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“Festivities in Space: Food & Drink Off-World for Fun & Profit”

Thursday, December 3, 12:00 p.m. PST

This holiday season–arguably more than any other in recent memory–we yearn to celebrate together as in years past, looking toward a brighter future. And what way will be more fitting than raising a glass in space? Leading consumer goods brands have long understood the power of the stars to stimulate the imagination–and sales. Beer, wine, spirits, cookies, chocolates have all made their way to the ISS to enliven the trip and provide a taste of home. Savvy brands will share how the trillion dollar alcoholic beverage market and related treats will generate even larger revenues when the space hospitality sector blasts off.

As the Director of Marketing at Nanoracks Abby Dickes oversees commercial projects, press, public relations, print and digital media, launch guest operations, social media, creative and strategic planning, event planning, and external company communication. Passionate about space exploration since she was young, Abby enjoys spending each day sharing the Nanoracks story of commercial space entrepreneurship with the world.

Abby’s past experience includes working at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, NASA Headquarters’ Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, the House Science Committee – Space Subcommittee, and Aerospace Industries Association. She achieved of Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics with a minor in Astronomy from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Chris Carberry is CEO and co-founder of Explore Mars, Inc. and former Executive Director of The Mars Society. As CEO of Explore Mars, he launched the Humans to Mars Summit–the largest annual conference advocating human missions to Mars–and has overseen dozens of workshops, STEM education programs and other significant programs.

Carberry has conducted extensive work in space policy, including testifying before the United States Senate and House of Representatives. Carberry has published over 100 opinion pieces (and other writings) in publications around the world and is the author of the 2019 book, Alcohol in Space: Past, Present, Future.

Don’t Forget! The Orbit Awards Is Coming

The next Orbit Awards celebrating 20 years of private space travel will be held at the Space Tourism Conference (STC) taking place on April 28, 2021 in Los Angeles. The conference brings together world leaders involved in designing and implementing a successful and sustainable commercial space and private space tourism industry. This is on the 20th anniversary of lift-off into Earth orbit and visit to the International Space Station (ISS) by Dennis Tito, the first private space traveler.

In recognition of his achievement, the STS created the Orbit Awards, and named Dennis Tito Award top category in his honor. The date also marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the

Space Tourism Society (STS).

www.spacetourismconf.com

    

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HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING IDEAS FROM
ONE OF THE TOP CELEBRITY PARTY PLANNERS

DEBI LILLY SHARES
THE SECRETS OF PARTY PERFECTION

Video & Podcast –

Oprah’s Winfrey’s “Favorite Pro” Entertaining & Design Expert Shares Easy, Elegant & Affordable Ways to Achieve a Beautiful Party this Holiday Season

Debi Lilly is fast becoming a household name and face. Since she became Oprah Winfrey’s “Favorite Party Pro,” Lilly’s design and party planning career has taken off. In fact, Debi was recently named Best Wedding Planners 2015 in the U.S. by Martha Stewart Weddings; Top Event Innovator 2014 by Biz Bash, and Top Pinterest Expert 2015 by Refinery 29. These honors show why Debi is on a one woman mission to inspire, educate and share her twenty years of celebrity party planning and stylist tips, tricks and DIY designs to elevate celebrations for any occasion. On November 16, find out why the entertaining & design expert and author believes in elegant and easy design ideas for all. Lilly will kick off the party season with some early tips for making your holiday parties special.

SOME PARTY HARDY IDEAS FROM DEBI LILLY:
 A Thankful Table – Fast, affordable DIY tips for a no stress, grocery to gorgeous Thanksgiving
 Holiday Hacks – 3 easy changes to turn Thanksgiving into Christmas in minutes
 DIY Dessert Bar – Celebrity-luxe style for less, all from the grocery store

Lilly has planned events for the stars like Lady Gaga and Oprah, including Oprah’s 50th live birthday celebration. She’s also created debi lilly design, an exclusive collection available at Albertsons Companies stores. Debi has also been featured as an entertainment expert in Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, Brides and numerous publications. Many of her stylist secrets are shared in her book and magazine, “A Perfect Event.”

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Bio

Fawn’s musical endeavors began at the age of 6 with classical piano lessons, continuing on throughout her adolescents.  At 19, Fawn attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA where she received a merit scholarship for excellence in music, graduating with honors earning two degrees – a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting.  Continually playing at local coffee houses, parties, and pubs, Fawn discovered her true calling in life.

