LA-Story

Kathy Joosten Talks about Lung Cancer and lots more!

Stevie Wilson — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Kathy Joosten is a name you might not get right off the top of your head, but you would definitely recognize her from Desperate Housewives, though she isn't like her character except in her forthright and outspoken nature. Kathryn Joosten is currently starring as Mrs. McClusky on the popular, award winning series Desperate Housewives. In 2005 and 2008, Kathryn won an Emmy for her portrayal of the crotchety, gossipy neighbor on the hit ABC comedy. Kathryn was also nominated for a SAG Award for Desperate Housewives in 2007, 2008 and 2009. In 2005 Kathryn won a Camie Award (Character and Morality in Entertainment Awards) for her work in the Lifetime Movie, Secret Santa. Kathryn also won an Theatre Los Angeles Ovation Award for her work in the play, "Ladies of the Corridor" in 2000. Prior to joining the Desperate Housewives cast, she was probably best known as Mrs. Landingham, secretary to the President of the United States, (Martin Sheen), on the critically acclaimed and Emmy award winning NBC drama, The West Wing. She has also recurred on "Dharma and Greg", and guest-starred on many hit television series such as My Name Is Earl, Becker, Arli$$, Ally McBeal, Providence, Scrubs, and over twenty other prime time shows. Her credits are impressive for any actor, let alone as part of a career that only began at age 42. I ran into Kathy Joosten at the Buick Regal Launch event and we got to talking about her personal battle with lung cancer and then the conversation took a different sort of turn as we discussed the situation with research on treatments, causes and prevention of lung cancer. Kathy told me of an 8 year old child who had lung cancer-- she certainly didn't smoke, nor did a 21 year old woman who has been diagnosed with the cancer as well. What's really sad is that while there is so much more push for breast cancer, AIDS/HIV, and other cancers, why nothing has been done about lung cancer which has more cancer deaths than all other cancers combined-- according to what Kathy told me and these statistics are verified by the National Lung Cancer Partnership.

Approximately 219,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the U.S. each year - over 103,000 women and nearly 116,000 men.1 Lung cancer kills more than 160,000 people annually - more people than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.1 Lung cancer is responsible for more than 28% of all cancer-related deaths every year.1 Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer. Approximately 87 percent of lung cancer cases occur in people who are currently smoking or have previously smoked.2 Although the risk of developing lung cancer goes down with smoking cessation, a significant risk remains for 20 years or longer after quitting.2, 3 Approximately 50 percent of all lung cancers (106,500) occur in people who have already quit smoking.4 Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the leading cause of lung cancer among never-smokers.5 More people who have never smoked die from lung cancer than do people from AIDS or liver cancer or ovarian cancer.6, 7 Risk factors for lung cancer other than those from smoking include lung scarring from tuberculosis, and occupational or environmental exposures to radon, second-hand smoke, radiation, asbestos, air pollution, arsenic and some organic chemicals.1 Only 16 percent of lung cancer patients are diagnosed before their disease has spread to other parts of their bodies, (e.g., regional lymph nodes and beyond), compared to more than 50 percent of breast cancer patients, and 90 percent of prostate cancer patients.1, 8 Men's mortality (death) rates from lung cancer began declining more than 20 years ago, while women's lung cancer mortality rates have been rising for decades and just recently began to stabilize.9 African Americans experience the highest incidence of lung cancer, and the highest death rate.10 Roughly 84 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer die within five years of their diagnosis, compared to 11 percent of breast cancer and less than 1 percent of prostate cancer patients.1 Less money is spent on lung cancer research than on research on other cancers. In 2007, the National Cancer Institute estimated it spent only it spent only $1,415 per lung cancer death compared to $13,991 per breast cancer death, $10,945 per prostate cancer death, and $4,952 per colorectal cancer.1, 11

Kathy's request and on behalf of all those with lung cancer and their loved ones, please contact your congressperson and senators and ask them to move this out of committee and on through Congress so that it hits the president's desk as law or funding . Stevie Wilson

Jeff Pulver's 140 Character Conference offers more than just tweets & tweeps!

Stevie Wilson — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

I was invited to attend Jeff Pulver's 140 Character (aka Twitter) Conference but because of the overlap with the Women's Conference, I asked PR & Social Media expert Thom DeLorenzo if he would mind stepping into some of the sessions and give us him impressiions via podcast. Wow...... impressions aren't a strong enough word. The text messages that were flying between him and me while he was in session and I was covering the WC09 was amazing.

