Sheathed in layers of golden fabric of an Oscar de la Renta gown appearing like a mythical Greek goddess, Cate Blanchett is featured on the cover of this December’s issue of VOGUE, appearing on newsstands November 24th, with an interview by VOGUE writer Adam Green about her greatest role to date: A Streetcar Named Desire’s Blanche DuBois.  Green observes that Cate ‘’remains a creature of the stage” and also asks her about the importance of theater, family life and career path.

Here a few highlights from Adam Green’s interview with Cate, the self-proclaimed ‘theater geek’:

On the importance of theater:

“In the wake of everything that’s happened in the world in the last eighteen months, we’re thinking about what we’ve lost. So much of the play is about the death of poetry and idealism and hope—the fine, delicate things in our lives, the intangible, ephemeral things in our lives—which theater actually represents, doesn’t it? It’s ephemeral by its very nature. If you’re not there, you miss it. It’s gone.”

She is so dedicated to preserving theater, she and her husband of twelve years, Andrew Upton, became artistic directors of the Sydney Theatre Company, in Sydney, Australia, beginning in 2008.

On appreciating the sense of stability that staying semi-put and working regular hours has allowed both Blanchett and husband, Andrew Upton, to give their three boys:

“’There are so few experiences in our manicured, nanny-stated existence that have the quality of circus.  Theater still does.’ And so, when the boys aren’t playing with friends, they can usually be found playing backstage.  ‘They’re always engaged in the family business, so to speak.’”

Cate, with her sense of humor intact, on the matter of having children said, “The world is so massively overpopulated, but if you’re halfway decent-looking and you make nice ones, then I think it’s probably your responsibility to make more. That’s why we just have to have more of them!” We just adore Cate at LA’s The Place because she doesn’t take life too seriously!

On career choices:

“I’m not very cautious or careful. It’s always been more about having a variety of experiences than any planned trajectory… I think that in a way, projects choose you.”

From playing the ethereal Elf Queen Galadriel in the “Lord of the Rings” movies to the tough Katherine Hepburn in “Aviator” to the young Queen Elizabeth I in the movie, “Elizabeth”, this certainly demonstrates her immense range of acting abilities and diverse career projects.  Geoffrey Rush makes a insightful comment about her intelligent acting technique.

Actor Geoffrey Rush on Cate Blanchett:

“As an actor, you either work off your own personality, and that’s what you’re peddling, or, like Cate, you draw out from the source material all the many dark, mysterious, and conflicting elements of the character that are going to make it engaging and trilling for the audience.”

To read the entire article from the December VOGUE article, “Truth or Dare” on Cate Blanchett, please click HERE.

Cate Blanchette, photographed for the cover of Vogue, by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Or to see the charming and elegant Cate expose her self-effacing personality as a risk-taking actress under the lens of renowned celebrity photographer, Annie Leibovitz, please click HERE for VOGUE’s December Arts Issue.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s co-production of the “Mary Poppins” musical is just what the doctor ordered in these times of economic worry and stress as the message of family before material wealth is magically conveyed by the original 2006 Broadway cast.  Perfect for a holiday gift or a way to entertain visiting guests, Mary Poppins runs through February 7th, 2010.

Mary Poppins: Practically Perfect

“Mary Poppins,” a co-production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, opened on Broadway on November 16, 2006.  Based on P.L. Travers’ cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, “Mary Poppins” the stage play features the Academy Award®-winning music and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.  The stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, who has written the book, and the Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who have composed new songs and additional music and lyrics.

Award Winning Creative Team

Olivier Award-winning director Richard Eyre leads the award-winning creative team, with co-direction and choreography by Tony® and Olivier Award winner Matthew Bourne. “Mary Poppins” features eye-popping set and costume design by Tony Award winner Bob Crowley, co-choreography by Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear, lighting design by Howard Harrison, orchestrations by William David Brohn, and music supervision by David Caddick. The tour’s creative team includes Tour Director Anthony Lyn, Associate Choreographer Geoffrey Garrett, and Music Director James Dodgson.

Everybody Loves Mary

Consistently among the top-grossing shows on Broadway, “Mary Poppins” continues in its 3rd smash year at the New Amsterdam Theatre and recently celebrated its 1000th performance – a milestone reached by only a rare few number of shows in Broadway history. The Broadway production has grossed over $152 million to date and been seen by over 1.8 million theatregoers.

Simultaneously, the show’s popularity grows around the globe. Following a successful three year run (December 2004 – January 2008) at the Prince Edward Theatre on London’s West End, a UK tour of “Mary Poppins” commenced in summer 2008 and concluded its acclaimed run in Cardiff in April 2009. The Australian production of “Mary Poppins” will premiere in July 2010 at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne.

Mary Poppins Debuts in Holland

An open-ended run of “Mary Poppins” will take residence at the Circus Theatre in Scheveningen, Holland, outside of Amsterdam. The show will open in April 2010 at the Circus Theatre following “Tarzan’s” record setting run there. “Mary Poppins” will be produced in Holland by Stage Entertainment in association with Disney and Cameron Mackintosh.

Original Broadway Cast in LA

The Los Angeles engagement of “Mary Poppins” is by arrangement with Center Theatre Group and is part of CTG’s 2009-2010 season at the Ahmanson Theatre, located at the Los Angeles Music Center. The entire creative team has reunited to bring this magical story of the world’s most famous nanny to audiences across North America. Original Broadway stars, Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, respectively. Joining Brown and Lee will be Karl Kenzler as George Banks, Megan Osterhaus as Winifred Banks, Valerie Boyle as Mrs. Brill, Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Robertson Ay, Ellen Harvey as Miss Andrew, Mary VanArsdel as The Bird Woman, and Mike O’Carroll as Admiral Boom. Performances in the role of Jane Banks will be alternated between Katie Balen and Bailey Grey. Performances in the role of Michael Banks will be alternated between Bryce Baldwin and Carter Thomas.

Mary Poppins Tickets

Ticket prices for “Mary Poppins” range from $20 to $102.  VIP/Premium Ticket Packages are also available at select performances for $135 and $150, and include premium seating and a complimentary souvenir program. Hot-Tix, priced at $20, are available and can be purchased in advance, or subject to availability, on the day of performance at the CTG box office (no checks). For the deaf community, call TDD (213) 680-4017 for tickets and information. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling (213) 972-7231.

Tickets for “Mary Poppins” are available by calling Center Theatre Group Audience Services at (213) 972-4400, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office located the Ahmanson Theatre or online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.

For more information, please visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or www.MaryPoppinsTour.com.

Katy Perry’s MTV Unplugged CD/DVD set is officially out! You can hear see all seven of the tracks here, courtesy of www.MTV.com. The songs include “I Kissed a Girl,” “Waking Up in Vegas,” and the premiere of “Brick by Brick”. Watch them and enjoy. We love Katy!

KATY PERRY

Official: http://www.katyperry.com

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/katyperry

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/katyperry

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katyperry

MTV Unplugged on Amazon: http://links.emi.com/katyperry_unplugged

Dangling by his feet, Magic Castle’s magician Jim Bentley performed Harry Houdini’s famed escape act, which was quite incredible! Check out this video shot by Julie Wolfson.

Magic Castle’s 100th Birthday Celebration on November 3rd was the place to be in Los Angeles. On this 100th Anniversary, magician Jim Bentley was assisted by the lovely trio of Tippi Hedren, Romi Dames and Jo Anne Worley into a vintage straightjacket (which was a show in itself!) and then hoisted 100 feet into the air by a crane.

Magic Castle's magician Jim Bentley was assisted by the lovely trio of Tippi Hedren, Romi Dames and Jo Anne Worley.

With good will and champagne flowing under the sunny California sky, Magic Castle originators Milt & Irene Larson and daughter Erika, Tippi Hedren, Jo Anne Worley, Fred Willard, Romi Dames, Rip Taylor, Rose Marie, Allison Arngrim, Kate Linder, Gloria Allred, Judy Tenuta, Dee Wallace, Ilene Graff, Luenelle, Lorielle New, Yuval David, Darcy DeMoss, Bill Dow, Jim Bentley, Andrew Goldenhersh, Christopher Rogers, Stan and Betty Freberg and many others turned out for this fun filled event!

A star-studded entourage celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Magic Castle. From Left: Jo Anne Worley, Fred Willard, magician Jim Bentley, Darcy DeMoss, Tippi Hedron, Irene Larsen, author Harrison Held and magician Andrew Goldenhersh. Photo credit Bill Dow.

Magical History

As explained to me by Magic Castle historian George W. Siegel, the Magic Castle, formerly know as Rollin Lane Mansion, was specially built back in 1909 for affluent couple Rollin and Katherine Lane. The Lane’s were originally from Wisconsin and moved to Redlands, California in 1896, until they relocated to Hollywood, where they were tremendous leaders in the growth of the Hollywood community.

Los Angeles landmark the Magic Castle

The Lanes passed away in the 1940’s with the manor changing ownership over the next several years. In 1961, it was acquired by television writer and magic-lover Milt Larsen and opened to the public as The Magic Castle, at 5 pm on January 2, 1963, gaining international acclaim ever since.

Comedy Queen Judy Tenuta gets the royal treatment from Magic Castle lifemember and retired doctor Christopher Rogers, aka The Tea Butler.

On Monday November 9th and Tuesday November 10th,  perennial favorite TV mom and performer Florence Henderson continued the celebrations with her show “All The Lives Of Me – A Musical Journey”.

Story and photos by Harrison Held.

For more info, visit: www.magiccastle.com.

25 Years of Rock ‘n Roll

The shows were packed with guest stars and unique collaborations designed to tell the story of rock and roll. All proceeds raised from the shows will go towards creating a permanent endowment for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and Museum. HBO will broadcast four hours of highlights from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concerts on November 29th at 8PM ET (US).

Swaggin’ and Braggin’

The stars had such effusively positive reactions to the gifts they received from the gift lounge that we just had to tell you about it….

Bacardi® Reserva Limitada

Stars showed up for charity and toasted with Bacardi cocktails backstage in the Gift Lounge! Billy Joel, Ana Ortiz, Steven Van Zandt, Lenny Kravitz and more signed commemorative bottles of the exclusive Bacardi Reserva

Lenny Kravitz with Bacardi

Limitada to be auctioned off with all proceeds going towards creating a permanent endowment for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and Museum.  “Ugly Betty” beauty Ana Ortiz loves her nationality; she signed “Viva Puerto Rico,” while “Gossip Girl” cutie Penn Badgely enjoyed a Bacardi Cuba Libre cocktail!  Alan Cumming and Billy Joel both took quick swigs of Bacardi Limitada, straight up!  Bruce Springsteen took a few minutes during rehearsals to sign several bottles for charity!  Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top drew a mini portrait of himself on the bottle, along with his signature!

Bacardi® Reserva Limitada:  Bacardi Reserva Limitada, also referred to as the “founder’s blend” is an ultra-premium rum aged for up to 16 years.  This exclusive rum will be enclosed in a special guitar case box. These commemorative bottles will be signed by participating artists and auctioned off with all proceeds going towards creating a permanent endowment for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and Museum.  www.bacardi.com

Mark Indelicato with Guitar Hero 5/DJ

Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas tried her hand at DJ Hero for the first time and said “man, this is hard.”  But also said she’s excited to play with her fiancé Josh Duhamel!   “Ugly Betty” star Mark Indelicato challenged his mother Lynn at Guitar Hero 5, it turns out mother knows best, she won!  “Law & Order” SVU” star Diane Neal said “this is ridonkulous!” as she played “Shout” by Tears for Fears on DJ Hero!  “Ugly Betty” star Ana Ortiz & actor Mark Paul Gosselaar decided to challenge each other to a fierce game of Guitar Hero 5.  With a smile on her face, Ortiz kicked Gosselaar’s butt!  “Gossip Girl” hottie Penn Badgely, is admittedly not great at Guitar Hero, but did look like a pro, striking a very sexy, convincing “rocker” pose while playing!

GUITAR HERO® 5:  Living room legends will rock any way they want to an incredible variety of iconic rock music in Guitar Hero® 5. Elevating the Guitar Hero® series to new heights with unmatched social game play (with party play and ability to play with any combination of instruments including up to 4 Guitarists), an enhanced style, new in-game artists and more rock legends, including The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Kings of Leon, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Vampire Weekend.  www.guitarhero.com

DJ HERO™:  Delivers an all-new interactive music experience that allows players to start the party and experience music in an all-new way. With over 100 individual songs, highlighted in 93 unique never-before-released mixes that blend genres of music, including hip-hop, pop, rock and dance, DJ Hero’s turntable controller immerses fans into the authenticity of DJ culture to learn and master various DJ techniques including scratching, blending, cross fading and sampling.  www.djhero.com

Schott NYC Outerwear

While picking out a cool black wool jacket from Schott NYC, Tom Hanks shared with onlookers “Where were you when I was poor?  I have enough money to buy anything in the world, but nothing pleases me more than getting a free coat!” Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas scooped up a Schott NYC black leather bustier, held it up to her chest and declared “I love it and can’t wait to rock-it!”  Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas spotted a Schott NYC one-of-a-kind vintage green leather jacket, slipped it on, said “Perfect!” and left wearing it!  Bonnie Raitt with her famous silver-streaked hair while choosing a classic Schott NYC black leather biker jacket exclaimed “I already feel bad-ass!” “Gossip Girl” hottie Penn Badgely had some issues with his dry, tired eyes.  Once they cleared up with the help of some drops he gazed at and scooped up a rare, vintage blue leather Schott NYC jacket!  David Crosby loves stuff made in the USA or more specifically, New Jersey!  While the gray-haired rocker chose a black leather peacoat he learned that the coat was made in Jersey, with a wide grin he said “I love the f—k out of that!”  Jackson Browne shared that his girlfriend told him that for his birthday he needs to buy himself a new jacket.  Birthday wishes do come true — The “Dr. My Eyes” rocker left with the perfect gift, a Schott NYC military-inspired jacket!  Mark Indelicato of “Ugly Betty” chose a Schott NYC black leather bomber jacket with a removable collar, while trying it on he said “I love this, my friends are gonna be so jealous…and it’s multi-functional.”

Schott NYC Outerwear:  For nearly a century, Schott NYC has been a manufacturer of sportswear and outerwear best known for its iconic motorcycle jacket. From The Boss to Kid Rock and legendary performers like The Ramones, a myriad of musicians have donned Schott!  www.schottnyc.com

Ana Ortiz with Schott NYC and Alan Cumming (star of U2’s Spider-Man musical) with Cult of Individuality jeans.

Cult of Individuality Men’s Denim Jeans

Don’t mess with Mark Indelicato of “Ugly Betty” and his love of jeans!  The teen actor shared that he and co-star/on-screen mom Ana Ortiz are always fighting about denim trends, off-set in their dressing rooms.  Indelicato says he & Ortiz can now agree that the hot trend is ripped denim –and the must-have brand is Cult of Individuality!  He will soon be a rockin’ a hot new ripped-up pair of Cult of Individuality jeans!   “New Moon” hottie Chaske Spencer may be looking more rocker, less werewolf come Spring 2010!  Spencer pre-ordered Cult of Individuality’s “rocker” skinny jeans!  Penn Badgely of “Gossip Girl” couldn’t decide which jeans style to wear, so confused, the hottie draped himself in several Cult of Individuality denim styles and let onlookers help him come to a decision!  Actor Mark Paul Gosselaar in New York doing a play “The Understudy” says he has a tough time finding a good fitting pair of jeans, he says his thighs are big!  He left with a pair of Cult of Individuality jeans that fit like a glove!

Cult of  Individuality Men’s Denim Jeans:  Jeans that feel like that old worn-in pair that you love and fit like them too!  www.cultofindividuality.com  

Anoname Jeans Women’s Denim Jeans

Fergie, fresh off the stage after rehearsing her duet with idol Bono, said “I’m still sweating from that experience, awesome!”  The Black-Eyed Pea wiped her brow and chose two pairs of Anoname skinny jeans, black & light washed ripped up denim!  “Fierce Style” author Christian Siriano is so petite that he easily fits into women’s jeans!  The designer chose Anoname’s new “Driftwood” style, complete with rockin’ rips & tears! “Real Housewife of New York” Jill Zarin loves ripped jeans, but unfortunately her Bravo producers won’t let her wear them on-air, they think she may look too young!  Zarin scooped up a pair anyway, she plans to wear them on her off days!

Anoname Women’s Denim Jeans:  Jeans with that vintage, worn-in feel like you’ve had them forever in washes and excellent fits in skinny, straight & bootcut. www.anoname.com

ZIRH Gift Collection

Head of the wolf pack, New Moon’s Chaske Spencer enjoyed the scent of ZIRH’s new Cocktail Bar collection, perfect for soothing the skin after a long day on set! “Ugly Betty” star Mark Indelicato took a break from his busy shooting schedule to enjoy a soothing ZIRH facial backstage in the Gift Lounge, he said “this is just what I needed.”Other stars who stopped by to enjoy some pampering and scoop up the latest ZIRH products included:  Penn Badgley, John Legend, Taboo of The Black Eyed Peas, Steven Van Zandt, Billy Joel and more!

