Samar Obagi ( Mrs. Obagi) is becoming a Lady

Westsider, Lady Samar Obagi, Tells Her Inspirational Story. A MUST read!

By Adrienne Papp

On a prominent corner of Canon Drive stands one of the most impressive properties in all of Beverly Hills, a gleaming white complex that serves as the world headquarters of Dr. Zein Obagi, the centerpiece of his dermatological and cosmetic empire.

Samar Obagi is the guiding organizational force behind the empire that now includes international distribution of the new ZO line of dermatological products and managing the extensive research and ongoing seminars that have carried the Obagi name to the forefront in the science of healthy skin.

Samar came to the United States as a young girl in search of opportunities in higher education.  Born in Damascus, Syria and married at the age of 17, she had relatives in the U.S. and began her education at California State University Long Beach where she obtained degrees in engineering and computer science, and got a Master of Science Degree in electrical engineering, – even though medicine was her original inspiration. With her strong scientific background in engineering she began her career as a flight test engineer for McDonnell Douglas, the first woman to ever hold the position at the company! “ I was the only woman in the field at the time,” she recalls.

Lady Samar Obagi

Her meeting with Dr. Zein Obagi came about through her sister, who was good friends with the doctor.  While married to her first husband with whom she had a baby, when Samar developed some hereditary skin issues, she decided to pay Dr. Obagi a professional visit for advice and was taken by surprise when the noted dermatologist expressed an interest in her in the highest of ethical ways, staying modestly in the background. (We only wish gentlemen like this existed today!)   The timing happened to be good, as Samar was in the process of ending her first marriage.  “Having that bad experience, I thought that I would never get married again, but somehow I thought that if he asked me to marry him I would say yes,” Samar recalls.

Never one to hesitate when he decides that something is right for him, Dr. Obagi expressed his intentions in a few honest and very straight forward words to Samar, (just like he does his practice that I have witnessed over and over again: always upfront, direct, and to the point,) – and the result was that they ended up getting married in a large ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 1991.

Today Samar manages the large Obagi business empire, and supports his every effort as the Director of Operations in research and education for his procedures, which are based on his unique philosophy and a comprehensive system of treatments that are used around the world by millions of dermatologists, plastic surgeons and anyone who has to do with the concept of healthy skin, which all by itself is a NEW DISCOVERY of the 21^st Century by Dr. Obagi.   Samar also handles all of the marketing and public relations functions, and is the Chairwoman of the Company for the new line of ZO Skin Health products.

“He is really a revolutionary in terms of promoting healthy skin,” Samar says.  “Before he came along dermatology was only concerned with treating diseased skin.  He originated procedures like very precise peels that are based on serious research and his own unique artistry, and the results have been astonishing.”

Although Dr. Obagi has achieved great success, he originally got a lot of resistance from the profession due to ignorance and envy. Today his work is so well recognized there are some places like the Philippines where to promote healthy skin is to “Obagi,” it, meaning that his name is being used now as a verb, not as a product label!  That’s all a result of Samar’s dedication to brand-building efforts and her marketing savvy, building the Obagi name as the world’s foremost dermatologist into an international icon.

Recently Samar herself was recognized for her contributions in support of her husband’s dedication to skin health and beauty, receiving the honor of knighthood, as presented by the Imperial and Charitable Order of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen at a recent Investiture ceremony held on October 22, 2011 in Pasadena, California where Dukes, Princes and Dignitaries attended the medieval-type of ceremony.   On hand for the ceremonial honors where the Obagi’s friends from Norway, Jarl Bunaes, Unn Bunaes, Bjorn Bunaes, Anne Bunaes, as well as some of the Obagi’s children Serene Obagi, Sandra Obagi, and Zein Obagi Jr. (It must be noted that a naturally striking beauty like Serene in her late teens now, can be found maybe once every ten years if we are lucky! She certainly follows the footsteps of her mother, but has such a stunning appearance that the room went breathless. All of the Obagi’s off-springs are to remember, but Serene being in her young adult age is too unique for anyone to EVER forget! In medical school with a supermodel appearance! I wonder how many times in a century that happens!)

Lady Samar

Now, Lady Samar Obagi’s induction into the oldest and original knighthood makes her part of a world-wide organization that has historic roots going back to the year 312 A.D. (thus being the first Order even in the World and invited by the Pope himself for its 1,700 year anniversary next year!) The current order of modern Knights and Ladies, such as those honored by the Order of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen, who is considered the Mother of Christianity, are people selected from all walks of life and professions who have demonstrated a dedication to exceptional chivalric values, including dedication, ethics, commitment, education, the need to contribute to a greater good, and even the arts and medicine, which is what Dr. Obagi does with the human skin and which Lady Samar has been promoting in the world. Mrs. Obagi’s becoming a Lady, or as more commonly referred to in America, Dame Samar Obagi, not only recognizes her for her unparalleled abilities all by herself as an independent and very intelligent woman, but all the while it’s maintaining a sense of those great traditional noble values that have become more necessary today that ever. Samar’s husband Dr. Zein Obagi has been given the title “Sir,” while Mrs. Samar Obagi received the title of “Lady.”

For Sir Dr. Zein Obagi and his wife, Lady Samar, the honor of Knighthood is an appreciation and recognition of their ongoing commitment to making the world a better place to live.  Their efforts in promoting the science of healthy skin has tremendously improved the self-esteem and enhanced the physical appearance of appreciative clients around the world. One of those people who got their “brand new skin” is me and although I am passed the age of “no return” (as they would say without Dr. Obagi,) I am now required to show my identification card just about wherever I go. When people see that I am indeed 46 years old, they almost faint taken that they did not even want to serve me a glass of wine. To achieve such dramatic results is ART by Dr. Obagi! And, to achieve the worldwide recognition is ART by Lady Samar!

As Dr. Zein Obagi continues his mission to revolutionize the science of promoting healthy skin, wife Dame Samar is a stunning example of how successful his methods can be. With a lovely, youthful face that doesn’t require any makeup, Samar is a classically beautiful woman who proves that healthy skin is really the most beautiful cosmetic of all. “I’m just delighted that things turned out the way they did,” she says, barely looking 25 while almost twice that age with NO makeup whatsoever!

And now that the children are raised, she is in the process of pursuing her real passion of becoming a doctor herself and is enrolled in medical school at UCLA in Los Angeles.  It’s a lifelong dream she is now in the process of fulfilling. “My father always wanted this for me, and I wanted it for myself. I feel like I can finally do that for him and for me as if we were one.” As I listen to her my eyes dwell up with tears. Here is a stunningly gorgeous woman with such drive, ambition, and true dedication that one just wants to hug her for the inspiration she gives to others!  A ravishing woman of her own, with a beautiful soul dedicated to the well being of all those around her is something that touches all of us to our very core! If only SOME would be like her, we ALREADY would have achieved half of what the world needs: compassion!

At the age of 49 not looking any older than 25, being probably the “oldest” medical student, Lady Samar Obagi is an inspiration to women everywhere for her inherent intelligence, dedication and beauty, a shining example of what the word “Lady” truly means!

Dr. Obagi and Mrs. Obagi

About the Author of This Article:  Lady Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View,Celebrity Society,Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Todayamong many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicityand publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazineis owned by Atlantic United, Incwith Adrienne Pappbeing the majority shareholder.

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A Humanitarian Movement coming to the States from Europe!

“To be an entrepreneur means you can take your ideas and, with a vision and hard work, you can make a difference.” Les Meszaros

By Adrienne Papp

Since the very first settlers arrived to this country, America has always been a land of opportunities, a place where the most humble immigrants could become successful beyond their wildest dreams by sheer determination and hard work.

There is no shortage of these stories, but at this point in our nation’s history maybe no story is more significant than that of Laszlo J. Meszaros (who briefs his name as “Les”) and the work he is doing to promote young entrepreneurs in this country and his native Hungary with an organization called Meszaros International Center of Entrepreneurship, or abbreviated as MICE.  It’s a business mentoring program that helps young high- school students develop ethical entrepreneurial skills.  And even though it’s only been in operation in the United States since 2007, his organization is already creating a new wave of young entrepreneurs in this country at a time when they’re desperately needed.  With a steep downturn in the world economy and a generation who has become accustomed to taking the easiest route when it comes to choices, the principles taught by Les Meszaros are needed in America now more than ever.

