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December 31, 2010

Free NYE "TIPSY TOW" Tonite For Drivers 800-400-4AAA; Metro Buses & Rail Lines Also Free NYE

FREE TIPSY TOW AND METRO FOR NYE ANGELENOS ON THE GO
by Don Rose
-
Is there someone you know who had one too many and should not be driving tonight? AAA's Tipsy Tow is one answer.
-
Just call (800)400-4AAA to arrange a free tow for the driver to the driver’s home, up to 7 miles.
-
I don't think you have to be a AAA member to use the service, but you can ask when you call.
-
It sounds like the one-way ride is for the driver and driver's car only, not for passengers.
-
More info is on the CBS local LA news site - click here:  http://goo.gl/9qkx0   
-
All Metro bus and rail lines are also FREE tonight, from 9pm till 2am New Year's Day.

December 28, 2010

JAN 1: FREE Breakfast or Lunch at La Grand Orange New Years Day

By Don Rose
-

Here is a fun event to get your 2011 off to a great start:
buy breakfast or lunch, then get all you spent BACK in a gift certificate!
So, in a sense, your breakfast or lunch will be "FREE" on 1/1/11!

Where, you ask? La Grand Orange is the place to be 
on New Years Day for this event (2000 Main near Pico in Santa Monica).

The catch? You must wear pajamas to get this deal! But heck,
that means the event is more of a party, so we think it means more fun!

The details:  

Event runs from 8am--3pm on January 1, 2011.  
Buy breakfast or lunch, get the amount you paid BACK
in the form of a gift certificate to use on next visit.
NOTE: You must wear pj's and make a reservation. 
La Grand Orange
2000 Main St # D
Santa Monica, CA 90405-1096
(310) 396-9152

UPDATE: the event is now booked til 130, but there are times
available between 130 and 3pm. Call LGO at 310-396-9145.

December 13, 2010

DEC 14: SingularCity Holiday Friend Exchange Party - www.singularcity.com

Posted by Don Rose - Featured Event
------------------------------------------------------

This is it! The Singular event of the year! Join the great folks of
SingularCity at La Sandia, the posh restaurant on the dining deck at
Santa Monica Place, for SC's annual holiday friend exchange cocktail
party.

A friend exchange party is where you bring your best friend to show
off and introduce to everyone else. It can be your BFF, a boyfriend, a
girlfriend, a work colleague, a buddy, a family member – anyone you
are happy to have in your life.

While your friend is being honored and new friendships are forged,
you’ll enjoy a complimentary signature cocktail and appetizers created
by La Sandia chef Richard Sandoval. (Trust me, the food is amazing at
La Sandia, not to be missed!)

Your support of this event will raise funds for Matt Damon’s water.org
- a U.S.-based nonprofit organization committed to providing safe
drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries.

There will be a silent auction and door prizes too. A great happening
holiday event!

Tickets are $25 per person in advance and $35 at the door.

Space is limited. Click here to buy your tickets:
https://singularcity.com/holiday-friend-exchange-tickets

Questions? E-mail community@singularcity.com .

More info on the event:
http://singularcity.com/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=10721&month=...

December 5, 2010

DEC 5: "Holiday Magic" Singles Cocktail Party in Santa Monica; Get in the Holiday Spirit & Get Connected

Posted by Don Rose - Sunday Featured Event
-

SINGLES! Get in the HOLIDAY SPIRIT!
Join Renee Piane (President of Rapid Dating) 
and her Love Team on Sunday, Dec 5th for our Annual
"Holiday Magic" Toy Drive Cocktail Mixer/Dance Party

  
We will be "SPREADING THE LOVE" for those less fortunate 
with Match Maker,
 Julie Ferman from Cupids Coach / eLove     
 

Let us help you "Get Connected" with 150-300 Professional Singles 
Ages
 30's - 50 's  for Dating, Friendship and Fun while making a difference!
Go to this link to buy tickets:
http://www.reneepiane.com/rapid_dating/rapid_dating_events.html 
********************
"Holiday Magic" Details:
Date: Sunday, Dec 5th
Time: 7:00pm-12:00am
Location: V LOUNGE
2020 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, Ca 90403

Valet parking $7.00 or free street parking
********
Event Includes:
* Healthy Light Appetizers and sweets 7:00-8:30pm
* Free Photos from Cupids Coach
* Wine & 'Love Potion' Cocktail Drink Specials
* Fun Rapid Mixer to meet tons of great people 8:30pm
* Dancing with our DJ til midnight
* Win Great Raffle Prizes if you donate items or buy Raffle Tickets!
* Tarot Readings* Massage 
* Great Sponsors! 
We are asking everyone to bring unwrapped toys, sports equipment, 
MP3 Players, T shirts and items for kids ages 1-16 for kids at Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Call us if you have services or gift certificates to donate for our raffles please!
(we will be selling tickets to win awesome donated raffle prizes
and give 100% to the Big Brothers /Big Sisters!)