ZIRH VIP Gift Collection and to top it off, ZIRH will pamper the stars with relaxing mini ZIRH facials: ZIRH prides itself on being a leader in the men’s skincare market. ZIRH strives to give guys effective solutions for their skin in an easy efficient manner that’s convenient to their lifestyle. www.zirh.com  

Penn Badgely with ZIRH soap and Chaske Spencer with AMC.

 AMC Entertainment Exclusive AMC Signature Pass

The Boss Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa skipped the craft services table at The 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert backstage, instead they popped into the gift lounge several times to grab bags of AMC Theatres freshly popped popcorn, which they munched on during rehearsals! While snacking on AMC Theatres freshly popped popcorn after performing, Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin shared that she just saw the Michael Jackson documentary “This Is It” at AMC’s Lincoln Square location and that she plans to use her card a lot! Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top was thrilled to receive his AMC Signature Pass, he told on-site AMC reps “Oh wow, you guys are going to regret this, I’m at the movies almost every night!”  Another fan of AMC Theatres is Tracy Pollan who mentioned she just took the kids to AMC Theatres to see “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” this week, before attending The 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concerts with hubby Michael J. Fox!

AMC Entertainment: Exclusive AMC Signature Pass: Offering each star and one guest the opportunity to see movies for free at more than 350 AMC Theatres around the world for an entire year.  www.amctheatres.com

Ultimate Ears: Custom Molded In-Ear Monitors

Two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks sat patiently getting inner-ear impressions done for a custom pair of Ultimate Ears in-ear monitors, just like artists like Mick Jagger rocked on stage, and shared that the last time he had something done like this he was on the set of “Apollo 13”!  Hanks requested that his Ultimate Ears in-ear monitors be customized with his production company’s “PlayTone” logo!  Mrs. Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, will be rockin’ a matching set of custom Ultimate Ears in-ear monitors too!  “Ugly Betty” star Ana Ortiz was so excited to receive her custom in-ear monitors from Ultimate Ears, she requested personalizing them with the Puerto Rican flag and a Four Leaf Clover!  Good luck & listening Ana! James Taylor was so excited about his new custom-molded in-ear monitors from Ultimate Ears that he ordered a back up pair for the road!

Ultimate Ears by LogiTech Custom Molded In-Ear Monitors: How music was meant to be heard!  www.ultimateears.com

Unitee Inspirational Activewear and Jewelry

Unitee was an instant hit with Motown legend Smokey Robinson who donned the custom sterling silver Unitee 45 record adapter necklace engraved with his popular song title “Tears of a Clown,” which he scooped up in the Gift Lounge onstage as her performed!  Bearded rocker Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top fame chose a Unitee sterling silver 45 record adapter necklace engraved with the message “Now & Zen,” he requested a double-length chain to fall below her long beard!  Fergie of the Black-Eyed Peas scooped-up a Unitee tank and sterling silver 45 record adapter necklace with inspirational messages:  “Find Your Center” and “Enjoy the Journey”. Keith Powell was so excited about his new Unitee sterling silver 45 record adapter necklace, he said he’d be ordering them for his fellow cast members,  engraved with “30 Rock.” “Law & Order: SVU” star Diane Neal loves tie-dye!  In-fact, as she chose a Unitee tie-dyed hooded with the message “Now & Zen,” she declared “I’m a tie-dye whore!” The Unitee 45 record adapter necklace is perfect timing for Billy Joel!  The Piano Man just bought daughter Alexa Ray a vintage record-player and was looking for a record adapter so she can play his old 45s!  Judah Friedlander of “30 Rock” chose a Unitee t-shirt that read “Feel the Music,” he said he was hoping to wear it in an upcoming episode of “30 Rock”, stay-tuned!

Unitee Inspirational Activewear and Jewelry:  Rock ‘n flow!  Hot, new 45 record adapter activewear and necklaces with a yoga spin that’s off the charts! www.shopunitee.com

T-Mobile® myTouch™ 3G

Billy Joel has an interesting choice of a cellphone ringer.  While the Piano Man was choosing a color for his new T-Mobile myTouch 3G, he answered an incoming call from daughter Alexa Ray to the tune of “The Godfather” theme, who knew!!  Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas said she’s a T-Mobile SideKick devotee but is excited to give the myTouch a try!  Project Runway winner Christian Siriano thinks the new T-Mobile myTouch 3G looks like the bat-phone, and can’t wait to rock it!  Dennis Miller, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson all shared that they’re mobile carrier choice is always T-Mobile, so there! They can’t wait to try the new T-Mobile myTouch 3G!  “Fire & Rain” singer, James Taylor asked if T-Mobile had a good service connection in his current hometown of Lennox, Mass., where he’s excited to start using his new T-Mobile myTouch 3G!

T-Mobile® myTouch™ 3G:  The T-Mobile® myTouch™ 3G empowers users to create a unique and individualized wireless phone and experience with rich customization options that becomes “100% You.”!  www.T-MobilemyTouch.com / www.T-Mobile.com

Katrina Bowden with T-Mobile myTouch 3G and Jill Zarin with New York Health & Racquet Club.

New York Health and Racquet Club- One Year Gym Membership

Health & fitness is not a complicated issue for Rita Wilson aka Mrs. Tom Hanks!  When handed her annual membership card by the company rep, Wilson who co-stars with Meryl Streep in the upcoming movie “It’s Complicated” slipped it right into her purse and said “this, I will absolutely use when I’m in the city.”  Mark Paul Gosselaar, starring on Broadway in “The Understudy” is looking to bulk up for his new role and shared the 1 year membership to NYHRC “is perfect timing!”  Talk show host Wendy Williams had one question about the 1 year NYHRC membership; she queried with a smile “does this come with a hot, cute, trainer?”

New York Health and Racquet Club One Year Gym Membership: Life’s waiting. Join in! www.nyhrc.com

5 Gum Year Supply of Star’s Favorite Flavor

Stars including Penn Badgley, Ana Ortiz, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Fergie, Jeff Beck, John Legend and more also scooped up a year supply of 5 Gum, with all the flavors to stimulate your senses!

5 Gum Year Supply of the Stars’ Favorite Flavor:  5 is a sugar-free stick gum with mouth-freshening, long-lasting flavors combined with invigorating sensations. The newest flavors include SOLSTICE, a warm and cool wintry-mint and ZING, a sour to sweet bubblegum experience.  5 Gum, in a sleek black pack, has all the flavors to stimulate your senses.  www.5gum.com

Reebok Medium Duffle

Stars like Chaske Spencer, Katrina Bowden, Ana Ortiz, Penn Badgely, John Legend and more left the Gift Lounge sporting cool Reebok duffle bags which held all of the goodies they scooped up backstage!

The Medium Duffle has loads of room for holding all the goodies the stars scoop up in the Gift Lounge!  www.reebok.com

Celebrity Lounge Roster

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, The Black Eyed Peas (Fergie, Taboo, Apl.d.ap), ZZ Top (Billy Gibbons), Patti Smith, Metallica (Kirk Hammett), Aretha Franklin, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Buddy Guy, Darlene Love, Jackson Brown, James Taylor, Jeff Beck, John Fogerty, John Legend, Lenny Kravitz, Lou Reed, Billy Joel, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Sam Moore, Smokey Robinson, Tom Hanks, Penn Badgely (Gossip Girl), Chaske Spencer (New Moon), Alan Cumming (Spiderman on Broadway), Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty), Christian Siriano (Fierce Style), Diane Neal (Law & Order: SVU), Judah Friedlander (30 Rock), Jill Zarin (The Real Housewives of New York), Katrina Bowden (30 Rock), Keith Powell (30 Rock), Mark Indelicato (Ugly Betty), Mark-Paul Gosselaar (The Understudy), Dennis Miller, Wendy Williams (The Wendy Williams Show), Tracy Pollan, Nikki Reed (New Moon), Zoe Kravitz (Yelling to the Sky), Rita Wilson and Richard Belzer (Law & Order: SVU) were just a few of the stars that stopped by on October 29th & 30th, 2009 for the Official Talent Gift Lounge produced by On 3 Productions.

Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame

Established 25 years ago by legendary record executive Ahmet Ertegun and a group of music business executives to honor the artists that have defined rock and roll and have inspired and continue to inspire a generation.  The non-profit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission both through its operation of a world-class museum designed by I.M. Pei in Cleveland, Ohio that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form and through its library and archives as well as educational programs.  www.rockhall.org

On 3 Productions

The leader in customized gifting experiences at entertainment’s most prestigious events, has produced the most buzzed-about Gift Lounges backstage at The Tony Awards, The Independent Spirit Awards, Z100’s Jingle Ball and more!  www.on3productions.com

Some say the measure of a man’s success lies in his ability to concentrate. With the technological advances of NeuroSky, this can finally be put to the test. NeuroSky is the company who has developed this amazing new application of the power of concentration for Mattel’s newest toy, the MindFlex Game.
About NeuroSky

NeuroSky is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technologies. As a biosensor company, they make Brain-Computer Interface technologies available to developers across the industries. Revolutionary technological advancements developed in-house, add dimension to how users interact with their world. NeuroSky enables developers to breathe new life into mature products or create new products where the mind is the only limit.

MC and comedian Mark DeCarlo; NeuroSky demonstration - Jenn Deese and Kelley Coughlan of Ballantines PR use their mind power to move their vehicles.

ThinkGear

With NeuroSky’s proprietary hardware technology, dubbed ThinkGear, BCI technology makes it possible to send commands to a computer simply by thought. Just by wearing the headsets people can utilize their own brainwaves to interact with technology in ways that seemed impossible.

The ThinkGear™ Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology is just coming on the market in toys and games, but it could do so much more. BCI is currently being further developed for use in a wide range of industries including automotive, education and health and wellness. NeuroSky’s technology is technology could possibly change the world’s relationship with computers forever.

The MindFlex Game

NueroSky’s technology allows Mattel’s newest toy to put mind control in the hands of children as young as age eight. In a game for one to four players, MindFlex really is all about mind over matter.  Players are able to succeed in the game by adjusting their levels of concentration, which is read through the headsets, to achieve objectives.

The technology behind NeuroSky’s MindSet allowed them to team up with Mattel to make MindFlex like no other. In this game, the brain’s electrical activity is translated into a signal which can be converted into action by computer.  All you have to do is concentrate. At the

At the press preview event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, I am proud to say that our Editor in Chief, Jane Emery, scored the highest score of the night based on her powers of concentration!

For more on the MindFlex Game, visit www.neurosky.com

Scientist and writer Enoch Tan shares his insights on the mind and reality through his website, www.mindreality.com. While many speak abstractly about realizing your goals in life, Enoch offers a concrete assessment of the laws of the universe and how to master them by offering a fully comprehensive and contextual analysis of knowledge and truth. Cultivated through his work and writings in mind science and universal science, Enoch’s teachings are articulated in compelling and easy to understand articles.

Simply stated, Enoch’s goals (as he notes at www.MindReality.com) are:

• To help people achieve higher awareness in living and experiencing life
• To impact the world in the biggest way possible
• To change lives and to create possibility

From the Inside Out

Contemporary society focuses heavily on improving our lives through external means. We turn to cosmetic surgery to alter our appearance while iPhones and other mobile devices are used to address our efficiency. While this approach seeks to improve from the outside – in, Enoch believes we are better served by trying to enhance our lives from the inside – out. This shift, what Enoch calls The Age of Consciousness, is fundamental to the writings and teaching resources available at the Mind Reality website. Instead of endlessly looking for the right toy to buy, Enoch focuses on understanding your mind and outlook on life so you’re prepared to realize life goals and dreams.

Mind Reality

For Enoch, Mind Reality is about providing more than just the basic information about the laws of the universe. Where other resources stop is where Enoch’s Mind Reality website really revs up as Enoch seeks to transcend the typical descriptive writings on what the universe is by exploring how you can leverage those universal laws to your own benefit.

This is Enoch’s world, the Mind Reality of mind science and universal science. On www.mindreality.com, Enoch identifies the different levels and layers of the mind. Like any analytical endeavor, his writings and teachings is driven by appreciating the relationships between the layers of the mind through categorization and integration.
 

Mind Levels

The mind is similar to other systems because it too can be defined by a basic framework and structure. Enoch’s Mind Reality Model and his writings on the subject serve as a primer to understanding this framework and structure. Through integration and differentiation, definition and organization, Enoch writes about the Mind’s process in compelling and easy to understand language. The sub-levels of the mind explored at MindReality.com include:

• Parapsychology and Metaphysical Level
• Psychological Level
• Physical Level
• Quantum Physical Level

Mind Science

Mind Science is a comprehensive term for all subjects related to the mind. It includes both Brain Science (physical elements like the nervous system and physical senses) and Spiritual Science, the elements of the mind with a spiritual and psychological basis.

An underlying theme throughout Enoch’s writings is an appreciation for the relationship between the physical and spiritual. What relates to the mind also relates to our reality. Simply put, our mind affects our reality just as our reality affects our mind. Mind Science brings this all together by comprehensively assessing Universal Science, Psychology and Physics.

Psychological Level

The psychological level includes Psychology, NLP, Hypnosis and Philosophy. Enoch contends that psychology is fundamental to mind science because “It is the understanding of how perception governs behavior. How we think affects everything else”.

Physical Level

The physical level relates to the subject of Neuroscience. It allows for an understanding of how the mind works from a neurological and biological viewpoint. Enoch uses the physical level to assess and understand the neurological and biological processes that result from our thoughts or emotions.

Quantum Physical Level

The Quantum Physical Level pertains to Metaphysics, the construct of all physical reality. At the quantum level, Enoch shows how everything comes back to energy itself and subsequently how we are able to enhance our lives through understanding our energy.

Parapsychology and Metaphysical Level

Parapsychology relates to the highest level of the mind, the psychic level. At this level the mind is capable of performing acts that seem to exceed our normal expectations. It is here where the impossible becomes possible. In his writings Enoch explores Parapsychology so that you can maximize your potential.

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of all reality. This includes the relationship between the mind and matter. In other words it explores appearance vs. substance and form vs. essence. Enoch explains how we can use our understanding of Metaphysics and Parapsychology to solve problems.

Mind Reality Model

Bringing it all together is Enoch’s view of the Mind Reality Model. According to Enoch Tan, something that exists on one level is reflected on every other level. Affecting one level with a change will also have an impact on the other levels of the mind. Enoch writes that “The four levels of reality form the model of mind reality. The aim is to prevent isolating the study of the mind with a single approach and to work together with all the levels in an integrated, holistic and complete way. Complete perspective is complete knowledge and understanding”. Through his writings Enoch illustrates how a person can use a comprehensive and all-inclusive understanding of the mind and universe to achieve goals in relationships, careers, finances and more.

Enoch Tan and Mind Reality

Enoch Tan’s writings on the mind and universe are available at www.mindreality.com. The site is comprised of both free content and a paid subscription section which goes even further in exploring how we can derive an understanding and mastery of our mind. Through his articles Enoch discusses how you can leverage that knowledge to achieve goals in relationships, careers, money and many more areas of life.

Read more here: www.MindReality.com

By Susie Salva

The rock band Train was on the right track with a spirited performance to a nearly sold out crowd at the Majestic Theater in Ventura, California. Front man Pat Monahan is the consummate performer with his soulful swagger and poignant lyrics.

He commanded this middle age crowd eager to please them getting right into their signature song “Meet Virginia” off of their debut CD that was recorded fifteen years ago. Veteran guitar player Jimmy Stafford delivered a killer guitar solo accompanying that recognizable track.

Monahan sang a repertoire of material from the bands five albums…“Train”, “Drops of Jupiter”, “My Private Nation”, “For Me, It’s You”, and their new release “Save Me San Francisco”. Monahan engaged the crowd by bringing up four teenage girls on stage to sing with him “She’s On Fire,” giving them pink T-shirts and deeming them as the Trainettes. It was absolutely adorable as he danced with them having join in singing the background to that track. Next he dove into singing, “The Way I Wish You Were,” and then “Get To Me,” to a rousing crowd delirious by these infectious songs. Monahan promised that he plays a different set every night on the road making every moment exciting. You never know what songs they are going to sing making it fresh and entertaining.

He then asked the crowd to be quite as he sang “When I Look to the Sky,” without a microphone, saying, “I would like to sing this song without a mic as the way in was originally intended the song to be.” That was a majestic and moving experience.

Monahan tried out their new single, “Hey, Soul Sister,” where Stafford played a ukulele and the fans sang along. He than sang “It’s About You,” and “Calling All Angels,” as the crowd waved their hands into the air. After those songs Monahan, Stafford and drummer Scott Underwood performed an acoustic set playing “Hopeless,” and explaining how Monahan used to paint houses to make ends meet, “I would listening to this song not knowing down the line I would be performing live,” he delved into Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California,” complete with hand gestures aka Robert Plant.  He then again brought up two young kids singing a soulful, “Save the Day,” joking… Pat kicks ass.

