9/30 Flora Springs Winery, P-90X's Tony Horton, Movie Guy Steve Evans

What's Cookin' Today

Owner and Proprietor of Flora Springs, John Komes is Joining Us To Talk About The Recent Happenings

It's hard to imagine now, but the majestic stone cellar of Flora Springs was once an abandoned "ghost" winery. It was Flora who saw the magic hidden behind decades of neglect, over-grown ivy, and shifting rock walls. The property's winemaking roots date back to the 19th century, but it's been the work of Jerry and Flora's children, John Komes and his wife Carrie, and Julie Garvey and her husband Pat Garvey, that has written the history.

Located at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains in the far Northwest corner of the Rutherford appellation, the Flora Springs estate is in the heart of the Napa Valley. Founded in 1978, Flora Springs has been a family affair for over three decades. As both artisan winemakers and growers, the family is committed to the traditions of fine winemaking and responsible stewardship of its 650 acres of vineyard land for future generations to savor and uphold. Today, ninety percent of Flora Springs' red wines are sourced from its organically-farmed estate vineyards, and all of these wines are crafted in our solar-powered 19th-century stone winery and caves.

While John Komes will say that hard work and a stellar team are the keys to the longtime success of Flora Springs Winery & Vineyards, first-hand interaction with John hints that the secret ingredient to Flora Springs' success is John's charisma. He's a laugh-out-loud kind of guy, who when he smiles, his eyes dance. He teases, he jokes, he holds court in any group situation, and makes everyone in his midst feel like a member of the Flora Springs family. Underneath his convivial exterior lives a hardworking tenacity and an enduring passion for wine.

Growing up in San Francisco in the mid 1950s, John was the son of the President of construction giant Bechtel Corporation. John graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Business Administration and followed in his father's footsteps as a businessman, building a thriving construction business of his own based in the East Bay of San Francisco. John's entrepreneurial drive can be traced to his father Jerry Komes, legendary for being self-taught in everything from swimming to engineering by reading.

Fitness Guru Tony Horton Joins Us To Talk About Giving The Gift Of Fitness And Health This Holiday Season With His New Program P90X2

Children’s toys and digital gadgets are typically the cause of historic last-minute holiday-shopping frenzies. But this year may be marked by a fitness frenzy, thanks to the impending launch of P90X2 – the sequel to the blockbuster exercise program, P90X. Poised to accommodate the unique demands of a “must have” holiday gift, Beachbody®, the health-and-fitness innovators behind the 45-million-DVD-selling P90X® program, today began accepting pre-orders for its highly anticipated P90X2™.

There aren’t many one-of-a-kind gifts for adults in the $100-$200 price range, and it’s even tougher to find a compelling gift for the active person who seems to have everything. As the follow up to arguably the most popular home-exercise program in history, P90X2 fills this void for anyone shopping for active friends or family in 2011. Due to significant demand expected for the sequel to P90X, Beachbody is encouraging pre-orders, promising free shipping and guaranteed delivery in time for the holidays.

P90X2 is the next step in professional training at home, designed for the millions of consumers who “graduated” from the original 90-day P90X program. Slated for shipping in early December, P90X “grads” or other consumers interested in pre-ordering P90X2 can do so at www.P90X2.com, by calling 1(800)785-6229 or through one of over 60,000 independent distributors known as “Team Beachbody Coaches.” In addition to guaranteeing delivery before the holidays and free shipping and handling, pre-orders will carry additional benefits, including opportunities to win exclusive weekly prizes, or the grand prize – P90X2 personally delivered to your door by P90X and P90X2 creator Tony Horton.

Movie Guy Steve Evans Gives us the Movie Hits and Misses!

Steve Evans, the Movie Guy, is going to tell us what we need to run out and see and what we can avoid in the movie theaters, this week

So, grab your popcorn, folks! Get your movie news and reviews right here on the What's Cookin' Today show! Steve “The Movie Guy” will take a look at what’s hot at the box office and the new films being released this weekend.

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9/29 Schramsberg Vineyards, Starlite Vineyards, Grammy Winner Michelle Branch

What's Cookin' Today

Hugh Davies, CEO of Schramsberg Vineyards, Talks To Us About The Upcoming Release Dinner For Three of Their Prized Wines

In preparation of the release of their 2004 J. Schram Rosé, 2004 J. Schram and 2008 J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon. Napa’s own Chef Hiro Sone, of Terra Restaurant, will prepare a harvest feast to remember. Served in Jack & Jamie’s Grove amongst our J. Davies Diamond Mountain vineyards on the Schramsberg Property, this sit-down dinner will include many culinary delights and special library wines.

Schramsberg Vineyards is now in the hands of Jack and Jamie Davies' youngest son, Hugh. Born in 1965, the year his parents Jack and Jamie Davies revived the historic Schramsberg Vineyards property in Napa Valley, Hugh was named President and CEO of the 40-year old sparkling wine house in 2005. Prior to this, he held the dual responsibilities of Winemaker and General Manager. He holds a master's degree in enology from the University of California, Davis, and has his undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College in Maine.

At Schramsberg, Hugh has led the ongoing effort to fine-tune winemaking and grape growing techniques, building upon the winery’s venerable track record of producing award-winning sparkling wines. Schramsberg’s current stable of vineyards includes more than 90 specially selected sites in the Carneros district of Napa Valley, the Anderson Valley, and along the Sonoma and Marin coasts. The winery's commitment to small lot base wine production has yielded extraordinary blending opportunity for the 8-10 sparkling blends produced each year. Over 200 lots are evaluated after harvest, representing many variables: vineyard terroir, grape clone, barrel fermentation, stainless tank fermentation, malolactic fermentation, etc.

We're Talking With Owner of Starlite Vineyards, Arman Pahlavan About The Their Beautiful Winery and Fantastic Wines

We are a boutique winery and estate located in Sonoma County’s famed Alexander Valley. The vineyards are nestled on a hilltop close to the Russian River. With support from our wine makers, we have created elegant yet delicate wines with the most impressionable flavors and bouquets. Our patrons have described our wines as European in style and the sommeliers at the top establishments have hailed our wines as the most expressive of their varietals from our region.

Our vineyards are located in Sonoma County's famed Alexander Valley. In 1998, Block 1 was planted to Zinfandel. In 2002, Block 2 was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2008, Block 3 was planted to Viognier.