A good example of the results of the program at MICE is the work of St. Francis High School student Peter Calabrese Smith, who always wanted to be an entrepreneur. He had watched his parents operate successful businesses and saw firsthand the benefits of hard work. Coupled with his desire to make his mark on the world, Peter signed up to participate in the Entrepreneurship Training Program. After the 20 weeks of training with MICE he now has the necessary skills needed to start and operate a successful business.

Professor Joseph Salamone

“The MICE Entrepreneurship  Training Program has showed me the steps to becoming an entrepreneur. I know that I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit, but I needed training to translate my energy into a workable business model” says Calabrese Smith. “Thanks to the program, I now know how to approach investors and to write a business plan.” Calabrese Smith has put his new training into action by creating his own E-Bay Musical Instrument business and he knows that there is plenty of opportunity for growth.

Other great student testimonials can be watched in the following MICE videos:

Student testimonial filmed in Hungary both in English and Hungarian.

Student testimonials filmed in the USA.

These live and unscripted testimonials truly touch the heart and souls of all of us understanding how these young, talented people have gained a meaning to their lives through MICE thanks to the brilliant thinker who founded it.

The MICE foundation would not exist without the youthful bravery and steely determination of its founder, Les Meszaros.  His story really begins when, as a teenager living in communist Hungary, he risked his life for the freedom and opportunities in the post-war Western World. Deciding to escape the harsh regime, Meszaros and a friend braved the barbed wire fences and machine gun towers to cross the border into Austria, where he found a job and eventually, through the sponsorship of Catholic Charities, came to the United States.

He arrived in the United States on October 23, 1956, the day of the Hungarian revolution broke out, with a single dollar to his name. As his ship pulled into New York harbor, young Meszaros was stunned to hear his name being paged, and he was called up on deck where he was met by a group of photographers and had his picture taken under an American flag and holding a newspaper.  The breaking news in the headline told the story of the Hungarian revolution, and young Meszaros had suddenly become a symbol of the quest for freedom in America.

Graduate Students of the MICE Program

With further help from Catholic charities and the local Hungarian community, Meszaros, who didn’t speak a word of English, was offered a job in Buffalo, NY, where he worked sweeping floors and washing dishes, did hard labor work at places like Bethlehem Steel and J H Williams corp. painted houses etc. before gaining employment at Roswell Park Cancer Institute taking care of research animals. He eventually became an influential experimental surgeon in the department despite his lack of training and formal education.  “I had good hands, good perception and learned quickly which resulted doing things like kidney transplants in monkeys and dogs, and doing it just as well if not better than some of the physicians,” he says. “I really wanted to go to medical school and become a surgeon, but didn’t have the resources and couldn’t afford it.” Meszaros instead took on to digitizing Roswell Park’s medical records.  “I worked for a doctor at Roswell Park, and he gave me the opportunity to learn about computers, and I decided to learn everything there is to know about computer technology.” Intent on expanding his business knowledge, he also earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the School of Management at the University of Buffalo.

Meszaros’ computer skills and enthusiasm led to him being appointed the Director of Data Systems Manager for Roswell Park, and he also served as a Sales and Marketing executive for Computer Task Group and as Director of Management Information Systems for Erie County Central Police Services.  In 1980 he started  COM PRO ( Computer Professionals) a nationally recognized, privately-held systems software and professional services company where he served as President, Chairman and CEO until 1989 when he sold the company.  The same year he founded Voice Technology Group (VTG) and served as President, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of VTG prior to its acquisition. In June of 2000 Intel Corp. acquired VTG and Meszaros was appointed Vice President of Business Development with Intel, and he served in that capacity for one year.  The sale of VTG to Intel gave him a financial comfort level after his many years of hard work. Today he is “semiretired,” though he says “he is busier than ever with his MICE program for high school students. The secret to a long life is not to retire, but to simply change jobs. “

Laszlo Les Meszaros

MICE came about after Meszaros was selected to serve as a member on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the School of Management at State University of New York at Buffalo. There he met a lot of academic people and kept thinking about how he could give something back to his native country Hungary, and to the country in which he prospered, America.  He knew both needed true revolution so badly in terms of schooling. “As an immigrant to the United States from Hungary in the 1950s, I was inspired by the promise of this great country to build a new life and pursue success,” Meszaros says. That promise is something he wanted others to take advantage of.

Professor Joseph Salamone’s earlier informal efforts to provide visiting Hungarian students with educational challenges attracted Meszaros’ interest to financially support entrepreneurship training in support of  Hungary’s economic growth and membership in the European Union.  MICE was therefore launched to formalize and deliver The Entrepreneurship Training Program in Budapest Hungary.

Professor  Salamone, who had been teaching Entrepreneurship at SUNY-Buffalo since 1976 knew immediately that they might be on to something important and truly life changing.  Salamone developed a formal course syllabus/outline and created a business plan workshop as the capstone component that precedes the formal Business Plan Competition, an event that showcases the student teams’ efforts to design and defend their business plan.

“We took the idea back to Hungary in 2003 and announced it to 4 or 5 high schools and explained all the benefits it offered,” explains Meszaros. “Professor Salamone trained the teachers on the curriculum.  Nobody had ever done anything like this in Hungary, and it became an overnight success. We really produced some super kids with that program.  After a few years the need for a practical yet academically correct book to standardize the program became evident.  Based on his experiences, Salamone researched and collaborated with co-authors (Pirrone and Anderson) to publish a book (Entrepreneurship: Foundations) – the program just took off.” The program is now in its fourth year in Hungary and a grant from the European Union for the past two years has allowed the course in Budapest to be expanded from 40 to 120 students for each year.  The text has since been translated and exists as a dual English-Hungarian work making it a valuable English tutorial for Hungarian students.

MICE Graduates

“We knew that we were doing something that was important, that was making a difference not only in Hungary, but also in the States, and so when I was in Buffalo, many of my business friends began asking me ‘Why aren’t you doing something like that here?’” Meszaros says.  “They told me we needed the same thing in this country. So we got started in Buffalo in 2007, taking on diverse groups of kids from all over western New York  – everything from country club girls to tough inner city kids – and put them all together in the program and we saw an amazing transformation with them.  We took these kids who at the beginning of the course could barely introduce themselves, to kids who were the equivalent of polished businesspeople doing Power Point presentations in just 20 weeks.”

“Our goal is to give young people an early opportunity to learn to evaluate business opportunities, ethical decision making, and development of their business skills in terms of self-employment,” Meszaros says. “After all, the youth of civilization represents the greatest asset we have. It is the young who will inherit our society and the responsibility to perpetuate our civilization.”

MICE, which is a registered 501(C) non-profit organization, works on many levels, with Professor Salamone’s textbook as the core curriculum, and also brings in guest speakers from successful companies and schedules field trips to interesting local businesses.  Where the classroom work may teach them about the concepts of brainstorming, evaluating market opportunities and developing teamwork and communications skills, it’s the practical applications that really make the program effective.  Professor Salamone says, “when these kids realize the potential they have and what their capabilities are, and thus are able to convince themselves that they can be leaders, can take risks, and are willing to work hard, then the light bulb goes off and they realize that the sky is the limit.  We assign them something that deals with a real life situation and they are able to create just as well as if they were presenting a business plan thus they really start owning it.”

An example of the progressive thinking encouraged by MICE is what Laeticia Mbukapindu has planned for her future.  Although just a junior at Leonardo da Vinci High School, Laeticia isn’t wasting any time starting her own salon business. A native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who came to Buffalo when she was 10, Mbukapindu is already braiding and styling hair for friends and family. She’s also honing her business skills as a participant in the Entrepreneurship Training Program run by MICE.

“I wanted to know more about facts regarding how to maintain and have a big business,” she says. “I’ve learned how to address people in the business world and how to choose locations. This was a beautiful opportunity.”