-

Advance Ticket Sales
SINGLE TICKETS  only $25.00
SAVE $5.00 Buy tickets for you and a Friend 2 for $40.00 
(please include their name, email and phone please)
Advanced tickets on Sale until midnight, Dec 4th 
Tickets are $35.00 CASH  or Check Only (Save $5
when you Bring a Friend to the door)

-

Sponsored by: 
MalibuGrapes.com * Making Magic Travel * Cupids Coach * eLove
* Dance Doctor * Lori Hart * Rapid Dating
Renee Piane CampanellaLove Reinvention Specialist
President of Rapid Dating
& Rapid Networking for Business
Author of Love Mechanics
www.ReneePiane.com
www.ReneePiane.com/blog
Renee@LoveMechanics.com
Office: 310- 827-1100
Fax: 310-496-0940


November 21, 2010

Coolest Eco-Friendly Palisades Home Can Now Be Yours! Live Green While Living in Luxury

Super-green, Stunning & Sexy Vicino House For Sale in Pacific Palisades


Developer Mike Gottlieb built the spectacular Vicino House with the intent to educate the public on how one can build a green home, without having to sacrifice quality and style for the sake of building an eco-friendly house.  The property was recently completed and is built to the highest standards of green (expected to receive LEED for Homes Platinum certification). In short, the owner's mantra is "Sustainable Living and Luxury Design".

Since Mike decided to move to a location closer to his daily business activities, he has listed his fabulous Green/LEED home for sale with Prudential California Realty Brentwood - thus making the stunning Vicino House available to lovers of luxury living spaces that are also the greenest they can be.
This home features amazing style and craftsmanship, as well as a location that's hard to beat. Perched atop the bluffs of Pacific Palisades, with whitewater and Queen's necklace views, this property truly is a must-see. With most homes that are built green, the green aspect becomes the focal point of the house. However, in Michael's house, because of its unique level of sophistication, elegance, and richness, the green theme becomes simply another remarkable aspect among many. Its open floor plan and multiple levels/views make it a great entertainment house. In fact, the owner has thrown several charity events with over 200 people per event, and the house can easily accommodate more.  The absence of toxins and allergens inside the house make it an extremely healthy home as well.


The sexiness and cutting edge design aspects of the house obviously will be appealing to many; however, because many people in the entertainment industry want to be on the forefront of health, technology and social/planetary awareness, there is a strong chance it may sell to someone involved with the entertainment field. That said, this amazing home is sure to attract potential buyers of all types, from all walks of life, far and wide.

Since pictures are worth a thousand words, check out some photos of the home below.
Now you truly can be trendy and eco-friendly at the same time. Do good, live great.


Story edited/posted by Don Rose.
Special thanks to Stacy Broff at Diamond Girl Media (media contact for Vicino House).



November 16, 2010

APPLE & APPLE - All Together Now! The Beatles Are Finally On iTunes

More Fab News: Fans Can Stream "Live at the Washington Coliseum"
1964 Concert from iTunes - FREE for the Rest of 2010

From EMI:

The Beatles
The Beatles. Now on iTunes.


The Beatles. Now on iTunes.

We are proud to announce that The Beatles are now available for the first time on the iTunes Store.

Starting today, the band's 13 legendary remastered studio albums with iTunes LPs, the two-volume "Past Masters" compilation and the classic "Red" and "Blue" collections are available for purchase and download on iTunes worldwide as either albums or individual songs. Fans can also get a special digital "Beatles Box Set" featuring the "Live at the Washington Coliseum, 1964" concert film, a worldwide iTunes exclusive which captures the Beatles' very first US concert.

Beatles fans can stream and view the "Live at the Washington Coliseum, 1964" concert film from iTunes for free for the remainder of this calendar year.

Visit The Beatles iTunes homepage.

Many thanks
thebeatles.com

The Beatles through the years.           The Beatles. Now on iTunes.           Washington coliseum 1964          
  

The Beatles    

Facebook  Twitter
   The Beatles on iTunes



November 1, 2010

NOV 15: 1st Annual Full Flight Golf Classic in Tarzana

Full Flight Golf Classic

 

Monday, November 15, 2010 

 

Braemar Country Club 4001 Reseda Blvd. Tarzana, CA 91357 

 

Contact: Vana Thiero VThiero@aol.com -- 818.618.1585

_____

Event Benefits Survivors of Domestic Violence and Educational Programs for Youth

_____

Two charities, Safe Passage (SP) and The Americanism Educational League (AEL), partner to present the 1st Annual Full Flight Golf Classic November 15th at the Braemar Country Club. Proceeds will benefit SP, re-establishing the emotional, physical and financial wellness of women and children derailed by domestic violence and AEL, strengthening the moral, political, social and economic values of America’s youth through education.


