, Cabrera is an avid rock climber and has a background in computer programming and design which garners him respect in the social media digital universe.
I know I'm impressed, aren't you? What's fun for me with this series, is that Bryan Singer had a short film in my short film festival years ago and it's exciting to see people I knew back in the day continue to succeed. I wish them both much success with this show.
Fans can subscribe to the “H+ The Digital Series” channel on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/HPlusDigitalSeries). Viewers have access to exclusive content which provides insight into the origins of "HPlus" and details about this ambitious and innovative digital series. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think about it ok?
Been busy behind the scenes and finally able to take a break to blog.
I love working with Int'l Celebrity/Wedding Stylist, Nicole Janowicz, and am learning sometimes things I would normally be shouting about on the rooftops need to be kept under wraps a lot longer than anticipated.:)
I can tell you this though. Nicole has re-connected with Director Dago Gonzalez of Veneno Inc. whom she worked with on Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony: World Tour Video Elements, Slash, and dancers for Paulina Rubio: Nada Puede Cambiarme, and the Spice Girls: World Tour Video Elements.
See, it's not all Backstreet Boys and weddings all the time with her! She does other entertaining projects too!:) She is currently styling for two major World Tours with Dago and having a ball.
It's always fun when you work with people you like and who respect your work. Rare in this town, but when you find it it's a treasure which may explain why Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorcese and so many others keep their same teams film after film.
In any case, back to Nicole. So, if you don't hear anything from me about her, just know great things are perculating behind-the-scenes as we work diligently together.
Here's a brief intro to pique your interest by Nicole Janowicz: "On April 1st, I made an appearance at the "Unveiled Bridal Style Revealed" event in Beverly Hills, Calif., held at the exquisite Beverly Canon Gardens. "Unveiled" is an outdoor bridal event that brings together the best event professionals, resources, and designs for couples to enjoy as they plan for their big day.
I am not married nor am I engaged. Thus, I can only imagine what it must feel like for newly betrothed couples when the engagement haze wears off, and the reality of creating a wedding becomes, well... real. Venues, food, guests, invitations... the details and decisions are seemingly endless. Bridal events, like "Unveiled," are an invaluable resource for couples. They are like the Barneys New York women's shoe department of weddings: the best the industry has to offer, in one place, and with smiling, friendly people waiting to chat and help!
My team and I were on-site to talk with brides about all things wedding fashion and style including: upcoming trends, choosing your wedding gown, choosing bridesmaids dresses to compliment every personality and figure, how to style your groom and groomsmen, and much more.
One bride in particular asked my advice on how to wear different ceremony and reception dresses, while maintaining a consistent style. My conversation with said bride inspired this article because I know she is not the only woman grappling how to wear two different dresses, while maintaining one overall look.
I can also tell you she's been invited to speak before the Wedding Industry Professional Association sometime next month. Still nailing down the particulars, but it will be great. The organzier is very good at what she does and we're excited to participate. (I know, I said "we," but I get excited with my clients, what can I say?:)
Other things are bubbling and will be announced in due time. SO! That's the latest with Nicole.
FASHION FLASH
Since you've been patient, I thought I would share some fashion highlights I've been receiving from other publicists because now that summer is upon us it's fun to see what all the stars are wearing and doing.
I was pleasantly surprised to receive this highlight of Actress Jaime King wearing ban.do since Nicole has styled her in the past for LADirect Magazine (purchased years back by another publication.)
Isn't this a cute headband and look? Jaime looks like such a Southern belle I love it.
Jaime King wore ban.do on a recent episode of Hart of Dixie! The model turned actress sparkled in a glam crystal headband ($225); www.shopbando.com.
My friends and I love Austin and really beautiful jewelry there. Have you heard of another Jamie named Jamie Pope? Well, Jamie decided to design her own jewelry line when she couldn't find what she liked and tcreated the Liz James collection.
Have to say, fashionista's everywhere are happy she's designing if this picture is any indication:
If a trip to Austin isn't in your plans any time soon, shop her designs online here: www.lizjames.com.
Now, since it's getting sunnier and sunnier, here's some fun shades called Lumete which means a precious object used for protection and luck, and lumen, meaning light.
One of our favorite strip tease artists, Dita Von Teese, (I know the PC term is Burlesque, but let's call a spade a spade people.:), loves 'em. If you can believe it, I actually saw her perform at a private birthday for an 80 plus year old mom of a very wealthy son's party up in Rolling Hills Estates years back.
Dita is good at what she does! The men in the crowd were cheering and all the rest of us were just amazed the mom had agreed to this performance.:)
Doesn't Dita look glamourous and mysterious in her "summer sunnies" as the publicist calls 'em? Love this look!
Oh, and I also received the news two cool people I've written about in the past, Entourage Actor, Adrian Grenier, and Stonyfield Farm chairman Gary Hirshberg were at the recent opening of a new natural and organic restaurant at Chelsea Piers last night, Chelsea’s Table, which Gary also founded.
Aren't they cute?:) Hey Adrian, Nicole would love to work with you if you're not already with a stylist!:)
Photo credit: Brian Ach /AP Images for Chelsea's Table
Chelsea’s Table features natural, organic and local ingredients in a fast-casual atmosphere proving that “healthy fast food” is not an oxymoron. (Just like Stonyfield Farm's organic yogurt I had the fun time promoting last year. You can view all the fun pix from the Family Love Fest here in my blog: http://bit.ly/ihsNZk just keep clicking.:)
Gary and Adrian formed their friendship two years back when Adrian launched his eco-media platform SHFT (http://www.shft.com) which supports environmentally conscious and sustainable living.
So, here's Daryl's reason for hosting the event, some pix and then link to where to buy tickets or donate if you're interested in supporting this single Dad achieve his dream:
JESSE CAMPBELL "THE VOICE" FUNDRAISER
On Saturday May 5, 2012, I'm hosting a fundraiser for former Chicagoan, Jesse Campbell in Chicago at Stave Mansion. As many of you already know, America fell in love with Jesse after hearing his life story and listening to his golden vocals as a contestant on NBC's "The Voice".
