Thursday, July 31, 2014

7/31 STEPHANIE ARNE, MUTUAL OF OMAHA'S "WILD KINGDOM", SECOND SEASON, LISA KATIC, R.D.

STEPHANIE ARNE , THE HOST OF MUTUAL OF OMAHA'S "WILD KINGDOM - SECOND SEASON

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Launches Second Installment of Web Series

Ever wonder how a young cheetah became best friends with a Labrador Retriever at the Dallas Zoo? Or what about elephants’ intelligent social structure or the wacky world of penguins?

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom web series is back and better than ever, with new videos featuring Wild Guide Stephanie Arne exploring the answers to these very questions and presenting an up-close and personal look at some of the world’s most fascinating and beloved creatures.

The second installment of the Wild Kingdom web series debuted on July 17 with an in-depth look at the complex world of elephants.  It can be viewed at www.WildKingdom.com or on the Wild Kingdom YouTube channel. New Wild Kingdom videos will be added biweekly through August.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic television show, Wild Kingdom last year named Arne its new Wild Guide and began production of original videos designed exclusively for the web.

On Thursday, July 31st, host Stephanie Arne will be available for radio interviews to share her amazing, strange, and funny stories about her encounters with the world’s most amazing wildlife.

About Stephanie Arne: Stephanie Arme is Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Wild Guide. As Wild Guide, Arne hosts an online version of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom that features short, dynamic, and fun videos exploring the modern-day Wild Kingdom. Originally from South Dakota, Arne began her career at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.  An accomplished wildlife educator, she has field wildlife experience around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Borneo, and Papua New Guinea.


LISA KATIC, R.D - REGISTERED DIETITIAN AND EXPERT ON BEVERAGE CHOICES AND HEALTH - HOW AMERICA HYDRATES: FLUIDS - FACT VS FICTION

We have never had so much choice when it comes to staying hydrated during the dog days of summer – with hundreds of brands, flavors and varieties of refreshing options in the beverage aisle!   When it’s hot or during exercise, people can lose up to two quarts of fluids an hour* – so having plenty of beverages and fluid-rich foods each day is especially important this time of year.  
From soft drinks in a wide range of calories to bottled and flavored waters, ready-to-drink teas and more, registered dietitian and nutrition expert Lisa Katic shareS the latest on the myriad choices available to consumers today, as well as hydration tips, and debunking beverage myths to help us separate fact from fiction on the most asked beverage questions.

Lisa Katic, R.D.   Washington, DC-based Katic is a registered dietitian and expert on beverage choices and health.   She’s appeared on NBC Today Show, CNN, Food Network and other outlets to share her insights and knowledge of beverages and hydration.   She can discuss the latest research in non-alcoholic beverages, foods for hydration and answer hydration-related questions.          

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

7/30 LARRY LIPSON, PERRY KING


LARRY LIPSON - WINE REPORT FROM FLORIDA

For fifty years Larry Lipson was the food critic for the Los Angeles Daily News and now reports from Costa Rica weekly with his thoughts and favorite picks for Food & Wine.  His lovely Wife Lillian is also on hand at the Lipson Institute for advanced wine studies.
                                                 

THE GREATEST ESCAPE MOTORCYCLE RIDE BENEFITING VICTIMS OF MESOTHELIOMA LED BY A GRAND MARSHAL, PERRY KING WILL BE HELD SUNDAY AUGUST 3, 2014!

A host of celebrities, Law Enforcement and the general public will join Grand Marshal, Perry King for a beautiful motorcycle ride from Bartels’ Harley-Davidson, Marina Del Rey to Paramount Ranch, Agoura Hills with lunch & concert Sunday, August 3, 2014.

Organizers have announced that the much anticipated THE GREATEST ESCAPE, 2014 led by Grand Marshal, Perry King and a host of celebrities, scheduled for Sunday, August 3, 2014 will begin with a beautiful ride from Bartels’ Harley-Davidson, 4141 Lincoln Blvd., Marina Del Rey, CA along the Pacific Coast Highway with stunning views of the ocean to the rustic and historic Paramount Ranch, Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, CA. Join Perry King for what will be a wonderful day ending with a concert and lunch on the ranch. The Greatest Escape, 2014 will include a BBQ lunch by J Wolf BBQ and a concert by The Walking Phoenixes, a Johnny Cash tribute band.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer which is diagnosed in about 2,000-3,000 people in the United States every year. The asbestos fibers, finer than human hair and invisible, are easily inhaled and able to proceed past the lung and lodge in the chest lining (pleura) over a course of 20-60 years. This rare disease often goes undetected as doctors look to more common causes of the symptoms.
www.thegreatestescape.org

Perry Firestone King (born April 30, 1948) is an American television and film actor. King played the role of Cody Allen on the detective series Riptide from 1983 to 1986.

King made his film debut in the 1972 film Slaughterhouse-Five and in 1975 portrayed Hammond Maxwell in the exploitation filmMandingo. Since the 1970s, he has appeared in dozens of feature films, television series and television movies. He auditioned for the role of Han Solo in Star Wars, but the role ultimately went to Harrison Ford. However, he played the character in the radio adaptations of Star Wars and both its sequels. In 1984, King was nominated for a Golden Globe award for his role in the TV movie The Hasty Heart. That same year, he landed the role of Cody Allen on the series Riptide. In 1995, he portrayed the role of Hayley Armstrong on Melrose Place. He also appeared as Richard Williams in the NBC TV series Titans with Yasmine Bleeth in 2000 and as the President of the United States in the 2004 film The Day After Tomorrow.

King has made guest appearances on TV shows including Spin City, Will & Grace, Eve, and Cold Case. He has also worked as a voice actor, voice-acting for Samson in the 1985 animated feature Samson & Delilah and the character of Randall in an episode of SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron.

www.thegreatestescape.org 

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

7/29 SAMANTHA BROWN, AARP, LARRY VAN AALST, CHRISTIAN BUTZKE, JILL BLUME, INDY WINE TASTING

SAMANTHA BROWN, AARP TRAVEL AMBASSADOR - TOP TEN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR AMERICANS 45+

SAMANATHA BROWN, AARP TRAVEL AMBASSADOR AND FORMER TRAVEL CHANNEL HOST, JOINS THE SHOW TO DISCUSS THE TOP TEN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR AMERICANS 45+, NEW RESEARCH FINDINGS FROM AARP TRAVEL INCLUDING WHY AMERICANS ARE TAKING CELEBRATION VACATIONS, HARDSHIPS OF PLANNING A VACATION FOR BABY BOOMERS AND NEW ONLINE TOOLS TO MAKE PLANNING A VACATION EASY!

AMERICA’S 76 MILLION BABY BOOMERS HAVE CAUGHT THE TRAVEL BUG WHEN IT COMES TO CELEBRATING LIFE’S MAJOR MILESTONES. AARP TRAVEL HAS FOUND THAT TAKING A CELEBRATION VACATION HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR WAYS TO COMMEMORATE SPECIAL OCCASIONS SUCH AS ANNIVERSARIES, BIRTHDAYS OR WEDDINGS. NEW RESEARCH FOUND THAT 78 PERCENT OF PEOPLE 45+ HAVE TAKEN OR INTEND TO TAKE A CELEBRATION VACATION IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS, WHILE 87 PERCENT SAID THEY WOULD CHOOSE A VACATION FOR THEIR ANNIVERSARY INSTEAD OF THROWING A PARTY, GETTING A PIECE OF JEWELRY, PURCHASING A NEW CAR OR OTHER BIG-TICKET ITEMS FOR THE HOME.

THE NEW AARP TRAVEL RESEARCH ALSO SHOWED THAT U.S. DESTINATIONS ARE THE HOTTEST SPOTS - WITH 63 PERCENT OF THE RESPONDENTS TAKING CELEBRATION VACATIONS IN THE U.S. AS OPPOSED TO INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.

FIND EXPERT ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHERE TO EAT, SHOP AND STAY AT AARP TRAVEL’S WEBSITE, THE SITE ALSO INCLUDES THE NEW “WEEKEND GETAWAYS” TOOL THAT RECOMMENDS LOCAL ESCAPES LESS THAN THREE HOURS FROM HOME FOR A QUICK AND EASY TRIP.

SAMANTHA WILL SHARE HER TRAVEL EXPERTISE AND MEMBERS WILL HEAR FROM OTHER AARP AMBASSADORS, CELEBRITIES AND ENTERTAINERS.


LARRY VAN AALST, CHRISTIAN BUTZKE (CHIEF JUDGE) AND JILL BLUME (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)- INDY WINE TASTING 

The 23rd annual Indy International Wine Competition July 30 - August 1, 2014.

Nearly 3,000 entries from 15 countries and 40 US states will be evaluated by our distinguished judges at the 2014 INDY International Wine Competition. Wine writers and winemakers, winegrowers and enologists, chefs and sommeliers, wine distributors, retailers and consumers meet every year in the heart of America, a truly central place for your wines to be seen and recognized.

