SIR ELTON JOHN JOINS STARKEY HEARING FOUNDATION ON MISSION TO PHILIPPINES, BRINGING THE GIFT OF HEARING TO HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE IN NEED

Pictured above: Sir Elton John, David Furnish and Starkey Hearing Foundation founders Bill and Tani Austin help a young man hear during the Foundation’s mission in Manila, Philippines on December 8

Starkey Hearing Foundation wrapped up their second mission to the Philippines last week with help from legendary singer-songwriter, Sir Elton John and David Furnish. John and Furnish joined the Foundation in Manila and helped fit more than 400 hearing aids to children and adults in need, allowing many to hear for the first time in their lives.

In 2004 and 2009, John was the headlining performer at the Foundation’s annual So The World May Hear Awards Gala, and he and Furnish have supported Starkey Hearing Foundation’s work for several years since then.This was their first opportunity to personally participate in a mission and give the gift of hearing.

“We are working to create peace and understanding around the world through the gift of hearing, and it is not possible without all the efforts of our friends and partners,” said Bill Austin, Founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation. “We are so honored to have the support of Sir Elton John and David Furnish and that they would take the time to help us deliver this precious gift.”

Starkey Hearing Foundation was also in the Philippines last December, delivering the gift of hearing to nearly 1,400 people in Manila, Bohol and Cebu with help from professional boxer, Manny Pacquiao and Los Angeles Galaxy soccer player, Landon Donovan. The Foundation plans to return in March 2013 to fit approximately 7,500 hearing aids in Manila, Batangas and General Santos.

This Philippines mission was the conclusion of a major mission circuit for Starkey Hearing Foundation. The team visited 13 additional cities in five countries—Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and India—and distributed more than 24,000 hearing aids over six weeks.

Starkey Hearing Foundation conducts approximately 70 missions each year, both domestically and internationally. Hearing missions are the primary way the Foundation realizes its goal – So the World May Hear. Starkey Hearing Foundation continues to fulfill its Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) commitment to provide more than 100,000 hearing aids to people in need each year and more than one million this decade.

According to Starkey Hearing Foundation, hearing loss is pervasive, affecting 34 million Americans – or one in 10. Yet, with the help of a hearing device, hearing loss can often be corrected in a majority cases, giving an individual the opportunity to better connect with their family, the community and the world around them.

For more information on Starkey Hearing Foundation, visit www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org.

WENDY WILLIAMS UNVEILS NUDE PETA CAMPAIGN IN TIMES SQUARE

TV Star Declares, 'I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur'

Wendy Williams greeted holiday shoppers on Wednesday with a sexy appeal to cross fur off their lists as she unveiled her "Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" ad in Times Square to launch PETA's national winter campaign. The campaign, available here, includes two versions of Williams' ad, in which she is covered by nothing but long, flowing hair.

"We should all try to be comfortable in our own skin and let the animals keep theirs," says Williams, who once wore real mink and fox but had a change of heart after learning how animals are electrocuted, beaten, and even skinned alive for their fur.

In addition to her ad, Williams will encourage her viewers to donate their fur coats to PETA so that they can be given to the homeless. PETA is working with shelters in Williams' home state of New Jersey on their coat drives this winter, which have seen greater demand as the numbers of the needy and displaced have increased after Hurricane Sandy.

Williams joins a growing list of stars—including Eva Mendes, Christy Turlington, and Taraji P. Henson—who have renounced fur and then volunteered to appear in PETA's iconic naked campaign.

For more information and to view the ads, please visit PETA.org.

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Rememba Entertainment

Pharrell Williams Announces ‘Places and Spaces I’ve Been’ Book Signing LA-NY

Super producer, Pharrell Williams, will be meeting fans and signing autographs for his first book release  - "Pharrell: Places and Spaces I’ve Been" -  starting on October 27 from 1-3pm, at Bookmarc in Los Angeles.

Another chance for fans to meet the Neptunes superstar has been confirmed at the Billionaires Boys Club flagship store in New York City on November 7 from 7-9pm.

