Monthly Archives: January 2012

Theater

Christie Brinkley to reprise role of ‘Roxie Hart’ in ‘Chicago’ for limited engagement at the Pantages in Hollywood following accolades on Broadway and London’s West End.

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Los Angeles Life and Style Entertainment News

Record breaking Smash Musical Chicago returns to LA for two week run, exclusively at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, May 15-27

Hollywood, Calif. – CHICAGO, the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival will return to Los Angeles at the Pantages Theatre for a strictly limited two-week engagement May 15 – 27, 2012.  After her critically-acclaimed debut as “Roxie Hart” on Broadway and in London’s West End, Christie Brinkley, one of the world’s most successful supermodels, will make her highly-anticipated Los Angeles debut this spring as she reprises her killer role in this six-time Tony Award-winning musical smash hit when it plays the Pantages Theatre.

CHICAGO Producer Barry Weissler said: “We are thrilled to welcome Christie and her incredible dedication, focus and determination that she exhibits… I’m excited to share with audiences the stellar performance that she delivers.”

Throughout her phenomenal career as one of the country’s most successful and recognizable supermodels, Christie Brinkley has appeared on more than 500 magazine covers worldwide. But more than that, she also excels as an artist, writer, photographer, designer, actress, philanthropist, environmentalist and political activist. Christie Brinkley recently launched a line of natural skin care products as part of her new company, Christie Brinkley Beauty. Combining her modeling experience with her artistic talents and diverse interests, Christie’s career over the years has been interesting and dynamic.

A Ford model for over thirty years, Christie was discovered by a photographer in Paris at the age of eighteen. Since then, she has become the first model to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated for three consecutive years, and appeared in the publication’s annual swimsuit issues and television specials for years to follow.

In 1976, CoverGirl gave Christie her first “big break” in modeling with a contract, which launched the start of a 20-year partnership that marks the longest-running cosmetics contract of any model in history.

Christie is known for her commitment to health and fitness. Christie wrote and illustrated a health and beauty book, Christie Brinkley’s Outdoor Beauty and Fitness Guide which topped The New York Times bestseller list.

On the big screen, she made her acting debut in 1983 opposite Chevy Chase in the hit feature film National Lampoon’s Vacation and its 1997 sequel, Vegas Vacation. She has also famously appeared in Billy Joel’s classic music videos “Uptown Girl,” “Keeping the Faith” and “All About Soul,” as well as Mick Jones’ music video “Just Wanna Hold.”

On television, Christie has appeared on NBC’s “Mad About You” and hosted Lifetime Television’s “InStyle Celebrity Weddings,” which became the highest rated special in Lifetime’s history. She has also been featured in Vh1’s “Pop Culture Icons” series. Christie has been the subject of many documentaries including the HBO program “Beautiful Baby, Beautiful,” Lifetime’s “Intimate Portrait” and “Barbara Walters’ Oscar Night Special.”  Christie is an active member and dedicated supporter/activist for many organizations including UNICEF’s Art and Entertainment Support Committee, Handgun Control, Ovarian Cancer, Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Cousteau Society, Southern Poverty Law, The Wilderness Society and stopglobalwarming.org.  She currently lives in New York with two of her three children, Sailor Lee and Jack Paris. Her daughter, actress/singer Alexa Ray Joel, lives in New York City.

Tickets for CHICAGO may be purchased online at www.BroadwayLA.org or by phone at 1–800-982-2787.  Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Pantages Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.  The Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, just east of Vine Street, and the box office opens daily at 10am.

Now in its 16th year on Broadway, the record-breaking smash hit musical CHICAGO is now the fourth longest-running production in Broadway history.  With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, CHICAGO is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording.

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.

Directed by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Tony Award winner Ann Reinking, CHICAGO features set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by Tony Award winner William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award winner Ken Billington and sound design by Scott Lehrer.  CHICAGO is produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.  For more information on CHICAGO, please visit www.ChicagoTheMusical.com.

The performance schedule for CHICAGO is Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm.  CHICAGOhas a running time of 2 hours and 30 minutes including intermission and is recommended for ages 13 and up.  (Please note that in consideration of audiences, no one under 5 will be admitted to the theatre.)

For tickets or more information about CHICAGO’s Los Angeles engagement, please visit the Pantages Theatre’s official website, www.BroadwayLA.org.