Doing some acrobatics Monahan stood on the speakers singing “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me).” There was a video montage of San Francisco as they debuted the title track to “Save Me San Francisco,” taking a break and coming back with an encore of an INXS song.

Detroit Michigan native Uncle Kracker opened up for Train debuting their new single, “Smile,” as this pop-rap outfit entertained the crowd. He commented on the crowd as being older…but in a good way. “Forty is the new Thirty,” he maintained. The band played some uptempo southern style rock with a rap backbeat.

All in all it was and uplifting and entertaining evening. If you have the chance go see Train live…you will be blown away.

By Susie Salva. Read Susie Salva’s review on Train’s new CD here…

For more on Train please go to www.trainline.com.  Photo credit from www.trainline.com.

(Pat Monahan photos above by Leigh Hurst)

No matter your political view of the war, everyone can agree that soldiers need a good send off and warm welcome home.  Senior citizens are doing just that for our troops while finding new meaning for their life. Flight after flight of war-bound and returning GIs are met by a determined band of patriotic senior citizens. Over 900,000 to date. POV’s “The Way We Get By” tells the stories of these famous “Troop Greeters” of Bangor, Maine, on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, in a special presentation on PBS.

“Unfailingly modest and profoundly humane. . . . Neither pro- nor antiwar . . . this fine, affecting film perfectly exemplifies Milton’s famous claim: ‘They also serve who only stand and wait.’” – Jeannette Catsoulis, The New York Times

National Air Date

The Way We Get By has its national broadcast premiere on the POV (Point of View) series on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at 9 p.m., in a special presentation on PBS. (Check local listings.) American television’s longest-running independent documentary series, POV is the recipient of a Special Emmy for Excellence in Television Documentary Filmmaking. The series’ 22nd season concludes on Wednesday Dec. 30, with the special presentation Patti Smith: Dream of Life.

The Film

On call 24 hours a day for the past five years, a group of senior citizens has made history by greeting more than 900,000 American troops at a tiny airport in Bangor, Maine. The Way We Get By, directed by Aron Gaudet and produced by Gita Pullapilly, is an intimate look at three of these greeters as they confront the universal losses that come with aging and rediscover their reason for living. Bill Knight, Jerry Mundy and Joan Gaudet find the strength to overcome their personal battles and transform their lives through service. This inspirational and surprising story shatters the stereotypes of today’s senior citizens as the greeters redefine the meaning of community.

The three subjects from The Way We Get By waiting at the airport. Jerry Mundy, Joan Gaudet, Bill Knight.

The Way We Get By takes a look behind the hearty smiles, handshakes, heartfelt thanks and free cookies and cell phones the greeters bring to the airport, and discovers a world in which the seniors are engaged in their own struggles with aging, disease, loneliness, memories of war and personal loss. The film reveals a remarkable symbiosis between the young soldiers’ fighting mission and the greeters’ fight to overcome infirmities and depression in making sure no soldier departs or returns without thanks. Regardless of their personal views about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the greeters, some of them veterans, turn out at all hours of the day and night to show their respect for the soldiers’ willingness to make sacrifices for the nation.

Recent Events

The Way We Get By screened on Capitol Hill on Sept. 30. The event, introduced by Dr. Jill Biden, was sponsored by Maine Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins and Maine Representatives Michael Michaud and Chellie Pingree, and presented by the USO, Operation Homefront and HandsOn Network. Filmmakers Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly and the film’s three subjects, Bill Knight, Jerry Mundy and Joan Gaudet, attended. The following evening, the film played at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., for military members and their families. Then on Oct. 2, the filmmakers and greeters had a chance to meet with Vice President Joe Biden during a special tour of the White House.

Filmmaker’s Statement

“This is a very personal story to me,” says director Aron Gaudet. “Calling home to talk to my 75-year-old mom used to be easy. With few friends and fewer hobbies, she was always there, and always sitting by the phone. Then, suddenly, I called and she wasn’t home. Day after day her phone rang and rang, but she didn’t ever pick up. When I finally got her on the phone and told her I’d had difficulty reaching her, she replied, ‘Well, you should try me on my cell phone.’ When had my mom gotten a cell phone? She explained that she was greeting troops at the airport, and it meant she had to be available to go there at all hours of the day and night, seven days a week, so she needed a cell.

“Witnessing firsthand how my mother’s life changed in such positive ways, while at the same time touching the lives of troops from all over the country, convinced me this was a story that could inspire people,” he continues. “I knew it could be a way to show the everyday struggles of senior citizens and an inspirational story of how these three seniors use a simple handshake to change their lives, and the lives of the 900,000-plus troops they’ve greeted.”

The Way We Get By has become even more personal for Aron, who will wed producer Gita Pullapilly in mid-October at The Retreat at French’s Point, Maine, thanks to the pro-bono organization Real Weddings Maine. How Aron and Gita met, and the way their entirely donated dream wedding came together, is a story in itself. Visit www.realweddingsmaine.com to find out more.

About the Filmmakers

Producer Gita Pullapilly and Director Aron Gaudet

Award-winning director and editor Aron Gaudet has worked on films in the United States, Jordan and India. In 2006, he attended the Sundance Producers Conference at the Sundance Institute with producer Gita Pullapilly for The Way We Get By, and they were subsequently named 2007-2008 WGBH Boston Filmmakers in Residence, where they worked on the film’s post-production. His other credits include “India: A New Life,” a WGBH-Frontline World production and winner of three Telly Awards, and the short film “OUCH!” (on the art of eyebrow threading). He has won numerous awards in television, including a total of eight Telly Awards, two Vermont Association of Broadcasters awards, a Michigan Association of Broadcasters award and two Emmy nominations.

A member of the International Documentary Association (IDA) and the Independent Feature Project (IFP), he is a graduate of the New England School of Communications. He grew up in Maine and recently moved to Brooklyn, NY, from Boston.

Gita Pullapilly is an award-winning television journalist and film producer who has produced films in the United States, Jordan and India and whose stories have aired on CBS, CNN and ABC. In 2006, she was selected as a participant in the Sundance Producers Conference at the Sundance Institute for The Way We Get By and in 2007 she was selected as a WGBH Filmmaker in Residence for the film. She was inducted into the Royal Society of the Arts in recognition of her work in film and television.

In addition to producing “India: A New Life,” Gita produced the Fulbright-funded film “Diary of a Refugee,” and was the first filmmaker chosen as a Fulbright Senior Scholar to Jordan. She was born and raised in South Bend, Ind., and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in finance and from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism with a master’s degree. She worked as a television reporter before making the switch to documentary filmmaking.

Gita is the recipient of a University of Notre Dame Asian American Alumni Association Exemplar Award, two Associated Press Awards, a Michigan Association of Broadcasters Award and a Northwestern University Scholarship for Outstanding Storytelling. She is a member of IFP in Chicago and New York, the IDA, Women in Film and Video and the Color of Film Collaborative. She recently moved from Boston to Brooklyn, NY.

The Greeters

On the day Bill found out he had cancer, he was still the first one to the airport. An eccentric World War II veteran, Bill knows firsthand what a thank you means to a soldier. When troops returned from Vietnam without any recognition for serving their country, Bill made a promise to never let it happen again. So now he executes each greeting with military precision, supporting the soldiers unconditionally.

Outside the airport, Bill’s life is spiraling out of control. While battling his spreading cancer, he is also drowning in financial debt. With time running out and creditors hounding him, Bill is forced to make a decision that will change his life forever.

Joan was afraid to go out after dark. Three knee operations forced her to use a walker, leaving her fearful of falling. After spending her life caring for her eight children, Joan was left living alone in an empty nest. But five years ago everything changed. Joan discovered troop greeting, and it quickly became an addiction. What she loves the most is learning about each soldier’s family. But as a mother and grandmother, she welcomes them home, but can never say goodbye. Joan has to confront her issues of letting go when she discovers her granddaughter Amy (30), a Blackhawk helicopter pilot, will soon be deployed to Iraq.

Jerry can usually be found parked near the airport runway. Sitting in his truck with his dog and best friend, Mr. Flannigan, he watches for troop planes overhead. When he spots one, if he’s fast enough, he can be inside the airport before the wheels touch the ground. With troop greeting, Jerry’s goal is simple-put a smile on each soldier’s face. This small act helps him cope with the tragic death of his son.

Haunted by these memories and facing unexplained heart problems, Jerry must come to terms with his own mortality following the sudden death of a close friend.

Bill Knight talking with a female soldier at the airport.

POV Website

The Way We Get By companion website, www.pbs.org/pov/waywegetby, offers a streaming video trailer of the film, an interview with the filmmakers, a list of related websites, organizations and books, lesson plans, discussion guides and special features including Aron Gaudet,  Jerry Mundy, Joan Gaudet and Bill Knight answering viewers’ questions on the PBS Engage blog, www.pbs.org/engage, during the week of Nov. 9.

DVD Release

The Way We Get By will be available for sale in time for the holidays at www.thewaywegetbymovie.com beginning Nov. 3, 2009 for $19.99.

Outreach

POV works with public television stations and national and community-based groups across the country to foster community dialogue around the issues presented in the film. For a list of upcoming screening and discussion events for The Way We Get By, go to: http://www.amdoc.org/outreach_news.php.

POV also works with nationally recognized media educator Dr. Faith Rogow to develop a discussion guide with background information to help event organizers carry out discussions around the film’s content. Cari Ladd has created the lesson plan. POV partners with librarians around the country to create multimedia resource lists of related books and videos that further explore the issues. The materials are available free of charge at www.pbs.org/pov/waywegetby.

Credits

Director/Editor:              Aron Gaudet
Producer:                           Gita Pullapilly
Executive Producer:     Warren Cook
Cinematographer:          Aron Gaudet and Dan Ferrigan
Original Music:                 Zack Martin

The Way We Get By is a co-production of Dungby Productions, the Independent Television Service (ITVS) and American Documentary, Inc. | POV, WGBH, Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

Awards 2009

Special Jury Award, South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival
Best Documentary, Audience Award Winner, Newport International Film Festival
Best Documentary, Atlanta Film Festival
Best Documentary, Little Rock Film Festival
Best Documentary, Phoenix Film Festival
Audience Award, Full Frame Documentary Festival
Standing Up Competition Winner, Cleveland International Film Festival
Eric Parker Social Justice Award, Indianapolis International Film Festival
Honorable Mention, Boston Independent Film Festival

Joan Gaudet gives a hug to a returning troop.

POV

Produced by American Documentary, Inc. and now in its 22nd season on PBS, the award-winning POV series is the longest-running showcase on American television to feature the work of today’s best independent documentary filmmakers. Airing June through September with primetime specials during the year, POV has brought more than 275 acclaimed documentaries to millions nationwide, and has a Webby Award-winning online series, POV’s Borders. Since 1988, POV has pioneered the art of presentation and outreach using independent nonfiction media to build new communities in conversation about today’s most pressing social issues. More information is available at www.pbs.org/pov.

Major funding for POV is provided by PBS, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, The Educational Foundation of America, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, The September 11th Fund and public television viewers. Funding for POV’s Diverse Voices Project is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. POV is presented by a consortium of public television stations, including KCET Los Angeles, WGBH Boston and THIRTEEN in association with WNET.ORG.

Watch the trailer and learn more at http://www.pbs.org/pov/waywegetby/ and www.pbs.org/pov/pressroom.

Remember Pee-wee Herman, the goofy gray-suited character with a red bow tie that had a guileless attitude and laugh that begged to be impersonated? He’s making a comeback after a humiliating arrest that sidelined the actor’s career for decades. Pee Wee Herman, played by Paul Reubens who developed this character at The Groundlings, became a cult classic figure with children and adults after the 1985 Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, directed by the then unknown Tim Burton and the 1988 sequel movie, Big Top Pee-wee. This led to a CBS Saturday morning children’s program, Pee-wee’s Playhouse which only secured his fame and recognition even more.

After the 1991 indecent exposure arrest in an adult theater, the bad press dramatically changed the public’s view of Reubens and his once beloved character, Pee Wee. Since then, he appeared in Mystery Men and the blockbuster Blow with a few cameos on Reno 911, Pushing Daisies, 30 Rock and Dirt. But with a new Pee-wee Herman stage show in Los Angeles set to open at the Henry Fonda Theater in Hollywood running November 19 through December 20.

The November issue of DETAILS Magazine hits stands next week and we discover how Paul Reubens will prove to Hollywood that Pee-wee can still pack a house.

Click HERE to read the full DETAIL Magazine article about Pee-Wee’s big comeback.

Photo Credit: DETAIL Magazine’s Chris McPherson

Excerpts are taken from ABC News Nightline

“You can be born into privilege, or you can not be born into privilege. You can be born into the opposite extreme and into poverty. I think from there on though, you really do have to make your luck,” she said.

And it seems that Ivanka has taken full advantage of all her assets. For the past three years, the former international fashion model has showed off her business savvy as executive vice president of development and acquisitions for the Trump organization.

“I joke about titles at our company,” she said, “It’s my father, and then everyone else.”

Trading her high heels for construction boots, Ivanka helped oversee the construction of the new Trump Soho — a 46-story hotel condominium in downtown New York. The project is her baby — a $450 million baby at that. It’s set to open Feb. 1, 2010.

From the rooftop of the penthouse suite at the Trump Soho, the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and all the other major landmarks of the New York City skyline are visible on a clear day. But for someone who has spent most of her life in buildings with her family’s name festooned on the front, handling the responsibilities of a multi-million dollar property is just another day at the office.

The titan-in-training also recently launched her own high-end jewelry line, with a boutique on Madison Avenue.

In her new book, “The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life,” Trump writes about life lessons for business success that she learned from her upbringing. She tells young women how to focus at work, negotiate with gumption and thrive in uncertainty.

“I think you have to understand the objective of the person you’re negotiating with, and I think you have to understand your own,” she said, about how to be a good negotiator.

Despite her drive, Trump acknowledged that if she had a different last name, she wouldn’t hold the title of vice president.

“I believe that, of course, nepotism got me in the door. It would be silly to say otherwise,” she said. But “if I was not performing in a way that was satisfactory … I could not stay within the organization.”

Trump to Trump: ‘You’re Fired!?’

Trump not only works with her father at the Trump organization but also plays a role on his hit TV show, “Celebrity Apprentice.” She marvels at how her father has turned himself into a household name.

“What he has done is truly remarkable,” she said. “There is no businessman who is a brand in and of himself in the same way that he is, and it is such a unique thing and it’s very beneficial for everything that we do.”

Despite his television persona, Trump defended her dad against his growing reputation as a demanding boss and bully.

“He is fiercely loyal, and when people hit him, he will hit them back three times harder. With that said, if you speak to any of his friends, he is the best friend you could possibly have,” she said.

“Nightline” sat down with Trump to talk about his daughter. He said that if she weren’t pulling her weight at the company, he would deliver the words that have become his popular catch phrase:”You’re fired!”

“If Ivanka was not doing a great job, I would essentially, but in a nicer way, tell her, ‘You’re fired,’” he said. The same holds true for her two brothers, Donald Jr. and Eric, who are also employed by their father.

But there seems to be no chance of that happening anytime soon, with Ivanka thriving in the fast-paced blood sport of international real estate.

“She is very serious, I guess she is ambitious, but I am not sure I like that word,” Trump said. “She just loves what she does.”

Divorce Rocks Heiress’s World

Everything hasn’t always been easy for the heiress. When she was 9 years old, her world was rocked when her famous parents, Donald and Ivana Trump split. The divorce was played out across tabloid headlines.

“That was not particularly fun. Nobody wants to see, you know, the tabloid one liners, on the cover,” she said. “When something like this happens, and you see your family and your home sort of crumbling, I think you start to really cling to people a little bit more, and my brothers and I became incredibly close in a relationship that extends to today.”

Ivanka Wants Family of Her Own

As a first step in establishing her own family, Trump recently became engaged to Jared Kushner, the 28-year-old owner of the New York Observer and fellow real estate mogul, who, she said, is also her best friend. Kushner gave her a nearly 6-karat diamond engagement ring, designed by the head of her jewelry line.

The driven couple shares a passion for work, going into the office on Sundays. “We work two blocks from each other on Sundays too. I can actually look out my window and see into his window,” she said. “We spend time together, albeit, not directly together on our Sundays.”

Trump declined to discuss her recent conversion to Judaism — the new found religion she now shares with her fiance.

“I’ve converted to Judaism not to marry him, but I am marrying him,” she said, highlighting the distinction. “I choose not to talk about this because it think in life there are some things that are personal and between people, and once I open this can of worms everyone will think it’s OK to have this discussion with me.”

But for the heiress who seems to have it all, there’s at least one thing she wants that she doesn’t have.

“Personally, obviously, I want a family. You know that’s something I’d love to have. A houseful of cute little kids … like four or five,” she said. “So that’s something that I’ve got to get cracking, but I’m not there yet.”

CLICK HERE to read an excerpt of Ivanka’s new book, “The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life.”

