Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
JANUARY
- Post a blog sharing your 2007 goals/resolutions with SBW users.
- Send in your most memorable/ favorite moment from 2006 to sbw@starlight.org.
Have you ever wondered what an archeologist does on an excavation dig? How about a fisherman on a deep sea fishing trip? Or, what is a freelance writer? A graphic designer, and better yet, an opera singer? Well, here's your chance to learn more about people who have really, really cool jobs. See each month for a new guest!
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SPECIAL CHAT EVENT: Chat with a CNN Anchor!
For all you aspiring journalists, take note! CNN anchor Nicole Lapin will be kicking off the New Year with Starbright World’s first People with Really Cool Jobs chat event for 2007 on Sunday, January 14 from 11AM to 12PM PST. \
Mark your calendar and bring your questions! Chat with Nicole LIVE on Sunday, January 14 at 11AM PST / 2PM EST in Starbright World (www.starbrightworld.org).
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Special Chat Series: Being Smart Is Cool | Hosted by Nicole Lapin, CNN anchor
Hot off the press: CNN anchor Nicole Lapin will be hosting a chat series on SBW called Being Smart Is Cool. Keep up on your current events and get your news fix on foreign affairs, politics, and national and international hard-hitting stories. Show off your world news knowledge with your friends and family because being smart and in-the-know is TOTALLY cool!
Nicole anchors CNN (www.cnn.com) and she reports groundbreaking news on the heels of national and international current events. Nicole studied politics overseas at the European Union's L'Institut d'Études Politique de Paris, and she graduated summa cum laude and as valedictorian of her class from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, also earning honors for a second major in political science.
Chat with Nicole on Sunday, January 28th at 11AM PST / 2PM EST on Starbright World (www.starbrightworld.org)! If you have any questions about this chat event, you can send an email to sbw@starlight.org.
FEBRUARY
- Post a blog or bulletin about your favorite or most annoying celebrity couple.
- Love is in the air send in a story describing your dream date send to sbw@starlight.org.
- Photo contest: See the details in the MARCH section.
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Burn Survivors Chat - Burn Awareness Week (February 5 - 11)
SBW will be joined by two moderators for the Burn Survivors Chat:
Shoddy Patterson—Burned at the age of 15 the day after Christmas, Shoddy wants to share his burn experiences with teen survivors. Now with two grown children of his own, Shoddy wants to talk about how ‘life goes on’ after being seriously burned.
Monday, Feb. 5th @ 4:30PM PST / 7:30PM EST
Jesse Gonzales—At the age of 12, Jesse was burned 48 percent of his body with 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Now 30, Jesse has been giving back to the burn survivor community that helped him during his tough years as a teenager.
Wednesday, Feb. 7 at @ 4:30PM PST / 7:30PM EST
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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Special Chat Series: Being Smart Is Cool | Hosted by Nicole Lapin, CNN anchor
Hot off the press: CNN anchor Nicole Lapin will be hosting a chat series on SBW called Being Smart Is Cool. Keep up on your current events and get your news fix on foreign affairs, politics, and national and international hard-hitting stories. Show off your world news knowledge with your friends and family because being smart and in-the-know is TOTALLY cool!
Nicole anchors CNN (www.cnn.com) and she reports groundbreaking news on the heels of national and international current events. Nicole studied politics overseas at the European Union's L'Institut d'Études Politique de Paris, and she graduated summa cum laude and as valedictorian of her class from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, also earning honors for a second major in political science.
Chat with Nicole on Sunday, February 11th at 11AM PST / 2PM EST on Starbright World (www.starbrightworld.org)! If you have any questions about this chat event, you can send an email to sbw@starlight.org.
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Chat with a Public Relations Guru
Donna DeDario is currently Communications Manager at Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation. She is a strategic public relations professional and has developed, managed and implemented countless public relations and public affairs campaigns on behalf of nearly every type of industry including: hospitality, education, social services, nonprofit, entertainment, financial, legal and business consultancy. The stories that she crafts have been told through every medium imaginable, from CNN to Time magazine to The Wall Street Journal. She is a writer and a word-smith, a speaking coach, a crisis consultant, but mostly, a trusted friend and advisor.
Monday, February 12th at 3:30PM PST / 6:30PM EST!
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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The Fisherman Is Back!
Back by popular demand, fisherman Rhod will be joining Starbright World again on Monday, February 12th at 5PM PST / 8PM EST. "I work to fish and take photos...I will do anything for family and friends...To make someone laugh is my good deed for the day."
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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MARCH
- Doing anything special for spring break? If so, SBW wants to hear about it, send in your story and amazing pictures to sbw@starlight.org.
- Feeling a little festive? Post or send in your favorite St. Patty’s day photos to share with SBW.
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Special Photo Contest: How Good Are YOU with a Camera?