The T\terrain and the micro climate in Alexander Valley create fabulous varietals of our grapes. The hot, dry summer climate and poor soil make the conditions ideal for growing premium quality grapes for wine production. Under these stressful conditions, the vines produce small amounts of highly concentrated fruit that exhibit incredible depth and complexity. The vineyard has a southwestern exposure to maximize sunlight. The rows are planted three-by-six to deliver additional vines per acre in order to maximize stress. Irrigation is kept to lowest degree necessary in order to minimize growth.

Grammy Award Winning Artist Michell Branch Joins Us To Talk About Her Newest Album "LOUD MUSIC" And Her Partnering With "Reading Is Sweet!" National Book Drive

In June, she released “LOUD MUSIC,” the lead single from her highly anticipated album “WEST COAST TIME” scheduled for release this fall. The single, which Branch introduced to fans this summer while touring with the Goo Goo Dolls, is receiving rave reviews and creating a frenzy for her first solo album in several years. In addition to the release of her new album this fall, the singer/songwriter is excited to help Great American Cookies (www.GreatAmericanCookies.com) kick off the second annual Reading is SWEET! National Book Drive. The company created the program in 2010 to celebrate October as National Book Month and National Cookie Month.

Michelle Branch was all of 18 years old when her debut album, 2001’s The Spirit Room, became a platinum seller, spawned three hit singles (“Everywhere,” “All You Wanted,” and “Goodbye to You”), and sold four million copies worldwide. The album, as well as 2002’s “The Game of Love,” Branch’s Grammy Award-winning smash single with Carlos Santana, established the Sedona, AZ, native as a young musical artist with a very grown-up talent. Following the release of her darker, more ambitious 2003 platinum album Hotel Paper — which featured the hits “Are You Happy Now?” and “Breathe” — and the birth of her daughter in 2005, Branch found herself at a crossroads. She put her solo career on hold to team up with Nashville singer/songwriter Jessica Harp to form the country music duo The Wreckers, an inspired vocal and songwriting collaboration that was nominated for both a CMA Award and a Grammy Award.

The Wreckers released their debut album, the platinum Stand Still Look Pretty, in 2006 and their popularity helped establish Branch as a fixture on country radio, thanks to such winning tracks as the No. 1 “Leave The Pieces” and the Top Ten hit “My, Oh My.” But the pair decided to part ways just as their music was rising on the charts — an emotionally difficult time that Branch documents on her deeply personal six-song EP, Everything Comes and Goes, which was released in August 2010 as a gift to fans as she focuses on recording the follow-up to Hotel Paper. Branch is currently in the studio in Los Angeles working on her new album titled West Coast Time, which will be released by Reprise Records later this summer. The first single “Loud Music” is available now on iTunes: http://wbr.fm/LoudMusic.


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09/28 Larry Lipson, Ensuring Where Your Fish Was Caught

What's Cookin' Today

Traveling Time! The Great Larry Lipson Tells Us About His Latest Finds

Reporting from Costa Rica, CRN's international wine correspondent Larry Lipson will tell us about his latest Wine finds, including wines UNDER $10!Larry always has something cooking up at the Lipson Institute of Advanced Wine Studies!

Larry forages all of Costa Rica for the absolute best wines. No region is spared from his intense search. No mountain or range or valley is safe from his reach. He leaves no grape unturned, this man of passion. Wine is his life. His love for wine is only paralleled with his love for his lovely partner in wine, Lillian Lipson.Be fully prepared for this master of vino as he shares his food and wine pairing techniques and experiences with you on this great day in America - and the world.

Capt. William (Bubba) Cochrane of The Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance Shares With Us A New Program That Confirms Where Your Delicious Fish Was Caught!

How well do you know your fish? Can you taste the difference between prized American red snapper and imported tilapia? Would you know if someone replaced your grouper with Vietnamese catfish? Recent reports have spotlighted fraudulent fish, which is mislabeled as often as 70% of the time by retailers who swap quality catch with cheaper fish.

Gulf Wild is a unique, new brand of U.S. wild-caught seafood from the Gulf of Mexico that assures the authenticity of fish and allows consumers to track where theirs was caught. The entire system was created by environmentally conscious, working fishermen. Each fish is affixed with a sequentially numbered tag, then publicly display all the credentials online – who caught it, where in the Gulf, from what vessel, even confirmation of the fish species. The system seeks to reestablish consumer confidence in Gulf seafood after last year’s oil disaster. (They even test for PAHs, heavy metals, and dispersant's with stricter protocol than the federal government, and are forging some of the best industry practices for sustainable fisheries worldwide.)

Captain Bubba is the captain of the fishing vessel Chelsea Ann, and a second-generation commercial fisherman from Galveston, Texas. He brings his fresh, wild-caught fish, primarily prized red snapper, to Katie’s Seafood Market at Pier 19. Bubba has been fishing his whole life, starting on a charter boat when he was 17 and commercially fishing in the charter off-season. Eventually he became a full-time commercial fisherman. In 2002, he got his own boat the Chelsea Ann, his reef fish permit and his endorsement. Bubba believes strong stewardship of the fishery will protect his business investments as well as the future of fishing for his family, including his eight-year-old son.

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09/27 Ferrari-Carano Vineyards And Winery, Monterey Chocolate

What's Cookin' Today

Southern California Regional Manager Of Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, Michael D Hurst Joins Us To Talk About The Newest Wines, Especially Their Special Fumé Blanc

Since 1985, Ferrari-Carano has been a leading producer of world class, nationally acclaimed wines. Vintage after vintage, the wines exhibit a remarkable consistency of style and elegance. Unlike their corporate competitors, Don and Rhonda Carano's uncompromising commitment to quality and excellence is a reflection of their desire to produce memorable wines that enhance the pleasures of gracious entertaining and not focus on short-term financial goals.

In 1979, Don and Rhonda Carano purchased a single 60 acre parcel of land in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley. The parcel included a restored 1904 farmhouse, a barn and 30 acres of grapes. So began a twenty-five year mission to acquire premium vineyard properties throughout the county, because Don and Rhonda truly believed, and still do, that owning their own vineyards is the best way to ensure the highest quality grapes needed to supply their growing winery in Dry Creek Valley and their mountain winery in Alexander Valley.

Today, Ferrari-Carano owns over 19 estate vineyards in five different appellations totaling over 1,400 acres, in some of the finest wine growing regions in all of California. Mountain, bench land and valley floor vineyards spread over a fifty mile radius were chosen for their diversity of micro-climates and soil; the acclaimed and diverse Alexander Valley, the desirable Russian River Valley with its cooler temperatures, picturesque Dry Creek Valley, at the southernmost end of the county, Napa/Carneros, and Sky High Ranch in peaceful and bucolic Anderson Valley. Each vineyard is a micro-climate unto itself, contributing its own unique diversity of grape flavors, textures and structures derived from the perfectly balanced combination of climate, soil and plant materia

We're Visiting the Monterey Chocolate Company with Owner Chris Bickel!