All Full Flight Golf Classic registrants have access to Braemar Country Club facilities, a lunch buffet and the banquet dinner celebration where trophies and prizes are presented to the day’s contest winners. The “Hole in one” winner drives home a 2011 Ford Fiesta! Barbera Properties and Galpin Ford are included among the growing list of prestigious sponsors. Registration begins at 8am and Shot Gun is at 10am.


Levels of sponsorship range from $10,000 to $100. For more information, please go to www.safepassagelives.org. The Banquet Dinner is $65. All donations are tax deductible.


Registration forms for the Full Flight Golf Classic may be found at www.safepassagelives.org. For additional information regarding sponsorship and vendor opportunities contact Deborah Sable, Deborah@Americanism.org.


____


Braemar Country Club features two beautiful Ted Robinson designed golf courses. Each hole offers spectacular views of the natural terrain, including thousands of mature trees, deer and the luxury estates. Non-golfing guests can spend the day playing tennis with a Round Robin Tournament at 10:30am. Massages and the two sparkling pools may be enjoyed while the tournament is being played. All guests have access to the full service locker room amenities before and after the event. The luxurious clubhouse overlooks the courses and the entire Valley.


_____

Safe Passage restores families back into society providing them with extreme life make-overs that empower and build confidence to succeed, develop personal love and the desire to give back to the world. The organization provides women with plastic surgery and dental services (removing scars & repairing broken teeth), counseling, career training, resources and much more.

Americanism Education League has distributed educational materials, videos, and cash-award programs to millions of students and thousands of schools at all levels throughout the country. Promoting integrity and honoring achievements in Engineering Innovation, Young Entrepreneurship, Student Citizenship, Collegiate Debates and Essays. AEL instills students with core principles and the history that shaped America's Foundation.

_____

Featured Event -- Posted by Don Rose, Editor in Chief, Wire LA


October 27, 2010

OCT 30: LACMA Muse Annual Costume Ball Mixes Music, Art & Creative Revelry Into An Amazing Halloween Event

Posted by Don Rose - Featured Event_____________________________

LACMA Muse Costume Ball - A Fabulous Evening Awaits

Saturday, October 30  - 8:30 pm to 12:30 am

NOTE: INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT, BUT HERE IS HOW TO GET 2 TICKETS FREE: 
A LIMITED NUMBER OF MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES ARE STILL AVAILABLE. JOIN LACMA AT THE ACTIVE+MUSE LEVEL ($140) AND RECEIVE TWO TICKETS TO COSTUME BALL FOR FREE ($100 VALUE)! CALL 323 857-6151 TO SIGN UP BY ASKING FOR THE "FASHIONABLY MUSE" PACKAGE. PHONE LINES ARE OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 9 AM–5 PM.  Muse is LACMA's premier membership group for art enthusiasts in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Offering everything from private exhibition tours to penthouse after-parties, we support the arts through a dynamic series of social, educational, and philanthropic activities within LACMA and throughout Los Angeles.

COSTUME BALL SCHEDULE:

Part 1: BP Grand Entrance/BCAM/Resnick Pavilion
8:30 pm–11 pm

Now in its seventh year, the consistently sold-out Muse Costume Ball attracts more than 1,000 costume-clad revelers to the museum for a night filled with tricks and treats. Enjoy live music and video projections in the BP Grand Entrance and an exclusive preview of William Eggleston: Democratic Camera—Photographs and Video, 1961–2008 along with after-hours access to Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700–1925Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico, and Eye for the Sensual: Selections from the Resnick Collection.

8:30 pm: Costume Ball begins. Visual projections and live painting in the BP Grand Entrance curated by Eder Cetina and Victor Solomon. Five featured exhibitions open for viewing.
9:15 pm: Live performance by Grouplove on the Urban Light stage in the BP Grand Entrance.
10:20 pm: Last call at all downstairs bars.
11:00 pm: Exhibitions close for viewing.

Part 2: LACMA West Penthouse
9:45 pm–12:30 am

Enter a rich and decadent world just beyond the edge of your perception. Sypher Art Studios brings the Salon de La Mode to the LACMA West Penthouse. The lovely Catherine De Troys, director of the Diable Oprea, has opened her Parlor this All Hallows Eve to a rancorous and intricate gathering. Here gathers a mix of regal characters, sinful dancers and roguish explorers from the new world. The ambassadors of the ancient world come and go with elaborate fashions and intrigues, whilst a glimpse of devilish fun ensues. Expect lavish costumes and exotic vignettes, with acts and soothsayers to mingle within the delectable Salon de La Mode.