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Starlight Starbright is looking for a handful of really, really good pictures of YOU using Starbright World on your laptop, desktop, library computer, etc. to be used in upcoming Starlight Starbright campaigns. The top 5 submissions selected will win a brand new Logitech webcam. |
Here are the requirements:
1) The picture must have YOU in it;
2) You must be on the computer in the picture using Starbright World (doh!);
3) A high quality picture is preferred (if you don’t know what that means, ask SLSBclaudy);
4) Silly and fun pictures are okay, but please note that we are looking for overall REALLY, REALLY good pictures;
5) Digital pictures preferred but we can take 35mm pics too!
6) Have fun and good luck!
Deadline for submissions is: Monday, March 12th. Winners will be announced in the April edition of SBW’s Star Lounge eNewsletter.
You can email your pictures to: sbw@starlight.org or mail them to SBW Photo Contest, Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, 5757 Wilshire Blvd. Suite M-100, Los Angeles, Ca 90036
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Chat with a Really Cool Nurse
I graduated with a degree in nursing from Pace University in Pleasantville, NY and a Master's Degree in Health System Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. I was a critical care nurse for 22 years and in 1995 left bedside nursing to become a nurse investigator for a malpractice insurance company. I then went back to the hospital setting and was the risk manager and took on responsibilities for the quality improvement program for the hospital. I then became a consultant for several of the large academic medical centers in New York City, advising them on programs for risk management, quality improvement, and patient safety. I am currently the Director of Performance Improvement at a large community health center in Bronx, NY. I am an avid cat lover and I have two kids, a son and a daughter. I love the beach, to read, and my newest favorite pasttime is knitting.
Thursday, March 8th @ 5:30PM PST / 8:30PM EST!
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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Video Game Designer
Jack D. Davis has eight years’ experience as a game and level designer in the video game industry. He has worked for developers 2015 Inc., Pandemic Studios, Liquid Entertainment, and Creat Studios, and has had the opportunity to work with many fantastic licenses including Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and Dungeons and Dragons. Several of the games Jack worked on were strategy or strategy-hybrid games. Jack’s game credits include:
Wages of SiN (PC) - Level Designer
Battlezone 2 (PC) - Level/Game Designer
Dark Reign 2 (PC) - Level/Game Designer
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Gamecube/Xbox/PS2) – Level/Game Designer
Lord of the Rings: The War of the Ring (PC) – Level/Game Designer
Dungeons and Dragons: Dragonshard (PC) – Level/Game Designer
Biker Mice From Mars (PS2) – Game Designer, Story and Script Writer
Hot Brain (PSP) – Game Designer
Coded Arms: Contagion (PSP) – Story Writer (contributor)
Monday, March 19th @ 5PM PST / 8PM EST
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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Violinist
Lisa Weinstein started playing violin at the age of five. She began learning with the Southern California Suzuki Program and since has gone on to study with renowned Professor Abram Shtern. Lisa was a graduate of Crossroads High School in Santa Monica, California in 1998 and just graduated with her Masters degree from Manhattan School of Music Conservatory studying with Patinka Kopec.
Monday, March 19th @ 6PM PST / 9PM EST
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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Marine Biologist
Grew up in the Bay Area (Berkeley), then went to UC Santa Cruz for both undergraduate and graduate school. I loved that the it was a small school and that the mascot was the banana slug...and also loved that it was close to the beach! I tried to pretend for a bit that I was going to go to medical school, as that's what "they" also seem to advise you when you love biology. But, the love of the ocean won out (thank goodness!) and before I knew it, I was studying elephant seals! Then, one day, I was in the right place at the right time and was offered a trip to go to Antarctica, which was a life-long dream. It wasn't as easy as it sounds to get picked--I was up against a bunch of big burly boys, all of whom I was sure would get picked before me. Long story short...they picked me, and I made my first of nine trips to the polar regions. I was in love! I changed my studies to polar oceanography and it was definitely the right decision! After Santa Cruz, I moved to Bermuda to work at a place called the Bermuda Biological Station for Research. I loved island life and worked (and played) there for nine years. After that...I moved to Los Angeles where I've been for the last ten years. I work for the University of Southern California as the Associate Director of the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies. We have a marine lab on Catalina Island (about 26 miles off the coast of Los Angeles), which is a VERY special place-we conduct research and do education programs for people of all ages. Our focus is to be positive--there are a lot of environmental "problems" out there, and we work to find solutions.
Monday, March 26th @ 4PM PST / 7PM EST
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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Special Chat Series: Being Smart Is Cool | Hosted by Nicole Lapin, CNN anchor
Hot off the press: CNN anchor Nicole Lapin will be hosting a chat series on SBW called Being Smart Is Cool. Keep up on your current events and get your news fix on foreign affairs, politics, and national and international hard-hitting stories. Show off your world news knowledge with your friends and family because being smart and in-the-know is TOTALLY cool!
Nicole anchors CNN (www.cnn.com) and she reports groundbreaking news on the heels of national and international current events. Nicole studied politics overseas at the European Union's L'Institut d'Études Politique de Paris, and she graduated summa cum laude and as valedictorian of her class from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, also earning honors for a second major in political science.
Chat with Nicole on Monday, March 12th & 26th at 5PM PST / 8PM EST on Starbright World (www.starbrightworld.org)! If you have any questions about this chat event, you can send an email to sbw@starlight.org.