ABOUT DR. CHRISTIAN BUTZKE
Dr. Christian BUTZKE is a Professor of Enology in the United States’ leading food science department at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. Trained as a German engineer, he is past president of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture and chief judge of the Indy International, one of the largest wine competitions in the US. His Extension responsibilities include the planning and teaching of a wide variety of professional education programs as well as individual winery consultations. He is the editor of the technical book “Winemaking Problems Solved” for commercial winemakers, and author of the textbook “Wine Appreciation” written for the over 300 students he teaches every semester.

Prior to teaching at Purdue, Dr. Butzke was Director of Winemaking for Sakonnet Vineyards in coastal New England. An award-winning commercial winemaker and one of the leading enologists in the US, he has been featured in the Economist, the Financial Times, Wine Spectator, Rolling Stone Magazine, Food and Wine, and many other publications. Prior to making wines professionally, he was a tenured faculty member in the world-renowned Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis where he conducted his well-known research on wine shipping conditions, cork taint, and wine yeast nutrition.

Professor Butzke is the co-founder of the Joint Burgundy-California-Oregon Winemaking Symposia, and served on the managing committee for the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, the largest annual conference for the American wine industry.

ABOUT JILL BLUME
As the Enology Specialist, Jill is responsible for performing laboratory analyses on wine and juice samples from commercial Indiana wineries. She is involved in producing research wine made from grapes grown at Purdue farms and carrying out various research projects. She trains and supervises undergraduate students on winemaking techniques and assists in the coordination of workshops, newsletters, and the Indy International Wine Competition.

www.indyinternational.org

Monday, July 28, 2014

7/28 DAVID FUMERO, GREG KOOSER, RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES GIVE BACK TOUR, CHEF CHRIS PHELPS, ZAK WALTERS, SALT'S CURE, EVENING ON THE BEACH

DAVID FUMERO & GREG KOOSER - RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES GIVE BACK TOUR HELPS LA FAMILIES IN NEED 

David Fumero is a Cuban-American actor, former model and US Marine best known for his role as Cristian Vega on One Life to Live (ABC) helps hotel management agency House of Kooser put the heart back into hospitality by partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities to help deserving families in New York City, Chicago, Kansas City, Houston and Los Angeles as part of their first annual Give Back Tour.

The tour’s Grand Finale will be at the Los Angeles RMDH (4560 Fountain Ave) on July 27th, where brunch will be provided for the children. The two hospitable hunks will be on-hand at House of Kooser’s booth at the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) on June 28th and 29th from 3-5pm to play games and pose for photo opportunities in exchange for donations to RMCH.

Date: July 28th and June 29th, 3pm -5pm
Where: LA Convention Center, 1201 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

CHEF CHRIS PHELPS AND CHEF ZAK WALTERS FROM SALT'S CURE – WOLFGANG PUCK HOSTS EVENING ON THE BEACH IN SANTA MONICA AUGUST 7

THE FIFTH-ANNUAL “AN EVENING ON THE BEACH” BENEFITTING ST. VINCENT MEALS ON WHEELS Wolfgang Puck Hosts the Summer’s Premiere Food and Wine Experience

On Thursday, August 7, Audi will present the fifth annual An Evening on the Beach at the Jonathan Beach Club Santa Monica, in support of St. Vincent Meals on Wheels of Los Angeles. Hailed as “the best party on the beach,” by Wolfgang Puck, a long time Meals on Wheels partner, the evening began as part of Puck’s 28th annual American Wine and Food Festival in 2010 and is now celebrated as a single event to capture the allure of a “toes in the sand” food and wine experience. Featuring some of LA’s best chefs, the event’s guests relax with tempting morsels off the grill, vintner tastings, specialty cocktails, great music, and a crackling fire as the summer sun sets over the ocean. Dress is casual, shoes are optional, and proceeds will help to provide the over 4,000 meals needed to feed homebound seniors and other vulnerable residents across the Los Angeles area every day.

There will be special presentations by Laura Chenel Goat Cheese, Marin French Cheese, Great Hill Blue, Di Stefano Cheese, and Jonathan Graham of Compartes Chocolate. Specialty cocktails will be served by mixologist Marcos Tello, in addition to a martini bar hosted by Jordan Catapano of This Girl Walked into a Bar, featuring Petrossian caviar stuffed olives, Chopin Vodka and No. 209 Gin.

ABOUT SALT’S CURE
Opened in 2011 by chefs Chris Phelps and Zak Walters, every meal at Salt’s Cure proudly sources ingredients grown and raised in California, all of which are carefully butchered and crafted in house. The laid-back restaurant was designed around an open kitchen to be friendly and engaging. The chefs remain dedicated to offering honest food that supports the local community, and the principle that “if it’s not within six hours of the restaurant, it’s not on the plate”. Salt’s Cure has received praise for the philosophy behind the menu from the media and dining community alike.

ABOUT CHRIS PHELPS
Chef Chris Phelps has been in the kitchen since he was 4 years old, flipping the same pancakes that he’s adapted to serve at Salt’s Cure today. At the age of 14, Phelps began catering in Baltimore, and shortly thereafter he began bagel baking at Charm City Bagel Company. As he further developed his career in Baltimore, he had the opportunity to work side by side with Chef Mark Henry at the Oregon Grille, a position he held for 5 years. It was in this position that he saw food at its peak and fell in love with cooking. Phelps decided to hone his newfound passion and move to California. While at The Hungry Cat he met partner Zak Walters, and the two’s shared philosophies on food fused to create Salt’s Cure.

ABOUT ZAK WALTERS
Prior to opening Salt’s Cure in August 2010, Chef Zak Walters had already forged his culinary path. As a high school student in Oklahoma, Walters took several bussing and dishing jobs to gain restaurant experience. There, he had the opportunity to work at Gaijin Sushi with Gil Gestry for 2 1/2 years, then moved to San Francisco where he worked under Dennis Leary, and Stuart Brioza at Rubicon. After earning a degree from California College of Arts, Walters moved to Los Angeles. While working at The Hungry Cat, he met partner Chris Phelps and the two brought their talents together to create Salt’s Cure.

WWW.EVENINGONTHEBEACH.COM
SALTSCURE.COM

Friday, July 25, 2014

7/25 BETHENNY FRANKEL, SKINNYGIRL POPCORN, CHEF IKAIKA MANAKU, THE WESTIN MAUI RESORT, 2014 KFRESH, STEVE EVANS

BETHENNY FRANKEL - TALK SHOW HOST, AUTHOR, AND ENTREPRENEUR – PROMOTING NEW SKINNYGIRL POPCORN LINE

Just in time for healthy summer snacking, Orville Redenbacher and Bethenny Frankel have teamed up to create a new line of Skinnygirl popcorn. Would you be interested in an interview with Bethenny? She can discuss:

BIO
From a natural foods chef to best-selling author, reality TV star to self-made businesswoman and mom, Frankel’s wit, wisdom and humor first came to national attention when she was named first runner-up on NBC’s “The Apprentice: Martha Stewart.”  Network executives saw a personality they couldn’t ignore, and her connection to the audience, so they put her center stage on Bravo’s hit series “The Real Housewives of New York” for three seasons. She emerged as the star of the series, with a huge network of fans, which led Bravo to create a spin-off series, “Bethenny Getting Married?” that premiered with the highest ratings ever in Bravo history and continued with “Bethenny Ever After…” which aired for two seasons.

Now, Bethenny Frankel brings her distinctive voice and candid point of view to daytime television this fall on “Bethenny,” the nationally syndicated new daytime talk program, hosted by Frankel and cleared in over 97% of the country, following a successful six-week summer test on select FOX-owned stations including New York and Los Angeles.

“Bethenny,” the show, embodies Bethenny the woman; it is real and unfiltered five days a week.  Bethenny, "the queen of too much information," brings her honest, non-judgmental and playful perspective to the topics that women care about most; love and relationships, celebrities and pop culture, beauty and fitness, as well as her own relatable personal and professional life experiences.  From fun and spontaneous celebrity interviews to informative takeaway on health and relationship issues, “Bethenny” is the go-to destination where women can come every day to learn, laugh, feel inspired and be transformed.

In addition to being regularly featured in national publications from The New York Times to Forbes, she is a regular contributor to Health and Glamour Magazine.  Last year, Frankel checked novelist off her list with the release of her first novel, Skinnydipping, an instantNew York Times Best-Seller, which chronicles the story of Faith Brightstone, an entrepreneur-turned-reality-TV-star who must choose between fame and love. Her first book Naturally Thin: Unleash Your Skinnygirl and Free Yourself from a Lifetime of Dietingdebuted on The New York Times Best-Sellerslist and remained onthe list for an impressive 18 consecutive weeks.  Frankel’s second book, The Skinnygirl Dish: Easy Recipes for Your Naturally Thin Life was released just in time to support “new year, new you” resolutions with delicious, practical, effective recipes and lifestyle tweaks.  The Skinnygirl Dish showcases Frankel’s renowned “fix-ology,”her ability to take calorie-rich foods and revamp them to create healthier versions without compromising flavor. In A Place of Yes: 10 Rules for Getting Everything You Want Out Of Life, Frankel put her personal experiences into a framework of rules, to encourage readers to take action when “good enough” really isn’tgood enough. A Place of Yes spent 13 weeks on The New York Times Best-Sellers list. And her fifthbook will be released summer 2013, entitled Skinnygirl Solutions, which will include tips on relationship, career building and motherhood.  

