07/19 IAN BLACKBURN, WINE LA, BEEKEEPER CELLARS, STARS OF PINOT, MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION EXPERT ANDY PUDDICOMBE, HOW TO IMPROVE HEALTH & HAPPINESS

IAN BLACKBURN – OWNER/FOUNDER, WINE LA & FOUNDER/CO-WINEMAKER, BEEKEEPER CELLARS – TALKS ABOUT A BIG EVENT COMING UP, STARS OF PINOT 

STARS OF PINOT
The best Pinot event of the year is back, and it's bigger and better than ever! Hosted by WineLA, STARS of Pinot 2016 will be held at the luxurious Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. This "STAR"-studded event will feature over 200 Pinot wines created by 60 of the world's top producers. All guests will enjoy unlimited wine tasting, tray passed hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction benefitting the T.J Martell Charity and an assortment of breads, cheeses, and chocolate. VIP guests are invited to attend our VIP Pinot Panels with Discussions & Tastings, enjoy a delicious VIP Buffet, and receive a VIP Gift Bag packed with fabulous items to take home.

WHEN/WHERE:
JULY 20, 2016
SOFITEL LA at Beverly Hills
8555 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048

TIME:
Trade: 12PM-3PM
VIP: 6PM
Gold: 7PM
Silver: 7:30PM
Event ends at 9:30PM

ABOUT BEEKEEPER CELLARS
Beekeeper Cellars is the vision of best friends and co-winemakers Ian Blackburn and Clay Mauritson. The two collaborated after adventurous individual careers in the wine business, and at last, decided to work together on a project of their own.

Clay, a 7th generation grape grower, and his family found themselves the owners of a significant slice of the Rockpile Appellation, through an amazing set of historical land transactions. The Mauritson family realized the potential and parented the creation of the ROCKPILE AVA. In 1998, Ian and Clay climbed the hill and watched the Madrone Spring Vineyard get planted, while discussing the future of Rockpile and the dream it represented.

In 2008, Clay saw the fruits of his family's labor taking shape and came to Ian with a unique opportunity to source some of the Rockpile fruit. He told Ian in the difficult days of 2008, “now is the time to get in and build the business and have it take shape as the market improves, and to not wait until business is strong as you will have a hard time getting access to the right quality assets.” Ian took heed of Clay’s wise comment and said "When your best friend is Clay Mauritson and he offers Rockpile fruit and to assist with winemaking…... you make Zinfandel.”

In Los Angeles, Ian operates a specialty wine marketing organization known as wineLA and has pioneered wine education for the past 20 years (since 1995) through www.learnaboutwine.com and www.wineLA.com.  Beekeeper Cellars is also involved in Ian’s Masters of Wine Thesis project and provides him the winemaking training he requires to help pass the difficult Masters of Wine exam...an ongoing pursuit.

ABOUT IAN BLACKBURN, CSW, JWE ¬ LEARNABOUTWINE & WINELA PROFESSIONAL SOMMELIER 
Ian drinks wine for a living and plans 50¬‐100 public and private events a year. Ian stays busy buying collectible wines for high profile clients, planning luxury wine  trips  for  his  audience,  hosting  corporate  events,  and  studying  for  his  Master of Wine. Since  1995,  LearnAboutWine  has  done  the  hard  work  of  building  a  better  culture for fine wine, opening the doors for more quality products to enter the  marketplace  and  has  taught  over  800,000  students.    With  a  reach  of  over 80,000  current  subscribers  and  followers,  LearnAboutWine  now  focuses  on  the  best  quality  events and classes, and wine credential programs which have graduated over 1000 wine students in the last 9 years with a Junior Wine Executive credential (JWE).

WWW.WINELA.COM
WWW.BEEKEEPERCELLARS.COM

MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION EXPERT ANDY PUDDICOMBE - FIND OUT HOW TO IMPROVE HEALTH & HAPPINESS FOR A YOUNGER AUDIENCE

World Famous Mindfulness & Meditation Expert Andy Puddicombe Explains Why a Meditation App with 7 MILLION Users has a NEW Version for Kids 

A great deal has been written about how a positive attitude can greatly improve the overall health of a person.    That’s just one of the important reasons that Andy Puddicombe and Rich Pierson developed a program and a wildly successful app to teach people mindfulness and meditations.   In fact, Headspace is meditation app on a mission to improve the health and happiness of the world that has more than 7 million worldwide users.  It’s been so successful that Puddicombe is launching Headspace for Kids, introducing mindfulness meditation to a new, younger audience.

The Kids series provides short meditations designed especially for children from toddlers to pre-teens, with the aim of giving them the very best start in life. It focuses on five key, child-development topics with the aim of introducing meditation at an early age. Themes such as Kindness, Focus, Sleep, Calm and Wake Up are introduced that can help with issues facing children and parents.

ABOUT ANDY PUDDICOMBE: 
In his early 20s, Puddicombe traveled to the Himalayas to study meditation on a journey that took him around the world, culminating with ordination as a Tibetan Buddhist monk.  This inspirational speaker then completed a degree in Circus Arts, and has combined entertainment skills with an inspirational message that has mesmerized audiences around the world and made him a widely sought-after speaker.  Puddicombe is the author of two books, available in 25 countries and 10 languages. He has been featured widely in international press, appearing in Vogue, NYT, FT, Entrepreneur, Men’s Health and Esquire, to name but a few. He also makes regular appearances on TV and online, having been featured on BBC, Dr Oz, Netflix and TED.

07/18 NICOLE FELICIANO, SUMMERTIME FAMILY FUN GUIDE, U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM HOPEFUL PERRY BAKER, MILK LIFE® CAMPAIGN

NICOLE FELICIANO - YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMERTIME FAMILY FUN GUIDE FOR BUSY PARENTS

FUN IN THE SUN!

Your Ultimate Summertime Family Fun Guide for busy parents!

Summertime and the living is easy…well almost!  Our summer is packed with plans; from family vacations to backyard bashes to rainy days at home.  Let’s get into gear for some summer fun and really enjoy the pleasures of the season. Here with some of her best tips to help all of us live more simply during the long, lazy days of summer is Momtrends founder, Nicole Feliciano.

ABOUT NICOLE FELICIANO:
Nicole Feliciano, is Founder and CEO of Momtrends. After graduating from Vanderbilt with a degree in English Literature, Nicole ventured into the (sometimes) glamorous world of advertising. In 1997, she switched gears and went to work for Ralph Lauren–combining her business acumen with her love of fashion. In her seven year career with the luxury brand, Nicole managed retail stores and eventually landed a coveted position at the corporate headquarters in NYC. Soon after that Nicole became a freelance writer and began contributing to Babble.com, Time Out New York Kids, and many more online and paper publications. Momtrends launched in 2007 and continues to provide the latest news on things trendy and cool for moms. Momtrends is packed with fashion tips and trend reports aimed to help busy, style-starved women keep in touch with what’s hip and cool. When she’s not scoping out fads and fashions, you can find Nicole in NYC with her two young daughters and extremely patient husband.