APRIL
- Want to see more contests and events on SBW? Send in your fun contest and event ideas to sbw@starlight.org.
- Who’s your favorite basketball team and player in the league? Post a blog sharing your 2007 NBA finals projection and what team you will be cheering for!
StarPower Chat Series!
The StarPower chats will highlight Starlight Starbright’s young celebrity ambassadors dubbed StarPower. Guests could include: Corbin Bleu, Kristy Frank, Christopher Massey, Kyle Massey, Rob Pinkston, Lauren Storm, Devon Werkheiser, and more!
The chats will take place the first Wednesday of every month from 4 to 5PM PST.
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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Devon Werkheiser
Kicking off the first chat will be Devon Werkheiser! Devon can be seen on Nickelodeon starring as Ned Bigby in Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide. A native of Atlanta, Devon attended the community children’s theater/acting school The Talent Factory. His film credits include We Were Soldiers and Recipe for Disaster. He and his family currently split their time between Los Angeles and Atlanta.
Talk to Devon LIVE on Wednesday, April 4th @ 4PM PST / 7PM EST!
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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Creator of the Oodles with Doodles Book
Help Steffanie with some ideas for her new book! Got a brother or sister between 13 to 20? They'll definitely want to sign up for this event!
Steffanie Lorig is the founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit organization called “Art with Heart” (http://www.artwithheart.org). Its mission is to help kids in crisis through creativity. Her organization is best known for the books they create and publish.
One book that she created especially for kids in the hospital is called “Oodles of Doodles” (http://www.artwithheart.org/oodles). It’s an activity book that features great artists (including the illustrator for the Harry Potter books) and fun activities. She co-authored another book for teens and ‘tweens called “Chill & Spill” (http://www.artwithheart.org/chillandspill). It’s a guided journal that helps adolescents articulate and transform difficult issues they are dealing with and features illustrations by different award-winning artists, whose art you might recognize from MTV, Rolling Stone, Sony Music, Starbucks, etc. She is currently working on her next book, which will be an activity book for siblings of seriously ill kids.
In her past life, she was an award-winning graphic designer and illustrator. She went to college and received her BFA in Visual Communication from Northern Arizona University.
Besides the books she’s written for Art with Heart, she’s also written a book for the Seattle Mariners called “Home Run Fun” which is an activity book for young fans and she and her husband co-wrote a book that will be out next year entitled “Silly Baby” (Chronicle Books). She currently lives in the Seattle area with her husband, her 8 year old son, 2 dogs and 6 fish.
Monday, April 9th @ 4PM PST / 7PM EST
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
Special Chat Series: Being Smart Is Cool | Hosted by Nicole Lapin, CNN Pipeline anchor
Hot off the press: CNN Pipeline anchor Nicole Lapin will be hosting a chat series on SBW called Being Smart Is Cool. Keep up on your current events and get your news fix on foreign affairs, politics, and national and international hard-hitting stories. Show off your world news knowledge with your friends and family because being smart and in-the-know is TOTALLY cool!
Nicole anchors CNN Pipeline (http://www.cnn.com/pipeline), a commercial-free online video news service which provides users access to up to four live video streams and an archive of more than 50,000 on-demand videos. She reports groundbreaking news on the heels of national and international current events. Nicole studied politics overseas at the European Union's L'Institut d'Études Politique de Paris, and she graduated summa cum laude and as valedictorian of her class from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, also earning honors for a second major in political science.
Chat with Nicole on Monday, April 9th & 23rd at 5PM PST / 8PM EST on Starbright World (www.starbrightworld.org)! If you have any questions about this chat event, you can send an email to sbw@starlight.org.
MAY
- Send a story to sbw@starlight.org telling us why your mom is the greatest mom in the world!
- Post a blog about your favorite/ or most obnoxious television mom for the rest of SBW users.
StarPower Chat Series!
The StarPower chats will highlight Starlight Starbright’s young celebrity ambassadors dubbed StarPower. Guests could include: Corbin Bleu, Kristy Frank, Christopher Massey, Kyle Massey, Rob Pinkston, Lauren Storm, Devon Werkheiser, and more!
The chats will take place the first Wednesday of every month from 4 to 5PM PST.
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Chat live with Monique Coleman from the original movie "High School Musical 2" and "Dancing with the Stars"!
Monique Coleman stars as Taylor McKessie, president of the Decathlon Team who uses her skill for organization to help the manager of the Lava Springs Country Club, in the Disney Channel Original Movie "High School Musical 2."
Coleman recently made it to the top four on ABC's hit reality show "Dancing with the Stars." Her dancing partner was professional dancer Louis Van Amstel who Disney Channel viewers will recognize from his guest star role on "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody."
Talk to Monique LIVE on Wednesday, May 2nd @ 4PM PDT / 7PM EDT!
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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Special Chat Series: Being Smart Is Cool | Hosted by Nicole Lapin, CNN anchor
Hot off the press: CNN anchor Nicole Lapin will be hosting a chat series on SBW called Being Smart Is Cool. Keep up on your current events and get your news fix on foreign affairs, politics, and national and international hard-hitting stories. Show off your world news knowledge with your friends and family because being smart and in-the-know is TOTALLY cool!