So rather than talk a lot about it in text and attempt to translate it into words or even a few words, I just left it all in a very very long podcast.

It's more than just about twitter--
it's about deciphering twitter;
how to use twitter-- personally and professionally
how not to use twitter
consumer engagements and losses
placing twitter in the realm of web 2.0 and social media
use of social media tools in campaigns and online brand awareness
and much much more.

It's a long podcast-- well over 30 minutes. I wish it were shorter but there was literally nothing much to cut and you would have missed out on some of the other things.
Thank you to Thom DeLorenzo for his time, his effort and his business and social media savvy to articulate what he learned at the conference.

Stevie Wilson, LA-Story.com

Celebrity HairStylist & Men's Grooming Specialist Diana Schmidtke Talks About MEN!

Stevie Wilson — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

<a href="http://www.gotomypc.com/podcast">GoToMyPC: As secure as online banking. Try it FREE for 30 days.</a>

<strong> Diana Schmidtke and I were on the phone for over an hour and when she found out that I had written a men's grooming column for a men's print magazine (alas the magazine folded!) for over a year, we were onto something really hot.

Suddenly "guy talk" and "men's grooming" dominated the entire conversation! The interesting part about this was that Diana's main focus is men! Her editorial and celebrity client work is amazing. Here's just a sampling of the photos of men that she has "cleaned up" -- from her portfolion on her website.

Amazingly casual but clean and well-groomed!

A musician (obviously) -no clue who he is -- but I would love to add him to my collection of favorite men! His hair is casual yet groomed as is his face.

If you don't recognize Mad Men's Jon Hamm, where have you been?

George Clooney graces the cover of a magazine and he looks amazing-- courtesy of Diana's tweak here and there.

You need to listen to the podcast. Each part is at least 30 minutes long.

Diana Schmidtke -- www.dianaschmidtke.com

If you listened to the entire podcast, you will know what brand of products Diana works with quite a bit.

That brand will be featured in another post because it turns out that I had featured that line before and I loved the line for men since it's easy, guy-friendly and affordable.

Stay tuned for more with Diana's favorite men's grooming line!

Stevie Wilson

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner

Celebrity Hair-stylist & Men's Grooming Specialist Diana Schmidtke Gives You the 411 on How to Enter the Biz!

Stevie Wilson — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

<a href="http://www.gotomypc.com/podcast">GoToMyPC: As secure as online banking. Try it FREE for 30 days.</a>

Diana Schmidtke is not a household name to you-- but she is on the speed-dial of every manager and male celebrity, magazine editor and photographer when it comes to men's grooming. I don't want to categorize her as "just" being into men's grooming-- she goes way beyond that-- and so does her book,Shortcuts to a Successful Career As a Hairstylist or Make up Artist in the Fashion and Entertainment Industry

Diana's a dynamo and I had an opportunity to talk to her without being totally aware of her very extensive background--which if you check out her website www.dianaschmidtke.com you will find out just who she's worked with and what work she has done. Here are a few "tidbit" photos for you to peruse.

Her book is "spot on" with all the relevant information that one needs to make it in the business and her portfolio on her website is proof that her book is really a worthwhile purchase.

A WSJ Makeover on a guy with Diana Schmidtke-- and she's GREAT! (see WSJ online and search for WSJ makeover in the search engine)

Talk about a pro-- this is a pro about men's grooming. Her portfolio is killer and I am not going to tell you much more than you need to buy her book: Thank you to Diana for her time. She's amazing!

Stay tuned for part 2!!

Stevie Wilson

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner

You need to listen to the podcast. Each part is at least 30 minutes long.

Lelia Broussard Talks about "Waiting on the Nine" and a Lot More! Podcast Alert!

Stevie Wilson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

<strong>Lelia Broussard's CD was reviewed on this blog not too long ago and I have been listening to it still-- it's that good.

Lelia Broussard Lelia and I spent some time on the phone before she went on tour (east coast bound) and now that that leg of the tour is about to wrap up, she's setting up for some down time (for about a week), then heading back out to the West Coast for a tour kicking off with a date at the Hotel Cafe on Sept 12, 2009 at 9 PM.

She was headlining at the Hotel Cafe so it's a safe bet you need to order tickets in advance and note that you would need to buy tickets to see anyone else that night as well. We talk about many things including what life is like on the road. I know some musicians who love it and others who aren't so fond of being away from home. Guys view it differently often but they also travel "lighter" than girls-- and Lelia and I talk about just that-- how to deal with life on the road.