This single dad, who at times has had to resort to sleeping in his car with his young daughter sleeping on his chest, electrified worldwide viewers of "The Voice" with vocals that possessed polish, range, and tone that had never been seen on a television talent show.
Millions of fans flocked to the internet, creating twitter teams, blogs and fan pages, all to herald this fabulous talent. "The Voice" coaches/judges, Adam Levine (Maroon 5), Cee Lo Green, Blake Shelton (11 #1 Country Hits), and Jesse's own coach Christina Aguilera unanimously declared Jesse the "Dude to Beat" and "clear favorite to win the whole thing".
He was the fan favorite as well, and, by an extremely wide margin, received more fan votes than any other contestant. Jesse WAS "The Voice". He was on EVERY commercial. He was the face of the show.
As "The Voice" progressed into the quarterfinal rounds, contestant's advancement or elimination was supposed to be based solely on the votes and support of the public. A surprise announcement was made at the onset of the quarterfinal round, declaring that an "instant elimination", based solely on the discretion of the coach of the competing team, would occur at the end of the day's competition.
Jesse sang Beyonce's "Halo", a song picked by his coach Christina. He NAILED IT, and had the world in tears as pictures of he and his daughter scrolled in the background. Even Beyonce tweeted "I love Jesse Campbell's voice."
As Team Xtina gathered nervously on stage to face elimination, everyone wondered which of the other three contestants would be the one to fall. To the complete shock and horror of her fellow judges and the viewing public, Christina eliminated Jesse. The audience fell silent, the world erupted and the other judges looked at her in disbelief.
This nefarious and unprecedented rule change and elimination cost Jesse a chance at $100,000 and a fresh start for him and his daughter. The blogosphere, Twitter, and Facebook exploded with hundreds of thousands of shocked fans complaining and protesting in disbelief. They have demanded Jesse's return to the show, but so far, to no avail.
The night Jesse was eliminated from the show, tennis great Serena Williams Tweeted, "Omg Jessie Cambell was the best performance tonight are you serious??? WTH? #teamchristina yuck! I love you Jessie!!!!!" Jesse is too classy and humble to say so, but it is painfully obvious that he was wronged.
This didn't sit well with me, so on May 5, 2012, I am gathering friends, family, and complete strangers in a show of love and appreciation of a job well done. He has spent most of the last six (6) months sequestered and has not been able to make a living. The goal of our "We love you Jesse Campbell," fundraiser is to raise funds in order to ease his burden as he embarks toward his goal of securing a recording contract and taking care of his daughter.
There will be food and drinks, and Jesse will even sing a song or two. Join us for a night of fun and celebration, where we honor a strong, wonderful man and a great single dad.
Several people are flying to town to join us, so if you're not busy, come to Chicago on May 5th and have a ball with us. All of the proceeds go to Jesse Campbell!
Recently I was privileged to cover Nordstrom's Nashville Symphony Fashion Fundraiser which featured five-time GRAMMY® winner Carrie Underwood and an exclusive presentation of Oscar de la Renta’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection this past February.
It was a beautiful evening start to finish. I'm breaking this into three parts because there is too much to discuss. Tonight, enjoy this coverage of the actual hall and start of the show. More to come soon!
We arrived at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and were struck immediately by the beauty of the $123.5 million home of the Nashville Symphony. Although built to look historic, it actually opened as recently as 2006.
Pretty soon the courtyard was teeming with Nashville society women excitedly chattering and drinking cocktails in the perfect balmy weather as staff continued to set up the event inside. (Please excuse the quality of some of these pix as my photographer has been MIA since returning to Atlanta and these were taken from my phone. The rest of the images are professional photographers who shoot for the symphony and Oscar de la Renta which I will credit accordingly.)
As the doors opened everyone came into the foyer and the excited chatter grew to a dull roar as guests visited with friends and learned where they were sitting. I recognized a Mary Frances hand bag one of the guests was wearing and made this woman's night.:)
I was able to sneek a peak inside the hall prior to the show and was greeted by this stunning sight. The Symphony Center seats 1,844 in the Laura Turner Concert Hall and includes the 3,000-square-foot Mike Curb Family Music Education Hall. The floor is adjustable too which is why it looks different from the pictures above.
Notable for its remarkable acoustics and distinctive architecture, this 197,000-square-foot facility has become an integral part of cultural life in Music City and is regarded as one of the finest concert halls in America.
Soon we were ushered inside and hushed into silence by Nashville Symphony musicians performing Coldplay's Paradise song live conducted by Steve Kummer which transitioned back and forth seamlessly to DJ Javiere and his music stylings all throughout the show.
Proceeds from the Nordstrom Symphony Fashion Show will assist the Symphony in reaching more than 95,000 people through free community concerts; bringing world-renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Béla Fleck and Emanuel Ax to perform for local audiences; providing barrier-free music education to thousands of students across Middle Tennessee; and supporting the work of today’s leading composers.
Led by Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero and President and CEO Alan D. Valentine, the GRAMMY® Award-winning Nashville Symphony has a growing international reputation for its recordings and innovative programming. With 140 performances annually, the 84-member Nashville Symphony is an arts leader in Nashville and beyond, offering a broad range of classical, pops and jazz concerts; special events; children’s concerts and community outreach programs.
As a national and international ambassador for the citizens of Tennessee, the Nashville Symphony has received far-reaching acclaim for its 19 recordings on Naxos, the world’s leading classical label, and one on Decca, making the Nashville Symphony currently one of the most active recording orchestras in the country. These recordings have received 13 total GRAMMY® nominations and six GRAMMY® wins — three for Joan Tower’s Made in America in 2008 and three for Michael Daugherty’s Metropolis Symphony in 2011. The winning categories include “Best Classical Album” (for the Tower recording) and “Best Orchestral Performance” (for the Tower and the Daugherty recordings).