Her skill as a fixologist applies to cocktails, too. She created the Skinnygirl Margarita and in March 2011, the largest U.S.-based premium spirits company, Beam Inc. (NYSE:BEAM), acquired Skinnygirl Cocktails where Bethenny continues to serve as the committed brand collaborator, developer and marketer.  Skinnygirl Cocktails is currently one of the fastest growing spirits brands in the U.S.

Frankel has enjoyed expanding her Skinnygirl brand by creating products for women with practical solutions to everyday problems. Her Skinnygirl Smoothers n' Shapers line was created as "lazy lingerie," shapewear you actually want people to see, all the designs are practical with a hint of fun, flirtiness and sexiness.  Her Skinnygirl Daily nutraceutical line was developed for women (and men) to have a variety of products to fit into and promote healthy lifestyle.  The line includes Skinnygirl Cleanse and Restore, which is a daily cleanse packet that gently removes toxins from the body and replaces it with essential greens, Skinnygirl Daily Weight Management supplement, and Skinnygirl Daily on-the-go bars (which are vegan, kosher and natural).   Her Skinnygirl Workout collection includes yoga DVD’s and workout accessories that are perfect for “fitting in fitness.”  Products currently include: Skinnygirl Mini Stepper, Weighted Fitness Gloves and Ankle Weights, Fitness Mat Wrap, and Folding Mat & Tote.

As the go-to expert for all things reality and lifestyle, Frankel wields her pen (and Iphone) like a sword, ensuring that her fans will get the unvarnished truth along with common sense, expertise and a healthy –always-healthy – dose of humor.  She is on a mission to democratize healthy living, making information available to everyone she can reach through her appearances, books, columns and blogs … and now her daytime talk show.



CHEF IKAIKA MANAKU – EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF, THE WESTIN MAUI RESORT - 2014 KFRESH

In two years, Ka‘anapali Fresh has become ‘the most blogged about’ culinary destination event on Maui. Produced and hosted by Ka‘anapali Beach Resort Association, (whose members include resort hotels and condominiums, world-class golf courses, shopping centers, restaurants and ocean activity providers) the three-day festival features Maui-inspired cuisine paired with local farms and international wines and spirits.

It’s our credo that good food brings people together no matter where they’re from … We invite you August 29 – 31, 2014 to explore the bounty of the island with dishes creatively prepared by our resort chefs as well as celebrity chefs from Hawai‘i. Discover new ways to build cocktails with fresh ingredients, explore a Maui farm, and experience authentic Hawaiian culture.

Along the way, indulge in the beauty of Hawai‘i’s legendary master-planned resort at Ka‘anapali: stroll on America’s Best Beach, frolic with marine life in the clear blue sea or simply enjoy the warm sun and lush landscape.

BIO:
Born and raised in Kauai, Hawaii, Ikaika Manaku discovered his passion for cooking at the tender age of six when he began helping his Irish-Portuguese grandmother and cousins in making 30 pounds of malasadas for family and community gatherings. His interest grew when he began his first job at a bakery at the age of 17, while he was still studying.

Upon graduating in culinary arts at Kauai Community College, Ikaika began his career at Princeville Resort, holding positions such as Chef de Garde Manger and Sous Chef at the resort now known as St Regis Princeville. He joined Sheraton Kauai Resort in 2007 as Executive Sous Chef before his appointment in 2010 as Chef de Cuisine at Tropica Restaurant & Bar, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. Two years later, he was promoted to the position of Executive Sous Chef at this 12-acre beachfront resort on Ka’anapali Beach, Maui.

Ikaika’s classic culinary expertise combined with his creative flair and strong relationship-building skills have contributed to his present success. He is most passionate in promoting sustainable cuisine and enjoys being creative with island-inspired flavors such as onions, pineapple, ferns, beets, lavender and goat cheese to enhance guests’ dining experience. He also sources seasonal flavors available in Hawaii such as sweet mangoes with a nice texture, lychee and even mountain apples.

“It is our responsibility as chefs to support island sustainability through the restaurant industry. We can certainly influence the development of agri-tourism by facilitating supply and demand such as creating menu selections that provide our visitors and guests sampling of the island’s fresh farm ingredients and flavors unique to the Hawaiian islands. These include Kula strawberries in our signature dessert at Relish Burger Bistro. Similarly, we purchase at least 20 cases of Maui Gold pineapples on a daily basis to be used in our dishes at Westin Maui,” explained Ikaika.
He further elaborated that annual events such as Ka’anapali Fresh provide chefs the opportunity to meet and partner farmers, ranchers and fishermen in using their locally-grown produce. When he is not working, Ikaika enjoys fishing, hunting and trying out small eateries or “hole-in-the-wall” places for authentic dishes such as the best poke or barbeque burger – just like any other locals.

His source of inspiration is none other than his father who has held executive chef positions in Hawaii. “Seeing my dad dressed in his white coat and tall hat was most inspiring,” said Ikaika. “It is a respected profession and I grew up watching cooking shows and seeing my dad in action,” he added.

KAANAPALIFRESH.COM
WWW.WESTINMAUI.COM




STEVE EVANS - "THE MOVIE GUY"

GREAT MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS AND HOPES. FIND OUT WHAT MOVIES ARE WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. GET SET FOR THE WEEKEND.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

7/24 ED WILLIAMS, CAIRDEAN VINEYARDS, SUSAN ZIRINSKY, 48 HOURS

ED WILLIAMS – CAIRDEAN VINEYARDS

Cairdean Estate is the vision of husband and wife Edwin and Stacia Williams.
While working in the software industry on the East Coast outside of Boston, Massachusetts, Stacia developed a strong appreciation and passion for wine. She made her first vintage in harvest of 2000, shipping in winegrapes from California through a local beer and wine hobby shop. She met Edwin, an aerospace engineer, shortly after her first vintage. Edwin being from Fresno, California was immensely interested in her winemaking project and educated her about the world-renowned Enology and Viticulture program at Fresno State. After years of planning, Edwin and Stacia moved to Fresno with their two children so that Stacia could go back to school and earn a degree in Enology & Viticulture from Fresno State.

During Stacia’s time at Fresno State, she and Edwin planned their future together and knew that they wanted to  work together and build a family business managing vineyards and making wine. They had travelled the world together with their children in search of where they would land, but their hearts always belonged to Napa Valley - the first wine country they ever visited as a couple back in the year 2001.

After much searching for their home in Napa Valley, it was their elder son Kyle that led them to the quaint town of St. Helena. He was entering high school and very much wanted to attend the public high school there. In their searches for land that would allow a quintessential wine country lifestyle, they settled on a beautiful 50 acre parcel right on highway 29 in Saint Helena just north of downtown.

After relocating from Fresno to St. Helena in 2010, Edwin and Stacia embraced their vision and created Cairdean Vineyards. Cairdean is Scottish Gaelic for friends, which reflects their belief that wine is meant to be shared by those held close to your heart. The Cairdean symbol is a representation of that belief with the four hearts always present and brought together in the center by friendship.

WWW.CAIRDEANESTATE.COM


SUSAN ZIRINSKY – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, 48 HRS DOUBLE MYSTERIES THIS SATURDAY 7/26 

FIRST AT 8pmET/8CT… “HONOR AND DISHONOR” - Two women shot dead by a solider. Can the Army convict one of its own? Richard Schlesinger reports.  (Updated rebroadcast. LAD: 9/21/13)

THEN AT 10pmET/9CT… “THE LAST CONFESSION” – A beauty queen is found murdered - the prime suspect - the priest who heard her confession. Richard Schlesinger reports. (Updated rebroadcast. OAD: 3/1/14)

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

7/23 LARRY LIPSON, EMMA SWAIN, ST. SUPÉRY



LARRY LIPSON - WINE REPORT FROM FLORIDA

For fifty years Larry Lipson was the food critic for the Los Angeles Daily News and now reports from Costa Rica weekly with his thoughts and favorite picks for Food & Wine.  His lovely Wife Lillian is also on hand at the Lipson Institute for advanced wine studies.