After college, her spare time was spent writing, while she worked for 2 years at PriceWaterhouse Coopers in New York City.  But an artist at heart, she resigned from the corporate life and set out in pursuit of her dream…”Scrambled Reflections” was released on October 31, 2007 while Fawn was still at PwC.  Her second album, “Take Two”, was released in 2009 with songs like “Calling” and “Seamless” garnering her the most attention and “Santa’s a Dick”, released in 2011, the most laughs.

Currently, Fawn plays weekly at the New York City’s iconic music club, The Bitter End, the city’s oldest rock club, essential for launching the careers of many legends including Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Carol King and most recently Lady Gaga – not a bad place for a budding singer-songwriter to hang their hat.  Fawn has appeared multiple times on the country wide talk show, The Vinny Vella Show, and has been the featured artist in magazine’s such as Dejonde Magazine’s Valentines edition and PopimpressiveKA. Fawn has performed live on radio shows such as The Debra Manso Show.

Fawn’s modeling career has skyrocketed in the past year.  She is a well known Marilyn Monroe model in New York City and parts of France.  Recently, Fawn is in the works of landing a modeling campaign for Daniel’s Jewelers, a high end Jewelery store located in the heart of Manhattan’s Diamond District.

Currently working on her 3rd LP, with award winning producers, such as Rob Fraboni (Producer of the soundtrack to Martin Scorsese’s film “The Last Waltz” and Producer for the timeless band, The Rolling Stones) and Richie Corsello (Producer for Sonny Rolands).  Fawn is also writing musical scores for TV and Film with the well known songwriter, Askold Buk.  Additionally, Fawn continues to put out singles with Karen Thornton, The Mtp Music Group and Stefan Moessle, Secret Sounds Inc.  Fawn was also a front runner for the famous food chain’s, Bareburger’s, jingle search.  Fawn is excited to put her new material to work.

– Fawn

www.fawnsegerson.com

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“The Little Flower” is an educational, inspirational and at times comedic one-man show set in the office of Fiorello H. La Guardia, during his last day as three-term Mayor of New York City in 1945. The stage is a theatricalized representation of the American-Georgian City Hall building in Manhattan’s City Hall Park. This show can be performed with either a full set, limited set or touring set on a limited budget.

“The Little Flower” presents a historic look into the life and career of Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia – a courageous and flamboyant personality, who read comics to the children during a newspaper strike, fought against corruption and cleaned up city politics setting a new standard for mayors and politicians in America. He was a great statesman and champion of the poor and under privileged, and a father figure to millions of Americans living through the hard times of the 1930’s and 1940’s. La Guardia was a man of integrity with outstanding principles, morals and values whose voice resonated throughout America. He was steadfast in standing up for his beliefs regardless of obstacles, challenges or political agenda.

The show is set in “present time-1945” and “flashbacks.” Chronologically, it re-enacts important events in La Guardia’s life and the lessons he learned. It moves colorfully through the first half of the 20th century in America, and provides a clear vision of a man who not only lived through those times, but helped shape them. The problems La Guardia faced parallel those we are facing now. He held strong convictions on family values, inflation, women’s suffrage, financial responsibility, education, unions, political corruption and prohibition. He transcended political party barriers while holding strong to his plan of action that served him well then and could serve the American people today!

What this world needs is another La Guardia, and I am truly honored and excited to present “The Little Flower”, the return of our One-Man Show. This adaptation is enlightening and inspirational. His legacy will live on forever!

Please contact me upon receipt of the enclosed so that we can discuss the project in further detail at your early convenience.

“The Little Flower”
Starring: Tony Lo Bianco
Tony Lo Bianco (born October 19, 1936) is an American actor in films and television.

Lo Bianco was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of a taxi driver.[1] He is known for his tough guy, Italiante blue-collar roles in the cult films The Honeymoon Killers, God Told Me To, and The French Connection. Lo Bianco was a Golden Gloves boxer and also founded the Triangle Theatre in 1963, serving as its artistic director for six years and collaborating with lighting designer Jules Fisher, playwright Jason Miller & actor Roy Scheider.[2] Lo Bianco won an off-Broadway Obie award for “Yanks-3, Detroit-0, Top of the Seventh.” Most notably, Lo Bianco was nominated for a Tony for his portrayal of Eddie Carbone in Arthur Miller’s ”A View from the Bridge”.[3] He also won the 1983 Outer Critics Circle Award for this performance.[4]

Lo Bianco first portrayed the larger-than-life 1934-1945 mayor of New York City Fiorello H. LaGuardia in a one-man show, Hizzoner!, written in 1984 by Paul Shyre. Lo Bianco continued his work on the life of LaGuardia in a revised revival of the piece in 2008, titled LaGuardia.[5] His third incantation of the mayor’s life is set to debut in a limited run Off-Broadway in October 2012, titled The Little Flower. [6]