Nicole anchors CNN (www.cnn.com) and she reports groundbreaking news on the heels of national and international current events. Nicole studied politics overseas at the European Union's L'Institut d'Études Politique de Paris, and she graduated summa cum laude and as valedictorian of her class from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, also earning honors for a second major in political science.
Chat with Nicole on Monday, May 7th at 5PM PDT / 8PM EDT on Starbright World (www.starbrightworld.org)! If you have any questions about this chat event, you can send an email to sbw@starlight.org.
SPANISH CHAT (CHAT EN ESPAÑOL)
Do you speak Spanish? Are you learning Spanish and want to practice? Come get your chat on ~ en español ~ every Wednesday from 3-4PM PDT (6-7PM EDT), beginning May 16th!
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Production Assistant
Atheria worked in the Production Services department at Sony Pictures, where she assisted various TV and film productions with their computer needs, before becoming Office Coordinator for long-running game show "Wheel of Fortune." After a brief move to New Mexico, Atheria returned to Southern California and is now serving both "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!" in a Production Assistant/Public Relations job they created especially for her.
Wednesday, May 16th @ 5PM PDT / 8PM EDT
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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Superior Court Judge
Judge David M. Mintz (B.S. Econ/Political Science from UC Berkeley, 1981 and J.D. from UC Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, 1984) spent sixteen years as a criminal prosecutor for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, where he handled cases ranging from DUI to murder. He was assigned to special prosecution units focusing on major narcotics cases, real estate fraud and juvenile crime.
He was elected to the Los Angeles Superior Court as a judge in 2000, and is now assigned to a criminal trial court in downtown Los Angeles where he hears felony trials. In addition, he teaches law at Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu and participates in a "teen court," consisting of a high school student jury, which serves as an alternative to the traditional juvenile justice system.
He has also dealt with medical challenges, including a very rare cancer that has spread to his lungs, for which he has undergone four surgeries and various traditional and new treatments.
Thursday, May 24th @ 4PM PDT / 7PM EDT
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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JUNE
- Ahhh, Summer is here. Send in a story telling us what makes summer in your city/town special to sbw@starlight.org.
- Summer is in and school is out- post a blog sharing what you are most proud of or what you accomplished from this past school year.
StarPower Chat Series!
The StarPower chats will highlight Starlight Starbright’s young celebrity ambassadors dubbed StarPower. Guests could include: Corbin Bleu, Kristy Frank, Christopher Massey, Kyle Massey, Rob Pinkston, Lauren Storm, Devon Werkheiser, and more!
The chats will take place the first Wednesday of every month from 4 to 5PM PST.
Special Chat Series: Being Smart Is Cool | Hosted by Nicole Lapin, CNN anchor
Hot off the press: CNN Pipeline anchor Nicole Lapin will be hosting a chat series on SBW called Being Smart Is Cool. Keep up on your current events and get your news fix on foreign affairs, politics, and national and international hard-hitting stories. Show off your world news knowledge with your friends and family because being smart and in-the-know is TOTALLY cool!
Nicole anchors CNN (www.cnn.com) and she reports groundbreaking news on the heels of national and international current events. Nicole studied politics overseas at the European Union's L'Institut d'Études Politique de Paris, and she graduated summa cum laude and as valedictorian of her class from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, also earning honors for a second major in political science.
Chat with Nicole on Monday, June 4th at 5PM PDT / 8PM EDT and Monday, June 18th at 5PM PDT / 8PM EDT on Starbright World (www.starbrightworld.org)! If you have any questions about this chat event, you can send an email to sbw@starlight.org.
SPANISH CHAT (CHAT EN ESPAÑOL)
Do you speak Spanish? Are you learning Spanish and want to practice? Come get your chat on ~ en español ~ every Wednesday from 3-4PM PDT (6-7PM EDT)!
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Professional Actor
At just 13 years old, Aidan Mitchell is already taking over the television in a starring role on the hit FX series The Riches opposite onscreen parents Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver. But Mitchell's success isn't a mere coincidence; despite his young age, he has been honing his talent for years.
Aidan made his stage debut as Bill Sykes in the classic musical Oliver at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway, Ireland (his dad's birthplace). After moving to San Diego and working with a dialect coach, his career took off, bringing film projects that included a job alongside Sigourney Weaver and a lead role in the feature Simple Things.
Come chat with Aidan about life in "The Biz"!
Tuesday, June 12th @ 4PM PDT / 7PM EDT
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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Law School Student and Childhood Cancer Advocate
Amy Dilbeck is an osteosarcoma survivor and the proud bearer of a two-and-a-half foot scar on her right leg and enough metal to set off any airport metal detector. She was diagnosed at 15 in 1996 and treated at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Amy has been a childhood cancer advocate, speaking and spreading the message of childhood cancer, ever since.
After graduation from Pepperdine University in 2002 with Public Relations degree, Amy joined the staff at CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation. She was the first childhood cancer survivor hired by the organization, and in this role, she traveled and lectured widely and was featured in multiple national television, radio, print and live appearances, sharing the podium with Lance Armstrong and First Lady Laura Bush.
