14th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards To Air On The Univision Network Will Heat Up Las Vegas Nov. 21

Latin Music’s Hottest Night to Broadcast Live on the Univision Network from Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Nomination for this Year’s Awards will be Announced from Los Angeles on Sept. 25, 2013.

MIAMI (April 22, 2013) — The 14th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards^® will take place inside Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, and will air live in the United States on the Univision Network  from 8–11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central). This marks the sixth time that Latin music’s most prestigious awards telecast will take place in Las Vegas. Nominations for the 14th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will be announced Wednesday, Sept. 25 at a live press conference in Los Angeles. For updates and breaking news, please visit The Latin Recording Academy^®‘s social networks on Twitter and Facebook.


“We are thrilled and excited to return to Las Vegas, a second home for us, and provide not only our viewers but our nominees, friends and guests an unforgettable musical experience,” said Gabriel Abaroa, Jr. President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Following the successes we have achieved we are proud to yet again work with the teams at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Mandalay Bay Events Center, our MGM Resorts partners, and Univision to showcase some of the most talented Latin musicians today and deliver another show-stopping Latin GRAMMY^® telecast.”

Since the annual Latin GRAMMY telecast debuted entirely in Spanish on Univision in 2005, the show has consistently earned significant ratings year after year in the United States and around the world. In fact, the Latin GRAMMYs have become one of Univision’s most watched and highest rated shows, as well as delivering strong social media results thanks to its high regard among Hispanics.

Additionally, the Road To The Latin GRAMMYs — a month-long series of cultural events culminating with the hottest night in Latin music — begins with the Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions and Latin GRAMMY Street Parties taking place in several cities across the United States and in Colombia and Mexico City, as well as the Special Awards Presentation, and the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year tribute gala.

The Latin Recording Academy is an International, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit www.latingrammy.com.

Source: The Latin Recording Academy

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David Letterman To be Honored at “The 35th Annual Kennedy Center Honors” to Air on Wednesday, December 26 on CBS

Caroline Kennedy Hosts For The 10th Consecutive Year.

Performers and Presenters Include Alec Baldwin, Jeff Beck, Jack Black, Jason Bonham, Tracy Chapman, Gary Clark, Jr., Alina Cojocaru, Billy Connolly, Angel Corella, Robert De Niro, Tina Fey, Foo Fighters, Morgan Freeman, Marcelo Gomes, David Hallberg, Beth Hart, Judith Jamison, Julie Kent, Kid Rock, Jimmy Kimmel, Lenny Kravitz, Laura Osnes, Veronika Part, Tiler Peck, Grace Ann Pierce, Bonnie Raitt, Ray Romano, Liev Schreiber, Jimmie Vaughan, Naomi Watts, Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson

President and Mrs. Barack Obama Attend Gala Alongside Honorees.

Eminent artists, friends and peers of this year’s seven honorees converged in Washington, D.C., last night (Dec. 2) to present entertaining and heartfelt tributes at THE 35TH ANNUAL KENNEDY CENTER HONORS, an entertainment special to be broadcast Wednesday, Dec. 26 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, with Caroline Kennedy as host for the 10th consecutive year.

The annual event recognizes recipients for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts in dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures and television.  Keeping with tradition, the roster of performers and presenters remained secret prior to the gala and a short biographical film was featured during each honoree’s tribute.

Performers and presenters included Alec Baldwin, Jeff Beck, Jack Black, Jason Bonham, Tracy Chapman, Gary Clark, Jr., Alina Cojocaru, Billy Connolly, Angel Corella, Robert De Niro, Tina Fey, Foo Fighters, Morgan Freeman, Marcelo Gomes, David Hallberg, Beth Hart, Judith Jamison, Julie Kent, Kid Rock, Jimmy Kimmel, Lenny Kravitz, Laura Osnes, Veronika Part, Tiler Peck, Grace Ann Pierce, Bonnie Raitt, Ray Romano, Liev Schreiber, Jimmie Vaughan, Naomi Watts, Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson.

President and Mrs. Barack Obama were seated with the honorees in the Presidential Box of the Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, after hosting the traditional White House reception for the honorees.

(Please click on the photos to view regular size)

Host Caroline Kennedy opened the festivities by quoting poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said, “Congratulate yourselves if you have done something strange and extravagant and broken the monotony of a decorous age.” Kennedy then said, “Tonight we salute Honorees who, through their artistry and daring, have banished monotony and provided extravagant pleasure and joy to audiences the world over. On the signature wall behind me are the names of those who have gone before. To this splendid company we now add our Class of 2012.”

She continued, “With primal sounds at once beautiful and dangerous, these English lads built a band that gave new dimension to rock, and earned from an admiring world a ‘Whole Lotta Love’; a tall drink of water from Indiana who aspired to be Johnny, and earned a late night throne for a guy named Dave; a Louisiana sharecropper’s son who made his way to ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ and became America’s champion of the blues; a lithe beauty from St. Petersburg whose passion and elegance filled movement with meaning, giving new excitement to the words ‘Prima Ballerina’; as a ‘Graduate,’ a ‘Midnight Cowboy,’ a ‘Little Big Man,’ a ‘Rain Man’ and even as a ‘Tootsie,’ this actor redefined the movies’ idea of a leading man.  These are our 2012 Kennedy Center Honorees.”

