Entertainment, Music, Conventions, Sports and Social Events
The stars came out on Hollywood's biggest night to raise money and awareness for foster children at the 11th Annual Children Uniting Nations Awards Celebration and After Party presented by The Hollywood Reporter and TV Guide Magazine inside The International Ballroom at the The Beverly Hilton.
The red carpet featured famous faces from music, television and film. "American Idol" finalist & recording artist Kimberly Caldwell, the original pop star Debbie Gibson, and music legends Chaka Khan & Freda Payne, along with TV stars Jimmy Jean-Louis, Daphne Zuniga, James Pickens Jr. & Gloria Garayua and film stars Samm Levine, Rosanna Arquette and Brandon Molale all spoke with over forty-five media outlets representing seven countries about the important work of Children Uniting Nations. Hollywood's youngest and brightest stars, Noah Cyrus, Emily Grace Reaves and BooBoo Stewart attended the event to show their support for children in need in their community.
Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by The Beverly Hilton's Executive Chef Suki Sugiura while they watched the Academy Awards in style. Thunderous applause and cheering was heard around the ballroom as Mo'Nique and Sandra Bullock won their most deserved Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress Oscars for their respective roles in the touching films "Precious" and "The Blind Side." Throughout the night, partygoers bid on one of a kind music, film and sports memorabilia from Grandstand Sports in the silent auction with the proceeds supporting the work of CUN.
Former foster child turned amazing success story Shani Annie Evans, spoke from her heart about how CUN has helped transform her life and then gave a beautiful musical performance with her band. EMMY award winning journalist and FOX 11 News anchor Christine Devine presented the Mentor of the Year award to David Dobryden and the Mentee of the Year award to De'Vonte Fields. There wasn't a dry eye in the house when De'Vonte shared his emotional story of how his mentor David is like a father figure to him and how his life is better because of the special bond and friendship that they share. David and De'Vonte are what the Children Uniting Nations Awards Celebration is all about, honoring the men and women who take time to make a difference in the lives of foster children in our community and how that bond can transform a child’s life forever.
CUN founder Daphna Ziman presented the Angel Award to Randy and Rebbie Jackson on behalf of their brother Michael Jackson's humanitarian work for children. Randy Jackson said children need love and role models and urged guests to get involved in their community and make a difference. Up and coming music act the Memphis Rascals performed a two-song set and wowed the crowd. Celebrity guests were invited to the Candy-land themed gifting suite created by Anita Thompson of Bellafortuna Entertainment and Carrie Zack of Carrie Zack Events. They were treated to fabulous gifts from Hot Rock, Ausiie Boots Australia, Shakers Vodka, The Liquor Luggage, Trina Turk, Prevent the Pain, Bullets 4 Peace, Lucy De Castenou, Skova, Le Bra Lingerie, Bing and the Health Goddess Holly Hughes.
Poker pro and eleven-time World Series of Poker champion Phil Hellmuth Jr. served as co-host of the CUN Celebrity Poker Contest with actor Miguel Nunez, which was directed by Yosh Nakano, President of the International Poker Players Association. Platinum recording artist and "American Idol" finalist Elliott Yamin who returned home safely from Chile on Friday, donated his incredible talent to the event where he performed his hits "Let Love Be", "Know Better" and "Wait For You." Elliott is an active supporter of non-profits around the world and was so inspired by the work of CUN, that during the live auction co-hosted by Howie Schwartz of Grandstand Sports and Amy Balsam of In 2 It Media, he returned to the stage to donate a private concert to the highest bidder. The crowd went wild for this amazing opportunity and with two bidders vying for the prize, Elliott generously decided to offer two private concerts to help raise double the money for CUN. Daphna Ziman plans on having Elliott entertain at an event for the foster children of CUN this Summer, and the other winning bidder, TV One Access co-host and philanthropist Quddus Philippe, is going to create a fundraiser for the foster children in our community featuring a special performance by Elliott Yamin. Special thanks to our celebrity live auction donors Rick & Kevin Dees, Quddus Philippe, Gloria Garayua, Samm Levine & Elliott Yamin.
One of the highlights of the night was the incredibly soulful and genuine performance by the music industry's hottest new artist, Matt Morris. The first artist on Justin Timberlake's Tennman Records, Matt performed songs from his debut album When Everything Breaks Open. Matt and his band flew in from Denver to donate their time and talent to support this great cause and partygoers enjoyed Matt's beautiful set.