 

 

Film and Television

‘Bones’ panel discussion slated at Paley Center for Media

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Los Angeles Life and Style Entertainment News

Beverly Hills, Calif. –  The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, will present a panel discussion of Fox’s Bones – a procedural drama centering on an FBI agent and the forensics anthropologist who helps him solve cases, but the real science here is chemistry, as in the crackling interplay between these two characters, and the charismatic actors who portray them. Emily Deschanel is the brilliant-but-socially-inept Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan; David Boreanaz is Agent Seeley Booth. While Bones hews to convention with a compelling crime-based mystery every week, the attraction is the mystery of the human heart, particularly the emotional awakening of Brennan as she falls deeper and deeper in love with the intuitive, socially facile Booth. The combination has proved beguiling, as Bones is in the midst of season seven. The series was created by Hart Hanson, and inspired by the life of forensic anthropologist/author Kathy Reichs, who serves as producer.

Tickets go on sale to Paley Center Members on Feb. 1 at 9:00 am PT
On Sale to General Public on Feb. 3 at 9:00 am PT

March 8, 2012

Bones

Thursday, March 8, 2012
7:00 pm PT
Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills

In Person

Panel to be announced.

 

Star Watch

Michael Jackson Immortalized at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Prince, Paris and Blanket carry the torch.

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Written by Margie Anne Clark

Hollywood, Calif. – Michael Jackson’s star power shined bright as luminaries, fans and family members alike gathered on Thursday to honor the memory of the King of Pop in front of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, ushering in a new era of Jackson’s legacy and his extraordinary contributions to the world of music and dance.

“For me, and I think I speak for him as well, this right here is his lifetime achievement award,” said Jackson’s oldest son Prince, standing tall and proud in front of throngs of fans and media beneath Southern California’s sunny blue sky as fans cheered from the grandstands of closed-off Hollywood Boulevard.  His voice strong, firm and steady, Prince added, “This is what he strived to get, and this is what we are giving him now today.”

Prince, Blanket and Paris Jackson carried the torch of their superstar dad, literally in his footsteps, immortalizing him with their their father’s signature sparkling glove and dancing shoes imprinted in cement not far from Michael Jackson’s star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

The star-studded event marked the kick-off of Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour opening tonight at the Staples Center (January 27-29) in Los Angeles.  Joining the ranks of stars paying homage to the late icon were Justin Beiber, Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones, comedian Chris Tucker, along with Glee cast members and Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush who emceed the festivities.

Amid cheers, Bieber, introduced by Paris, took to the stage, reflecting his late great predecessor, aptly singing his own a cappella rendition of Jackson’s youthful hit song of the 1970’s Rockin’ Robin.

“He was more than an entertainer, he was an inspiration,” said an exuberant Bieber, who said he wished he could have met his pop star idol in person.

Michael Jackson’s children were accompanied by their grandmother, Katherine Jackson and uncles Tito Jackson and Jackie Jackson, former  members of the famed Jackson 5, enjoying the festivities as much as the fans.

Along with Bieber’s performance and other celebrity appearances, the event featured a colorful preview of Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson The Immortal, with fedora and feather clad troupe members showcasing an electrifying medley of Jackson’s unforgettable hits.

Ticket Information for Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour can be found by visiting the Cirque du Soleil website at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/michael-jackson-tour/tickets.aspx

 

 

 

Star Watch

Michael Jackson’s Children, Family set to honor the King of Pop at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood

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Michael Jackson's family kick off Cirque Du Soleil's Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour

Los Angeles Life and Style Entertainment News

Hollywood, Calif. – Michael Jackson’s three children Prince, Blanket and Paris Jackson, will be on hand to today to immortalize and honor the King of Pop’s legacy. The ever more public trio will use their father’s glove and dancing shoes to make the imprints in front of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, near the Michael Jackson’s star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The ceremony coincides with Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour,” which makes its Los Angeles debut Friday night at at the Staples Center (January 27-29) in Los Angeles.

 

Travel and Resorts

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, Announces ‘Sixth Night Free’ Offer to Enjoy All the Fun This Spring. Guests Receive a Sixth Night Free Plus Daily Continental Breakfast When Booking a Five-Night Consecutive Stay at New Disney Resort on Oah

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Guests Receive a Sixth Night Free Plus Daily Continental Breakfast When Booking a Five-Night Consecutive Stay at New Disney Resort on Oahu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Los Angeles Life and Style Travel News

Ko OLINA, Hawaii (January 19, 2012) – There’s lots and lots of fun for all ages at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Everyone – adults, teens and kids – can enjoy amazing adventures with one of the greatest pools on Oahu, the secluded beach and lagoon, guided excursions and activities, delectable dining and enchanting entertainment.