Lo Bianco, an Italian American,[7] was the National Spokesperson for the Order Sons of Italy in America.[8] His many humanitarian efforts have earned multiple awards, including Man of the Year for Outstanding Contributions to the Italian-American Community from the Police Society of New Jersey; a Man of the Year Award from the State of New Jersey Senate; a Lifetime Entertainment Award form the Columbus Day Parade Committee; the 1997 Golden Lion Award; Humanitarian Award of the Boys’ Town of Italy.[9]

THE CRITICS RAVE!
“A delight! New York’s most colorful mayor comes alive. A wonderful evening of theater. Tony Lo Bianco is brilliant!”
Jeffrey Lyons, WNBC

“Tony Lo Bianco shines in his stirring solo show about New York’s legendary mayor. Lo Bianco’s impassioned delivery of a vintage campaign speech could have been written yesterday. A highly energetic and entertaining performance!”
Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter

“Tony Lo Bianco is a supremely talented and innovative actor who brings Mayor Fiorello La Guardia to life in an evening so exhilarating that New Yorkers – especially political junkie types — who don’t catch this one-man show should be fined. It would be a crime to miss it”
Linda Stasi, New York Post, commentator, NY1

“Bravo Tony! A wonderful performance about Mayor La Guardia,
a man of his time and ours.”
Pia Lindstrom

“Tony Lo Bianco gives a mesmerizing and beyond brilliant performance. His transition into La Guardia captures the essence of this lovable man. I for one nominate Tony Lo Bianco to run for mayor!”
Jules Peimer, Broadway After Dark

“Mr. Lo Bianco’s award-winning performance should not be missed! Please take time from your busy schedule and go see Tony Lo Bianco’s extremely realistic performance. You will not be sorry. He is so convincing you feel as though you are looking at and hearing
Mayor Fiorello La Guardia live on stage.”
James C. Lisa, Italian American Journal

SO DO THE POLITICIANS!

“It was wonderful. Now I know what to do.”
Mayor Michael Bloomberg after seeing “La Guardia.”

“Brilliant! A man of and for the people. Government at its best.”
Peter Vallone, Fmr. Council Speaker, New York City

“Lo Bianco is a knockout. He captures La Guardia’s essence in this funny and poignant play.”
“He is inspiring!”
Congressman Mario Biaggi

“La Guardia’ is brilliantly performed by Tony Lo Bianco and transports
you to a bygone era in NYC’s history. It is as topical as
today’s news with a history lesson to boot.
Tony is superb in delivering a fascinating performance.”
Joe Bruno, Commissioner NYC OEM

“Fiorello La Guardia truly comes to life on the stage. This one-man tour de force is a must see for anyone who loves the history of what makes New York City the unique city that it is. Lo Bianco gives a skillful and passionate interpretation of this extraordinary leader!”
Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller

AND THE FAMILY!

“Tony Lo Bianco is LaGuardia! To watch the joyous faces of all who see him in this role reminds us of the great love New Yorkers still have for their former Mayor”
Katherine D. LaGuardia, granddaughter and Chair, Fiorello H. LaGuardia Foundation

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Halloween or Hallowe’en (a contraction of “All Hallows‘ Evening“),^[5] also known as All Hallows’ Eve,^[6] is a yearly celebration observed in a number of countries on October 31, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows (or All Saints).

Typical festive Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (also known as “guising“), attending costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films.

History

According to many scholars, it was originally influenced by western European harvest festivals and festivals of the dead with possible pagan roots, particularly the Celtic Samhain.^[6][8][9] Others maintain that it originated independently of Samhain and has Christian roots.^[10]

Celtic influences

Though the origin of the word Halloween is Christian, the holiday is commonly thought to have pagan roots.^[11] Historian Nicholas Rogers, exploring the origins of Halloween, notes that while “some folklorists have detected its origins in the Roman feast of Pomona, the goddess of fruits and seeds, or in the festival of the dead called Parentalia, it is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain“, which comes from the Old Irish for “summer’s end”.^[11] Samhain (pronounced sah-win or sow-in) was the first and most important of the four quarter days in the medieval Gaelic (Irish, Scottish and Manx)^[12]calendar.^[13][14] It was held on or about October 31 – November 1 and kindred festivals were held at the same time of year in other Celtic lands; for example the Brythonic Calan Gaeaf (in Wales), Kalan Gwav(in Cornwall) and Kalan Goañv (in Brittany). Samhain is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and many important events in Irish mythology happen or begin on Samhain. It marked the end of theharvest season and the beginning of winter or the ‘darker half’ of the year.^[15] This was a time for stock-taking and preparing for the cold winter ahead;^[11] cattle were brought back down from the summer pastures and livestock were slaughtered.^[15] In much of the Gaelic world, bonfires were lit and there were rituals involving them.^[15] Some of these rituals hint that they may once have involved human sacrifice.^[16][11] Divination games or rituals were also done at Samhain.^[15]