Monterey Chocolate Company is a small startup established in 2010 and located in Monterey, CA. All of their chocolates begin with the finest, 100% organic, fair-trade and sustainable ingredients available. They source the majority of their fruits and nuts from local farms, insuring the freshest product possible. No preservatives, refined sugars or extracts are used within their products. They currently feature several truffle collections, each uniquely different and distinct.

Chris Bickel’s 8 years of experience as a chocolatier encompasses all aspects of chocolate making. As the owner of Monterey Chocolate Company, he works directly with customers from the individual to the corporate CEO. Self-taught as a chocolatier and business owner, Chris pursues a superior product that not only brings enjoyment, but also the health benefits of chocolate. Chris lives and works in the Monterey, CA area, and sells his chocolates by participating in the local farmer’s markets, festivals, wholesale and online through the Monterey Chocolate Company web site.

For more info, go to http://www.montereychocolatecompany.com!

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9/26 Cathleen Newman & Michael Horn Review Jordan Wines, Mike Rowe from "Dirty Jobs" Stops By

What's Cookin' Today

Cathleen Newman Will Be Giving Us A Live Review of Jordan Wines

Tucked into the hills of Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley, Jordan Vineyard & Winery has been dedicated to world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and hospitality since its founding in 1972 by Tom and Sally Jordan.

Under the guidance of Tom’s son, John, Jordan continues its pursuit of excellence in every aspect of the business, striving to place in balance the complexities of terroir, the artistry of the cellar and the joys of the table.

The estate boasts 1,500 acres of rolling hills, vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot), oak trees, lakes, streams, olive trees, and organic gardens, as well as winery, hospitality and operations facilities. Since the inaugural 1976 vintage, Jordan wines have been renowned for their consistency.

About Cathleen: Cathleen Newman is the owner and manager of The Parlour Wine Bar & Bistro - the hottest new destination in the San Gabriel Valley to dine with wine.

Cathleen has over 6 years experience in business ownership and management.

Mike Rowe The Star and Host of "Dirty Jobs" Is Joining Us To Talk About Some of The Recent Projects He's Working on

He has traveled extensively for Discovery Channel, hosting "Shark Week" in South Africa, where he field-tested a steel-mesh "shark suit", and Egypt Week Live, where he opened and explored newly discovered tombs in the Valley of the Golden Mummies.

Before "Dirty Jobs" he, with out any formal training, began his career as a professional musician and opera singer, faking his way into the Baltimore Opera and crashed an audition for the QVC Cable Shopping Channel, where they immediately hired him! Mike is a narrator, writer, actor and host for programs like "The Worst Case Scenario for TBS, "On-Air TV" for American Airlines, "The Most" for History Channel, "No Relation" for Fox and "New York Expeditions" for PBS!

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9/23 Riverbench Vineyard & Winery, Tips On Making Great Coffee, Steve Evans: The Movie Guy!

What's Cookin' Today

General Manager Of Winery Division Riverbench Vineyard and Winery, Laura Mohseni Joins Us To Talk About Some Great Deals On Some Great Wines

The 2011 season has been one of the most memorable and we have not only just gotten started! The relatively cool season has made farming a challenge and the vines have been confused as to where to put their energy. Our heat wave this week should really get things rolling! Beyond all of the viticulture and farming, the extended season and small berry size will likely prove to be great for the wine. Pounds of fruit per vine is lower than average years and typically we see extraordinary complexity in wines from vintages like this. We brought in the first grapes for our sparkling wines a week ago, but still have a few weeks until we get into the busy harvest season. Here's hoping for some warmer, dryer weather to ripen the clusters without bunch rot forming. Curious about our vineyard? Have a burning question for Jim Stollberg, our vineyard manager?

Our favorite summertime sipping wine is almost gone, so we've got a warm weather deal for you! Right now, order our 4 Bottle Bundle of 2009 Bedrock Chardonnay for only $72! When you want something light and refreshing, this easy drinking white is just the thing. Crisp and fruity, our Bedrock Chardonnay is a true showcase of our Riverbench Chardonnay with no oak influence at all. Enjoy it as a sipping wine poolside on one of those warm days to come. Order now. Also, our gift merchandise is now on our website! Throw in a logo t-shirt or wine opener with your order, or try one of our fun gift packs.

Vineyard Walk and Lunch with Jim Stollberg, Saturday, September 10th at 12PM Learn about vineyard management from our Vineyard Manager Jim Stollberg as he takes you on a tour through the beautiful Riverbench Vineyard. Cost: Free tour. $20 for lunch and wine tasting ($15 for Benchmark Members.) Reservations Required. Yoga in the Garden with Mary Sage, Saturday, September 24th 9:30am-10:30am Join us for a relaxing morning in the garden practicing the art of Yoga. This one hour sesion in for all skill levels. Mats and blankets will be available. Please contact Amber at amber@riverbench.com or ( 805)937-8340 for more information. Cost: $10 per person. Benchmark Members Pick Up Party, Saturday, October 1st from 5:00-7:00PM Attention all Benchmark Members...Mark your calenders and don't miss the October Pick Up Party featuring new releases paired with Greek fare. Opa! Cost: $15 per person. Reservations Required.

Courtney Royko, KRUPS Product Manager Is Giving Us A Coffee Education On How To Get the Most Out of Our Coffee Beans With Ten Important Tips

In today’s caffeine driven society, more and more coffee consumers are taking the time to learn how to create stronger brews and get their fix. KRUPS, premier provider of coffee and kitchen appliances, knows a thing or two about brewing a strong cup o’ Joe, having created the first patented Precise Tamp system for their Espresso Machines, which creates a perfectly compressed coffee ground cake for a consistent shot of Espresso every time.

Movie Guy Steve Evans Gives us the Movie Hits and Misses!

Steve Evans, the Movie Guy, is going to tell us what we need to run out and see and what we can avoid in the movie theaters, this week!

So, grab your popcorn, folks! Get your movie news and reviews right here on the What's Cookin' Today show! Steve “The Movie Guy” will take a look at what’s hot at the box office and the new films being released this weekend.

