California Life News Room

I started Tom Jordan Media (www.tomjordanmedia.com) to emphasize the importance of positive news coverage. Getting in front of a camera is not enough! You have to prepare ahead of time.

I have worked as a television news reporter and news anchor since the mid-1990′s. One of the difficulties I have seen is when a particular interview subject doesn’t have a clear message they’re trying to get across. They’re scrambling to communicate an answer to one of my questions. They look confused and ill-prepared.

Well, preparation is probably the most important factor to instilling confidence and ensuring your message is refined, clear and easily communicated and understandable.

What I recommend prior to an interview is to ask a reporter or a producer exactly what the subject matter will be, and then write down three key points that you want to make certain gets across. In those three message points, make sure to always put yourself or your company in a positive light.

For example, if you are the CEO of a major pharmaceutical company and the reporter wants your perspective on how your company has made record profits in a down economy, you won’t want to come across as arrogant or unsympathetic to those struggling in a down economy. In that vein, you’re three main points might be:

1)      “We have been very careful to focus on products that will only benefit our customers and in the process our medicine has saved hundreds of thousands of lives.”

2)      “One of the keys has been high employee retention rate. We treat our employees as partners in our success. They are taken care of and in the end our customers benefit.”

3)      “We re-invest in the future of our customers. We’ve listened to their needs and as a result we are even more committed to the research and development of better products.”

You’ll notice that each one of those answers can stand on its own, meaning that each has been stated in a full sentence and cannot be taken out of context. Your answers should also have what I call “positive retention,” meaning each phrase within each sound bite or quote paints you in a positive light – you have said nothing negative about yourself or anything related to your company.
http://youtu.be/K0qJQY2g-yA

Tom Jordan Media’s comprehensive media training programs will provide you with the skill set you need to deliver a memorable message, to feel more at ease and confident, to identify and stick to your most important message points, and to make certain you’re not taken out of context – so you can then watch your reputation sky-rocket as the go-to expert in your particular field.

My cell phone is always on if you’d like some help: (760)880-3044 or email me at tom@tomjordanmedia.com

The holidays are behind us but an all American tradition is coming up quick, Super Bowl Sunday! No matter if you actually watch the game or are just there for the commercials, the best part (at least for me) is the food! It’s the centerpiece of the party and a bottomless pit of mindless eating for about 4 hours. So why not make the food awesome and on the healthier side? Vegans or not, check out this year’s menu so whether you’re a sports fan or not, you’ll be looking forward to the food!

Game Day Guac
3 avocados, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
2 ears corn, grilled and kernels removed
1 jalapeno, finely chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1-2 clove(s) garlic, finely crushed and minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Combine the avocados, corn, jalapeno, onions, cilantro, lime juice and garlic in a bowl and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with organic tortilla chips or crudite.

Kick Off Popcorn
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup popping corn kernels
2 tablespoons melted vegan butter
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspooncayenne pepper
Heat oil in deep pot over medium high heat. Add corn. Cover pot and pop the corn, shaking pan often. Remove from heat. Drizzle with melted butter. Combine spices in a small dish and sprinkle the blend over hot corn. Serve.

Field Goal Green Salad

For the dressing:
1/2 cup Champagne vinegar
1 tablespoonDijon mustard
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup almond oil
Salt and pepper
For the salad:
12 ounces mixed field greens
1 bunch green asparagus, grilled then diced into 1-inch long pieces
1 sweet white onion, sliced thin
1 cup slivered almonds
For the dressing:

Whisk all ingredients except almond oil together. While whisking, slowly drizzle in hazelnut oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside until ready to serve salad.

For the salad:

When ready to serve toss greens, asparagus and vinaigrette together, seasoning with salt and pepper. Place a generous handful on each salad plate, top greens with onions and sprinkle with slivered almonds.

