Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

Fall's Hottest Runway Event Returns

NorthPark Center's Fashion at the Park, presented by Cadillac, announces the return of its annual iconic event with seven days of high-energy fashion and non-stop excitement on and off the runway. Featuring the best of Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 collections from Friday, October 10 – Thursday, October 16, Fashion at the Park welcomes over 22 top designer shows and events to their luxury tent complex. Don't miss the front row action of Fashion at the Park — tickets go on sale to the public Monday, August 18 at http://www.northparkcenter.com/.

Nonstop fashion action includes appearances by international designers, after parties, in-store events, trunk shows, free fashion photography exhibits, glamorous charity benefits, one-of-a-kind silent auctions and more. After viewing the collections on the runway, “shop the shows” in NorthPark Center, one of the premier luxury shopping centers in the United States with more than 235 fine stores and restaurants.

“I have been to Dallas many times. My first major American trunk show was in Dallas in the '70s,” said famed designer and Fashion at the Park attendee Roberto Cavalli. “Dallas women are very fashion conscious; they know exactly what's on the market, what looks best on them and they enjoy playing with fashion. For me, they represent the perfect client, and it's always a pleasure to meet with them. Fashion at the Park has become a world class fashion event. It's beautifully set, and it's a great opportunity for me to interact with my clients, understand their needs and deliver always great collections.”

“We have visited Dallas only once before. We love the creative spirit and independence that exists in Dallas,” said Rodarte designer duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy. “We're very excited to visit Dallas and NorthPark Center to meet all the amazing women that make up such a vibrant fashion community.”

The 20,000 square-foot luxury tent complex, located between Nordstrom and Macy's, will house day and evening runway shows featuring the latest collections from: Roberto Cavalli; Barneys New York featuring Rodarte; CH Carolina Herrera; Oscar de la Renta; Valentino; Neiman Marcus featuring Marc Bouwer; CFDA/Vogue featuring Doo.Ri, Philip Lim, Michael Bastian, Thakoon, Marchesa and Peter Som; Miss Sixty; Ed Hardy; Dillard's; Macy's; Ted Baker; bebe; Diesel; and Pinto Ranch.

Kicking off Fashion at the Park is the Roberto Cavalli runway show and opening celebration, featuring a special appearance by the renowned designer himself. Personal appearances* include:

— Roberto Cavalli, designer
— Kate and Laura Mulleavy, designers, Rodarte
— Thakoon Panichgul, designer
— Peter Som, designer
— Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, designers, Marchesa
— Marc Bouwer, designer
(*Personal appearances are subject to change)

The Future of Fashion: Celebrating Five Years of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund

A runway fashion show to celebrate five years of the CFDA/VOGUE FASHION FUND — the fashion show will feature multiple designers who have been lauded as award finalists and featured in Vogue, including Doo.Ri, Phillip Lim, Michael Bastian, Marchesa, Thakoon and Peter Som. Special appearances include Marchesa designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, Thakoon Panichgul and Peter Som.

Acting on its long-standing commitment to nurture young talent, Vogue partnered with the Council of Fashion Designers of America to launch the Fashion Fund in 2003. This awards program provides financial help, business expertise and mentoring to the next generation of American fashion designers. Its goal is to encourage and enable designers to achieve their design and business plans.

Tickets

The U-shaped runway, surrounded by 624 reserved seats, features a tiered layout allowing maximum visibility with 212 front row seats. The tiered Designer Circle, located inside the runway, offers a fashion experience usually reserved for celebrities and editors.

All seats are reserved and tickets are available, starting August 18, by logging onto http://www.northparkcenter.com/ (fees apply), or at the NorthPark Center Concierge, located outside Neiman Marcus on Level One. Tickets prices vary starting at $25. A portion of proceeds from Fashion at the Park will benefit local charity partners and CFDA.

