« December 2009 | Main | February 2010 »
January 29, 2010
Delaina Dixon of The Plus at SUNDANCE: DAY 3
It was The Plus' last day at Sundance 2010, so we had to go out with a big bang!
We returned to The Sky Lodge for the Art and Soul Coalition, where celebrities were getting their picture taken for a photo book that would help support the arts, including our pals "The Wire"'s Chris Ashworth and "America's Next Top Model" alum Natalie Gal.
Little did we know we'd run into A-list greatness. Kerry Washington, Jimmy Smits (who stopped to chat for a moment), Naomi Watts and Samuel L. Jackson were in the suite to talk about their new film "Mother and Child."
In the movie, which is about women and their children, Samuel plays Naomi's onscreen love. "It's not something I normally get to do, play a love interest," he confessed. "But I was fortunate enough to be a part of this."
On our way out, The Plus ran into "The Real Housewives of New York City"'s Jill Zarin, who gave a rundown of her Sundance experience. Check it out below!With the day quickly dwindling, The Plus made a last-minute sweep of the Fred Segal Fun Gifting Suite inside The Village at the Yard. With hot bags from George Gina and Lucy, cool tops from Goodlife American Clothing and Remetee, and a Sephora grab bag of goodies, we definitely left with a big smile on our face.
Pulling on our EMU boots, we learned we weren't the only ones who needed to warm our feet on Park City's snowy streets.
Marisa Tomei had arrived at Sundance completely unprepared for the record snowfall and stopped by EMU Australia to slip out of her Martin Margiela heels and into some Sheepskin boots. She also picked up EMU's Kings Cross boot and a red sweater vest, a prized piece at the festival also scored by America Fererra and Kristen Bell. You can get a sneak peek inside the lounge here.
The Plus closed down the night at a party thrown by Film Utah. Founded by John Corser, the not-for-profit organization and magazine promotes film production in Utah.
They've got some big names behind the cause. Rikki Lake entered the festivities just as we were walking out to catch the red eye back to New York City.
Thanks for joining The Plus for Sundance 2010!
Golden Globes: Raising Money For Haiti Relief
Golden Globe Award fans now have a chance to help the victims of Haiti and own a little piece of Hollywood history thanks to a fundraising auction from some of that evening's stars.
More than a half dozen celebrities including Academy Award® winner Jodi Foster, "ER’s" Julianna Marguiles, "Glee’s" Jane Lynch and "Scream" star David Arquette are selling everything from the tuxedos they wore that night to the shoes on their feet. All money raised from the online auction will go to aid Haiti.
Other generous stars include Kevin Bacon, who's offering his Golden Globe tuxedo to the highest bidder.
The auctions runs through February 10th.
January 28, 2010
Quincy Jones: Remaking "We Are the World" For Haiti
Quincy Jones, the fabled music producer has announced he will be remaking the original "We Are the World" single to aid earthquake victims in Haiti.
"It's the 25th anniversary and it's perfect timing," Jones told E! News. "It's not an accident, man. That's God. It will be 'We Are the World' for Haiti."
Some of the artist reportedly coming forward for the new version include Miley Cyrus, Sheryl Crow, Jason Mraz, Will Smith, Jennifer Hudson andy Mya.
According to published reports, the recording is set for Monday, Feb. 1 in Los Angeles.
Giuliana Rancic: Joins Celebrities Ride For Charity
Celebrities are gearing up to ride in Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Cycle for Survival on Jan. 31 and Feb. 6.
"Saturday Night Live"'s Seth Meyers and others will hop on bikes at New York City's Equinox gyms this Sunday to help raise money to support rare cancers research.
""Survivor" alum Ethan Zohn who is battling a type of Lymphoma right now will be there with his girlfriend and some of "The Biggest Loser" contestants will come to get in a good sweat," says Jennifer Goodman Linn, a rare cancer survivor who founded the organization.
"I think it's great we get all the support, but it's unfortunate that cancer touches so many people," she continued.
On Saturday, Feb. 6, the ride continues in Chicago with reality star Giuliana Rancic who will be supporting the ride from LA.
"She and her husband, Bill, just bought a home in Chicago and they attend an Equinox Gym near The Loop where the city's MSKCC’s Cycle for Survival is taking place," Jennifer says.
"Giuliana was happy to jump on board to help create awareness."
It's not too late to get involved. Bikes in New York City start at $1000, bikes in Chicago are $500.
(http://mskcc.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=cfs_register_join)
You can also text CYCLE to 90999 to donate $10 to Cycle for Survival.
Michael Jordan: Chief Wish Ambassador
It’s been nearly six years since basketball great Michael Jordan made his last free throw, but his name still draws a crowd.
At the nine annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, over $500,000 were raised for a number of charities.
One of the biggest beneficiaries of the event was the Make-A-Wish Foundation, getting a check for $140,000.