The following story will air on ABC News “Nightline.” The program is anchored by Cynthia McFadden, Terry Moran, and Martin Bashir. John Donvan and Vicki Mabrey are correspondents. James Goldston is the executive producer. Courtesy of  ABC News Internet Ventures.

Photos are courtesy of Getty Images.

All-star athletes to heroic astronauts to business leaders along side 1,300 others guests were hosted by NFL Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti for the 24th Annual Great Sports Dinner to benefit the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis.  Together, uniting their powerful resources, they raised more than $6.3 million to help find a cure for paralysis. An additional $10 million was also pledged by an anonymous donor to fund the human clinical trials initiative at The Miami Project.

Olympic swimmer Dana Torres, Marc Buoniconti, and Mike Piazza.

Sport Legend Honorees
At the 24th Annual Great Sports Dinner, which too place at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on October 6th, 2009, the 2009 Great Sports Legend honorees were Troy Aikman, Clyde Drexler, Mike Piazza, Ivan Lendl, Rusty Wallace, Brett Hull, Dara Torres, Pat Day and Chris Waddell.   Sports broadcaster Bob Costas returned as Master of Ceremonies and Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin made a special appearance.

Apollo 11's Buzz Aldrin and honoree Chris Waddell.

Other Honorees were President, CEO and sole owner Kinray Stewart Rahr who received the 2009 Outstanding Philanthropist Award; Chairman Emerita of TotalBank, Adrienne Arsht who received The Buoniconti Fund Award;  Managing Director, Allen & Company, Chairman of The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, Jack Schneider who received The Barth A. Green Spirit Award;  and Writer, African-American activist and educator, Dr. Maya Angelou who received the Buoniconti Fund Humanitarian Award.

“It’s always a thrill to be in the presence of such legends and leaders in the sports and business arena.  The support that we continue to receive year after year is astounding and validates the work we are doing as significant and meaningful.  I look forward to when we can walk side by side with those who are paralyzed by spinal cord injury.  We all know that this can happen to any one of us, which is why we need to stay focused on a finding a cure,” says Nick Buoniconti, founder of The Buoniconti Fund.

Dr. Maya Angelou receiving the Buoniconti Humanitarian Award.

Legendary Fundraising
The Great Sports Legends Dinner honors an All-Star roster of athletes who have been recognized for their outstanding athletic achievements and have helped raise millions of dollars for the spinal cord injury research programs at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.  The dinner has become known for uniting individuals from the sports, business and entertainment industries and this year’s event was again a sell out with the capacity crowd enjoying a moving and inspirational program. The live auction was an exciting moment of the evening with six-figure bids for several dream packages, including golfing with Jack Nicklaus and a Dream Hawaiian Vacation.

Honoree Troy Aikman, Marc and his dad, Nick Buoniconti.

MVP Guest List

Other notables in attendance included NFL NY Giants Hall of Famer Harry Carson, Sportscaster from CBS Lesley Visser,  Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, New York Knicks player David Lee, 1968 Olympic Long Jump Medalist Bob Beamon, 10 x Olympic Medalist in Swimming Gary Hall, Jr, Crystal Hunt and Kristen Alderman from ABC’s One Life to Live, Vincent Piazza from HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, Boston Celtics Hall of Famer John Havlicek,  Former Knicks player John Starks, MLB Great Rusty Staub, Captain of the 1980 Miracle on Ice Team Mike Eruzione, Former Miami Dolphin Earl Morrall, NY Giants Great Brian Kelley,  Former Miami Dolphin Nat Moore, Former MLB Player with the Mets and Yankees Phil Linz, Former Miami Dolphin Tommy Vigorito, Former Miami Dolphin Dick Anderson, NYC Sports Commissioner Ken Podziba, NY Jets Linebacker Greg Buttle, Former Race Car Driver Brendan Gaughan, Former Bills player Leo Hart, Former Jets players Richard Caster and Greg Murphy,  and many others.

NASCAR past champion Rusty Wallace signs autographs at the cocktail reception at The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner.

Great Sports Legend History

Over the course of the past twenty-three years, the Great Sports Legends Dinner has honored 253 of the world’s greatest athletes and individuals. They are recognized for their contributions to the world of sports and acknowledged for their commitment to high ethical standards, dedication to their community, worthy causes and achievements as positive role models.

2009's honorees at the 24th Great Sports Legends Dinner.

In 1985, Barth A. Green, M.D. and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti helped found The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis after Nick’s son, Marc, sustained a spinal cord injury during a college football game. Today, The Miami Project is the world’s largest, most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center and is housed in the Lois Pope LIFE Center at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. The Miami Project’s international team of over 200 scientists and clinicians take innovative approaches to the challenge of spinal cord injury.

Buoniconti’s Vision

Committed to finding a cure for paralysis resulting from spinal cord injury and to seeing millions worldwide walk again, the Buoniconti family established The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis in 1992, a non-profit organization devoted to assisting The Miami Project achieve its national and international goals.  The Buoniconti Fund serves as the national fundraising arm of The Miami Project. It is designed to complement the scientific accomplishments of The Miami Project by generating funds and high levels of awareness.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Shrills, chills and thrills were had at the Chiller Eyegore Awards and opening night at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights.  Hosted by actor Cory Feldman, the awards show honored the people who scare us the best. The opening night event at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights kicked off its 16-night run on Friday, October 2.

Actors Tobin Bell and Noah Segan joined Oscar®-winning special effects makeup artist Rick Baker as honorees at Chiller Eyegore Awards. Tanedra Howard, co-star of “Saw VI”, an actress who won her role as part of a TV “Scream Queen” competition, presented a “Best Villain” trophy to the “Saw” series’ veteran star Tobin Bell.  Actress Danielle Harrison presented Rob Zombie with his “Filmmaker of the Year” award.

Director Rob Zombie celebrating with presenter Danielle Harrison.

Director Rob Zombie,

Eyegore Awards

Rob Zombie has emerged as the horror genre’s leading auteur with such films as his recent “Halloween II.” Tobin Bell’s character, Jigsaw, has gathered a huge audience for the “Saw” franchise and Noah Segan’s performance in “Deadgirl” has become a cult favorite. They will be honored in the categories of “Filmmaker of the Year,” “Best Villain” and “Best Villain in a Film Series” at the ceremony, was hosted by the silver pin-striped suit clad Corey Feldman and televised as interstitial programming by Chiller.

Tanedra Howard from Saw VI and Tobin Bell as Saw's Jigsaw.

Rick Baker recently worked on Universal Pictures’ “The Wolfman,” which opens nationwide on February 12, 2010.  Baker was responsible for the incredible transformation of Michael Jackson in his smash hit video, “Thriller”, along with a long history of masterful makeup accomplishments in film and TV. Baker will be honored with the “Jack Pierce – Lifetime Achievement Award.”

This year, Universal Studios Hollywood partnered with Chiller in the presentation of the newly expanded Chiller-Eyegore Awards, which will be broadcast on Chiller later in October. Previous Eyegore Award recipients have included Alice Cooper, Patricia Arquette, Janet Leigh, Roger Corman, Jennifer Tilly, Joss Whedon, Rob Zombie, Karen Black, Clive Barker, Julie Benz, Shawnee Smith, Sherri Moon Zombie, Tobe Hooper, Bill Moseley and Corey Feldman.

Who’s the Scariest?

Chiller and Universal Studios Hollywood have also partnered to sponsor the “Halloween Horror Nights-Chiller Scary Good Film Competition,” offering filmmakers an opportunity to have their scariest short film rewarded with a broadcast on Chiller of their work, a $1,000 cash prize and a trip for two to the Chiller Eyegore Awards ceremony, where their film will be honored as part of the event.  The ten finalist films can be viewed at http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/Chiller.

Best Halloween Frights

Sure to scare the living daylights out of you…this year’s all-new “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood features four 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,” a new live stage performance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show:  A Tribute”, as well as a fully re-imagined “Terror Tram” backlot studio experience complete with a real airplane wreckage, Norman Bates’ house and a neighborhood that looks like a bomb just went off with “Night of the Living Dead” type characters jumping out of the dark every step of the way.  The all-new “Halloween Horror Nights” for 2009 is the most terrifying “live” horror event ever to be presented in a theme park environment.

Around every corner at Universal's Horror Nights is a ghoul waiting to get you!

Universal’s Horror Nights

“Halloween Horror Nights” will continue on consecutive weekends and selected weekday nights through Halloween, Saturday, October 31.  Event dates are: October 9-11, 15-18, 23-25, 28-31.  The event will begin nightly at 7:00 p.m.; closing hours vary by night throughout the event.  Tickets are now on sale at www.universalstudioshollywood.com/hhn.

Just one of the things you have to survive in the Halloween mazes at Universal.

New Chiller Channel

Chiller, the recently-launched channel from NBC Universal, is the only network devoted to delivering viewers round-the-clock scares.  Chiller’s eclectic slate of adrenaline-fueled, soul-stirring entertainment includes classic drama and anthology series (“Tales from the Darkside,” “Twin Peaks,” “Nightmare Café”), international programming (“Spine Chillers,”  “Strange”) and a broad offering of films, including feature-length premieres on the first Friday of each month.  Chiller is currently available in nearly 34 million homes.  To learn more, visit: http://www.chillertv.com/.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.  Formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks.  NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.

Photos by: Joel Lugavere (Universal Studios Hollywood)

Leighton and Gunn were there alongside domestic violence survivors and special celebrity guests to unveil a symbolic exhibit honoring all those who take a stand against domestic violence.

Tim Gunn and Laura Leighton (far left) join survivors under the symbolic arches

The exhibit of six unique arches featured information about the cause,  the organizations who have worked so courageously at putting an end to domestic violence, the names of the many organizations who have worked tirelessly to put an end to domestic violence and celebrity audio messages of support from Jennifer Love Hewitt, Rosie Perez, Martina McBride, Vivica Fox, Robin Givens, Chaka Khan, Michael Bolton and others.

Take a Stand, Get a Pair
The first 100 people who took a stand against domestic violence by walking through the exhibit received a free pair of shoes from Marshalls.  The exhibit remained at the Third Street Promenade until October 2nd for the public, and then is traveling to Union Square in New York City for another viewing on October 8th and 9th.

Shop ‘til it Stops
This event kicked off the national “Shop ‘Til it Stops” in-store program where for every pair of shoes purchased at Marshalls during October 1-15th, one dollar – up to $150,000 – will be donated to the NDVH to help put an end to domestic violence.  This also marks the 18th year that the off-price retailer has raised money and awareness for the cause.

Domestic Violence Statistics
One in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and more than 600 families a day reach out for help to the National Domestic Violence Hotline to escape from domestic violence. The Hotline recently answered its two millionth call. It’s time to put an end to domestic violence before it begins.

Marshalls and the Shoe MegaShop
Marshalls is one of the nation’s leading off-price family apparel and home fashion retailers with over 800 stores spanning 42 states and Puerto Rico. Marshalls offers a wide selection of current season, top quality, brand name fashions for the entire family as well as giftware and domestics for the home at prices 20-60% less than department stores, specialty boutiques and catalogs.

The Marshalls Shoe MegaShop is 5,000 square feet of shoe-lovers heaven, featuring top brands and the latest styles found in department and specialty stores, but for up to 60 percent less. With an easy to shop layout featuring a variety of styles and sizes there is a perfect match for any shoe lover.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline was established by Congress in 1996 and is funded by Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funds. The Hotline is a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families. The Hotline answers a variety of calls and is a resource for domestic violence advocates government officials, law enforcement agencies and the general public.

The Hotline serves as the only domestic violence hotline in the nation with access to more than 5,000 shelters and domestic violence programs across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Advocates receive approximately 21,000 calls each month. The Hotline is toll-free, confidential and anonymous. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in more than 170 different languages through interpreter services, with a TTY line available for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing.

Always a favorite with the stars, GBK Productions, the luxury lifestyle gift lounge and special events company, honored the 2009 Emmy Award Nominees and Presenters with their Annual GBK Emmy Gift Lounge. GBK presented A Luxury Bazaar for the Senses, held at a gorgeous, private estate in Beverly Hills, and, as always, gave back to charity in a big way.

A Charitable Spirit – A New Way To Give

Jamie Kennedy, Gavin Keilly, Jennifer Love Hewitt and friend.

 GBK’s gift lounge  featured many charities on site. Those who attended GBK’s gift lounge were granted the opportunity to submit their charity of choice for a local billboard campaign to spread the word about their cause, compliments of presenting sponsor Roar Clothing. They included:

Donate Life – A national campaign to inspire Americans to donate life by signing up on their state registry as an eye, organ and tissue donor (onelegacy.org).

Elizabeth Seraphin was onhand to share the vital reasons to be a doner.

Elizabeth Seraphin was there helping out with the Donate Life charity and shared a very touching story about her own daughter, Amanda who was an organ donor 6 years ago, after passing away from an unfortunate accident, and was able to save 5 other lives by donating her organs. With education, people will understand that those who lose their lives can give life to others. DonateLIfe.net

Nicholas Lumpp, CoFounder, Somaly Mam Foundation

Somaly Mam Foundation – Somaly Mam Foundation is giving celebrities an opportunity to get involved in ending human trafficking and inviting them to attend the second annual SMF benefit in Beverly Hills, a Night of Hopes and Dreams on Sept. 29 (somaly.org).

Feed the Children – Provides food, water, medical care and hope to children worldwide (feedthechildren.org).

White Knot – White Knot for Equality is a non-profit organization formed after the passage of Prop 8 in California to educate and inform the public on the issue of Marriage Equality, engage people in the conversations necessary to change hearts and minds, and visibly show the true support Marriage Equality has.(whiteknot.org).

Roar Clothing

Roar is about empowerment. They are all about giving back. In addition to their billboard campaign opportunity, the ultra-hot designs of Roar Clothing (www.roarusa.com) was on site to gift their Fresh Casual shirts and products. Roar Clothing’s hot and stylish attire exudes confidence and individuality. Roar’s Founder and CEO Deepak Vasandani says, ”Since our inception in 1994, the vision has been to build a lifestyle brand based on strength and success. We have the opportunity and pleasure to give away a piece of the ROAR Lifestyle in every item. Men’s, women’s, and kids items available as well as accessories.Great line!

Emerging Magazine

Co-Sponsor of the GBK Gift Lounge was Emerging Magazine, dedicated to promoting positive change products, artists, actors, designers, filmmakers, models, musicians, writers and other talent in the arts, entertainment and lifestyles industries. Emerging Magazine gifted an assortment of products and opportunities to invited guests, including a chance to go to NASCAR and drive around the track at 200 MPH and an assortment of products from Project Runway’s Gordana Gelhausen. Other gifts from Emerging Magazine included The Dazer Laser and diamond encrusted iPod ear buds.

Gavin Keilly, Sugar Ray Leonard and Randy Jackson.

Randy Jackson Eyewear

GBK’s Gift Lounge also showcased Randy Jackson Eyewear, gifting a cool pair of optical-quality shades or eyeglass frame from the famous American Idol Judge. The designs were looking good dawg!

Randy Jackson Eyewear

Zen Jewelz

Zen Jewelz by Jen M. was on site, providing a mini energy consultation with the designer himself and accompanied by the gift of spiritual gemstone jewelry.

Zen Jewelz gemstone jewelry is not only are beautiful but are known to be healing. Gemstones are used as a from of healing and a way to connect with our spiritual qualities such as creativity, health, luck, wisdom and more. The energy in each stone is charged. Owner Jen also matches the stones to enhance your chakras. www.zenjewelz.com

IndulgentEscapes.com

From IndulgentEscapes.com, select celebrities received a luxury vacation of their choice to one of Indulgent Escape’s many resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Center For Advanced Medicine

Dr. Rashid A. Buttar, from the Center for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research (www.DrButtar.com) was onhand gifting his extraordinary Trans-D Tropin, which increases hGH (created by the body) while consistently decreasing IGF (increased cell proliferation, and suppression of apoptosis that increased cancer risk). To date, other doctors and patients that are currently using Trans-D Tropin have reported an improved and more youthful appearance, a decrease in wrinkles, decreased body fat, increase in physical strength, improved stamina and performance, and many more positive life-altering results. The stars were excited to try it.

Emmy Winner Michael Emerson and his wife with Gavin Keilly (ctr)

Gordana Gehlhausen, of this season’s Project Runway 6 was onhand at the suite displaying her gorgeous designs. Originally from Bosnia, she now resides in San Diego and is a designer of couture gowns. Goga, as her friends call her, has recently added a Pret-a-Porter line to her collection, Goga to Go. To see more, go to GogaByGordana.com

Gordana Gehlhausen of Project Runway.

IT&LY HairFashion

IT&LY HairFashion had a strong showing at the gift lounge. Made in Milan Italy, their Purity Design Styling line is rich with rich, luxurious phyto-derived antioxidants and UV inhibitors and is a favorite because it both hydrates and protects the hair.

Diede Hall, It&ly Hairfashion's Gary Tenore, Randy Jackson and publicist Jessica McCafferty

It&ly gifted over $150 of their extraordinary hair care products. It&ly Hairfashion is growing a strong presence in Hollywood by providing products to the top sets including Twilight, Gossip Girl, and Sex & the City 2 to name a few.