EMMA SWAIN CEO, ST. SUPÉRY – POLARIS OFF-ROAD EXPERIENCE

Explore Napa Wine Country in Our Top-End 4x4 - We invite you to get behind the wheel of one of our POLARIS Ranger 4x4 ATV's, picking up essential off-road training from our world-class instructors and then heading deep into Napa Valley Wine Country for spectacular views and a memorable tour of St. SupĂ©ry’s estate vineyards at their 1,500-acre Dollarhide Ranch.

Step into our family-owned winery in the heart of the Napa Valley and experience the best of the wine country. Surrounded by our estate vineyard, St. Supéry is recognized for outstanding Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends. Visit us to enjoy delicious wine tastings, learn about our wine clubs, experience a birds-eye view of our working winery and stroll through our fine art gallery.

St. Supéry crafts three distinct tiers of wine to please wine lovers from the novice to the connoisseur. The estate grows all the grapes for our wine portfolio.

Napa Valley Estate Wines: Bright, smooth, fruit-forward flavors are featured in our flagship varietal, Sauvignon Blanc, as well as our Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Free Chardonnay and Moscato.

Bordeaux Estate Blends: These seductive, multi-textured yet balanced wines include our ElĂş red blend and VirtĂş white blend.

Single Vineyard Estate Wines: Only the best grapes from our estate vineyards are used for these concentrated, elegant wines. From our Dollarhide Estate Vineyard, we offer Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals. From our Rutherford Estate Vineyard, we offer Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Emma Swain is the CEO of St Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery. She received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Managerial Economics from the University of California, Davis and is a Certified Public Accountant. Emma has worked in the wine industry for more than 20 years. She began her career with Niebaum-Coppola Winery and served as the Chief Operating Officer at Sebastiani Vineyards prior to joining St. Supéry Estate. Emma currently serves as a board member for the Napa Valley Vintners, as well as serving on multiple sub-committees. Emma also volunteers locally with a number of environmental, educational and health-based charities. She is an avid runner and has several half marathons under her belt of accomplishments.

WWW.STSUPERY.COM

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

7/22 SHIRLEY KNIGHTM REDWOOD HIGHWAY, ELLIOTT DOLIN, DOLIN MALIBU ESTATE VINEYARDS

SHIRLEY KNIGHT - AWARD WINNING ACTRESS – STARS IN REDWOOD HIGHWAY RELEASED ON DVD JUNE 24TH

Redwood Highway starring Shirley Knight, Tom Skerritt Available on DVD June 24th
Redwood Highway stars two time Academy Award nominee, three time Golden Globe Winner & two time Emmy Winner Shirley Knight and Tom Skerritt (two time Golden Globe nominee, Emmy Winner) in a journey of reflection and inspiration.

Living in a comfortable retirement community in Southern Oregon, estranged from her family, unsatisfied with her surroundings, and generally not happy about life, Marie (Shirley Knight) decides to journey 80 miles on foot to the coast of Oregon to revisit the ocean of her past for the first time in 45 years. Once reluctant to attend her granddaughter’s wedding, she now arrives as an unexpected guest. Along the way, she meets an extraordinary cast of characters and discovers that you're never too old to learn something about life... and about yourself. To view the trailer for Rewood Hightway, can you visit: http://vimeo.com/61479716

About Shirley Knight
The actress is two time Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actress (The Dark at the Top of the Stairs and Sweet Bird of Youth), Golden Globe Winner (3 time nominee), 3 time EMMY Winner (11 time nominee), Tony Award Winner (2 time nominee) and a Venice Film Festival Best Actress Winner (only American actress to win the award).  Her additional acting credits include: As Good As it Gets, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, The Rain People (Written and Directed by Francis Ford Coppola), Dutchman, Desperate Housewives.

WWW.SHIRLEYKNIGHT.COM


ELLIOTT DOLIN – PROPRIETOR, DOLIN MALIBU ESTATE VINEYARDS - MALIBU COAST RECEIVES AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREA STATUS 

Elliott Dolin, proprietor of Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards, is pleased to join 51 other Malibu-based wine grape growers who just become classified as part of the official Malibu Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA). In 2011 Dolin helped initiate the AVA application, a three-year process that concluded last week.

“This is a historic day because the formation of the Malibu Coast AVA finally allows wines from Malibu to identify a ‘sense of place’ on their labels,” says Dolin. “Malibu is world-famous, yet very few people are aware of our wine grape growing history which dates back two centuries. While people sunbathe on the beaches, up here in the hills, our vines have been catching some rays of their own.”

Through the AVA application process, a comprehensive study of the region was completed and submitted to the TTB for approval. The region is approximately 46 miles long and 8 miles wide, comprised mainly of the Santa Monica Mountains with 198 acres of vines in production. Elevations range from sea level to 3,111-feet atop Sandstone Peak. The coastal, Mediterranean climate heavily influences the region, offering a large diurnal shift from day to night, with warm dry summers and cool, moist winters. The National Agricultural Statistics Service’s “California Grape Acreage Report Crop 2012” documented the most widely planted varietals in Los Angeles County as Cabernet Sauvignon (54 acres), Syrah (15 acres), Merlot (13 acres), and Chardonnay (six acres). The Malibu Coast AVA is also home to two previously established appellations, Saddle-Rock Malibu and Malibu-Newton Canyon.

The Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards parcel is located near the western boundary in the hills above the Pacific Coast Highway. The area is relatively cooler in climate compared to the rest of the AVA, and ideal for growing Chardonnay. Proprietor Elliott Dolin and his family planted the site in 2006. Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards currently produces one Malibu wine, an estate Chardonnay. Later this year, Dolin will welcome the addition of a Malibu proprietary red blend. More information on the wines can be found at www.dolinestate.com.

Monday, July 21, 2014

7/21 KELLY MCGOWAN, CHEF, GOOSE AND GANDER’S, COCHON’S HERITAGE FIRE EVENT IN ST HELENA, STEVIE "PUPPET" LEE, THE PUPPET SHOW, HALF PINT BRAWLERS

KELLY MCGOWAN – CHEF, GOOSE AND GANDER’S - COCHON’S HERITAGE FIRE EVENT IN ST HELENA AUGUST 3 

Napa Valley’s Cult-Favorite Food and Wine Festival Features 3,000 Pounds of Fire-Kissed Meat

Heritage Fire by Cochon 555, the Valley’s premier hyper-local, whole animal live-fire outdoor food and wine event, returns to Napa’s Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena  August 3rd, 2014. The event will showcase over 30+ wineries and 40+ notable chefs and butchers cooking 3,000 pounds of heritage breed animals in celebration of breed diversity and family farming. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the St. Helena Farmers Market and The American Institute of Wine & Food. A group of celebrated butchers will host a Pop-Up Butcher Shop where 100% of the proceeds will benefit the students of the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. To purchase tickets or learn more about the event, visit cochon555.com.

Heritage Fire features chefs and farmers working together to spotlight traditional outdoor cooking techniques paired with amazing wines, ice-cold brews, and crisp ciders. While Cochon’s flagship event, Cochon 555, brings chefs together in a friendly competition, Heritage Fire is a collection of culinary champions cooking together for a crowd of meat and wine loving gourmands. The list of heritage and heirloom foods to be featured include dry-aged beef, spit-roasted sturgeon, whole pigs, lambs, goat, lobster, squab, rabbit, duck, chicken, artisan cheese, oysters and heirloom vegetables.

In addition to the meat-laden feast, the event includes animal theatre cooking, butcher demonstrations, seminars, lawn games, live music and the opportunity to learn directly from the farmers and producers at the Chef’s Pantry. The all-inclusive event includes craft beers from Magnolia Brewery and Crispin Ciders. Participating wineries include Stags’ Leap Winery, Antica Napa Valley, Cornerstone and Stepping Stone Cellars, Barlow Vineyards, Somerston Estate, The Scholium Project, Alysian Wines, Larkin Wines, Heibel Ranch Vineyards, Inglenook, Silver Oak Cellars & Twomey Cellars, Charles Krug Winery, Zacherle Wines, hope & grace Wines, Red Cap Winery, Cliff Family Winery, Outpost Wines, and many more. Immediately following the event, Heritage Fire Chef Kelly McCown will be hosting the Official After Party for the “Chefs & Producers” at Goose & Gander.

There will be seminars running through the afternoon in the carriage house. The ultra-VIP Seminar will include winemakers Anthony Biagi (Hourglass Winery, Plumbjack, Cade, Cartierra), Fredrick Johannasen (Staglin, Schrader, Outpost) and Matt Courtney (Marcassin, Arista). Abe Schroener of Scholium Project will lead a new-world seminar. Seminars are limited to 40 people.

The closing seminar, Fire Meets Cheese, hosted by The California Artisan Cheese Guild, will include presentations from three dynamic cheesemakers who will cover artisan cheese making and explore the thrill of cheese on the open fire. Seana Doughty of Bleating Heart Cheese, Mariano Gonzalez of Fiscalini Farmstead Cheese, and Kuba Hemmerling of Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. will show how to entertain with whole wheels of cheese on the open fire and will give pairing suggestions. They will discuss the long history of preserving food and culture through cheese and fire, as well as the transformation in flavor from a natural preserved state to the heat of the fire. This seminar will have a California twist on tradition and will be a truly American Original experience.