MICE Students

“We also encourage these kids to do a lot of things that most high schools discourage,” Professor Salamone says.  “We want them to have fun, since we think that you will learn something much more quickly if you’re enjoying yourself, and we also encourage them to question, to think, to challenge the status quo, and to speak up! I decided at the beginning that this curriculum was not going to be watered down, and as a result this program has been approved for full college credit in SUNY-Buffalo”s Advanced College Credit Program.”

The graduation process at MICE is really more like a competition, where kids develop competitive plans and present them.  As an example: the winning Hungarian team was invited to the U.S., where they took an advanced class with Professor Salamone, and enjoyed visiting with American students, barbeques and other recreational opportunities in the area.

“It’s always amazing to see the transformation that takes place in these sometimes disadvantaged children, from the beginning to the end of the program,” Meszaros says.  Salamone adds, “We have parents come up and tell us ‘You have made such a big change in my child’s life, we see them being thoughtful and considerate and mature and we wonder what you have done to make this change.”

“When we set out, the goal was to help students pursue ownership and operation of their own business,” Professor Salamone says, “but where we saw the quickest change was in the development of their soft skills.  They readily developed a greater sense of market diversity, as they came from diverse backgrounds, and also quickly developed leadership, negotiation and presentation skills.  These are qualities that are not only key to success in business but also easily transferrable to any single thing you do in life.”

As successful as MICE has been in Hungary and in the States, Meszaros feels that they are only beginning to scratch the surface of what can be done on a national level in America. “These are the principles this country was founded on,” he says. “To be a self-starter and self-reliant is how so many businesses got started.  I see so many kids with a first class college education who end up working in a cubicle for a large corporation that doesn’t even know who they are.  To be an entrepreneur means you can take your ideas and, with a vision and hard work, you can make a difference.  This kind of thing isn’t being taught in our schools now, and it is more critical than ever that youth have these options explained to them.”

“When I began teaching Entrepreneurship back in 1976 I believed that these skills were important in any student’s development,” Professor Salamone says. “Now, in the current economic climate, everyone is suddenly talking about entrepreneurs and how critical they are to our economy.  My feeling is that this is a program whose time has really come and should be integrated into every high school curriculum.  I have begun working on a model that would be a supplement to a traditional 4 year high school curriculum and benefit each student regardless of their immediate interest in entrepreneurship”

With the ongoing commitment of Les Meszaros and Professor Salamone, the good news is that they intend to make this program available as widely as possible.  “The course is transferrable to any school anywhere,” says Professor Salamone.  “The core concepts and principles lend themselves to any geographical area, even though the market opportunities differ widely from Buffalo to California to Alaska.”  As with any service program, which is limited only by the amount of their funding, MICE depends on people who understand how important the values they offer are, and support it both academically and financially.  MICE also is exploring a strategy to deliver this valuable training through online tutorials, a program now being contemplated by Professor Salamone, based on his course textbook and interactive course components. “It must be a very interactive program, since we’ve found that getting the students to participate is key to their success,” he says.

One of the sayings you hear frequently in discussing the MICE program is this: “The greatest good you can do for another is to reveal to them their own unique inner value,” says Les.

It’s exactly the kind of education that we as individuals and this country desperately needs at this point in our history, and with the continued success of the MICE program it’s a message that will be carried far and wide to ensure the success of our young people, and our country. And, of course the best example of how one can become a successful entrepreneur stating with nothing at first is Les Meszaros itself as his own story speaks for itself.

The importance of this program is too paramount to describe. We are asking banks, investment firms, venture capitalists and private citizens who understand the importance of entrepreneurship and education, through which our great country, the United States of America can survive, to take a closer look at the good work being done through this organization.

Given that some of the students pay only a nominal tuition, about half of them are in the disadvantaged status and cannot afford to pay anything.  Please consider a respectable participation, which will serve to benefit humanity in a highly ethical manner. Education is the basis for any country’s future. As we fight for America, let’s recognize our children as the cornerstones of what we treasure most: our freedom, our lives, and the successive generations of this great land that will benefit so many! It’s time we open our hearts and minds to return the biggest gift of all: Life itself, – the quality of the American dream!

For more information visit: The MICE FOUNDATION or ATLANTIC PUBLISHER, or just call 716.830.6039 or 917.678.4017.

For an easy pledge go directly to Pledge Form.

or visit  the webpage of MICE where you can find a physical address, contact the founder, as well as find other methods of donation opportunities, and participation in this most crucial mission!

Buffalo News;

Endless Possibilities M.I.C.E;

Laszlo Les Meszaros of the M.I.C.E. Foundation;

Business First ;

Buffalo Public Schools  ;  University of Buffalo 

UB School of Management

About the Author of This Article:  Lady Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View,Celebrity Society,Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Todayamong many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicityand publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazineis owned by Atlantic United, Incwith Adrienne Pappbeing the majority shareholder.

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Justin Burgess, Director of Siren

By Adrienne Papp

NOTE: ( The reproduction of this material is strictly prohibited without publisher’s consent as per copyright laws)

Maybe nothing in the history of human creativity has had the enduring dramatic power of the classic stories told in Greek mythology.  The characters and themes in these immortal tales have informed and entertained humanity for centuries, and have provided the story structures that have become a part of our life experiences ever since.

It’s no surprise then that much of our enduring entertainment, including fiction, poetry, dance and film, is based on classic Greek mythology.  Those heroic stories are the foundation for virtually every form of artistic expression, a connection that has lasted for many hundreds, if not thousands of years.

Which brings us to an exciting new incarnation of classic Greek storytelling, a filmmaking venture called Siren, which incorporates the classic mythological elements of the Iliad and the Odyssey in a contemporary setting, and humanizes the stories in a way that everyone can relate to.

Siren tells the story of a young woman, Kira, who has a rocky relationship with her mother, Claire, and whose world is turned upside down by tragedy.  Kira, played by Dina Cataldi, loses her mother and only then finds out she is a Siren. The Sirens, a group which included her mother and now includes Kira, have the duty of protecting the goddess Persephone, played by Eileen Alana.

Eileen Alana, Actress

At Claire’s funeral, Kira meets her estranged uncle and is informed about a world that is invisible to mortals.  Kira rejects this news, but is then thrown into a scenario of challenging dramatic events, where she begins to discover more about her identity and her new role as a Siren.  The events have been instigated by Persephone after she decides to leave the bondage that her husband Hades (Mark Tallman) and mother Demeter (Maria Di Angelis) have imposed on her for the past 2,000 years.

It is through the help of Leslie that Persephone is able to escape both the Sect, a dangerous and possessed group of demons who are loyal to her father Hades, and the Scopuli, the powerful army controlled by her mother.  Upon Persephone’s escape, Hades and Demeter violently reignite their rivalry, which jeopardizes the fate of the world.  Hades coerces the Greek hero Odysseus (Anthony St. James), to help track Persephone down and bring her back. But Hades intent is treacherous, as he decides to kill his wife, usurp her power and use an ancient power to resurrect all of the Gods.

Jaeme Griffin, Producer

Siren contains dramatic themes of self-discovery and a longing for freedom that everyone can relate to, and combines the powerful elements of Greek drama with a humanity that brings all the characters to life as fully realized beings, a connection extending from antiquity to the modern day. Never before have the classic elements of tragedy and redemption been told in such a beautiful and emotionally touching way. Siren is the story of a woman finding her freedom and empowering herself.  In breaking through, Kira also is able to free her parents from the eternal mythological cycle, as she finally bridges the gap between immortals and normal human beings.

Siren tries to bring these life lessons to its audience, portraying the feeling and emotions that are common to everyone, but with all the action and passion that are found in a heroic movie.  “Siren combines the sweetness of self-realization and freedom with an action story.  There is literally something in this story for everyone,” says Director Justin Burgess.

Though the story is classic and the actors all highly talented and committed to the project, it’s never easy getting a production like Siren to its intended audience. Intended to be a trilogy, this high concept film is projected as the first installment in a 3-part series that would put it in the same high profile category as films like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or The Matrix.  “This material is so strong that it will not only change the way that people look at Greek mythology, it will also change the way they look at the current day and the way that films are made,” say Burgess. “There really hasn’t been anything done like this before, something that captures the full spectrum and spectacle of action films, including intense drama, and yet also has the sweetness of a chick flick.  Siren seamlessly incorporates all of those elements.”