Music education is a top priority for the Nashville Symphony. During the 2010/11 season, the institution reached more than 200,000 adults and children through its education and community engagement programs. These include the flagship initiative One Note, One Neighborhood, which provides comprehensive music education resources to students and teachers underserved public schools. Working in partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools and the W.O. Smith/Nashville Community Music School, the Nashville Symphony doubled its reach through this program in the last year, serving East Nashville’s Stratford cluster and North Nashville’s Pearl-Cohn cluster with curriculum materials, professional development and individual music instruction, all offered to schools at no cost.
Charlize Theron backstage at the exclusive VIP Gothams Lounge sponsored by Russian Standard Vodka after accepting a "special tribute" award honoring her career.
Alec Baldwinshares some ‘indie love’ with Gary Oldman & then signs a special auction item to support this year’s, Gotham beneficiaries.
Winners of the Audience Award; the cast of Girlfriends who won for their touching film about a young man with Down syndrome who has a crush on a troubled single mother.
Felicity Jonesbackstage after receiving the breakthrough actor award for her work in "Like Crazy," playing a British student separated from her American boyfriend after her visa expires.
(Just found this information again and thought you all might get a kick out of reading it in case you hadn't seen this earlier.)
Below is round-up of GRAMMY winners spanning a range of categories from best album to hip-hop to electronica. Each is ranked based on their digital footprint, or PeekScore, from around the Web.
PeekScore is a rank from 1 to 10, assigned to every person. The higher someone’s score, the “more important” they are on the web. In calculating your PeekScore and updating it often, PeekYoutakes into account your known presence and activity on the Internet, including but not limited to; your blogging, participation in social networks, the number of your friends, followers, or readers, the amount of web content you create, and your prominence in the news.
1 Taylor Swift Country Solo P Performance, Country Song 10.00 / 10.00
Finally!:) Here's the wrap-up of our Golden Globes Party South Coast Style. I decided spur of the moment to host a Golden Globes Party South Coast Style with someone I met after seeing no one else was doing one in Atlanta. I moved here from Hollywood where you celebrate every awards show and felt we needed to celebrate here too.
Within a week of working hard, we nailed down Jerry Farber's Side Door private night club in the Landmark Diner, a Golden Globes girl, celebrity guests, and wonderful sponsors who included:
(We still have to schedule our private VIP Cigar party at Prohibition for those who won this contest. Can't wait!:)
Here's the final official Golden Globes Party South Coast Style invitation to give you an idea of all the fun details of our event:
Over 50 guests attended and everyone really enjoyed the great meal Landmark Diner prepared; the fun raffle prizes donated by our wonderful sponsors for best costumes and other contests; the impromptu singing by our Golden Globes Girl, India Hopkins, performed during one of the many commercial breaks; meeting our celebrity guests, Actor Tony Vaughn
and Actor/International Model Billy Payne; mixing and mingling with all the other film and TV fans enjoying the Golden Globes; and experiencing Jerry Farber's Side Door nightclub overall.
Big thank you to all our sponsors, Jerry Farber, Jed Fearon, Landmark Diner, Scott and Priti, Jay & Teddy, and everyone else who helped. We feel this first-time event was a huge success and thank everyone for coming out too!
Here's a pictorial essay of the evening for your viewing pleasure.
The Side Door is comfortable, but not sloppy; stylish, but not elitist. There's a full bar, the best bar food in town, and free parking.
The Golden Globes, one of Hollywood's favorite awards shows mixes up TV and Film personalities with George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep and a host of other stars expected. The special guest this year will be Morgan Freeman who is receiving the Cecil B DeMille award. This Awards Show is certain to be an entertaining time, especially with Randy Gervais back to roast everyone!
Locally, in attendance will be Actor/International Model, Billy Payne, Actor Tony Vaughn (Meet the Browns, Drop Dead Diva), and other surprise guests to be announced.
Dress "Cocktail Attire"'/"Favorite Movie or TV Star" (Drama or Comedy)
Fun finger foods and Raffle Prizes from , Massage by Pace and more for Best Dressed, Best Costume, and a Grand Prize of a Wine Tasting Dinner for Six at for whoever gets the most categories right...
Entry Fee: $10 includes appetizers and ballot. Pay online here, or $15 at the door for general admission. Buy tickets here: http://goldenglobesparty.eventbrite.com/
VIP: $20 includes reserved seating, one drink ticket, ballot and other Golden Globe goodies includingAND invites to another private VIP party for the first 10 VIP Golden Globe reservations. Buy tickets here: http://goldenglobesparty.eventbrite.com/ Online only.
This past year ended with a bang, literally, as my Volvo was hit as I was heading out for a NYE's event. (Not my fault as usual.:) Having to take it easy to relax my back, I've started reading Larry A. Thompson's book, SHINE: A Powerful 4-Step Plan For Becoming A Star In Anything You Do as I like to keep up on what successful people in my field recommend.
I come from the school of thought you never know everything and it's best to keep on learning. I've been a publicist for over 10 years, but I always learn something new. Larry is obviously one accomplished man. Here's his bio in case you're not familiar with his illustrious career:
"Acclaimed Hollywood producer, author and motivational speaker, Larry Thompson has managed the careers of over 200 stars. Voted "Showman Of The Year" in 1998 by the U.S. Television Fan Association, Thompson has produced 18 movies for television, including the highly acclaimed ABC world premiere movie, “And The Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story,” 5 motion pictures, 2 television series, 3 television specials, and various series pilots. Thompson received the industry’s prestigious Vision Award and his productions have received nominations for 8 Emmys, 2 Prism Awards, and a Golden Globe. He is perennially listed in Who’s Who In America and Who’s Who In The World. For more information visit www.LarryThompsonOrg.com"
I think those are very good credentials for my line of work, don't you agree? I was pleasantly surprised to see he started his book detailing his failure and breakdown before getting into the meat of becoming successful which is what the book is about. I'm still reading it, and have really enjoyed what I've read thus far.