Winter Tailgate Chili

For the Roasted Garlic:
12 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Chili:
12 shallots, chopped
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 chile peppers (chipotles a re great)
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all purpose flour (gluten free if desired)
1 cup dry white wine
7 cups vegan chicken broth made from vegan chicken bullion
4 cups shredded cooked vegan chicken (like Gardein) or cubed pan seared tofu
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 15-ounce can navy beans, undrained
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/3 cupvegan heavy cream ( 1 block of silken tofu (12-ounces) and 1/2 cup of plain soy milk. Blend in blender until thick and creamy and there are no more lumps )
1 cup grated vegan mozzarella or Monterrey Jack cheese
Make the roasted garlic: Toss the 12 cloves garlic with the olive oil and 1 teaspoon water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover, leaving a vent, and microwave until soft, about 90 seconds. Let cool, covered.

Prepare the chili: Preheat the broiler. Cook the shallots in the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, place the chiles on a foil-lined broiler pan and broil until charred on all sides, turning, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let cool. Peel the peppers with your fingers or a paring knife. Stem, seed and chop.

Add the minced garlic to the shallots and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, until toasted, about 3 minutes. Increase the heat to high and add the wine; simmer 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add the roasted chiles, 6 cups broth, the chicken, chili powder, cayenne, beans, and salt and black pepper to taste. Return to a simmer.

Meanwhile, squeeze the soft pulp from the roasted garlic into a blender or food processor. Add the remaining 1 cup broth and process until smooth. Add to the chili and simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes, adding the spinach during the last 5 minutes. Add the paprika and cream and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with the cheese.

Punter’s Vegan Chicken Pizza
3/4 pound vegan chicken breast cutlets (1 package and a half of vegan chicken cutlets)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons grill seasoning
1 pizza dough, store bought or from your favorite pizzeria (gluten free if desired)
Cornmeal or flour, to handle dough
2 tablespoons vegan butter
1 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce, spice level per your taste
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 cup shredded vegan mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sliced olives
3 scallions, thinly sliced
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Preheat grill pan to high.

Place chicken on a plate and drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the chicken then season with grill seasoning. When grill is hot, add chicken and cook about 3 minutes on each side.

Stretch dough to form pizza using cornmeal or flour to help you handle it. If you let it rest and warm up a few minutes it will handle even easier. Set pizza on pizza pan to the side and clean board.

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter and stir in Worcestershire, hot sauce, and tomato sauce.

Remove the chicken from grill and thinly slice it. Add chicken to sauce and coat. Cover the pizza dough with the saucy chicken, cheese, olives and scallions. Bake 18 minutes or until crisp.

Football Cake Pies
1 cupsugar
1 /2 cup vegan shortening
2 egg replacers
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoonsbaking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegan buttermilk ( 1 cup plain soy milk with 1 teaspoon of apple cider or coconut water vinegar, set aside to curdle for at least 15 minutes )
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling
1 pound vegan cream cheese, softened
2 sticks vegan butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 baking sheets and set aside.

To make the cake pies, in a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the sugar and 1/2 cup of the shortening. Add 2 egg replacers and mix well.

Onto a sheet of waxed paper, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Add 1 teaspoon of the vanilla and mix well. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake until tester comes out clean, about 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

Lay half of the cookies flat on a work surface. Divide the filling among the cookies, spreading out to the edges. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwich pies. Cover tightly and refrigerate before serving. Pipe remaining icing over top of the pies in the design of football threads.

White Chocolate Maple Brownies
10 tablespoons unsalted vegan butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pan
1 cup walnut pieces
2 cupsall purpose flour (gluten free if desired)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
3 egg replacers, mixed (EnerG is best)
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
6 ounces vegan white chocolate
For the Topping:
1/3 cup maple syrup
6 tablespoons vegan unsalted butter
1/4 cup vegan heavy cream( 1 block of silken tofu (12-ounces) and 1/2 cup of plain soy milk. Blend in blender until thick and creamy and there are no more lumps )
Vegan vanilla ice cream, for serving
1/2 cup walnut pieces
Brownies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on two sides; butter the foil. Pulse 1/2 cup walnuts in a food processor until almost fine (do not overprocess). Whisk the ground nuts, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

Beat 10 tablespoons butter and thebrown sugar with a mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg replacers, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat in the vanilla. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate and the remaining 1/2 cup walnuts.

Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake until the brownies are light brown around the edges and spring back when pressed, about 30 minutes. Cool slightly on a rack.

Meanwhile, make the topping: Place the maple syrup and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until the mixture bubbles and thickens, swirling the pan, about 6 minutes. Add the cream and continue to cook until the mixture is the consistency of caramel.

Use the foil to lift the blondies out of the pan, then cut into large bars. Serve warm topped with ice cream, the maple sauce and the walnuts.

For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com

This 7 foot 5 inch tall basketball player stands head and shoulders above the crowd. He’s a force to be reckoned with that any team would want to have on their side. Mamadou Ndiaye, tallest player in the United States, towers over teammates and rivals alike while on court and has been sought after by NBA scouts since arriving on the scene.

But things could have gone quite differently for the 17 year old, who weighs 308 lbs. and wears a size 18 ½ shoe, after a tumour on his pituitary gland nearly left him blind. The Senegal born star, player for the Brethern Warriors School in California’s Huntington Beach, moved to the U.S. after he was sponsored by Simi Valley’s Stoneridge Prep. Doctors discovered a large tumour on his pituitary gland during a physical examination, which they believe has contributed to his accelerated growth.

The physicians warned Ndiaye that if the tumour was not removed in two years, he would eventually go blind. His visa was then at risk because he could not remain enrolled as a student, due to the school’s inadequate insurance coverage. Fortunately two sympathetic members of the local community, who lived near to Brethren Christian which is 82 miles away from Stoneridge, chose to get married so that they could became his legal guardians.

Brethren Christian basketball Coach Jon Bahnsen recently said that he has high hopes for his player, inspite of YouTube videos that feature Ndiaye making mistakes on the court. Coach Bahnsen recently said: “’He’s the best person I’ve ever been around in my life. It’s hard for him to do anything without people gawking at him, but he handles it well”.

Check out my story on this week’s episode of California Life airing statewide, or visit
www.californialifehd.com

FANS WILL ONCE AGAIN VOTE FOR ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR & NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR TELECAST TO AIR LIVE FROM MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network

Kenny Chesney leads male nominees with 9 nominations;
Jason Aldean earns 6 nominations, Brad Paisley earns 4 nominations, Toby Keith earns 3 nominations;
Taylor Swift leads solo female nominations with 3, Grace Potter receives 3 noms for projects with Kenny Chesney;
Lady Antebellum leads group nominations with 5, Eli Young Band earns 3

ENCINO, CA (January 26, 2012) – Nominations were announced today for the 47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS , a star-studded event produced for television by dick clark productions broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

Nominees were announced online via the first-ever ACM digital press conference this morning on the Academy’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Awards co-host Reba participated with a video message to kick things off and entertainment superstars Lionel Richie, who will be honored during a special taping of ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends In Concert in April (to air at a later date on CBS), Beth Behrs (2 Broke Girls), Nancy O’Dell (Entertainment Tonight), Michael Ausiello (TVLine.com) announced batches of nominations in video postings during the approximately 20 minute online event which culminated in music fans announcing the nominees for the Academy’s biggest prize, Entertainer of the Year, a privilege fans embraced for the first time ever by submitting videos naming their favorite artist. Fans from around the country announced Entertainer of the Year nominees Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift.

As previously announced, Blake Shelton will join forces with country music star Reba to host the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards for the second consecutive year.

For the fifth year, fans will select the winner of the Academy’s most prestigious honor, Entertainer of the Year, and for the fourth year, the New Artist of the Year category will also be opened up to fan voting. Nominees for New Artist of the Year were not announced in the press conference today because fan voting for those semi-finalists will close on January 30 (see page 2 below). The winners of Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year will be announced live during the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Kenny Chesney leads with nine nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, a category he has won four times since 2004. He is nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, a category he has been nominated in nine times previously. He is twice nominated for Album of the Year for Hemingway’s Whiskey, as both artist and producer, and also earned double nominations for Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year as both artist and producer for “You And Tequila” with Grace Potter. Chesney is also nominated for Song of the Year for “You And Tequila” with Grace Potter.