Twenty Uber Fashion Passes will give style seekers the ultimate access to Fashion at the Park: front row seats to all runway shows and events, an exclusive VIP swag bag, $250 in NorthPark Gold, invitations to in-store events, complimentary valet parking throughout the event and more. Uber pass holders will also receive access to a private VIP lounge with a dedicated concierge. This season's pass holders will enjoy an even larger lounge area with additional stylish amenities. New this year, Uber pass holders can select from two price tiers: $2,500 for a front row seat to all the shows plus their choice to attend the Bobbi Brown Uber Master Class; or $2,200 for all the fashion action without the Master Class. Uber Passes are available for purchase at http://www.northparkcenter.com/.

Tent Complex

Before the shows patrons will sip Moet & Chandon White Star Champagne and glaceau smartwater. Special Fashion at the Park cocktails made with Belvedere Vodka and 10 Cane Rum will be served alongside cuisine by Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek's Chef John Tesar at select events in the Cadillac Design Gallery.

The Cadillac Design Gallery reception tent, located outside the north entrance of NorthPark Center between Nordstrom and Macy's, opens one hour prior to show time and features a bar, lounge seating and plasma screens showing Fashion at the Park runway footage. Music maven and Dallas socialite Lucy Wrubel will keep the scene hot as she spins tunes from a custom-designed, raised DJ booth.

With its prestigious reputation for award-winning design and high-fashion glamour, Cadillac will highlight its new 2009 lineup in the Cadillac Design Gallery, the ideal spot for fashion aficionados to enjoy their time in between shows. A Cadillac fashion wall, located on the red carpet at the entry of the luxury tent complex, will be a key attraction for paparazzi photos.

Bobbi Brown

Bringing years of high-fashion and Hollywood experience to Fashion at the Park, Bobbi Brown's Beauty Team, a group of hand-selected makeup artists trained by Bobbi herself, will again up the glamour quotient on the runway. Bobbi Brown East Coast Artistry Manager Kimberly Soane will oversee the makeup backstage for all runway shows. Soane's impressive credits include fashion icons such as Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Margherita Missoni as well as domestic and international print from Vanity Fair and Town & Country to Korean Elle and German Vogue.

Hotel Package

Experience Texas' only five-star, five-diamond hotel during Fashion at the Park. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is offering special room rates starting at $290.00, based upon availability. To reserve rooms, call 1-888-ROSEWOOD or 214-559-2100, and ask for the Fashion at the Park rate. Reservations can also be made online at http://www.mansiononturtlecreek.com/. Upon arrival, guests will receive a complimentary Fashion at the Park welcome amenity.

BACKGROUND:

Fashion at the Park, NorthPark Center's unprecedented public fashion and media event brings the excitement and energy of the international fashion scene to Dallas each fall. Fashion at the Park showcases NorthPark Center's one-of-a-kind collection of luxury and trendsetting retailers in an exhilarating venue and provides fashion devotees an exclusive opportunity to view the latest fashion and “shop the shows”.

NorthPark Center's Fashion at the Park is supported by presenting sponsor Cadillac and supporting sponsors national media partner Vogue, local media partner PaperCity Magazine, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Moet & Chandon, glaceau smartwater, Belvedere Vodka, 10 Cane Rum, American Airlines, Kim Dawson Agency, Central Market, Capital One Bank and Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau.

As one of the premier shopping centers in the United States, NorthPark Center (http://www.northparkcenter.com/) proudly offers shoppers the best of the best in every category represented including the finest in luxury retail and exclusives in the Southwest. Offering an unparalleled selection of international designers set amid timeless modern architecture and a world-class art collection, NorthPark Center has established a new standard in the United States for innovative retail destinations. NorthPark Center is owned, managed, operated and leased by husband and wife David J. Haemisegger and Nancy A. Nasher. After a $235 million expansion in 2006, NorthPark Center became the largest shopping center in North Texas and one of the top shopping destinations in the United States. NorthPark Center will continue to open more luxury boutiques, exclusive stores and dining options throughout 2008 and beyond, culminating in over 235 stores and restaurants. NorthPark Center is located at the intersection of North Central Expressway and Northwest Highway in the heart of Dallas. Stores are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Department store, theatre, restaurant and spa hours vary.