Jordan, the foundation’s Chief Wish Ambassador since 1988 has been a huge donor of not only of his money and star power, but a big wish granter.
Jordan over the years has granted wishes of more than 180 seriously ill children.
January 27, 2010
Chelsea Clinton: Delivering On a Promise For Haiti
Chelsea Clinton has delivered on her promise of a donation for Haiti while earning the award for the most creative means.
The daughter of former President Bill Clinton hosted a spin class in New York where participants made a donation for the chance to ride along with Chelsea.
The class that included Kelly Ripa and her husband Mark Consuelos raised nearly $70,000.
Delaina Dixon of The Plus At SUNDANCE 2010: DAY 2
The Plus was greeted to snowfall Sunday morning as we packed up to take in Sundance 2010, Day 2.
Our first stop: The Lia Sophia Lounge at The Lift, sponsored by the high-end jewelry designer. Inside, we walked smack dab into Shane West, hot "E.R." alum and star of the tearjerker, "A Walk to Remember," who was in town to promote his band The Germs.
"We're getting ready to record with [Smashing Pumpkins vet] Billy Corgan," he shared. He also scored some goodies from the likes of Diesel clothing and watches.
We then bumped into Lea Thompson, who starred as Michael J. Fox's mom in the "Back to the Future" series. Lea was in town looking to cast an upcoming movie she'll direct in June, and still finding a little time for fun in the snow.
"I'm going skiing tomorrow," she shared. "I'm very bad, but there are those super wide skis so I should be okay," she shared. That's one brave woman!
On our way out of the lounge, we caught "The Hill"'s Stephanie Pratt getting love – and a black leather jacket – from super edgy clothing line, Supertrash. Mario Lopez also picked up a tube dress and leggings for his girlfriend, Courtney Laine Mazza. Lucky girl!
Famished after the lounge, The Plus stopped at the My Space Café for a complimentary gardenburger, only to be served by Tom Arnold!
"All the proceeds are going to HIV relief worldwide, but particularly to Haiti where our building is still standing," he declared to us.
"I got a lot of tips because I'm a super good waiter. I'm actually a better waiter than actor," he joked. "Everyone was really generous."
Re-energized, The Plus made our way to the Usana Presents Kari Feinstein Style Lounge, where "Fame" star Walter Perez revealed his favorite song to rock out into in his bedroom (let's face, it we've all done it once!). Check out his answer below!
Tune in tomorrow for The Plus at SUNDANCE: DAY 3 coverage!
John Travolta: Helping First-Hand in Haiti
John Travolta took donating to a whole new level today with his arrival in Haiti.
Travolta, a pilot and owner of a Boeing 707 personally flew himself, wife/actress Kelly Preston and doctors to the devastated island nation where relief efforts have been underway for more than two weeks.
Travolta told reporters on the scene, “We have the ability to actually help make a difference in the situation in Haiti, and I just can’t see not using this plane to help.”
Along with doctors Travolta flew in more than four tons of ready-to-eat meals and medical supplies.
January 26, 2010
Delaina Dixon of The Plus At SUNDANCE 2010: DAY 1
Yes, The Plus traded in our NYC stilettos for snowboots to hit the snowy streets of Park City Utah for SUNDANCE 2010 this weekend.
Our adventure started Friday, as we got off the plane in Salt Lake City and ran into "Chelsea Lately"'s sidekick Chuy Bravo.
"My book is coming out April 1," he shared with The Plus, though he was mum on its contents. The suspense is killing us Chuy, but we'll wait till April Fool's to find out!
It was no joke though that Delta had sent my luggage to Atlanta that evening, which meant I had no clothes! Thank goodness for the Miley Cyrus Max Azria line from Walmart, which became the staples of my weekend wardrobe!
Saturday morning it was off to the Talent Resources Hospitality Lounge inside the Sky Lodge to catch the stars as they scored a host of free goodies. We had just missed Khloe Kardashian, who got charitable with GIIV.com, the super easy way to gifts to others.
The Plus couldn't believe our luck when we ran into our pal Jason Ritter, the son of the late John Ritter, looking svelte.
"I did this diet where I had to take these pills and only eat certain times of the day," he shared with us. Sounds like a lot of hard work Jason, but we know how important it is for you actors to look good on camera.
The Plus then grabbed a cab to the Eccles Theater for the premiere of "Cyrus," (fashion designer Kenneth Cole jumped in our cab as we jumped out!).
The movie stars John C. Reilly, who plays a divorced man dating a woman (Marisa Tomei) with just one flaw, her jealous and vengeful 21-year-old son. And yes, it's a comedy.
"I think people would be annoyed if I wasn't funny," says Jonah Hill, who stars as Cyrus, the slightly psychotic son. "Cyrus the character is like a really mature 21-year-old and I'm of average maturity 26-year-old so I think I'm probably in the right place to play him."
Sounds just about right to us, Jonah!
Tune in tomorrow for more The Plus at SUNDANCE: DAY 2 coverage!