She was pivotal in launching the CureSearch website, and in planning national legislative strategic initiatives in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. She has served as a featured speaker for the American Association of Cancer Researchers, LiveStrong, the Children's Oncology Group Nursing Forum, Gold Ribbon Days Capital Rally, the President's Cancer Panel, and the groundbreaking ceremony for Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
Amy recently finished her first year at Pepperdine School of Law and her future will undoubtedly include new landmarks in legal and medical advocacy for young people with cancer.
Wednesday, June 27th @ 4PM PDT / 7PM EDT
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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GRADUATION PARTY!!!
So many of you are graduating this month, we thought it was time for a party! Whether or not it's your time to don the cap & gown, come celebrate with your SBW friends. Join us in the chat room for a fabulous grad bash on Wednesday, June 20th at 4PM PDT (7PM EDT). Are you graduating? E-mail us at sbw@starlight.org, so we can make sure you get your special certificate and gift. All party attendees will receive a "party favor," so come and party with us!
JULY
- While the weather is heating up so are the movie screens- post a blog of your favorite summer hit or share the must see movies on your movie list!
- Doing anything special for Independence Day? We’d love to hear about it, send in your Fourth of July stories and pictures.
Special Chat Series: Being Smart Is Cool | Hosted by Nicole Lapin, CNN anchor
Hot off the press: CNN anchor Nicole Lapin will be hosting a chat series on SBW called Being Smart Is Cool. Keep up on your current events and get your news fix on foreign affairs, politics, and national and international hard-hitting stories. Show off your world news knowledge with your friends and family because being smart and in-the-know is TOTALLY cool!
Nicole anchors CNN (www.cnn.com) and she reports groundbreaking news on the heels of national and international current events. Nicole studied politics overseas at the European Union's L'Institut d'Études Politique de Paris, and she graduated summa cum laude and as valedictorian of her class from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, also earning honors for a second major in political science.
Chat with Nicole on Monday, July 2nd and 16th at 5PM PDT / 8PM EDT on Starbright World (www.starbrightworld.org)! If you have any questions about this chat event, you can send an email to sbw@starlight.org.
StarPower Chat Series!
The StarPower chats will highlight Starlight Starbright’s young celebrity ambassadors dubbed StarPower. Guests could include: Corbin Bleu, Kristy Frank, Christopher Massey, Kyle Massey, Rob Pinkston, Lauren Storm, Devon Werkheiser, and more!
The chats will take place the first Wednesday of every month from 4 to 5PM PST.
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Chat live with KayCee Stroh from the original movie "High School Musical 2!"
KayCee Stroh stars as the pop-and-lock girl Martha Cox, who joins her fellow Wildcats to work -- and dance -- at the local country club for the summer, in the Disney Channel Original Movie "High School Musical 2."
Born on May 29 in Salt Lake City, Stroh began dancing at the age of 2 where she studied all forms of dance and eventually became a dance instructor. Her life changed forever when she took some of her dance students to a TV movie audition. She caught the eye of director Kenny Ortega who cast her in the wildly popular "High School Musical" as a studious student who has a secret passion for hip-hop dancing.
Stroh has also guest starred on the Disney Channel series "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody."
Stroh lives in Los Angeles with her sister. In her free time, she enjoys boxing, snowboarding, tap dancing and cooking.
Talk to KayCee LIVE on Tuesday, July 3rd @ 4PM PDT / 7PM EDT!
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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SPANISH CHAT (CHAT EN ESPAÑOL)
Do you speak Spanish? Are you learning Spanish and want to practice? Come get your chat on ~ en español ~ every Wednesday from 3-4PM PDT (6-7PM EDT)!
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SPECIAL CHAT EVENT: Child Life Chat with Charlie!
Help us spread the word about SBW! Hostsbwcharlie is moderating a special chat event just for Child Life Specialists and other healthcare professionals on Monday, July 30th from 1-2 PDT (4-5 EDT). He'll be there to show them what the community's all about, to answer their questions, and to encourage them to sign up their teen patients. Invite your favorite Child Life Specialist to come, and if you'd like to jump into chat that day to tell the Child Lifers what SBW has meant to you and how it's helped you deal with your illness, please join us! This is a great way for you to help other teens and bring new members to SBW! If your Child Life Specialists want to participate, have them send an e-mail to sbw@starlight.org.
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AUGUST
- Post a blog telling us if you could direct a movie what would it be about and what actors would you cast to star in it?
Special Chat Series: Being Smart Is Cool | Hosted by Nicole Lapin, CNN anchor
Hot off the press: CNN anchor Nicole Lapin will be hosting a chat series on SBW called Being Smart Is Cool. Keep up on your current events and get your news fix on foreign affairs, politics, and national and international hard-hitting stories. Show off your world news knowledge with your friends and family because being smart and in-the-know is TOTALLY cool!