Eddie Cibrian, CSI Miami, and Jenna Dewan, Step Up

Spirits

The luxury doesn’t stop there as GBK’s A Luxury Bazaar for the Senses wouldn’t be complete without the finest in cuisine and spirits. GBK’s gift lounge showcases an elite sampling of GBK’s top selections in both cuisine and spirits.

Celebrity Stylist George Blodwell 'embraces' fine wines.

Devotion Vodka is protein-infused Vodka. He developed the world’s first Casein (protein) infused spirit, providing c0nsumers with a product that adheres to their healthy lifestyle and allows them to play hard and enjoy life. www.DevotionVodka.com

Featured spirits included AsomBroso, chosen for Best Tequila.

Also onsite were many award-winning wines:

Verite Wines (Best Meritage) are a combination of “old world experience and new world fruit”. Grapes are harvested from small vineyard blocks and blended to express the essence of both a specific variety and the vineyards that are selected. The wines bring merge old world with new, offering the rexture, complexity and character of the old world expressed through grapes grown in the new. VerityWines.com

Roco Wines (Best Oregon Pinot Noir), recognized by their signature Petroglyph,  is the result of twenty years of dreaming, research, and planning. In 1987, the same year Rollin Soles began to develop the prestigious Argyle Winery, he also purchased a unique hillside property in the Chehalem Mountain Range. RocoWines.com

Quintessa Winery in Rutherford gifted wine plus complimentary passes for their winery in St Helena, Calif. Quitessa.com

Shafer Wines (Best Cabernet) history traces back to 1972, when John Shafer purchased a 210-acre estate in Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District. The Shafer family replanted the existing vineyards, which dated to the 1920s, and terraced the steep and rocky hillsides, eventually expanding vineyard acreage to its current 50 acres.  The first Shafer Cabernet became a benchmark, winning the acclaimed San Francisco Vintners Club taste-off upon release and, over a decade later taking first place in an international blind tasting held in Germany, where it outranked such wines as Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour and Chateau Palmer. ShaferVineyards.com

Other wines included Etude Wines (Best Californian Pinot Noir), Talbott Vineyards (Best Chardonnay), Pahlmeyer (Best Merlot), and Illumination (Best Sauvignon).

Six Senses Destination Spa

Six Senses Spa gave away dream vacations!

Gifts at GBK’s A Luxury Bazaar for the Senses included a treat from Six Senses Destination Spa in Thailand. Six Senses presented a five night stay + meals + spa services from a choice of 2 five star spas in Thailand. The gift package had an incredible value of over ten thousand dollars!

Muscle Flex

A leading edge fitness, health and lifestyle company, Muscle Flex gifted attire from their Vata Brasil Sports and Active wear line and their Buddy Tablet Caddy.

Acai Soda

Acaisoda.com gifted the drink that packs a punch with a year’s supply of Acai Soda. The soda provides energy, stress relief and inch loss.

One Touch Solution

One Touch Solution presented their cutting edge A/V software program. With just one finger, the One Touch Solution enables you to program parental controls, audio, visual, A/C, heat, lights and security.

Nourish

Woman-owned Nourish made their presence known in the gift lounge. They provide health and convenience products to children and their families. Nourish prepared an exclusive Emmy Nourish Gift Box for the event, which included various baby products.

Mocks Mobile Socks

Mocks gifted protective designer socks for cell phones, digital cameras and iPods. A Mock is a sock that’s specially designed to hold and protect your favorite gadgets and is made from a high quality yarn that will stretch to accommodate your favorite device. www.Mocks.com.au

Hunter Fashion Clips

Child entrepreneur Hunter Stevens presented the Hunter Fashion Clips; handmade hair clips designed by Stevens with proceeds benefiting organizations that promote the physical, mental and spiritual development of girls.

Okobos

Okobos founder Michelle Juza (left) with her great designs.

Unique footwear company Okobos presented their shoes that are designed to be a messenger of hope and a vehicle for change. Proceeds from each Okobos product sold benefits their child-focused philanthropic organization. Okobos.com

Audra & Dalilah

Audra & Dalilah gifted jewelry with their unique blend of handcrafted South American artisanship and contemporary design. The stylish and inventive designs make the jewelry perfect for any occasion.

Three

Three gifted their fashionable yet functional accessories for women and girls. They also presented their Big Wave professional gear for men.

Denise Richards, Daniel Day

RN Factor

Celebrities and invited guests were treated to on-site beauty treatments and beauty products from RN Factor. And expert in indulgence, RN Factor’s medicinal skin care products combine the best of nature and science. Especially appreciated were the mini facials they provided during the event!

Revitalash

RevitaLash gifted their eyelash condition that lengthens and thickens eye lashes. An exciting event during GBK’s Emmy gift lounge was RevitaLash presenting their new hair product, Hair by RevitaLash. Hair by RevitaLash is a conditioner that gives you thicker and fuller hair.

Vivier Pharma

Vivier Pharma gifted their daily moisturizing shield. This exciting product protects you from the sun and premature aging. They also provided their C E Kinerol, a medical grade serum that brings damaged skin back into balance.

Cuisine

Chosen for Best Japanese Cuisine, MVSEVM by Brian Ogawa (formerly of Katsuya by Stark and Katana) specializes in fusing five essential senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste) and aims to bridge creativity by supporting homegrown artists, giving them a unique platform to showcase their work.

Garden of Eating

Chosen for Best Gourmet Bites, Garden of Eating Catering & Events served a selection of gourmet hot or cold bites and sweet treats.

Chosen for Best American Cuisine, Johnny Rockets was on site to promote their American-favorite restaurant group and served samples of their delicious shakes.

Chosen for Best Chocolate, Charles Chocolates treated GBK’s lounge guests to boxes of their gourmet artisan chocolates and also provided delicious samples during the event.

Best Street Taco went to CalbiBBQ, a new more modern version of the classic Mexican taco truck fused with authentic Korean BBQ.

Chosen for Best Cake, the infamous Hansen Cakes served samples and displayed one of their trademark elaborate display cakes fitted to the theme.

Best Frozen Yogurt went to Cefiore, who sampled their leading all natural, non-fat frozen yogurt with an assortment of toppings and gifted certificates for frozen yogurt.

Best Luxury Tea went to Fully Loaded Tea.

Fully Loaded Tea is a tea company that takes exotic berries full of vitamins and antioxidants and blends them with premium whole leaf green, black and white teas. A selection of teas from Fully Loaded Tea were on display as celebrities enjoyed their incredible taste.

EVO received top honors in the Best Energy Drink category and those on hand at GBK’s gift lounge were definitely in agreement after sampling their “positive energy” drinks that are full of real, healthy ingredients. Very delicious, too.

Some of the celebs that attended, included 

Andre Berto – WBO Welterweight Champion 2008, Kristian Alfonso – Days Of Our Lives, Nadia Bjorlin – Days Of Our Lives, Eddie Cibrian – CSI: Miami, Len Cariou – Into the Storm, Daniel Dae Kim – Lost, Jenna Dewan – Step Up, Trevor Donovan – 90210, Colin Egglesfield – Melrose Place, Michael Emerson – Lost & Saw, Kate Flannery – The Office, Edi Gathegi – Twilight & New Moon, Lindsay Hartley – Passions & Days of Our Lives, Jennifer Love Hewitt – I Know What You Did Last Summer, Randy Jackson -American Idol, Jamie Kennedy – Ghost Whisperer, Robert Knepper – Prison Break, Rex Lee – Entourage, Sugar Ray Leonard – The Contender, Bill Maher – Real Time with Bill Maher, Kunal Nayyar – The Big Bang Theory, Jayde Nicole – The Hills, Playmate of the Year, Oscar Nunez – The Office, Brayden Pierce – Melrose Place, Sam Querrey – Professional Tennis Player/Ranked #25 in the world, Gabby Reece – Professional Volleyball Player/Model, Denise Richards – Denise Richards: It’s Complicated, Jai Rodriquez – Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Warren Sapp – Former NFL Player Dancing with the Stars, Andy Serkis – Little Dorrit, Bridgette Wilson – Sampras, Billy Madison, Luke Walton – Lakers Player, Estella Warren – Law & Order, Jordan Farmar – Lakers Player, and Ken Howard Gardens- Outstanding Actor in a Mini-Series (WON).

GBK

Recipient of BizBash’s Award for Emmy’s “Best Gift Bag”, GBK offered the exclusive list of invited celebrities, VIPs and Media a luxurious Moroccan-inspired environment. Highlighting the event was GBK’s “Best of” in cuisine, spirits, 5 star vacations, lifestyle products and luxury goods.

GBK is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company. GBK was formed in 2000 by founder and CEO Gavin B. Keilly and specializes in entertainment marketing integration. For more information on GBK visit www.gbkproductions.com.

From the preparation of rehearsal to fittings to interviews in the week leading up to the Emmys is demanding and stressful, but many of Hollywood’s hottest TV stars made visiting the WOW! Creations Emmy Gift Lounge a top priority despite their hectic scheduling.  Emmy-nominated stars, reality stars, VIP’s and hipsters from many of the nominated television shows took time out of their day to participate in the WOW! Creations Emmy Lifestyle Lounge in the Penthouse of the Luxe Hotel on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills

WOW! Celebs

Joining the soiree was Emmy Host and star of “How I Met your Mother” Neil Patrick Harris, Charlene Tilton from Dallas, 80’s heartthrob Christopher Atkins, TV Host and actor Lee Reherman, Cassandra Hepburn, Shar Jackson, Keith Carradine, Diedra Hall, celebrity stylist George Blodwell of Gen Luxe Magazine, Michael Gladis of Mad Men, Gary Cole of Entourage, Michael Sucsy director of Emmy Nominated “Grey Gardens” and Carl Weathers to name a few of who attended this pre-Emmy Awards celebration.

The one day event was hosted by Mark  and Matt Harris of WOW! Creations one of the largest boutique gifting agencies in Hollywood. Guests enjoyed tunes spun by Hollywood’s own DJ Nahchey Storer of Dash Entertainment while sipping on Vodka cocktails provided by IS Vodka and Monster energy. This year’s celebrity guests were presented with a “Swag-Bag” featuring some the hottest, hippest, trendiest, coolest gifts of any gift lounge held during Emmy week with a value of over $10,000.00.

DJ Nahchey Storer of Dash Entertainment.

WOW! Creations Swag Bag

This event was sponsored in part by Beach Girls Online, a hair care line for ladies who love the sun but not the damage it does on keeping luscious healthy locks. www.beachgirlsonline.com

Bridgetta Romarchio visited with the ladies from Beach Girls Online and couldn't wait to try the new product

The gift bag was provided by Murval, chic bags and home accents at affordable prices from Paris. www.murval.com

The official hotel of the WOW! Gift Lounge was the Royal Hawaiian Hotel of Waikiki Beach. The Royal Hawaiian gave away a four-night stay in their classic beach hotel to celebrate their multi-million dollar make-over. www.royal-hawaiian.com.

Cassandra Hepburn and Lee Reherman stopped by to say Aloha to the gals from the Royal Hawaiian.

UK’s own Elyon Spas, a skin care product line made using organic chemistry and based on ancient Egyptian beauty wisdom, provided a Gold Plaque good to redeem its Elixir Oil and Tonic Mist.  www.eylonspas.com

Dr. Khanna generously gifted celebs $5000 Lasik treatments by Khanna Institute. Rajesh Khanna, M.D. has perfected the art of refractive surgery through years of research, training and experience. As an experienced ophthalmologist and LASIK surgeon, he has been recognized as one of the nations leading laser vision correction eye surgeons, and he is a member of the UCLA medical staff. www.khannainstitute.com

Readers of the esteemed newspaper LA Daily News voted Rajesh Khanna, MD as the best LASIK surgeon. Right from the mouth of consumers.

Kroma Makeup (www.kromamakeup.com) is a botanical, mineral-based, 100% natural make-up at its purest. Inspired by nature, Kroma – derived from the Greek word for color – strives to be different. A large color palette graces the doctor-recommended line, and its products all use organic compounds. Planet-friendly, luxurious and age-defying, Kroma Makeup offers the experience of a limitless spectrum of color. Kroma (Kroma means color in Greek) make-up is custom blended for your particular skin color and skin needs. www.kromamakeup.com

Kroma Makeup gets celebs ready for the red carpet.

Spray Tan and tanning products provided by Infinity Sun, bringing the world’s only multi-treatment skincare systems based upon High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) turbine engineering. Based in Beverly Hills, California, Infinity Sun has a reputation for delivering world class products and state-of-the-art technology in the realm of sunless tanning. www.infinitysun.com.

Infinity Sun makes celebs glow for their big moment.

Wine provided by DFV wines and Bota Box. Bota Box holds the equivalent of four bottles of wine and has revolutionized the way consumers now drink wine. Available in five popular varietals, Bota Box uses state of the art bag and tap technology that allows our award-winning wine to stay fresh for up to 45 days after opening. www.botabox.com.

Water provided by Hawaiian Spring, artesian, natural water from the Big Island in Hawaii.  www.hawaiianspring.com

IS Vodka brings glacier pure cocktails to the event.

IS Vodka, pronounced, “ice”, was the official vodka of the gift lounge. Icy cool, clean, pure Icelandic water is the main ingredient of ÍS Vodka (60% by volume). This pristine natural ingredient originates from a part of Eastern Iceland known as “Beautiful Valley” situated within the Vatnajokull glacier region, home to one of the largest glaciers on earth. www.isvodka.com

Wu-Yi Tea offers tranquility in a cup.

The official tea of the gift lounge was provided by Wu-Yi Tea. The Original Wu-Yi Tea is loaded to the max with polyphenols, also called EGCG’s and Catechins, which are known to offer healthy antioxidant protection against free radicals while boosting the metabolism. www.wu-yiteaco.com

Socket Sense does make the most sense. In this case, a picture says a thousand words!

Celebs lined up to get their own Socket Sense.

Other great companies involved with the event were as follows:
Socket Sense, Neff Clothing,  Stat Key Company,  Fling Bar, How Green is your Bag, Avitae Energy Drink, Marc Edward Skincare, Monster energy drink, Kagen water, Snapshotz Photo Booth, Johnny Rockets, Kroma Makeup, and Joyful Bath Co.

Johnny Rockets gifted celebrities one year of free meals!

WOW! Creations Ideals

WOW! Creations Media fosters a business climate where private enterprise can operate efficiently and profitably. It perpetuates the spirit, values and vision that a company must exercise in order to achieve an exemplary lifestyle for its business partners and the common good for all its partners to benefit from.

WOW! Creations is a Los Angeles based gift bag provider who provides innovative event production, gift experiences and promotional marketing for corporate clientele. WOW! Creations is a niche marketing company offering celebrity VIP Gift bags and Celebrity Outreach Lounges for Award Shows, Film Festivals, Sporting Events, Charity Events, parties, and individual gifting experiences.

Next up for WOW! Creations will be our presentation of the official gift bags for the Miss California Pageant in Palm Springs on November 22nd followed by their two day Gifting Lounge in Park City during the Sundance Film Festival and the official gift bag for the Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood on January 30th 2010.

For more info, visit WOW! Creations at: www.wowcreationsmedia.com.

The event was masterfully run by On 3 Productions and the gift lounge saw Lipton Green Tea and CBS Cares team up to support CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

From Emmy Host Neil Patrick Harris to a parade of Hollywood luminaries including Debra Messing, Patricia Arquette, and Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively, Leighton Meester and more the backstage gift lounge was the ’suite-est’ place to be.

Stacy DeFino with Lipton Green Tea, a sponsor of the Emmy gifting suite.

Lipton Green VitaliTEA Challenge

Lipton Green Tea and CBS Cares teamed up to support CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) with the Lipton Green VitaliTEA Challenge. For every celebrity Host, Presenter & Performer who stopped by and competed, Lipton Green Tea made a donation on their behalf to CASA. Court Appointed Special Advocates is an organization that recruits, trains and supports volunteers who help abused and neglected children navigate through the court system, and find safe, permanent homes.

For every star who guessed the new flavors in the Lipton Green Tea blindfolded taste test and shot hoops or played other fun on-screen activiTEAS, Lipton Green Tea made a donation on their behalf to The National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association.

Blake Lively signs for charity, Jamie Kennedy and Jennifer Love Hewitt takes the Lipton Tea Challenge!

Jennifer Love Hewitt and boyfriend Jamie Kennedy asked to be referred to as “Jamie Love” as they competed for the top spot in the Lipton Green VitaliTEA Challenge! Jimmy Fallon then rocked the Lipton Green VitaliTEA Challenge scoreboard with an incredible 24 points, knocking off the previous lead score from the two love birds. Blake Lively shined as she bested Fallon with a perfect 4 out of 4 on the Lipton Green Tea blindfolded taste test. Charlie Sheen also went 4 for 4 in the Lipton Green Tea taste test and while doing so shared that his favorite Lipton Green Tea flavor was Cranberry Pomegranate! Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter of Dexter, both big Lipton Green Tea drinkers, combined their score for a total of 20 points as they took 3rd place in the Lipton Green VitaliTEA Challenge!