Dina Cataldi, Actress, Characters Creator

The characters of Siren were created by Dina Cataldi, who was inspired by the idea of projecting the stories of classic Greeks myths into the modern day.  Working with assistance from director Justin Burgess, who got involved to fulfill a promise to direct her, they have been able to create a world of action and drama that also includes many emotional human elements. It’s a project whose time has come, and judging from the dedication involved in the production, the final result will be something unlike any other film project. “We had to approach this effort fearlessly,” says Burgess. “I told the team before we started that we can’t be involved in this as just friends, we have to become family.  That means in the sense that you wouldn’t do anything to hurt your family or let your family down, we will not disappoint each other in the realization of this film. We are all committed to putting this story out as a first rate viewing experience, something that you will be talking about long after you leave the theater.”

There are countless stories in the filmmaking business about success through perseverance, actors like Jeremy Piven and a stream of projects that were unsuccessful until they were able to find exactly the right role or combination of elements that allowed them to break through and become successful. Siren is a project that intends to overcome all obstacles, an inspired concept that has been buoyed up by the sheer enthusiasm and talent of its actors and production staff, and it continues to gain momentum. Jaeme Griffin, the executive producer, considered by director Burgess as a “parachute of all times”  has been demonstrating to overcome insurmountable obstacles almost daily. She is the dream of all production team. “ I never think in terms of problems, but rather solutions. Everything can be talked about and everything has a solution to it with the proper communication” says Jaeme. (Listening to her, it feels like there is no one who would not need her!)

Siren Production

With a strong premise in terms of the film’s theme, a robust script that involves five lead characters and fifteen supporting actors in the cast, and the exotic-but-familiar context of Greek mythology, Siren has a lot going for it. “We’re actually taking mythological characters and continuing their story in the modern world,” Burgess explains. “This film features heroic female lead characters who are involved in a typical underdog story; it’s the person who you least expect to win the day that comes through in the end.  This is based on textbook Iliad and Odyssey themes, and is also an action film with enough female-oriented human drama to play on the Lifetime Channel after the big screen.”

Sirenis slated to run about 2 hours and 17 minutes, and a teaser with some of the film’s action elements has just been finished. In the teaser, we see a version of how Hades is brought to life (on a reduced scale) and the longing of an imprisoned Persephone looking for freedom.  We also see a pivotal character and sub-plot between Castor (Martin Harvey) and Sophia, as well as some of the action elements that will be fully developed in the feature version of the film.  “Creating the feeling of the immense power of Hades was the best way to get some of the feel of the film across, and this short piece is visually striking due in no small part to the production efforts of Mitchell Lipsiner and Wilmar Luna,” says Director Burgess.

Maria Di Angelis, Actress

The first installment in the Siren trilogy is budgeted at approximately $40-58M, with a projected worldwide gross somewhere north of $600 million. “That’s not a bad return on investment,” Burgess says.  “We’re very committed to making sure the vision we have makes it intact to our audience and it’s almost like this project has become its own force of nature, where people just show up out of nowhere when needed and it just continues to gather momentum.  I’ve never been involved in a filmmaking experience like this before; the commitment and energy with this group is completely unique.”

With its universal themes and epic scope, Siren is conceived as a film that will stand the test of time, classic themes being told in a classic film style fully mounted in a contemporary setting.  Its humanized mythology projected into a modern context offers the broadest possible appeal, and the film is certain to resonate with a broad spectrum of movie lovers everywhere.

There are a number of Westsiders in this movie, including Adrienne Papp of Spotlight and Atlantic Publicity, the number one firm on the Westside of Los Angeles.

“ We are all here to make this movie known to all who look for class, experience, and a real touchable charm that is so hard to find these days. Something you can hang onto and think about after you immersed yourself in this classic yet modern drama,” says Adrienne who lives in Santa Monica.

Siren Teaser

Martin Harvey, Actor

About the Author of This Article:  Lady Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View,Celebrity Society,Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Todayamong many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicityand publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazineis owned by Atlantic United, Incwith Adrienne Pappbeing the majority shareholder.

Mark Tallman, Actor

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Constantine the Great

By Dame Adrienne Papp

It seems amazing that this day and age with our high-tech wizards and 3D special effects /virtual reality there is still an enduring organization with its chivalric principles dating back to antiquity.  The fact that the oldest Order in the world, established by the son of Constantine The Great of the Roman Empire, can still exist in southern California and not just in historic Europe is a testimony to the strength of the values that have survived for the past 1700 years.

An ancient Order of Knighthood with true human and historic principles that I had the pleasure of experiencing during a recent Investiture ceremony held in Pasadena, Calif.

The elegant and classic black tie dinner held to honor more than twenty citizens for their exemplary career achievements and contributions to both global and local communities, people like world-renowned medical doctor, Dr. Zein Obagi and his wife Mrs. Samar Obagi, who both have contributed to the science of skin health and beauty. These inductees are now part of an honorable order that had its origins back in 330 A.D.

The Imperial & Charitable Order of Constantine the Great & of Saint Helen is an Order of Knighthood, founded in 330 A.D., whose members are dedicated to the chivalric principles of personal honor, courage, integrity, duty, and service.

To give you an idea as to its historic lineage, the order is named in honor of the victory of Constantine in 312, also known as Constantine the Great, who was a revolutionary Roman Emperor and lived from 27 February 272 – 22 May 337.  Also known as Constantine I,  Saint Constantine, or most frequently Constantine the Great was the Emperor of Rome from 306 to 337 and was well known for being the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. Constantine and co-Emperor Licinius also issued the Edict of Milan in 313 A.D., a document that proclaimed religious tolerance of all religions throughout the empire. The foremost general of his time, Constantine fought successfully against the Franks, Alamanni, Visigoths, and Sarmatians during his reign – even resettling parts of Dacia which had been abandoned during the previous century. Constantine built a new imperial residence in place of Byzantium, naming it Constantinople, which would later be the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire for over one thousand years. Following this, he became Western Augustus, ruler of the entire Western Roman Empire until his death in 337.  Constantine’s visionary leadership and religious tolerance are considered major factors in the spread of Christianity.

His Grace Michael Schmickrath, The Duke of Gardham

The Order’s connection to Saint Helen also provides a direct line to one of the earliest and most devout Christians.  Saint Helen was married to a Roman General, Constantius Chlorus, and became the mother of Constantine the Great. She embraced Christianity late in life; but her incomparable faith and piety greatly influenced her son Constantine, the first Christian emperor, and served to kindle a holy fervor in the hearts of the Roman people. Forgetful of her high social standing, she offered assistance to poor among the lower social strata. When she was eighty, Saint Helen made a famous pilgrimage to Jerusalem, intent on discovering the cross on which Jesus Christ had been crucified. After a thorough investigation, three crosses were found on Mount Calvary.  Saint Helen built a beautiful Basilica on Mount Calvary to receive the precious relic, sending portions of it also to Rome and Constantinople, where they were solemnly exposed to the faithful. She built two other famous churches in Palestine to honor the sacred sites of the life of Jesus, one at the site of His Ascension, and the other, known as the Basilica of the Nativity, in Bethlehem, which she and her son richly adorned. Her remains are now located at the church of the Abbey at Hautvillers in France.

Dame Adrienne Papp and His Grace, The Duke of Gardham

The virtues of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen are celebrated by The Imperial & Charitable Order of Constantine the Great & Saint Helen, which recognizes men and women of exceptional accomplishment and service without regard to race, religion, or nationality and offers them an invitation to become part of their benevolent organization. As I watch the colorful procession of cloaks and flags and then finally the Investiture ceremony, I get a sense of being in a House of Royalty with all its dignified rituals and pageantry.  I also get a distinct feeling that all of this is connected to an ancient lineage and tradition of chivalric principles expressed in the knightly orders of history. As each of the new Knights and Ladies are honored, they are celebrated for being highly successful in their life’s work and now joining a tradition that will allow them to encourage and inspire young people and the less fortunate, and provide a model of leadership and strength of spirit, which are the foundation of our civilization.