As in 2013, this year’s Pop-Up Butcher Shop will have Large Cuts available for purchase (including tomahawks, double pork-porterhouses and tenderloins). 100% of the proceeds will benefit the CIA. Prize cuts will be seared on the plancha and presented to the buyer, who will also receive a cutting board, knife, forks, bottle of wine, and pig’nic blanket for the perfect grill session with friends.

Tickets: $100 general admission and $200 VIP (VIP Guests receive early access to food, oysters, and limited treats specially prepared by the chefs in addition to magnum wine bar access); to purchase tickets visit http://cochon555.com/2014-tour/heritage-fire/. Be sure to get your tickets, as they are expected to sell out.

ABOUT GOOSE & GANDER
Goose & Gander is a wine country public house- a gathering place for locals and visitors to celebrate Napa Valley’s abundant bounty (or embarrassment of riches). Chef Kelly McCown creates amazing rustic American food and mouthwatering bar bites served in our pub-like dining room, cherished basement bar or lush patio. The seasonally  driven menu perfectly complements Scott Beattie’s retro-fresh libations or a bottle of  wine from our unique and exciting wine list.

WWW.GOOSEGANDER.COM
COCHON555.COM


STEVIE "PUPPET" LEE – AUTHOR, TV SERIES STAR OF "THE PUPPET SHOW & FOUNDER AND CEO OF THE MIDGET WRESTLING COMPANY “HALF PINT BRAWLERS” 

HALF PINT BRAWLERS
Steve is the founder and CEO of the midget wrestling company “Half Pint Brawlers” which later got picked up by SPIKETV for a television series. More info on Half Pint Brawlers: www.halfpintbrawlers.com

INSPIRATIONAL
Steve is currently writing "LIVING OUTSIDE THE CIRCLE", an autobiographic and motivational book about living with dwarfism, the stereotypes and social stigma that come with it, and the relationship between his life as a dwarf and living the wild and dangerous life he has. He is happy to discuss the controversy of “Midget Wrestling” and his view on “Half Pint Brawlers” and how it shatters the stereotype of the “Goofy/Cute Midgets,” and respond to the claim that it exploits these stereotypes. Earlier this year Puppet had a near-death experience (health-related) and would be open to talking about that as well.
He has done a number of motivational speeches across the country. More info on Living Outside the Circle (plus Steve’s resume): livingoutsidethecircle.wordpress.com/steves-bio

EVERYDAY GUY
Steve is a husband and father of two. He's a hilarious and well-spoken guy. He is an avid Pittsburgh Stealers fan who grew up in Chicago. Puppet has a quick sense of humor and has done stand-up comedy across the country. A member of SAG, Puppet has appeared in over a score of national and international film and television programs, as well as commercials, for over two decades.

We are currently launching his new TV series, "THE PUPPET SHOW", an outrageous new sketch comedy show. bingewatchthepuppetshow.com





Friday, July 18, 2014

7/18 KEVIN SORBO, SUSAN ZIRINSKI, 48 HOURS, STEVE EVANS

KEVIN SORBO – AMERICAN ACTOR – ALONGSIDE NIGHT (POLITICAL THRILLER)

ABOUT ALONGSIDE NIGHT:
Alongside Night is a political thriller movie that tells the story of the final economic collapse of the United States as seen through the eyes of 16-year-old Elliot Vreeland, searching for his missing Nobel-laureate-economist father (played by Kevin Sorbo, Hercules).

This independent film is Director/ Writer J. Neil Schulman's latest production, and is based on his award-winning 1979-libertarian novel endorsed by Nobel-laureate Milton Friedman, Anthony Burgess, Glenn Beck, and Ron Paul. Neil has written 10 books, and there is a new movie edition and new graphic novel tied to the film. alongsidenightmovie.com

In addition to Kevin Sorbo, the movie features Tim Russ (Live Free or Die Hard) and Garrett Wang (Star Trek: Voyager), Mara Marini (Parks and Recreation), Said Faraj (NCIS: Los Angeles), Jake Busey (CSI: NY), and Dr. Ron Paul as himself.

BIO:
Hailing from Norwegian ancestry, Kevin was born in Mound, Minnesota, USA. His mother worked as a nurse and his father taught junior high school resulting in a down to earth upbringing that forged the outstanding work ethic Kevin holds to this day. By the time he was in University, Kevin was covering tuition costs with modeling work which swiftly translated into a career in television with his first appearances on Prime Time shows such as Murder She Wrote and The Commish.

Just as the Hercules series came to an end, Kevin received a call from the wife of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, personally requesting him to play the lead role in Roddenberry’s second sci-fi series, Andromeda. The show ran for five seasons and further fueled Kevin’s already ferociously loyal global following!

In 1993, Kevin emerged as a full fledged international TV star when he was cast as the lead role of Hercules in a series of TV films that would lay the groundwork for the immensely popular series, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Kevin also guest-starred as Hercules in episodes of the successful spin-off series Xena: Warrior Princess as well as providing his voice to the animated Hercules films. In 1997 Kevin accepted his first leading film role in the fantasy action feature Kull the Conquerer.

Along the way, Kevin played characters in video games such as Mortal Kombat 4, God of War and The Conduit. Kevin guest starred on the sitcom Two and a Half Men and played a recurring role on the final season of The O.C. One glimpse at Kevin's imdb and it's clear that this hard working actor takes no breaks! In addition to his work onscreen, Kevin now also produces films, recently serving as Executive Producer and star of the movie Abel's Field.

Kevin recently authored the widely praised book, True Strength, that recounts the painful recovery from serious health setbacks that changed his life during his Hercules years. Sorbo married actress Sam Jenkins, whom he met during her guest appearance on Hercules in 1998. They have three children together, Braeden, Shane and Octavia.

Besides his successful career in entertainment, Kevin has always devoted a hearty portion of his time to causes he believes in. In 2005 he was named successor to Arnold Schwarzenegger as the national spokesperson for The Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit working to ensure that all children have access to quality after school programs, and since ‘97 Kevin has donated his time as the spokesperson for the non profit organization, A World Fit For Kids. Please visit WorldFitForKids.org to learn more.


SUSAN ZIRINSKI - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - 48 HOURS (CBS) - A DOUBLE MYSTERY AT 8PM AND 10PM on SATURDAY 

 FIRST AT 8pmET/7CT… “THE WRITING ON THE WALL” – The family of a televangelist’s security chief is executed and you’ll never guess who committed the ultimate sin. Maureen Maher reports. (Updated rebroadcast. LAD: 3/30/13) THEN AT 10pmET/9CT… “A BAD BET” – who killed the bookie’s wife? Was it her husband or her husband’s co-worker in a botched robbery? Richard Schlesinger reports. (Updated rebroadcast. OAD: 1/25/1



STEVE EVANS - "THE MOVIE GUY"

GREAT MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS AND HOPES. FIND OUT WHAT MOVIES ARE WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. GET SET FOR THE WEEKEND.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

7/17 HOWARD PRICE, DEBRA NESS, THE NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP FOR WOMEN & FAMILIES

HOWARD PRICE JOINS THE SHOW TO TALK ABOUT HIS RECENT WINE TASTE AND PAIRING











DEBRA NESS – PRESIDENT, THE NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP FOR WOMEN & FAMILIES 

BAD MEDICINE:  HOW A POLITICAL AGENDA IS UNDERMINING HEALTH CARE...

There is a strong, bipartisan national consensus that quality care should be evidence-based and patient-centered, and should improve health outcomes. But more and more legislators in states across the country are enacting laws that mandate how health care providers (doctors, nurses, etc.) must practice medicine, regardless of the provider’s professional judgment and the needs of his or her patients.  These laws undermine the high-quality, patient-centered care that health care providers want to provide and that patients need.

The new “Bad Medicine” report from the National Partnership for Women & Families looks at abortion restrictions in all 50 states, including ultrasound requirements, biased counseling, mandatory delays and restrictions on medication abortion. The laws it describes put health care providers in the position of having to choose between adhering to their ethical and professional obligations to provide high-quality care, and following laws that are not based on medical standards or patient needsThe report focuses on women’s health, but the growing trend of imposing ideology on medical care has implications for violence prevention, environmental health, and other issues as well.

Major medical organizations from the American Medical Association (AMA), to the American College of Physicians (ACP), to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), have all recognized that political interference in medical decision-making harms patient care.  Health care providers should not be forced to choose between adhering to their ethical and professional obligations to provide the highest standard of care and following laws enacted in pursuit of a political agenda.

On Thursday, July 17th, Debra Ness, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families is available to you and your listeners to talk about “Bad Medicine” and how states have an appropriate role to play in regulating the medical profession -- but stepping into the exam room with an ideological agenda, overriding providers’ medical judgment and ignoring patients’ needs is unacceptable.