Pharrell, usually known as a Grammy winning producer, singer, rapper, composer, and fashion designer (Co-Founder of Billionaire Boys Club) has now turned his creative hands to releasing his first book.  Famed for hits such as Money Maker (Ludacris) and Snoop's Drop It Like It's Hot, and working with some of the biggest names in Hip Hop, this long awaited book will certainly give us a great insight into Pharrell's roots and celebrity lifestyle, just to help make us all that little bit more jealous!  We hope to see you there... 

Copies of "Pharrell: Places and Spaces I’ve Been" will be available for sale at each event and can also be picked up now from Amazon.

For more information about Pharrell Williams, and his group N*E*R*D, you can visit http://n-e-r-d.com/


Words:
Emily Smith
Rememba Entertainment

Film Industry News: Warner Bros Agree Distribution Deal for Paramount Pictures Catalog and Flixster

 

Paramount Home Media Distribution and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group have announced that they have reached a strategic alliance centering on more than 600 catalog titles from the Paramount film library. The deal grants Warner Bros. exclusive rights to physical Blu-ray and DVD distribution of those titles in the US and Canada, and will make Paramount’s UltraViolet offerings available on a non-exclusive basis through Flixster, the Warner Bros. movie streaming and discovery service.

“We are bullish on this deal as it firmly supports innovation in a critical aspect of our business, while at the same time it leverages our collective strengths and assets to maximize profits in the present market,” said Dennis Maguire, president of Paramount Home Media Distribution. “Flixster provides access to the leading movie discovery application that will promote digital content ownership and aid in expanding our digital business. At the same time, on the physical side, this agreement enables us to manage our profitability in a time of change in the marketplace and to focus more resources on new releases. With its strong infrastructure and track record, Warner will not only safeguard but enhance the long-term value of titles covered by this agreement.”

“These Paramount catalog titles are the perfect complement to the Warner Bros. library; they will allow us to offer consumers new multi-feature film packages and debut many titles on Blu-ray for the first time,” said Ron Sanders, president, Warner Home Video. “The deal also adds a new energy to our Warner Archive Collection initiative, broadening the selection of rare titles available to consumers on demand.”

“We’re delighted that movie fans will now be able to access Paramount titles through Flixster, further expanding the already robust library of UltraViolet-enabled content and making the continued transition to digital much smoother for the consumer,” said Thomas Gewecke, president, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution.

The agreement also grants Warner Bros. manufacturing on demand rights and the right to include UltraViolet Digital Copy bundled with packaged media. Paramount will retain all digital rights for their titles, including electronic sell-through (EST), video-on-demand (VOD) and subscription video-on-demand. Flixster will offer, on a non-exclusive basis, Paramount titles for sale in UltraViolet EST format, UltraViolet Disc-to-Digital and VOD. Flixster will also act as an UltraViolet Locker Access Service Provider for all Paramount UltraViolet titles, and as a redemption site for Paramount UltraViolet Digital Copies.

The 3 year deal, which takes effect January 1, 2013, covers U.S. and Canadian rights only and includes titles such as Terms of Endearment, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Airplane!. The agreement excludes approximately 100 cornerstone Paramount titles, including the Transformers, Star Trek and Indiana Jones franchises. Under the same terms, Warner will gain access to select new titles after the initial 26-week release period.

Paramount will receive licensing fees from Warner Bros. and be entitled to various benefits under a long-term strategic cooperation agreement with Flixster.

We're thinking this can only benefit consumers, as it will make Paramount's huge film catalog more accessible, and will give better value for money on Flixster, with all the extra titles that will become available. #ThumbsUp

INDUSTRY NEWS: 2101 RECORDS SCORES FIRST US PLATINUM® SELLING SINGLE WITH HAVANA BROWN’S, “WE RUN THE NIGHT” FT. PITBULL

Havana Brown’s hit single “We Run The Night” has received the music industry’s coveted Platinum® Award for exceeding 1,000,000 record sales in the United States. This is the first Platinum® selling single for 2101 Records in the USA, a joint venture with Universal Music, which was founded in 2010 by multi Grammy-winning producer, musician, and songwriter, RedOne.

