St. Louis Cardinals draftee Chris Rivera returns to Centralia Elementary School

Great article on Christopher Rivera returning to his grade school, Centralia Elementary, to speak to students and play baseball. Read the full article here.

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Disney On Ice Presents Rockin’ Ever After

Coming to the Honda Center

Over 40 performers from nine countries make up the international cast of Disney On Ice Presents Rockin' Ever After coming to the Honda Center from December 17 through 22. (Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment)

(ANAHEIM) Themed “Rockin’ Ever After,” the Disney On Ice ensemble will skate into the Honda Center (2695 E. Katella Avenue) from Dec. 17 to 22, gliding to timeless classic tunes from The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Tangled and Disney-Pixar’s BRAVE. Tickets are on sale now.

Mixing the old with the new, audiences of all ages will be delighted in this wintery extravaganza of musical numbers like a Scottish jig, a show-stopping performance by Sebastian as he breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel, a chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled, and a foot-tapping number from the Beast as he takes center stage in a spectacular show for Belle. New this year is the never-before-seen Spanish Web, an innovative creation where Ariel climbs the rope in her skates 35 feet up in the air.

Audiences are in for an exciting treat, as Merida from Disney-Pixar’s BRAVE will make her West Coast debut showcasing her love for archery while suitors compete to win her hand in marriage.  

Adam Loosley, veteran skater of 10 years, is one of over 40 performers from nine countries that make up this international cast of Disney On Ice Presents Rockin' Ever After coming to the Honda Center from December 17 through 22. (Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment)

Returning to Anaheim is Canadian-born Adam Loosley, a veteran Disney On Ice skater of 10 years. He is one of over 40 performers spanning nine different countries that make up this international powerhouse cast. Countries represented are USA, Canada, England, Japan, Russia, Czech Republic, Argentina, France and Estonia.

“This show is an enchanted talent show where Rapunzel displays her love for painting, Ariel loves to sing and Belle loves to read,” says Loosley. “Audiences are sure to love Gaston and LeFou of Beauty and the Beast and the crowd favorite, the ever-loveable Maximus from Tangled.”

Performance Schedule:

When: Tuesday, December 17 through Sunday, December 22

            Tuesday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m.

            Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m.

            Thursday, December 19 at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

            Friday, December 20 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

            Saturday, December 21 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

            Sunday, December 22 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets prices range from $22-$30; $50-$55 (VIP) and $75-$80 (Front Row)

For more information visit Disney On Ice at www.DisneyOnIce.com. Tickets are available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or HondaCenter.com; charge by at (800) 745-3000 or in-person at the Venue Box Office.

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey presents Built To Amaze

Born to Entertain: Classic Comediennes Inspire Orange County Local Genevieve Flati

By Annie Rivera

Growing up in Southern California, Genevieve Flati, always knew she wanted to be a performer that made people laugh. Studying theater at Chapman University while working at Disneyland, Flati already had a knack of entertaining. When Ringling Bros. announced auditions for Clown Alley two years ago, she was ready to give it her all.

“In theater, you learn about improv and how to go with the moment of a scene,” Flati said. “That’s just what I did in auditions. They loved my ‘willingness-to-play spirit’ coupled with my athletic background. I knew I nailed my audition and was thrilled to get a call-back.”

She credits two comedic legends, Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, as her inspirations that paved the way to becoming a Ring Performer at Innoventions at Disneyland. “I envisioned myself incorporating some of their genius moves in my own performance. My clown character pays tribute to both of them for empowering female comedians.”

Performing in her hometown will have special meaning to Flati. “This is the first time I’ll be home in two years since auditioning for Ringling Bros.,” Flati said. “It will be nice to be home in front of my family, friends and old theater groups.”

Coming to the Honda Center (2695 E. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806) Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents “Built To Amaze,” an extraordinarily engineered circus experience custom-built for the entire family where audiences will find out what it takes to construct The Greatest Show On Earth. Featured this year are: nine-time international award-winning comedic animal presenting duo Alex and Irina Emelin of Russia; The Trampoline Tower Tumblers; the popular King Charles Troupe hailing from New York City; electrifying high-wire acrobats; daredevil stunts on the Steel Vortex; the youngest female Human Cannonball; remarkable hand-balancing duos; famous four-legged star performers like the majestic Bengal tigers and “Taba” the tiger-tamer; fun-filled Asian dancing elephants; and the renowned, ever-loving Clown Alley performers.

Opening 90 minutes before every show, guests are invited to the Animal Open House to get up- close with some of the amazing animals. Then one hour before the show begins, visit the All-Access Pre-Show for FREE for all ticket holders. Learn juggling and balancing skills, get autographs, take photos with performers, and interact with Ringling Bros. Clowns.

When: Friday, July 26 through Sunday, August 4.