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9/22 Bob Eubanks, Kentucky Fried Chicken

What's Cookin' Today

Legendary Game Show Host Bob Eubanks Stops By To Tell Us About the Benefits For Seniors When They Commit To Exercising Regularly

Robert Leland "Bob" Eubanks (born January 8, 1938) is an American television/radio personality and game show host, best known for hosting the game show The Newlywed Game on and off since 1966, where he was known for using the catchphrase, "Makin' Whoopee". It was Eubanks who coined the term from the song of the same name, in an attempt to keep parents with young children from the need to explain the facts of life because of a television show. While his network was comfortable with the term "making love", they did not allow the use of the word "panties". Eubanks received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his television work in 2000. The star is in front of Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, where Eubanks worked during the first years of his broadcasting career. In 2005, he received a lifetime achievement Emmy award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

n 1966, he received a phone call from Chuck Barris to host a new game show, The Newlywed Game, which premiered on ABC that same year. During its debut, it was an immediate hit, and the show's popularity led the network to expand the prime-time lineup, where it had run on the air for five years. Only 28 years old when he started hosting, Eubanks became widely popular for bringing a youthful energy to daytime television, pressing contestants into giving embarrassing and hilarious answers. The Newlywed Game was also ranked as one of the top three daytime game shows, for five consecutive years, between 1968 and 1973, and was ranked in the top three prime-time game shows, also for five years, between 1966 and 1971.

We're Talking With Manager of Public Relations Of KFC, Rick Maynard About KFC's Newest Deals With Their Popcorn Chicken

Unlike some nuggets that have been pressed or formed, each piece of KFC’s Popcorn Chicken features 100 percent off-the-bone premium breast meat chicken. Perfectly sized for eating on the go, each and every piece of Popcorn Chicken stays true to the commitment and high standards set by the Colonel decades ago. “At KFC, we’re proud that we have a cook in every kitchen in all our restaurants, and we’re equally proud that our cooks don’t make nuggets. KFC’s Popcorn Chicken is real 100 percent off-the-bone premium breast meat.” said KFC Chief Marketing Officer Barry Westrum. “Stop by for a large order for just $2.99 and you’ll taste why our cooks are so proud of KFC Popcorn Chicken.”

Real Breast Meat Chicken in Every Bite Made with 100 percent premium breast meat chicken off-the-bone, Popcorn Chicken is marinated for a tender inside and breaded for a flavorful, fun crunch on the outside. Because it’s never pressed or formed, each easy-to-eat piece is a unique bite of the world’s most famous fried chicken, prepared everyday by real cooks in every KFC kitchen. Three of those cooks, Aaron McGraw, Robert Jefferson and Rachel Harris, are featured in the latest KFC commercials for Popcorn Chicken. Popcorn Chicken Special Offer In addition to the nationally promoted offer of $2.99 for a large Popcorn Chicken, KFC is also offering a coupon deal for the week of September 19. The offer is for a Popcorn Chicken Combo, which includes a large order of Popcorn Chicken, a side item and a medium drink for $3.99 plus tax (at participating locations). To receive your coupon, visit KFC’s website and sign up for the Colonel’s e-mail club: http://www.kfc.com/emailclub/. (Popcorn Chicken available at participating KFC restaurants. Prices may vary. Tax extra.)

KFC Corporation, based in Louisville, Ky., is the world’s most popular chicken restaurant chain specializing in Original Recipe®, Extra Crispy™, Kentucky Grilled Chicken® and Crispy Strips with home-style sides, Hot Wings, and freshly made chicken sandwiches including the Double Down® and the Doublicious®. There are more than 15,000 KFC outlets in 109 countries and territories around the world serving some 12 million customers each day. KFC Corporation is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., Louisville, Ky. (NYSE: YUM.) For more information, visit www.kfc.com. Follow KFC on Facebook (www.facebook.com/KFC) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/kfc_colonel).

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9/21 Oak Ridge Boys' Richard Sterben, Francis Coppola Winery

What's Cookin' Today

The Oak Ridge Boys' Own Richard Sterben Visits With Us To Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Elvirathe Grand Ole Opry Induction and their Cracker Barrel Exclusive Release "It's Only Natural"

The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry this evening by Opry member Jimmy Dickens. The legendary country music group made up of William Lee Golden, Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen was invited to join the Opry last month by Dickens, who surprised the group by walking on stage dressed as a 4’11” William Lee Golden, including long beard and sunglasses.

The group was surprised on stage by a video greeting from President George Bush. “I can not think of any group or any person who deserve this honor more,” President Bush said, explaining that he’d been an Oak Ridge Boys fan since he first heard the group from inside the White House while they were singing “Elvira” on the White House lawn. “I ran outside like a little kid,” he said, “and I’ve been blessed to call them friends ever since. I think of the Opry and the Oaks both as American icons, beloved from coast to coast and known around the world. I can’t think of a better union. I love you boys, and my best to everyone at the Grand Ole Opry, one of my favorite places in America.”

Richard began his singing career as a six-year-old soprano in Sunday school in his native Camden, New Jersey. He was a tenor in the glee club in seventh grade, but when he returned in the fall for eighth grade, he was a bass!

He loved sports and music, decided he had more talent for the latter, and developed a simple goal: “I wanted to be in the best vocal group in the world.” Before joining the Oaks in 1972, Richard sang in various groups, most notably backing Elvis Presley as a member of The Stamps Quartet.

He also enjoys fine restaurants, collecting wine, and traveling — particularly to the seashore, where he likes sailing and snorkeling. A fitness buff, he has a bicycle at home and keeps another stowed in a bay under the tour bus. He even has a case so he can check a bicycle aboard airplanes.

Director of Grower Relations Lise Asimont Will Be Taking Us On A Tour Of The Francis Coppola Winery in Geyserville, CA To Tell Us About Their Newest Wines

Francis Ford Coppola Winery, re-opened in July 2010, is the latest venture from Francis Ford Coppola, whose passion for wine, food and adventure is nowhere more evident than in this new production – a winery resort located in the heart of Alexander Valley, California. Among the many attractions at the property, Francis Ford Coppola Winery features a wine tasting bar, two restaurants, swimming pools, a movie gallery, a performing arts pavilion and a park area with game tables and bocce courts.

Francis puts it best, saying the winery is meant to be "a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life – food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life."

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Master Sommelier Fred Dexheimer, Chef Scott McGill CEC

Master Sommelier Fred Dexheimer Tells Us About the Upcoming Wine Tasting with Wines from South West France!

Did you know that the South West is the 4th largest wine producing region in France (in terms of volume and sales)?