One of the things he mentions, and which I recognize in successful people I've met along the way, is they always build a strong team around them. I feel, as part of my client's team, I need to do all I can to build their belief in themselves, their unique talents and expertise. It's funny, but oftentimes those who are most accomplished aren't aware of how much they have going on for themselves and it's part of my job to help them see it. Then, to help the world see it too.
I recently received information from Adrian Grenier's "people" that he was intending to launch his new eco-wine label, SHFT HOUSE WINES, along with his film producer partner, Peter Glatzer, at Portugal’s 6th Annual International
Gourmet Festival, The World’s Biggest Gourmet Event Featuring Only Michelin-Starred Chefs, which made my mouth water just reading about all the wonderful foodie and wine events planned and amazing chefs involved.
"Over 20 of the world’s most celebrated chefs from France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Canada and Portugal will also participate, each presenting a tasting menu combined with several wine pairings."
Here's the official blurb on Adrian's new venture with his team:
"Actor-filmmaker Adrian Grenier and film producer Peter Glatzer will unveil the newly launched SHFT House Wines.The wine label is under the umbrella of Grenier’s and Glazter's eco-conscious taste-making company, SHFT.com, which produces original content, and distributes widely through multiple platforms, including their partnerships with Huffington Post and Virgin America Airlines. SHFT.com also curates and sells sustainable products. SHFT House Wines is produced out of Paso Robles, Calif., sourced from organic, biodynamic and sustainable vineyards. The ink on the labels is non-toxic and the bottles are recycled. SHFT House Wines is debuting with its first vintage, self-titled SHFT House Wine, a decadent Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre blend."
Wouldn't you like to be part of that team?:) So, when one part of your career ends like Entourage has for Adrian, it often opens up opportunities you never knew even existed. Keep the faith and create opportunities for yourself if necessary is my motto.
If you have time and money, you can join Adrian and "Emmy Award winning actor Michael Imperioli (“The Sopranos”), Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actorMatthew Modine (“Too Big Too Fail,” The Dark Knight Rises), Tony nominated actor-comedian Mario Cantone (“Sex and the City”), four-time Emmy nominee Ricky Paull Goldin (“All My Children”)and Gretta Monahan (“The Rachael Ray Show”)" there too.
The festival will be held at the Vila Joya in Albufeira-Guia (Algarve) from January 12 – 22, 2012. For more information or to book, go to www.internationalgourmetfestival.com.
Don't you think they need an accomplished Food & Wine Festival blogger like me along with them? I do! Bill, dude, hook me up!:)
I also received a note from a publicist working on the magazine, A Bullseye View, for Target about Willow Smith, Will and Jada Smith's daughter, who, along with Target, launched the “Kids Helping Kids” campaign to award eight deserving New York kids and their families with a holiday shopping spree in the Target Harlem store. The lucky kids were selected based on a nomination from The Boys and Girls Club of NYC for displaying leadership and academic excellence.
Can you imagine the excitement of these lucky children? I think it's so important for celebrities to give back and donate their time and platform to help those less fortunate. I haven't read that in Larry's book yet, but I'm sure it's coming.
Can you imagine having Jay Z as a mentor or singing with Nicki Minaj on her new single, Knees and Elbows, like this 11 year old dynamo has? Talk about a team!
Then there's people like Alec Baldwin who need a team. Fortunately, Gary Oldman has an excellent one with his agency. Doesn't Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy have Oscar written all over it?!
Hey Jim! Call me, I sent you an email with all the details!:)
That's all for now, but you get my drift. If you need help with your team from a publicity standpoint, please contact me here: joykennelly1 (at) gmail (dot) com. As we get closer to Oscar season this is my favorite time of year to work with actors, stylists and others who want a bigger presence in Hollywood.
Celebrity dancer, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, made a visit to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to deliver toys and books to the children participating in dance therapy recently a publicist was kind enough to share with me, perhaps knowing how much I like cute guys giving back to society?:)
Maks danced and interacted with patients in the Mark Taper-Johnny Mercer Artists Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which brings a wide array of arts experiences to critically and chronically ill children, teens, and families.
The donated toys were collected by Cost Plus World Market, as a part of their Share the Joy program. (Gotta love the name!:) You can see all of the photos from the event on Wire Image here.
Now wasn't that nice? I know many non-celebrities do charitable things for others as unsung heroes in their communities (DD!:), but since Hollywood can be so self-centered and selfish I like to recognize those stars who do give back because children need to see positive TV role-models.
Since I know I'm too "Christian" for some, and perhaps not Christian enough for others, I thought I'd post some factual data on the sociological, economic and emotional impact of divorce on society just because it's not discussed much publicly and needs to become more a part of public discourse.
As someone who has grown up with parents who have stayed married for over 40 years I never realized how much divorce impacts people until recently. I had no idea how to answer my friend when she asked me why she was always struggling, always wondering why God hadn't stepped in to help her, and why she felt so alone until I began researching divorce recently. All the pieces fell into place on why she has this victim mentality when I realized she grew up in a divorced household with an absentee father whereas I did not.
What I found fascinating though, in reading Long-Term Influence of Divorce and Single Parenting on Adolescent, Family- and work-related values, behaviors, and aspirations, is that it really comes down to the individual and how they respond to these situations. That gives me hope and encouragement because I know my childhood wasn't perfect, yet I continually strive to grow and change through reading, speaking to people, taking constructive criticism when needed, seeking counseling, attending seminars and conferences to aid in my learning about how to be a better person which I believe has lead to a more centered, forward-thinking, positive viewpoint on life overall.
I believe your past doesn't have to own you, although it will shape you. It's up to you on how you choose to live your life and deal with life's issues. However, I don't agree with throwing away a marriage after 72 days.
Britney Spears throwing hers away after 55 hours was a little much, but at least we didn't get bombarded with billboards, advertisements, magazine covers etc touting that Las Vegas wedding. Look at how it affected her for awhile after too.