The After Party thrown by world-renowned party host MacAfrica, was the place to be after the Academy Awards. Actor Quinton Aaron, who played Michael Oher in "The Blind Side", came by to celebrate his film's success and support CUN. Spinderella and Doug E. Fresh kept the dance-floor packed with old school hits and current club favorites.
Children Uniting Nations extends their heartfelt appreciation to Aqua Hydrate, La Tavola and Presidential Inner Circle for their support at this year's event. The all star team that created this year's event united Sacks Productions handling the event planning, In 2 It Media handling the talent and press for the event, Thaylor Grammont of Grammont World Wide handling logistics and the tribute journal and security provided by the team at Professional Security Consultants. A special thank you to Juliette Harris and her team at It Girl Pr, and Rob & Dawn Wynne of Wynne Communications for organizing a fabulously run red carpet.
About Children Uniting Nations
Children Uniting Nations (www.childrenunitingnations.org) has the largest and most far-reaching mentoring program for Los Angeles foster children. CUN has made tremendous strides by encouraging legislation to improve foster care and adoption laws; introducing legislation to forgive student loans in exchange for mentoring, and expanding their mentoring training. The CUN mentoring program is proving to bring down teen drug use and pregnancy in foster children, to improve self-esteem and to significantly increase the number of foster children who complete high school and college.
About The Hollywood Reporter
Now in its 80th year, The Hollywood Reporter covers the business of the global entertainment industry via a network of media outlets. They include the print daily and weekly editions, the web site, various electronic-media offerings, and high-profile events such as the annual Key Art Awards and Women in Entertainment. The Reporter’s team of reporters and news editors number more than 60, with representatives in most of the world's major cities. The first Hollywood-based daily trade newspaper covering the entertainment industry began publishing September 3, 1930. Its founder was William R. Wilkerson, who remained publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the paper for more than 30 years.
About TV Guide Magazine
TV GUIDE MAGAZINE is one of the most popular weekly magazines in the country with more than 20 million weekly readers. From behind-the-scenes looks at broadcast, cable, and syndicated shows and their stars and characters, to sneak peeks at television’s most intriguing plotlines, TV GUIDE MAGAZINE has every corner of the television medium covered. TV GUIDE MAGAZINE is the premier source for entertainment news, guidance, and information about America's most popular leisure time activity. Its website, TVGUIDEMAGAZINE.COM, ignites conversation and builds community around America's #1 leisure activity with our exclusive behind-the-scenes access, authoritative insight, breaking news and reviews. TVGUIDEMAGAZINE.COM guides viewers to the best of television, covering the shows and the moments everyone will be talking about, and empowers readers to make informed decisions, maximizing their viewing experience. For more information go to WWW.TVGUIDEMAGAZINE.COM. _____________________________________________________________
Ms. Jones' first album, Portfolio, released in 1977, resulted in a string of dance-club hits that transformed the international club scene. Her following albums "Fame" and "Muse" generated considerable success in the market and solidified her as a major recording artist. Jones later adapted to the emerging New Wave music to create a different style for herself. This resulted in the acclaimed albums "Warm Leatherette", "Nightclubbing" and "Living My Life."
Equally known for her roles in the fashion, art and film communities, Jones has established a presence that has stood the test of time. Born in Jamaica and raised in Syracuse, New York, she began her career as a successful high-fashion model. Starring roles followed in such films as the James Bond blockbuster "A View to a Kill", "Conan the Destroyer" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the vampire thriller "Vamp." Jones took the art world by storm when she became the muse to famed artists Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, resulting in an iconic series of portraits by Warhol and Haring's famous series of body paintings. With her dramatic visual makeover created in partnership with Jean-Paul Goode, Jones starred in the concert special "A One Man Show" and created a persona that has intrigued fans and established her as an international entertainment icon.
About the ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION:
The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) was established in the United States in 1992 (EJAF-US) and in the United Kingdom in 1993 (EJAF-UK) by founder and chairman Sir Elton John. Together, both entities have raised nearly $175 million for worthy HIV/AIDS programs in 55 countries around the globe since inception. Today, EJAF is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations supporting innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. EJAF-US's current grant-making priorities target HIV prevention programs in the Southern United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America; HIV prevention and care services for highly marginalized and vulnerable populations; and HIV/AIDS prevention education and the promotion of sexual health for adolescents.
For more information follow the Elton John AIDS Foundation on Facebook: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/5321.