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Fashion Designer Rodrick Burke Will Showcase His Latest Creations at the Annual DymeWear All White Salsa Party and Fashion Show in Dallas

Talented fashion designer Rodrick Burke will showcase his latest creations on July 25, 2008 at the annual DymeWear All White Party Fashion Show at the historic Starlight Room in downtown Dallas. Centered on a Salsa theme, this show is unlike any other. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for an exciting evening of salsa dancing highlighted with the exceptional street and urban styles of DymeWear. Last year's fashion show had approximately 1700 people. The event was ranked one of the biggest of 2007.

DymeWear was founded by President and CEO Rodrick Burke of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. After college, the army and working as a network engineer, Rodrick met with his future partner Marcel Yenez. The quest for both entrepreneurs was to define the “perfect ten” known in the hip hop culture as a “Dyme”. It was from this meeting that DymeWear was born. The company was officially incorporated on May 5, 2005.

Since then, DymeWear has gained the respect and popularity of women from all races and backgrounds. DymeWear has been recognized in the UK, Australia, Canada, South America and USA. DymeWear has grown from a denim collection, focused on being “the only jeans that make a girl feel like a perfect dyme,” to include a variety of clothing styles such as mini skirts, shorts, capris and an array of tops that are flexible to offer the customer a variety of choices.

In addition to the current clothing line, expect to see additions not limited to accessories like Black Pearls, swimwear, handbags and shoes. DymeWear serves all purposes, such as comfortably being fashionable during the day but yet … go about town styling at nights.

DymeWear is the perfect description for the bold, fun and the sexy attitude of the DymeWear woman. Whether evidenced by the glimmer in the rhinestones on a pair of jeans, or in the darting glance of the classy feminine silhouette logo of the company, these are clothes for the woman who definitely sees the world on her own terms.

DymeWear delivers a universal message that breaks stereotypes and ethnic boundaries — setting the new standard in women's fashion — and establishes the company as the complete American lifestyle brand being as exquisite as Juste Moi. Check out also fur products that are trending today: FurHatWorld.com Visit Shop My Happi Place for best designs.

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John Mellencamp Announces First Farm Aid Music Festival In New England

Alongside farmers and food buyers at the Copley Square Farmers Market, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Governor Deval Patrick welcomed Farm Aid co-founder John Mellencamp to New England as he announced Farm Aid 2008 Presented by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic. The concert will take place on Sept. 20 at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, Mass., marking the first time the organization will bring its annual benefit concert to the region.

“New England was built on the strength of independent family farmers,” said Mellencamp. “We can honor that independent spirit by joining Farm Aid to grow the movement that is changing the way all of America eats.”

Farm Aid 2008 Presented by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic will feature headliners Willie Nelson, Mellencamp, Neil Young, and Dave Matthews, plus other top artists to be announced. The annual benefit concert will celebrate music and good food, featuring hands-on activities in the HOMEGROWN Village that will showcase the direct connection between who is growing our food and what we eat every day.

“We are proud to bring our annual Farm Aid concert to a region that has such strong agricultural roots and to the many people who love to eat the good food grown in New England,” said Farm Aid president Willie Nelson. “I'm looking forward to bringing my friends together on the Farm Aid stage to celebrate and support family farmers.”

The concert event will again feature family-farm identified, local and organic foods at concessions, setting an example of the many ways that family farm food can be integrated into the general marketplace.

“Bringing Farm Aid's unique concert event to New England creates an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the innovation and determination of the area's farmers,” said Carolyn Mugar, executive director of Farm Aid. “We're looking forward to a day filled with outstanding music and delicious food grown by these farmers from across the region.”

As part of its work to increase the affordability and availability of fresh, healthy foods, Farm Aid also announced its support for the collaborative initiative between the Food Project and the city of Boston to help more families shop at farmers markets by building infrastructure that allows market vendors to accept food stamps.

Since its beginning, Farm Aid has traveled the country, staging annual concerts and supporting local organizations working to strengthen family farms. Farm Aid builds the Good Food Movement by connecting people with family farmers who are increasing the supply of local, humanely raised, sustainable and organic food.

Tickets for Farm Aid 2008 Presented by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic will go on sale July 28 at 10 a.m. EDT and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, http://www.ticketmaster.com/, or by calling (866) 448-7849.