Sculpture Image of Constantine the Great

The ceremonies include such dignitaries as Dr. Tae Yun Kim, Dame Commandatrice, the   founder, owner and CEO of the highly successful, worldwide technology company, Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions.  She started this business venture without any knowledge or experience in business, relying only on her strong faith in God, her business acumen, and the vision she had received through fasting and prayer. The leadership of the Order, however, realized that Dr. Kim was not just a successful businesswoman, but was a true warrior, and therefore accepted her fully into Knighthood/Ladyship.   Also honored was Edmund Kelii Silva, Jr. who is the direct lineal descendent of King Kamehameha the Great, and heir to the throne of the kingdom of Maui before King Kamehameha the Great unified the lands. On November 22, 2002, the prime minister of the Hawaiian kingdom, along with the Council of Regency, Na Kupuna Council O’ Hawai’i Nei, the Na Kupuna Council Hawai’i Moku of the legislative body of government, and the Royal Kupunas of the House of Nobles jointly proclaimed that His Highness, Silva Jr.is the lawful successor to Ali’i Nuis (High Chiefs) of ancient Hawai’i. Both Dr. Kim and His Royal Highness, Edmund Kelii Silva Jr. were honored by being made Priors of their local area of the Order.

As each of the honorees are sworn into this noble Order, they are also made aware that charity, though it often begins at home, continues on into other parts of the world.  The Order, as constituted by its modern Knights and Dames, selects candidates from all professions and inspires them to return to the chivalric values of mankind.  The Order also has affiliations with similar Orders in many parts of the world who also remain actively committed to making the world a better place to live. The Imperial & Charitable Order of Constantine the Great & of Saint Helen now has a growing presence in 23 countries and still growing. To make sure that their efforts don’t go unnoticed, the Order appointed Dame Adrienne Papp in January of 2011 to be the public officer, or in our modern language publicist, for the organization. Thus, like tradition allows through Dame Adrienne a new person can be invested into the Order as a Knight or a Dame upon acceptance.

Saint Helen, Mother of Constantine the Great

Next year the Order will visit the Vatican, and various battle fields in Rome,  to celebrate the seventeenth-hundred anniversary of the victory of Constantine the Great in 312 A.D. While no longer required to maintain a “battle-trained horse, three lances and armor in good repair,” the Dames and Knights of the Imperial and Charitable Order of Constantine the Great and of Saint Helen continue to grow and prosper, expanding their influence and chivalric values everywhere. Since 2005, this Order of Knighthood has raised and donated many hundreds of thousands of dollars for the less fortunate and will continue to do so with the help of its growing membership. It’s all part of the organization’s sworn pledge to uphold the traditional and historic values of personal honor, courage and service to others.

One the Order’s newest affiliation is with The Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. The Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem is an international  organization primarily established to aid and assist in Hospitaller and philanthropic work in the various continents in which it operates. Its Grand Priories and Commanderies are very active throughout the world. Originally a medieval military, religious it played a military role from 1120 to about the beginning of the 16th century, with military activities centered in the Holy Land helping to hold it for Christianity.  In its religious aspect, the Order was originally comprised of monks taking the triple vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.  After the Crusades, the Order’s religious character was maintained by means of its chaplains, its Religious Protector, its Spiritual Grand Prior, its rules, services and traditions. Members were expected to live their lives in the spirit of ecumenical Christian charity.

In the middle, Princess Dame Karen Cantrell CLJ

American officers were elected,  providing the necessary protocol to consecrate the Grand Priory of the United States,  on July 23, 2011 in the Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi in Riverside, California, USA.

Led by the Very Reverend Thomas Mount as Grand Prior, Lazerites have already shown a strong dedication to Hospitaller work, raising funds to for instance purchase a specialized Moto-Med machine, which was provided to assist a 22-year old woman who was permanently paralyzed in an accident. “We believe that the U.S. Grand Priory will indeed be one of the leading Grand Priories within the order in the coming years,” commented Dr. Max J. Ellul. “We have seen a gigantic effort within the U.S. team of officers, led by Dame Karen Cantrell CLJ, have exercised in order to create a foundation for such a Grand Priory and are positively assured that their Hospitaller work in the U.S. will be an example to all.”

Order of St. Lazarus, Knighting Sir Ben Zvenia

“The Order is for individuals with a strong will and a desire to become a better person and volunteer for humanity to help preserve honorable traditions and help make a better world,” says Dame Cantrell. “ If you need to give up something luxurious in your life in order to help, please do so” she adds with sincere tears in her eyes. She is genuine, dedicated and a not only a beautiful woman, but a beautiful spirit.

Chapel of St. Frances of Assisi

If anyone believes that the principles of knighthood and chivalry are dead, then they haven’t been exposed to the phenomenal work that some of our modern Knights and Dames ( or as commonly referred to in Europe, Ladies)  are doing.  To see the work done by The Imperial & Charitable Order of Constantine the Great & Saint Helen and The Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem is to experience a shining light that was lit back in the year 312 and continues to be a beacon of benevolence and charity for all to this day through its dedicated leaders and members.

For more information please contact Dame Adrienne Papp, the international publicist for the Order at 917.678.4017 or by email at Adrienne@spotlightnewsmedia.com. Members Coat of Arms can be viewed here.

About the Author of This Article:  Lady Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View,Celebrity Society,Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Todayamong many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicityand publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazineis owned by Atlantic United, Incwith Adrienne Pappbeing the majority shareholder.

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Dr. Zein Obagi is being knighted into Sir Dr. Zein Obagi

By Adrienne Papp

Dr. Zein Obagi, MD, a world-renowned dermatologist and true visionary in the science of skin care, has received many honors in his life, but has also been recently recognized for the greatest honors of all: Knighthood!  He is now part of a historic regal tradition that goes back 1700 years in recognition for his ongoing contributions to the science of medicine in skin health, and also to mankind.

Since creating the dermatological concept of improving skin health in 1983, where before the emphasis had simply been on treating diseased skin, Dr. Obagi’s innovative skincare solutions and techniques have fundamentally changed the way people now think about skin and its health. Instead of only treating damaged skin, or using superficial creams, Dr. Obagi has focused on creating and maintaining healthy skin continuously with a complete portfolio of a skincare concept and solutions called ZO Skin Health.  These new scientifically accurate solutions, combined with Dr. Obagi’s techniques, now offer real answers for skin that will remain continually youthful, – a contribution that has earned him Knighthood and the title of Sir Zein Obagi, MD!  His products are not commercialized, or full of empty “promises,” but ones that truly work and what MOST well known doctors offer in their offices simply because they know these are the BEST they can find anywhere.  You can see the results on your skin and how it wakes up the cells! Your skin actually reacts visibly, while department-store-sold cosmetics, even though brilliantly marketed, are not allowed to stimulate the cells enough for them to actually react and start working!

Sir Dr. Zein Obagi has received Knighthood

Some of the revelation of Dr. Obagi’s success can be attributed to his breakthrough discoveries in what was once referred to as a “blue peel,” and which he now calls the ZO Controlled Depth Peel.  This is a very intensive and never before procedure that is designed to go under the epidermis to remedy any unhealthy skin condition, such as a rough texture or severe wrinkling.  Although the concept of this process has ancient origins, going back to the Egyptian Pharaohs in a very primitive form, it was Dr. Obagi who made the peel process a very precise and scientific one, resulting in a perfect, beautiful, glowing complexion customized for each individual patient.

However, the word, “peel” is widely misconceived today, not only by the wrong use of not only the expression itself, but also of the true meaning of the procedure.   For “scrubbing” just the surface of the skin is not a peel, and it is certainly not what Dr. Obagi is talking about!  That surface “peel” as they call it is nothing more than a microdermabrasion, if even that! One can do such “scrubbing” at home with the ZO skin care line. The blue peel however goes much, much deeper.