About CHOPARD:
There are few jewelers in the world whose designs are immediately recognizable. At the forefront of that list is Chopard. For 150 years, the "World of Chopard" has embraced elegance, originality and individuality. Renowned internationally for its award-winning "Happy Diamonds" creations, the Chopard collection also includes an array of designs that adorn celebrities around the world. Meticulously crafted in Geneva, Switzerland since 1860, Chopard has distinguished itself worldwide for luxurious jewels and impeccably crafted high-precision timepieces that embody imaginative design and sophistication. To mark Chopard's 10 years of support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele has designed a new watch collection in collaboration with Sir Elton John himself. A testament to their friendship, the watch collection reflects the artist's extravagant personality as well as his tremendous generosity. A percentage of sales from these watches benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin served as co-hosts of the 82nd Academy Awards.
Best Supporting Actress winner Mo'Nique poses backstage with Robin Williams during the 82nd Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, March 7, 2010.
credit: Todd Wawrychuk / A.M.P.A.S.
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37th Annual Annie Award Recipients
January 30, 2010
Best Animated Feature
Up - Pixar Animation Studios
Best Home Entertainment Production
Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder — The Curiosity Company in association with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Best Animated Short Subject
Robot Chicken: Star Wars 2.5 - ShadowMachine
Best Animated Television Commercial
Spanish Lottery "Deportees" - Acme Filmworks, Inc.
Best Animated Television Production
Prep and Landing - ABC Family/Walt Disney Animation Studios
Best Animated Television Production for Children
The Penguins of Madagascar - Nickelodeon and DreamWorks Animation
Animated Effects
James Mansfield "The Princess and the Frog" - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Character Animation in a Television Production
Phillip To "Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space" - DreamWorks Animation
Character Animation in a Feature Production
Eric Goldberg "The Princess and the Frog" - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Character Design in a Television Production
Bill Schwab "Prep and Landing" - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Character Design in a Feature Production
Shane Prigmore "Coraline" - Laika
Directing in a Television Production
Bret Haaland "The Penguins of Madagascar - Launchtime" - Nickelodeon and DreamWorks Animation
Directing in a Feature Production
Pete Docter "Up" - Pixar Animation Studios
Music in a Television Production
Guy Moon "The Fairly Odd Parents: "Wishology-The Big Beginning" - Nickelodeon
Music in a Feature Production
Bruno Coulais "Coraline" - Laika
Production Design in a Television Production
Andy Harkness "Prep and Landing" - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Production Design in a Feature Production
Tadahiro Uesugi "Coraline "- Laika
Storyboarding in a Television Production
Robert Koo "Merry Madagascar" - DreamWorks Animation
Storyboarding in a Feature Production
Tom Owens "Monsters vs. Aliens" - DreamWorks Animation
Voice Acting in a Television Production
Tom Kenny - Voice of SpongeBob - "SpongeBob SquarePants - Truth or Square" - Nickelodeon
Voice Acting in a Feature Production
Jen Cody - Voice of Charlotte - "The Princess and the Frog" - Walt Disney Animation Studios
Writing in a Television Production
Daniel Chun - "The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror XX" - Gracie Films
Writing in a Feature Production
Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach - "Fantastic Mr. Fox" - 20th Century Fox
Record of the Year: Kings Of Leon - 'Use Somebody'
Album of the Year: Taylor Swift - 'Fearless'
Song of the Year: Beyonce Knowles - 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)'
Best New Artist: 'Zac Brown Band'
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: Beyonce Knowles - 'Halo'
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: Jason Mraz - 'Make It Mine'
Best Pop Performance by a duo or group with vocals: Black Eyed Peas - 'I Gotta Feeling'
Best Pop Vocal Album: Black Eyed Peas - 'The END'
Best Dance Recording: Lady Gaga - 'Poker Face'
Best Electronic/Dance Album: Lady Gaga - 'The Fame'
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Michael Buble - 'Michael Buble Meets Madison Square Garden'
Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance: Bruce Springsteen - 'Working On A Dream'
Best Rock Performance by a duo or group with vocals: Kings Of Leon - 'Use Somebody'
Best Rock Song: Kings Of Leon - 'Use Somebody'
Best Rock Album: Green Day - '21st Century Breakdown'
Best Alternative Music Album: Phoenix - 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix'
Best R'n'B Song: Beyonce Knowles - 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It'
Best Contemporary R'n'B Album: Beyonce Knowles - 'I Am... Sasha Fierce'
Best Rap Solo Performance: Jay-Z - 'D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)'
Best Rap Performance by a duo or group: Eminem, Dr Dre and 50 Cent - 'Crack A Bottle'
Best Rap Song: Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West - 'Run This Town'
Best Rap Album: Eminem - 'Relapse'
Best Country Song: Taylor Swift - 'White Horse'
Best Country Album: Taylor Swift - 'Fearless'
Best Short Form Music Video: The Black Eyed Peas - 'Boom Boom Pow'
For more information about winners visit www.grammy.org
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Screen Actors Guild presented its coveted Actor statuette for the outstanding motion picture and primetime television performances of 2009 at the "16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards" in ceremonies attended by film and television's leading actors, held Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. The "16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards" was simulcast by TNT and TBS at 8 p.m., ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT and 6 p.m. MT.