Samhain (like Beltane) was seen as a time when the ‘door’ to the Otherworld opened enough for the souls of the dead, and other beings such as fairies, to come into our world.^[17][18] The souls of the dead were said to revisit their homes on Samhain.^[19] Feasts were had, at which the souls of dead kin were beckoned to attend and a place set at the table for them.^[20] Lewis Spence described it as a “feast of the dead” and “festival of the fairies”.^[21] However, harmful spirits and fairies were also thought to be active at Samhain. People took steps to allay or ward-off these harmful spirits/fairies, which is thought to have influenced today’s Halloween customs. Before the 20th century, wearing costumes at Samhain was done in parts ofIreland, Mann, the Scottish Highlands and islands, and Wales.^[22] Wearing costumes may have originated as a means of disguising oneself from these harmful spirits/fairies, although some suggest that the custom comes from a Christian or Christianized belief (see below). In Ireland, people went about before nightfall collecting for Samhain feasts and sometimes wore costumes while doing so.^[22] In the 19th century on Ireland’s southern coast, a man dressed as a white mare would lead youths door-to-door collecting food; by giving them food, the household could expect good fortune from the ‘Muck Olla’.^[23] In Moray during the 18th century, boys called at each house in their village asking for fuel for the Samhain bonfire.^[24] The modern custom of trick-or-treating may have come from these practices. Alternatively, it may come from the Christian custom of souling (see below).

Making jack-o’-lanterns at Halloween may also have sprung from Samhain and Celtic beliefs. Turnip lanterns, sometimes with faces carved into them, were made on Samhain in the 19th century in parts of Ireland and the Scottish Highlands.^[25] As well as being used to light one’s way while outside on Samhain night, they may also have been used to represent the spirits/fairies and/or to protect oneself and one’s home from them.^[26] However, a Christian origin has also been proposed.^[27]

Christian influences

Halloween is also thought to have been influenced by the Christian holy days of All Saints’ Day (also known as All Hallows, Hallowmas or Hallowtide) on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2.^[28]They are a time for honoring the saints and praying for the recently departed who had yet to reach Heaven. All Saints was introduced in the year 609, but was originally celebrated on May 13.^[29] In 835, it was switched to November 1 (the same date as Samhain) at the behest of Pope Gregory IV.^[29] Some have suggested this was due to Celtic influence, while others suggest it was a Germanic idea.^[29]

By the end of the 12th century they had become holy days of obligation across Europe and involved such traditions as ringing bells for the souls in purgatory. “Souling”, the custom of baking and sharing soul cakes for “all crysten christened souls”,^[30] has been suggested as the origin of trick-or-treating.^[31] Groups of poor people, often children, would go door-to-door on All Saints/All Souls collecting soul cakes, originally as a means of praying for souls in purgatory.^[32] Similar practices for the souls of the dead were found as far south as Italy.^[33] Shakespeare mentions the practice in his comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona (1593), when Speed accuses his master of “puling [whimpering or whining] like a beggar at Hallowmas.”^[34] The custom of wearing costumes has been linked to All Saints/All Souls by Prince Sorie Conteh, who wrote: “It was traditionally believed that the souls of the departed wandered the earth until All Saints’ Day, and All Hallows’ Eve provided one last chance for the dead to gain vengeance on their enemies before moving to the next world. In order to avoid being recognised by any soul that might be seeking such vengeance, people would don masks or costumes to disguise their identities”.^[35] In Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night, Nicholas Rogers explained Halloween jack-o’-lanterns as originally being representations of souls in purgatory.^[27] In Brittany children would set candles in skulls in graveyards.^[36]

In Britain, these customs came under attack during the Reformation as Protestants berated purgatory as a “popish” doctrine incompatible with the notion of predestination.^[28] The rising popularity of Guy Fawkes Night (5 November) from 1605 onward, saw many Halloween traditions appropriated by that holiday instead, and Halloween’s popularity waned in Britain, with the noteworthy exception of Scotland.^[37]There and in Ireland, the rebellious Guy Fawkes was not viewed with the same criminality as in England, and they had been celebrating Samhain and Halloween since at least the early Middle Ages,^[12] and the Scottish kirk took a more pragmatic approach to Halloween, seeing it as important to the life cycle and rites of passage of communities and thus ensuring its survival in the country.^[37]