Lelia Broussard If you can tell through out this conversation, we had a lot to talk about (and more that got edited out-- even silly stuff). Lelia's extremely accessible and her music is equally so. The power of her personality and her musical ability is evident in the videos and she's absolutely incredible on the EP (which you need to buy at www.myspace.com/leliabroussard or iTunes.com).

You also need to get out there and see her play live. According to common friends (aka Erik DiNardo and Michelle Ranheim) she's amazing onstage. This will be updated as soon as I get the 411! Thank you to Lelia Broussard for all her time on this podcast. It was a great time to speak with her.

Stevie Wilson

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner

Jay Nash Talks About the Business of Music and Going on Tour! Podcast!

Stevie Wilson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Jay Nash is currently in LA about to play at the Hotel Cafe tonight. (PS.. this post is about 2 months old). Tomorrow night is Sainte Rock in Hermosa Beach and then he has a tour that's kicking into high gear for a good while with Tony Lucca and a couple other musicians who hop on the musical tour bus from time to time.

For Jay, it's about promoting All the Stars in Copenhagen his latest EP and I haven't written the review yet because I can't seem to stop listening to it-- it's that fabulous. His music is evocative. It reaches down deep and will touch that emotional chord with some song, some verse, even part of a phrase and suddenly you will be plugged into Jay Nash.

Jay Nash playing for an audience of 1 and 1/2.

As we started out the podcast, we talked about the genre and how some of his singing is a bit "country" though I made the reference to early Eagles and Jackson Brown when they were just starting out. Not quite rock-a-billy but more of a unique sound that had some country vibe and not so "LA". It spoke volumes about lives, emotions and dreams. Jay Nash carries on that theme and walks that path -- and stretches it much farther.

If you want to learn more about All the Stars in Copenhagen, , check out the podcast we did earlier in the year that is linked HERE .

Want to know more about Jay Nash?

Hit him on www.jaynash.com or www.myspace.com/jaynash

PS: Jay, if you read this, I already wore out a burned cd of the EP.. and the addiction to your music is pretty steady. It's about time I buy a new copy of The Things You Think You Need -- because I DO need that.

Stevie Wilson

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner

Green Bliss Eco-Spa Talks About Creating Your Own Home Spa Experience!

Stevie Wilson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Get into the "green groove" with Randi Ragan of the Green Bliss Eco-Spa and learn how to create your own eco-friendly spa at home. It's easy, fun and extremely affordable. Can I tell you it's also addicting because suddenly you don't need an appointment for a great pedicure or decompressing spa experience. You just need a cd player and the products that Randi Ragan suggests you try out at home for that practically instanteous spa experience that cost pennies on the spa dollar and learn how to create your own eco-friendly spa at home.

It's easy, fun and extremely affordable. Can I tell you it's also addicting because suddenly you don't need an appointment for a great pedicure or decompressing spa experience. You just need a cd player and the products that Randi Ragan suggests you try out at home for that practically instanteous spa experience that cost pennies on the spa dollar.

The significant content that Randi talks about is really on the podcast-- but it's about doing some shopping for easy things that you can even order online or shop for basics like Target, Tuesday morning or stores that are both brick and mortar as well as online that you can find things on sale so that you don't spend a chunk of change. 1) Genuine cotton and/or natural fiber towels and rugs. You can find these on Target.com or a variety of sites including overstock.com

2) Painting your bathroom a soft soothing color-- and it doesn't have to be a latex paint but you can check with home-depot about that. Check Home Depot or Lowe's for easy painting instructions and getting the paint.

3) If painting isn't an option, do think about window shades or curtains that have soft soothing colors that are washable and easy to install.

4) Get great essential oils. A suggestion would be is to check with a Whole Foods store or any local health foods or beauty store that has essential oils to find the scents you would like to try. Or if you are the gutsy type, hit the net and find other sites that would sell you samples and also provide you larger quantities. newdirections.com is one site that offers therapeutic grade oils. There are many other sites-- ask around on various forums and sites.

5) Assemble the tools you need: large bowls, pumice stones, natural sponges and other items via your local beauty supply or find them online.

6) Substitute full spectrum lightbulbs in your light fixture and install dimmers so that you can change the amount of light that you are using-- dim for more soothing time in the bathtub or bright for giving yourself a pedicure.

7) For that soothing light, check out candles that are made from soy and have genuine essential oils.

8) Visit your local health food store or Whole Foods store for organic bath salts and other sorts of utensils you would need. 9) Go to Home Depot or your local nursery and grow your own herbs and flowers in small pots so that you have your own natural ingredients.