Jason Aldean is nominated for six awards, including his second consecutive nods for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. He is nominated for Album of the Year for My Kinda Party, and has nominations for Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” featuring Kelly Clarkson. He is nominated for Video of the Year for “Tattoos On This Town.”

Lady Antebellum leads group nominations with five nods, including Vocal Group of the Year, which they have won for two consecutive years. They are also nominated for Album of the Year as artists and producers for Own The Night, and for Song of the Year and Video of the Year for “Just A Kiss.”

Reigning Male Vocalist of the Year, Brad Paisley, is nominated for four awards, including his fifth consecutive nomination for Entertainer of the Year and eighth nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year, which he has won five times consecutively between 2006-2010. He received two nominations in the Vocal Event of the Year category for “Old Alabama” with Alabama and “Remind Me” with Carrie Underwood.

Toby Keith received three nominations for “Red Solo Cup,” including Video of the Year, which he last won in 2003 for “Beer For My Horses.” He also received a double nomination as artist and producer for Single Record of the Year for “Red Solo Cup.” Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill is also nominated for Nightclub of the Year in Minneapolis, MN (a nod that is not among Keith’s total nominations count, because it is awarded to the venue itself not it’s owners).

Reigning Entertainer of the Year, Taylor Swift, leads solo female nominees with three nominations, including her third consecutive nod for Entertainer of the Year. If Swift wins Entertainer of the Year, this will be her second consecutive win in that category. Swift is nominated for the fifth time for Female Vocalist of the Year, and for the third time for Video of the Year for “Mean.”

First-time ACM nominee, Grace Potter, received three nominations for “You And Tequila” with Kenny Chesney, in the Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year categories.

Eli Young Band has three nominations including Vocal Group of the Year, as well as Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Crazy Girl.”

Dierks Bentley, Kelly Clarkson, Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert, Aaron Lewis, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and Chris Young all received two nominations each.

The Academy of Country Music’s professional membership select the nominees and winners of the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, and select the final top five nominees of the Entertainer of the Year category and the eight semi-finalists in the New Artist of the Year category. Presenters and performers who will appear at the ceremony will be announced at a later date.

Fan voting for New Artist of the Year began at VoteACM.com and GACtv.com/ACM on January 16, 2012 and will close on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 12noon ET/9:00AM PT, after which nominees in that category will be announced separately. Fan voting for New Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year begins on March 19, 2012 at 12noon ET/9:00AM PT at VoteACM.com. Fan voting for New Artist of the Year will close at 5 p.m. PT on April 1, 2012 (before the LIVE show starts) and fan voting for Entertainer of the Year will close during the third hour of the LIVE broadcast.

Following is the list of final nominees. Winners in each of the following categories, except where noted, will be presented with an ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD during the live television broadcast:

Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift

Male Vocalist of the year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Chris Young

Female Vocalist of the year
Sara Evans
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Vocal Duo of the year
Love and Theft
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Thompson Square

Vocal Group OF THE YEAR
The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
Chief – Eric Church (EMI-Nashville)
Produced by: Arturo Buenahora, Jr., Jay Joyce
Four The Record – Miranda Lambert (RCA)
Produced by: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Hemingway’s Whiskey – Kenny Chesney (BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
My Kinda Party – Jason Aldean (Broken Bow Records)
Produced by: Michael Knox
Own The Night – Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley

Single Record of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band (Republic Nashville)
Produced by: Mike Wrucke
Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean With Kelly Clarkson (Broken Bow Records)
Produced by: Michael Knox
Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith (Show Dog-Universal Music)
Produced by: Toby Keith
Tomorrow – Chris Young (RCA)
Produced by: James Stroud
You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter (BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney

Song of the Year [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band
Composers: Lee Brice, Liz Rose
Publishers: Cake Taker Music (BMI), Mike Curb Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Sweet Hysteria Music (BMI)
Home – Dierks Bentley
Composers: Brett Beavers, Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson
Publishers: Big White Tracks (ASCAP), Chestnut Barn Music (BMI), Chrysalis Music/BMG Rights (ASCAP), Chrysalis One Songs (BMI)
Just A Kiss – Lady Antebellum
Composers: Dallas Davidson, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott
Publishers: Dwhaywood Music (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), EMI Foray Music (SESAC), Hillary Dawn Songs (SESAC), Radiobulletspublishing (BMI), String Stretcher Music (BMI), Warner-Tamberlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
Threaten Me With Heaven – Vince Gill
Composers: Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Dillon O’Brian, Will Owsley
Publishers: Grant Girls Music (ASCAP), Vinny Mae Music (BMI), Willie-O Music (ASCAP)
You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter
Composers: Matraca Berg, Deana Carter
Publishers: Deanaling Music (ASCAP), Hannaberg Music (BMI), Songs of Universal Inc. (BMI), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)

Video of the Year [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off Camera Award)
Homeboy – Eric Church
Producer: Brandon Arolfo
Director: Peter Zavadil
Just A Kiss – Lady Antebellum
Producer: Don Lepore
Director: Shawn Silva
Mean – Taylor Swift
Producer: Oualid Mouaness
Director: Declan Whitebloom
Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith
Producer: Mark Kalbfeld
Director: Michael Salomon
Tattoos On This Town – Jason Aldean
Producer: John Burke
Director: Wes Edwards

Vocal Event of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company] *(Off Camera Award)
Country Boy – Aaron Lewis Featuring George Jones & Charlie Daniels (R&J Records)
Produced by: Aaron Lewis, James Stroud
Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean With Kelly Clarkson (Broken Bow Records)
Produced by: Michael Knox
Old Alabama – Brad Paisley Featuring Alabama (Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Rogers
Remind Me – Brad Paisley Duet With Carrie Underwood (Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Rogers
You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter (BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney

OFF CAMERA AWARDS – The following off-camera awards will be presented during the annual ACM Honors event held in Nashville this fall.

songwriter of the year
Rhett Akins
Dallas Davidson
Ben Hayslip
Luke Laird
David Lee Murphy

INDUSTRY AWARDS:

CASINO OF THE YEAR
Agua Caliente Casino ‐ Rancho Mirage, CA
IP Casino ‐ Biloxi, MS
Island Resort Casino ‐ Harris, MI
Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino ‐ Las Vegas, NV
WinStar World Casino ‐ Thackerville, OK

NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR
Billy Bob’s Texas ‐ Ft. Worth, TX
Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace ‐ Bakersfield, CA
Grizzly Rose ‐ Denver, CO
Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill ‐ Minneapolis, MN
Wormy Dog ‐ Oklahoma City, OK

VENUE OF THE YEAR
BOK Center ‐ Tulsa, OK
Bridgestone Arena ‐ Nashville, TN
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre ‐ Chicago, IL
Jiffy Lube Live ‐ Bristow, VA
Sprint Center ‐ Kansas City, MO

DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR
Ethan Hirsch ‐ Wilson Events
Jimmy Jay ‐ Jayson Promotions, Inc.
R.J. Kaltenbach ‐ Klein’s Attractions
Gary Osier ‐ Gary Osier Presents
Huston Powell ‐ C3 Presents

PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Ben Ferrell ‐ Varnell Enterprises, Inc.
Brad Garrett ‐ Police Productions
Brian O’Connell ‐ Live Nation
Glenn Smith ‐ Glenn & Linda Present
Ed Warm ‐ Joe’s Bar

MUSICIAN/BANDLEADER/INSTRUMENTALIST (MBI) AWARDS:

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Mark Bright
Buddy Cannon
Nathan Chapman
Jay Joyce
Frank Liddell

AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Jeff Balding
Derek Bason
John Kelton
Mills Logan
Justin Niebank

BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mike Brignardello
Kevin “Swine” Grantt
Mark Hill
Michael Rhodes
Jimmy Lee Sloas

PERCUSSIONIST/DRUMMER OF THE YEAR
Matt Chamberlain
Chad Cromwell
Shannon Forrest
Chris McHugh
Greg Morrow

FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Glen Duncan
Stuart Duncan
Larry Franklin
Joe Spivey
Jonathan Yudkin

GUITARIST OF THE YEAR
J.T. Corenflos
Kenny Greenberg
Jay Joyce
Brent Mason
Adam Shoenfeld

PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tony Harrell
John Hobbs
John Jarvis
Charlie Judge
Michael Rojas

SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Eric Darken
Aubrey Haynie
Ilya Toshinsky
John Willis
Jonathan Yudkin

STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Paul Franklin
Mike Johnson
Greg Leisz
Russ Pahl
Scotty Sanders

RADIO AWARDS – The following radio awards will be presented during the annual Radio Winners event held the day prior to the ACM Awards telecast, on March 31st in Las Vegas.