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'Dark Knight' On Track To Break All Hollywood Records

MovieTickets.com's Top-10 Performing Films of All-Time1. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith2. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire4. The Passion of The Christ5. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest6. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers7. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix8. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones9. Matrix Reloaded10. Spider-Man 3According to MovieTickets.com, “Dark Knight” has sold out over 150 performances in Los Angeles and New York alone. What's more, MovieTickets.com reports the caped crusader now boasts more than 1,300 midnight showings on its site.In a recent MovieTickets.com survey, moviegoers aware of the movie expressed intent to see the film during

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Drink Wine, But First, Take a Hike

Wine Country Trekking, LLC, is pleased to announce that their signature vacation, the San Francisco to the Wine Country Trek, was recently recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of their “50 Tours of a Lifetime”. This active luxury vacation lets travelers trek from San Francisco to Glen Ellen in the heart of the Sonoma Valley over the course of ten days, enjoying premier lodging, fine wine, and world class food. Along the way trekkers walk over the Golden Gate Bridge, and through Sausalito, Muir Woods, and Point Reyes National Seashore. “We were thrilled to discover that many outfitters share our vision that travel should ultimately not be acquisitive and superficial but connect us more deeply to the planet and to the people in it,” notes Norie Quintos, senior editor at National Geographic Traveler magazine. “The other wonderful thing we discovered is that one doesn’t necessarily have to rough it to travel authentically and sustainably.”

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These new treks have been very well received by our customers, who have told us that they love experiencing the Wine Country on foot. Two new short treks now offered in Napa and Sonoma

The San Francisco to the Wine Country Trek, like all vacations offered by Wine Country Trekking, is a luxury, self-guided, inn-to-inn hiking vacation, a concept well known in Europe that the company introduced in the United States. Building on the success of this concept, the company has responded to customer requests for short treks exclusively in the wine country by introducing two new active luxury vacations that include three days of walking and wine tasting in the beautiful Napa and Sonoma Valleys. “These short treks give people in the San Francisco Bay Area an opportunity, without traveling far, to get out of their cars and enjoy a walking vacation with all the amenities of the wine country. In a time of high gas prices, they are the perfect getaway or a wonderful addition to a San Francisco visit,” said Mary Guerrazzi, one of the partners in the company.

The two new treks are specially designed to take advantage of the California Wine Country’s world class food and wines. The Sonoma Valley Wine Tasting Trek allows travelers the opportunity to walk through the vineyards, mountains and quaint towns of rustic Sonoma Valley with opportunities for wine tasting at private winery estates along the way. The Napa Valley Wine Tasting Trek traverses the heart of Napa Valley’s wine country, from Yountville with its unparalleled fine dining, to chic St. Helena, to quaint Calistoga. “These new treks have been very well received by our customers, who have told us that they love experiencing the Wine Country on foot,” said Mary Guerrazzi.

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Better Events Catering & The Black Horse Inn Open House Tasting This Sunday

Planning a wedding? Know someone who is?

Better Events Catering & The Black Horse Inn Cordially Invite You to Our Open House Tasting Sunday, July 20th 2008 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at The Black Horse Inn “voted one of the Best in the country.” Come sample our Interactive Food Stations and enjoy Butlered Hors d’Oeuvres from the wonderful selections provided by Better Events Catering. Sip on wine as you stroll around the beautiful Garden Terrace and tour the 19th century inn.

You can meet a variety of wedding vendors that are eager to assist you with your wedding plans in the award winning Gilded Fox. RSVP info@betterevents.com or call 703-204-1800 We will be offering a shuttle bus from Fairfax City to Warrenton at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm leaving Warrenton at 4:00 and 5:00 pm.

Please email us if you would like to take the shuttle.

Register soon as space is limited. We also need to sell my house Miami check details and informations here.