Not to say there aren't certain circumstances when divorce does seem to be the only option, but I really doubt it in Kim's case. However, I do want to say I admire single parents immensely because according to this research, "Single parent women experience the highest rate of unemployment, and receive the lowest rate of pay regardless of their education." (Economic Roundtable, 2004)
On the flip side, "Fewer than 17% of all single moms receive government assistance even in the minor form of food stamps." (Economic Roundtable, 2002) Women are doing an amazing job of raising children by themselves, often without ex-spousal support: "$39 billion dollars is owed in back child support to 29 million children of single parent women." (2000 National Child Support Report)
I guess what's shocking and sad to me is this statistic: "Of the 27 industrialized countries studied by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the U.S. had 25.8 percent of children being raised by a single parent, compared with an average of 14.9 percent across the other countries."
What does this say about America? I believe Kim Kardashian's flippant attitude towards marriage on such a vast platform as E! Entertainment Television plays a part when she is supposedly a role-model for young, impressionable girls. Is this really who we want influencing society today?
I found this statistic to be shocking too, even though it doesn't relate to the Kardashians. "72% of all African American children will be raised by a single parent." I don't understand this cultural phenomenen. Don't believe me? Read it all here: 72 Percent Of Black Kids Raised By Single Parent, 25% Overall In U.S. That's a huge statistic!
"Dr. Natalie Carroll, an obstetrician who has dedicated her 40-year career to helping black women, feels (this) is unfortunate.
'"The girls don't think they have to get married. I tell them children deserve a mama and a daddy. They really do. A Mama can't give it all. And neither can a Daddy, not by themselves,"' Dr. Carroll says. '"Part of the reason is because you can only give that which you have. A Mother cannot give all that a man can give. A truly involved father figure offers more fullness to a child's life."'
This is not just an opinion. According to Children-our investment.org, homes without fathers ultimately affect children in numerous tragic ways:
63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes
90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes
85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes
80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes
71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes
75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes
85% of all youths in prison come from fatherless homes.
Not only are these statistics heartbreaking, it applies to African-American homes in disproportionate numbers. Compared to the 72 percent in our communities, 17 percent of Asians, 29 percent of whites, 53 percent of Hispanics and 66 percent of Native Americans were born to unwed mothers in 2008, the most recent year for which government figures are available. The rate for the overall U.S. population was 41 percent."
If you're a regular Kardashian watcher like I have been, again, "have been" being the operative word, do you remember when Khloe came to Kris K. to make sure a pre-nup was in place to protect their empire just before the Kardashian million dollar wedding?
I do and it bothered me then to see this marriage considered a business transaction, as it does to me even more so now. Or, do you remember when Kim chose not to change her last name on the wedding license for fear of damaging her brand? C'mon! This isn't normal "in love" behavior - it's a calculated business decision, more concerned with brand and money than love.
Yes, protect your assets, but if getting a pre-nup and no-fault divorce wasn't so easy, perhaps people would really think hard about getting into a marriage in the first place rather than thinking, let's make sure our exit strategy is in place first like Kris Jenner did for Kim.
I like this mediator's perspective on the Psychological and Emotional Aspects of Divorce. What's interesting to note here is that none of the typical "emotional stages of divorce" have manifested in the Kardashian union. Read this and see why so many are calling this merely a publicity stunt because wouldn't it make sense that maybe ONE of these might have been observed?
So, for all intensive purposes, the Kardashian wedding appears to be nothing more than a business transaction if all indicators continue to play out on what a real marriage entails. Is this really who we want influencing youth? I don't think so which is why I'm asking E! Entertainment to take Kim Kardashian off the air for awhile.
Let her be human, deal with her mess, and live a real life for once away from the incessant cameras and publicity machine E! and her mother and agents perpetrate with no thought of her as a human being. Take money out of the picture and put humanity back in.
Society deserves better. Kim deserves better. TV viewers deserve better.
As someone much wiser than I has said, reality shows have driven the nail in the coffin on the reality of real relationships and what marriage is truly meant to be. It's not a money-making venture. It's not a made-for-TV special. It's not a joke. It's not something you enter into thinking you'll figure out all the details later.
Just sad over this. I agree with the one columnist who said their brief union cheapens marriage. It does and gives young children a wrong view of marriage from many levels. I wonder what Kim's biological father would have said over this and if this isn't a wake-up call to Kris Jenner's empire building at the expense of decent humanity.
That family needs to be put in a time-out until they wake up to what real reality is. Deeply saddened and disheartened today.
And I used to like them all... Used to being the operative word...
Last night was fun spending time with LA friends who have moved here before us and were celebrating a milestone birthday. It's nice to affirm we've all made the right decision and to hear stories of how dead it is back home in LA for others in the entertainment industry.
I don't know when those who still live there and want to work in film and TV will realize this fact, but Atlanta is slowly, but surely, becoming the new Hollywood what with 12 films in production this September alone and 23 TV productions considering bringing business to Atlanta too now.
Ever since other Southern states have ended their tax incentives (dumb move which they will realize after it's too late), all the work is shifting here and those of us established, or becoming established, will stand to benefit the most once everything truly ramps up.
It's been interesting to hear the perspective of locals who feel like outsiders are coming in to take advantage of them by virtue of the fact this is a work-to-hire state and there is no union involved. I disagree and said so, but unless you've lived outside your comfort zone to experience something new it's hard for people to understand all movement can be forward movement if you go with the flow.
That's what I'm learning to do out here. Things move a little slower, people speak slower, there's a genuine interest in holding real conversations; there truly is something to Southern hospitality which I've experienced everywhere I go; men are Southern gentlemen who open doors, hug hello and good-bye, and stand aside to let us ladies enter elevators; and lights take forever to turn green.
My only pet peeve out here are the lights and traffic at rush hour which I thought for sure I'd left behind once and for all. I may have to call John Lewis and ask him to look into this issue.:) I met him during Jane Harmon's pre-Inaugural breakfast gathering and look forward to connecting with him again down the road. Also, want to meet the rest of our state representatives because it's nice to know you're in a state where real issues matter and business is supported.