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL
Cody Alan CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan
Kix Brooks American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks
Crook and Chase Crook and Chase Countdown
Lon Helton CMT Country Countdown USA
Lia The Lia Show

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
Kelly Ford & Rider KYGO-FM Denver, CO
Cledus T. Judd, Dave McKay, Veronica WQYK-FM St. Petersburg, FL
Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray WUSN-FM Chicago, IL
Trish Biondo WUSN-FM Chicago, IL
Edwards & Lee (Chuck Edwards & Linda Lee) WYCD-FM Detroit, MI

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
Randy Carroll & Jamie Martin KAJA-FM San Antonio, TX
Dave O’Brien WLHK-FM Indianapolis, IN
Mike, Marty and Janie WQDR-FM Raleigh, NC
Bill Cody WSM-AM Nashville, TN
Big Dave and Chelsie WUBE-FM Cincinnati, OH

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
Steve & Geoff in the Morning KUZZ AM/FM Bakersfield, CA
Cash and Carey (Natalie Cash and Jim Carey) KWEN-FM Tulsa, OK
Tom & Becky WBBS-FM Syracuse, NY
Roger, Tom & Melissa WPCV-FM Lakeland, FL
Scott Wynn & Sue Wilson (Wynn and Wilson in the Morning) WQMX-FM Akron, OH

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET
Scotty & Carissa in the Morning KCLR-FM Columbia, MO
Bill Barrett, Tim Fox and Tracy Berry KKNU-FM Eugene, OR
Philip Gibbons WGSQ-FM Cookeville, TN
Bearman and Ken in the Morning WUSY-FM Chattanooga, TN
Brent Lane WYCT-FM Pensacola, FL

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
KUPL-FM Portland, OR
KYGO-FM Denver, CO
WQYK-FM St. Petersburg, FL
WXTU-FM Philadelphia, PA
WYCD-FM Detroit, MI

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
KAJA-FM San Antonio, TX
WLHK-FM Indianapolis, IN
WQDR-FM Raleigh, NC
WUBE-FM Cincinnati, OH

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
KATM-FM Stockton, CA
KUZZ-AM/FM Bakersfield, CA
WBBS-FM Syracuse, NY
WYRK-FM Buffalo, NY

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET
KCLR-FM Columbia, MO
KUAD-FM Windsor, CO
WUSY-FM Chattanooga, TN
WXFL-FM Florence, AL

IMPORTANT NOTE: Awards counts for artists reflect categories in which they have been recognized as individuals or as part of their duo or group. In some cases, an artist may receive more than one nomination which factors into their official count. For example, Kenny Chesney received two nominations in the Album of the Year category—one each as artist and producer—because that category recognizes both.

In addition, the Song of the Year category recognizes the artist, composer and publishing company as a nominee but does not recognize an individual as owner or partial owner of the publishing company.

Award recipients in each category are noted above parenthetically in the Album of the Year, Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Video of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year.

About the Academy of Country Music Awards
The 47th Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry. The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers. Barry Adelman is producer, and Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

Press credential applications to cover the awards in Las Vegas are available from the Media Center at www.ACMcountry.com. Questions regarding credentialing may be directed to Caitlin.Doherty@pmkbnc.com.

To stay up to date with current entertainment news, be sure to watch California Life and online at www.californialifehd.com!

The Year of the Water Dragon

Hail mighty Dragon! Your arrival is most welcome. People and businesses around the world have had difficult times over the last few years, so the good luck you bring is timely and needed.

The Dragon is in fact the major symbol of good fortune in Chinese Astrology. The Dragon constellation, for example, is accorded the honor of being the guardian of the Eastern sky. According to tradition the Dragon brings in the Four Blessings of the East: wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity.