U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM HOPEFUL PERRY BAKER - MILK LIFE® CAMPAIGN

Rugby is making its comeback at the Olympic Games this year (hasn’t been in the Olympics since the 1920s and the United States are the reigning champs!). Perry Baker, a leading star in the sport, who currently plays for the United States National Rugby Sevens Team is on hand and available on Monday, July 18. Perry became an overnight sensation after running in four tries as the USA crushed New Zealand back in May.

Baker’s training to earn a spot on Team USA and compete in the Olympic Games drives him to work hard, train hard and eat a balanced diet — every single day – on his road to Rio, and beyond. Team USA athletes know what it takes to build a champion: a lifetime of determination and training, countless competitions, years of fueling their bodies with the right foods and beverages and unwavering support from mom and dad.

ABOUT PERRY BAKER:
Perry Baker is an American rugby sevens player and hopeful member of the Men’s Rugby Sevens U.S. Olympic Team for the upcoming Rio Games. Baker played college football for NCAA Division II Fairmont State University in West Virginia. He graduated from Fairmont State in 2010 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Baker was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL, but he suffered a knee injury that cut short his NFL career. Baker played for two years for the Pittsburgh Power in the Arena Football League during 2012 and 2013.

Rugby career
Baker had dabbled in rugby since 2006, when he was introduced to the sport by Brian Richardson, the coach of Daytona Beach Rugby who was also one of Baker's American football high school coaches. Baker played with the Daytona Beach Coconuts in 2012, leading them to a ninth-place finish at the club sevens national tournament.

Baker took up rugby full time in 2013 and joined the Tiger Rugby Academy in Columbus, Ohio, working under coach Paul Holmes. Baker signed a full-time contract with the U.S. Eagles in July 2014 to join the residency program at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in San Diego, California. He made his debut at the 2014 Gold Coast Sevens in Australia.

Baker was involved in an incident at the 2014 South Africa Sevens when the United States were playing against South Africa, a fan invaded the rugby field and tackled him. Baker retaliated by kicking him, he later apologized for his actions on Twitter.

Milk Life® campaign

7/15 MASTER BEER SOMMELIER MARC STROOBANDT, GOOGLE SEARCH TRENDS EXPERT DANIELLE BOWERS, STEVE EVANS THE MOVIE GUY

JULY IS THE PEAK OF BARLEY HARVEST SEASON SO MASTER BEER SOMMELIER MARC STROOBANDT IS HERE TO TALK ABOUT WHY AND HOW BARLEY IS THE SOUL OF BEER

Marc Stroobandt is a leading authority in the art and science of food and beer pairing as a Master Beer Sommelier, taking his unique and entertaining approach across the globe. Stroobandt provides beer training and education, presentations and activations at various outlets in the U.S. and internationally. Stroobandt is an accredited trainer for the BIIAB (British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body) and has trained through the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, in affiliation with the Beer Academy. He has been named to the Honorary Knighthood in the Order of the Mashing Staff in recognition of his professional expertise and services for the promotion of beer and beer culture.

Master Beer Sommelier, Marc Stroobandt can chat about barley and beer. Marc can talk about the history of this ancient grain and barley’s role in beer. He can discuss how barley’s role in beer is similar to yeast in bread, essential for fermentation, and responsible for beer’s color, flavor, mouthfeel and aroma.  Marc can also chat about how different beer styles complements foods made with barley, from soups to breads to salads, and share some of his favorite recipes and pairings.

BARLEY – THE “SOUL OF BEER”

• Beer’s four core ingredients are barley, water, hops and yeast.
• Barley is one of the world's oldest cultivated cereal grains
• Barley is the “soul” of beer. There’s a saying, “No barley = no beer.”
• Malted barley gives beer its color, malty sweet flavor, body, head and the natural sugars for fermentation. It comes in a variety of colors, flavors, and degrees of roastiness that affect the color and taste of the beer.

HISTORY OF BARLEY

• Ancient Egyptians used barley to brew beer and as currency. Essentially they used barley money to buy barley beer.
• Everyone gives hops the credit for beer, but barley gives beer its beautiful range of colors, sweetness, and that unmistakable aroma we all know and love.
• Barley is one of the most versatile grains and is found all over the world in cereals, soups, baked goods and of course, beer.
• Back in the roman gladiator days, fighters would eat barley for breakfast before they fought in the Coliseum, earning them the nickname “barley men.”

DANIELLE BOWERS - GOOGLE SEARCH TRENDS EXPERT - WEEKLY TOP SEARCH TRENDS STEVE EVANS - THE MOVIE GUY

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. Encompassing searches from across pop culture, sports, music, politics, news, and more a Roya will discuss five of the hottest trending queries on the web.

TOP TRENDS:
• Pokemon Go
• Trump’s VP
• U.S. Women’s Gymnastics
• Jennifer Aniston
• Theresa May

GOOGLE.COM/TRENDS


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.

7/14 MARK TARBELL, TARBELLS AND TARBELLS WINE STORE, AUTHOR MARK WILL-WEBER, DRINKING WITH REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS

MARK TARBELL – OWNER, TARBELLS AND TARBELLS WINE STORE    

Mark Tarbell (the only winning competitor on the 5th season of "Iron Chef America") opened Tarbell's in 1994. Previously he had studied in Paris at the l'Academie du Vin and earned a Grande Diplôme d'Etude Culinaire from Ecole du Cuisine La Varenne. Mark and his restaurants (he also owns The Oven in Denver) have earned more than 50 city and industry awards, including a "Best Restaurant" from Food and Wine magazine and a nomination as "Best Chef - Southwest" by the James Beard Foundation.

Tarbell’s is a friendly neighborhood atmosphere that features light woods and white tablecloths, a sweeping bird’s-eye maple bar, and exhibition kitchen. We also offer an award winning wine list and an extensive wine by the glass menu.
• Unusually versatile and accommodating
• A philosophy of fresh, simple, really good food
• Seafood from the best places in the world
• Meats hand selected and aged just for us
• Produce from local farmers since Day One

We do all this in an atmosphere of refined relaxation with an attention to service that's becoming a lost art.   And our barrel-aged cocktails aren't bad, either

TARBELLS WINE STORE
Mark Tarbell has opened The Wine Store right next to his award winning restaurant, Tarbell's, on the southeast corner of 32nd Street and Camelback. In a world of big-box wine retailers which specialize in acres of shelving and discount pricing, Mark introduces an intimate, service-driven experience that returns to the celebration of wine not as a commodity but as an art.  Call The Wine Store a gallery...for grapes. His selections bring you the finest examples of winemaking, but rest assured the prices rival, and in many cases are lower then, national retail prices.  Yes, even big box prices.   With these cost-conscious choices you also receive individual and expert guidance from a friendly, enthusiastic staff.  No wine snobs here!  Come in and find out what makes shopping at The Wine Store as enjoyable as a glass of  really good Champagne!