Academy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actor and 2009 Kennedy Center Honoree Robert De Niro began the tribute to his longtime friend, multiple Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, stating, “Dustin Hoffman is a world-class, spectacular, colossal… pain in the ass. Before Dustin burst on the scene, it was pretty much okay for movie stars to show up, read their lines, and, if the director insisted, act a little. It worked. There were good movies and good performances; everyone was happy. Then Dustin came along and ‘just had to get everything right.’ He made a statement that what the actor does is important… and it was inspiring. It inspired me. It inspired me to become a pain in the ass, too. Suddenly, we all ‘just had to get everything right.’”

De Niro continued, “What Dustin did – for all of us – was to make it okay to be a character actor and a movie star. He broke the mold of the movie star as the handsome leading man. Frankly, I would have preferred to make it as a handsome leading man. Damn you, Dustin Hoffman! …Dustin is one of the best character actors, best movie stars, best leading men to ever hit the stage or screen. That’s good news for all of us, even if it depresses the hell out of him. Dustin, you make me proud to be an actor. And I’m proud to call you my friend.”

Scottish comedian, musician and actor Billy Connolly, who starred in Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut, “Quartet,” continued Hoffman’s tribute. “In ‘Tootsie,’ Dustin Hoffman played a driven, meticulous actor. It is said that in looking for inspiration for that character, Dustin found it in… Dustin Hoffman. Dustin persuaded director Sidney Pollack to let him stage an improvised acting class taught by his character. In the scene, the perennially out-of-work actor conducts an acting class for other perennially out-of-work actors.”

Tony Award-winning, Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actor Liev Schreiber, along with his wife, Academy Award-nominated actress Naomi Watts, then continued the tribute. Said Shreiber, “When Dustin and I first met on the set of Barry Levinson’s ‘Sphere’ nearly 15 years ago, he told me that I had a big head. He went on to qualify this remark by saying ‘It’s a good thing… if only your nose weren’t so large as well.’ Really, Dustin? …Watching Dustin, I saw what acting could be. At its best. I’d never seen anyone create characters like that before – so incredibly life-like and detailed, yet still, somehow… something more than real. I had to do that. I had to act like Dustin Hoffman. Not just me. All of us. You… and Ratso Rizzo… and all those other dirty movies you made, redefined acting for a new generation… so thank you, Dustin. I love you very much.”

Watts continued, “About 15 years ago, I got a call. I was invited to meet Dustin Hoffman for a film he was directing. I was not allowed to read the script in advance, so I felt completely unprepared to meet the master. The man I grew up watching, the giant, the real deal. I had a 30-minute slot, I was there for five hours. But that’s Dustin. For the first hour all I did was worry – what did he want? What was the movie about? Was I right for the character? Would my car get towed? Finally, I settled down and quickly realized this was a rare and extraordinary opportunity. I read some scenes – as he hovered over me with his smoky voice and laser instincts… What I learned in those few hours with Dustin was more valuable to me than a lifetime of acting classes. In a sense, it was the most important audition of my life.” The tribute then concluded with Tony-nominated singer Laura Osnes singing a special rendition of the classic song, “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Your Face.”

Emmy Award-winning dancer and choreographer and 1999 Kennedy Center Honoree Judith Jamison, the Artistic Director for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, paid tribute to the Russian-born, Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated prima ballerina Natalia Makarova, who performed with Jamison in the American Ballet Theatre. Jamison began, “‘I responded to destiny.’ That’s what Natalia Makarova said in London just before her 30th birthday. She was touring with Russia’s fabulous Kirov Ballet. She knew she needed new choreography to fulfill her promise as a dancer, so she made the brave decision to make a new life in the West, wondering how she would survive without her home and her language. On that day, Natalia Makarova started a journey that would introduce her to America, where she would thrill audiences and enhance and enrich the American Ballet Theatre. Banners would hang from the balconies of the Metropolitan Opera House saying, ‘We Love You Natalia.’ As a colleague and a great admirer, I’m so delighted that we honor her tonight.”

Jamison continued, “Natalia is a rare story of life coming full circle. Twenty years after she made her painful decision to leave her native land, she returned to a changing Leningrad and to her beloved Kirov Theater, where she had studied and had become a star.  There, at the Kirov, she gave her farewell performance, dancing on the stage where it had all begun for her – then taking curtain calls to thunderous cheers and cascades of flowers.  Natalia, your passion and your artistry are loved around the world. On behalf of dancers everywhere, I salute you!” Jamison then introduced a beautiful dance tribute to Makarova, beginning with young dancer Grace Ann Pierce, from the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, dancing to the Chopin Prelude in A Major, Op. 28 No. 7. This was followed by New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck, performing to Waltz, Op. 64, No. 3. Then, Royal Ballet of London principal dancer Alina Cojocaru and Angel Corella, the Artistic Director and principal dancer of the Barcelona Ballet, presented a pas de deux from the ballet “Giselle.” Then, American Ballet Theatre principal dancers David Hallberg and Julie Kent continued the tribute with a moving rendition of the balcony pas de deux from the ballet, “Romeo and Juliet.” Finally, the dancing concluded with an awe-inspiring rendition of “Black Swan,” performed by American Ballet Theatre principal dancers Marcelo Gomes and Veronika Part.

Academy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman paid tribute to multiple Grammy Award-winning American blues guitarist and jazz singer Buddy Guy, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, stating, “I first heard the blues sitting on my grandmother’s porch in Mississippi – we called it “gut bucket music. You mastered the soul of that gutbucket music and used that as your starting point. You found a new music in it that no one had ever seen before. And without the Internet, without YouTube, without even FM radio, you went viral. You went viral, Buddy Guy. And you made a bridge from roots to rock and roll.” Freeman continued, “But there’s Buddy.  Sitting up there with the best – a pioneer, a Queen, a King and a President – the best rock and roll band, a pioneer of acting, a queen of dance, king of late night and the President of the United States.  So when you hear the blues, you don’t know if it’s white, black, yellow, purple or blue. Buddy Guy, your blues brought us together. Now that’s something to sing about.”