FASHION'S NIGHT OUT ATLANTA
I love the fact there is a dynamic fashion scene too. Just researched all of Atlanta's Fashion's Night Out events and love the fact there are going to be some red carpet events and other high-end fashion shows I will hopefully be sharing with you soon.
I was beginning to think my days of attending red carpet, fashion, and celebrity filled events had drawn to a close now that I've moved here, but am pleasantly relieved to see that is not the case. It just takes a little bit to tap into, but it's definitely here and probably even more high-end than Los Angeles simply by virtue of the fact it's East Coast and closer to NY.
Here's a link to my previous fashion coverage of all the LA Fashion Weeks I've attended over the years in case you're curious what the LA fashion scene is like: http://www.fashionindustrynetwork.com/profiles/blogs/my-la-fashion-week-coverage-on and for video coverage check out my last Actress client, Yari DeLeon attending Sue Wong's private garden collection this past March:
Can't wait to see and participate in Atlanta's fashion scene!
May I say how much I love the BBC reporting? It's always fair, balanced, factual, and where you can simply learn the news, rather than political posturing on either side of the parties as is so often the case here in America.
Leave it to the Brits to be dry and to the point! LOL
I love the British, can you tell?:) In fact, I'm watching Calendar Girls again starring Helen Mirren (one of my favorite actresses) and Julie Walters, a darling talented actress I was able to meet at some DGA function years past.
"A very British story, with a very British heart, CALENDAR GIRLS is based on an uplifting and very inspiring true story that is quirky, poignant and hilarious." Remember that film? I'm watching it again because I love the story and acting so much.
Here's the original women's site to allow you to know the actual backstory of this true story: http://www.seecalendargirls.com/ Apparently, you can still see the play performed by much younger fully nude women now in England.
Leave it to the British!:)
Back to my original point about the BBC and Bush. After I posted that article about Obama's visit to England I discovered the BBC had written a very interesting comparison between the two President's visits which I would like to share with you for your reading pleasure in the effort to be balanced because I will always admit when I'm wrong.
"Barack Obama has completed his three-day state visit to the UK. But how did it compare with the last state visit by a US president, when George Bush came to the country eight years ago in 2003?"
The journalist who wrote this review on Mamet's book apparently doesn't live in Los Angeles, or only reports his opinion, rather than facts:
"Much of 'The Secret Knowledge' serves as an intellectual riposte to the words and deeds of militant leftists who are dead, repentant, or irrelevant. And while Mamet justly indicts the tri-pronged scourge of political radicalism, economic socialism, and ideological totalitarianism, he identifies this phenomenon not with the regimes of Venezuela, Iran, Libya, or even North Korea, but with mainstream American liberals."
Now obviously, this journalist wasn't aware of this recent communist activity here in our very own Downtown Los Angeles, or he wouldn't have written what he wrote. If he is clueless, perhaps others might not be aware either.
If you can prove this is wrong, please do, but unfortunately, I believe this is accurate. I didn't write it, merely reposting it here for your reading (dis)pleasure courtesy of someone who goes by the name Ringo...
"While we slept ....... Pictures taken downtown Los Angeles on May Day co sponsored by the SEIU and various Communist groups
Look at the pictures below…were they taken in Cuba? Venezuela? Bolivia? Ecuador, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Argentina, maybe Puerto Rico?
Nope…Los Angeles, USA just 4 days ago…this is what happened while we slept…while we went to school, went to work, while we raised our families. While we watched CNN or CBS, ABC or NBC or listened to NPR or read the New York Times and never saw, read or heard a minute of coverage of this travesty…while we let our guard down and we let the Marxist/Socialist/Communist Left and Progressives creep into our schools, the unions, the media and our government…banners and posters with the images of Ernesto “Che” Guevara (Castro’s executioner) and Lenin would make Fidel Castro, Joe Stalin or Karl Marx proud to be an American!
A May Day rally in Los Angeles,co-sponsoredby the SEIU and various communist groups, as well as other unions, reflected yet another step in the normalization of self-identified communist and socialist ideologies in the Obama era. Not only did the SEIU help to organize the rally in conjunction with communists, they marched side-by-side with communists, while union members carried communist flags, communists carried union signs, and altogether there was no real way to tell the two apart.
When I tell people that public political rallies are more and more being led by communists and socialists, most folks simply don’t believe me. Aw, come on, you’re just giving decent protesters an extreme label, they say. No, actually, I’m not: The communists freely and proudly declare their affiliation.
The individual who has visited the Obama White House the most: SEIU President Andy Stern, who has visited 53 times.
Obama is closely linked with the SEIU.
The SEIU is closely linked with communists.
You do the math.
Note how the Communists that day (like the women on the right in this photo) carried solid red flags symbolizing their ideology. Keep that in mind as you view the next photo…
Until recently, the average American has regarded fascists and communists as equally noxious and equally malignant. As well they should have. But the drive these days by the left side of the spectrum is to make communism and socialism somewhat less remarkable and more palatable. For two years they angrily denied the Tea Party accusation that Obama’s policies and supporters had a socialist bent.
But in recent months, as the accusation had started to gain traction, the new leftist tactic has become: 'What’s so bad about socialism after all? You’re demonizing a very popular and respectable ideology!'”
Now do you see why I agree with this reviewer's take on his book: "
Famed playwright and screenwriter David Mamet came out of the ideological closet three years ago as a newly minted conservative.
The book, a scattershot series of essays unified by Mamet’s striking prose, doesn’t read like a typical conservative manifesto. Would Sean Hannity or Ann Coulter expound on the id, the ego, and the superego in explaining how liberals brush aside inconvenient facts?"
I especially enjoyed reading the NY Times review where the reviewer states: "While reading your new book, “The Secret Knowledge,” I thought, My God, in crucifying liberals, this guy is going to infuriate a huge chunk of the people who pay money to see plays. Are you concerned that you’re alienating your public?"