MORE ABOUT MARK TARBELL
Mark's wine wanderings began more than 30 years ago, when he studied at l'Academie du Vin in Paris under Peter Vezan.  His multi-layered career in hospitality has included his position, at age 23, as the youngest Food & Beverage Director ever of a five star resort (The Boulders in Carefree).  He opened Tarbell's Restaurant in 1994 and built an award-winning wine list.  In the past 20 years he has served annually as a judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition and has authored articles in Wine & Spiritsand other national magazines.  He has been the wine columnist for The Arizona Republic since 2004.

WWW.TARBELLS.COM
WWW.TARBELLSWINESTORE.COM


AUTHOR MARK WILL-WEBER - DRINKING WITH REPUBLICANS AND DRINKING WITH DEMOCRATS  - HILARIOUS DRINKING STORIES FROM WHITE HOUSE ADMINISTRATIONS, BAR TIPS, AND LOTS OF COCKTAIL RECIPES 

FUN POLITICAL DRINKING BOOKS…
In light of this intense and insane election season, what's better than mixing up a presidential libation to survive the election? Author Mark Will-Weber is publishing his two newest books Drinking with Republicans and Drinking with Democrats just in time for this summer's conventions. These fun books include hilarious drinking stories from Republican and Democrat White House administrations, bar tips, and lots of cocktail recipes.

 Mark can create a cocktail recipe representative of each party. He also tells some of the funniest presidential drinking stories and gives a recipe for a favorite presidential libation, like FDR's signature rum swizzle or Richard Nixon's go-to drink

Drinking with the Republicans: The Politically Incorrect History of Conservative Concoctions
This election year, celebrate the Republican Party by drinking like a Republican! Organized by president, this fun gift book is full of cocktail recipes, bar tips, and hysterical drinking anecdotes from all Republican White House administrations.
• Which president liked to mix whiskey, vodka, and orange juice?
• Who had a trick for hiding the labels of cheap wine?
Drinking with the Republicans is the bar guide with a twist that all political buffs will enjoy!

Drinking with the Democrats: The Party Animal's History of Liberal Libations
This election year, celebrate the Democratic Party by drinking like a Democrat! Organized by president, this fun gift book is full of cocktail recipes, bar tips, and hysterical drinking anecdotes from all Democratic White House administrations.
• Which Southern man drank Snakebites?
• How did Jackie-O like her daiquiris?
Drinking with the Democrats is the bar guide with a twist that all political buffs will enjoy!

07/13 AFFORDABLE WINE EXPERT, LARRY LIPSON, JONATHAN BENNETT, CAKE WARS & CUPCAKE WARS

LARRY LIPSON – AFFORDABLE WINE REPORT

For fifty years Larry Lipson was the food critic for the Los Angeles Daily News and now reports from Florida 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.


ACTOR AND TELEVISION HOST JONATHAN BENNETT - CAKE WARS & CUPCAKE WARS RETURN WITH FRESHLY BAKED NEW EPISODES ON FOOD NETWORK 

GET A SNEAK PEEK AT WHAT IS COMING UP ON THE NEW EPISODES WITH ACTOR AND HOST, JONATHAN BENNETT

 It’s a sugar lover’s fantasy, Monday nights on Food Network this summer. Cake Wars and Cupcake Wars return with freshly baked new episodes of these sweet competitions – a sugar rush for fans everywhere!

The stars shine as CUPCAKE WARS returns with all-new celebrity filled episodes. It’s an all star cupcake showdown as celebrity contestants prove their baking skills on special new episodes of Cupcake Wars, beginning July 11th and airing Mondays at 8 pm ET / PT on Food Network. In each episode four famous faces will compete in three rounds of elimination challenges for the chance to debut their creation at a major event and to win a donation to their favorite charity. The celebrity contestants competing for cupcake glory include Adrienne Bailon, Drake Bell, Julissa Bermudez, Yvette Nicole Brown, Brooke Burke-Charvet, Charlie & Max Carver, Coolio, Ron Funches, Lori Greiner, Bob Harper, Hannah Hart, Perez Hilton, Grace Helbig, Shawn Johnson, Carson Kressley, NeNe Leakes, Vanessa Marano, Katherine McNamara, Heather Morris, Lamorne Morris, Audrina Patridge, Antonio Sabato Jr., Molly Sims, Lea Thompson, Emeraude Toubia, Nick Young, and Johnny Weir.  Each will be challenged to design cupcakes that match a unique theme including everything from cheerleaders to the iconic Hello Kitty and Josie and the Pussycats, from Medieval Times to the classic game Twister, and to the popular children's character Matilda.

CAKE WARS follows with all new episodes Mondays at 9pm ET / PT featuring four bakers vying for the opportunity to display their extraordinary cake creations at a big event, and for the grand prize of $10,000! The talents and imagination of the contestants are tested in two rounds of specially-themed challenges, where they must race against time to design mind-blowing cakes that will impress with their taste and presentation.

ABOUT JONATHAN BENNETT:
Jonathan Bennett, best known for his role in the smash hit Mean Girls (with Tina Fey, Linsey Lohan and Rachael McAdams), is the host of Food Network’s Cake Wars, Cupcake Wars, Cake Wars: Christmas, and Christmas Cookie Challenge . Bennett starred in the romantic comedy Lovewrecked and starred as Bo Duke in Warner Bros.' prequel to The Dukes of Hazzard; the comedy   Party Vegas; in Fox’s sequel to the hit comedy Cheaper by the Dozen, as Steve Martin’s antagonistic son-in-law; and in the title role of National Lampoon's Van Wilder: Freshman Year. He became a fan favorite on Dancing with the Stars and demonstrated his hosting skills on MTV’s competition series Copycat. Most recently, Bennett executive-produced and starred in the film Authors Anonymous opposite Kaley Cuoco. Fans can relive top moments when the stars and sweets align, and can check out the celebrity cupcake creations and the winners' displays at FoodNetwork.com/CupcakeWars, and can join the conversation using #CupcakeWars. For even more sweet fun, fans cancheck out the images and recipes of the winning cakes, hilarious behind-the-scenes videos of Jonathan Bennett with the judges on set and more at FoodNetwork.com/CakeWars. They can also weigh in on their favorite designs on Twitter using #CakeWars.