The tribute to Buddy Guy commenced with a performance by the Rob Mathes Band of “Every Day I Have the Blues,” which was quickly followed by a medley of “Things I Used to Do,” “I’m Ready” and “Hoochie Coochie Man,” performed by multiple Grammy Award-winning guitarist and singer Jimmie Vaughan, along with American guitarist Gary Clark, Jr. Next, multiple Grammy Award winner Tracy Chapman took the stage to perform “Hound Dog,” followed by “I’d Rather Go Blind,” performed by multiple Grammy Award winner Jeff Beck and American jazz and blues singer Beth Hart. The tribute concluded with an upbeat medley of “My Time After a While” and “Sweet Home Chicago,” led by multiple Grammy Award-winning musician Bonnie Raitt.

Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress and comedienne Tina Fey took the stage to talk about multiple Emmy Award winner David Letterman, remarking, “Mr. David Letterman, as I call him out of respect and fear, has unknowingly been a family friend of mine since I was 10 years old. My mom Jeanne and I spent every weekday morning of the summer of 1980 watching ‘The David Letterman Show.’ While some kids went canoeing and learned sailor knots at camp, I spent that summer drinking Pathmark instant iced tea and watching my mom laugh at Dave. I can’t tell you how happy the show made her. It was like she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. There was actually a daytime show that made her laugh. Amid a sea of saccharine talk shows and idiotic soap operas was this weirdly floating gem. Was this Dave Letterman guy a brilliant, subtle, passive-aggressive parody of a talk show host? Or just a Midwestern goon who was a little bit “off?” Well, here we are, 32 years later, and time has proven… that there’s really no way of knowing.”

Fey continued, “Dave is someone you watch not just because you like him, but also because you hope that he would like you. You think to yourself, ‘Dave would like me. He’d be able to tell that I ‘get it.’ But it really is a crapshoot, because one of the most entertaining things about ‘Late Night’ and ‘The Late Show’ is that Mr. Letterman doesn’t fake-like everyone. In fact, you could argue that Mr. Letterman is at his best when he’s interviewing someone whom, maybe, he doesn’t like at all. Whether it’s calling Bill O’Reilly a bonehead, or asking Paris Hilton about eating hard-boiled eggs in jail…or just sitting back and letting Madonna be a high-status dumb-dumb. David Letterman is the professor emeritus at the ‘Here’s Some More Rope’ Institute. Weirdly or not weirdly, Mr. Letterman is the closest thing we have to a present-day Walter Cronkite. His honesty and intelligence have shepherded us through national crises. Our concern for his health has been a national worry. Our imaginary friendship with him has been going on now for 32 years. Tonight, we declare it officially: my mom was right, David Letterman is an American treasure, like the Grand Canyon, or the Chicago skyline, or the top two Kardashians.”

Next, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Alec Baldwin said, “Watching the ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ is like being on a roller coaster. It’s exhilarating. It’s also dangerous, scary, and makes you sweat… and that’s just the viewers. Imagine what it’s like for those of us who are guests of the show. Dave’s so clever, witty and powerful… how can you keep up with him? Why do we do it, then? Besides being artists with all the attendant self-loathing masochism, there’s that movie or book or TV show we’re promoting. Second, it’s David Letterman! It’s like the Kennedy Center Honors of late night TV. There’s just no one better than Dave. There’s never been anyone better. You just have to be around the guy. We know he has fun at our expense. We wanted to cook something up to turn the tables on him. Something that would get him out of his comfort zone. Something that would make him squirm… something he’d hate. So tonight we’re giving him the Kennedy Center Honor. It’s perfect. First, Dave, who can barely stand traveling from his home to the studio, will have to travel all the way from New York City to Washington, D.C. – a journey of over 200 miles in a private jet! Have him sit in a box and watch artists perform for two full hours! Put him in a big room full of people he doesn’t know. Don’t let him say anything! Make him wear a tux! With plain old black socks!” Then, Baldwin proceeded to present the hilarious list of “Top Ten Reasons That David Letterman Is Getting A Kennedy Center Honor.”

Emmy Award-winning comedian Jimmy Kimmel next spoke of Letterman as one of his idols. “When I turned 16, I blew out the candles on a “Late Night with David Letterman” cake; my first car had a L8NITE vanity plate; I drew pictures of Dave on the cover of all of my textbooks; I started a ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ club in high school… to me, it wasn’t just a TV show. …I don’t remember the first time I watched Dave’s show, but I do remember the feeling I got when I found it. It was as if someone was doing a show specifically for me. I had never seen anything like it. Dave was funny in a way I’d never seen anyone be funny before. I stayed up until 1:30 AM every single night to watch him. I wanted to be David Letterman. All my friends wanted to be David Letterman. Ironically, the only person who didn’t want to be David Letterman – is David Letterman. And that’s a shame because you, Dave, are the funniest, the smartest, the weirdest, the coolest, the best one ever. Not only did I learn how to do… everything from Dave – the reason I have a show of my own is because the executives at ABC saw me when I was a guest on his show.”