And David Mamet's answer...
"I’ve been alienating my public since I was 20 years old. When “American Buffalo” came out on Broadway, people would storm out and say, “How dare he use that kind of language!” Of course I’m alienating the public! That’s what they pay me for."
Because folks, maybe that's why you read me too. LOL
Don't worry. I won't be covering any more deep topics for a little bit. About to become very busy and don't want to offend too many people for too long because that can become a bit boring, don't you agree?:)
The Joy Writer and the Musicians Institute are pleased to announce more panelists are confirmed to speak at the Social Media Seminar Series 2011. The five-part instructional seminar series is designed to teach the how-to’s of social media and online marketing.
Each hour and a half program, moderated by Social Media Expert, Joy Kennelly, will focus on the basics of the social networking tools currently available and feature panels with high-profile entertainment industry executives and technology experts discussing how to utilize current social media platforms, upgrade social media skills and how to brand and market your company, your label or yourself online.
The seminars will be held Thursday’s April 7 and 21, May 5 and 19, and June 2, 2011, from 7:30 to 9pm in the Concert Hall of the Musicians Institute located at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, California 90028.
> April 21 How to Utilize Facebook and the differences between Personal Pages, Groups, and Fan Pages, as well as Privacy & Protocol issues. Attendees will learn how to best utilize the largest social media platform in the world while incorporating other social networking sites into it to maximize their exposure.
Social Media & Marketing Solutions Manager – GAGA Sports & Entertainment / VP Marketing – RewardMe, Joseph Yi specializes in brand management and digital strategies Follow @joseph_yihttp://josephayi.com
Hunter Scott, Co-Founder/President of La Famos PR & Branding firm and a Musicians Institute Music Business Teacher, is profiled alongside such luminaries as NARAS Grammy President, Neil Portnow and Gene Simmons (KIIS) in Dan Kimpel's book, It All Begins with the Music: Developing Artists and Careers for the New Music Business. Follow @LaFamos http://lafamos.com
> May 5 Twitter and Twitter Time Management Tools including TweetDeck, Hootsuite and others. Panelists will analyze who to follow, how to develop an audience, what to tweet, and why Twitter is important for artists, companies and self promotion.
COO/Executive Producer/Host, TechZulu.com, Amanda Coolong, is recognized nationally as an online media company covering technology brands and the personalities behind them. Follow @acoolong http://techzulu.com
President/CEO, DashGo, Inc., Benjamin Patterson, a leading digital distribution and marketing firm. Clients include Weezer, Delicious Vinyl, Coconut Records, Time Records, Rock Mafia and Next New Networks among others. Follow @dashgohttp://dashgo.com
> May 19 Blogging with Bloggers and others as they discuss the various platforms available (Wordpress, Typepad, Tumblr, Posterous), styles, audience building and blog marketing tips.
Blogger, Author, Advertising Copywriter and Brand Consultant, Black Conseco's clients include Ford Focus and the Rock + Roll Hall of Fame, Absolut, RedBull, Mercedes Benz and more. Follow @blackcanseco http://hustleknockin.com
Founder/Online Programming Producer, Special Purpose Media,Josh Brooks, is a former talent manager and digital executive; co-founded Fanscape.com, and specializes in Mobile Strategy/Mobile Development Follow @JoshBrooks
Billy Johnson Jr., Journalist & Author has covered hip-hop, R&B and pop music for such influential publications as Vibe, Entertainment Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter and more. His Yahoo Music Hip Hop Media Training Blog averages 4 million hits per month. Follow @y_billyjohnson http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/hiphopmediatraining/
> June 2 Geo-Location Marketing and how to establish, engage and utilize FourSquare, Whrrl, with a wrap-up of all other popular social networking sites available in marketing & promoting artists, events and venues.
Managing Partner of TAG Strategic, Ted Cohen is a former Senior VP of Digital Development and Distribution for EMI Music, and popular speaker on all things music and tech. Follow @spinaltaphttp://tagstrategic.com
Co-Founder/CEO Rock Prodigy, Former Marketing Director, Guitar Center, Harold Lee, recently received an Appy Award for Education, was named “What’s Hot” by Apple, and broke into the Top 10 Free Music IPad apps in eighth week of operation (June 2)
Award-winning Social Media Strategist/Personal Publicist, Joy Kennelly’s social media marketing expertise includes a page one Google blog, working with Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Hootsuite and over 100 regional online marketing sites to enhance search engine optimization (SEO), increase attendance at events, and develop business on behalf of clients in entertainment, travel, technology, fashion, and politics.
Joy’s clients have included Actress Yari De Leon (“The Lincoln Lawyer”), VOX DJs, the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chef David Linville, the Shore Restaurant & Lounge, Filmmaker and Grammy Award winning Musician, Damien Earl Matthias, Actor Domiziano Arcangeli, the Original Long Beach Lobster Festival, Fine Artist Gali Rotstein, the American Institute of Architects, and more. She has presented classes and seminars on social media at Musicians Institute, American Cinematheque, and at conferences throughout the United States.
Since 1977, Musicians Institute has been a world leader in contemporary music education, providing cutting-edge resources in its state of the art facilities located right in the heart of Hollywood, the capital of the world music industry. Its dynamic curriculum is current, comprehensive and compatible with the needs of students who not only desire to study music, but also build a career in the music industry with the knowledge they learn on-campus. Over 6,000 students and alumni have passed through the school.
The mission of the Artist and Career Services Department (ACS) is to keep students informed of the many professional opportunities available in the music industry, help prepare them to take advantage of these opportunities, and make the transition from student to working professional as smooth as possible. ACS assists in obtaining internships and professional placement for both students and graduates. Among other benefits, the office maintains a list of recording and rehearsal facilities, local clubs, management and promotional agencies, major and independent labels, and other establishments and services that are important to music professionals.
I've been so busy since moving back to Hollywood and I love it. Events I've been working on since the summer are coming to fruition and it's really been fun to collaborate with both the American Cinematheque and the Musicians Institute.