On Tuesday, September 20th, Fred Dexheimer, Master Sommelier, will host an educational tasting seminar on the relatively undiscovered wines of South West France through several appellations: Gaillac, Fronton, Gascogne, Saint-Mont, Madiran, Pacherenc, Marcillac, Irouleguy and Cahors.

About Fred: Master Sommelier Fred Dexheimer is an award winning sommelier and mixologist. He is the founder of Juiceman Consulting a restaurant, wine, spirits and events consulting
agency.

There are only 106 professionals who have earned the title Master Sommelier in North America. Fred Dexheimer is one of them, having passed the rigorous Master Level Exam in 2007 and becoming the 79th Master Sommelier in the US. His received much of his wine and beverage experience working at top tier restaurants like Gramercy Tavern, Jean Georges, and BLT Restaurant Group.

Fred has now branched out to the art of the cocktail and the craft of beer. As a cocktail consultant, he is working with a number of clients, including Max Brenner, Hyatt, Motorino and is teaching seminars at the Astor Center. If that wasn’t enough, he is also the spokesperson for the Wines of Chile and Wines of Southwest France.

We're Taking A Trip to Maui to Visit with TS Restaurants' Corporate Chef, Scott McGill CEC!

Scott McGill is the Corporate Chef for TS Restaurants in Hawaii. His Maui restaurants include Hula Grill Kaanapali, Dukeʻs Beach House, Kimos and Leilaniʻs on the Beach.

The initials "CEC" beside chef Scot McGill's title is a story in and of itself - and he'll tell us about that, too!

About TS Restaurants: Treating customers like family has been their philosophy since 1977. T S Restaurant founders Rob Thibaut and Sandy Saxten were college buddies who shared a passion for surf, sand, sun and restaurants. The two built their company on four key principles: to open restaurants only on the finest real estate locations in resort destinations in which they would like to live, work and play; develop restaurant concepts for specific markets, reflect the culture and environment through menus and décor; take great care of management through ownership opportunities; and show respect for employees. These simple principles have proven to be the prefect recipe for success.

Since opening their first restaurant, Kimo’s in Lahaina, Maui, they have grown to 14 establishments spanning Hawaii and California. They recently celebrated the grand opening our newest addition, Duke’s Beach House on North Beach Kaanapali, which joins the ranks of the eight other Hawaii restaurants, including Duke’s Waikiki and Hula Grill Waikiki on Oahu, Duke’s on Kauai, and Leilani’s on the Beach on Maui.

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9/19 Booze News, National Cholesterol Education Month

What's Cookin' Today

We're Talking with Judi Laing, Founder of Booze News About The Newest Trends In The World of Booze!

Booze News is a network of far-flung booze news correspondents and secretly embedded booze reporters…in bars, breweries, vineyards, cocktail lounges and booze boardrooms, world-wide, tirelessly sniffing out cutting edge news about the world of alcohol, just for you. It’s tough work, but the folks at boozenews.com are dedicated to bringing you exciting boozy tidbits to enliven your cocktail party patter and rounding out your BoozeNews IQ!

Judi Laing, founded BoozeNews as an excuse to delve into serious research about booze and all its glory. Her curiosity about the business of booze and merits of alcohol as a delicious elixir serve her well as she goes from bar to winery to brewery to distillery to discover everything you ever wanted to know about booze. So far, she still has a functioning liver and is learning to spit at wine tastings.

Delores Merrick, Registered Dietitian, Is Stopping By To Tell Us The Importance of Watching Your Cholesterol During National Cholesterol Education Month And Some Recipes That Can Help

High cholesterol usually doesn’t show any symptoms, so people often don’t know when their levels are too high. Now is the perfect time—National Cholesterol Education Month kicks off in September—to encourage your listeners to learn the risks of high cholesterol and the right lifestyle and food choices to help them keep their levels in check. It’s especially important for the nearly 26 million Americans who have type 2 diabetes to control their cholesterol levels, since cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. In fact, people with type 2 diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease and stroke than people without the disease. Below is a healthy, low-cholesterol recipe for Snapper Fillets with Mango Salsa The recipe is heart-healthy and diabetes-friendly, and has just 40 grams of cholesterol per serving!

Delores Merrick is a registered dietitian, licensed dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes educator and certified weight management specialist with more than 25 years of experience. For 11 years, Delores served as the director of diabetes education with the Health Promotion Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania (HPC). Prior to joining HPC, she was a clinical dietitian at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, where she was responsible for the nutritional care of patients with diabetes, renal disorders and cardiac disease. Delores is an active member of the Philadelphia chapters of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), where she co-chairs the programs committee of the volunteer leadership council as well as the ADA Philadelphia African-American Program.


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9/16 Riverbench Vineyard and Winery, Steve Evans

What's Cookin' Today

Keyboardist Lao Tizer Joins Us To Talk About Him and His Band Headlining Grapefest In Texas

Keyboardist and recording artist Lao Tizer captivates audiences of all ages and musical tastes. Lao has been proclaimed “an independent artist with all the right moves” and “a torchbearer for the new generation of contemporary jazz.” He is a “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee; a Yamaha-endorsed pianist and keyboardist; has appeared at premier venues including Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Pier 39 – Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco; and he and his group TIZER (2011 “Jazz Group of the Year” nominee) have graced the stage at renowned events worldwide alongside artists including: Isaac Hayes, Boney James, Zappa Plays Zappa, Wayne Shorter, George Benson, The Commodores, Robin Thicke, The Rippingtons, Bruce Hornsby, Jethro Tull, and Spyro Gyra. Lao’s recordings have sold over 90,000 copies, charted and received acclaim in the industry’s most respected publications and his music can be heard on radio and television airwaves worldwide. His talents continue to evolve and command attention.

GrapeFest- A Wine Experience, will celebrate its 25th anniversary and the best of Texas wines on September 15, 16, 17 and 18. Festival goers will enjoy award-winning wines perfectly paired with culinary treats at the largest wine festival in the Southwest. This year, a special focus on Australian wines and culture livens up the action, while the festival’s trademark activities continue: People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic – the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the nation, Culinary Pavilion, GrapeFest Golf Classic, KidZone presented by Baylor Regional Medical Center of Grapevine, GrapeStomp presented by Chrysler Group, six stages of live entertainment and much more!

Public Relations Manager For The LA County Fair, Leslie Galerne-Smith Is Talking To Us About What Is New At The Fair!