Multiple Emmy Award winner and Golden Globe-nominated actor and comedian Ray Romano, who got his start as a comedian and actor through the help of David Letterman, said, “Being on Letterman was like winning the World Series. If you wanna win the World Series, do you quit if you lose the first game? No. You’re down one game to zero you don’t quit, you keep going. Do you quit when you’re down 1-0 in debates? No. You keep going and you become the President of the United States,” gesturing to President Obama. He then continued, “I remember the next morning, I was in my house with my wife in Queens, and I sat there at the breakfast table and I was like, ‘That was… awesome. What do I do now?’ …I sometimes wonder where I would be if I hadn’t been on David Letterman’s show. I would still be doing stand-up, because it’s what I love. I’m sure I’d be on the road working. Every now and then I’d have to do Kimmel. It would be okay, I guess. But I know one thing; I’d still be trying to get on. I wouldn’t give up. And that’s what somebody as good as Dave does. In any profession, you need someone like Dave to make you want to be better.”

Next, Golden Globe-nominated actor Jack Black introduced the tribute to multiple Grammy Award-winning, legendary rock band Led Zeppelin, saying, “Led Zeppelin… the greatest rock and roll band of all time… yeah, I said it. Better than the Beatles. Better than the Stones… even better than Tenacious D. That’s not opinion… that’s fact. If you don’t agree with me, it’s because you never did the Zeppelin marathon. That’s when you sit your ass down and listen to all nine Zepp albums in a row… What makes them so special is the contrast of power and beauty. Heavenly melodies intermingled with hellish rifts of thunder.  The first time I heard Zepp was in high school. My body was changing and my mind was opening to new possibilities when Derek Skanky made me a mix tape of his favorite Zepp jams. They quickly became my favorite band. Throughout the years, I’ve explored all kinds of genres and styles… but it’s always come back to the Zepp.”

Black continued, “Sometimes I worry that they might’ve been the last great chapter in rock. Who will pick up the torch and lead a new generation into heavy metal Valhalla? Sadly, no living rockers possess the alchemy and black magic required for such a task… Until then, we have the blessed gift of Led Zeppelin’s box set to lift our spirits and soothe our souls. They say that Led Zeppelin sold their souls to Satan… come on guys, you know you did. There is no other way to explain your ungodly talent. I just want to say thank you… because while you suffer in the burning pit of Hell, the human race will cherish your heavenly jams till the end of time. A small price to pay. We love you. Best band ever.”

The tribute to Led Zeppelin commenced with an exciting performance of “Moby Dick” by the Rob Mathes Band. Next, multiple Grammy Award winner Lenny Kravitz performed “Whole Lotta Love,” followed by a medley of “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” and “Ramble On,” sung by five-time Grammy Award nominee Kid Rock. Then, multiple Grammy Award-winning rock band Foo Fighters took the stage to perform “Black Dog” and “Rock and Roll.” Finally, Jason Bonham, the son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, along with Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson from the rock band Heart, rocked the house with an amazing performance of “Stairway to Heaven” that brought the evening to its rousing conclusion.

THE 35TH ANNUAL KENNEDY CENTER HONORS is a production of the Kennedy Center.  George Stevens, Jr. produced and co-wrote the Honors for the 35thyear. Stevens and his Honors producing partner Michael Stevens received four consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety, Musical or Comedy Special. The KENNEDY CENTER HONORS telecast has also been recognized with the Peabody Award for Outstanding Meritorious Service to Broadcasting and seven awards from the Writers Guild of America.  Nick Vanoff was co-creator of the Honors with George Stevens in 1978.

About David Letterman:
David Michael Letterman (born April 12, 1947) is an American television host and comedian.^[1] He hosts the late night television talk show, Late Show with David Letterman, broadcast on CBS. Letterman has been a fixture on late night television since the 1982 debut ofLate Night with David Letterman on NBC. Letterman recently surpassed friend and mentorJohnny Carson for having the longest late-night hosting career in the United States of America.^[4]

Letterman is also a television and film producer. His company Worldwide Pants produces his show as well as its network follow-up The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Worldwide Pants has also produced several prime-time comedies, the most successful of which wasEverybody Loves Raymond, currently in syndication.

In 1996, David Letterman was ranked #45 on TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.^[5]

Photos credit to: Natalia Makarova,  Soren Solkaer Starbird; Paul Natkin; John Paul Filo,  Jeffrey R. Staab/CBS ©2012 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Sources: Wikipedia, CBS Broadcasting, CBS Express

SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute Grand Re Opening Ceremony in Van Nuys, CA.

By JR, Special For Diversity News Magazine.

On Saturday, February 4, 2012, the San Fernando Valley of the SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute held an open house for it’s grand re-opening, red carpet and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Located at 14545 Friar Street in Van Nuys, CA, and held from 2:00 -5:00pm, the stellar event included delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails with an open bar and violinist Krissy Staykova, who played through out the first hour while guests socialized. Master of Ceremonies Noel S.V. Omega said “It’s always a pleasure to support the Southmain Rejuvenation Institute, they do so much for the community.”

Louella D. Eischen, certified Aesthetic Consultant, Aesthetic Director and Operations Director for the Institute explained, “Mastery of the art and science of medical aesthetics is always what we aim for.” She continued, “and excellence in customer service and quality care is our top priority.”

A public prayer and blessing was officiated by Father Ramon Pedro, who also gave a private candlelight blessing in the offices upstairs, distributing holy water through out, after the ribbon was cut. Dr. Apolinar Tiongson and Louella D. Eischen received certificates of recognition from The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA and from the office of Tony Cardenas, Councilman, Sixth District, City of Los Angeles.