And now Aulani offers a sixth night free plus complimentary breakfast,* when guests book a five-night consecutive stay at the spectacular oceanfront resort with a touch of Disney magic. Now there’s an opportunity to experience even more of the resort’s family activities, world-class entertainment and dynamic water playground.

With this special offer, guests can extend their stay and also enjoy complimentary continental breakfast daily in the resort’s lounge, The ‘Ōlelo Room.  The continental breakfast features a selection of fruits, pastries, coffee and hot teas, plus the opportunity to learn some Hawaiian language in the popular ‘Ōlelo (“Word”) Room lounge which features wooden sculpture representations of common objects and labels that convey their Hawaiian names.

This Aulani special spring offer is available for purchase now through February 29, 2012. Visit DisneyAulani.com or call toll-free (800) 824-1146 and mention offer code E7D. This offer will be available for stays most nights* from March 1 through March 17, 2012; and April 15 through May 31, 2012.

Set on a beautiful lagoon along the coast of Oahu, Aulani welcomed its first guests on Aug. 29, 2011. The family vacation paradise offers something for everyone in an unforgettable experience combining the beauty and spirit of the Hawaiian islands with the magic of Disney storytelling and guest service.

Each day of their stay, Aulani guests can customize their experience – relaxing on the beach or in the 18,000-square foot Laniwai spa, playing in the pools and snorkeling at Rainbow Reef, or discovering the island on special excursions. Among the unique experiences at Aulani are the Makai Preserve stingray adventure, the Painted Sky teen lounge and spa, and the Menehune Bridge, a water play area full of fun and surprises. Aulani also features two signature restaurants – the oceanfront, full-service ‘AMA ‘AMA and the buffet-style Makahiki – offering foods inspired by Hawaii.

Young guests even have their own kids’ club, Aunty’s Beach House. Here children can explore Hawaiian culture through supervised entertainment, including interactive touch tables, wildlife and nature programs, arts and crafts, Disney movies and traditional Hawaiian games.

Aulani is situated upon 21 acres of oceanfront property in Ko Olina, adjacent to a nine-acre, crystal-blue lagoon and white-sand beach. Ko Olina is 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and less than an hour from Waikiki Beach. When all phases are complete, Aulani will include 359 traditional hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas in two towers, each featuring rooms that offer thrilling views of the ocean, mountains and the magnificent, lush surroundings.

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes Resort fees and taxes.  Not valid in combination with any other discounts or offers. Offer excludes suites and three-bedroom Grand Villas.  Additional per adult charges may apply if more than two (2) adults per room.  Offer applied once per reservation and not valid for previously booked rooms.  Check for offers for other lengths of stay.  Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and subject to room occupancy limitations.  Advance reservations required.  Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Breakfast entitlements expire upon checkout, and are for guests ages 3 and older in the traveling party. 

About Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Uniquely designed for families and inspired by the wonders and traditions of Hawaii, Aulani is a family paradise with a touch of magic. Aulani offers kids, adults and families Hawaiian vacation experiences with a special magic that only Disney can create. Delightful rooms and spacious Disney Vacation Club villas, a perfect location on a beautiful beachfront lagoon, and renowned Disney service and enchanting entertainment let dreamers of every age savor their time together on Hawaii as never before.

Hollywood Legends, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood's beloved Honorary Mayor, Hollywood's Honorary Mayor Johnny Grant, Johnny Grant, Mickey Rooney, USO Shows

Remembering Johnny Grant, Hollywood’s beloved Honorary Mayor

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The last time I saw Johnny: Hollywood’s Honorary Mayor Johnny Grant on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, Summer of 2007. Photo by Margie Anne Clark

 

By Margie Anne Clark

Hollywood, Calif. – Born May 9, 1923, Hollywood’s Honorary Mayor Johnny Grant is perhaps best remembered as one of Hollywood’s most enthusiastic supporters for more than 50 years. On Jan. 9, 2012, Hollywood marked the fourth anniversary of Grant’s passing with a wreath on his star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

His legacy of service lives on and the honorary mayor remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons. With his signature deep radio voice and affable charm,  Grant arrived in Tinseltown as a young man during Hollywood’s Golden Era of the 1940s.