Under the direction of the Los Angeles County Fair Association, Fairplex is home to the L.A. County Fair, the largest county fair in the world, as well as The Learning Centers which encompasses Fairtime Learning, The Child Development Center, The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), the Junior Fair Board, and the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts. Fairplex also operates a diverse hospitality business with the Sheraton Fairplex, McKinley’s Grille, KOA RV Park, Finish Line Sports Grill, Cornucopia Foods, and the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center (opening 2011). The campus is also home to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona; horseracing and Barretts Equine Limited; as well as the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. For more information, please visit www.fairplex.com.

Leslie Galerne-Smith has joined the Los Angeles County Fair Association as public relations and communications manager effective Aug. 2. Galerne-Smith was most recently senior account executive since 2006 with The Rogers Group, a Los Angeles-based public relations agency. Galerne-Smith worked with a variety of clients including L.A. Auto Show, Kellogg’s, Los Angeles Police Foundation and more. The Fair Association is a client of The Rogers Group and Galerne-Smith is very knowledgeable about the facility having worked closely with both Fairplex and the Fair. She is a graduate of University of Southern California with a degree in political science. She has an extensive background in public relations having also worked for Rogers & Cowan public relations firm.

Talking With Us Is Dave Joachim, Author of The Tailgaters Cookbook and Fire It Up, Who Is Offering Great Tips for a Tailgating Triumph

Tailgating season has officially begun. And what used to be defined by some burgers and beer next to the car in the parking lot has morphed into pickup trucks with built-in grills and coolers, elaborate portable smokers, gas-powered blenders, fancy canopies, and folding chairs with footrests and cup-holders. So how do you plan on upping your game this season?

To be a tailgating MVP, you need some serious tips for cooking on asphalt. Dave Joachim, author of The Tailgaters Cookbook and the more recent Fire It Up, will be available for interviews on September 16, 2011, to let your viewers in on everything they need to know for tailgating victory.

DAVE JOACHIM is a food writer, cooking editor and author of “Fire It Up.” He has authored, edited or collaborated on more than 35 cookbooks, including A Man, A Can, A Grill, a New York Times bestseller. Joachim is former food editor at Vegetarian Gourmet magazine, and his writing and tips have appeared in numerous national magazines such as Cook's Illustrated, Cooking Light, Cooking Pleasures, Relish, Prevention, Fitness, Self, Men's Health, and Bicycling. As an author and spokesperson, Joachim has made numerous national media appearances on television and radio, including "Emeril Live!" on The Food Network, "The Early Show" on CBS, "The View" on ABC, "FOX and Friends" on FOX, "Recipe for Health" on the Food Network, "Home Matters" on the Discovery Channel, "Cooking with Bob" on QVC, and "Talk of the Nation" and "A Chef's Table" on National Public Radio, among others. For more info, go to www.davejoachim.com.

Movie Guy Steve Evans Gives us the Movie Hits and Misses!

Steve Evans, the Movie Guy, is going to tell us what we need to run out and see and what we can avoid in the movie theaters, this week!

So, grab your popcorn, folks! Get your movie news and reviews right here on the What's Cookin' Today show! Steve “The Movie Guy” will take a look at what’s hot at the box office and the new films being released this weekend.

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9/15 Outback Steakhouse, Asahi Beer

What's Cookin' Today

Expert Outback Chef Cammie Spillyards Shares With Us Wood-Fire Grill Techniques So We Can Enjoy Delicious Smoky Flavors Year Round

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until next year to enjoy that delicious smoky grilled flavor. The distinct, wood-fire grilled preparation is available year-round. The technique of wood-fired grilling has become wildly popular for everything from Steaks to Chicken to Shrimp, bringing out the unique flavor of your favorite foods and satisfying everyone’s preference. Join Outback's Chef Cammie Spillyards as she demonstrates the newest wood-fire grill menu choices and shows us the secrets of using oak wood for wood-fire grilling.

Cammie has always known that her place was in the kitchen. As a young teenager, Cammie began an apprenticeship with five star Chef Michel Bernard Platz of L’Entrecote, where she studied in a classical French kitchen and discovered her passion for the back of the house. She worked through many fine dining kitchens in Dallas including 650 North, Juniper, Mediterraneo, and Toscana. She served as Sous Chef of the five star Riviera restaurant, a favorite of many long time Dallas residents, for many years. Cammie graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996. She served as Chef Instructor of the Culinary Arts program at Wylie High School for 3 years. Cammie owned two restaurants, Two Realtors and a Chef and Cammie’s Cuisine in downtown Wylie, Texas. Cammie has appeared on The Christopher Lowell Show, ABC’s Home Show, and Unwrapped on Food Network.

We're Sampling and Talking About Asahi Beer With Director of Promotions Jay Cawley

Asahi Breweries, Ltd. is the number one brewer in Japan; its 38.7 percent share of the Japanese market in 2001 edged out arch-rival Kirin Brewery Company, Limited, which had held the top spot from 1954 to 2000. Aiding Asahi's surge to the top was the 1987 introduction of Asahi Super Dry, which in a decade became the top-selling beer in Japan, a position it held into the early 21st century; in 2000 Asahi Super Dry was the number four beer brand in the world, with shipments of 20.9 million barrels. Other domestic brands include Kuronama, Fujisan, Super Malt, and Honnama, the latter being Asahi's entrée into the burgeoning happoshu (low-malt) category. Asahi is very active overseas and has built a network of alliances with such major brewers as Molson and Miller in North America and Bass and Löwenbräu in Europe, as well as making aggressive moves to capture a major share of the emerging market in China. In addition to its brewery operations, which account for about 75 percent of the company's net sales, Asahi manufactures and markets other alcoholic beverages (including distilled spirits and wines), soft drinks (headed by the flagship Mitsuya Cider), and food products (mainly brewer's yeast extracts and related products); sells pharmaceuticals; and runs restaurants.

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9/14 Larry Lipson, "The Sing Off" Group Committed, Flatbread Company In Maui

What's Cookin' Today

Traveling Time! The Great Larry Lipson Tells Us About His Latest Finds

Reporting from Costa Rica, CRN's international wine correspondent Larry Lipson will tell us about his latest Wine finds, including wines UNDER $10!Larry always has something cooking up at the Lipson Institute of Advanced Wine Studies! Larry forages all of Costa Rica for the absolute best wines. No region is spared from his intense search. No mountain or range or valley is safe from his reach. He leaves no grape unturned, this man of passion. Wine is his life. His love for wine is only paralleled with his love for his lovely partner in wine, Lillian Lipson.Be fully prepared for this master of vino as he shares his food and wine pairing techniques and experiences with you on this great day in America - and the world.