Tickets: $20, $26, $42 (VIP), $70 (Front Row) and $100 (Circus Celebrity)

Opening Night tickets are $12 (not valid for VIP or premium seating)

All seats are reserved; tickets available thru Ticketmaster.com or HondaCenter.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or visit the venue box office.

For show times and more information, visit www.Ringling.com or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.

The 3rd Annual Hollywood's Biggest Night returns to Anaheim GardenWalk 2/24/13

The 3rd Annual Hollywood's Biggest Night returns to Anaheim.

Don't miss this red-carpet affair -- OC's big screen movie awards viewing experience at UltraLuxe Cinemas at Anaheim GardenWalk.

When: Sunday, February 24, 2013
Where: 321 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim
Time: 4 p.m. Pre-show / 5 p.m. Showtime
What: Dress to impress, walk the red carpet and and Celebrity-Look-Alike Contest.
Price: Advance tickets are $20; $15 for CSUF students. Deadline to purchase tickets is Feb. 21.
Buy tickets at: fullerton.edu/HollywoodNight.

See the flyer and below for details.

Proceeds from this event will support the College of Communications student scholarships program.

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam packed a full house at Angel Stadium 1/26/13

Aaron, Madi and I enjoying our night at Monster Jam.

Angel Stadium was the place to be tonight during the 2013 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam. My family and I enjoyed a night of uproarious, jaw-dropping fun!

Left and right, people poured into their seats to catch a glimpse of their favorite Monster Trucks: Captain America driven by Chad Fortune, Blue Thunder® driven by Dan Evans, Titan driven by Donald Epindendio, Monster Mutt® Dalmation driven by Taryn Laskey (who secretly happened to be my favorite -- powered by a female driver), Iron Man™ driven by Lee O'Donnel (who got robbed of a great Freestyle round), El Toro Loco® driven by Aaron Basl, Tropical Thunder driven by Andrew Peckham, and Grave Digger the Legend® driven by Adam Anderson, the ultimate crowd-favorite. Titan was the clear winner of tonight's qualifying rounds advancing to the sem-finals to face off against Blue Thunder.

After intermission, the stadium roared when Titan revved up for the Freestyle event and was gaining momentum before it upended and became sidelined.

A panoramic view of Angel Stadium during the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam January 26, 2013.

Iron Man, who effortlessly soared through the air delighted the audience with cheers and praise, was right on track to beating or, at the very least, tying the leader Blue Thunder, but the low-scoring round proved otherwise.

Dalmation kept up with the big boys by zipping through the obstacles and clearing many jumps, despite losing her tail during a tight-squeezed turn.

But the highlight of the evening was the beloved Grave Digger the Legend, who even after shedding its doors, sides, and everything in between, scored a whopping 31 points to be crowned the Freestyle Champion.

Missing from tonight's show was 10-time World Racing Champion, Tom Meents who drives Maximum Destruction™whom I interviewed a few weeks ago about Monster Jam returning to Anaheim. "Freestyling is my favorite part of the show because it's where I get to display two minutes of my own choreography," said Meents, "and mostly because of the fan's excitement." It's quite alright, Tom, there was plenty of excitement to go around. We'll catch you next time.

Next year should be just as exciting and more -- as new Monster Trucks will be revealed. Don't miss it.

David Parsons III to Attempt Most Hugs Given in 24 Hours at ESPN Zone L.A. LIVE 1/21/13

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Contact: David Parsons III
Cell Phone: 424.234.3373
Email: Info@Hug4Wishes.org
Web: www.Hug4Wishes.org
Facebook: Facebook.com/Hug4Wishes
Twitter: Twitter.com/Hug4Wishes
Instagram: Instagram.com/Hug4Wishes

LOS ANGELES MAN TO SET A WORLD RECORD FOR THE MOST HUGS GIVEN IN 24 HOURS AT THE ESPN ZONE L.A. LIVE 1/21/13 TO HELP GRANTS WISHES GIVE HOPE TO CHILDREN BATTLING CANCER A SECOND TIME

Description:

Los Angeles, CA (January 11, 2013) -- On January 21, 2013 (National Hug Day), David Parsons III will attempt to hug 10,000 people to set the Guinness World Record for "The Most Hugs Given in 24 Hours by an Individual," at ESPN Zone L.A. LIVE.

Through "sponsored hugs" David hopes to raise a minimum of $100,000 for GRANTS WISHES, a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children whose cancer has relapsed or who endure never-ending treatment.