Nicole anchors CNN (www.cnn.com) and she reports groundbreaking news on the heels of national and international current events. Nicole studied politics overseas at the European Union's L'Institut d'Études Politique de Paris, and she graduated summa cum laude and as valedictorian of her class from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, also earning honors for a second major in political science.
Chat with Nicole on Monday, August 13th and 27th at 5PM PDT / 8PM EDT on Starbright World (www.starbrightworld.org)! If you have any questions about this chat event, you can send an email to sbw@starlight.org.
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Producer/Director/Writer
Brian Etting started producing independent films shortly after graduating from UCLA, most of which were co-financed and distributed by Lions Gate Entertainment and HBO. Some of these titles include BLOWBACK with Mario Van Peebles, SACRIFICE with Michael Madsen, and GUILTY AS CHARGED with Antonio Sabato, Jr.
He formed the development/production shingle Garlin Pictures shortly following this, where he produced the comedy RELATIVE STRANGERS with Danny DeVito, Kathy Bates, Neve Campbell and Ron Livingston; the indie drama BROKEN with Heather Graham and Jeremy Sisto, which recently premiered at the 2006 AFI Festival; the romantic comedy THE GODFATHER OF GREENBAY with Lauren Holly and Tony Goldwyn; and the critically acclaimed Showtime thriller TOUGH LUCK with Armand Assante and Norman Reedus.
Brian was Co-Creator, Co-Executive Producer and Driector of the VH1 Reality TV pilot I WILL SURVIVE. He also wrote and directed the TV dramedy piolot VIAGRA FALLS, which won Best Drama at the 2006 New York Television Festival.
He is currently attached to produce the supernatural thriller NIGHT TRAIN and the comedy DREAMGIRL for Warner Brothers and along with his brother Josh, Brian recently sold a half-hour untitled TV comedy show to New Regency and a reality comedy series to Reveille and Madison Road.
Tuesday, August 21st @ 4PM PDT / 7PM EDT
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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Author/Artist
Best-selling author and artist Peter H. Reynolds uses media to tell stories that matter and to challenge us to reach our full potential.
Peter's best selling books include The Dot, Ish, and So Few of Me. The film version of The Dot went on to win the Carnegie Medal of Excellence for the Best Children’s Video of 2005 and the film version of Ish was announced as one of ALA’s 2006 Notable Children’s Videos. His other series of original, animated film shorts including The Blue Shoe, Living Forever and He Was Me have won many awards and honors around the globe. Peter's latest book, Someday, (a "storybook for all ages" collaboration with author Alison McGhee) is a New York Times #1 Best Seller children's book.
The SugarLoaf book series, My Very Big Little World and The Best Kid in the World, are the first of many books about an irrepressible little girl who sees the world through creative-colored glasses.
His cornerstone work, The North Star, has also inspired people around the world as a book, curriculum and musical. Peter has illustrated the New York Times best-selling Judy Moody series, as well as the covers of Judy Blume's Fudge series.
Peter has also made his mark in multimedia, having founded the Emmy-award winning company FableVision with his twin brother Paul.
Much of Peter's spare time is spent giving back to the community: revitalizing businesses, supporting schools, caring for homeless children, promoting literacy and learning, and inspiring all of us to use our gifts.
Wednesday, August 22nd @ 4PM PDT / 7PM EDT
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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SPANISH CHAT (CHAT EN ESPAÑOL)
Do you speak Spanish? Are you learning Spanish and want to practice? Come get your chat on ~ en español ~ every Wednesday from 3-4PM PDT (6-7PM EDT)!
TELL YOUR STORY, WIN A VIDEO CAMERA, AND MAKE A MOVIE ABOUT YOU!!!
Are you the next Spielberg? Want to tell your story, and become a huge star? Enter the "In Your Own Words" essay contest (don't worry, it's a short essay) for a chance to win a video camera and make a movie about your life...a movie that will be shared with the Starlight Starbright community!
READ THE RULES HERE: www.starlight.org/inyourownwords -- but hurry! ESSAY (short essay, people, short essay, just do it) CONTEST DEADLINE IS AUGUST 31st!
SEPTEMBER
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Writer/Producer
Tom DeSanto, known as the "Fan's Producer," is a self-described pop culture junkie who has developed a reputation as a filmmaker with a great instinct for discovering franchises where no one else is looking. He is the proud owner of more than 30,000 comic books and has dreamed since his childhood of bringing the characters he loves to the big screen, first with X-Men and now with Transformers.
After the success of X-Men, DeSanto developed Battlestar Galactica for Universal Television, making it the number one rated mini-series on cable in 2003. The surprise ratings success caused Universal to launch a new series, currently rated number one on the Sci-Fi Channel.
DeSanto has also worked on the Transformers, X-Men, and Battlestar Galactica video games and is currently developing the best-selling video game property City Of Heroes for television and features. He is also currently writing and producing an animated film version of the Teen Titans for DC and Warner Bros. It will continue his reputation of bringing to life the universes he loves.
Wednesday, September 5th @ 4PM PST / 7PM EST
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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SPANISH CHAT (CHAT EN ESPAÑOL)
Do you speak Spanish? Are you learning Spanish and want to practice? Come get your chat on ~ en español ~ every Wednesday from 3-4PM PDT (6-7PM EDT)!