“We Run The Night” was released in April 2011 as Havana Brown’s debut single, and has garnered multi-Platinum® recognition internationally. A reproduction of the Australian singer/DJ’s single “We Run The Night,” featuring American rapper Pitbull, also reached number one on Billboard’s Dance Club Chart and completed the longest climb up Billboard’s Top 40 chartin14 years, the third-longest overall. Brown, who is currently on tour with Pitbull, is expected to release her next hit single "You'll Be Mine” (featuring R3hab) in the coming weeks.
While this is the first U.S. Platinum® single for 2101 Records, the label has delivered multiple international hits and Platinum® singles for Swedish-Congolese artist Mohombi, 2101’s first signed artist. Mohombi is expected to debut his work, in partnership with Cash Money records, in the US sometime next year. Additionally, RedOne has independently written and produced more than 50 international hit singles in the past five years, including 21 number one singles. He has collaborated with artists, including, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez, Akon, Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, and Usher, among others.

“This is a major milestone for us at 2101 Records,” said 2101 Records Founder and CEO, RedOne. “To see one of our artist’s debut single go Platinum® in the U.S., possibly the toughest and most critical market in the world, validates every single reason why I love what I do each minute of every day.”

“Special shout out and many thanks to our amazing partners at Universal Republic - (Universal Australia) A&R Michael Taylor, (Universal Republic's) Monty Lipman, Avery Lipman, Jim Rappo, Russell Fink, Wendy Goldstein, and Joel Klaiman and his fantastic radio team! Many congratulations to Havana Brown and her management Vince Deltito and Jeff Haddad, both of whom understood the importance of having a presence in the US market in order for us to accomplish this goal...we're just getting started!” RedOne adds.

For more information on 2101 Records or RedOne, please visit www.2101records.com or follow him on twitter at www.twitter.com/redoneofficial. Follow other 2101 Records artists at www.twitter.com/2101records. For additional information on the 2101 foundation, please visit www.2101foundation.org.

 

Are You Ready For The Olympics Opening Ceremony??

Just as Londoners and vistors alike have recovered from the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations, the time has come for London to throw the biggest event it's probably ever had to produce.

I'm sure some people can still reminisce what they were doing when it was announced 8 years ago, that London had won the bid to host the Olympic Games of 2012.   I must admit, at the time I didn't really pay much attention.  Eight years seemed such a long way off at the time, and although I knew it would be a positive experience for London, and the world, I had no idea what the future was to bring us.

I had the honour of being able to attend the Olympics Opening Ceremony Dress Rehearsal.  Prior to that, I had also received a tour of the Olympics park, which was still closed to the public, at the time. 

All I can say at this moment in time with regards to the Olympics Opening Ceremony, is WOW.  It may not be the most comprehensive English to use, and is not a term most journalists would use, however, there really is no better word to describe what I just witnessed.

I did take a pledge of #SaveTheSurprise and so at this point, you will see no pictures or video from the event, but one.    I will add the colourful media in AFTER the Opening Ceremony!

The show captures the essence of the imagination to it's fullest potential.  Except for the national anthem, there really is nothing predictable about this show at all.  It brings out every emotion, it caters to every taste, it caters to every race, and it really is an event for EVERYONE.  Danny Boyle has worked wonders creating this artistic and captivating masterpiece.  Whoever is assuming the ceremony is all about an english country garden, and some farm animals, will certainly be startled and quite possible amazed by the events that unfold right before your eyes.

The Olympic Park is also an amazing development, which that area of London was definitely in need of.  There's a new shopping mall, and outside dining plaza, right on the door step to the park.  The media centers are all in place, being eco-friendly with the re-use of painted shipping containers.  In fact the whole park has an eco-friendly atmosphere, with even the parks main sponsors - Coca Cola, and McDonalds - becoming involved by promoting recycling of any waste at the park, and pledging to create new materials out of any waste generated.

The sporting arenas really do look incredible and should more than impress any athlete who enters them.

I am not here to promote the Olympics.  I was actually quite ready to be disappointed by them (which is really not a good sign!), however, before The Games, have even begun, the whole place has really captured my heart and my spirit, so I can only imagine what it must mean for some of the athletes who have travelled from all over the world to be a part of this.