More About Debra Ness
For more than three decades, Debra Ness has been a strong advocate for fairness and social justice. Drawing on an extensive background in health and public policy, Ness possesses a unique understanding of the issues that face women and families at home, in the workplace, and in the health care arena. Before assuming her current role as president, she served as executive vice president of the National Partnership for 13 years. Ness has played a leading role in positioning the organization as a powerful and effective advocate for today’s women and families.  Debra graduated summa cum laude from Drew University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. After completing graduate work in social welfare and public health policy, she received her Masters of Science from Columbia University School of Social Work.

WWW.NATIONALPARTNERSHIP.ORG

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

7/16 LARRY LIPSON, MICHAEL O'NEILL, CBS SERIES, EXTANT



LARRY LIPSON - WINE REPORT FROM FLORIDA

For fifty years Larry Lipson was the food critic for the Los Angeles Daily News and now reports from Costa Rica weekly with his thoughts and favorite picks for Food & Wine.  His lovely Wife Lillian is also on hand at the Lipson Institute for advanced wine studies.


MICHAEL O'NEILL – RENOWNED ACTOR - CBS SERIES, EXTANT

Renowned actor Michael O’Neill portrays “Alan Sparks” in the new CBS series, EXTANT, which premiered on July 9th.  O’Neill can also be seen as “Senator Roland Foulkes” in the Sundance TV series, RECTIFY, which debuted its second season on June 19th.  Other recent appearances include “Nick Ford” in the A&E series, BATES MOTEL “Richard Barkley” in the acclaimed film, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, “Detective Simms” in the Lifetime film, THE GRIM SLEEPER, “Mayor Ted Bennett” on the CBS series, VEGAS and New York Hawks’ interim General Manager “Hank Griffin” on the USA Network series, NECESSARY ROUGHNESS.

O’Neill’s impressive credits include the films J. EDGAR, TRANSFORMERS, TRAFFIC, SEA OF LOVE, SECONDHAND LIONS and SEABISCUIT and such memorable television performances in NCIS, GREY’S ANATOMY, NUMB3RS, SONS OF ANARCHY, LEVERAGE, THE UNIT and fan favorite “Special Agent Rob Butterfield” on WEST WING. A native of Alabama, O’Neill is a graduate of Auburn University and began his acting career under the mentorship of Will Geer at the Theatricum Botanicum in Los Angeles.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

7/15 AIMEE SHERIDAN, AUCTION OF WASHINGTON WINES, LARRY MANETTI

AIMEE SHERIDAN - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AUCTION OF WASHINGTON WINES

The Auction of Washington Wines is the 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization of the Washington wine industry and has raised more than $30 million since its inception in 1988.

It’s the wine event of the year! THE 27TH ANNUAL AUCTION OF WASHINGTON WINES includes three days of sampling superb wines, visiting with leading winemakers and growers and celebrating Washington’s bounty. We’re personally looking forward to the opportunity to support two deserving local causes and savor cuisine created by acclaimed regional chefs. Join us for one day or all three—you’re sure to enjoy this year’s Auction of Washington Wines! Sample world-class wines, and savor local cuisine created by acclaimed regional chefs. Meet the winemakers. Toast new friends. Your participation at Auction of Washington Wines benefits uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and supports the winemakers of tomorrow through viticulture and enology research at WSU.

We are grateful to Washington winemakers, our dedicated sponsors and generous guests like you for coming together each year to support these eagerly anticipated events. Join us at one or all three days and make a difference for a healthier and more vital Washington.

ABOUT AIMEE: Executive director responsibilities include organizational management and growth of the Auction of Washington Wines (AWW), including leadership, strategic planning, fundraising and donor development.

Aimee brings more than twenty years of non-profit leadership to this role, previously raising financial support for organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs, The Salvation Army and PAWS. During her tenure with these organizations, she was not only charged with strategic planning, organizational development, team dynamics and capacity building; Aimee also facilitated major events such as the PAWS Wild Night gala and auction, which set fundraising records year after year, and a million dollar gala and 1500 person breakfast for Boys & Girls Clubs.

“Aimee is the perfect fit for the executive director position,” said Ted Baseler, president of the AWW board and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates president and CEO. “Her breadth of experience professionally with area non-profits, plus her engaging, high-energy personality will make her an asset to the organization, well suited for the leadership role, and a complement to the rest of the event team.”

A native of Eastern Washington, Aimee was raised in a family of farmers, giving her an agricultural savvy that will provide depth when interfacing with the vineyards.

In her down time, Aimee spends time at home with her husband and their children, dogs and cat.

AUCTIONOFWASHINGTONWINES.ORG


ACTOR LARRY MANETTI JOINS IN WITH ONE OF HIS FAVORITE RECIPES

Larry Manetti started acting in his hometown of Chicago.  After studying acting with the Ted List Theater Players, Larry drove to Los Angeles in 1972.  Larry landed an agent and was sent to Universal Studios to audition for an opening as a contract player.  Luck was on his side.  Jack Webb was casting a new series for NBC called The Chase.  Larry played a young detective.

After attending acting school at Sal Dano's at night and doing bit parts by day, he scored. Baa Baa Black Sheep was being produced and cast at Universal, and the now famous writer Stephen J. Cannell was the executive producer and the role was a natural for Larry.  He was cast as a cocky, hot shot pilot named Bobby Boyle.  The show was a big hit for NBC but was cancelled within two years.

Because the network was so impressed with Larry's on-screen presence, they cast him in a new series called The Duke.  Bad luck!  The Duke was cancelled in one year.  Larry was back to playing whatever Universal told him to.

Hoping to catch lighting in a jar, along came Magnum, P.I. and the role of Rick. This was his elevator...the show became a mega-hit for 8 years.  Since Magnum, P.I., Larry has done co-starring roles in 25 feature films and guest starred on many hot TV shows.

Larry is the author of a book titled Aloha Magnum.

Monday, July 14, 2014

7/14 CAMERON PARRY, MICHAEL WEIS, GROTH VINEYARDS, CHEF AHRAN CHO, MASTERCHEF ON FOX

CAMERON PARRY & MICHAEL WEIS – GROTH VINEYARDS

Groth Vineyards Hires Cameron Parry as Winemaker - Michael Weis to mentor coming vintages Groth Vineyards and Winery announces that Cameron Parry will join the team as winemaker effective July 7. Parry will head the winemaking team at this iconic, family-owned Oakville winery, founded in 1982 by Dennis and Judy Groth.

“But not so fast…” said Dennis Groth, “At Groth Vineyards we take things slow and steady, allowing Mother Nature, the vines and time in the bottle to continually dictate how things go.  And yes, after a celebrated 20-year tenure, renowned winemaker Michael Weis is setting his sights on the next phase of his life, but his exit will be slow and measured ensuring our wines have the gentle continuity that we’ve staked our reputation on.  Cameron will be working hand-in-glove with Weis, reporting to Michael, to ensure a gentle passing of the torch over the coming years.”

Michael built upon the triumphs of the Groth family whose early successes included having their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon rated the first California wine with a perfect 100-point score by Robert Parker, Jr.  He will continue on as Director of Winemaking through the succession.

Groth continued, “We were impressed with Cameron’s work at Chateau Montelena and found him to be the top candidate to lead our winemaking and vineyard management team into the future. We have great expectations of Cameron.”

Parry said, “For me, I am honored to be able to be part of such a great winemaking legacy -- making Cabernet at the epicenter of Napa Valley’s most esteemed Cabernet district.  Working with these vineyards is an incredible opportunity and to take the reins along with Michael Weis is the best possible scenario.  I have to say that Dennis is the man with the well-thought-out plan.”

The placement was made by The Cypress Group (www.cypress-grp.com) of St. Helena, California.
Groth Vineyards and Winery is widely respected for its estate-grown wines, particularly its bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Parry’s responsibilities will encompass not only wine production, but also coordination with vineyard manager of the 165 acres of estate vineyards. He will also work closely with Dennis and Judy’s daughter Suzanne Groth, VP Marketing and Sales.

PARRY BACKROUND:
Parry spent the last ten years at Chateau Montelena where he directed winemaking for the 50,000 case Calistoga winery and oversaw the redesign and construction of a new fermentation cellar. Parry’s career has included winemaking stints at Etude (Carneros), Vina de Larose (Cachapoal Valley, Chile), Sawyer Cellars (Rutherford), PlumpJack Winery (Oakville), Franciscan Estate (Rutherford) and Gundlach-Bundschu Winery (Sonoma).

Parry holds an M.S. degree in Food Science with an emphasis in Enology from the University of California, Davis. Parry is fluent in Spanish and has been a board member of the Napa Valley Wine Technical Group and serves on the Enology Grants Review Committee for the American Vineyard Foundation. When not making wine, Parry is an avid outdoorsman who loves rock climbing, canoeing, backpacking and cycling. He also enjoys gardening and cooking.