Sir Dr. Zein Obagi, a Certified and Official Knight

The key ingredient in the ZO Controlled Depth Peel is trichloracetic acid (or TCA). It has previously been used in dermatology for removing unwanted skin conditions, but in a very uncontrolled way. Dr. Zein Obagi took this ingredient and used it in a highly scientific approach to get down below the epidermis, using precisely measured concentrations of TCA and application times.  “Depth of the application was the key,” Dr. Obagi says, “and through much research we were able to control the use of the treatment to many different levels of the skin. What amount, what duration, to what depth? All of these questions were crucial, yet none of them were answered at the time. Nobody knew. I then added some color, the color blue as in the blue peel, so that we could see very clearly where it was working.  I myself was the first patient, so I knew exactly what was happening, and how the skin would react.”  And, this very fact is indicative of just who Dr. Obagi is, both as a doctor and a person. It is not another patient Dr. Obagi wants, it is his continuous quest and commitment to new heights and discoveries in science, which drives mankind further ahead: out with the old paradigm and in with the new! Better solutions and resolutions that actually work! That is why people come and visit him from around the world! 

But just doing a very precise peel directed at a specific skin level isn’t enough to guarantee beautiful results.  Before the treatment, Dr. Obagi’s patients also undergo a full one-month TAILORED treatment to prepare the patient for the peel procedure,-  taken that we are all different. Dr. Obagi does not have a “one fits for all”, nor he would want to.  This is partially why he is more successful than anyone else. As a footnote: I have worked with Dr. Obagi for years and just had the blue peel for the first time. After the peel I saw my physician unrelated to the matter, but who sees me at least once a year! Unbeknownst to him about the blue peel, he said: “your skin does not even look like you are 21 years of age. It looks better than 21. Much better! What happened?”   This statement coming from a doctor I highly respect, and who has known me for 18 years not only made my day, but when they would not allow me into a red carpet event I was invited to, and refused to serve me wine at the age of 46, it was a blessing I cannot describe!

Selena Obagi, Lady Adrienne Papp and Sir Dr. Obagi

There are several layers of the ZO blue peel process, namely five. Dr. Obagi decides based on each person what depth is needed. Mine was depth number four. A ZO Controlled Depth Peel process is followed up with stimulation, which encourages the skin cells to regenerate themselves and replace the older cells that have been removed during the treatment. “We provide treatment both before the peel and afterwards to ensure maximum effectiveness,” Dr. Obagi says.  “This is very different from others offering a peel with a very superficial and unscientific approach.  Only the ZO Controlled Depth Peel is a precise process that offers maximum effectiveness.  I would say that if a patient was to have one of my peels every 4 to 5 years, and take care of their skin otherwise, their skin would never age.”  (This is statement I know to be true looking at my own face. Dr. Obagi’s Controlled Depth Peel actually saved me from an eyelid surgery.)

Dr. Obagi is the only doctor in Beverly Hills who has received the honor of Knighthoodat an Investiture ceremony in Pasadena, California.  His Knighthood makes him part of the oldest original Order in the World going back to the year 312 A.D originating from the Roman Empire!

Classic tales of knights have long been used in movies using George Lucas’ version of Jedi Knights in the movieStar Wars, or the movie First Knight starring Richard Gere, which retells the timeless tale of King Arthur and the legend of Camelot starring Sir Sean Connery as King Arthur, Richard Gere as Sir Lancelot (knighted by the King, just as today) and Julia Ormond as the king’s young wife, Guinevere. In the film Arthur is reluctant to hand the crown to Lancelot (that is the power of a Knight carried through history,) and Guinevere is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her growing love for his rival, the young Knight, Lancelot.  Lancelot must balance his loyalty to the throne with the rewards of true love. A very humane story, yet a very applicable one. A knight, who becomes a “Sir” balances his contribution to the world, while adding to it his commitment to those who look up to him for guidance and answers! Just like we do to Dr. Obagi. I trust him with my life and so does every one of his patience. There will be no artificial look with Dr. Obagi, nor some quick fix that lasts for a week. It will be young, fresh, healthy skin that will glow till the rest of your life if you take care of it!

The Investiture Dinner on October 22, 2011 in Los Angeles

Classic knighthood ideals always aspire to courage, loyalty and honor, and traditionally noble titles come from heads of royal families, called a “royal house,” a dynastic family holding hereditary royal titles and privileges usually based upon modern or ancient geographical rulership, even if that royal dynastic family does not currently rule a nation in modern times.

In America our fascination with knighthood can be seen in colloquial titles bestowed upon celebrities like Elvis, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Michael Jackson, and the naming of mononymic star, Prince, although not in an official and REAL ROYAL WAY! This type of “royalty” here is a mere matter of speech.  When movie actress Grace Kelly became Princes Grace of Monaco, America celebrated. An example of the most recent royal sensation, our infatuation with Kate Middleton, a commoner who became a Princess, only adds to the ongoing enchantment of the role of royalty in the modern day. But, what Sir Dr. Obagi achieved is the same as Sir Richard Branson, a brilliant adventurer, as he calls himself, and of course a great entrepreneur; Sir Ben Kinsley, Sir Paul McCartney and the list goes to those the World knows by heart! 

Although the USA has no formal association with knighthood or royalty due to its short history (the country being only about 300 years old) while Europe has thousands of years of history with monarchs, it has been decided that private citizens in this country who are exemplary can be honored with knighthood for their chivalric contributions to the betterment of mankind.  Other examples of this include the honorary knighthoods granted by Queen Elizabeth II to former Presidents Reagan and Bush and to retired/retiring Generals Norman Schwartzkopf and Colin Powell. A legitimate noble title always has a legitimate royal source called a Fonhonorum (Latin: “source of honor,” the “fountainhead” from which the legitimate title is issued).

The current order of modern Knights and Ladies are people selected from various professions who have demonstrated a dedication to traditional chivalric values, including dignity; honesty; ethical conduct; education; in cases, military service; discoveries; contribution to the world at large; and in general goals that are noble in nature – all the while maintaining a sense of those great traditional values that have become more necessary today than ever before. These honorees, like Sir Dr. Zein Obagi, have been given the title “Sir,” or for women “Dame,” as with Dame Elizabeth Taylor, or Dame Barbara Walters, as more popularly expressed in Europe: “Lady” expressly for these noble values.

Regardless to which Order one belongs to, the modern Knights and Ladies of the 21st Century are by sworn oath required to uphold certain traditional and historic values, which however they have already demonstrated during their whole life. That is why they qualified to this most exceptional honor. During the ceremonies of investiture, the members pledge themselves to the Duke, Grand Master, and to the Constitution of the Order to follow its ideals of personal honor and courage thus setting examples in the world.

Sir Dr. Zein Obagi Lecturing to thousands of doctors worldwide

Though based in old world values, forward-thinking technologies are also part of the heritage of royal orders. A recent example is the work of England’s Prince Charles not needing to be knighted, as he was born into privilege thus carrying the royal title already, is strongly committed to historic projects like restoring old castles in Europe while at the same time promoting the most recent green technologies like solar energy, organic farming, hydrogen energy sources and other self-sustaining principles. He is currently developing a high concept eco-friendly model village for poor people in India that will include schools, shops, and 3,000 homes, allegedly inspired after seeing the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. This multi-million-dollar venture will be placed on a 25-acre wasteland on the outskirts of either Kolkata or Bangalore. Features of the town will include oversized roofs with overhanging palm trees to collect rainwater to use for showering, shade and natural ventilation systems to combat the high temperatures. 

For Sir Dr. Zein Obagi, Knighthood is an appreciation and recognition of his ongoing commitment to making the world a better place to live in, and helping countless amount of individuals around the World through his work!  His vision has been resulting in millions of people now having access to treatments that allow healthy, beautiful skin they only dreamt about.  By offering this innovative advancement in the science of healthy skin, he has tremendously improved the self-esteem and enhanced the physical appearance to the gratefulness of his clients internationally!

As Sir Dr. Obagi continues to explore the scientific possibilities of improving the appearance and health of skin, the Order of which he is now a part also remains actively committed to making the world a better place to live. Since 2005, the Order of Knighthood has raised and donated many hundreds of thousands of dollars and will continue to do so to help the less fortunate, which was the original idea already at conception. The Order now has a growing presence in 13 countries and has been publicized in the press  around the world. Next year the Order will visit the Vatican to celebrate the seventeenth-hundred anniversary of its founding in 312 A.D. While no longer required to maintain a “battle-trained horse, three lances and armor in good repair,” the Ladies and Knights of this Imperial and Sovereign Order will continue to grow and prosper expanding their influence and chivalric values everywhere. 