The Black Horse Inn 8393 Meetze Road Warrenton, VA 20187

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2009 Colorado Firefighter Calendar Debut Event To Be Held Aug. 22

Fired Up For Kids announced today that tickets went on sale for its 2009 Colorado Firefighter Calendar Debut Event. Firefighters from across the state competed in April for their chance to be featured on a page in the 2009 calendar, and the event on August 22 at Beta Nightclub is the public’s first chance to see the hottest firefighters in the state and to meet them in person! Jennifer Wilde of the Alice 105.9 Morning Show will emcee the event as the firefighters entertain the crowd. The evening also includes a live auction for partygoers to bid on a date, dinner at a fire station, large-format photos of some of the firefighters and more! The debut event is on Fri., Aug. 22 at Beta Nightclub (1909 Blake St., Denver). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for VIP and 8 p.m. for GA. VIP tickets are and include a 2009 calendar, private firefighter signing, complimentary food and two drinks. GA tickets are and include a 2009 calendar. Tickets are available at Ticketswest.com, King Soopers and at www.firedupforkids.org. Calendars will go on sale at the event and will also be sold at The Tattered Cover, the Denver Firefighter’s Museum, and online at www.firedupforkids.org. About Fired Up For Kids The Colorado Firefighter Calendar is produced and created by Fired Up For Kids, a not-for-profit organization. Fired Up For Kids donates all proceeds received from special events and sales of the Colorado Firefighter Calendar to The Children's Hospital Burn Center, which is committed to providing the highest standard of burn care to neonates, infants, children, and adolescents up to 21 years of age in the Rocky Mountain region. For more information about Fired Up For Kids, visit www.firedupforkids.org.

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5th Annual Children’s Theater Festival on July 27 Has 20 Shows for Kids

The fifth annual San Francisco Children’s Theater Festival, a one-day free event with 20 shows for children will be held Sunday, July 27th, 11:00 am-4:30 pm at Yerba Buena Gardens where they have the best slides for the garden you can find and the Zeum Theater, we will also be having the best Childen’s magicians from yabadoo. All admissions are free.

The SF Children’s Theater Festival presents magicians, jugglers, fairytales, musicians, circus, storytelling—a wonderful lineup of professional entertainers and performing youngsters in a one-day annual event. They´ll even have a lsit of recommended ATV for kids if anybody is interested. Plus there will be an Rc Rank race competition.

Performers include Comedy magician Robert Strong, Zappo the Magician, magician Brian Scott, Juggler comic Fred Anderson, Solano Youth Theatre, Unique Derique, Tye the Magic Guy, Boswick the Clown, Golden Thread Fairytale Players, SF Circus, CalShakes Conservatory, and Oakland Public Conservatory of Music's Youth Marimba Band. Plus Storytelling Assoc. of Alta California, juggler David Hirata, Pi: The Physical Comedy Troupe, SF Circus, Et Ceteras, and SF Sound Wave Chorus.

The children’s festival is held in conjunction with the SF Theater Festival, which includes 80 additional shows. Many of the performances in the SF Theater Festival are also family friendly.

The festival takes place at Yerba Buena Gardens and the Zeum. Yerba Buena Gardens is located between Mission & Folsom, Third & Fourth Streets, in downtown San Francisco. Zeum is at Howard and 4th Street. Easy to reach by MUNI and BART.

“This is the chance to introduce youngsters to live performances of all kinds, to see professionals as well as other young people performing. This can be inspiring to young people,” said producer Bill Schwartz.

The children’s theater festival is presented in partnership with the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival and Zeum and in association with The Buddy Club, we will have the best scooters from this excellent scooter list we found online and the best party jumper rentals in West Covina from http://www.russosrentals.com/ will be helping as well.

Information: www.sftheaterfestival.org, 415-543-1718

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Excitement Builds for Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural Las Vegas Collector Car Event

Collector car aficionados from around the world will descend on Las Vegas Oct. 15-18, 2008, when the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company brings their acclaimed auction and lifestyle event to the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino for the first time. Hundreds of desirable collector vehicles will be sold at No Reserve during the auction at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, while SPEED cameras capture live, high-definition coverage.

The clear leader in the collector car arena, Barrett-Jackson has been producing “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” for 37 years in Scottsdale, Ariz., and West Palm Beach, Fla. To date this year, more than 347,000 attendees and millions of SPEED viewers around the world have witnessed 1,672 vehicles being auctioned off for approximately $111 million during these two events combined. The addition of the Las Vegas event represents the third jewel in a triple-crown series that is unmatched in the collector car world.