Stars also shared with Lipton Green Tea how they add a little health into their daily routine. Private Practice star and former Grey’s Anatomy Doc Kate Walsh said “Oh, I don’t know, I work out, I love green tea.” Ricky Gervais shared that he sleeps covered in green tea and bits of cucumber! Entourage star Perry Reeves said “I drink a lot of green tea, and I’ve been a vegetarian all my life.  It’s so important to keep healthy.” “I like to ride my bike and go canoeing with me daughter,” said Stephen Moyer, star of True Blood. “I ride a stationary bike to keep healthy,” said Bob Newhart. “I’m trying to drink green tea more, but I exercise and drink a lot of water too,” said Sigourney Weaver.

Lipton teas tasted by the stars at the event were as follows:
Lipton Citrus Green Tea, Lipton Orange, Passionfruit & Jasmine Green Tea, Lipton Mixed Berry Tea, and Lipton Cranberry Pomegranate Green Tea. Check them out to find your favorite flavor at: www.LiptonT.com or on Facebook under the “Lipton Green Tea” fan page (which houses more Emmys stuff).

Palm Pre and Palm Pixi

The celebrities attending On 3 Productions Emmy Awards gift lounge were treated to a choice of either the Palm Pre phone or the just announced Palm Pixi Phone, complete with 3 months of service from Sprint. Gift lounge guests loved the sneak peak at the Palm Pixi as they became the first to have Palm’s thinnest phone to date while choosing from a selection of fun custom designs! Singer and songwriter Sarah McLachlan found the perfect word to describe the Palm Pixi as she exclaimed “cute” while selecting the hummingbird design. The Ghost Whisper star Jennifer Love Hewitt revealed that her character on the show uses a Palm Pre! Medium star Patricia Arquette loves that she’ll really be able to multi-task with the Palm Pixi as she admitted “I think I’m finally ready to upgrade from my ancient Palm Pilot.”

Kameleon Jewelry

Guests of the Lipton Green Vitali Tea Gift Lounge received Kameleon Jewelry pieces from the Kameleon Jewelry Sterling Silver Interchangeable Jewelry Collection. SNL alum and Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler picked up a pair of sterling silver and garnet stone earrings for her freshly pierced ears. Gossip Girl Blake Lively spread the word as she left with an armful of bracelets from Kameleon Jewelry with 19 interchangeable jewel pops to play with! Alyson Hannigan of How I Met Your Mother picked out a sterling silver tiered ring with blue and green stones from Kameleon Jewelry. Alyson was appreciative of the opportunity to show off the beautiful jewelry as she explained she hasn’t been wearing earring or pendants because her “6-month old is in a very grabby stage!”

Kameleon Jewelry dazzles on the red carpet.

Moroccanoil

Lounge attendees were also treated to an Exclusive VIP Gift Collection of Argan Oil Infused Haircare Products from Moroccanoil. True Blood hunky vampire Stephen Moyer was among the celebrities picking out products from Moroccanoil’s new Argan oil infused products. Kate Walsh already uses the Moroccanoil hydrating mask at home and said she “loves it”. Adorable couple Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jamie Kennedy shared that their stylist uses Moroccanoil’s much-talked about products on the set of The Ghost Whisperer. Raven-haired beauty Debra Messing was already enjoying a great Moroccanoil inspired hair day. She exclaimed “I love this stuff, I used it this morning!”

MorroccanOil is a new favorite with Dancing with the Stars, Maksim Chmerkovskiy!

Santoni

Stars backstage at Nokia Theatre were fitted for custom Italian hand-made shoes by world-famous designer Giuseppi Santoni! As she had her feet traced by Santoni, actress Sigourney Weaver shared that she lives in New York and would “live” in a pair of custom leather Santoni boots! Don’t be surprised if you see Blake Lively in a pair of thigh-high, high-heeled Santoni boots this fall as she was fitted for a pair by Mr. Santoni! If she gets her way you may just see a Karina Smirnoff-inspired line of dance shoes!  The Dancing with the Stars beauty may have convinced Mr. Santoni to craft a line of Santoni dance heels for the show as she slipped into a pair of red, strappy hand-made high-heeled sandals!

Tracy Morgan goes crazy for Santoni Shoes!

Nespresso

Emmy Award attendees also indulged in the Nespresso Ultimate Coffee Experience with the new Nespresso CitiZ Machine. Mentalist star Simon Baker almost lost his mind trying to decide between all the hip color schemes for the Nespresso CitiZ machine, he finally selected one in limousine black! Leighton Meester confessed she’s a “Sensitive Sally” (she loves Decaf) when it comes to coffee as she choose Nespresso’s satin chrome-colored Lattissima machine. Her Gossip Girl pal Blake Lively scooped up two of the Nespresso CitiZ machines, one for her and a second for her boyfriend and GG co-star Penn Badgely. The blonde beauty made it clear that things are still “brewing” between them! Starter Wife star Debra Messing loved how easy the Nespresso Lattisima machine is to use as she said “We love simple”.

Nothing beats Nespresso in your cup.

AMC Entertainment

Guests also received the exclusive AMC Signature Pass from AMC Entertainment. Stephen Moyer plans to take advantage of the pass by taking his daughter to see the new animated feature Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Chris O’Donnell put his AMC Signature Pass right in his wallet and exclaimed “two tickets to paradise!” TV legend Bob Newhart, ever the funnyman, said of his AMC Signature Pass: “I hope a good movie comes out soon, I’m running out of time!” Marcia Gay Harden and Mary Louise Parker both said they couldn’t wait to use the card. Entourage star Kevin Dillon was excited to renew the AMC Signature Pass he picked up in the gift lounge backstage at the Emmys last year – it’s his favorite gift of all!

AMC Entertainment dazzles the stars with the one year movie pass!

Anoname Jeans

Anoname Jeans presented their Cult of Individuality Women’s Denim Jeans and Men’s Denim Jeans. Hollywood’s hottest names at the On 3 Productions Gift Lounge got to check out the latest hot denim from Anoname and Cult of Individuality. Stars like Blake Lively, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Cat Deeley, Kate Walsh and many others got to pre-order the newest styles from both brands like the Anoname “boyfriend” jean for her and the Cult of Individuality “skinny” jean for him! Expect to see Private Practice star Kate Walsh out of uniform this Fall: The on-screen doctor chose to pre-order the super-light wash, vintage style called “Driftwood” from Anoname jeans. Turns out that actors Chris O’Donnell of NCIS: Los Angeles and David Boreanaz from Bones have the same taste as the Hollywood hunks both chose Cult of Individuality jeans in the brand’s latest Tobacco dirty-wash. Wife Tracy Pollan picked out the Hagen style from Cult of Individuality for hubby Michael J Fox, who shared that that’s the way it works!

Anoname Jeans... a must have for the celebs.

Aquaswiss Watches

Chris O’Donnell couldn’t decide between the large and smaller face styles from Aquaswiss Watches and finally said, “I like both sizes, but I’m going Big or I’m going home!” Dana Delaney picked out a black and silver Aquaswiss watch from their new Swissport collection and joked “I always need to know when the time is right!” Jamie Kennedy & Jennifer Love Hewitt insisted on matching his & hers Aquaswiss watches. Gossip Girl beauty Blake Lively said “I don’t mean to Gossip, but this watch is where it’s at!” Lively scooped up the newest style from Aquaswiss in Rose Gold!  Charlie Sheen was excited to get his wife Brooke Mueller the rose gold style and said, “A lovely watch for my lovely wife.”

Charlie Sheen picked up an Aquaswiss watch for his bride.

Flip MinoHD

So many stars at the Emmy Awards gift lounge shared that they were Flip enthusiasts and were thrilled with an upgrade to the new Flip MinoHD! Primetime Emmy Host himself, Neil Patrick Harris loves the Flip so much he said you’ll find one in his car at all times! Ricky Gervais said of his new Flip MinoHD: “It’s amazing, it’s amazing,” while his wife said “It’s perfect for you because it’s idiot-proof!” The New Adventures of Old Christine star Julia Louis Dreyfus planned to use her new chrome Flip MinoHD to capture Emmy festivities and then place the video on FaceBook for her fans! David Boreanaz requested a custom design; his Flip MinoHD will carry the Philadelphia Flyers logo as he’s a big fan and does a lot of work with the NHL! Karina Smirnoff of Dancing with the Stars uses her Flip MinoHD to record her dance routines so she can critique her work!

Neil Patrick Harris carries a Flip in his car.

Vera Bradley

Guests of Lipton Green Vitali Tea Gift Lounge, produced by On 3 Productions, were treated to Vera Bradley’s Limited Edition Nylon Jet Set Duffel and coordinating All in One Wristlet. Stars like Debra Messing, Mary Louise Parker, Vanessa Williams, Amy Poehler, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Blake Lively and Leighton Meester have it in the bag – they each left with all their goodies packed into Vera Bradley’s limited edition Nylon Jet Set Duffel with coordinating All in One Wristlet!

CRUNCH One Year Membership

We’re not sure if they can get any more toned but stars like Neil Patrick Harris, David Boreanaz, Blake Lively, Kevin Dillon, Johnny Galecki, Leighton Meester and Chris O’Donnell scooped up a one year membership to Crunch nationwide in the Lipton Green VitaliTEA Gift Lounge!

Altoids

Altoids gifted a year supply of SMALLS Mints. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Poehler, Simon Baker and Kate Walsh were among the stars that scooped up a year supply of Altoids SMALLS mints in their favorite flavor!

Celebrity Guests

Guests included Primetime Emmy Host, Neil Patrick Harris, and Presenters, Performers and Nominees including Simon Baker (The Mentalist), Ricky Gervais, Julia Louis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures of Old Christine), Tracy Morgan (30 Rock), Bob Newhart, Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory), Amy Poehler (Saturday Night Live/Parks and Recreation), Kiefer Sutherland (24), Sigourney Weaver, Patricia Arquette (Medium), David Boreanaz (Bones), Ellen Burstyn, Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory), Cat Deeley  (So You Think You Can Dance), Dana Delany (Desperate Housewives), Jimmy Fallon (Late Night With Jimmy Fallon), Michael J. Fox, Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory), Alyson Hannigan (How I Met Your Mother), Blake Lively (Gossip Girl), Jennifer Love Hewitt (Ghost Whisperer),  Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl), Stephen Moyer (True Blood), Chris O’Donnell (NCIS: Los Angeles), Josh Radnor (How I Met Your Mother), Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother), Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother), Kate Walsh (Private Practice), Christian Clemenson, Jamie Kennedy (The Ghost Whisperer), Debra Messing (The Starter Wife), Paul Aaron (Breaking Bad), Lisa Edelstein (House), Jeff Probst (Survivor), William Shatner (Boston Legal), Jack McBrayer (30 Rock), Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jennifer Carpenter (Dexter), Charlie Sheen (Two and a Half Men), Perry Reeves (Entourage), Marcia Gay Harden, Michael Nouri (Damages), Neal McDonough (Deperate Housewives), Mary Louise Parker (Weeds), Kevin Dillon (Entourage), Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty), Toni Collette (United States of Tara), Sarah McLachlan, Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Dancing with the Stars), and Karina Smirnoff (Dancing with the Stars) and more!

For more info on On 3 Productions, visit: www.on3productions.com.

Paige Hemmis

September marks the start of the powerful fall storm season, and Duracell wants to make sure the communities at greatest risk for outages are prepared with the launch of its new “More Power To Protect” campaign.

Paige Hemmis presented FDNY Foundation with first “hours of power” donation from Duracell on Monday September 21st at FDNY Zone, NYC, providing battery power to help city resident’s power through the next storm.

To help launch the campaign, Duracell joined forces on Monday with Paige Hemmis, star of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and former EMT, who has had real-life experience on the frontlines and understands the real need for preparedness.

Together, they’re pledging over 10 million hours of battery power to cities at-risk from storm-related power outages, while at the same time educating and inspiring others across America to make preparedness a priority.

Consumers can help with just the click of the mouse, by visiting Duracell.com and clicking on the “hours of power” donation button. Hours of power donations will go to the fire departments in cities identified by a Duracell study to be greatly impacted by power outages due to thunderstorms: New York City, Chicago, Knoxville, Tenn., Springfield, Mo. and Wichita, Kan

Secret Room Events presented the 2009 “Think Pink” Emmy Awards Style Lounge, one of the most exclusive and talked about events surrounding the Emmy Awards. Emmy nominees, presenters, stylists and media were treated to luxurious products, services, Caribbean trips, martini bar and more as they help support breast cancer research at the 2009 “Think Pink” Emmy Awards Style Lounge, hosted by Secret Room Events and the SLS Hotel.

SLS: Super Luxurious Secret Room

Held at the fabulous SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, this invite only event benefited the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Tiger Lily Foundation. Both were on site to accept donations and inform guests about these most worthy causes. Celebrity guests signed a special Breast Cancer item that was auctioned off with all proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Sally Kirkland, dressed in pink, shows her support for curing breast cancer.

Secret Room Events Swag

Secret Room Events invited some of the most luxurious and exclusive companies to showcase their products and services to guests and media at the “Think Pink” Emmy Awards Style Lounge.

As with the rest of the world that are utmost fans of Obama, stars lined up to pay tribute to President Obama and receive the Commemorative Edition Jorg Gray 6500 Chronograph watch that is worn on the wrist of the 44th President of the United States, a watch given to him by the Secret Service. For your own Obama watch or to see pictures of Obama with the Jorg Gray watch on, go to: www.JorgGray.com

Obama's watch of choice, the Jorg Gray 6500, presented by Teevor Gnesin.

Stars clamored to sample Julie Hewett’s stellar line of cosmetics at the affair. She is one of the foremost beauty makeup artists actively working in Hollywood today and is also a member of the exclusive Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, of which there are only 150 members internationally in the Hair and Makeup Category. An idea born of necessity on the set of Pearl Harbor, Julie needed to create her own line of long-lasting technicolor reds. The Noir Collection was the answer to the call for good, old-fashioned red lipstick made with today’s updated, more natural ingredients. www.juliehewett.net

Julie Hewett's newest Noir Collection.

Iso Professional caused a buzz with their sizzling colored flat irons ranging from raging hot pink to sassy animal prints . Their Professional Ceramic Hair Straighteners are the newest in technology and temperature control. They also feature Negative Ion Emitting technology to help straighten hair faster and make it smoother. www.isobeauty.com

Another happy actress with the Iso Pro Ceramic Straightener.

After celebs got a pedicure, Bare Sole was ready to make their feet red carpet ready with their made in USA, completely customizable sexy sandals and heels. Because each pair of Bare Sole is handmade, they can accommodate almost any foot issue.  Unlike mass produced shoes, they can add additional arch support, extra cushioning, narrow or wide widths, etc and the straps are interchangeable so you only have to have one pair to match any outfit. www.baresole.com

Owner Kate Longley (rt) of Bare Sole explains the interchangeable straps.

Beltali was there with their functional purse in a belt, hand-made from the softest most elegant Italian leather, as well as sexy leather ‘wraps’ to go over pants. The very sexy style is the way to be both fashionable and functional! It was a smash at the event! www.Beltali.com

Designer Tali Morrison and her Beltani line of fine leather wear.

No more dropping cell phones or losing it in your car when you take a turn with Mobigrips. Mobigrips are unobtrusive and affix to the back of your cell phone, giving you an elastic handle to hold your cell phone and giving your cell phone a surface that won’t slide around. www.mobigrips.com

Eccentric Symphony Clothing is music to the celebs' wardrobe.

Celebs were reveling in the urban yet luxurious Eccentric Symphony clothing line that combines the inspiration and talent of rock musician Nikki Lund and professional surfer Maikai Makena. Decadent, smooth against your skin cotton are the foundation for this distinctive line of embroidered, embellished t-shirts, pants and hoodies for men and women. Not only do you get a new piece of trend setting clothing, your ears will be happy too as each piece comes with a special edition CD of Nikki’s band, Secret Mind.Eccentric Symphony went straight to the top of the charts with the celebs www.eccentricsymphony.com

Project Runway's Season 1 winner, Jay McCarroll and manager Marc Marcuse.

Guests were generously gifted with products such as exotic Caribbean trips, jewels, clothing, footwear, skincare, children’s products, home decor and more from the following generous sponsors:

Diedre Hall with Carribean Living Magazine.

Lexli (lexli.com)
Caribbean Living (caribbeanlivingmagazine.com)
Hope Paige (hopepaige.com)
GoGo Squeez (materne.us)
Absolution ( absolution-cosmetics.com)
The Good Dog Food company (gooddogfoodcompany.com)
Tamara Comolli (tamaracomolli.com)
Gold Canyon Candles(goldcanyon.com)
Luvali Convertibles (luvaliconvertibles.com)
La Falaise (savonlafalaise.com)
Moonlight Pillows (moonlightpillows.com)
Original Sin (originalsin.com)
Beltali (beltali.com)
Geri G Cosmetics (gerigcosmetics.com)
Fanie (fanie.com)
Social Savvy (socialsavvyinvites.com)

Gold Canyon Candles infused the event with dreamy fragrances.As guests enjoyed live musical performances, they relaxed in the "Think Pink" lounge area and experienced an array of spa services, beverages and treats from the following companies:Pama and Hypnotiq cocktails keep the celebs refreshed and cool.