WWW.FOODNETWORK.COM

7/12 CHEF RUTH ROUSSO, ECLECTIC, HEALTHY CUISINE OF ISRAEL, DENVER NICKS, HOT SAUCE NATION: AMERICA’S BURNING OBSESSION

CHEF RUTH ROUSSO – CHATS ABOUT THE ECLECTIC, HEALTHY CUISINE OF ISRAEL AND WHY IT’S GETTING SO MUCH BUZZ

Eclectic, healthy cuisine of Israel is currently getting so much buzz!       
         
Ruth is a well-known food expert in Israel, where she hosts a food TV show, owns her own trendy cold-pressed juice company (called “Jusso”), writes a regular food column, and is a former guest judge on Iron Chef Israel and Game of Chefs (a popular culinary reality TV show).  She is also one of the stars of a new documentary on Israeli food called In Search of Israeli Cuisine, which will air on PBS nationwide next year (and is currently touring the film festival circuit, to great acclaim).

As you may know, Israeli food is very hot right now: At the most recent James Beard Foundation Awards, the award for “Best New Restaurant” in the US went to Israeli-born Alon Shaya’s Shaya restaurant in New Orleans, and Michael Solomonov’s Israeli cookbook, Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking, won “Book of the Year.”  And this comes on the heels of a surge in popularity of Israeli restaurants opening up all over the country, from Balaboosta and Timna in New York to Yalla in Atlanta to Shaya in New Orleans—and soon, in fall 2016, a new Israeli restaurant in Los Angeles from Portland star chef Jenn Louis (inspired by a food tour of Israel last year, which we helped arrange).

ABOUT CHEF RUTH ROUSSO:
Chef Ruth Rousso has been touring the world - Milano, Beijing, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Manila, Hanoi- demonstrating the fine dining of her homeland - Israel, while participating in the most important television shows and international networks, such as CNN and NBC.

When she’s back home, Rousso is the owner of the trendy and successful Cold Pressed Juice Company, “Jusso”, and hosting a TV food show on National TV.  Rousso writes for the Italian Newspaper, Corriere della Sera. Her food column, evolving around Middle Eastern cuisine, is highly popular, with its mouthwatering pictures and easy to follow recipes.

Chef Rousso has been a guest judge on Israel Iron Chef, and on the new and high rated culinary reality “Game of Chefs”. She was recently chosen to be the promotional model for Zucker Studio. Two years ago, Rousso co-founded the first and only Palestinian heirloom market in Israel, with Chef Hussam Abbas, operating during the summers, and offering the beautiful and endemic product of the country.   She is considered one of not too many successful female chefs, and thus is invited to participate in international female-chefs event all over the world.  Rousso lives in Tel Aviv, with her husband and two daughters; she plays the sax, enjoys birding and yoga, and can’t stand dill.


DENVER NICKS - HOT SAUCE NATION: AMERICA’S BURNING OBSESSION - HOW HOT SAUCE AND CHILI PEPPERS CONQUERED AMERICA’S TASTE BUDS

Hot Sauce Nation: America’s Burning Obsession 

Hot Sauce Nation is a red-hot ride through the story of hot sauce in America, from the humble South American plant that made its way to Mexico, the Caribbean, and (via Columbus) Spain and beyond, to an excruciating encounter with a 3.3-million-Scoville heat unit scorpion-pepper tincture, one of the spiciest things on earth. Why should the world’s most painful food have inspired such adoration in the United States? While chili pepper–based sauces have been potent elements of cuisines worldwide, successive waves of immigrants landing in the New World have turned up the heat on the American palate with their native pungent sauces. Today, the super-fast-growing hot sauce industry has transformed everything from salsa chips and dips to barbecue, buffalo wings, chocolates, and cocktails, inspiring passionate romances and changing people’s lives along the way. With fascinating detours into science, history, folklore, and current events, and sprinkled with the stories of the people who make, use, sell, love, and cook with hot sauce, this flavorful volume explores the unique hold the dark prince of condiments has on the American appetite.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denver Nicks (born c. 1984) is a journalist, writer, producer, and a regular contributor to TIME. He is the author of Private: Bradley Manning, WikiLeaks, and the Biggest Exposure of Official Secrets in American History. His second book, Hot Sauce Nation, is set for release in Fall/2016. Nicks holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies from Southern Methodist University and a master’s from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

07/11 BARBARA SATTERFIELD, STA. RITA HILLS WINEGROWERS ALLIANCE WINE AND FIRE, MICHAEL SERES & MARK REISENAUER, JOHN SCHNEIDER, LIKE SON THE MOVIE

BARBARA SATTERFIELD - STA. RITA HILLS WINEGROWERS ALLIANCE - WINE AND FIRE 2016

JOIN US FOR A FUN-FILLED WEEKEND FUELED BY WINE AND FIRE
The Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance invite you to join us for some Santa Rita Hills hospitality during our annual Wine and Fire event. We are pulling out all the stops for a weekend of world class wines and wood grilled specialty foods. Limited tickets guarantees an intimate wine and food experience.

Hilliard Bruce Vineyards and Winery
We are thrilled to have our Wine and Fire Friday Night kick off party and Saturday morning seminar and lunch at Hilliard Bruce Vineyards and Winery. This amazing estate is one of the newest production facilities in the Hills and the very first winery in Santa Barbara county to have been awarded LEED Silver Certification by the U.S. Green Council. Tours of the winery will be offered as part of these events.

Kick Off Barn Party 
August 5th 5:00 - 8:00
In addition to the beautiful surroundings our Winemakers will be sharing their library stash, large format bottles and small production bottlings to get you warmed up for the weekend. These wines will be exclusive to this event so don’t miss this opportunity to experience these unique offerings. An array of antipasti and wood fired pizzas by Fire Rose and a cheese buffet presented by by Central Coast Specialties  will set the pace for a weekend of wine and culinary noshing. A private tour of the winery, for Media and Alliance Members, will be offered at 4:00pm, prior to the start of the event.

Saturday Morning Seminar 
August 6th 10:00 am - 2:00
From Acin to Zotovich, the Hwy 246 corridor nurtures approximately 1,220 acres of Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Come meet the producers and taste the vineyards that represent the northern portion of our AVA. Sandy soils laced with limestone veins and clay loam produce rich, savory wines with soul and depth that are representative of this very cool region. The Saturday morning seminar, co-hosted by Phillip Carpenter and Wes Hagen will highlight vineyards on Hwy 246. Panelists will include Tim Snider, Ashley’s Vineyard, Bryan Babcock - Babcock Vineyard, Karen Steinwachs - Hibbits Vineyard, Aaron Walker - Pali Vineyard, Dan Schuler-Jones - Zotovich Vineyard, and our host, Hilliard Bruce Vineyard. A fire grilled lunch by The Hitching Post II will follow the seminar with music by The Luck.