Ballots to choose the recipients were sent to the nearly 100,000 active members of Screen Actors Guild nationwide.
Sandra Bullock presented Betty White with Screen Actors Guild's highest honor, the 46th Annual Life Achievement Award, following a filmed tribute. Honored with individual awards were Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Mo'Nique and Christoph Waltz for performances in motion pictures and Kevin Bacon, Alec Baldwin, Drew Barrymore, Tina Fey, Michael C. Hall, and Julianna Margulies for performances in television. Screen Actors Guild originated awards for the outstanding performances by a motion picture cast and by television comedy and drama ensembles. The Actor® for a motion picture cast performance went this year to "Inglourious Basterds", while the Actors for television comedy and drama ensemble performances went this year to "Glee" and "Mad Men", Screen Actors Guild's honors for outstanding performances by a stunt ensemble in film and television were awarded to "Star Trek" and "24". Jane Lynch introduced a spirited film montage that reveled in actors' comic gifts.
PEOPLE magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) hosted the Screen Actors Guild Post-Awards Gala for 14th year.This exclusive event, immediately following the SAG Awards on the back lot of the Shrine Exposition Center, honors the philanthropic causes and good works of the members of the Screen Actors Guild. The gala benefits the SAG Foundation, which is currently celebrating its 25th year.
The 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards is a presentation of Jeff Margolis Productions in association with Screen Actors Guild Awards, LLC. Jeff Margolis is the executive producer and director. Kathy Connell is the producer. JoBeth Williams, Daryl Anderson, Shelley Fabares, Paul Napier and Yale Summers are producers for SAG. Gloria Fujita O'Brien and Mick McCullough are supervising producers. Stephen Pouliot is the writer. Benn Fleishman is executive in charge of production.
Honoring Simon Baker (Excellence in Television and Film), Greg Norman (Excellence in Sport), and Toni Collette (Excellence in Film and Television).
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LA's Longest running Art Fair were hosted by photographer David LaChapelle and Actor Chris Lowell at the Opening Night Reception on January 14th benefiting the Walls Annenberg Department of Photography of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
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CBS annouced the 20 former castaways who will return to seek revenge and redemption on "Survivor: Heroes vs.Villains"
20th Installement of the Hit Television Series, hosted by Emmy Award Winner Jeff Probst, premieres with a special two-hour episode on Thursday, February 11th (8:00-10:00 pm, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains will reunite some of the most memorable, heroic and controversial castaways from previous Survivor seasons. The serie' best strategists will face off in their attempt to overcome or embrace the label placed upon them when they return to seek revenge or redemption, all in an effort to win the title of Sole Survivor.
The unforgetable castaways will compete deep in the South Pacific on the breathtaking island of Samoa and will be divided into two tribes of 10 comprised of the best Heroes and biggest Villians ever play the game. The Heroes have been defined by their decisions of integrity, courage and honor, while the Villians have mastered their skills of deception, manipulation and duplicity.
The series will follow the relationships and conflicts that develop among the two divergent groups. Ultimately some castaways will be forced to choose between pre-existing relationships or tribe loyalty in the spirit of competition. What happens on a tribe full of Heroes? Will the Villain self-destruct or will they be able to co-excist? ___________________________________________________________________
For all the winners please visit www.spiketv.com
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Vdara is a chic all-suite boutique hotel with a sophisticated international flair for those who love the excitement of Las Vegas but prefer to enjoy it in an exclusive, non-gaming and smoke-free environment. Located between Bellagio and ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara will deliver access to all of the entertainment, gaming, shopping, dining and nightlife at CityCenter and in Las Vegas, while also providing a retreat from it all.