Indeed, of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac the Dragon is the most special, as it is a mystical being rather than an earthly animal. It is sometimes called a karmic sign. In this context that means we can expect grand things this year. Bigger than life is very much a Dragon thing. There will be spectacular successes as well as crash and burn failures.

To get an idea of the magnitude of events that might occur in 2012 it is helpful to look back on the last time the Water Dragon made an appearance, the year 1952. In February Elizabeth II became Queen of the United Kingdom, beginning a reign that still continues today. The UK was responsible for another amazing feat of longevity. In November Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap opened in London, eventually setting the record for the longest, continuously running production of a play in history. It is not really cause for celebration, but in 1952 the United States introduced two of the most destructive weapons in history, the hydrogen bomb and the B-52 bomber. On a more positive note, the field of medicine saw the first successful separation of Siamese twins at Mt Sinai hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. And, to make the point that significant bad things can also happen in a Dragon year, in December a killer fog descended on London, one result being the invention of the word smog.

Throughout history parents in China have hoped to have children during Dragon years. What famous people will be born in 2012, and how will they change the world? The year 1952 claims world leaders including Vladimir Putin and Lee Hsien Loong. In the world of sport Jimmy Connors dominated the world of tennis and became one of the greatest players ever, while football coach Bill Belichick has struck fear into the hearts of opponents, winning four super bowls in the process. And, Craig Newmark, founder of Craig’s List, has revolutionized the world of advertising. In fact Dragons dominate the world of business. CEOs born in 1952 have run Coca Cola, Exxon-Mobil, Alberto-Culver, Time Warner, Colgate- Palmolive, Viacom, UPS, Radio Shack, Clorox, Tiffany & Company, Hershey, ITT, Macy’s, Xerox and Walgreens to name a few.

Of course not everyone can grow up to be President of Singapore or CEO of Coca Cola. The Dragon, however, is a reminder everyone has dreams, and that the time to pursue them is now. Some may be as ridiculous as those of Don Quixote, comic hero of the famous Spanish novel. Others may change the world, or at least your life. Now is thus the time to take a chance, to reach for the proverbial brass ring, to not only dream but act on that impossible dream. The Dragon gives you the best chance to make it come true.

A word about timing. The Dragon is associated with Spring. This means you need to get off to a fast start in 2012 as things are going to happen early in the year. Hopefully you used some of the quiet time last year to plan. When the train leaves the station, you want to be on it! Good luck and opportunities to make money could come very soon after lunar New Year or Tet.

The Dragon is not, however, just about money. There will also be fireworks when it comes to love and romance. New love can blossom or an old one rekindle on the spur of the moment. It is relevant here to note the Dragon is closely associated with festivals and celebrations, as exemplified by its status as the star of New Year’s parades. That makes 2012 the perfect year for engagements, weddings and baptisms.

A word of caution. The Dragon is after all a mythical beast. And, after the parade is over, the Dragon is put away for the next occasion. It thus suggests happenings of a transitory nature. So enjoy that new love, but understand it is more than likely just to be a fleeting romance.

So far it’s been all about the Dragon. The fact that 2012 is a Water year is extremely important and demands consideration. That’s because Water nourishes the Dragon’s fixed element, Wood, giving this Dragon a big advantage over the rest of the breed when it comes to bringing good luck. The same holds true for accomplishment. This Dragon is actually going to realize some of those big dreams!

There is an even greater reason to rejoice. Ever since 1996 the year element has been in a destructive relationship with the fixed element of the animal sign. That is the longest unfavorable period in the 60 year cycle of Chinese Astrology, and that means a scarcity of good luck. The year 2012 is thus blessed not only by the lucky Dragon but also the end of that destructive cycle.

Furthermore, under the influence of the Dragon it is a yang year. Yang Water is like a flowing river rather than a stagnant lake. Things will move, ideas flow, creativity abound, economies boom, and love blossom in this environment. It is likely to be an exciting year indeed.