MORE ON GROTH: 
Groth Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1982 by Dennis and Judy Groth in the Oakville AVA of Napa Valley. The distinctive California Mission-style winery, designed by Robert Gianelli, is one of valley’s most iconic landmarks.

WWW.GROTHWINE.COM


CHEF AHRAN CHO – CONTESTANT, MASTERCHEF ON FOX 

MASTERCHEF airing Monday, July 14, on FOX

In the next challenge, the remaining 14 home cooks will split into two teams and take command of the kitchen at Dinah’s, one of the busiest and most iconic diners in Los Angeles. The stakes are high as the contestants will prepare classic American fare for the restaurant’s regular diners. The team that receives the most customer tips will be safe from elimination, while the losing team members will face an intense pressure test, during which they must make an elegant and delicious three-layer red velvet cake. Find out which contestant will rise to the challenge and whose efforts will fall flat in the all-new “Top 14 Compete” episode of MASTERCHEF airing Monday, July 14 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (MCH-508) (TV-14 L)

ABOUT THE SHOW:
Host and award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay, restaurateur Joe Bastianich and acclaimed chef Graham Elliot return for Season Five of the culinary smash hit MASTERCHEF, premiered Monday, May 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The three celebrated food experts will put the latest group of contestants through a series of challenging elimination rounds and turn one home cook into a culinary master.

WWW.FOX.COM/MASTERCHEF

Friday, July 11, 2014

7/11 ROYA SOLEIMANI, GOOGLE, TOM FAIRBANKS, KAANAPALI BEACH HOTEL, KFRESH, STEVE EVANS

ROYA SOLEIMANI - TRENDS MANAGER, GOOGLE - WEEKLY TOP SEARCH TRENDS

Google’s Top Search Trends program provides a revealing — and sometimes surprising — look at the people, places and topics that send the country searching for answers each week.

Topics That Fascinated the U.S. Selected from Millions of INTERNET Searches!

Hear the hottest content on the web each week directly from the source! Become part of Google’s weekly Top Search Trends program to find out what news makers and trends are capturing the imagination of the country each week.

The Top Search Trends program provides a revealing — and sometimes surprising — look at the people, places and topics that send the country searching for answers each week. Encompassing searches from across pop culture, sports, music, politics, news, and more a Google Trends Manager, is available every Friday to discuss five of the hottest trending queries on the web.



TOM FAIRBANKS – FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR AT KAANAPALI BEACH HOTEL – KFRESH

In two years, Ka‘anapali Fresh has become ‘the most blogged about’ culinary destination event on Maui. Produced and hosted by Ka‘anapali Beach Resort Association, (whose members include resort hotels and condominiums, world-class golf courses, shopping centers, restaurants and ocean activity providers) the three-day festival features Maui-inspired cuisine paired with local farms and international wines and spirits.

It’s our credo that good food brings people together no matter where they’re from … We invite you August 29 – 31, 2014 to explore the bounty of the island with dishes creatively prepared by our resort chefs as well as celebrity chefs from Hawai‘i. Discover new ways to build cocktails with fresh ingredients, explore a Maui farm, and experience authentic Hawaiian culture.

Along the way, indulge in the beauty of Hawai‘i’s legendary master-planned resort at Ka‘anapali: stroll on America’s Best Beach, frolic with marine life in the clear blue sea or simply enjoy the warm sun and lush landscape.

WWW.KAANAPALIFRESH.COM


STEVE EVANS - "THE MOVIE GUY"

GREAT MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS AND HOPES. FIND OUT WHAT MOVIES ARE WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. GET SET FOR THE WEEKEND.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

7/10 CHEF CLAUD BELTRAN, THE EATERY, CLAUD & CO. CATERING

CHEF CLAUD BELTRAN - THE EATERY, CLAUD & CO. CATERING

Passion, commitment to excellence, integrity, humor and a sense of adventure these words begin to sum up Chef Claud Beltran.

An exotic mix of Mexican and Lebanese heritage, Chef Beltran was exposed to various ethnic foods at an early age. After being mentored by Master Chef Thomas Keller, Chef Beltran set out to make his own name.

For over a quarter century Claud Beltran has established himself as one of Los Angeles preeminent chefs. With his accomplished staff he creates culinary delights and fantastic designs that please all the senses. His experinence with multiple venues makes your event experience seemless and his excuiste palate for food and wine makes your meal one to top all others.

The Eatery Restaurant - Chef Beltran recently opened The Eatery Restaurant, his new Creative Test Kitchen located at 488 N. Allen Avenue, Pasadena as a natural extension of Claud & Company Catering. The Eatery’s menu changes every month styled to a different seasonal theme. Creating special dinner events such as “Sweet Garlic Night” and “Gumbo Fest”. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. with A la carte, Tasting Menus, each month will unroll a new themed menu featuring a beguiling take on seasonal cuisine. Upcoming monthly menus include “Heirloom Tomato Month”, “Hail to the Pig” and “A Night in Provence” etc.

www.claudandco.com
www.eateryonallen.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

7/9 LARRY LIPSON, DONNY MOST, HAPPY DAY, VITELLO'S JAZZ CLUB



LARRY LIPSON - WINE REPORT FROM FLORIDA

For fifty years Larry Lipson was the food critic for the Los Angeles Daily News and now reports from Costa Rica weekly with his thoughts and favorite picks for Food & Wine.  His lovely Wife Lillian is also on hand at the Lipson Institute for advanced wine studies.


DONNY MOST - SINGS AND SWINGS AT VITELLO'S JAZZ AND SUPPER CLUB ON 7/13/14

Don Most is probably best known for his co-starring role as Ralph Malph in the long running television series “Happy Days”. During this time, he worked with such emerging talents as Ron Howard, Garry Marshall and so many more.

Recently, Don was seen in a recurring role on the hit TV show – “Glee”, as well as a starring role in the indie film – “The Yankles”.

But Did You Know Don Most Sings? - Yes, it’s true. Don has a beautiful voice and has a wonderful way of delivering the lyrics of each well known standard that he performs. Whether it is a ballad, or swinging favorites like Clementine and Mack the Knife, audiences know they are in for a treat from the moment he enters the stage.

Donny Most — Sings and Swings! Is a show with some of the best standards of all time from Sinatra, Darin, Deano, and more. It is masterfully delivered by Donny, his musical director, Saxophonist Willie Scoppettone and his band.

WWW.VITELLOSJAZZ.COM

WIKI BIO: Donny Most (born August 8, 1953) is an American actor best known for his role as Ralph Malph on the television series Happy Days.

Most was born in Brooklyn, New York. Most lived in Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from Erasmus Hall High School in 1970. He attended Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, but dropped out before his senior year and moved to California to pursue acting full-time.

Following his role as a regular cast member on Happy Days, Most has appeared in other film and television work. Film credits include EDtv (1999), Planting Melvin (2005) and The Great Buck Howard (2008). He also made guest appearances on many TV shows, including CHiPs, Baywatch, The Love Boat, Sliders, Star Trek: Voyager, Diagnosis Murder and Glee. He also made an appearance on Charles In Charge, alongside his former Happy Days co-star, Scott Baio. He plays a man who has just won the lottery, and as part of the cameo joke, runs up to Scott Baio and waving the winning ticket shouts, "It looks like Happy Days are here again!" He also receives several looks from Scott Baio that suggests familiarity throughout the episode. He is sometimes credited as "Donny Most".

Most performed as a voice actor on several Saturday morning cartoon series. Among these roles were: Ralph Malph on The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang (1980); Eric the Cavalier in Dungeons & Dragons (1983); and Stiles on Teen Wolf (1986–1989). Most had a cameo as himself in the fifth season Family Guy episode "It Takes a Village Idiot, and I Married One" in 2007.

Most married actress Morgan Hart in 1982. They have two daughters and live near Los Angeles, California. Morgan's mother was Margaret Hart Ferraro.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

7/8 BILL CURTIS, TALL GRASS BEFF

BILL CURTIS - TALL GRASS BEEF

Founded in 2005 by broadcast journalist Bill Kurtis, Tallgrass Beef Company is the industry leader in the production of grass-fed, grass-finished beef in the United States. After purchasing his 10,000 acre ranch near the town of Sedan, Kansas, Kurtis was compelled to find a sustainable method of raising cattle that was not only good for the environment, but also the animals themselves and the American food consumer. This was the genesis of Tallgrass Beef Company.

Today Tallgrass Beef Company is comprised of a network of family farmers and ranchers across the United States that produce grass-fed, grass-finished cattle according to a strict set of protocols. These stringent standards ensure that food consumers are buying the safest, healthiest, most nutritious beef possible. Tallgrass Beef is a favorite among consumers seeking a healthy, humane source of beef.