“I was inspired by Mickey Rooney and the boys when I came out to Hollywood as a G.I.,” Grant told me in 2003 on his 80th birthday. “I knew I was never going to live anywhere else but here,” Grant reminisced.

Always hands on with all of his projects, Grant went on to serve as Chairman of the USO Selection Committee and the Hollywood Historic Trust. He not only created what was to become part of Hollywood’s history, but had been a long-time supporter for preserving Cinema City’s past. To that end, Grant was appointed to a four-year term on the City of Los Angeles’ Cultural Heritage Commission.

The last time I saw Johnny: Margie Anne Clark pictured with Hollywood’s Honorary Mayor Johnny Grant on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, Summer of 2007.

When spectacular Hollywood special events were presented, more often than not Johnny Grant could be found at the helm.  He served as chairman and executive producer of the Hollywood Centennial Celebration, orchestrating Hollywood’s year-long 100th birthday extravaganza. He added his special charm and touch to many a Hollywood Christmas Parade, helping to direct festivities and recruiting stars. During the 2004 parade, he brought me on board as a volunteer and I observed Hollywood’s honorary mayor at work driving himself on his speedy golf cart making sure everything would be on cue.

“You carefully pick your projects and give them all you’ve got,” Grant told me. “I think you’ve got to enjoy what you do, and I certainly do.”

His dedication to the USO was legendary. In service to his country, Grant holds the record for having appeared in 56 USO shows – more than anyone in Hollywood history. Grant embraced the USO from the very start when he made his first appearance in 1950 at the encouragement of his good friend Bob Hope, who marked his  his 100th birthday back on May 29, 2003.  Grant toured with Hope on numerous USO tours. Of his iconic colleague Grant said, “Bob always saw the positive side of things.”

During Hope’s 100th birthday celebration Grant reminisced, “That ski nose was more than just a prop and he could sniff out more information on the goings-on at camp upon first arriving. He always hit it right on the nose.”

Of his last USO tour to Guantánamo Bay in 2007, Grant remained a dedicated as ever. He toured the facility flanked by an entourage of beautiful Victoria Secret models – his quick sense of humor ever in place. “It’s a tough job but somebody’s gotta do it,” Grant said.

In the last days of his life, the legendary luminary of the stars reflected, “I was born to live in Hollywood.”  He later was noted as saying; “If I died tomorrow, I know I had one of the best lives anyone could ever imagine…”

Thank you Johnny, for living your life to the fullest. Hollywood salutes you!

 

Margie Anne Clark is a Los Angeles based writer. She can be reached at  margie@losangeleslifeandstyle.com 

 

 

 

 

The last time I saw Johnny: Entertainment reporter Margie Anne Clark pictured with Hollywood’s Honorary Mayor Johnny Grant on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, Summer of 2007.
Theater

Monty Python’s irreverent, hilarious ‘Spamalot’ returns to the Pantages Theater in Hollywood

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Arthur Rowan and Brittany Woodrow star in Monty Python's 'Spamalot' at the Pantages. Photo by Scott Suchman

Los Angeles Life and Style Entertainment News

Hollywood, Calif. – Monty Python’s Spamalot is returning to the Pantages Theater for a one week engagement from Feb. 28 to March 4. Tickets to he Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2005.

Leading the cast of Monty Python’s Spamalot are Arthur Rowan as King Arthur and Brittany Woodrow as The Lady of the Lake with Michael J. Berry (Patsy), Adam Grabau (Sir Lancelot, The French Taunter, King Ni, Tim the Enchanter), Jacob L. Smith (Sir Galahad, Black Knight, Father), Kasidy Devlin (Sir Robin), Thomas DeMarcus (Mayor, Dennis’ Mother, Sir Bedevere, Concorde), James David Larson (Not Dead Fred, Prince Herbert) and Joe Beuerlein (Historian, Minstrel, Brother Maynard, French Guard).
Rounding out the company are Kimber Benedict, Jason Elliott Brown, Ryan Cowles, Carl DeForrest Hendin, Amanda Johns, Andrew Leggieri, Melissa Denise Lopez, McKayla Marso, Jesse Palmer, Tiffani Robbins, Jared Titus and Bradley Allan Zarr.
Lovingly “ripped-off” from the internationally famous comedy team’s most popular motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the hilarious spoof is the winner of three 2005 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director (Mike Nichols), as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Musical. The original cast recording of Monty Python’s Spamalot won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.
Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail, Monty Python’s Spamalot features a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight.
Based on the Tony Award winning direction of Mike Nichols and the riotous choreography of Casey Nicholaw, Monty Python’s Spamalot features a book by Eric Idle, based on the screenplay of Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Monty Python creators Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, with music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez.
Monty Python’s Spamalot is produced by Stephen B. Kane, Michael McFadden and Phoenix Entertainment.