“Now that we’ve completed two successful auctions in Scottsdale and Palm Beach this year, we’re looking forward to bringing the Barrett-Jackson brand of high octane excitement to Las Vegas,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’ve always believed that adding a Las Vegas event was a natural step in the evolution of the company and have received an overwhelming response from consigners and bidders who want to participate in our Vegas auction. As with all Barrett-Jackson auctions, every vehicle in Las Vegas will be offered at No Reserve, which will ensure an accurate, honest marketplace for our customers.”

Barrett-Jackson’s No Reserve policy means that each and every vehicle that crosses the auction block will be sold to the highest bidder. Barrett-Jackson’s consignment staff reviews thousands of applications to create a diverse mix of cars that appeal to a wide range of buyers. Applications are available at www.barrett-jackson.com or by calling (480) 421-6694 .

“When consignors want maximum value for their collector cars, they bring them to Barrett-Jackson,” added Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. “And bidders know that our selection is second to none and that every vehicle is sold when it crosses the auction block. We’ll continue that tradition in Las Vegas with a lineup that appeals to seasoned collectors, as well as first-time buyers. We encourage people to consign their vehicles as early as possible in order to take advantage of our world-class marketing that attracts the hobby’s top collectors.”

The 2008 Las Vegas event will kick off Wednesday, Oct. 15, with a festive party on the famed Mandalay Bay Beach, featuring live entertainment, libations, and a significant charity component benefiting the Lili Claire Foundation. Lili Claire was established to enhance the lives of children living with Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Autism and other neurogenetic disorders, while providing hope and resources for the families who love them. The foundation will also be showcased during the auction when a 2008 Barrett-Jackson Edition Ford Shelby GT Mustang crosses the block along with appearances from Lili Claire’s celebrity supporters. Only 100 of these high performance muscle cars were built and all proceeds from the sale of the car will be donated to the charity.

The first ever collector vehicle to be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson in Las Vegas will cross the block on Thursday, Oct. 16, with auction action continuing through Saturday, Oct. 18. Beyond the auction, the event will encompass a wide range of lifestyle offerings, including an automobilia auction, a vast display from a diverse mix of vendors, and The Garage venue for live music, all taking place at Mandalay Bay.

“Barrett-Jackson represents the gold standard in classic car auctions by providing an exhilarating mix of vintage vehicles, high-energy crowds and thrilling bidding action made possible by their No Reserve policy,” said Mandalay Bay President and COO Bill Hornbuckle. “The energy and excitement of Mandalay Bay and Las Vegas will provide the perfect complement to this highly anticipated event.”

Those planning on attending Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas event are encouraged to plan their visit early. Special room rates and packages can be found at www.barrett-jackson.com.

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'The Dark Knight' Has a Local Angle in Chicago

With the theatrical release of Christopher Nolan's “The Dark Knight” breaking records at the box-office, an intrepid group of Chicago filmmakers took to the streets in June to shoot a Batman “fanfilm” that bridges events between 2005's “Batman Begins” and the newly released Warner Brothers blockbuster.

“The Dark Knight Project” chronicles the adventures of Gotham Midtown students Heather Nolan and Mikey Bale, played by Allyssa O'Donnell and David Sanchez. Intent on being the first people in Gotham City to capture actual video of the Dark Knight in action for a school project, they set out with their video camera to interview people on the streets, witness the evacuation of a city block by police in the middle of a bomb scare, and ultimately encounter Batman in the middle of a back alley break-in where he saves both high schoolers from a menacing group of thugs working for the Joker.

“I always wanted to shoot a Batman story since he is one of my favorite characters, and since I doubt Warner Brothers will ever ask me to direct one for them, I decided to use the resources I have available and do one myself” muses Chicago filmmaker Jerry Vasilatos, who wrote the story and also produced and directed it.

“Everytime I am downtown, I am reminded of the fact that we live in virtual Gotham City” Vasilatos continues. “Shooting an HD movie and emulating the same universe that Christopher Nolan created for “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight” allowed us to brand our short film with a certain authenticity and production value that we hope will have people thinking our story really could have taken place between the feature films.”