Since this is a Water year, those people born in a Wood one will generally fare better than others of their animal sign, while those born in a Fire one are likely to do worse. It’s also slightly negative for those born in an Earth year and mildly positive for Metal sign people. Finally, those born in a Water year will be in their element and do well if their animal sign is compatible with the Dragon.

Regardless of your sign, there will be significant upheavals in 2012. Soaring stock markets, natural disasters, and noteworthy, cultural and political developments will be more the norm than the exception. There will be celebrations of all kinds. And, good luck will be coming your way. Are you ready to fly with the Dragon?!

And be sure to tune in to California Life and www.californialifehd.com for much more entertainment!

Nominations for the 2012 Academy Awards will be announced at 5:30 AM Pacific Time TODAY, January 24, 2012, and you can watch the nominations right here!

Be sure to stay tuned for much more coverage of the 2012 Oscars on California Life and www.californialifehd.com!

Do you have what it takes to announce the nominee’s for this years ACM Entertainer of the Year? To become one of the lucky fans, just submit a video to the ACMcountry YouTube channel of yourself saying the name of your favorite entertainer. ACM will mash-up a bunch of the fan nominees on Facebook and Twitter starting 9:30 a.m. ET/6:30 a.m. PT this Thursday, January 26. There is also going to be suprise VIP’s helping announce the other categories! So grab your camera and get started because the deadline for entering is 5p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT Wednesday, January 25! For submission details and guidelines, WATCH THIS! Don’t forget to check back to see who the nominees are!!

Social media has become the talk of the town in many aspects. It’s become a place to find old

friends, make new friends and now even a place to remember those who are no longer with us. I never thought I’d turn to something as public as Facebook for comfort after losing my Mother. It sounds strange but after making my Mom’s Facebook profile a memorial page, it’s helped me mourn her loss because I get to read about how many people love her like I do.Social Networking sites have given us a chance to write down our thoughts and share our photos and videos, letting us stay connected to the memories we want to remember. Now, I stop and remember my former colleague Tom Sparks when his wife Kate posts a

video of him dancing alone or I think back on his smile. I also learned about a grade school friend who died, from the Facebook group posting CYPRESS CREEK SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN LOVING  MEMORY OF STUDENTS AND STAFF. As you’ll see in my story airing on California Life, I’m not alone and for many of us, cyber-space remembrance may just be thatconnection that validates our feelings and links our memory on to forever. Watch this week’s show airing Statewide on California Life or watch online www.californialifehd.com

A huge part of California Life (for many Californians) is being out on the water boating!  Which is why each year, thousands head to the San Diego Sunroad Boat Show.

This year’s Boat Show will be docking at the Sunroad Resort Marina January 26-29, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever!

The 2012 show will feature the latest boats showcased in an expanded marina. Attendees will also be able to enjoy free boat rides on San Diego Bay, as well as food, music, beer and spirits.

The San Diego Sunroad Boat Show in the Sunroad Marina is located downtown at 955 Harbor Island. Show hours are Thursday, January 26, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Friday, January 27, 12 p.m.- 6 p.m., Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday, January 29, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  

General parking is $10, and is located at the corner of Harbor Dr. and Harbor Island Dr., shuttle service included.

Entrance fees are as follows: $10.00 for adults, children under 12 are free. Military, EMT’s, Police and Fire personal are free on Thursday, January 26 with ID.

For more information, call 619.497.5254 or visit http://www.bigbayboatshow.com.

Offering a different style of fortune just a quick flight away, Telluride has something for everyone! Let the free Gondola whisk you up the Mountain or into town to enjoy this heaven on earth that stars like Oprah and Tom Cruise call home. With more than two thousand acres to take in the breath-taking views, the skiing here is home to some of the best slopes in the world with luxurious ski in and out resorts like the Franz Klammer Lodge which is home to the world class Himmel Spa. With special events like family week just around the corner, remember to bring your pass from any other ski resort in the world to get your two-day pass for just $1oo! Chef’s bring authentic flavors to the table year round haven that brought the locals who came for the winter but stayed for the summer. Heather Dawson takes us to this winter wonderland to show us where the stars come to lay low on California Life.

For this episode and more, please visit www.californialifehd.com

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