Hydrafacials (hydrafacial.com)
Pedicures and manicures by O.P.I. (opi.com)
Spray Tans, eye brow threading and party lashes by Make UMandy (makeupmandy.com)
Cake Pops (cakepopco.com)
Tasty Clouds Cotton Candy (tastyclouds.com)
Chocolate Superfoods truffles (chocolatesuperfoods.com)
Hint Water (drinkhint.com)
Hypnotiq Liquor (hypnotiq.com)
Pama Liquor (pamaliqueur.com)
Coca Cola (coca-cola.com)
Smart Water (glaceau.com)
Rosenthal Estate Wines (rosenthalestatewines.com)
Honest Tea (honesttea.com)

Cake Pops...it's cake on a stick!

Before leaving the “Think Pink” Emmy Awards Style Lounge, as if gifts from the event sponsors weren’t enough, a fabulous eco Green Chic gift bag graced each guest full of additional wonderful products from:

Better Botanicals (betterbotanicals.com)
Boogie Box Fitness (boogieboxfitness.com)
Canus (canusgoatsmilk.com)
Breezy Jewelers (pgonzales85@yahoo.com)
Miche Bags (michebag.com)
Yum Skincare (yumskincare.com)
Loop-2-Loop (loop2loopbelts.com)
Clips 4 A Cure (clips4acure.com)
LeTarte (letarteswimwear.com)

Founder Dr. Ahmed Abdullah and his aloe based skin care line Lexli.

Pooch Smooch Treats (poochsmoochtreats.com)
Shop Go Girl (shopgogirl.com)
Boho Magazine (bohomag.com)
Green Changes (greenchanges.org)
Melis (melis.com)
Yoga Sandals (yogasandals.com)
EBoost (eboost.com)
Organix Hair Care (organixhair.com)
Coolchange (cool-change.com)
Hair Free (noflatiron.com)
Earth Angel Minerals (tryearthangelminerals.com )
Coola Suncare (coolasuncare.com)
UV Sol Beads (uvsolbeads.com)
Aroma Baby (aromababy.com)
Astara Skin Care (astaraskincare.com)
Westside Medical Spa (westsidemedialspa.com)
Planet Beauty (planetbeauty.com)
ThermaFuse (thermafuse.com)
NySeas (nyseas.com)

Here are the fabulous celebrities that attended the Emmys Secret Room gifting suite:

Aaron Spears – The Bold and the Beautiful, Adriene Franz – The Young and the Restless, Alana Stewart – Delivered, Farrahs Story (producer), Alexa Dziena – Entourage, Nick and Noras Infinite Playlist, Alice Greczyn – Lincoln Heights/Privileged, Amanda Righetti – The Mentalist, Andrea Bowen – Desperate Housewives/King of the Hill, Andrea Roth – Rescue Me, Bradford Anderson – General Hospital, Carolyn Hennesy – Terminator 3, General Hospital, Conrad Green – Producer Dancing With The Stars, Big Brother UK, Christa Miller – Scrubs, Cindy Margolis – Seducing Cindy (new series), Colleen Shannon – Playboy Playmate/centerfold, Crystal Allen – Anaconda, Hanna’s Gold, Danielle Harris – One Life to Live, Dierdre Hall – Days of our Lives, Dorian Gregory – Charmed, Down AKA Kilo – Grammy winning hispanic rapper, Emily Wagner – ER, Emryhs Cooper – Mama Mia!, Elle Travis – The Days Men Don’t Lie, Francia Raisa – Secret Life of An American Teenager, George Eads – CSI, Hakeem Kae-Kazim – 24, Jan Anderson – Travel Show Host, Jay Karns, Julia Campbell & Kids, Jay McCarroll – Project Runway, Jeff Branson – Guiding Light, Jenna Fredrique – Passions, Noahs Ark, Jennifer Korbin – Lingerie, Jennifer Stone – Wizards of Waverly Place, Jesse Garcia – Locker 13, Josh Keaton – General Hospital, Josie Davis – The Sand, various roles on tv shows, Judith Owen – Singer, Judy Tenuta – Comedian, Kari Whitman – Designer To The Stars (tv show), Kate Flannery – The Office.

Comedian Judy Tenuta scopes out what to explore next.

Kate Linder – Young and the Restless, Katie Amanda Keane – Navy NCIS, My Name is Khan, Kim Coles – Ten Items Or Less, Kim Kilbey – Producer/Hells Kitchen, Dancing With The Stars, Kirk Acevedo – Fringe, Kirsten Warren – Desperate Housewives, Independence Day, Kunal Nayyar – The Big Bang Theory, Loni Love – Comedian, Chelsea Handler Show, Lonny Ross – 30 Rock, Loren Lester – Hung, Lorielle New – Postal, Lorna Scott – Surviving Suburbia, Marcy Rylan – Guiding Light, Maria Thayer – Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Marisa Ramirez – General Hospital, Mary McCormack – In Plain Sight, Michael Hitchcock – Men of A certain Age, Mad TV, Michael Sucsy – Director “Grey Gardens”, Michaela Corrozzo – iCarly, Mike Henry – Family Guy, Nancy Cartwright – The Simpsons (voice), Natalia Cigliuti – Raising The Bar, All My Children, Nya Rivera – Glee, Neil Cohen – Producer/ Tattoo Highway, gene Simmons Family Jewels, Nelsan Ellis – True Blood, Nick Verreos – Project Runway, Countdown to the Red Carpet, Oded Fehr – Sleeper Cell, Batman The Brave and the Bold, Riley Weston – Always and Forever, The Nanny Press, Robin COleman – American Gladiators, Rochelle Aytes – Various Roles on TV Series, Ron Artest – Rome is Burning, Patrick Kilpatrick – Daze, Minority Report, Various roles on TV Series, Peter Jacobson – Transformers, Phoebe Price – Red Carpet Personality, Sally Kirkland – The Last Gamble, Samantha Droke – Poor Paul, Sara ER Fletcher – Secret Girlfriend, Scott Bailey – Guidong Light, Shar Jackson – Everybody Hates Chris, Moesha, Sharon Lawrence – Priveleged, The Monk, Sonia Rockwell – Spread, The Passing, Sufe Bradshaw – Flash Forward, Dance Flick, Tamala Jones – Castle, Tanya Memme – Sell This House, Taylor Spreitler – Days of Our Lives, Tom Bergeron – Dancing With The Stars, Entertainment Tonight, Tom Malloy – Producer/Hero of the Underworld, Victoria Justice – Zoey 101, Wess Brown – Wes Brown, Zach Abel – Make It or Break It, and Zoe Myers – Dawn of the Dead.

Secret Room Events produces the most exclusive gifting lounges and private events surrounding such award shows as the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, MTV Movie Awards and Golden Globes as well as movie premiere parties and private celebrity events.
Secret Room Events is owned and operated by Amy Boatwright and Rita Branch. Secret Room Events is an independent events company and not affiliated with the Emmy Awards or the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Secret Room Event founders Amy Boatwright and Rita Branch wearing hats designed by Phoebe Price (rt).

www.secretroomevents.com

Actor Ray Park who stars in the upcoming action movie “G.I. Joe” as  Snake Eyes, personified evil playing Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace and scared audiences stiff as the headless horseman in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, finally reveals himself to loyal fans for the first time without a mask or costume in the upcoming season of “Heroes“.

Though his moves and martial artistry is certainly recognizable, his face has been curiously obscured in nearly every film in which he’s appeared until now.  Ray Park will come out from ‘behind the mask’ on September 21st, 2009 starring as the character, Edgar, in the first episode of the new season of Heroes.

Training to the Top

Scottish-born Park always set his sights to be in the movies, but his true passion was martial arts. At the tender age of seven, he began practicing martial arts. Park mastered the traditional Chinese Northern Shaolin Kung-fu (in the Chin Woo style) and various other styles, including Wushu. Soon becoming a regular fixture at martial arts exhibitions and tournaments, the now defined and disciplined athlete dominated Great Britain’s martial arts championships before later traveling to Malaysia to refine his skills.

Masked Acting Roles

After he conquered the martial arts world, Park set his sites on acting and became a natural on the set, gaining more roles as he the industry recognized his abilities as both actor and martial artist. He was later contacted by stunt coordinator Nick Gillard to audition for George Lucas’ upcoming Star Wars prequel. Offered the job by producer Rick McCallum, Park was given the creative freedom to develop his choreography by an impressed Lucas, while gaining confidence to develop his role to the best of well trained skill set.

After playing headless horseman in Sleepy Hollow (1999), Park finally saw his face and voice joined on the silver screen (his voice was dubbed in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace) with his role as Toad in Bryan Singer’s X-Men (2000). Park took the lead as the title character in Iron Fist later the same year. Though curious Star Wars fanatics clamored to rumors that Park would return as Darth Maul in the eagerly anticipated Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), their many speculations were shot down by George Lucas himself with the announcement that although that specific character would not return for the sequel, Park would indeed play a role in Episode II. Currently, Ray is starring as Snake Eyes in G.I. Joe.

LA’s the Place caught up with Ray to find out what his thoughts are about his  current role and his ‘coming out’ role on Heroes.

LA’s The Place: Your costume in G.I. Joe looked really constraining, was it hard for you to move in it during the action sequences?

Ray Park: Yes, it was a challenge and I was a bit freaked out at first. I wasn’t expecting it to be so thick and I couldn’t really move my head or breathe very well. I asked them to give me a practice costume so I could practice moving in it.  I started going to the sauna and wearing hoodies and as much clothes as possible so that I could work through it and overcome it. Eventually it became standard to put the mask on and channel the character.

LATP: Heroes is your first TV role; how is it different from film?

RP: For me, it’s very different the setups are shot quicker and there is not a lot of time for making mistakes. On a movie you spend a lot of time in your trailer but with Heroes you go straight to the set. I’m really enjoying it

LATP: Heroes will be the first time your fans get to see your face.  Are you excited?

RP: Very excited! I hope that it will open up more opportunities for work. I think it’s going to be great.

LATP: How did you prepare to play Edgar?

RP: Circus and carnival are my key words for this role. I really channel them when I’m playing Edgar. I sat down and created my own thoughts on him before I ever met with the writers and producers. This is the first time I have used knifes, aside from cooking so I practiced a lot. I definitely took some tips from the chefs at Benihana’s.

LATP: Do you help to create the action sequences?

RP: That would be really nice if I did but it’s a team effort. I don’t create the action sequences but I know the producers want me to show off the best moves I can do so we work together. The sequences are already mapped out but we have to go over them to find out what works best.

LATP: Can you let us in on any secrets from the season?

RP: You will just have to wait and find out…

Orange County philanthropists Glenn and Mindy Stearns presented the Life Changing Lives Gala, a tribute to those who serve America and in honor of the men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Over 500 supporters attended the Life Changing Lives Gala in support of three distinguished organizations; Wounded Warrior Project, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and Boys & Girls Clubs Orange County Alliance.

These non-profit groups represent the very best that America has to offer and epitomize the kind of sacrifice and service associated with 9/11 and those who continue to serve America today.

The couple were co-chairs for the 9/11 event held last Friday at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California. Life Changing Lives Gala honored American boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard, NASA’s Charlie Duke and Holocaust survivor and Medal of Honor Recipient Tibor Rubin.

Gala Entertainment

After the sun set on an incredible day of luxurious relaxation, the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort hosted the night’s festivities during the Life Changing Lives Gala.

Kicking off the night was the Color Guard of Orange County and Broadway star Jenifer Lewis, who delivered a stirring a cappella rendition of the national anthem. The performance reached its climax as Jenifer sang “Land of the Free” and the American bald eagle Challenger took flight across the ballroom.

Life Changing Lives Gala Highlights

Gala co-chair Mindy Stearns hosted the event alongside Roy Firestone, the renowned and Emmy award-winning journalist.

Highlights of the Gala included inspirational speeches from the event’s honorees; boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, NASA astronaut Charlie Duke (one of 12 men to have walked on the moon) and Tibor Rubin, Holocaust survivor and Medal of Honor recipient.

American Idol Stars

The Life Changing Lives Gala also featured performances from American Idol finalists and favorites Bo Bice, Brooke White and Elliot Yamin. Bo shared stories of his time on the USO Tour and the joy he derived while visiting service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The crowd was riveted by Bo’s performance of American Blood, a song he wrote about his experiences on the USO tour. Brooke took to the piano with songs from her new album as well as the iconic Beatles song, Let it Be. Elliot was accompanied by guitarist Russell Ali as he performed his inspirational Free and multi-platinum hit Wait for You.

A Dance of Support

Offering their support of the gala were So You Think You Can Dance 2008 Winner Joshua Allen and the top female dancer of the 2008 season, Katee Shean. They performed the moving dance piece No Air, a dance that chronicles the story of a service member who receives notice that he’s headed off to war. The dance was choreographed by the Emmy nominated duo of Tabitha & Napoleon D’umo.

St. Regis Spa Gaucin and Vogue Salon

Also lending their support to the Caregivers Day of Appreciation was St. Regis Spa Gaucin and Vogue Salon. The renowned spa and salon provided the guests of honor with everything luxurious, including massages, manicures, pedicures and facials.

Terri Apanasewicz

Before the activities began that night at the Gala, the day began with the Caregivers Day of Appreciation, also hosted by the Stearns in association with P3 Beauty founder and make-up artist to the stars, Terri Apanasewicz. Apanasewicz’s celebrity clients include Cindy Crawford, Bridgette Wilson Sampras and Gisele Bundchen.

Terri Apanasewicz created a day of relaxation and luxury for the wives, significant others and siblings of injured veterans and California firefighters hurt in the line of duty as well as the families of children facing life-threatening illnesses. Terri’s team of Hollywood’s finest treated the guests with makeup application and hair styling.

Prodigal Daughter

Prodigal Daughter was also on hand. The ladies in attendance at the Caregivers Day of Appreciation received high-end gift bags from the fashion line Prodigal Daughter, complete with spa and beauty products in addition to hand dipped chocolate strawberries courtesy of Shari’s Berries.

After Party Entertainment

DJ Logic kept the dance-floor packed during the after party in the St. Regis lounge.

Silent Auction

At the heart of the Life Changing Lives Gala charitable spirit was a silent auction, which featured luxury items and special experiences donated by icons of music, television film and sports.

Geoff Reeves

Former Navy Seal Geoff Reeves, whose auction package included spending the day skydiving and shooting guns with the American hero, received a high bid of $8,500.

The Sopranos

Stars from HBO’s legendary show The Sopranos raised $16,000 by donating a private dinner with many of the show’s cast members, including Tony Sirico, Lorraine Bracco, Steve Schirripa, Michael Imperioli, Vince Curtola and Vincent Pastore.

The Dancers and the Boxer

A truly special moment was the impromptu contribution from So You Think You Can Dance’s Joshua and Katee, who found themselves so moved by the event they returned to the stage and donated private dance lessons. As the bidding escalated, Sugar Ray Leonard delivered a knockout punch by adding a round of golf with the boxing great as well as the chance to wear his Olympic gold medal and heavyweight championship belt. From the dance floor to the boxing ring, it was a perfect collaboration of footwork aficionados and the gift package solicited an incredible bid of $25,000.

Supporting America’s Finest

While exact totals are still being determined, Life Changing Lives proudly estimates the evening’s auction and events raised over half a million dollars, with 200,000 coming from the auction itself. The proceeds from Life Changing Lives Gala will benefit Wounded Warrior Project, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and Boys & Girls Clubs Orange County Alliance.

Wounded Warrior Project

Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. The organization raises awareness while enlisting public support for the needs of severely injured military men and women. They help severely injured service members aid and assist each other and provide unique programs and services to meet their needs. For more information call 877 TEAM WWP (832-6997) or visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Make-A-Wish Foundation, Orange County/Inland Empire:

The Make-A-Wish Foundation serves 69 chapters nationally and 28 internationally and has granted more than 148,000 wishes across the country. Established in 1983, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire has since granted over 3,000 wishes to children in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit www.wish.org

Boys & Girls Clubs Orange County Alliance:

The Boys & Girls Clubs offers programs and services that promote and enhance a young person’s overall sense of wellbeing, power, usefulness and influence by creating a safe place to learn and grow — all while having fun. The Club truly is The Positive Place For Kids. Boys & Girls Clubs enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. For more information, visit the Boys & Girls Clubs website at www.BGCA.org.

Cynthia McFadden’s

Excepts from the Tyra Banks interview are below, courtesy of ABC News’ Nightline…

On Having Children:

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN: Are we going to see little Tyra’s?