In addition to being available for purchase by consumers online, Tallgrass Beef became the first grass-fed, grass-finished product served in many of Chicago's finest restaurants, with a roster of clients featuring James Beard Award Winning chefs Rick Bayless (owner of Chicago's Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, and XOCO restaurants), Charlie Trotter, George Bumbaris and Sarah Stegner. Harry Carays, Praire Grass Café, Frontera Grill, and Topolobombo serve Tallgrass. The brand has expanded to the west coast where Tallgrass Beef is available in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Tallgrass Beef products are also available in select grocery stores, including Sunset Foods and Fox and Obel in Chicago; Fairway Markets in New York; and Sendik's Markets in Milwaukee.

Much like the cattlemen of the old west, Bill Kurtis started Tallgrass Beef with a vision of a healthy, sustainable, delicious beef source for the American consumer. With a steady annual growth rate and a loyal customer following, Tallgrass Beef Company provides customers with a sustainable alternative to traditionally raised and processed beef.

WWW.TALLGRASSBEEF.COM

Monday, July 7, 2014

7/7 JIM STRIEGEL, RED MARE WINES, LESLIE GILLIAM, MASTERCHEF, FOX

JIM STRIEGEL - RED MARE WINES

Jim Striegel began his love of wine at an early age while making wine with his father.  They shipped a variety of grapes from Napa Valley, California to their hometown of Carbondale, Illinois and enjoyed red table wine with family and friends.

Jim enjoyed summers in the Napa Valley areaa with childhood friends when there were only ten wineries in the area, including Stag's Leap.  They would hang out in the vineyards and the cellars, experiencing the rich traditions that come along with it, including the annual "blessing of the grapes".

With over forty years of experience in sales and marketing, Jim has built many successful businesses in the apparel, automobile and real estate industries.  He worked for Izod Lacoste in Paris in the eighties and was able to further his wine education in both the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France.

When he was ready to begin his own brand, he called renowned winemaker Heidi Barrett.  In addition to being a huge, longtime fan of Heidi's winemaking, he worked with her on a wine dinner in the Dallas area and trusted her advice and guidance.  It was through Heidi that he met winemaker and partner Anne Vawter and the rest is history.

WWW.REDMAREWINES.COM


LESLIE GILLIAM – MASTERCHEF ON FOX MONDAY, JULY 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT)

In the next challenge, the remaining contestants must put aside their differences and work in pairs to create a restaurant quality surf and turf dish. The teams who impress the judges will be safe from elimination, while the teams who fall short will face an intense pressure test featuring classic spring rolls. Find out who will stay afloat in the competition and whose dish ultimately sinks in the all-new “Top 15 Compete” episode of MASTERCHEF airing Monday, July 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

ABOUT MASTERCHEF:
Host and award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay, restaurateur Joe Bastianich and acclaimed chef Graham Elliot return for Season Five of the culinary smash hit MASTERCHEF, premiering Monday, May 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The three celebrated food experts will put the latest group of contestants through a series of challenging elimination rounds and turn one home cook into a culinary master.

The unscripted series once again will conduct a nationwide search for the best home cooks in America, thirty of which will be flown to Los Angeles to present their signature dishes to the judges in hopes of earning a coveted MASTERCHEF apron.

Once the auditions are over, the top home cooks will be put through their paces in a series of challenges designed to test their palates, food knowledge, passion and culinary skills. In MASTERCHEF's biggest field challenge ever, the home cooks will work in teams to prepare a hearty meal for more than 500 hungry servicemen and women on an army base. Later, the hopefuls will hit the beach to prepare an unforgettable two-course dinner for a summer wedding, visit a local diner to prepare American classics, cook a romantic dinner for 14 couples, serve game-day favorites for hungry football fans and take command of a legendary Hollywood restaurant. With each new challenge, the pressure will mount as the home cooks compete for the coveted title of MASTERCHEF, a cookbook deal and the $250,000 grand prize.

WWW.FOX.COM/MASTERCHEF

Friday, July 4, 2014

7/4 TERRY, HALL. SARA EVANS, STEVE EVANS, HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

TERRY HALL - ST. HELENA LIGHTS UP NAPA VALLEY’S MAIN STREET WITH FIREWORKS ON JULY 4, 2104

St. Helena celebrates Independence Day with a fireworks show on Friday, July 4.  If quintessential wine country, home-town charm is what you’re looking for, join residents and visitors on Napa Valley’ Main Street, St. Helena.  Centered in the middle of town, the show will be launched just south of Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch and across Main Street from St. Helena’s Welcome Center.

With the site at Stanton Vineyard, the fireworks will be visible to revelers all over St. Helena.  Mills Lane will be closed to traffic but it won’t be difficult to find a site throughout town, such as the Welcome Center, Long Meadow Ranch, Tra Vigne, or anywhere along St. Helena Highway.  Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30pm, and we anticipate another thrilling show!  For more information, go to www.sthelena.com/fireworks.

Firework Viewing Event at Long Meadow Ranch Winery & Farmstead Restaurant
Friday July 4th, 6:00pm – 10:00pm; 738 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Long Meadow Ranch Winery & Farmstead is thrilled to host the inaugural Fourth of July Fireworks Party at its three-acre food, wine, and agricultural destination in St. Helena, the heart of Napa Valley.

Revelers will enjoy the very best views of St. Helena’s eagerly anticipated new fireworks show from Long Meadow Ranch’s expansive lawn. Guests may feast on Executive Chef Stephen Barber’s special Fourth of July menu, featuring a Heritage Breed Whole Hog, Cowboy Beans, Corn on the Cob, Coleslaw, and more. Friends and families may engage in plenty of fun and games, including Horseshoes, Petanque, and other fun-loving activities.

As anticipation leading up to the fireworks show builds, Long Meadow Ranch Winery & Farmstead presents a special main stage performance by the Jimi James Band, known for playing its rollicking classic country every Friday evening at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch’s Outdoor Bar.

$25 per person; each guest receives a complimentary bottle of LMR Ranch House Red or Sauvignon Blanc and one govino glass with admission; free admission for children ages 8 and under. Guests are encouraged to bring low-back chairs and blankets.

www.longmeadowranch.com/fireworks 
707.963.4555 x.7105


SARA EVANS – CELEBRATE AMERICA’S BIRTHDAY WITH A STAR SPANGLED PARTY LIVE FROM THE U.S. CAPITOL!

This July 4th, America’s national Independence Day celebration kicks off our country’s 238th birthday with an all-star salute led by our country’s favorite host, two-time Emmy Award- personality Tom Bergeron.  Hot off another winning season as host of the hit series Dancing with the Stars, Bergeron will lead an all-star cast in a patriotic evening of unrivaled musical performances—topped off by the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation.

Broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the event will feature performances by: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Frankie Valli; Grammy Award-winning music legend Patti LaBelle; multi-platinum recording artist and actress Jordin Sparks; five-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Michael McDonald; country music superstar Sara Evans; singer-songwriter Kendall Schmidt from BIG TIME RUSH and HEFFRON DRIVE; and five-time Tony Award nominee and Broadway star Kelli O’Hara; with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.  In celebration of the 200th anniversary of our national anthem, five-time Academy Award-winning composer John Williams will conduct a special new arrangement for orchestra and chorus of the “Star Spangled Banner” with the National Symphony Orchestra, The Joint Armed Forces Chorus, the Choral Arts Society of Washington and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets.

The 34th annual broadcast of A CAPITOL FOURTH airs on PBS Friday, July 4, 2014 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.  The program can also be heard live in stereo over NPR member stations nationwide.  With twenty cameras positioned around the city, including the U.S. Capitol, the White House and the Washington Monument, viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation during this top-rated extravaganza.  Capping off the show will be a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, an audience favorite and A CAPITOL FOURTH tradition.

ABOUT SARA EVANS
Multi platinum-selling recording artist Sara Evans, one of the most compelling and authentic vocalists in country music, recently released her seventh studio album Slow Me Down to critical praise.  Released in March, the album debuted at #2 on the Country Album Chart and in the Top 10 on Billboard and featured Evan’s fourteenth career Top 20 single Slow Me Down as well as collaborations with Vince Gill, Isaac Slade, and Gavin DeGraw.  Evans is enjoying a prolific recording career with nearly 6 million records sold and 5 #1 Country singles, including Suds In The Bucket, A Real Fine Place To Start, and A Little Bit Stronger, which spent 2 weeks at #1 and was certified platinum by the R.I.A.A.  Evans has garnered numerous accolades over the course of her stellar career, including the Academy of Country Music's Top Female Vocalist honor and the Country Music Association's Video of the Year for her hit chart-topping single, Born to Fly from her double-platinum album of the same name.  Named to People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People," Sara's career also includes the platinum-selling studio albums Real Fine Place and Restless, the gold-certified No Place That Far and the double-platinum selling Born To Fly.


STEVE EVANS - "THE MOVIE GUY"

GREAT MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS AND HOPES. FIND OUT WHAT MOVIES ARE WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. GET SET FOR THE WEEKEND.