I had the honor and great privilege to be appointed in January of 2011 as the exclusive worldwide publicist (or as in the old language, Public Officer) to the Order. Only through personal recommendation can an extraordinary person be invested into the Order as a Knight or a Lady. And after my 15 years of knowing and understanding the work of Sir Dr. Obagi and his lovely and dedicated wife, Lady Samar, I am proud to announce their honorable recognition as extraordinary citizens of the World!

About the Author of This Article:  Lady Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View,Celebrity Society,Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Todayamong many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicityand publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazineis owned by Atlantic United, Incwith Adrienne Pappbeing the majority shareholder.

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…And Changed the World!

Steve Jobs

By Adrienne Papp

In 1976, two young college dropouts with a vision, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, created the first consumer-oriented personal computer in a garage in Mountain View, Calif.  They had sold a van and two calculators to raise $1300 to start the business, which they called Apple.  Like a lot of other entrepreneurial stories, this one had less than a modest beginning, yet Apple, through Wozniak’s genius for computer design and Jobs’ product vision ended up becoming the single most valuable company in the world in many sense of the word. But the legacy of Steven Paul Jobs of Apple can’t be measured strictly in terms of just dollars and cents. Not only he was a Buddhist, which made him see the larger picture and not just the daily tasks, but also he lived with a goal and mission in mind every day.  The legacy he leaves behind is more about the vision and inextinguishable flame of the creative spirit, which all by itself is genius that drove him on a narrow path hardly understood by many. The determination and commitment that this very narrow path calls for is not for everyone.  But this very depth of consciousness, which made him reevaluate his course continuously and live up to his own, rather than other’s expectations, is what made Steve Jobs the single biggest genius of our time changing not only the course of technology but mankind.

When Steve Jobs died on October 5, it was a reminder that true greatness can often come from the most unexpected places. He was born on February 24, 1955 in San Francisco and was given up for adoption by graduate student Joanne Schieble. Insisting that her son be raised by college graduates, the baby boy was to be adopted by an attorney, but when the couple decided they wanted a girl, her son was adopted by the family of Paul and Clara Jobs of Mountain View, a working class couple with no college background.

Committed to sending their son to college, as mandated by the birthmother, the Jobs devoted their life saving to sending Steve to Reed College in Oregon.  That didn’t make sense to Jobs, as he noted in a famous commencement speech given at Stanford University in 2005:

“I naively chose a college that was almost as expensive as Stanford, and all of my working-class parents’ savings were being spent on my college tuition. After six months, I couldn’t see the value in it. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and no idea how college was going to help me figure it out. And here I was spending all of the money my parents had saved their entire life. So I decided to drop out and trust that it would all work out OK. It was pretty scary at the time, but looking back it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The minute I dropped out I could stop taking the required classes that didn’t interest me, and begin dropping in on the ones that looked interesting.”

Steve Jobs and Stephen Wozniak

One of the classes he took was calligraphy, which had a direct influence on the interface we now see on our personal computers:

“Reed College at that time offered perhaps the best calligraphy instruction in the country. I decided to take a calligraphy class to learn how to do this. I learned about serif and san serif typefaces, about varying the amount of space between different letter combinations, about what makes great typography great. It was beautiful, historical, artistically subtle in a way that science can’t capture, and I found it fascinating. Ten years later, when we were designing the first Macintosh computer, it all came back to me. It was the first computer with beautiful typography. If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do.”

If Steve Wozniak was a true computer genius in terms of circuit board design, it was Jobs who had the vision to see how that could be translated into products that were easy to use and able to transform our personal lives.  Jobs could take an idea and run with it and create something that would be, in his words, “insanely great.”

The creative legend of Steve Jobs, Apple, and the personal computer began in 1979, when the 24-year old entrepreneur visited Xerox PARC, the research arm of Xerox Corporation and experimental laboratory of technology concepts in the Silicon Valley. There he observed new concept that was the forerunner of the modern mouse. At Xerox PARC, the mouse was a clunky device in a primitive format. But Jobs realized its potential and transformed it into something elegant and functional. Now it’s impossible to think of operating a personal computer without one.

Steve Jobs has been called the Edison of our time, and while Apple may not have been the first company to come up with a breakthrough concept, it was Jobs who had the vision to craft the technology into something with an almost mystical sense of cool. Apple didn’t invent the mp3 player, a company called Audio Highway did. But when Steve Jobs said during a product introduction in 2001 that “to have your whole music library with you at all times is a quantum leap in listening to music” and then pulled the iPod out of his jeans pocket, it became obvious that this was a defining moment in technology, that in creating the iPod Jobs had transcended all existing technology. It first occurred to me about 16 years ago when I was buying a million CDs just to be able to combine a library of music I liked by recording one or two songs of each CD to a cassette tape at the time. I thought to myself: am I the only one who does not want to listen to a whole CD and needs to keep on changing CDs to get the music she wants?

Likewise, Apple didn’t invent the online music store, someone named Ivan J. Parron did. But it was Jobs who brokered the deals with record companies to allow iTunes to become the number one music retailer in the world after its introduction in 2003, eventually selling more than 10 billion songs.

And then there is the iPhone. Apple didn’t invent the first smartphone. IBM, Nokia and other companies had the technology first. But under Job’s direction Apple’s iPhone redefined what a phone should be, a touch screen device that allows you to carry your “life in your pocket,” as he said when he introduced it in 2007. Personally, although I consider myself very lucky and blessed in life with a tremendous amount of joy, trials, triumphs and tribulations, I still say that the best thing that has ever happened to me was the IPhone.

Jobs and Wozniak

The lesson we can take from Steve Jobs’ visit to Xerox PARC and the products he created based on formative technology is that being first isn’t nearly as important as being great. It’s always better to be the best and Jobs’ defining genius came from taking ideas in their initial, primitive formats and transforming them into unique products of elegant functionality.

As he continued to refine the technology and products that would change our lives, he came up against an adversary that he couldn’t outthink or transform. Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and underwent surgery in 2004, and eventually needed a liver transplant. Those encounters with his own mortality helped shape his views of life and death, a perspective he shared in a remarkable 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University.  It wasn’t a rousing speech full of encouragement and rah-rah spirit.  Instead it was serious and philosophical, as Jobs urged the graduates to remember that the future is uncertain and that death could be just around the corner, and that life should be a journey of following your heart. In the speech he said “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

His burning desire for greatness began early as Jobs told the students “When I was 17 I read a quote that went something like, ‘If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you will most certainly be right.’ It made an impression on me. And since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself, ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I needed to change something.”

Adrienne Papp, Jennifer C, Stephen Wozniak, Bob O and Mrs. Wozniak

Parts of this speech are as important as any of the consumer products that Steve Jobs gifted us with during his brilliant career. He will be remembered for words like these long after the life of his creations: “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose!  You are already naked; there is no reason not to follow your heart. No one wants to die … and yet, death is the destination we all share. Death is very likely the single best invention of life. It’s life’s change agent.”

He added:  “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.”

Steve Jobs parting words to Stanford’s graduating class of 2005 were “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”

I believe that Jobs’ biggest contribution yet to the world were these words: “Death is very likely the single best invention of life. It’s life’s change agent.”  I believe that living with this simple axiom every day would make every single person bring out the best she/he can be on Earth. With this one sentence Steve Jobs summarized what I am trying to convey in my writings, what Oprah Winfrey is talking about every day, what quantum physics teach us, what the chaos theory, which we still just starting to understand explains, and what every working man and woman in whichever profession is trying to do every day IF they are conscious enough: become the best they can be! That is the biggest contribution to mankind a human can achieve! Stay hungry for it! Or, as Jobs put it: Stay hungry! Period!

Every Day Counts

The great test of genius is its longevity, and as some of the most famous people in the world offer words that celebrate the life of Steve Jobs, from Presidents to Bill Gates to Mark Zuckerberg to George Lucas, the people who have helped define our modern world, it is the message that Jobs himself left that rings out the loudest and will be remembered longest:

“Most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition,” he said to those Stanford grads, “they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”  And, if these metaphysical words (also wrongly used at times as “spirituality”) do not ring a bell with you from a straight out scientist with world changing technology inventions then nothing will ever do!