Tickets to see Spamalot may be purchased online at www.BroadwayLA.org or by phone at 1-800-982-2787. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Pantages Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. The Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, just east of Vine Street, and the box office opens daily at 10am.The performance schedule for Monty Python’s Spamalot is Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm. Monty Python’s Spamalot has a running time of 2 hours including intermission and is recommended for ages 12 and up. (Please note that in consideration of audiences, no one under 5 will be admitted to the theatre.)Orchestra level tickets for Monty Python’s Spamalot start at just $25. Prices are subject to change without notice.For more information on Monty Python’s Spamalot, please visit www.MontyPythonsSpamalot.com.For tickets or more information about Monty Python’s SPAMALOT’s Los Angeles engagement, please visit the Pantages Theatre’s official website, www.BroadwayLA.org.

Family Resorts and Theme Parks

Leap Year 2012 Calls for ‘One More Disney Day’ as Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resorts turn Feb. 29 into 24 hours of nonstop theme park magic

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Los Angeles Life and Style Resort News

Historic Bi-Coastal Day for Disney Parks

Anaheim, Calif. and Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Jan. 1, 2012) – Disney Parks guests can get the most out of February 29 when Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California celebrate Leap Year by keeping a theme park on each coast open for 24 hours of nonstop memory-making fun.

For the first time ever, both the Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park will stay open for 24 hours straight as part of a bi-coastal salute called “One More Disney Day.” From 6 a.m., February 29 to 6 a.m., March 1, 2012, local time, guests can fill the extra day of leap

For the first time ever, both the Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park will stay open for 24 hours straight as part of a bi-coastal salute called “One More Disney Day.” From 6 a.m., February 29 to 6 a.m., March 1, 2012, local time, guests can fill the extra day of leap year with a marathon of Disney magic and fun.

year with a marathon of Disney magic and fun.* And for 60 days straight – from Jan. 1, 2012 to Feb. 29, 2012 – a daily winner will be chosen in the “Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes” to receive a Disney Parks vacation.  One entrant each day will win a vacation for four to make memories at either Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.**

For the past year, Disney Parks has invited guests to “let the memories begin,” noted Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

“We’re honored that so many guests have shared their Disney memories with us as part of ‘Let the Memories Begin’, and I’m pleased to announce that the campaign will continue throughout 2012,” Staggs said. “To celebrate, for the first time ever, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Parks will remain open for 24 hours on Leap Day, so that our guests can take advantage of every minute of their extra day to make memories with friends and family.”

In addition to the extra time, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California will feature a special offer:

  • Guests get one more day and night of memory making, free when they buy a 3-night/3-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Co. room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort hotels.  The package offer is good for arrivals most nights Feb. 26 – March 10, 2012 and must be booked by Jan. 31, 2012. ***

In 2011, Disney Parks has encouraged families to “Let the Memories Begin,” with guests celebrating their only-at-Disney memories by sharing their vacation stories, photos and videos online at DisneyParks.com/memories.

Guests can find out more information about other Disneyland Resort offers and tickets at www.disneyland.com and other Walt Disney World Resort hotel and ticket offers at www.disneyworld.com. Guests can find out more information about “One More Disney Day” and get official rules for the “Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes” atwww.OneMoreDisneyDay.com.

 

*Select attractions, entertainment and services will be available for 24 hours. Subject to capacity restrictions.  Valid theme park admission required.