9:45 pm: LACMA West Penthouse opens. Bar service begins. DJ Pumpkin takes the stage.
10:10 pm: Vanagloria (Dance)
10:25 pm: Superbia (Dance)
10:40 pm: Mirdin (Music)
11:11 pm: Avaritia (Dance)
11:15 pm: Costume Contest
11:55 pm: Temperantia (Juggling/Improv)
12:15 pm: Caritas (Dance)

Complimentary drinks provided by Malibu Family Wines, Effen Vodka, Hornitos Tequila, Dekuyper, Pernod Absinthe, FIJI Water, and more.

Tickets: $25 Muse Members | $50 General Public. Ticket includes admission, complimentary drinks, and parking. On sale now. Purchase tickets by calling 323 857-6010, or in-person at LACMA's Ticket Offices. Please note: $2 convenience fee per ticket added to all phone and internet orders.

October 26, 2010

OCT 30: SingularCity Halloween Haunted House Party

Posted by Don Rose - Featured Event
---------------------------------------------------------

SingularCity's Halloween Party is Almost Here!
Make Sure to Get Your Tix in Advance!
On spooky Saturday, October 30 from 8 PM – 1 AM join a great group of guys and gals (and maybe a few ghouls) for a spectacular Halloween celebration held in a real haunted house in West Los Angeles. We’ll mix all the scary stuff with a lot of great fun and food, music, a DJ with dancing under the stars, and magic from pro-magician extraordinaire Brandon Scott who performs regularly at the Magic Castle.  Psychic Readings by Dorothy will provide combo palm and tarot card reading, at the party, when you donate $10 Forte Animal Rescue http://www.farescue.org/. Dorothy is a professional reader with three locations in the Los Angeles area.

The tasty eats will include a delicious gourmet spread from Mr. Cecil's http://www.mrcecilscaliforniaribs.com/ of baby back ribs, barbecued chicken, grilled veggies, mac and cheese, cold slaw, baked beans and roasted corn on the cob with chili lime butter. Jamaica's Cakes http://www.jamaicascakes.com/ is providing a delicious array of desserts. They make their sweet treats completely from scratch with quality ingredients to please the eye and feed the soul.

You must be a member of the SingularCity website community, or the guest of a member in order to attend. It's free to join and you can do that here: http://singularcity.com/community/signup.php

All attendees must be at least 21 years old and sign a release before entering the party. We cannot be held responsible for how you might react to any paranormal activity.


Tickets are $40 and includes all the food, drinks, entertainment, fun and fright you can handle.


Questions? Email community@singularcity.com or call 310-481-0413.
Costumes are encouraged! Valet parking is available.


YOU MUST BUY YOUR TICKET TO THE PARTY IN ADVANCE!
https://singularcity.com/halloween-ticket-processing  



October 25, 2010

Hammer Museum Presents The Mandala Project: Oct 25 – Nov 7

Posted by Don Rose
___________________

THE HAMMER PRESENTS A RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR ANGELENOS
TO EXPERIENCE THE COMPLEX AND RICH TRADITION OF MANDALA

The Mandala Project: October 25 – November 7, 2010 (First Public Event on October 26)

The Hammer Museum in Westwood Village, in partnership with Ari Bhöd — the American
Foundation for Tibetan Cultural Preservation — is pleased to present The Mandala Project. This two-
week program will feature the construction of a Tibetan sand mandala by a team of traditionally
trained Lamas visiting Los Angeles from the Thubten Choeling Monastery in Pharping, Nepal. The
mandala they create will be a sacred painting, following precise and ancient instructions passed
down over thousands of years. Millions of grains of colored sand will be sprinkled carefully on a flat
surface over an elaborate 10-day ceremony.

The mandala painting represents boundless compassion, purity and clarity. It is believed that
mandalas have the power to transform negativity and awaken altruism and compassion in the viewer.
Accompanying the sand mandala will be a series of architectural drawings of a proposed four story
mandala for Ari Bhöd by Los Angeles based architect Michael Rotondi, as well as a smaller three-
dimensional mandala, created by Pema Namdol Thaye, a master of Tibetan art. The project also
includes a Hammer Conversation with Rotondi and Thaye, and culminates in a ceremonial sweeping
of the sand and a concluding procession to the Pacific Ocean for the dispersal of the sand on
November 7, 2010.

The mandala is a profound, universal symbol that translates literally to “center and its surroundings”
and is a physical representation of our interdependence, or the notion that everything and everyone
is interlinked. Mandalas are found in many forms, but always include a circle, a central point, and
some form of symmetry. They can be created in sand, on paper or cloth, or built as 3-dimensional
models or buildings. The vivid painted mandalas of Tibet are the most widely known. There are only
a few three-dimensional mandalas in the world, due in part to the large commitment of time and
expertise needed to create them.