"Two years ago, I lost a good friend to cancer. Shortly after she relapsed, Sharon passed. When people ask themselves, 'What can I do to make a difference in the lives of those around me?,' I want them to remember that changing the world can start with a hug...That's the inspiration behind this event. Now, partnering with GRANTS WISHES, we'll carry on Sharon's legacy and bring hope to children battling cancer a second time." ~David

The 24 Hour World Record attempt will start late Sunday night, January 20 at 11 p.m. and go all day Monday, January 21. The attempt will take place just across the street from STAPLES Center at ESPN Zone L.A. LIVE (1011 S. Figueroa St. B-101, Los Angeles, CA 90015), immediately following The Born This Way Ball starring Lady Gaga. The official clock will begin at 11 p.m. (on Sunday, January 20) and end at 10:59:59 p.m. (Monday, January 21). Special thanks to Radius Group Inc. for their production consulting services as well as eGood and New Trent for helping power the iPad's used to record the total hugs given.

To help pledge your hug or sponsor one online, visit www.Hugs4Wishes.org.

To help spread the word, or to schedule an interview with David e-mail us at: Media@Hugs4Wishes.org or Annie Rivera at: info@riveramediapr.com. To make a matching financial gift for the total amount of hugs given, e-mail at Sponsor@Hugs4Wishes.org. To pledge a celebrity hug, e-mail at: CelebrityHugs@Hugs4Wishes.org. To volunteer, e-mail at: Volunteer@Hugs4Wishes.org.


ABOUT GRANTS WISHES

GRANTS WISHES (www.grantswishes.org) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that grants the wishes of children whose cancer has relapsed or who endure never-ending treatments. The organization enriches the lives of these children by bringing a smile to their face and adding moments of happiness to their lives. GRANTS WISHES was formed shortly after the passing of their son Grant, when Lori Sullivan was approached by a Physician at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) asking if she could help a child recently diagnosed with a relapse of cancer by granting him a second wish of a big TV for Christmas.


ABOUT DAVID PARSONS III

Inspire hope, spread love, live fulfilled- that's David's motto. "We've all been given time, talent, resources, and relationships. My goal in life is to help as many people as I can leverage these to make a positive difference in the world around them." David is CEO of DEPIII, Inc. a business development, life-coaching, an motivational speaking company. Additionally, he's the Business Development Director for a Los Angeles based ad agency called SWIRE (www.goswire.com) and the co-owner of John Parson Photography (www.johnparsonphotgraphy.com).

# # #

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam returns to Anaheim Angel Stadium January 26 and February 9, 2013

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam returns to Angel Stadium of Anaheim (2000 East Gene Autry Way, Anaheim) January 26 and February 9.

Watch driver Tom Meents and Maximum Destruction (a.k.a. “Max-D^SM”) celebrate a decade of destruction in their 10^th anniversary with Monster Trucks. With 10 World Racing Championship titles, Meents will showcase his competitive and creative nature in the freestyle event. “Freestyling is one of my favorite parts of the show because it’s where I get to display two minutes of my own choreography,” said Meents, “and mostly because of the fans’ excitement.”  

Other crowd favorites scheduled to appear on January 26 are USHRA Monster Trucks Grave Digger® driven by Pablo Huffaker, El Toro Loco® driven by Aaron Basl, Grave Digger the Legend® driven by Adam Anderson, Captain America driven by Chad Fortune, Mohawk Warrior® driven by George Balhan, Monster Mutt® Dalmatian driven by Taryn Laskey, Iron Man™ driven by Lee O'Donnel, The Patriot driven by Dan Rodoni, Tropical Thunder driven by Andrew Peckham, Bounty Hunter driven by Ben Winslow, Iron Outlaw driven by Darren Migues, Titan driven by Donald Epidendio, Playin For Keeps driven by Tony Canedo, Obsession driven by Jim Lehnertz, Obsessed driven by Rick Swanson and Blue Thunder® driven by Dan Evans (subject to change).

On February 9, see USHRA Monster Trucks Grave Digger® driven by Dennis Anderson, Wolverine, Lucas Oil Crusader®, Monster Mutt® Dalmatian, Metal Mulisha, Batman™, King Krunch, Nitro Hornet, Big Kahuna, Titan, The Patriot, Tropical Thunder, Devastator, McGruff, Shocker, Obsessed and More (subject to change).

Come early to Angel Stadium to enjoy the Party in the Pits pre-show, ultimate extravaganza providing fans with an all-access experience to view their favorite trucks up-close-and-personal while rubbing elbows with the star drivers for photos and autographs. Party in the Pits is the ultimate experience for any Monster Jam fan!

DATE:

Saturday, January 26 and February 9 at 7 p.m.

PIT PARTY:

Open from 2 to 5:30 p.m. prior to each show

Exclusive VIP Early Access to Pit Party at 2 p.m. for Total Access Pass holders

Pit Passes are required for entry; available for purchase at $10 each

TICKETS:

$25, $35, and $45 for Adults

Kids (age 2-12) tickets are only $10 each (select price levels only)

Total Access Pass - $75

www.TicketMaster.com or call (800) 745-3000

For more information and updates visit www.MonsterJam.com or on Facebook.