TYRA BANKS: I think you will. I think you will. I don’t know when but sooner than later definitely. I have a lot of success and make a good living but after while you start going why? Why are you doing all this, especially because I’m not materialistic so it’s not like “ooh yeah I’m making all this let’s get the jet plane you know! I don’t have that so I need to be able to pass this down. I need to be able to share it with a family and go to “Toys R Us” and buy a lot of toys for my child- you know what I’m saying, like what is the point? Because right now my life…when I was a model it was all about me, like how many covers can I get, how many…me me me …I’m gonna break barriers, I’m gonna do this and then now in my career I’m so excited about discovering stars, making other people stars and creating shows and my talk show has hundreds of people whose livelihood, depends on me showing up every single day, so that excites me more and to me that goes more into having a child because it’s not really all about me, it’s about giving sustenance in life to other people.

On Being a Diva:

CM: How much of a diva are you?

TB: I wish I was more of a diva. I wish I was harder, I wish I didn’t care so much about being the nice girl all the time because a lot of the time people can take kindness for weakness, so I wish I had a little bit more “oomph” in me. When it comes to being in charge, being a boss, being an executive producer because you know a lot of the times they are probably like, “Oh it’s Tyra, she’s cool, she’s not gonna trip” so I could learn maybe from some people, and you know what? It’s not a diva…it’s about being a strong businesswoman and being a better leader I can learn to do that.

On Status:

CM: The New York Times famously called you America’s next top mogul. Do you feel like a mogul?

TB: No I don’t! I think I’m too young to be a mogul. I think I’m too young for that when I think about moguls I think like Donald Trump. He owns NYC practically, that’s a mogul I feel like…I’m a on my way to a lot more but mogul is a really serious thing. I think it’s a word that gets thrown around easily.

CM: There’s been a lot of talk about money and reports that you make upwards of 20 million dollars a year, are they in the ballpark?

TB: I don’t know, I always say it could be a hell of a lot less, and it could be a hell of a lot more. My mother told me don’t talk about your money.

CM: Money doesn’t buy happiness but it does buy some things…

TB: I love being able to go to a store let’s say…a store like Topshop or Zara or maybe even Macy’s depends on what department and not have to look at the price tag.

CM: Well you could go lots of places and not look at the price tag.

TB: Rodeo Drive and all that I’m looking at the price tag and gulping even with success and the, you know…

CM: So you’re not buying $10,000 pocketbooks?

TB: Don’t own one. And when I do, means I didn’t buy it.

CM: Really?

TB: Really.

CM: You don’t have a taste for that?

TB: No, I don’t like expensive things, I buy property, and that has a lot more zeros behind it than a $10,000 bag but to me I like things that appreciate! I don’t want to take something and the minute it leaves the shelf it depreciates!

CM: Sounds like a mogul to me!! A mogul in training here!

TB: I started buying a couple of designer clothes and I put it on and I’m like wow this looks really really good but then I just can’t help looking in a magazine for the splurge and the save….and I go but dang, I just paid all this but look at her.. she paid like 20 bucks ..that is still in me I don’t know what that is.. Some person told me I had like a poor man’s syndrome or something…I never was really poor.

CM: Do you have an extravagance though, is there something that you…

TB: Property, I like to buy property. And my accountant says that I’m like the best blackjack player in Vegas because I bet on the right stuff. I know when something is gonna appreciate. I just have a gift for that!

On Her Future:

CM: So much has gone right in your life, but the man thing has never quite gelled.

TB: Wouldn’t say it hasn’t gelled, I just, because I’m not married is that why?

CM: Maybe it’s because we don’t know!

TB: Exactly.

CM: You’ve been very private about all of it, why?

TB: Because, sharing your relationship does nothing except for share your relationship doesn’t help people, it doesn’t do anything it just creates gossip fodder.

CM: So you don’t look and say, oh well I’m 35, I’m not married. You’ve talked a lot about models trading in their pretty…for rich husbands. That certainly wasn’t your path, have you sort of gone the other way with a vengeance!

TB: I don’t have that OMG I gotta get married thing! If it happens it happens, but it’s never been like oh I need to do that! I don’t know, it’s a little difficult for me to understand actually when women really want to get married. I don’t understand it.

CM: Really?

TB: Not in today’s day and age. When my friends really want to get married I’m like OK I’m gonna help you find a husband, I go and I do it and I set them up on blind dates and all that but I don’t understand that. I think it’s because I’m a product of divorce, my parents divorced so I don’t understand that whole married thing when 70 percent of marriages fail and 50 percent of second marriages fail…so that forever and ever thing and people get divorced…i don’t know, I’m trying to figure it out.

CM: So would you have a baby without getting married?

TB: I don’t know! Not sure.

CM: Is the biological clock ticking?

TB: Child, 50 year olds are having babies now, I think I’m ok!!

“Nightline” is anchored by Cynthia McFadden, Terry Moran, and Martin Bashir. James Goldston is the executive producer. “Nightline” airs at 11:35 p.m. (ET/PT) weeknights on the ABC Television Network.

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges hosted a luxurious pre-party to the Miss Malibu pageant Saturday at a private estate in Malibu. The event was hosted in association with Timothy Durham, President of National Lampoon and benefited the award winning charitable organization, The Ludacris Foundation . Guests at the afternoon poolside party enjoyed private cabanas, bidding on incredible items in a silent auction and of course a live performance from Ludacris himself.

Borden Entertainment and Pacific Events

“For ten years now, our Malibu parties have been about the chic, fun and socially-conscious Southern California lifestyle,” said Glenda Borden, celebrity party planner and president of Borden Entertainment. Borden Entertainment collaborated with Lash Fary of Distinctive Assets to produce the 2010 Miss Malibu pre-party. Pacific Events was retained to handle all facets of the ambitious event setup and décor, which combined the elegance of the Mondrian with a splash of Vegas fabulous-ness. Event festivities included the costumed Champagne Showgirls, a 200-person gaming tent and “umbrella’d beach stations” on the rolling knolls of the estate.

Sponsoring the Event

Internationally popular DJ’s Caroline D’Amore and Adam 12 were spinning their hottest playlists while party guests enjoyed eco-friendly water from h20, wine from Barry Manilow Wines, delectable (and healthy) food from California Fresh & Fit, Asian-fusion niblets from Chef Shoshana Wolff’s springchow, Chelsea Handler approved noshes from Haute Mess Catering, oh-so-yummy cookies from Triplet’s Gourmet. Luxury car transportation was provided for talent by EuroCar Inc and environmentally-conscious plates, cups and utensils made from sugar cane were supplied by Wheatware.

Also in attendance and supporting the event was Janet Harris’ Skin Rejuvenation Center, who provided facial and body treatment including the renowned “fat melting” Velashape. Janet’s passion and compassion for women who want to look and feel younger is matched only by the trust her many clients place in her, including many well known celebrities. In addition to her role as a leading practitioner of the groundbreaking Velashape procedure, Janet also collaborated with her best friend Robin McGraw (wife of Dr. Phil McGraw) in co-writing the skin care chapters for Robin’s bestselling book, What’s Age Got to Do With It and has just signed her own book deal.

Shannon Tweed, Gene Simmons

Celebrities Supporting a Good Cause

Celebrities supporting the Ludacris Foundation and attending the event included Grammy nominee Ciara, Atlantic Records recording artist Ryan Cabrera, legendary rocker and TV star Gene Simmons, Pussycat Dolls Melody Thornton, actor Evan Ross, actor Andrew Keegan, actor Terry Crew, actress Jill Marie Jones, Miss California USA 2009 Tami Farrell, and E! Celebrity Correspondent Michael Yo.

E! Correspondant Micheal Yo, Khloe Kardashian

The Ludacris Foundation

The Ludacris Foundation is a non-profit Atlanta-based organization that serves as Ludacris’ vision to use music and the arts to connect with urban youth. The Ludacris Foundation has received numerous awards and accolades, providing over 30 grassroots non-profit organizations with grants and positively impacting millions of lives with their generosity.

The Ludacris Foundation’s mission is to show young people that they are the architects of their future and to provide a roadmap for them to achieve their dreams. For more information and to learn how you can support the Ludacris Foundation, visit www.theludacrisfoundation.org.

Milk Studios in Hollywood played host to the opening event for SVEDKA Adult Playground 2033. SVEDKA Vodka (www.svedka.com) collaborated with Brent Bolthouse, founder of Bolthouse Productions to produce the first in a series of events that convey a vision of what nightlife could be like in 2033. A trendsetting LA event producer, Bolthouse lent his collection of personal photography to SVEDKA Adult Playground 2033 with an exhibition titled, Greenland: A Beautiful Lie. The visual journey chronicles a trip to Greenland with Thirty Seconds to Mars for the band’s environmentally themed short film “A Beautiful Lie” and was accompanied by a sexy infusion of music and cocktails.

Nightlife in 2033

When SVEDKA Vodka wanted to know what the future in nightlife would be they went to those in the know, asking nightlife impresarios like NY’s Richie Akiva and Scott Sartiano (Butter Restaurant and 1OAK), NY’s Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum (Tenjune, Abe & Arthur’s, Simyone Lounge) and LA’s Allison Melnick (Playhouse) to articulate their vision of 2033 nightlife.

Brent Bolthouse, Jared Leto, Tom Green

The result is a series of sexy, chic events filled with surprises, hot DJs and celebrities partaking in a futuristic celebration that embodies the SVEDKA brand. Subsequent SVEDKA Adult Playground 2033 events will take place this fall and winter in dynamic settings that bring to life each nightlife impresarios’ expression of futuristic partying.

Milk Studios

The inaugural event hosted at Milk Studios proved that everyone wants a glimpse into the crystal ball, including the hottest party scene celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Nicky Hilton as well as television and film heavyweights like Dylan McDermott, Jason Segel and Keanu Reeves. Celebrities attending the event also included Mena Suvari, Danny Masterson, Scott Caan, Jared Leto, Benji Madden, Seth MacFarlane, Shoshana Bush and Kat Von D.

Mina Suvari, Keanu Reeves

Exciting New Cocktails

VEDKA Vodka attracted a who’s who of celebrities by being the first brand to recruit such a high profile group of nightlife heavy hitters to forecast what the future of partying will look like. In addition to experiencing the futuristic visions from nightlife heavyweights, the invited guests and VIPs were treated to the future of SVEDKA cocktails, including Fembot_Fatale and the Hot_Bot.

“The SVEDKA Adult Playground 2033 event series is an expression of SVEDKA’s creative brand platform set in the future featuring the iconic fembot SVEDKA_Grl,” said Marina Hahn, Chief Marketing Officer, Spirits Marque One LLC. “In the future there are no boundaries and we have given these nightlife influencers limitless possibilities to create a provocative three-dimensional nightlife experience providing an outrageous and trendsetting sign of things to come. SVEDKA is a rising star on the back bar and partnering with such high caliber nightlife impresarios further solidifies the brand’s position as THE choice for bar-hoppers.”

Dylan McDermott, Kat Von D, Benji Madden

The program will culminate in a SVEDKA Adult Playground 2033-themed advertorial in Details magazine where these nightlife impresarios will be photographed together for the first time ever.

SVEDKA Vodka

According to Impact Databank in February of 2009, SVEDKA is the fastest growing spirits brand in the world and was identified as the third largest imported vodka brand in the United States in 2008’s Impact’s Annual Spirits Study, behind only Absolut and Grey Goose.

A recipient of the Gold Medal for Exceptional Taste and Best Buy (BTI, 2008) and a Gold Medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, SVEDKA’s “cheap chic” positioning provides consumers with a high quality, premium product and hip brand image at an affordable price. SVEDKA is 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof), distilled five times and made from Swedish winter wheat, resulting in a smooth, clean taste.

SVEDKA products are also available in a variety of flavors like SVEDKA Clementine, an orange vodka, SVEDKA Citron, SVEDKA Raspberry, and SVEDKA Vanilla. Each of the flavors consists of 37.5% alcohol by volume (75 proof).

LA’s The Place:  So you are a respected plastic surgeon and suddenly you find yourself on an Emmy-nominated syndicated series. How do you feel about your show’s success?

Dr. Andrew Ordon:  This experience has made me grateful and proud. I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud with what our team has done with it. I’m proud of my fellow doctor-hosts to our producers, technical staff and even the audience and guests.  Everyone has come together to create a never-seen before phenomenon in informational television. What we love best is that it is a viewer-driven show. It’s all about giving our viewers the useful information they need.

LATP:   How did you get the co-hosting Position on “The Doctors”?

Dr. O:  I had become friends with Dr. Phil McGraw through our kids attending the same school. I became a resource for his television show, “The Dr. Phil Show”. He then turned to me when he and his son, producer Jay McGraw created “The Doctors”. I had what they were looking for: an experienced Beverly Hills plastic surgeon with a history of television appearances and vast surgical experience. I must humbly add that I was in the right place at the right time. But the kicker was the chemistry between us four hosts. Travis, Jim and Lisa are all great people. I will always be friends with them-show or no show.

LATP:  We understand you have a wonderful family: a beautiful wife with a flair for interior design, a son who recently graduated from college and a daughter who is finishing her college years. How does your family feel about Dad’s new- found celebrity?

Dr. O:  Robyn, my wife has been totally supportive and doesn’t allow any of this to go to my head. We may be the happiest couple in Hollywood. Like most fathers, what I am most proud of are my two children. My son and daughter attend college back east and make me proud each and every day. I don’t think anyone is ever a celebrity in their own home. I certainly am not. My family life has not changed one iota. My kids still don’t listen to me! They often laugh at my expense. 

LATP:  You and your co-hosts seem to have great chemistry and you all seem to get along very well. What is it like working with three very qualified doctors with very different personalities?

Dr. O:  Lisa, Jim and Travis are the best! We do get along very well, indeed. The energy that flows back and forth between us is electric. We don’t go up there with a script, by the way. What you see on The Doctors is an honest, open and completely genuine repartee between three doctors who are friends. At the same time, we are different in age, background and training. We aren’t afraid to disagree with one another, which only makes the show better. We keep our egos in check and we can take a joke as well as make one.

LATP:  You are on television 5 days per week for an hour each day.  There is so much valuable information given out in each show. How often do you tape your shows and how much preparation is needed for each segment?

Dr. O:  More preparation than you would think… It’s like studying for mid-term exams every week! We each get a big, fat three ring binder full of tear sheets from our research staff. We then have to muddle through all that data and come up with bullet points to guide us through the labyrinth of the topic being discussed. I must say that all the work that I do for the show has made me a better, well-rounded surgeon.

LATP:  To date, what segment that you have participated in is your personal favorite?

Dr. O:  Working with Joan Rivers. She is an off-the-hook talent and a terrific person.
 She is such a professional to boot! She makes it look easy. And, she does know plastic surgery! We had to cut so much of what we did together because it became a bit too risque for daytime TV. Joan assisted my partner Dr. Ritu Chopra and I doing injections on stage. When I say assist, I mean she wore a white coat and make jokes as we worked. I am a pro at what I do but I must admit it isn’t easy concentrating on performing plastic surgery when you have tears in your eyes from laughing. I was always a fan of Joan Rivers but now, having worked with her, I look at her in a whole new way. She is an articulate comedic genius who is so witty and quick that it’s hard to keep up! I would work with her again in a New York second! 

LATP:  Speaking of celebrity, the world is fascinated with “Celebrity”. This past season you had the gorgeous and talented Lisa Rinna as a guest. The viewers were moved and touched by Lisa’s open attitude towards her experience with Plastic Surgery. She came across as brave, real and honest. Can you comment about that episode?

Dr. O:  Lisa opened up quite a bit in her book- way more than most celebrities would, and I have to say I really respect her for that. She made a lot of new fans that day, myself included. I jokingly admit to botox and dermal filler injections and I have no regret about going public, as Lisa did. Being in the profession, I have access to the best of the best in my field. Lisa bravely opened up about the fact that some times even celebrities make a mistake with regard to their plastic surgery decisions. She is amazing and she is one in a million! 

LATP:  We understand that you are a Founding Board Member of the Surgical Friends Foundation (www.SurgicalFriends.org). Can you please tell us a little about the inspiring work you and your colleagues do for this organization?

Dr. O:  We select needy patients and provide free services for reconstructive surgery.  Some people think of me as a beauty doctor, but I have extensive experience in reconstructive procedures. I am talking about real medical/surgical problems that some of our patients thought there was not way back from. Some of our patients have called us “miracle workers”. I am not alone in this. I am part of a network of providers, part of a team of top notch surgeons and anesthesiologists who change lives. I enjoy giving back in this way. I would like to see the organization grow into a worldwide phenomenon.

LATP:  Where do you see your career taking you in the next five years?

Dr. O:  I am just enjoying the ride. I am still a working plastic surgeon, operating weekly with my team in my private practice while managing a television career two or three days a week. That schedule gets hectic, but with my support staff we are managing to do both.

My only aspiration with regard to celebrity is to use whatever fame I have to help people who need it and raise money for good causes like the Surgical Friends Foundation.

To learn more about Dr. Andrew Ordon and “The Doctors” go to www.TheDoctorsTV.com.