Traditionally created as a tool for visualization and meditation, every single detail of a mandala—
the design, the colors, and placement of symbols—is deliberate. The blueprints are considered
sacred, with many layers of deep meaning and positive representation. Before beginning, traditional
mandala artists generate the intention to benefit others and the motivation of compassion, which is
believed to infuse the art or structure with unique spiritual and sacred qualities.

THE ARTISTS

Venerable Gelong Kalsang Rinpoche – Former Vajra Master of Rigdzin Drub-Pai Ghatsal, the retreat
center of His Holiness Chatral Rinpoche in Nepal, Gelong Rinpoche will be leading the traditional
ceremonies and creation of the sand mandala.

Venerable Lama Ngawang Thogmed – A master of ritual arts and a master mandala artist, Ven.
Lama Thogme is often sought out to train many of the monks of the Nyingma and Kagyu lineages at
monasteries throughout India and Nepal in the complex art of sand mandala making.

Lama Nawang Sampten Lhundrup – Master temple craftsman and ritual artist.

Lama Rinji Sherpa Tsewang – Assistant mandala artist.

RELATED PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Tuesday, October 26, 11am
The public is invited to watch the monks begin their work on the mandala.

Saturday, November 6, 2-7pm
Mandala Viewing
The public is invited to view the completed mandala before its dissolution the following day.

Sunday, November 7, 1pm
Hammer Conversations
Michael Rotondi & Pema Namdol Thaye
Architect and educator Michael Rotondi is the principal of RoTo Architecture, an award-winning firm
that creates unconventional structures that aim to dissolve the boundaries between design, science,
technology, and the fine arts. Rotondi co-founded Morphosis in 1972 and was director of the
Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). A master of Tibetan art, Pema Namdol Thaye
is renowned for his expertise in traditional Tibetan thangka painting, sculpture and the creation of
rare three dimensional mandalas. For more the 25 years, Pema has provided a vital contribution to
the world’s understanding of traditional Tibetan Art. All Hammer public programs are free.

Sunday, November 7, 3pm
Dissolution Ceremony & Procession to Pacific Ocean
The monks will perform a dissolution ceremony at 3pm, and at 3:30pm they will lead a procession to
the ocean. All are welcome to join the dissolution ceremony and procession, but you will need your
own transportation. Driving directions will be provided at the ceremony.

ABOUT ARI BHÖD

Ari Bhöd was founded by Venerable Lama Chödak Gyatso Nubpa to preserve the ancient Nyingma wisdom
tradition of Tibet. The Nyingma tradition, known as the Ancient Onis the original tradition developed in Tibet
by the great spiritual adept Padmasambhava in the ninth century. These teachings were preserved in Tibet in
an unbroken transmission for more than one thousand years. Its benefits have stood the test of time, the
methods proven effective in bringing forth positive qualities, especially altruism and compassion. It is our
aim to preserve, in a living environment, all essential aspects of this endangered world heritage so that it
remains a source of benefit for future generations of Tibetans and non-Tibetans alike.

Ari Bhöd’s mission is to preserve and transmit the priceless legacy of the ancient Tibetan Nyingma lineage
tradition, a sacred culture of peace that has been kept vital and effective through more than fifty generations
of lifelong practitioners and lineage masters. Ari Bhöd’s retreat center, Pema Drawa, is located on 475 acres in
the peaceful mountains of Tehachapi, California. Pema Drawa is the site for the construction of Zangdok Palri
U.S.A, a four-story monument to inspire compassion, transformation and peace. With offices in southern
California, Ari Bhöd’s principle programs and activities include:

• Traditional Tibetan Art and Architecture
• Meditation Practice and Ceremonies
• Text Translation and Publishing
• Tools for Peace™, an education program based on the principle of mandala

ABOUT THE HAMMER MUSEUM

The Hammer Museum, a public arts unit of the University of California, Los Angeles, is dedicated to exploring
the diversity of artistic expression through the ages. Its collections, exhibitions, and programs span the
classic to the cutting-edge in art, architecture, and design, recognizing that artists play a crucial role in all
aspects of culture and society.

The museum houses the Armand Hammer Collection of Old Master, Impressionist, and Post-Impressionist
paintings and the Armand Hammer Daumier and Contemporaries Collection. The Hammer’s newest collection,
the Hammer Contemporary Collection, is highlighted by works on paper, particularly drawings and
photographs from Southern California. The museum also houses the Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts,
comprising more than 45,000 prints, drawings, photographs, and artists’ books from the Renaissance to the
present; and oversees the management of the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden on the UCLA campus.