There were speeches and special performances by Kristine Remigio, a retired Broadway star from the show Miss Saigon, child vocalist ‘Anya’ aka Razel Zapanta, and singer/songwriter Leizl.

“SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute (SRI) Grand Opening event was a huge success. There were a lot of attendees. The receiving area was full of people. The red carpet was covered by a lot of media and professional photographers. All the guests were entertained with singers, and a violinist.

The guests were served with great tasting hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and beverages. Most of the guests went home happy with their free treatments raffle prize give aways. Louella Eischen, Aesthetic Director and Dr. Apolinar Tiongson of SRI were very happy and pleased of the turn out of their Grand Opening.” said  Mary Ann R. Omega, Vice President of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles.

They had door prizes and raffle items which included Laser Rejuvenation sessions, Neuromodulators (e.g. Botox, Dysport), Dermal Fillers such as Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm, Microdermabrasion, Flaxel Sessions, Laser Hair Removal, Weight Loss Sessions and many other items. All of the visiting guests were treated generously by being given a future free laser facial session.


Some of the attendees seen on the red carpet were Dr. Apolinar Tiongson (Medical Director of SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute), Louella D. Eischen (Director of Operations of SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute), Chef Franco de Dominicis (Former Head Chef at the Biltmore-Los Angeles), Father Ramon Pedro, Fawn (Billboard top 10 singer/songwriter), John Palisano (Book author of ‘Nerves’), Liezl (Singer/songwriter), Kristine Remigio (Retired Broadway star from Ms. Saigon, Krissy Staykova (Violinist), Noel S.V. Omega (Master of Ceremonies), Mary Ann Omega (Vice-President Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA), Patty McCall (Book author Unmasking the Pain Within & Founder P.A.I.N. (Prevention Awareness In Neighborhoods), Jemela A. Nettles (Attorney), Leo Maranan (Chamber Founding Member – Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA), Rodel Lumanog (President of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA), Mary Joy Ramirez (Vice Consul of the Philippine Consulate), Greta Kiley (Patient), Mercedes Palabrica (Patient), Lorna Guiting (Patient), Binky Pagal (SouthMain Staff Nurse), Liza Ramona Deocampo (SouthMain Staff Nurse), Jennifer Japitana (SouthMain Staff Nurse), Jackie Lee (Long time patient), Minette Arriergado (Patient), Joji Sorongon (Patient), Roy & Vangie Taberrah and Ramon Porras (Patient).

The event media, marketing and public relations was handle by World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations in association with Diversity News Publications.

About SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute (SRI):
SouthMain Rejuvenation Institute specializes in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Serving the community since 1999 , SRI main office is in Milpitas, California and has offices in Los Angeles (est. 2008), and San Francisco (est. 2000). All three offices in Milpitas, San Francisco and Los Angeles Offices are all staffed with highly qualified registered nurses and physician providers and equipped with advanced lasers and instruments in order to consistently render quality care. For more information please visit http://www.southmainrejuvenation.com or call (888) 678-SKIN (7546).

About Apolinar Tiongson, M.D.:
Apolinar Tiongson, M.D. is a licensed physician in the State of California. Dr. Tiongson received his medical degree from Southwestern University in Cebu City, Philippines in 1990, completed internship in internal medicine at the New York University Medical Center-Deparment of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 1994 and residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at the New York Medical College-Metropolitan Hospital Center. After residency, he pursued independent training in aesthetic medicine and all his continuing medical education is exclusively focused on cosmetic dermatology and medical aesthetics. Through the years, he has accumulated intensive specialized training in non-surgical aesthetic procedures including Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers, chemical peels, medical lasers for skin resurfacing, acne treatment and hair removal, radio frequency skin treatments, among others. Since 1999, Dr.Tiongson has personally performed more than 60,000 laser procedures, over 3,000 botox treatments, and almost 1000 injectible dermal filler procedures. Dr. Tiongson as a scientist developed the proven clinicallly-effective APOLINAR skincare line.

Sources: Diversity News Publications, Examiner.com, World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations

Photos credit to: Bob Delgadillo Photography, Tzuming Sun and Diversity News Publications.

Editor’s Note: Esteban Steven Escobar contributed to this story. Also we want to congratulate and wish the best with their business to Dr. Apolinar Tiongson and Louella D. Eischen.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s full “I Have a Dream” Speech as delivered on Aug. 28, 1963

“I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.” But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating “For Whites Only”. We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new meaning, “My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.”

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

About Martin Luther King, Jr.:
Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.^[1] He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.^[2] King has become a national icon in the history of modern American liberalism.^[3]

A Baptist minister, King became a civil rights activist early in his career.^[4] He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, serving as its first president. King’s efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. There, he expanded American values to include the vision of a color blind society, and established his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history.

In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means. By the time of his death in 1968, he had refocused his efforts on ending poverty and stopping the Vietnam War.

King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and Congressional Gold Medal in 2004; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. federal holiday in 1986.

Sources: Wikipedia, http://www.ibtimes.com
Photo credit to: Wikipedia & Graphic credit to: Google.com

Marie Osmond named Grand Marshal of 80th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys For Tots

On Monday, November 14, 2011 Hollywood’s Santa Parade LLC announced that Television/Film Star and Grammy Award Nominated Recording Artist, MARIE OSMOND (“Paper Roses,” “Donnie & Marie Show,” “Dancing With The Stars,” Children’s Miracle Network) will reign as the Grand Marshal of the historic 80^th Anniversary Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys for Tots, to be presented by The City of Los Angeles and Associated Television International, and produced by Hollywood’s Santa Parade LLC live in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.