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Cancer Survivors Chat with Amy Dilbeck!
Amy Dilbeck is an osteosarcoma survivor and the proud bearer of a two-and-a-half foot scar on her right leg and enough metal to set off any airport metal detector. She was diagnosed at 15 in 1996 and treated at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Amy has been a childhood cancer advocate, speaking and spreading the message of childhood cancer, ever since.
After graduation from Pepperdine University in 2002 with Public Relations degree, Amy joined the staff at CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation. She was the first childhood cancer survivor hired by the organization, and in this role, she traveled and lectured widely and was featured in multiple national television, radio, print and live appearances, sharing the podium with Lance Armstrong and First Lady Laura Bush.
She was pivotal in launching the CureSearch website, and in planning national legislative strategic initiatives in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. She has served as a featured speaker for the American Association of Cancer Researchers, LiveStrong, the Children's Oncology Group Nursing Forum, Gold Ribbon Days Capital Rally, the President's Cancer Panel, and the groundbreaking ceremony for Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
Amy recently finished her first year at Pepperdine School of Law and her future will undoubtedly include new landmarks in legal and medical advocacy for young people with cancer.
Tuesday, September 18th @ 1PM PDT / 4PM EDT
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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NEW CHAT SERIES: "The Vent"
Feeling low? Got issues? Frustrated with life right now? Come get it off your chest! Join mental health expert Robin for a special 30-minute chat session, where you'll be able to vent about what's bugging you and find out how to feel better and work it out in a healthy, positive way. No judgment...no pointy-fingers...just The Vent. Deal with it! Tuesday, September 25th from 5:30-6PM PDT (8:30-9PM EDT)
StarPower Chat Series!
The StarPower chats will highlight Starlight Starbright’s young celebrity ambassadors dubbed StarPower. Guests could include: Corbin Bleu, Kristy Frank, Christopher Massey, Kyle Massey, Rob Pinkston, Lauren Storm, Devon Werkheiser, and more!
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Chat live with Dominic Scott Kay
Eleven-year-old Dominic Scott Kay has 23 films to his credit, including Steven Spielberg's MINORITY REPORT, in which he auditioned at the tender age of four and played Tom Cruise's son. At seven, Dominic co-starred with Kyra Sedgwick in LOVERBOY, directed by Kevin Bacon. His feature film credits include CHARLOTTE'S WEB, he is the voice of "Wilbur", directed by Gary Winick, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLDS END, he plays Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly's son, directed by Gore Verbinski, among many others. Kay's dream to become a writer/director came true two years ago when he shot his first short film, SAVING ANGELO, at the age of nine. The film was based on his real-life experience of nursing a White Boxer puppy to recovery, and stars Kevin Bacon, Eric Close, Dana Barron, and Julie Gonzolo. This summer, Dominic will shoot GRAMPA'S CABIN, his second short film, about a three generational family that embraces forgiveness during a heartwarming reunion between the three. It will star Robert Forster, Eloise DeJoria, and Dominic, as well. All proceeds from "Grampa's Cabin" will go to Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation.
Talk to Dominic LIVE on Wednesday, September 26th @ 4PM PDT / 7PM EDT!
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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- Did you go to camp this summer? If so post a blog - we’d love to hear about your summer camp experience (meet new friends? Fun activities?).
- Summer has come and gone, send a story to sbw@starlight.org telling why you’re excited/ or not for school to begin.
OCTOBER
SPANISH CHAT (CHAT EN ESPAÑOL)
Do you speak Spanish? Are you learning Spanish and want to practice? Come get your chat on ~ en español ~ every Wednesday from 3-4PM PDT (6-7PM EDT)!
NEW CHAT SERIES: "The Vent"
Feeling low? Got issues? Frustrated with life right now? Come get it off your chest! Join mental health expert Robin for a special 30-minute chat session, where you'll be able to vent about what's bugging you and find out how to feel better and work it out in a healthy, positive way. No judgment...no pointy-fingers...just The Vent. Deal with it! Tuesday, October 30th from 5:30-6PM PDT (8:30-9PM EDT)
- Are you a baseball fan? Post a blog sharing your commentary on the 2007 World Series about the players, games and who you project to win!
- Boo! Post your Halloween photos on SBW to share with other users or send your pics to sbw@starlight.org.
NOVEMBER
SPANISH CHAT (CHAT EN ESPAÑOL)
Do you speak Spanish? Are you learning Spanish and want to practice? Come get your chat on ~ en español ~ every Wednesday from 3-4PM PST (6-7PM EST)!
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Chat with Starlight's "Playrooms and Teen Lounges" Interior Designer
Michele Pooley is an interior designer who focuses on healthcare environments like doctor's offices, operating rooms, patient rooms, pharmacies, nurseries, waiting rooms...she works for Starlight Starbright, and has designed 72 hospital play rooms and teen video lounges for us since 2003 (maybe you've been in one at your hospital!). If you're interested in art, decoration and design -- or if you have ideas and feedback about what makes a hospital stay less boring or a procedure less stressful -- come chat with Michele!