Celebrated everyday people making a world of difference hosted by Anderson Cooper
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On Sunday, Children Uniting Nations celebrated their 11th annual Day of the Child (DOC) which is designed to bring awareness and support to the needs of children who, by no fault of their own, are living in and out of home care. Children Uniting Nations DOC is the community's way of letting foster children know that someone cares by providing mentors for the day. Once a mentor is signed up, they are paired at the event with a foster child and guided through a day of meaningful fun and bonding. Ultimately, the DOC encourages mentoring and underscores the need for these children to develop meaningful connections with adults in their community. The organizations long-term goal is to get members of the community to dedicate two days a month to be a permanent mentor for these children.
The event hosted performances by Aaron Carter, Frankie J, MC Lyte, Jabbawockeez, Austin Anderson, Teairra Mari, the Clipper Girls, Mariah Wilson, Maxso and many more.
Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass spoke to the crowd and received a special tribute. Congresswoman Diane Watson inspired the crowd with her speech and Asst. Superintendent Al Cortez and Assembly member Cathleen Galgiani also spoke to the attendees. Others in attendance were; California Israeli Counsel General Jacob Dayan, Bruce Davidson (Xmen) Louis Vito (Dancing with The Stars & Olympic Snow Boarder) USC Marching Band, Karina Smirnoff, Anna Perez De Thele (Hanna Montana) Ethan Peck (Ten Things About You) Harry Shum (Glee) Hayley McFarland (Lie To Me) and many more! The festivities were hosted by Christine Devine and Miguel Nunez.
CUN is a proactive organization created to bring attention to the plight of at-risk and foster youth. The goal is to reach as many children in out-of-home care by offering role-model support, guidance, a sense of community and promote the importance of an education. Inspired by the Day of the Child, CUN wanted mentoring to be more accessible to children living in foster care and therefore created a mentoring program to be administered in every city nationwide. Pioneered in Los Angeles, CUN's central mentoring program known as the Mentoring Partnership for Los Angeles Youth (mPLAY) has become the model program for the rest of the country. Children Uniting Nations continues to support and make possible the efforts of mPLAY by providing advocacy, funding, producing large-scale recruitment events and serving as the fiscal agent to the partnership. mPLAY is dedicated to providing children in the foster care system with highly trained mentors that are compassionate, steadfast and have an unconditional desire to give of themselves in order to make a positive difference in the lives of our most vulnerable children. CUN was founded by philanthropist and activist, Daphna Ziman.
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First Star honorees included: Community Award: Jeff Bleich, Former-Special Counsel to the President of the United States and Partner, Munger, Tolles and Olson, LLP. Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Musician, Actor and Philanthropist received the Image Award. Stephen Davis, President, Hasbro Studios, and his family received the Humanitarian Award. Melissa Helmbrecht, Chair and CEO, SplashLife received the Visionary Award. Louise Horvitz, MSW, Psy.D received the Lifetime Service Award.
Fox News' Christine Devine to hosted the event. Addional guests include Robert Knepper (Heroes), Kate Linder (Young & the Restless), Tracie Thoms (CBS' Cold Case), Arlen Escarpata (We Are Marshall, Friday the 13th), Bridgit Mendler (GoodLuck Charlie, Wizards of Waverly Place), and more.
ABOUT FIRST STAR: First Star improves the lives of America's abused and neglected children by strengthening their rights, illuminating systemic failures, and igniting reform to correct them. We pursue our mission through research, public engagement, policy advocacy, and litigation.
First Star works to create a future in which America's abused and neglected children have won their right to be heard and protected within the systems legally entrusted with their care, and in which those systems are fully resourced, transparent, and accountable to the public.
Rebuilding Families, the Upward Bound House Humanitarian Award were presented to individuals who demonstrate their commitment by providing valuable time and resources to encourage community support and the operation of Upward Bound House. Activities include personal time and skill targeted at rallying community support to improve the outcome of organization efforts in outreach and service area.
Honorees included: Debbe and Peter Adamson, Lezlie and Chris Brazil, Markia Harrison, Paula and Tom Wilson and L.A County Supervisor, Second District Mark Ridley-Thomas, and L.A. County Supervisor, Third District Zev Yaroslavsky.
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Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 opened Monday, October 26 with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by the first full tours of the 140,000 square foot and 14 screen movie theatre.