Spread to North America

North American almanacs of the late 18th and early 19th century give no indication that Halloween was celebrated there.^[38] The Puritans of New England, for example, maintained strong opposition to Halloween^[38] and it was not until the mass Irish and Scottish immigration during the 19th century that it was brought to North America in earnest.^[38] Confined to the immigrant communities during the mid-19th century, it was gradually assimilated into mainstream society and by the first decade of the 20th century it was being celebrated coast to coast by people of all social, racial and religious backgrounds.^[39]

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Thinking of throwing an Easter bash or spring celebration this year? Maybe it’s time to freshen up your entertainment ideas in order to throw a fabulous affair! Food and lifestyle expert Ceci Carmichael has creative tips to help get your home ready for the season. From preparing the feast to decorating Easter Eggs, even what treats to include in the bunny baskets, she’ll tell you how to whip up a winning celebration the whole family will enjoy.

Ceci will share with your viewers:
• Quick tips on how to reduce stress while planning a great party
• Fresh and delicious meal ideas
• Easter Egg decorating techniques that are festive and fun
• The best treats for your Easter Baskets
Ceci Carmichael offers quick cooking ideas on Good Food Fast with Family Circle. She’s also hosted several television shows including Simplify Your Life on the Fine Living Network and Family Circle and Calling All Cooks on the Food Network.
As a certified chef who trained at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, she specializes in finding quick and easy ways to cook up delicious meals the whole family can enjoy. One of her habits includes barbecuing in winter, preferably, in a foot of snow. She cites Lucille Ball and Julia Child as her childhood heroes. Her other interests include horseback riding, skiing, marathon running, scuba diving, Tennis and Kayaking.
She lives outside of New York City with her husband and 2 children.
This interview is produced for Hormel Foods and Amana

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Hosting a holiday party ranked 7th in 2007’s Top 10 Most Stressful Holiday Activities, up from 10th place in 2006 in the annual Holiday Stress Survey. (FranklinCovey). Most plan to attend approximately three parties during the holiday season. Almost three-fourths of those surveyed prefer to host a party at their own home. (Sears)

During the busy and stressful holiday season, events and parties blur over each other as the season passes. But one of the easiest methods for hosting a memorable party is also one of this year’s hottest trends: personalizing the party to your guests. Tailoring menus, beverage selections and decor to the delight of guests is sure to impress no matter the size of the gathering. Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, the Entertaining Expert and author of the new book Tablescapes (Gibbs-Smith), will give tips that make for an unexpected and unforgettable experience.

Personalization holds the key to keeping your party fun and fresh for your guests. A personalized menu and unique beverages let people choose exactly what they want. Inexpensive and personalized ornaments are perfect as a place card and make excellent party favors. If friends are throwing dinner parties, throw a brunch or dessert party with a variety of foods and coffees, allowing people to pick their favorites. With Kimberly’s advice, the aspiring host or hostess will learn how to throw a fun and easy holiday party everyone will remember.

In this segment Kimberly will discuss: Creative decor ideas like inviting your guests to sign inexpensive ornaments instead of a guest book, innovative personalized place settings and party favors like framed photos of guests enjoying the party make for a memorable event. Easy food and beverage options like a coffee bar that serves up everything from a rich espresso to a frothy cappuccino will suit individual tastes.

With a talent for making the ordinary, extraordinary Kimberly Schlegel Whitman has taken her original and clever take on parties and created an entrepreneurial empire. Kimberly has published a number of books that are meant to inspire passionate party planning. Her business has been featured in Vanity Fair, the Wall Street Journal and Modern Luxury. She has also served as an Arbiter of Taste and Style and Entertaining Expert on The Early Show and the Tyra Banks Show. Kimberly received an Honors degree in Art History from Southern Methodist University.

NESCAFE Dolce GustoTM is a new single-cup coffee system with a proprietary, specially designed one portion capsule that produces a high-quality coffeehouse caliber drink experience. NESCAFE Dolce GustoTM combines the expertise of NESCAFE coffee making with the hallmarks of Krups precision, engineering and technical perfection. Featuring a 15-bar pressure system and the unique patented technology of the Custom Control Lever, the machine can make up to eight beverage varieties (dark roast, mild and decaf), Cappuccino, Chococino, Espresso, Iced Cappuccino, and Latte Macchiato, in less than one minute each. The NESCAFE smart capsules boast the highest quality ingredients, including 100% Arabica roast and ground coffee, rich chocolate and hormone-free whole powdered milk.

The funding sponsor of this segment is NESCAFE.

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