“I know the song is ‘Hooray for Hollywood,’ but, personally, I’m cheering about being invited to be the Grand Marshal of this year’s Hollywood Christmas Parade.  I always get in the holiday spirit as soon as the Halloween décor is put away, so I will be in full Christmas celebration-mode by November 27th.  See you on the Boulevard.” said Marie Osmond.

Erik Estrada (“World’s Funniest Moments,” “CHiPS”) and Laura McKenzie (“World’s Funniest Moments,” “Laura McKenzie’s Traveler”) will serve as Broadcast Hosts of the parade and Dean Cain (“Lois & Clark:  The New Adventures of Superman,” “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!”) will serve as Host of the music portion of the nationally televised special of the parade airing on the Hallmark Channel on Monday, December 12, 2011 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time/Pacific Standard Time) and 5:00 p.m. (Central Time).

“This year will mark a historic moment for The Hollywood Christmas Parade.  We plan to pull out all the stops this year and celebrate big time.  We anticipate attendance at this year’s parade to set the all time record.  It will be one of the most momentous occasions in the parade’s 80 year history.” said Bill Lomas, producer of the live parade and president of Hollywood’s Santa Parade LLC.

The parade is then scheduled to air on additional days and times throughout the holiday season on the Hallmark Channel, the Hallmark Movie Channel and in syndication across the country.  For exact air dates and times, please check local television listings and visit the website, www.hollywoodchristmasparade2011.com.

The 80^th Anniversary Hollywood Christmas Parade Participants Will Include:

Bands:  Agua Fria High School Marching Band (Avondale, AZ) and Verrado High School Marching Band (Buckeye, AZ); Banning High School Mighty Marching Pilots (Wilmington, CA); Beckman High School Band (Tustin, CA); Centennial High School Band (Corona, CA); Emerald Society Pipe Band (Los Angeles, CA); Gasden School District Band (San Luis, AZ); Lafayette Jefferson High School Band (Lafayette, IN); Long Beach Junior Concert Band (Long Beach, CA); Mayfair High School Band (Lakewood, CA); Porterville High School Band (Porterville, CA); Santa Ana Winds Youth Band (Orange County, CA); United States Marine Corps Band (San Diego, CA); Villa Park High School Band (Villa Park, CA); Walnut High School Band (Walnut, CA) and Yorba Linda High School Band (Yorba Linda, CA).

Equestrians:  Broken Horn Ropers; Buffalo Soldiers; C-Star Riders; Mario’s Andalusians; Painted Ladies Drill Team; Rancho La Laguna; Realms of Ravens; Southern California Peruvian Horse Club and United States Marshal Posse.

Features:  American Chinese Cultural Association; Pacific American Volunteer Association and Wells Fargo Stagecoach.

Balloons:  Pirate and Treasure Chest (Galaxy Press); Astronaut; Flag; Cowboy; Dog; Elmo; Ginger Bread Kids; Kermit The Frog; Oscar The Grouch and Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. 

Character/Novelties:  Archibald Mouse; Cool Cat; Power Rangers (Saban Brands); Twin America; Sister Cities; Po from King Fu Panda 2 (Paramount Pictures).

Celebrity participants in the parade will soon be announced.

Grand Marshals, Celebrities and VIPs who have appeared in The Hollywood Christmas Parade during the last 80 years include:  Buzz Aldrin, Rosanne and Tom Arnold, Bob Barker, Michael Bolton, Beau Bridges, Kristin Chenoweth, David Copperfield, Tony Danza, Sammy Davis, Jr., Cecil B. DeMille, Peter Fonda, City of Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti, Louis Gossett, Jr., Johnny Grant, Kathy Griffin, David Hasselhoff, Charlton Heston, Bob and Delores Hope, Ron Howard, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Shirley Jones and Marty Ingels, Toby Keith, Larry King, Eartha Kitt, City of Los Angeles Councilmember Tom LaBonge, George Lopez, Susan Lucci, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Frankie Muniz, 98 Degrees, Edward James Olmos, Hayden Pantierre, Regis and Joy Philbin, Helen Reddy, Roy Rodgers and Dale Evans, Mickey and Jan Rooney, Antonio Sabato, Jr., Santa Claus, John Schneider, Arnold Schwarzenegger, William Shatner, Jimmy Stewart, The Simpsons, Ashley Tisdale, City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood and many others.

This year there are two great packages being offered.  The first is “Santa’s Package” which includes a ticket to Madame Tussauds Hollywood and the Grandstand Seat for $45 (a value of $60).  Or, the second option is to purchase a Grandstand Seat alone for $35 per ticket.

All seats are reserved at the time the order is placed.  There are no refunds or exchanges.  Group Discounts are available for groups of 25 or more.  All major credit cards are accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.  To order tickets, please call toll free at 1-866-PARADE1 (866-727-2331).

Parade Road Closures:

Saturday, November 26, 2011:

-          12:01 a.m. Saturday morning Hollywood Boulevard from Orange Street to Highland Avenue

-          Orange Street from Hollywood Boulevard South to the alley North of Hawthorne Street

-          Re-opening Monday, November 28, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.

-          Hollywood Boulevard from LaBrea Avenue to Orange Street 6:00 a.m.

Re-opening at 10:00 p.m.

-          Hawthorne Avenue, DeLongpre Avenue, Fountain Avenue from LaBrea Avenue to Highland Avenue at 1:00 p.m.  Re-opening at 9:00 p.m.