The new Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 Theatres will be the new West Coast flagship of Regal Cinemas, the nation's largest movie presenters. Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE will be the nation's most state-of-the-art and technologically advanced theatres with all 14 auditoriums featuring digital projection and sound systems along with high gain screens, high-back reclining seats and retractable cup holders, guaranteeing the ultimate comfort for the best movie experience. The Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 will also feature an 800-seat premier house with a private entrance and lobby in addition to a grand spiral staircase leading to the premier theatre's balcony level.
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PRECIOUS: Based on the Novel "Push by Sapphire" Premiere Sunday, November 1st, 2009
About Audi of America, Inc.
Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line-up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally. Last year AUDI AG recorded its 12th consecutive record year for sales and profit growth. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues. __________________________________________________________
Nokia Theatre Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 fans and celebrities came out to the premiere of "Michael Jackson's This Is It," featuring footage of Jackson rehearsing for a series of concerts that he did not survive to perform.
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Hello Kitty 'Three Apples' Exhibit Celebrates All Things Hello Kitty For 35th Anniversary
Hello Kitty has long been a muse to artists & designers. In honor of Hello Kitty's 35th Anniversary celebration, SANRIO, Inc. is bringing an event to the U.S. like nothing America has seen before. 'Three Apples' is a multi-dimensional exhibition and celebration of all things Hello Kitty running from October 23 to November 15.
ABOUT SANRIO
SANRIO's signature brand Hello Kitty celebrates 35 years of fun & friendship in 2009. With fans around the world, Hello Kitty will mark the year with special co-branded partnerships, unique products, retail promotions & year-end exhibition events. SANRIO develops, distributes and licenses a collection of gift, stationery and fashion accessory items for women of all ages. SANRIO was founded in 1960 based on the concept that a small gift can bring a big smile to a child of any age. Today, over 50,000 SANRIO-branded items are sold in over 70 countries around the world. In the Western Hemisphere SANRIO character-branded products are sold in upwards of 12,000 locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 85 SANRIO boutiques. For more information, please visit www.sanrio.com.
ABOUT ROYAL/T Located in Culver City, Royal/T is a playful blending of cafe, concept shop, and art exhibition space. The 10,000-square-foot space reflects the interior realm of fantasy that strongly influences the artist's included in Owner Susan Hancock's art collection. Royal/T's cafe is inspired by the meido kissa (maid cafe) phenomena of Akihabara, Tokyo's electronic district. Re-contextualizing the underground culture of Japan that celebrates "cosplay" (costume play), waitresses dress in maid uniforms with a Lolita-esque touch, while serving an amalgam of French and Japanese cuisine. The art space showcases curated exhibitions with a focus on Japanese contemporary art; and an inventive concept store emulates the collection's sophistication, a seamless merging of Japanese pop culture and high-end design. Royal/T is open Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Royal/T cafe serves breakfast, lunch, high tea, and dinner daily. Self-parking is available on Washington Blvd. and in the Royal/T parking lot on Lindblade St. For additional information, please call 310.559.6300 or visit www.royal-t.org. Royal/T is also on Facebook and Twitter.
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The 6th Annual gala benefiting the revolutionary medical and scientific research advancements of the Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research honored Leeza Gibbons, Dominic Ng, and Professor Thomas Lenarz, MD and Minco Lenarz, MD, on Sunday, October 11th in Santa Monica. The event was hosted by Claude and Alfred E. Mann, with Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning choreographer DEBBIE ALLEN as Mistress of Ceremonies and a live performances from Grammy Award-winning artist MICHAEL BOLTON, other performances included the Silk Dancers from the CIRQUE DU SOLEIL performance KA, and Dancers from the DEBBIE ALLEN DANCE ACADEMY.
GM donated a brand new 2010 Hybrid Escalade for a live auction. Host Alfred E. Mann outbid his guests to take it home for $60,000. Cochlear implants with the ability to give hearing to the deaf were also auctioned, starting at $100, 000.
Silent Auction items included an all inclusive stay at the One and Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico, a vacation for two to Barbados, an Apple MacBook, a multi karat diamond solitaire ring, a plasma HDTV from Panasonic, a Rolex watch and various other luxury items.