** NO PURCHASE/ TEXT MESSAGE NECESSARY.  Void where prohibited.  Open only to persons who are, as of Entry, legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S., D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) and who are not Minors.  Sweepstakes starts 12:01 AM (EST) on 1/1/12 and ends 11:59:59 PM (EST) on 2/29/12.  To enter, send on your cell phone the key word “DISNEYDAY” as an SMS text message to the SMS shortcode 347639 (Disney).  Msg. & data rates may apply. Or to enter for free and for Official Rules, visit Disney.com/memoriessweeps.  If entering via SMS you will receive a confirmation text in response to your entry.  LIMIT: ONE ENTRY ALLOWED PER PERSON/Cell/Address for each day.  Sponsor:  Disney Online 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521.

Health and Beauty

Love and Health: Enjoy life and take time to take care of yourself.

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Love and good health go hand in hand.

Los Angeles Life and Style Health News

Loving Yourself – A Missing Link to Health

Why is self-love an important missing link for wellness and disease prevention – Most of us live our days in search of love or loving others, including children, partners, family, friends, and pets. We know from a great deal of scientific research, as well as our inner wisdom, that love is essential for good health and that the happiness love brings is healing. People who are in a committed relationship are happier and healthier than people who are not. Those who are integrated into a community for example, a faith community or a big extended family are healthier and happier than those who are not. We seek relationships with a partner and with a community because it is what makes us feel meaning and happiness. Still, there is a missing piece for many of us: all too often, we forget to love ourselves. Looking outward, we often see others as somehow more deserving of love; more innocent, less flawed. Our self-critical inner voices tell us that we are less deserving.

One reason that a child is easy to love is because he or she hasn’t yet realized that they are not the most important person in the world. Children naturally possess the gift of self-love. From that heart-centered place, they can love others unconditionally and passionately. This ability is quickly lost in a culture that instills a sense of lack, of needing material goods, achievements, or other people to complete us to make us worthy of self-love. For so many of us, self-love isn’t even on our radar. We’re just trying to get through the days and to fulfill our responsibilities. But in the end, if we do not turn enough love in on ourselves, we become stingy with the love we give to others. We end up having relationship problems and our health may suffer. Eventually, it becomes necessary to take the time to appreciate, nurture, and care for ourselves just as we do for others in our lives. This is not something that is easy or instantly gratifying. It requires slowing down, finding balance, and basking in one’s own healing presence. Self-love is so different from loving others that the use of the same word for both can be confusing. It is also radically different from the love we crave and expect from others. Each type of love involves different feelings and different results. Loving yourself requires that you accept that you are not a machine, and that you are imperfect. As you focus love in on yourself, unexpected things might happen: you might hurt or feel broken; you might cry or show other emotions that your rational side does not think are acceptable. You might even scream, speak your mind, be angry, and laugh out loud. You may find yourself releasing that innocent child out that got trapped inside when being told to grow up. As you practice self-love, you will find yourself able to love others more deeply, allowing you to find that ‘true love’ most of us desire.

http://www.healingedge.net/store/hl_v2_i1.html#age

 

 

Los Angeles Life and Style

Still Time to see ‘Wicked’ at the Pantages in Hollywood

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Hollywood, Calif. – There’s still time to see WICKED at the

Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, now through Jan 29, 2012. Call 800-982-ARTS (2787) for tickets now.
http://www.broadwayla.org/production/show.info.asp?ID=1
The company of WICKED will also include native Los Angeles residents Lauren Boyd, Napoleon W. Gladney, Brenda Hamilton, Alli McGinnis and Kevin McMahon.
Rounding out the company are Megan Campanile, Antonette Cohen, Rick Desloge, Melanie Field, Luis Augusto Figueroa, Timothy A. Fitz-Gerald, Renee Lawless-Orsini, Philip Dean Lightstone, Marissa Lupp, Michael Mahany, Sterling Masters, Christopher Russo, Adea Michelle Sessoms, Carla Stickler, Brandon Tyler, Shanna VanDerwerker, Nicky Venditti and Mikey Winslow.

Back by “Popular” demand. Los Angeles’ most “popular” musical flies back to the Pantages Theatre for the holiday season after a record-breaking two-year run. Called “a phenomenon that keeps growing” by The Los Angeles Times and “the defining musical of the decade” by The New York Times, WICKED tells the story of two girls who meet in the land of Oz. One – born with emerald green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “America’s must-see musical”. (Orange County Register )

Running Time: 2 hrs 45 mins (including intermission)
Parent Advisory: Recommended for 8 & up; no one under 5 admitted to the theatre.