Listen to this amazing podcast and check out what you can do to make YOUR bathroom your own spa sanctuary which costs perhaps the amount of one reallyl good spa treatment at a local spa-- and will give you the luxury of having many spa treatments at home.

PODCAST with Randi Ragan, founder of the Green Bliss Eco-Spa Randi gives you lots of ideas on how to do this at home for a small investment. It doesn't have to cost a lot but you can do a lot for yourself with products that last a long time.

Thank you to Randi Ragan for her time and suggestions.

Visit Green Bliss Eco-Spa website

Stevie Wilson

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner

American Rag: Talking Vintage Accessories with Alex!

Stevie Wilson — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

This podcast is brought to you by <a href="http://www.gotomypc.com/podcast">GoToMyPC: As secure as online banking. Try it FREE for 30 days.</a>

What's great about going south in LA/ Southern California? More than just beaches, babes (and I don't just mean girls), and bikinis, it's all about the shopping. Orange County has tons of shopping including the mega-mall South Coast Plaza-- but wait!! There's more to the OC than just that mall! Check out Fashion Island which is a mere 10 minutes and a world away from the enclosed mall atmosphere and packed parking. Fashion Island is a retail island of department and specialty stores along with a slew of high end boutiques from a myriad of brand names you know. However there are a few boutiques that you should know about because of their well-curated selection of denim, shoes, handbags, fashions for him and her, home furnishings -- and more importantly VINTAGE!!

American Rag has been featured here before -- talking about brands to buy in their store but the American Rag store is so much more than just a regular boutique. The exceptionally curated and even updated vintage pieces work well. Here's a podcast with Assistant Manager Alex Ferreira (Fashion Island American Rag) to talk about vintage accessories and photos with clothing and the accessories will be featured.

Look # 1: Check out the RED handbag!! Swimwear turned body suit paired with high-waisted black shorts, cute slightly oversized lacey vest

Look # 2 Silver Lurex Clutch! White lace tiered skirt, gunmetal sequin and lace top with belt

Look # 3 Messenger bag Navy and white print dress with tulip sleeves paired up with the belt

Stevie Wilson

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner

American Rag Cie: Talking About Vintage and Working the Look-- with Alex!

Stevie Wilson — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Look # 1: Swimwear turned body suit paired with high-waisted black shorts, cute slightly oversized lacey vest and a great bag. (more about the bag later)

Look # 2 Navy and white print dress with tulip sleeves paired up with the belt and messenger bag (see more about the messenger bag later-- another post)

Look # 3 White lace tiered skirt, gunmetal sequin and lace top with belt and silver lurex clutch. (more about the clutch and the other bags later)

Look # 4, black spiderweb sequin dress with dipped back and scalloped hem. The scarf cinching the waist and a hat!

Look #5 Fringed jeans, mesh top, thermal shirt and flannel shirt tied at the waist-- bringing back the grunge look with style.

Look # 6 Sheer black and teal lace with beading worn with a slip with lace hem pulled up under the top and over the bustline to give you coverage.

Look # 7 : Slips, slips and more slips!

Look #8 Another very detailed lace colored slip

Look #9 Tutus!! (crinoline slips in colors)

Look #10 Overdyed denim shorts in a range of colors

More shorts!

Stevie Wilson

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner

Arden Kaywin Talks About "The Elephant in the Room", Music and Her Life as a Musician!

Stevie Wilson — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Arden Kaywin is an very accomplished, gifted musician with an incredible voice and an amazing stage prescence. Her gorgeous voice will transport to new mental journeys but she is definitely making a statement both musically and personally through this new cd, Elephant in the Room which is available on myspace.com/ardenkaywin or on her website.

Love the lyrics and the musical presentation and rather than go through it all here with you (I have to finish listening and digging into this cd first).. in a half -baked review, I will post the review later when I have finished the cd completely (because it speaks to me !).

Here's a podcast with Arden Kaywin that was done a couple weeks ago and she was getting ready to play BuFest in Malibu which is now over and is covered in a separate post on the blog.

Kaywin is a potent singer/songwriter who is quite aware of what's going on in life, the world and the economy and how we all need to get involved and participate to make things work. Her work with the AIDS awareness programs is much-needed and really says something about her commitment to giving back.

Find her music on amazon.com, www.myspace.com/ardenkaywin and www.ardenkaywin.com

Stevie Wilson

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner

LA-Story Recessionista, Celebrity Stylescope, Celebrity Style Slam Trademark/Copyright: KBP Inc. 2007-09