Cochlear Implant Live Auction guests had the opportunity to bid on Advanced Bionics Harmony Hi Resolution Bionic Ear system, the surgery, follow up and hospital expenses and the aftercare for deaf and hearing impaired children in foreign countries. The Harmony is the only cochlear implant with HiResolution sound to help a deaf person to hear beyond words and is designed to maximize the hearing potential of individuals experiencing hearing loss and deafness. The technology of this device was pioneered at the Alfred Mann Foundation and brought to market by advanced Bionics. Multiple people bid upwards of $30,000
ABOUT THE ALFRED MANN FOUNDATION: The Alfred Mann Foundation is a medical research foundation dedicated to bringing advanced medical technologies to the public to provide significant improvements to the health, security and quality of life for people suffering from debilitating medical conditions. Board of Directors: Robert Greenberg M.D., Ph.D., Mimi Danihel, Kent Kresa, Brian M. Mann, and Richard Waugh.
Mr. Mann also founded and is non-executive Chairman of:
Bioness, which develops and manufactures systems to address neural deficits and to restore controlled function of paralyzed ; Second Sight, which is developing a visual prosthesis to restore sight to the blind; NeuroSystec, which is exploring drug therapies to treat tinnitus and other audiologic problems; IncuMed, which is developing novel percutaneous seals for various applications; Quallion, which develops, manufactures and markets advanced batteries for medical, aerospace and military applications; Stellar Microelectronics, which produces micro-circuit assemblies, RoundTrip, which is developing location and identification technology; and PercuFlo, which is developing drug delivery systems.
Additionally, Al Mann founded and served as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of MiniMed Inc. from its founding in 1993 until August 2001 when it was acquired by Medtronic, Inc. Medtronic MiniMed develops, manufactures and distributes microinfusion systems and continuous glucose monitoring systems that have revolutionized the treatment of Type 1 diabetes. Mr. Mann also founded and was Chairman of the Board and CEO of Pacesetter Systems, Inc., which developed, manufactured and distributed cardiac pacemakers, from 1972 until 1985 when it was acquired by Siemens, AG. From 1985 to September 1992, Mr. Mann continued to serve as Chairman and CEO of the successor company, Siemens-Pacesetter, Inc., Pacesetter is now the Cardiac Rhythm Management unit of St. Jude Medical. Prior to 1972, he was President of Spectrolab, an electro-optical and aerospace systems company, and Heliotek, a semiconductor and electro-optical components manufacturer. Mr. Mann founded these companies in 1956 and 1960, respectively, sold them to Textron Inc. in 1960 and continued to lead them until 1972, when he left for Pacesetter. They are now part of the Boeing Company.
Mr. Mann founded and endowed, and from 1985 until 2006 served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Alfred Mann Foundation, a nonprofit research organization devoted to development of advanced medical products in a variety of fields. Mr. Mann is currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Alfred Mann Institutes at the University of Southern California, Purdue University, and The Technion Institute (Israel), medical research foundations founded and endowed principally by Mr. Mann, with others in process. He also serves as a Trustee for the University of Southern California, as a member of the Board of Overseers of the Keck USC School of Medicine, and as the Chairman of the Southern California Biomedical Council, a nonprofit association dedicated to the fostering of the bio-medical industry in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area.
Alfred E. Mann serves as a Director for the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation; the Nevada Cancer Institute; and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Mr. Mann holds B.A. and M.S. degrees in physics from the University of California, Los Angeles and honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Southern California, The Johns Hopkins University, Western University and the Technion Institute (Israel), as well as, Research Professor, University of Southern California, and Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles. Mr. Mann is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and has received numerous honors and awards from the private and public sectors.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The 4th annual event was held Saturday, October 18th at the Greek Theatre, and honored the best in sci-fi, horror, fantasy and comic-inspired movies and TV shows.
Actor Corey Feldman hosted this year's Chiller-Eyegore Awards, honoring individuals for their achievements in horror, at the opening night ceremony of Universal Studios Hollywood's much anticipated "Halloween Horror Nights" event on Friday, October 2.
Honorees this year's ceremony included Rob Zombie (Filmmaker of the Year), Tobin Bell (Best Villain in a Film Series), Rick Baker (The Jack Pierce- Lifetime Achievement Award) and Noah Segan (Best Villain).
"This year's all-new Halloween Horror Nights" at Universal Studios Hollywood features new maze experiences including "Saw: Game Over," "Halloween: The Life and Crimes of Michael Myers," "My Bloody Valentine: Be Mine 4 Ever," and "Chucky's Funhouse." Six new "scare zones," and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Tribute."