Thursday, October 8th at 4:00PM PST / 7:00PM EST!
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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Chat with Jordan Mechner, Video Game Designer
Videogame designer, screenwriter and filmmaker Jordan Mechner began his career by creating Karateka and Prince of Persia, two of the first games to use rotoscoped character animation and cinematic storytelling techniques. Mechner subsequently designed and directed the award-winning interactive story game The Last Express (1997), and wrote and directed two short films. His Chavez Ravine: A Los Angeles Story (2003) was named Best Short Documentary by the International Documentary Association and was short-listed for an Academy Award. Mechner joined forces with Ubisoft Entertainment as writer and game designer of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003), successfully relaunching the franchise he had created over a decade earlier. Over 10 million Prince of Persia videogames have been sold to date. As a screenwriter, Mechner's current projects include the upcoming Jerry Bruckheimer/Walt Disney Pictures live-action feature film Prince of Persia. Mechner was born in New York and received his B.A. from Yale University. He now lives in Los Angeles.
Tuesday, November 27th at 4:00PM PST / 7:00PM EST!
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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NEW CHAT SERIES: "The Vent"
Feeling low? Got issues? Frustrated with life right now? Come get it off your chest! Join mental health expert Robin for a special 45-minute chat session, where you'll be able to vent about what's bugging you and find out how to feel better and work it out in a healthy, positive way. No judgment...no pointy-fingers...just The Vent. Deal with it! Thursday, November 15th from 5:00-5:45PM PST (8:00-8:45PM EST)
StarPower Chat Series!
The StarPower chats will highlight Starlight Starbright’s young celebrity ambassadors dubbed StarPower. Guests could include: Corbin Bleu, Kristy Frank, Christopher Massey, Kyle Massey, Rob Pinkston, Lauren Storm, Devon Werkheiser, and more!
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Chat with Rob Pinkston
Rob is starring in a new movie -- THE SASQUATCH DUMPLING GANG -- that opens on November 30th. Come find out more about his latest role and what else he's been up to!
Wednesday, November 28th at 4:00PM PST / 7:00PM EST!
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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- Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving Day meal you love to eat or even cook? If so, send in your recipe to share with SBW users!
- Do you have a funny or special Thanksgiving Day story you would like to share with SBW? If so post your story in a blog to share with SBW users!
DECEMBER
SPANISH CHAT (CHAT EN ESPAÑOL)
Do you speak Spanish? Are you learning Spanish and want to practice? Come get your chat on ~ en español ~ every Wednesday from 3-4PM PST (6-7PM EST)!
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Music Industry Manager Shauna Krikorian
Shauna Krikorian started working in music while attending the University of Georgia, doing publicity and coordinating tours for the band Sunny Ledfurd. After college, she interviewed over 100 music artists, which allowed her to see and hear first hand stories of life on the road, and what worked in order to break a band. She dealt daily with both major and Indie record labels, management companies and PR firms. With all of the experience she acquired, it became natural for her to move into artist management.
In 2003 opened SLK Entertainment, her own artist management company, setting up office at Tyrell Studios where she began booking the recording studio to many big name artists (Rod Stewart, Paul Oakenfold, Bill Medley, Burt Bacharach, The Pointer Sisters, Ann Wilson, Julie Andrews, Jack Nicholson). Her experience working at the studio led her to begin managing producers and engineers as well. During that time, she managed Pablo Munguia (Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Nelly, Alicia Keys), Trent Slatton (Macy Gray, The Ramones, Carlos Santana), Carter William Humphrey, (Rod Stewart, Brian Wilson, Bill Medley, The Kottonmouth Kings, Evon Helm) and producer Lauren Wild (Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Art Garfunkel, Engelbert Humperdinck ).
Shauna has worked with international PR agancies, distributors, and major record labels and has budgeted and directed music festivals and tours. She has been on tour with major musicians as well as helped place artists’ songs in films and television shows.
Tuesday, December 4th at 4:00PM PST / 7:00PM EST!
Chat on Starbright World at www.starbrightworld.org
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NEW CHAT SERIES: "The Vent"
Feeling low? Got issues? Frustrated with life right now? Come get it off your chest! Join mental health expert Robin for a special 45-minute chat session, where you'll be able to vent about what's bugging you and find out how to feel better and work it out in a healthy, positive way. No judgment...no pointy-fingers...just The Vent. Deal with it! Thursday, December 13th from 5:00-5:45PM PST (8:00-8:45PM EST)
- Post a blog describing winter in your city/ or town. Share with SBW users what makes your city special this time of year!
- One of the best things about SBW is its diverse community, send in a story sharing what holidays and traditions you will be celebrating this month to sbw@starlight.org.
WINNERS CIRCLE
Winners will receive these type of prizes: DVD movies, Hollywood Video gift certicates, video games (Playstation, Game Cube, and Xbox games), computer games, Mattel Toys, books, and much, much more!
YOU TELL US!
What kinds of contests would you like to see on SBW? Email us at sbw@starlight.org. If your idea gets picked, you'll win a cool prize package.
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