Season 2 Winners of NBC's "The Sing Off", Committed's Robbie and DJ Stop By To Talk About What "The Sing Off" Is All About And Dealing With The Success

The popular competition series, which earned Committed a contract with Epic Records and a $100,000 cash prize, exposed the Alabama-based group to a national audience. “The Sing-Off” ranked No. 1 in its time slot and Committed received a record number of votes, sold more than 110,000 tracks, garnered 25,000 Facebook friends and 7,000 followers on Twitter---all components that have provided a strong launch pad for one of music’s most talked about new group.

The group launched in 2003 at Forest Lake Academy outside Orlando, Fla. “Committed actually started as a quartet and the group expanded into a sextet in 2005,” says Geston Pierre. “I was a senior in high school when Tommy [Gervais] and I joined. After we graduated high school, we went to Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama and Maurice and Therry [Thomas] joined in 2005, then DJ and Robbie [Pressley] joined three years ago.”

Collectively the group shares a wide range of influences that includes BeBe & CeCe Winans, Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, Fred Hammond, Earth, Wind & Fire, Al Jarreau and of course, Take 6, who are also Oakwood alumni. “As we arrange, we try to incorporate some of the stuff that we’ve learned over the years,” says Gervais. “A lot of our sound comes from a jazz background and we try to fuse that with our gospel roots. Our sound is different. It’s edgier. You have to add the feeling, the soul, the gospel influence. We’ve listened to a lot of different people, so it’s an eclectic kind of thing---jazz, gospel, blues and R&B just all wrapped into one sound. There’s a little bit of something for everybody.”

All the different facets of Committed’s musical personality shine on their self-titled Epic Records debut. “The entire album is a capella,” says Thomas. “We do the different sounds that you would hear, guitar sounds, synthesizer sounds. If you listen to it, you almost can’t even tell. It’s really, really cool.”

“The Sing-Off,” the unique competition series that sings a different tune and is hosted by multi-platinum recording artist Nick Lachey, returns for season three this fall in a weekly format with two-hour episodes. The show scours the country in search of the best a capella groups ranging in various sizes and ages. This year the competition has expanded to the 16 very best groups who will perform popular songs in weekly competition that will culminate with a live finale revealing the grand prize winner. The groups will be competing for America’s vote and a chance to walk away with the ultimate prize -- a Sony Music recording contract and a $200,000 cash prize.

There’s no lip-synching, back-up bands or safety net. One group will be eliminated every week during this one-of-a-kind battle of voices that will lead up to a live finale -- where viewers will decide the winner. Celebrity judges who will critique the singing groups, using their musical expertise, are Ben Folds (Ben Folds Five), Shawn Stockman (Boyz II Men) and Sara Bareilles (“Love Song” and “King of Anything”).

Jenna Haugaard, General Manager And Chef Of Flatbread Company in Paia Maui Is Talking With Us About The Tropical Twist On The Classic Way To Making Pizza

Flatbread Company is a consistent winner of dining awards on Maui. Most notably and aside from having delicious flatbreads, salads and drinks, Flatbread Co is recognized for its commitment to community through its support of local agriculture, organic whenever possible, and overall sustainable practices. In 2010, Flatbread Co was awarded the Friend of Agriculture Award by the Maui County Farm Bureau at Mauiʻs ʻAipono Awards Dinner. This is the biggest night for culinary awards on Maui, in which the Flatbread Company has been the recipient of best family dining and best new restaurant!

In the heart of Paia town, the Flatbread Company serves up natural pizzas baked in a primitive wood-fired oven to deliver the best flat bread pizza experience in Maui. Menu items are prepared with local, organic produce and free-range meats, while dough is made fresh daily with 100% organically grown wheat, spring water, kosher salt and real cake yeast. With a variety of fresh, appetizing toppings, the result is a delicious flatbread big enough to split with a friend.

Pizza options include the savory Homemade Sausage, made with nitrate-free maple fennel sausage and the uber-cheesy Jay’s Heart, made from whole milk mozzarella, parmesan, wood-fired cauldron tomato sauce and herbs. If you’re a die-hard pepperoni addict, feast guilt-free because the pepperoni here is nitrate-free and grouped with mushrooms, cheeses and herbs. Veggie and Carne pizzas change weekly to ensure top quality and optimum ingredients.

Touting a respectable history, the Flatbread Company began in Amesbury, Massachusetts circa 1998, by Jay Gould and James Meehan. It was in this quaint location, the passion for natural, organic pizzas was born and bred, eventually leading to nine more locations.

Aside from supporting local farmers, Flatbread Company also holds a benefit night every Tuesday where $3.50 per flat bread is donated to a non-profit organization each week.

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9/13 Lou Ferrigno, Danny Seo: Upcycling, Villagio Inn & Spa

What's Cookin' Today

The 2011 List Of "America's Manliest Cities" Has Just Been Released And We're Talking With Judge, Actor And Bicep Enthusiast, Lou Ferrigno About What Makes A City Manly

It’s hard to argue that your city’s got moxie when some of the toughest men in America and a few everyday Americans think your city lacks manliness. This ten-member “Board of Manliness,” ranked 50 cities in the third annual COMBOS® “America’s Manliest Cities” individuals study and Bert Sperling the research expert behind the popular “Best Places to Live” studies, incorporated their composite ranking of the cities into the final results.

One member of “The Board of Manliness” is actor and bicep enthusiast Lou Ferrigno. Taking issue with how Ferrigno ranked the cities is not advised, as you might not like him when he’s angry. The “Combos America’s Manliest Cities” study takes 50 of the largest cities in the country and ranks them from manliest to least manly, based on city data and input from a “Board of Manliness” featuring Lou Ferrigno and nine others. Indicators like the number of sports bars, BBQ restaurants, hardware stores, salty snacks consumption (such as Combos) and the number of firefighters and police officers helped raise a city’s ranking. All data was adjusted for ‘per capita’ figures to provide a fair comparison between cities of varying sizes. Unmanly characteristics did not go unpunished. Cities were docked points for shameless amounts of home furnishing stores, cupcake shops and minivan sales.

For more information and a complete list of rankings, visit Facebook.com/Combos

Lou Ferrigno was born in Brooklyn, New York and was only 21 when he won his first Mr. Universe title. Ferrigno is the only person to ever win Mr. Universe titles two years in a row, and the youngest ever to win Mr. Universe. Those accomplishments still stand today in the Guinness Book of world records.