The Hammer presents major single-artist and thematic exhibitions of historical and contemporary art. It also
presents approximately ten Hammer Projects exhibitions each year, providing international and local artists
with a laboratory-like environment to create new work or to present existing work in a new context.

As a cultural center, the Hammer offers a diverse range of free public programs throughout the year, including
lectures, readings, symposia, film screenings, and music performances. The Hammer’s Billy Wilder Theater
houses these widely acclaimed public programs and is the new home of the UCLA Film & Television Archive’s
renowned cinematheque.

HAMMER MUSEUM INFORMATION

For current program and exhibition information call 310-443-7000 or visit www.hammer.ucla.edu.
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 11am – 7pm; Thursday, 11am – 9 pm; Sunday, 11am – 5 pm;
closed Mondays, July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Admission: $7 for adults; $5 for seniors (65+) and UCLA Alumni Association members; free for Museum
members, students with identification, UCLA faculty/staff, and visitors 17 and under. The Museum is free for
everyone on Thursdays.
Location/Parking: The Hammer is located at 10899 Wilshire Boulevard, at Westwood Boulevard. Parking is
available under the Museum. Rate is $3 for three hours with Museum validation.
Hammer Museum Tours: For group tour reservations and information, call 310-443-7041.

October 19, 2010

The Beatles "Red" & "Blue" Debut Anew: Both Double-CD Remastered Packages Available Oct 19

by Don Rose
___________

The Beatles' original greatest hits packages, first released in 2 vinyl volumes back in 1973, are back!

1962-1966 (Red) Remastered
Fans informally refer to them as the Red and Blue albums, due to their original covers' colors.
1967-1970 (Blue) Remastered
Each set includes 2 CDs as well as new photos and liner notes. The 1962-66 set (Red) and 67-70 (Blue) have both been remastered, and are available in stores as well as online beginning October 19. (I checked Best Buy today in Westwood and their price -- $13.99 per double-CD set -- seems to match Amazon's.)

Thought for Today: If you include the band's "White Album", today's releases mean you can finally have the all-British Beatles in All-American Red, White and Blue.

October 14, 2010

OCT 14-19: 3rd Annual Bel-Air Film Festival Features Films, Panels, Receptions & More

Posted by Don Rose
---------------------------------

The Bel Air Film Festival is back. The third edition of this annual fest takes place at the UCLA James Bridges Theatre (inside Melnitz Hall). 
BAFF will run October 14-19, 2010.

The BAFF opening night on October 14 is jam-packed, featuring 3 films, several honors and a reception. Highlights include Joey Sylvester’s “Walk a Mile in My Pradas” and the documentary “The Last Elephants in Thailand.” More info on the fest is at www.BelAirFilmFestival.com. Info below is from the official press release (as seen on Film Threat).

The 2010 Bel-Air Film Festival (BAFF) will host its third annual event October 14th-19th with screenings held at the UCLA James Bridges Theater. 58 films will be presented including 35 world premieres and 12 Los Angeles premieres.

The festival will recognize and honor Brian Austin Green with the festival’s Best Actor Award, Kathy Najimy and Mark Rydell with the Legendary Filmmaker Awards, and Salaam Remi for Best Music in Film.

The ceremony will screen Walk a Mile in My Pradas, a film by the festival’s headline sponsor Dream It Productions. This “Work in Progress” feature film starring Nathaniel Marston, Tom Arnold, and Tom Archdeacon, tells a timely story about relevant issues such as Prop 8 and gay rights. With Christmas in Los Angeles as its backdrop, Writer/Producer, Rick (Sudi) Karatas creates a fantastical world where a little Christmas magic causes two coworkers to switch sexual orientations. The film offers messages of tolerance and acceptance, in a light and heart warming, comedic fashion and marks director Joey Sylvester’s feature debut.

In its Los Angeles Premiere the short film Turning Japanese, starring Brian Austin Green, will be screened. Turning Japanese tells the story of a couple struggling with their finances that stumble upon an unknowing sleepwalker and exploit her nightly episodes by selling tickets. Brian Austin Green is well known from his role on the hit TV series 90210 as well as his performances in the sitcom Freddie, the films Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Domino and recurring roles on the TV series Smallville and Desperate Housewives.

Kathy Najimy will introduce the Los Angeles premiere of the documentary The Last Elephants in Thailand and bring attention to a cause she personally supports: the fight to save the dwindling population of elephants in Thailand and expose the abuse of elephants in amusement parks and the way elephants are forced to paint. Named Ms. Magazine’s “Woman of the Year” in 2005 and known as the voice of Peggy Hill on 14 seasons of the animated series King of the Hill, she is also easily recognized for her roles in the films Sister Act I and Sister Act II, the animated film Wall-E and over 20 feature films including Hocus PocusRat Race and The Wedding Planner. An active philanthropist, she has been recognized frequently for over 20 years of charitable efforts.