Wine and Fire Grand Tasting at La Purisima Mission
August 6th 5:00 - 8:00
Forty plus wineries and sizzling local chefs and farmers will be on hand for an evening of chillin' and grillin' at the beautiful La Purisima Mission, located on the edge of our AVA. Babe Farms, Campbell Farms, Central Coast Specialty Foods, Fire Rose Wood Fired Pizza, Homegrown Cowboy, The Hitching Post II, Tollhouse BBQ, Scratch Kitchen, The Ballard Inn and the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers will be serving up an amazing selection of local food favorites!
2295 Purisima Road, Lompoc, CA 93436

Wine and Fire Weekend Passport: A passport to participating member winery's offerings is included in the purchase of the Grand Tasting ticket and Saturday Combo ticket. The passport is not available for purchase on its own. Passports will be distributed at various locations during the weekend.

WWW.STARITAHILLS.COM


MICHAEL SERES & MARK REISENAUER - BRINGING BRIGHT IDEAS TO CANCER CARE - NEW CHALLENGE DESIGNED TO INSPIRE NON-MEDICINE INNOVATIONS

BRINGING BRIGHT IDEAS TO CANCER CARE 
New Challenge Designed to Inspire Non-Medicine Innovations

By 2030, the global cancer burden is expected to grow to 22.2 million cancer cases.[i] Cancer’s increasing prevalence and the need for more therapies and greater accessibility to them is top of mind for many, especially in light of Vice President Joe Biden’s National Cancer Moonshot Initiative.

Yet, improving cancer care is about more than just treatments. Patients today are able to access more resources and tools than ever before to support their cancer experience, but many still have unmet needs.

The C3 Prize™ (see-three prize) was created to uncover new tools and resources that can potentially help patients with cancer, their caregivers and loved ones live better today. More specifically, the C3 Prize seeks submissions in four areas where patients living with cancer and the cancer community face daily challenges: navigating the health care system, adhering to complex medical care requirements, coordinating care and surviving life post-treatment.

Astellas Oncology, along with Robert Herjavec, star of ABC’s Emmy Award-winning hit television show Shark Tank, Stanford Medicine X and MATTER, launched the C3 Prize to give patients and caregivers an opportunity to pursue new ideas and solutions that can make a difference in the lives of patients with cancer, their loved ones and those who care for them. Entries will be accepted through August 8, followed by a live pitch for five finalists at Stanford Medicine X to a panel of judges including Robert Herjavec. From there, three winners will be awarded grants totaling $100,000, mentorship from Astellas and membership to healthcare technology incubator MATTER to bring their ideas to life.

On Monday, July 11, Michael Seres, Founder of 11Health and Mark Reisenauer, senior vice president, oncology sales and marketing, Astellas, are available to discuss the C3 Prize, raise awareness about the need to improve cancer care and explain how your listeners can get involved.

MORE ABOUT MICHAEL SERES:
Michael Seres was diagnosed at age 12 with the incurable bowel condition, Crohn's Disease. In late 2011 he became the 11th person to undergo a small bowel transplant in the UK at The Churchill Hospital in Oxford. More recently he is a two-time cancer survivor after having a high-grade B cell lymphoma. Michael started blogging about his journey in 2011 and has over 100,000 followers. He is the Co-Chair of NHS Digital Services User Council and helped implement the first Skype clinics in the UK. In 2013, Michael founded 11Health, a connected device startup with which he has developed sensor technology for ostomy patients.  In 2015, Michael was announced as the first ePatient-in-Residence at Stanford Medicine X. He is a current Stanford Medicine X Executive Board member and judge for the C3 Prize.

MORE ABOUT MARK REISENAUER:
Mark Reisenauer is senior vice president, oncology business unit of Astellas. In this role, he is responsible for commercial activities supporting marketed products, Astellas' co-promotion partners and commercial planning for early stage oncology development compounds. Mark is a member of the Astellas US Management Committee. Mark joined Astellas in 2011 as vice president, sales and marketing, oncology, where he led commercial activities supporting oncology products, Tarceva and the launch of Xtandi.  Prior to joining Astellas, Mark served as senior vice president and chief commercial officer of Micromet Inc. (now part of Amgen), where he led investor and public relations, new product planning and commercial launch planning. Previously, Mark held various sales and marketing leadership roles at Abbott, Pharmacia, Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca. Mark experienced firsthand the complexity of navigating cancer care while his father battled head and neck cancer. After losing his father, he has dedicated his energy toward cancer care innovation.  Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin.

WWW.C3PRIZE.COM


ACTOR, WRITER AND DIRECTOR JOHN SCHNEIDER TO HOST A LIVE STREAMING EVENT OF HIS FILM LIKE SON ON JULY 14TH 

Actor, writer and director John Schneider established his own independent film studio a few years ago. His studio sits on 58 acres in Holden, Louisiana, next to the TickFaw River. John's been working to transform the property, providing a location where independent filmmakers can make movies on a budget.

He is also coming up with new ways to see independent films. On the evening of July 14th John is inviting audiences to join him, as he stream his first movie Like Son through CineFlixDOD.com, a new distribution platform from John Schneider Studios and Maven Entertainment. Like Son is a film written and directed by John Schneider. Don Shanks, Laura Cayouette and Dane Rhodes star in this project, which is about vigilante in a small town.

After the movie, John will lead a video Q & A session, where he'll talk about how he and producing partner Alicia Allain went about casting the movie. He'll also discuss what they look for when casting each of their projects. He will also give you his take, as a filmmaker, on how to get into a movie. Like Son is a great film and with the Q & A, we're providing a behind-the-scenes look at the project.

ABOUT LIKE SON THE MOVIE:
A local Sheriff decides to right the wrongs in the small town prior to his demise, unbeknownst to him, the Deputy, his son is hot on his heels in pursuit and alerts the Attorney General, who happens to turn a blind eye to the Sheriff.

LIKESONTHEMOVIE.COM

ABOUT JOHN SCHNEIDER:
John Richard Schneider (born April 8, 1960) is an American actor and country music singer. He is best known for his portrayal of Bo Duke in the 1970s–1980s American television series The Dukes of Hazzard,[  Jonathan Kent in the 2001–11 TV series Smallville (an adaptation of Superman). and of James "Jim" Cryer on the television series The Haves and the Have Nots, created by Tyler Perry.
Alongside his acting career, Schneider has been a singer since the early 1980s, releasing nine studio albums and a greatest hits package, as well as eighteen singles. This total includes "I've Been Around Enough to Know", "Country Girls", "What's a Memory Like You", and "You're the Last Thing I Needed Tonight", all of which reached the top of the Billboard country singles charts.

07/08 BEN LYONS, ALOHA FRIDAY WITH BRENT LAUSTERER, THE WESTIN MAUI RESORT & SPA, STEVE EVANS

BEN LYONS - BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT WITH THE HOTTEST MOVIES IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME

Ben Lyons is a Television, Radio, and Online host and producer who covers pop culture like nobody else. Each month with his DEN (Digital Entertainment News) segment, Ben highlights the latest 4K/Blu-ray and Digital HD releases and the best ways to watch them.  Ben’s next DEN segment is Friday, July 8th.  Ben will let your viewers know how they can beat the summer heat by catching up on the hottest movies in the comfort of their own homes.