-          El Cerrito Place from Hollywood Boulevard to Franklin Avenue at 1:00 p.m.

Re-opening at 8:00 p.m.

-          Sycamore Street, Orange Street from Franklin Avenue to Fountain Avenue at

1:00 p.m.  Re-opening at 9:00 p.m.

-          Sunset Boulevard from LaBrea Avenue to Highland Avenue at 1:00 p.m.

Re-opening at 10:00 p.m.

-          East side of LaBrea Avenue from Hollywood Boulevard to Sunset Boulevard at 4:00 p.m.  Re-opening at 7:00 p.m.

-          Highland Avenue from Franklin Avenue to Santa Monica Boulevard at 4:00 p.m.  Re-opening at 9:00 p.m.

-          Hollywood Boulevard from Highland Avenue to Gower Street at 4:00 p.m.

Re-opening at 9:00 p.m.

-          Vine Street from Franklin Avenue to Santa Monica Boulevard at 4:00 p.m.

Re-opening 9:00 p.m.

-          Sunset Boulevard from Highland Avenue to Gower Street at 4:00 p.m.  Re-opening at 9:00 p.m.

-          Sunset Boulevard from Highland Avenue to LaBrea Avenue at 3:00 p.m.

Re-opening at 10:00 p.m.

Freeway Closures:  Hollywood Freeway, Highway 101

-          Northbound and Southbound off ramps from Cahuenga Boulevard and Highland Avenue will be closed at 3:00 p.m.  Re-opening at 10:00 p.m.

No Parking Posting:

-          On Thursday, November 24, 2011 posting will begin on those streets that will be designated NO PARKING for Saturday, November 26, 2011, Sunday, November 27, 2011 through Monday morning, November 28, 2011.

Sources: Steve Moyer Public Relations & Diversity News Publications
Photos credit to: Bill Livingston, Steve Moyer Public Relations & Hollywood’s Santa Parade LLC & last year Hollywood Christmas Parade 2010 slide photos are courtesy of Daniela Hubbard, Rodrigo Vaz, Gisele Reibeiro and Mark Valinksky.

This story post is brought to you and partial sponsored by: Diversity News TV on Blip TV (Click picture to visit channel)

Glee: The 3D Concert Movie – In Theaters Everywhere – August 12, 2011

GLEE, the multi-generational phenomenon that has inspired millions to embrace their inner-Gleek, will soon bring them together to experience the characters, music and magic  in a whole new way, via the immersive magic of a 3D motion picture theatrical event… GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE.

Twentieth Century Fox Film and Twentieth Century Fox Television have partnered with GLEE creator Ryan Murphy to produce GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE, a film of the blockbuster “Glee Live! In Concert!” North American tour.  Twentieth Century Fox will release the film – for a special limited two-week engagement — in theaters everywhere on August 12, 2011.

The film will enable fans – or, “Gleeks” — who were unable to obtain tickets to the sold-out shows, or who live in markets not included in the tour, or who just want to see it again, to enjoy the unique concert experience.  Additionally, the film’s on-stage performances are interwoven with intimate behind-the-scenes looks at favorite characters, as they’ve never been seen before.

“This tour was all about going out and performing for our amazing fans who have supported our show from the beginning, but due to the limited time we had to travel during our hiatus, there were only so many cities we could get to before we had to resume work on the television series,” commented Murphy. “We knew that not every fan who wanted to attend a concert would get that opportunity.  Now, thanks to our friends at Twentieth Century Fox Film, we’ll be able to bring the concert experience to movie theaters across the country in full three dimensional glory. We promise every passionate ‘Gleek’ a cinematic experience that will have them singing and dancing in the aisles.”

Adds Dante Di Loreto, who produces the film along with Ryan Murphy, and serves as an executive producer on the series: “This is a film the whole family can enjoy.  It’s a joyful musical experience.  We find that not only do our core fans love the concert, but people of every age and background who come to the show have a great time.”

3D provides yet another benefit, says Di Loreto.   “The format gives us a chance to provide a more intimate experience than sitting in an arena watching the live show, or watching it on television; it takes it to the next level.  With the film, fans will feel like they’re on the stage with the performers.  We felt that was an exciting opportunity to engage fans in a way not possible in another medium.”

Director Kevin Tancharoen (“Fame,” “Mortal Kombat: Legacy” series) elaborates:  “The 3D movie experience brings audiences closer to the characters they love – and to what these characters do best.”  Tancharoen also notes the importance of the backstage “narratives”:  “We’re taking audiences backstage, for an intimate, unscripted look at what the characters are experiencing before they go on stage.”

GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE will include live performances of some of the show’s most memorable musical numbers, including “I’m a Slave 4 U,” “Raise Your Glass,” “Teenage Dream,” and “Lucky,” as well as the original songs that became chart-toppers such as “Loser Like Me,” and of course, the show’s anthem, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”


The music from GLEE continues to be one of the driving forces behind this cultural phenomenon. To date the studio-recorded versions of the 23 songs appearing in GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE (Motion Picture Soundtrack) have sold nearly six million tracks. To date over 34 million GLEE songs have been digitally downloaded, with over 10 million albums sold worldwide. GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE (Motion Picture Soundtrack) is available now for pre-order at iTunes and Amazon and will be released August 9.

GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE was filmed over two days at the Glee Live! In Concert! events at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE  stars Dianna Agron (Quinn), Chris Colfer (Kurt), Darren Criss (Blaine), Kevin McHale (Artie), Lea Michele (Rachel), Cory Monteith (Finn), Heather Morris (Brittany), Amber Riley (Mercedes), Naya Rivera (Santana), Mark Salling (Puck), Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina), Harry Shum, Jr. (Mike), Chord Overstreet (Sam), Ashley Fink (Lauren) and members of “The Warblers” perform an all-new singing and dancing celebration of the show. For more information visit http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1922612/

Sources: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation & EPK.TV
Photos credit to: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation & EPK.TV

Over 250 Animals Right Activists Take Action To Make West Hollywood The First Fur Free City in the USA

On Saturday, January 29, 2011 over 250 animal rights activists and concerned citizens, young and old stood side by side in the Matthew Shephard Memorial Triangle Park on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Crescent Heights in West Hollywood, California to rally for a fur-free West Hollywood.



With this ground-breaking action, the City of West Hollywood could become the first completely fur free city in the United States, leading as an example for the rest of the world to follow. The progressive city of “WeHo” was the first town to pass an anti-declaw bill and all out ban on live pet sales in the nation. With WeHo referring to human companions of animals as “guardians” instead of the past term, “owners,” it’s no wonder that they would make this unprecedented move to have an entirely fur free environment. Award winning director and animal rights attorney Shannon Keith said “in 1989 West Hollywood signed a resolution to make an animal cruelty-free zone, and it can’t be an animal cruelty-free zone unless they stop the selling of fur.”


To help make this happen, John D’Amico has stepped up to the plate, supporting the fur free message in his campaign for West Hollywood City Council. He is going to focus on this legislation while in office and be a continual advocate for a fur free world. He said that “West Hollywood has the opportunity to once again be a leader for animal welfare by becoming the first fur-free city in the nation.” D’Amico continued, “We have pledged to be a place that is free of cruelty to animals and we can no longer support the barbaric fur trade by selling the products of that cruelty in our city.”

Ed Buck, one of the organizers of “Fur Free WeHo,” said “This campaign is not just about banning fur but promoting West Hollywood as the capital of fur-free fashion, especially in its boutique district that includes a Stella McCartney store, which already shuns furs.” Buck was instrumental in helping get the ordinance passed which bans the sale of puppy mill animals in pet stores.

The initiative would make West Hollywood the first fur-free community in the United States and possibly the world. Hit Recording Artist Fawn commented “West Hollywood has always been a city ahead of it’s time, and the time is NOW to stop killing helpless and loving animals for their fur. The vanity of the fashion industry is utter insanity. People who wear real fur and even some faux furs have blood on their hands.”

Fawn walked through the crowd and streets, turning heads and hearts with a stark reminder written on a double-sided sign, adorned over her stunning rescued white wolf dog Coda, which read “15 of me = 1 fur coat” and “My father died for your fur coat.” When resident Deanne Sire saw the sign, she said “I guess I never thought of my fur having been a living being and having had a dad.”

 

Actor Bill McNamara stated “Fur is definitely something we need to abolish, there is no reason that anybody today, in America needs to wear fur. It symbolized meanness of spirit. There is no other reason to wear it.”

New York Times Best Selling Author, Rory Freedman agreed with McNamera, sporting a shirt which read “Mean People Wear Fur.” Freedman explained, “Amongst other horrors, animals killed for their fur are subject to neck-breaking, strangulation, drowning, and anal or vaginal electrocution. Some are even skinned alive. All this so people with low self esteem can wear this shit and someone can make a few bucks selling it? Totally unacceptable and completely unnecessary.” She added, “I am thrilled that John D’Amico is making this issue his running platform and that West Hollywood can set a precedent for other cities to follow. Real change is not only possible, it’s imminent.”


Lords Of Acid vocalist Lacey Conner declared “The fur industry will never make itself humane and the only way to stop the fur industry is to make it go out of business.” She continue, “Don’t buy fur, if no one bought fur, the fur industry would go out of business and this mistreatment would not happen. I’m just asking people to please take a few minutes to to find out what is really going on.”


Film Producer Shannon Keith pointed out, “We have an election coming up on March 8th and it’s a great time to vote for the candidate that has a platform against fur. Once we get those candidates in place in city council, we will be able to move forward with this.”


“This is not about punishment or shame, it’s about really thinking creatively about how we live in the world and taking action and stopping the barbaric actions of harvesting fur, and really looking at who we are as individuals and as a people and West Hollywood is a great place for this to start.” Concluded Candidate John D’Amico.

To find out more go to www.ourWEHO.com, www.arme.tv and www.uncagedfilms.com

Photos courtesy & (C) 2011 by Brenda Calvillo, Ciddy Fonteboa, Gary Smith, Gene Blalock, Vicki Melton, Mary Cummins and FFD Images.


Editor’s Note: JR, Special Writer/Correspondent contributed to this story. Also story first published on January 30, 2011 on Examiner.com at http://www.examiner.com/events-in-los-angeles/over-250-animals-right-activists-take-action-to-make-weho-fur-free-city-usa

Writer’s Corner: How do you feel about FUR. Do you like animals to be killed in pain? Many farms are killing the animals alive in a brutal way. They take away their skin to make clothes for us and make a profit? How do you feel about it? Please leave your comments.

Diversity News Publications Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2011 PSA

On the evening of December 24, 2010 Diversity News Publications Enterprises, parent company of this publication Diversity News Magazine and others released the following Christmas and Happy New Year 2011 Christmas Card and Public Service Announcement. The Host/Talent is Actor/Producer Irving C. Spivak.




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