Mark Rydell will receive the Legendary Filmmaker Award, presented by Katharine Kramer. Rydell’s recent projects includes work with Forest Whitaker, Danny DeVito, and Kim Basinger in the upcoming film, “Even Money,” and the film, “Hollywood Ending,” starring Woody Allen. Rydell was also director of the TV bio-pic James Dean which earned actor James Franco a Golden Globe award. Rydell also acted in the movie, playing Jack Wagner. Mr. Rydell is a member of the board of directors at the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center.

Salaam Remi is being recognized by BAFF for Best Music in Film. He has produced for Nas, The Fugees, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys and Ricky Martin among others and is responsible for the sounds of Sex and the City and Rush Hour 3. A favorite of directors Brett Ratner and Michael Patrick King, Remi is one of the most sought after producers in Hollywood. He recently finished scoring an upcoming documentary on Mike Tyson.


October 12, 2010

OCT 15-17: Conscious Life Expo Presents the New Visionaries

Posted by Don Rose - Featured Event

www.consciouslifeexpo.com
  Tickets now on sale!

CLE Freddie Flyer


                             Humanity Unites Brilliance (HUB) Presents:
      Grammy Award Winning musician Freddie Ravel,  Leading Visionary's 
                Claire Zammit, Terry Tillman, Marcia Martin, Jesus Nebot,      
     Special featurette from Pachamama
 Alliance's "Awakening the Dreamer"
                                
Sunday, October 17 -2:00pm-8:00pm

                   
                      Special Los Angeles Debut - "Miracles Do Happen"
                      
An Evening with Guruji Mahendra Kumar Trivedi  
  
              Experience the group Blessing and energetic transmissions
                                  on Friday, October 15 - 8:00pm-9:30pm

PLUS, don't miss the special 
LIFEChanges LIVE! Show with Filippo Voltaggio 
on Friday, October 15th at 7:00pm! 

      Special panels, music performances, yummy organic foods served on site

Friday, Oct. 15-3pm-10pm; Saturday, Oct. 16-10am-11pm; Sunday, Oct. 17 10am-8pm 
                       LAX Hilton Hotel -5711 Century Blvd., Los Angeles 90045
          General Admission: $20 Advance/$25 Door.  Keynote Speakers: $35/$45

                        Connect with the Conscious Community!


October 9, 2010

OCT 10: Pier Del Sol Event on Santa Monica Pier Benefits Special Olympics So Cal

Posted by Don Rose
---------------------------------

Special Olympics Southern California is celebrating its 14th Annual Pier Del Sol event at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier on Oct. 10. 

This year's "Hawaiian Paradise" theme includes hula lessons, Hawaiian dancers, live tropical music, family and kid-friendly activities, rides, games, as well as a spectacular VIP brunch from L.A.'s top restaurants, including Melisse, Providence, Water Grill, Angelini Osteria and Spago. Unlimited Pacific Park rides and games are included in the price of admission. 


Arnold Schwarzenegger with Special Olympics athlete at Pier del Sol 2009
Special Olympics
Along with other celebrities and sports figures, California's First Lady, Maria Shriver, is attending as the honorary chair. This year's honoree is Tony Buzzelli, Vice Chairman and Regional Managing Partner of Deloitte LLP. 

To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit:
www.pierdelsol.org

Since 1997, Pier del Sol has raised almost $5 million, benefiting and changing the lives of more than 13,000 Special Olympic Southern California athletes. 


Special Olympics Southern California has been changing lives through the power of sport for more than 40 years and offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. For more information about how to compete, coach or contribute to Special Olympics Southern California, please visit: www.sosc.org.

Special Olympics Southern California

Pier Del Sol: Hawaiian Paradise

Sunday, October 10th, 2010, 10am - 2pm
Pacific Park
380 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401

General Admission: $45, includes unlimited rides, 8 game booth tickets, and 1 meal coupon for Pacific Park's Food Placa

VIP Coaster: $150, includes unlimited rides, 10 game booth tickets, and VIP Brunch
VIP Child: $50 (ages 5 - 12)
VIP Admission Package: $500 for 5 VIP Coaster tickets
www.pierdelsol.org

October 7, 2010

Back to Back To The Future: AMC Brings Classic Film Back to Theaters Oct 23 & 25; Blu-ray Trilogy Due Oct 26

by Don Rose
____________

We previously reported on the 25th anniversary of Val Kilmer's first starring vehicle, the sci-fi comedy "Real Genius". As far as we know, there was no big celebration to commemorate the occasion, but fortunately for lovers of comedy science fiction, such is not the case for "Back to the Future" and its 25th anniversary! BttF is being re-released in theaters October 23rd and October 25th in over 40 U.S. cities, apparently for those two nights only. Those
 who attend the special screenings are promised a poster commemorating the 25th anniversary of the movie (until they run out, of course, so get there early, kids). We also learned that theaters will have "special movie-related giveaways". 