Ben Lyons is the lead host of IMDb’s Golden Globes and Academy Awards coverage.   Over the years Ben has worked as the film correspondent for E!, EXTRA, Oscar.com, and Yahoo!, covering every major awards show and film release.   He can be heard on ESPN radio in Los Angeles and is the chief correspondent and “voice of the fans” at Derek Jeter’s theplayerstribune.com.  Ben is the Executive producer of the upcoming film Spaceman starring Josh Duhamel that hits theaters on August 19th.  Born and raised in New York City, Ben is the grandson of legendary New York Post columnist Leonard Lyons, and is the son of film and theater critic Jeffrey Lyons. The Lyons family has been covering pop culture in American media for more than 80 years.


ALOHA FRIDAY WITH BRENT LAUSTERER, DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING AT THE WESTIN MAUI  RESORT & SPA, KA’ANAPALI

Situated on famed Ka’anapali Beach with year round sunshine. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is the place to celebrate a renewing Hawaiian vacation amidst lush gardens with waterfalls and exotic wildlife surroundings. Fresh from a multi-million dollar reinvestment which included new guestrooms and suites, this Maui resort abounds with ways to rejuvenate – from splashing fun within the 87,000 square-foot aquatic playgrounds to snorkel cruises, shopping and golfing. Instinctive Westin services provide uplifting renewal at the Heavenlu Spa by Westin. Other features include delicious dining in oceanfront settings; Westin Family program; cultural experiences and inspiring activities for all ages. A smoke-free resort and pet-friendly too, it is the place where heaven and Aloha Meet .

Eat Well
Mission Delicious To Delight Young ‘Uns
The culinary team at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is pushing the limits to deliver nutritious and delicious options as part of Westin Hotels & Resorts’ global competition to reinvent recipes for the brand’s Eat Well Menu for Kids. Westin Maui’s executive chef and director of food & beverage Garret Fujieda and his team are collaborating closely with island farmers to showcase their local flair and culinary creativity in recreating the kids menu for today’s smallest guests. Westin will share the winning recipes with its hotels and resorts worldwide.

Enjoy Poolside Sips With The Click Of An App
Feeling parched and in need of a refreshing drink, but prefer not to leave the comfort and privacy of your poolside or beachfront cabana or gazebo? Well, there’s an app for that at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. The resort’s Drink Point App offers guests the luxury of staying in their cabana or gazebo and ordering their favorite cocktails, refreshments as well as delectable menu options from the Beach Bar such as Porky Pines, The Bumbucha Dog, Surf Tacos and Mauna Nachos with just a swipe and a click. Visit http://www.westinmaui.com/dining/beach-bar

Crafted at Westin Cocktails
Award-winning mixologist Freddie Sconfienza most recently introduced six handcrafted cocktails at Relish Oceanside. Located oceanfront at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, the restaurant bar features the new “Crafted at Westin” bar styling concept with fun and exciting cocktails made from scratch, utilizing natural ingredients. Favorites include Elderflower Punch cocktail with Maui’s organic Ocean Vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, passion fruit puree, pineapple hot sauce, fresh strawberries and honey as well as Westin Fresh Martini with elements of Westin Fresh by Juicery such as carrot, orange, ginger, turmeric and mango juice. Visit http://www.westinmaui.com/dining/relish-oceanside

Sneak Preview
Relish Oceanside to introduce evening lounge dining with LIVE entertainment starting July 14. Follow us on facebook @TheWestinMaui to learn more.

Feel Well
Heavenly Spa by Westin Unveils New Spa Indulgences
The Heavenly Spa by Westin™ at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa presents new spa treatments featuring distinctive experiences. These include Island Escape Glow that uses Maui-made sea salt scrub and a choice from four scents to customize the treatment. Other new spa services designed to delight spa lovers range from refreshing facials such as Botanical Organic Facial and Triple Action Facial to Healing Hydrotherapy Bath and ultra-pampering spa packages including Papalani Package with a body scrub, massage, facial, manicure-pedicure and lunch for complete spa renewal. For reservations, call 808-661-2588 or visit http://www.westinmaui.com/spa/overview

Move Well / Play Well
#Westin Maui Photo Scavenger Hunt
Resort guests are invited to connect with family and friends as they embark on a delightful social media adventure within the beautifully surroundings of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. This fun selfguided activity includes exploring and capturing photos and selfies within the natural paradise of this award-winning beachfront resort. From unexpected views of Mauna Kahalawai (West Maui Mountains) and the shimmering Pacific Ocean to historic art pieces and sculptures, colorful wildlife amidst lush gardens, moments of awe and other inspiring details, each photo celebrates captivating moments and an idyllic holiday in Maui, Hawaii.

Sleep Well
Suite Style
From spacious oceanfront suites to personalized touches of comfort, families are finding new ways to enjoy their time in the Islands and discovering great values. At The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, travelers seeking exclusiveness are able to give themselves the “suite escape” they deserve. The resort’s newly renovated Executive Suites in the Ocean Tower feature brand new furnishings and spacious luxury. More pampering continues within the resort’s Luxury Suites as featured on ABC’s television series The Bachelorette. These oceanfront suites offer multiple balconies to enjoy spectacular views of Maui’s island sunsets and whale watching (seasonal). For special offers, visit http://deals.westin.com/Westin-Maui-Resort-1028/special-offers

Awards
Excellence In Sustainability Award
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa took home Excellence in Sustainability award at the 2016 ‘Aipono Restaurant Awards ceremony in Maui, Hawaii. Managed by Westin Hotels & Resorts, one of the eleven brands under the umbrella of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Westin Maui unquestionably achieved an elevated level of innovation through various sustainability efforts. The resort is also actively involved in Starwood’s landmark environmental initiative 30/20 by 20, which calls for a 30 percent reduction in energy use and a 20 percent reduction in water consumption per built hotel room globally by 2020.

Unique Experience
Underwater Wedding Experiences At Westin Maui
Couples can plunge into their new life together at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa with “Splash Into A New Beginning” wedding ceremony. Here, couples can exchange vows within the resort’s magnificent aquatic playground with five outdoor pools, cascading waterfalls and a swim-through grotto. On-hand to assist bridal couples are Westin Wedding Specialists who will guide them through every step of the planning process, including processing their marriage license and coordinating their wedding day. From intimate ceremonies in oceanfront settings to extravagant celebrations, destination weddings are trending at this resort on Ka’anapali Beach. Visit http://www.westinmaui.com/weddings/overview for weddings information and http://www.westinmaui.com/honeymoons/overview/ for honeymoon surprises.