If you find time over the next two weeks, to spend a morning or afternoon witnessing the magnitude of the Olympics, I would encourage you to check out some of the sites for yourself.  After all, the Olympics is not just about rewarding record breaking athletes, it is also here to demonstrate that London really is one of the best cities in the world - even on the rainy days.

We hope to see some of you at the park!!

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Words: Emily Smith
Rememba Entertainment


Picture owned by copyright of Rememba Entertainment.  All rights reserved. 2012

Honoring Olympic Winner Muhammed Ali in London

 

Salus Alpha Supports Honor of Muhammad Ali

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VIENNA, LONDON and MAUREN, Liechtenstein, July 23, 2012

In occasion of the Olympic Games in London Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest athletes of all times, will be honored by "Sports for Peace" initiative on the 25.7.2012 in the famous Victoria & Albert Museum for his intrinsic values, courage and considerable achievements whilst benefiting his work for the Parkinson's Research and Ali Center. Ali won the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960, back then known as Cassius Clay. Salus Alpha supports this exclusive event whereby about 400 stars, celebrities and other prominent people will be attending from all over the world.

On this very special evening Muhammad Ali will be honored for his commitment for humanity, his research on the Parkinson decease and the Muhammad Ali Center.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are expected to attend the A-list dinner at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Jolie is a patron of Sports for Peace, which urges athletes to promote fair play and understanding.

"It is an honor for us to support this very special event for one of the most valuable athletes of all times. We are very thankful that Muhammad Ali is attending this event to receive the honor personally." says Oliver Prock, CEO of Salus Alpha.

Salus Alpha is a leading fund manager in the field of Alternative Investments which always takes a stand for human rights and matters of social concern.

For Further Information & Tickets Visit: http://www.sports-for-peace.org/

SOURCE

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@RemembaEnt

People Of Poetry Celebrity Auction Event Hollywood May 22

NEWS RELEASE

YASHI BROWN ANNOUNCES HOLLYWOOD

FUND RAISING EVENT TO SAVE ARTS PROGRAMS IN SCHOOLS, 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE PEOPLE OF POETRY FOUNDATION,

AND THE TRAVELING GUITAR FOUNDATION.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (May 14, 2012) - Writer, Poet, Mental Health Advocate and Philanthropist, also born into the legendary Jackson family  - Yashi Brown - is organizing a special Hollywood event "Music and Poetry in Motion" at Sayer's Club, Hollywood, CA on May 22, to promote awareness of the closure of arts programs in schools across the country, and the positive effect that the arts have on people with Mental Health problems. 

The Cause

KEEPING THE ARTS IN SCHOOLS

We are at a time when arts education programs - especially musical arts - will no longer be a choice for our youths and families who can't afford private school.  The public school system, especially in Los Angeles County, has cut these programs dramatically. 70% of Arts Education is no longer available to students. But members of the Jackson Family are taking a stand by trying to get the word out on this educational crisis.

About Yashi Brown

Yashi Brown, is the daughter of Rebbie Jackson and niece of, the legendary, Michael Jackson.  She established her foundation People of Poetry (POP) with intentions to travel the country with her non-profit, helping to donate brand new instruments to support the weak, and share the power of spoken word and creative literary expression. Yashi addresses the, almost taboo, subject of Mental Health, a cause that is personal to her, after she, herself, was diagnosed with Bipolar Type I in her early twenties.  Yashi is a Public Speaker on Mental Health issues, and uses the power of poetry and spoken word, to connect with Mental Health patients who are limited by the means in which they can communicate and express their feelings. 

Yashi acts as a peer group supporter holding a board position for Project Return Peer Support Network (PRPSN) who is the largest peer support group in Los Angeles County also supported by MHA Los Angeles . She’s also an official national advocate for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) who’s established itself for three decades as the most formidable grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country and the preeminent voice on capitol hill for mental health.

The Event

The upcoming "Music and Poetry in Motion Night of Awareness" also supported by the Traveling Guitar Foundation, will shed light on the cause, and raise money through the onsite silent auction and online live auction.  There will also be live music, comedians and special guest performances. 