The print to be shown in theaters is a digital re-master, in advance of the upcoming release of "Back to the Future" on Blu-ray, which should look fantastic (or, as Marty might say, "heavy"). The hi-def Blu-ray and regular DVD release (set for October 26) is a trilogy box set that will include the two BttF sequels and many bonus features. 

We hope to see you at the screenings. If you can't jot down the info right now, just remember: "25 Oct, Doc!" or "25th party on the 25th, Marty!" (Okay, AMC isn't promising a real party-party with your ticket price, but close enough - heck, if you bring your pals, it will be a party!)

Below is more info on the upcoming BttF screenings:

from JOBLO.com:

AMC Theaters is showing the original film twice - once on October 23 and once on October 25 (the day Marty McFly went back in time) ... And as an added bonus, all attendees will get a full-size BACK TO THE FUTURE poster just for showing up ... head to AMC's site to see if BTTF is playing near you and to purchase tickets.

AMC Theatres is bringing back the film for 2 special screenings on Saturday October 23rd at 12:30PM and Monday October 25th at 7:00PM on 158 screens over 40 cities! All guests will receive a full-sized poster commemorating the 25th anniversary limited release of the movie with their ticket purchase, while supplies last. Each theatre will also have special movie-related giveaways prior to the movie as a part of the experience.  We’re excited to bring this digitally remastered film back for a new generation to see the film as it was intended. Tickets for this AMC exclusive are on sale now!

September 30, 2010

TONY CURTIS: A Film Life in 60 Seconds (Video)

"Service to others is the rent we pay for our time on this planet." -Tony Curtis (1925-2010)

September 28, 2010

SEP 28: Jason Alexander Stars in "They're Playing Our Song", Debut Production of Reprise 2010-2011 Season at UCLA Freud Playhouse

Posted by Don Rose
__________________

September 28 - October 10, 2010 - Freud Playhouse at UCLA       

Reprise Theatre Company opens their season with the Tony Nominated Best Musical

THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG. Featuring a book by Neil Simon, this audience favorite follows the on-again, off-again romance of one very despondent composer and one very ditzy lyricist, as they try to create their own unique love song. Based on the real-life love affair of composer Marvin Hamlisch and lyricist Carole Bayer-Sager (who also penned the delicious score), this whirling dervish of a musical comedy will have you humming its songs between each and every laugh.


SUMMARY:

“They’re Playing Our Song” is the opening production of Reprise Theatre Company’s 2010-2011 season. 

Preview performance on Sep. 28, 2010, opening night Sep. 29. Show runs two weeks only.

Stars Jason Alexander, Artistic Director of Reprise Theatre Company, and Stephanie J. Block, Broadway star of “9 to 5: The Musical,” “Wicked,” “The Pirate Queen,” and “The Boy From Oz” 

Book by Neil Simon 
Music by Marvin Hamlisch 
Lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager 
Directed by Lonny Price

Subscribers always get the very best seats -- go here for details

LOCATION

Freud Playhouse
245 E. Charles E Young Drive
UCLA Campus, Westwood CA


SEP 29: Writers Boot Camp Business Breakfast At Bergamot Presents Amy Schiffman

Posted by Don Rose
__________________

Writers Boot Camp Business Breakfast
Amy Schiffman, IPG
Moderated by WBC founder Jeffrey Gordon
Wednesday, September 29, 7:45-9:45am


From the WBC webpage: "The Business Breakfast presents to our community the people who truly know the business.  Join us every other Wednesday at our Bergamot Station headquarters to network and to learn where the work is in the entertainment industry.

The breakfast consists of eggs, potatoes, pastries, fresh fruit, juice & coffee. At 8:30am, [WBC] founder Jeffrey Gordon will introduce our guest speaker(s) for a brief interview and Q&A about their particular expertise, emphasizing professional trends, new opportunities and emerging markets.
 
Doors open at 7:45 am. Advance tickets are $20 for the public, including breakfast. Tickets at the door when available are $25. For all Writers Boot Camp current writers, alumni and their guests, tickets are $10.  Free parking is available in the main Bergamot Station lot, entrance on Michigan (see directions below)."

Reserve your seat today.  For more information, call the office at 310/998-1199.

Directions to 2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica CA 90404:
From Cloverfield Blvd go east on Michigan
(Michigan Ave is just north of the 10 freeway, running parallel)
Go to the end of the street to the Bergamot Station entrance.
Park inside the lot and walk to the SW corner, Bldg i.