Assembling a talented group of filmmakers and cast from Chicago's creative community, Vasilatos teamed up with co-producer Zoe Triantafillou and director of photography J. Trevi Albin to produce the fan film on a shoestring budget, relying on the downtown locations and authentic costuming to bring the short story to life.

“This is a complete labor of love” Vasilatos says. “We're not selling it, we're not making any money off it… I just wanted the opportunity to shoot a short Batman story with high production values and share it with other fans in tribute to the character as well as director Christopher Nolan, who I think has finally nailed the type of “Batman” movie fans have always wanted to see on the big screen.”

Vasilatos' crew shot 5 days in using several downtown locations, leading to a climactic alley fight between Batman (being played by Chicago actor Chris Nendick), and the Joker's thugs filmed behind the Fine Arts building off Van Buren.

Vasilatos also created a Myspace page for his two fictional characters Heather and Mikey, where they have been blogging about their efforts to capture video of Batman to visitors. Their Myspace page is at: http://www.myspace.com/darkknightproject. The actual short film was released online July 14th, 2008 at: http://www.darkknightproject.com – 4 days before “The Dark Knight” hit theaters. The website has already had over 2500 viewer in its first week.

Vasilatos, who returned to the Chicago production scene last spring, spent 10 years in Los Angeles working as a producer, director and editor with clients including Universal Home Video, The Reelz Channel and Fox Atomic. His previous producing and directing efforts include the nationally syndicated entertainment news show “Made in Hollywood”, and the Chicago Christmas movie “Solstice” which was originally broadcast on Lifetime Television and is now enjoying a second life on Amazon.com under it's new title “The Night Before Christmas”. He also recently served as an editor on four episodes of the popular History Channel series “Gangland” during it's first and second season.

To view “The Dark Knight Project” or to contact the filmmakers, please visit: The Dark Knight Project.

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Patrón Music in Motion Tour Hits DC

The Patrón Music in Motion tour is a high-energy summer party rolling on track from city to city stopping at some of the hottest concert events of the year, there will be a live music venue in Houston, which is probably going to be the best one. The tour is also a national fundraising effort to rebuild New Orleans and gives you the opportunity to get involved and win amazing prizes. Here's how it works. Simply select one of the two participating charities that have been selected by Patrón, set up a fundraising page through FirstGiving.org and get your friends and family to start donating. The more money you raise for these great charities, the greater the chance to win the experience of a lifetime, and in the end, make a difference to thousands of people in New Orleans. Prizes include an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2008 Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, a red-carpet event at a New York City hotspot, an unforgettable ride for you and your friends aboard The Patrón Tequila Express to a great concert, and many more! So check out the prizes, view the train schedule and find out how you can attend some of the summer's most desired concert events. Get started with your fundraising efforts today and help rebuild New Orleans.

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Whistle While You Wine at The Local Vine

The Local Vine (TLV), a wine bar in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood, extends their wine education offerings to target groups, business executives and companies. Hosted by certified wine expert and co-owner, Sarah Munson, TLV offers 'Wine 101' and Sommelier Tastings for guests to learn about wine. "We are excited to extend TLV's education program to groups that are looking for fun, interactive ways to spend time together," said Munson. "Our non-intimidating environment and celebrated wine list presents the perfect excuse to learn about and enjoy wine." TLV's extremely popular 'Wine 101' class features wine basics, evaluations, tastings and selections. Participants taste and discuss at least six different wines. Operating as a no-pressure class, Sommelier Tastings feature an opportunity to learn about a particular varietal, region or style of wine with a sommelier. Each class provides educational materials for "students" to continue their learning. "Our wine classes have been well received by the community," said Allison Nelson, co-owner. "These classes provide the perfect platform for team building experiences, as participants collectively discover and develop their palate for wine." In addition to regularly scheduled classes, TLV offers private wine tastings for groups, parties and events where guests develop a tasting of their choosing or select from a list of popular choices. With wine experts as guides, tastings feature the basics about wine, how to choose wines from wine lists and tutorials on some of the most prestigious wines. Some of the most popular tastings include: Washington Wines & Wineries, J'Adore Le Vin French Wine, and Taste Pinots with a Sommelier.

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