Here's the brief rundown of two upcoming events with more details to come soon.
I'm co-producing a social media panel presentation on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 7:30pm with the American Cinematheque entitled: Social Networking for the Film Community: Filmmakers, Actors, Writers, Agents, Studio Executives
Here's the blurb in case you'd like to attend:
"You can't escape the words "social networks" if you engage in any media format. What are these tools and why does every professional need to use? Social Media Strategist, Joy A. Kennelly of The Joy Writer will moderate a panel of experts discussing everything from the basics of using social networking tools to creative techniques and tips for more advanced users.
I'm beginning to discover that I love teaching and sharing my knowledge of Social Media to help others move forward in their careers. It's very rewarding to see student's and attendees grasp online marketing concepts I've shared over the last few weeks and months.
Now I have the opportunity to teach past and present students, faculty and teachers, basically anyone who is part of the Musicians Institute, the tips and tools of using social media focusing on three platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Hootsuite.
Here's the blurb describing the class in case you're interested. It's also on the main Musicians Institute website!
On Wednesday, November 10 at 3:00pm in ACS-201 (Artist and Career Services building, second floor), MI’s Artist and Career Services Department presents “The Social Media Tool Kit,” an interactive workshop with award-winning Social Media Strategist Joy Kennelly. Learn the basics of social networking tools to promote your band and/or brand, including setting up Facebook, Twitter, and Hootsuite accounts. This is ideal for the beginner who wants to take it to the next level - bring your laptops!
Joy Kennelly's social media marketing expertise includes working with Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and over 100 regional online marketing sites to enhance search engine optimization (SEO), increase attendance at events, and develop business on behalf of clients in entertainment, travel, technology, fashion, and politics. Joy’s clients have included VOX DJs, the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Shore Restaurant & Lounge, filmmaker Damien Earl Matthias, the Original Long Beach Lobster Festival, fine artist Gali Rotstein, the American Institute of Architects, and more. She has presented classes and seminars on social media at MI, American Cinematheque, and at conferences throughout the US.
The Musicians Institute Artist and Career Services team and I plan to do another Social Media panel with the general public invited next.
This past weekend was so packed with fun activities it's taken awhile to compile pix and information to share with you. John Mayer is amazing in concert fyi.:)
So! Without further ado... (All Photos Courtesy Photographer, Angelique Chacon.)
Last Saturday night I attended the Food, Fashion & Wine Festival honoring three amazing Volleyball Champions as part of the Dinner of Champions presented by The Trade Coach and
Now here's the Beach Volleyball greats who were honored:
Linda Hanley aka Linda Robertson who has a great sense of humor and an amazing athletic career. Definitely a female trend setter on many levels. (She was wearing the jacket because it was freezing in the windy NY Backlot of Raleigh Studios in Manhattan Beach. Heat lamps next year please!:)
And the next honoree... Chris Marlowe aka "CI" who you might recognize if you happen to live in CO or enjoy basketball since he's the Denver Nuggets play-by-play announcer for the NBA. He's a talker!:)
and Steve Obradovich aka "OB." What made me laugh is that those who introduced him said, You either love him or you hate him, no in between. The first beach volleyball ball buster.:)
They all are so talented and amazing athletes. It was wonderful to hear their life stories and see the videos Fox created to showcase them visually. It was also fun to see Manhattan Beach over the years and know that I've watched the very same volleyball games from that very same beach that thousands of spectators have also over the years. Prior to the event launching we enjoyed a little street art by Artist Andy Brown. OB bought one of Artist Andy Brown's pieces Andy created during the evening which Chris "Geeter" McGee later auctioned off.
Here Geeter's being teased by Chris Marlowe for shutting down the AVP's which Geeter also was able to joke about too (even though it must be hard to lose the job you love so much. He's so talented I'm sure he'll find something good again soon.)
Not only were these three amazing Olympic and other award-winning tournament volleyball athletes honored, there were also these amazing athlete pros in attendance (Sinjin Smith, Mike O'hara, Brent Frohoff, Gene Selznic, Larry Rundle, Barbra Fontana, Jim Menges (seen here in a clip from his risque acceptance speech at last year's event.)
Tim Hovland (I believe that's him in this pic) introducing one of the honorees with some pretty funny stories, Mike Dodd, the recent, now former, AVP Commissioner, and former professional volleyball player in his own right. Mike Lambert and Eric Fonoimoana shown here with his wife, Eliza Cost.
Before the main events began, guests wandered throughout the NY Backlot enjoying delicious local South Bay Cuisine and drinks.
Manhattan Beach City Council Members, Wayne Powell, Mayor Pro Tem, Richard Montgomery, & Mayor Mitch Ward enjoyed themselves too.
Richard with last year's honoree, Jim Megnes.
The biggest highlight of the pre-show was a really great fashion show. I can say that because I've covered numerous fashion shows for LA Fashion Week for the past few years.
High quality all the way. Just ask the guys.
I've never seen any fashion show have so many whistles blown, cat calls, and hooping and hollering males. It was hilarious! They calmed down a little once they realized the girls would just keep coming out looking gorgeous. LOL
Volleyball Player/DJ Jeff A. Murrell kept the night moving while Miss CA Nicole Johnson introduced the entire show.
My favorite designer of the evening was Meghan Fabulous and her latest designs. Aren't these beautiful dresses and cover-ups? I love her ethnic influences.
Eric officially welcomed everyone to the honoree part of the evening before turning it back over to Geeter who teased, hugged, and welcomed the honorees up after their video had shown all their athletic achievements (of which there were many!) Numerous athletes were invited to reminisce about the honorees too.
We were so cold by the end we ducked out while OB was talking which is why I don't have more pictures of his experience, but I'm sure it was great too!
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"Barack Obama has completed his three-day state visit to the UK. But how did it compare with the last state visit by a US president, when George Bush came to the country eight years ago in 2003?"
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