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.

07/07 ALLEN BALIK, ENTICING DOURO RIVER WINE CRUISE, PORTUGAL’S DOURO RIVER VALLEY, REMI BARRETT, LA SIRENA WINERY, 2013 LA SIRENA GRENACHE

ALLEN BALIK - “ENTICING DOURO RIVER WINE CRUISE” IN PORTUGAL’S DOURO RIVER VALLEY

AMAWaterways has asked Allen Balik to host their “Enticing Douro River Wine Cruise” in Portugal’s Douro River Valley!
The cruise departs Porto AUGUST 15, 2017.  Only 20 staterooms remain.

In addition to enjoying the AMAVida grand 106-passenger vessel and its ports-of-call, Allen will be conducting a welcoming wine reception, extensive tastings, lectures and a magnificent dinner on board.  You will explore the depth and diversity of this revered wine producing region and Allen will personally select the wines presented and be completely available for all your questions throughout the voyage.
You’ll cruise the wonderfully scenic Douro River Valley, one of Europe’s most unspoiled rivers decorated with deep cleft gorges, lush vineyards, and sleepy fishing villages. You’ll begin on August 15th in Porto, and continue to the ancient and picturesque city of Lamego.  You enter Spain to visit Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of the Castilla y León region and then travel inland to the beautiful countryside of the Trás-os-Montes Region, visiting the palace and gardens of Mateus.  You’ll explore the 14th-century Alpendurada Monastery before concluding our holiday in historic Porto on August 22nd.

Your luxurious stateroom offers complimentary Internet access, a 42” flat-screen and ship-wide Wi-Fi.  And, you’ll enjoy superior dining options, a Sun Deck swimming pool; fitness center and spa.  To make this exceptional cruise even more significant, AMAWaterways is generously donating a portion of each fare to our Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
In addition to the 7-night cruise, Allen is planning a 3-night add-on in Porto just for the personal group of travelers.  He is working with the president of the Cork Producers of Portugal , Sogevinus (one of Port's oldest, largest and most respected producers) and other Port houses who are assisting in planning memorable visits to the area’s most notable wineries.  Your “menu” during the stay in Porto will include outstanding lunches and dinners, unique walking tours, some brilliant nighttime entertainment and a few surprises.  The 3-night Porto stay is August 12-14th.

ABOUT ALLEN BALIK:

Allen is a noted wine collector and recognized authority on California and European wines. As a member of numerous tasting groups, Allen samples between 1,200 and 1,500 wines each year, for pleasure and education. He also serves as a consultant for restaurant and retail store buyers and evaluates wine for many panels and publications.

Allen is the Founder and Co-Chairman of A Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters – a Wine Spectator Top Ten Charity Wine Auction – that pairs the talents of 45 international chefs with 70 of California’s finest wineries.

In his travels, Allen has toured wine growing areas around the world and tasted at numerous wineries, chateaux, and domaines throughout the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Australia and Chile.

Allen co-authored Guide to Choosing, Serving and Enjoying Wine. Rather than another wine primer, theGuide demystifies wine, encouraging readers to try the beverage as a normal part of their mealtime enjoyment.


REMI BARRETT - SALES & MARKETING, LA SIRENA WINERY - NEW RELEASE: 2013 LA SIRENA GRENACHE 

WINERY HISTORY:
The first wine Heidi made for La Sirena started as fluke opportunity – a custom crush wine for a client that fell through.  They had hired her to make Sangiovese during the 1994 vintage for a new brand, but ran into a conflict of interest situation with their family, who had other winery ties.  The wine was already made and quite delicious, but the client had to abandon the project.  They were going to put the wine on the bulk market and she thought, ‘Here’s my chance to start my own winery, maybe I could buy it!’ Once the decision was made, she needed to come up with a winery name, design a label and get approval and permits, etc. all within a 30 day time period. The wine was ready to bottle, so time was of the essence.

Heidi and her husband Bo found the name while looking through the playing cards of the Mexican card game called Loteria. All the cards are different nouns, and one was La Sirena- the mermaid (pic). As big scuba divers and ocean lovers, the name stuck out to them: here was this beautiful symbol of something magical, like wine, and a way for her to combine two great passions. Designer and friend Michele LeBlanc came up with a fun and fanciful mermaid label based on Heidi’s own likeness(pic of OG label), and with that, La Sirena began in earnest in 1994 with 200 cases of Sangiovese.

Today, La Sirena makes around 2,000 cases of 6 different wines each year: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pirate TreasuRed, Le Barrettage, Grenache, Art Bus, and Moscato Azul. All the wines are small production lots made with great care and the highest quality in mind. Based in Heidi’s hometown of Calistoga, these wines are near and dear to her heart – literally. Heidi’s home vineyards provide much of the Cab and Syrah she uses in her wines. Heidi loves having her own brand because she gets to make whatever she wants – creating, experimenting, and being free to explore and express herself through her work, while also giving her fans the delicious wines they have come to expect from her.

ABOUT REMI BARRETT – SALES & MARKETING: 
Remi grew up in Calistoga and began working at Chateau Montelena (during the summer and after school) at a young age. She went on to attend UC Davis to study English Literature and Creative Writing, working in the Montelena tasting room during the summer. After graduating in 2009, Remi represented Montelena at Press Club in San Francisco before officially joining the La Sirena Winery team in Sales and Marketing in the spring of 2010. When not traveling or working for the winery, Remi sings and plays in her band Vicereine.

ABOUT WINEMAKER/OWNER HEIDI PETERSON BARRETT:
Heidi Peterson Barrett is one of the world’s most renowned and respected winemakers. Since the 1980s, she has created some of the Napa Valley’s most famous wines, including Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Grace Family, Paradigm, and many others. She started her own brand, La Sirena, in 1994, and began her collaboration brand, Barrett & Barrett, with her husband, Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena, in 2010.

Heidi got her start at a young age. Her father, Dick Peterson, is a scientist-winemaker, and her mother, Diane, an artist. She gravitated toward both fields, and found that the world of wine was an ideal place for her to explore and combine these passions. Growing up, she worked in numerous vineyards and wineries alongside her dad, and decided to pursue it as a career, attending UC Davis for fermentation science and going on to several internships and positions in the industry.

Her career took off in the late 80s when she began working for Dalla Valle as an “independent winemaker”. She began to develop a tiny project called Screaming Eagle shortly afterwards, and from there, things escalated quickly. With 5 perfect 100-point scores for her wines in the span of just a few years, Heidi skyrocketed to international fame, setting a world record for the highest price ever paid for a single bottle of wine ($500,000 for a 6L of 1992 Screaming Eagle at the Napa Valley Wine Auction in 2000).