Some of music's biggest names have lent their individual signatures to guitars and other special items - exclusively for this event - helping to raise money for the foundation.  Celebrities such as Janet Jackson, Lisa Marie Presley, Mariah Carey, Sting, Bill Withers, and Jackson Matriarch, Katherine Jackson, to name a few, have all contributed.  These items will all be listed and available for the public to bid on, through an Online Auction Site: http://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/29988 and via www.YashiBrown.com

Event Details:

WHEN:

Wednesday, May 22, 2012
6:15 – 6:45 p.m.         Media Check-In
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.         Cocktail Reception               
8:30 – 9.15 p.m.         Showtime & Auction
(Deadline to RSVP: Monday, May 21. Media must show picture I.D. when picking up credentials at media check-in on event day)

WHERE:

Sayer's Club,

1645 Wilcox Ave,

Hollywood, CA 90028

"Its now up to us individually to pull together and give students the option. Our politicians don't appear to be making this a priority but arts education is so important to our future generations.  It is an election year, so I am hoping that now is the time for our President to really address this issue."  - Yashi Brown

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For Interview Requests Please Contact:

Emily Smith - Publicist
Rememba Entertainment
T: 323 570 1160

T: @RemembaEnt
Emily@remembaentertainment.com

Tickets Now On Sale to Yashi Brown's Celebrity Auction Fundraiser Event in Aid of the People of Poetry & The Traveling Guitar Foundation, Hollywood CA, May 22nd 2012

70% of arts education programs have been eliminated in LA Unified Schools alone and this trend is being repeated around the country. 

Please spread the word...

We're holding a special fundraiser in Hollywood on May 22nd to keep the musical arts in schools.

There are special incentives for all corporations, individuals, and entities sponsoring tables.

We will have media coverage at the event. 

 

  
Limited number of VIP tables available upon request via email: rsvp@musicandpoetryinmotion.org 

Special Performances By: Austin Brown, Ray Grady, Yashi Brown, Leon Thomas & Other Surprise Guests...

Festive Attire

Open Bar & Hor's d'Oeuvres 'Til 8pm


$50 VIP Ticket Special
$30 General Admission Tickets

Quantity Limited!

Click here to purchase advance tickets securely via Paypal, by phone OR to make a tax deductible donation.

For detailed information, videos, pictures of auction items, testimonials and more, check out our event website at:

www.musicandpoetryinmotion.org

Rare & exclusive signed guitars and other great items specifically donated for this charity event through the generous support of:

Katherine Jackson 
Janet Jackson
Lisa Marie Presley
Sting 
Alicia Keys
Swizz Beatz
Victoria Justice
Leon Thomas
Nick Cannon
Nickelodeon

And more to be announced...

 "Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to meeting some of you there".

Yashi K. Brown
Author of Black Daisy in a White Limousine: 77 Poems
Founder People of Poetry (POP)
www.YashiBrown.com
www.twitter.com/YashiBrown
www.facebook.com/YashiBrown

Jackie Collins to Interview Piers Morgan at BritWeek 2012

BritWeek have announced that best-selling author Jackie Collins (www.jackiecollins.com) will be interviewing 2012 honoree, Piers Morgan on May 4th at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.  The ‘Evening with Piers Morgan’ will be one of the signature events of BritWeek 2012.

The purpose of BritWeek is to celebrate and highlight creativity and innovation between Britain and California, through a program of dozens of events. As this year’s honoree, Piers Morgan will follow in the footsteps of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Sir Richard Branson, and LA business leader Tim Leiweke.

Last year, Piers Morgan interviewed Collins on his show, ‘Piers Morgan Tonight,’ so with Piers now being the one in the spotlight, it is bound to be an entertaining evening.  Collins is a British novelist, and longtime resident of Los Angeles. She has written 28 novels and is currently working on her 29th book, The Power Trip, which will be released in spring of 2013. All her previous novels have made the New York Times bestsellers list, her books have sold over 500 million copies - nine of which, have been made into movies.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Tickets, tables and advertising opportunities are on sale now through the BritWeek website, www.britweek.org

BritWeek 2012 will run from April 24th to May 7th, with events all over Greater Los Angeles, as well as in Orange County and San Francisco.


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Words: Emily Smith -
Rememba Entertainment
Picture Source: unrealityshout.com