In 1975 he starred in the documentary film, Pumping Iron, about the world of bodybuilding. From ’78-’82 he starred in the television show “The Incredible Hulk,” standing at six feet five inches, weighing 285 pounds! Ferrigno also starred in three “Hulk” television movies, appeared in the recent Incredible Hulk movies and lent his voice to the animated series of the same name. In ’94 he starred in “Stand Tall,” the sequel to “Pumping Iron” which documents Lou's comeback in the Masters Olympia title and his return to bodybuilding. In 2009, he starred in the comedy “I Love You Man.” He and his family are currently in negotiations with TV Land for a new Reality TV project – “The Incredible Ferrigno’s” that will focus on “coaching” viewers on how to improve the quality of their physical and mental health. He lives in California with his wife and three kids.

We're Talking With Author Of The "Simply Green" Books On Environmental Living And Lifestyle Expert, Danny Seo About His New Book With A Fresh Take On Recycling: "Upcycling"

You’ve seen Danny Seo on HGTV and heard him on Sirius Radio for years, or maybe you’ve read one of his “Simply Green” books on Environmental Living. The man who was literally born on Earth Day has made his living showing people how to practice green living, and now he’s taken up a new cause. It’s called “UPCYCLING,” which is an upgrade over normal recycling efforts by creating beautiful things from the stuff you already have. Seo has teamed up with Lowe’s to promote his new book that contains hundreds of creative upcycling ideas.

Environmental lifestyle expert Danny Seo calls his eco-friendly way of living “Simply Green.” Through his best-selling books, television programs, products, magazine columns and his how-to lifestyle lectures, Danny Seo continues to share the creative ideas that have made him America’s leading lifestyle authority on modern, eco-friendly living. Born on Earth Day in 1977, Danny has championed the natural biodiversity of our planet from a very young age. On his 12th birthday, he founded the organization Earth 2000 with just a few friends and $23. By his 18th birthday, he had transformed the grassroots organization into the country’s largest teenage activist charity, spearheading worldwide campaigns on behalf of the environment. Danny encourages America to live a greener lifestyle. His first lifestyle book Conscious Style Home (St. Martin’s Press; 2001) chronicles his renovation of his parents’ home in Green Hills, Pennsylvania, using easy-to-find, eco-friendly materials. The beautifully photographed book received rave reviews in The New York Times, Elle, Food & Wine, Elle Decor, and USA Today, who raved “Say ‘environment’ to Danny Seo, and it’s as if you’ve punched the word into the search engine Google: Out roars an avalanche of ideas and references that threatens to scramble your brain.” Conscious Style Home helped Danny soon become America’s favorite environmental lifestyle authority.

In Fall 2011, Danny’s seventh book—Upcycling—will be published featuring hundreds of innovative, easy and eco-friendly craft projects that turn useless stuff into beautiful new things. This book is based on his wildly popular regular segments on NBC’s “The Today Show” where he shows hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb how to craft, often with hilarious results. Danny’s creative vision that style and sustainability can be married together has created an extensive portfolio of work including a nationally-syndicated newspaper column “Do Just One Thing;” the Simmons Natural Care by Danny Seo mattress line; Wholearth by Danny Seo bath and beauty products; the DVD “Simple Steps to a Greener Home;” one-a-day and wall calendars with Trends International; and a series of books including Simply Green Parties and Simply Green Giving.

Talking With Us Is David Shipman, Managing Director of Villagio Inn & Spa, Telling Us About How Villagio Was Just Named ToTravel +Leisure Magazine's “World's Best Awards 2011 Readers’ Survey”

Comprehensive survey results appear in this month's August 2011 issue of the magazine. A questionnaire developed by Travel+Leisure was made available to T+L readers. Magazine readers were asked to rate hotels and destinations spas on several characteristics. In the hotel category, respondents provided their feedback regarding rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food and value. In the spa category, readers gave their input regarding ambiance, treatments, service and value.

Villagio Inn & Spa ranked #29 and Spa Villagio ranked #8. “This is the second time this year that Villagio Inn & Spa has received special recognition from the Travel+Leisure Magazine (In the January, 2011 issue, the hotel was named one of the “T+L’s 500 World’s Best Hotels Readers’ Survey),” says Villagio Inn & Spa Managing Director, David Shipman.

Lush Mediterranean-style gardens, fountains, and a flowing central watercourse set the tone of relaxed elegance, with cobbled pathways that meander through the two-story cluster-style village-like surrounds of the luxurious Villagio Inn & Spa. Spacious and airy, all guestrooms and suites feature private patios or balconies, fireplaces, oversize sunken bathtubs, in-room wine cellars, cozy robes, in-room tea, coffee and Espresso machines, and a bottle of premium chardonnay upon arrival. A lavish champagne breakfast buffet and afternoon tea service are included with every guest stay. Focal point of the hotel is Spa Villagio, one of Northern California’s premier luxury spa retreats, available to both hotel guests and day spa goers.

Architecturally engaging, Spa Villagio’s soothing fountains and serene reflecting pools lead along a limestone walkway to a grand entrance. Reminiscent of Early California design highlighting classic Mediterranean accents, including stone arched entryways and Spanish-style terra cotta clay tile roofs, Spa Villagio boasts a 13,000-square-foot-sanctuary with 16 treatment rooms and five unique sumptuously-designed private spa suites.


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9/12 17th Annual Staglin Family Vineyard Music Festival for Mental Health

What's Cookin' Today

Mike Horn And Paul Stern Are Talking To You From The 17th Annual Staglin Family Vineyard Music Festival for Mental Health And Are Helping Raise Awareness

The 17th Annual Staglin Family Vineyard Music Festival for Mental Health, sponsored by the International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHRO). The 2011 Music Festival features keynote Steven E. Hyman, MD, Provost, Harvard University and Professor of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School, followed by a one-of-a-kind concert starring the incomparable Dionne Warwick and a special appearance by Congressman Patrick Kennedy of the One Mind Campaign, and award-winning actress of stage and screen Glenn Close of the Bring Change 2 Mind organization.

Mental illness is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States, costing our country over $350 billion annually and affecting over 50 million Americans. With 100 percent of the expenses underwritten by its sponsors, all proceeds go directly to scientific research and treatment programs, including those at UCSF, Stanford University, UCLA, University of Southern Florida, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the Roskamp Institute studying Alzheimer’s plus Aldea, Inc. of Napa and Sonoma. In addition, IMHRO is a founder of Bring Change 2 Mind, the nation’s leading anti-stigma organization. To date, nearly $114 million has been raised through direct and leveraged funds.

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