Today, Heidi maintains a stable of ultra-premium client wineries, including Paradigm, Lamborn, Amuse Bouche, Au Sommet, Fantesca, and Kenzo, as well as her own brands La Sirena and Barrett & Barrett. She and Bo live among their vineyards in Calistoga. In her free time, she enjoys scuba diving, flying her helicopter, making art, and gardening.

NEW RELEASE - 2013 LA SIRENA GRENACHE:
This 2013 Grenache from La Sirena is dark ruby in color with wonderful open clean aromatics of ripe red plums, currants, and dried cranberry, definitely red fruit driven. There are pretty, sassy, spicy notes in the nose as well from French oak. This wine is dense for Grenache, juicy yet has moderate textural tannins and a flavor profile that lasts several minutes. The blend is 100% Grenache from two steep hillside vineyard blocks in St. Helena. Concentrated and bigger than our inaugural release last year. Quite delicious upon release and will continue to evolve and improve with a bit more time in the bottle. Suggested pairings –Paella, hearty pasta dishes, burgers, sausage, or wild duck. Quite delicious, Enjoy!

LASIRENAWINE.COM

07/06 MILT LARSEN, THE WORLD FAMOUS MAGIC CASTLE

MILT LARSEN -  LYRICIST, ACTOR, AUTHOR, ENTREPRENEUR AND CREATOR OF THE WORLD FAMOUS MAGIC CASTLE

In September 2006 he celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his annual stage show It’s Magic!  The event was commemorated with an all-star show at Hollywood’s famed Kodak Theater.  At that time Milt and his late brother Bill were honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame.

In 1963 he founded the world famous private club for magicians, the Magic Castle in Hollywood.  He is the President of Magic Castles, Inc.   In the year 2000 Magic Magazine polled their international readership and voted Milt Larsen as one of the 100 most influential individuals in the history of magic.  He is a true renaissance man in that his career encompasses writing, producing and performing.

As a writer he is best known in the field of audience participation having written Truth or Consequences starring Bob Barker for an incredible run of eighteen years!  In his early days he authored five joke books and three books involving Magic Castle.  He writes a weekly column for members of the club as well as editing their monthly newsletter.

In the songwriting field the team of Sherman and Larsen have a cult comedy following for their outrageous songs (for their time) that can be heard currently on CD’s “Bon Voyage Titanic – Smash Flops” and “Banned Barbershop Ballads.  He has written many stage revues and musicals.     A new musical, “Pazzazz” Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Milt Larsen, enjoyed a full-scale premiere production at the University of Texas in Arlington, Texas.  It will have its world premiere at Santa Barbara’s Lobero Theater March 27-30, 2008.

His collaborator is Richard M. Sherman who has won two Academy Awards (Mary Poppins song and score) and eight Oscar nominations.  He is a member of the songwriter’s Hall of Fame and currently has two major stage hits “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in London and “Mary Poppins” in London and on Broadway. The Sherman Brothers also were honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

As a producer, in addition to The Magic Castle and It’s Magic! Larsen owned and operated to Mayfair Music Hall in Santa Monica producing live stage revues for 10 years and the Variety Arts Theater, a 1200 seat variety theater in downtown Los Angeles for 12 years.  He has produced TV special for ABC, CBS and NBC.  He was the creator and consultant for the fifty million dollar Caesars Magic Empire at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

As a performer he is an active member of SAG and AFTRA and has been seen yanking tablecloths in films and commercials. He has been the opening act for The Amazing Johnathan in Las Vegas.  He has been a lecturer at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and magic conventions in America, Mexico, Europe and Japan.

On radio, for several years Larsen was the Monday morning guest on Ron “The Baron” Herrons popular KZBN 1290 AM Breakfast Club Show in Santa Barbara.   This led to his creating a weekly radio feature “HEAR THEM AGAIN – for the first time”- featuring recordings from the first half of the twentieth century.   The show is now heard on CRN the Digital Cable Network coast to coast Saturday morning at 6-7 AM and Sunday at 4-5 P.M.  TV Channel 946.  www.CRNTALK.COM. The show is also heard worldwide Saturday afternoons at 4:30-5:30 on Satellite radio www.yesterdayUSA.com

Milt Larsen lives on Santa Barbara’s picturesque Mesa overlooking the Harbor with his wife, award winning costume designer Arlene, and their two lovable mutts, Angel and Wizard.

COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN
IN ADDITION TO HIS OTHER INTERESTS Milt Larsen is a well-known theatre historian and record collector.  Many consider the closing of the famed Palace Theater in New York in 1932 as the final curtain for vaudeville.  At that time Milt was only one year old.  He became interested in the vaudeville era as a kid and loved talking to as many of the “old-timers” still around at the time.   He was an aspiring comedy writer and was fascinated by the comedians of the past.  He started collecting recordings of showbusiness personalities as a teenager.  His hobby grew into a passion and his collection of thousands of vintage 78’s and LP’s is a treasure trove of variety history.
Through his magical family he met and got to know famous people who were stars long before he was born.  Working as a writer for Ralph Edwards TV Productions he was often called upon to keep subjects of his “This Is Your Life” TV show occupied while the production team set up their surprise for the subject.  Edwards knew his young writer was enamored with the older stars and enjoyed talking to them.  Thus Milt entertained legends like Buster Keaton, Stan Laurel, Ed Wynn, Mack Sennett, George Burns, Jack Benny and many others.   While still in High School he worked as a record archivist for Eddie Cantor.  Veteran stars Milton Berle, Bob Hope, Buddy Ebsen and Steve Allen often called upon Larsen for his consultation on songs and variety acts.

He has always loved radio and his first job as a professional writer was with the ABC Radio network. It was a daytime audience participation show with variety acts and a 25-piece house orchestra.  While still a teenager he was the weekly guest with radio personality Jim Hawthorne on a CBS radio program that featured milt’s old records and commentary by CBS founder Andrew White.

His weekend national radio shows recorded in his studio on the premises of the Magic Castle in Hollywood.  His facilities house his huge record collection and his studio is designed specifically to play the old 78-RPM vintage recordings.   His studio console turntables were originally installed at the NBC Radio City studios at Sunset and Vice in Hollywood.    The shows are recorded using the newest state of the art MAC computer technology which includes to ability to clean up the snap, crackles and pops associated with the old records.

The concept of the show is that younger generations have never heard samples of the great performers of the past.  Like an old joke, if you never heard it before --- it’s brand new with that in mind he leads you down the path to discovery.   He introduces young people of today to a time of laughter and silly songs mixed in with some of the greatest music of all time.   Oscar winning songwriter Richard M. Sherman (The Sherman Brothers – Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, It’s a small World After All etc) is a guest on every show talking about the great songwriters of Tin Pan Alley.  His other guest is a character known as Professor Hockmann, the world’s oldest magician and vaudevillian who always plays just one of those really old acoustical records from Milt’s collection.

MILTLARSEN.COM
WWW.MAGICCASTLE.COM