About the Author of This Article:  Lady Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View,Celebrity Society,Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Todayamong many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicityand publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazineis owned by Atlantic United, Incwith Adrienne Pappbeing the majority shareholder.

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Drugs, Money, Power and Drama: Is it worth a life or two? 

By Adrienne Papp

In what is shaping up to be one of the most sensational trials in U.S. history, Michael Jackson’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray is on trial for the death of the iconic pop star.

The trail began on Tuesday in a courtroom in downtown Los Angeles on September 27.  Fans from all over the world convened at the site and even held a vigil in a prayer circle. Jackson’s family was also in attendance and images of the King of Pop were seen all around the courthouse grounds — including posters that Jackson fans waved for a throng of news crews.  There was even a Jackson impersonator prowling halls of the courthouse.

As the trial began the audience was narrowed down to an audience of 12 Jurors who heard and watched clips of Jackson singing and dancing in rehearsals two days before his death.

It was the audio recording of Jackson’s voice that seemed to have the most emotional impact and brought Jackson’s presence back to those in attendance.  Both Murray and Jackson’s mother broke down and were seen weeping during the playback of the performer’s voice and other materials as various performances and audio tapes were introduced by the defense, who had not previously disclosed that the recordings were to be used in their opening statements.  Jackson’s voice echoed hauntingly through the packed courtroom in a low mumbling voice: “I want them to say, ‘I’ve never seen nothing like this in my life. He’s the greatest entertainer of all time.’” As Jackson’s mother, Katherine, looked on tearfully, the prosecutor said the recording showed the doctor knew “Michael’s state” and continued procuring drugs for him. “Michael Jackson literally put his life in the hands of Conrad Murray,” Deputy Dist. Atty. David Walgren said. “That misplaced trust cost Michael Jackson his life.” 

Jackson died from an overdose of propofol on June 25, 2009. Midazolam and several other sedatives were also found in his system.

Dr. Murray, Jackson’s personal physician, is on trial for manslaughter and accused of killing Jackson by providing him with the dangerous anesthetics. Walgren told jurors that Dr. Murray “acted as an employee. He did not act as a medical professional using sound medical judgment.”

As the second day of the trial got underway on Wednesday new witnesses including Jackson’s personal assistant Amir Williams and paramedics are expected to provide fresh details on what is sure to be one of the most riveting trials to be held in Los Angeles.  In addition to the ongoing procedures, Jackson’s fans and family have an acute interest in finding out more details about the death of one of the most exciting and popular performers in pop music history.

I anticipate that this trial will be very controversial.

On one end we are dealing with an icon, who admittedly and sadly enough was addicted to various sedatives and painkillers, which of course brought him to a point where almost nothing was enough to make him go to sleep. Why is that so unusual? It is a medical fact.

On the other hand, he was facing a huge tour, and knowing Michael’s perfectionist approach to his art, he did want to do his best, which he himself expressed even under sedation. Therefore, he badly needed the sleep to be able to perform, which justified clearly that it was not the time to start withdrawal and face his addiction. Everyone who has sleep problems, even if not as serious as Jackson’s was, knows that once all options for sleep aids have been exhausted, there is very little left any doctor can do in the ordinary way. The body starts tolerating all types of sleep aids and you simply cannot go to sleep unless some miraculous cocktail of pills do the trick. But even that is usually just temporary and of course can be dangerous.

Was the job of Dr. Murray to get Michael off of these sleep aids, or was his job to get him THROUGH THE CHALLENGES OF THE ADMITTEDLY LARGE TOUR? It’s the latter. That is why he was hired. I would not be surprised if the plan would have been that which it seemed: “This is it,” said Jackson, knowing and announcing that he will NOT perform more. At which time (after the tour) Dr. Murray or someone else could have started withdrawing him? Which I am sure was his intention too somewhere down the line. Nobody can go on living sleepless. That is pure torture!  Just looking at his history, he did realize he had a problem as he was in rehab before. Yet, he needed to get through the tour! It is really a catch 22! I do not know if this very fact is being looked at at all. But, in my opinion it should, – because this is the reality of the story! 

Now, could have Michael Jackson afforded rehab BEFORE the tour? A lengthy series of concerts of a lifetime (in the sense that he was saying goodbye), which concert however mainly was put on to ease his financial burdens?  No, obviously not. Otherwise, they would have done just that! Michael’s financial pressure alone may have contributed to a great degree, if not to the largest degree, to his insomnia. So, he almost had no choice but do the tour! Couple that with other factors and you are looking at a performer who is watched by the whole world in anticipation of a miraculous tour, and the performance of a legend that has sold out in “minutes” way ahead of time! Under these circumstances he simply MUST perform! If any of us cannot sleep for a few nights here and there it is painful enough all by itself, but we do not need to stand up in front of billions to look perfect and give the performance of a lifetime, which is what Michael wanted! How could he have achieved that without medical help in his fragile condition?

This trial is a very, very sad necessity in the sense that yes, we need to know what happened! But, everyone was up against the wall in a situation that could be best described as:  could have, should have, would have… And, the question still remains:  what would have been the right thing to do? Cancel the tour due to Jackson’s frail health and go to rehab? Or, give it his last best and resolve his constant financial burden so that he can finally gain peace of mind and somewhat get to go to sleep through some serious rehab? Only Michael Jackson could answer that!  I do not believe that this tragic situation will produce answers in a courtroom because Michael is not among us any longer to tell us what he felt and what he needed! And, none of us can decide that for him!

About the Author of This Article:  Lady Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View,Celebrity Society,Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Todayamong many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicityand publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazineis owned by Atlantic United, Incwith Adrienne Pappbeing the majority shareholder.

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By Adrienne Papp

But, what we did not know about Michael Jackson or care to understand, was that he was deeply hurt by the world. He lived a very isolated and lonely life despite outside appearances. His soul struggled daily to overcome the pain that was constant throughout his life in one form or another. First, as a child with no childhood at all, then as a grown up attacked by the public and media equally, calling him “Wacko Jacko” and many other derogatory adjectives.
As was later proved, he was irrevocably broken by the false child molestation accusations, his spirit and mental state ruined forever. There seemed to have been no understanding that he only meant to do good and support those who were just as unfortunate as he was when a child. He not only deeply identified with the need for love in these children, but also wanted to “repair” the missing elements in his own soul by giving. A beautiful way to support the world and those in need. Yet, he was grossly misunderstood and obviously taken advantage of. Jackson ended up paying huge amounts of money just to rid himself of yet another painful incident, which these lawsuits exploited. The events in his life should shed a light on the less evolved side of human nature: greed, speculation and underhandedness from those who attach themselves to successful and unsuspecting kindred spirits only to advance themselves by twisting the truth any which way their interest dictates.
Jackson is not the only victim to such behavior in polite society by those with a lesser God. This is a phenomenon that happens not only in Hollywood but most everywhere successful people try to lend a helping hand. And, then comes the media with its sensationalism. The combination of the two is enough to break the toughest of spirits.
I myself was skeptical at first about the allegations against Jackson due to the media coverage, but soon the truth became clear: He was not guilty Folks! But, because of Jackson’s inherent eagerness to create love and peace, settling was more congruent with his beliefs than getting into long drawn public arguments where ignorance dictates all judgments shadowing any attempt to understanding the human spirit, or even the obvious truth.

Genius is often accompanied by an elusive and quirky nature. That combined with the shyness and sensitivity Jackson had made him an enigma that the average mind had a hard time understanding.
Topping all this was the endless speculation about Jackson changing his appearance frequently, as if it was anybody’s business but his own. Constant dissatisfaction is a trait of a perfectionist and a habit of an artist ever wanting to express himself. The constant reinvention of himself and his perfectionist tendencies are the very same traits that made him the single most creative artist of our time. His mere presence on stage defined a new era in entertainment and influenced the entire world. Ironically, just as his fans made him successful by their support, the very same outside world devastated him to the degree that he was close to a nervous breakdown more often than not, becoming a fragile man with a broken spirit and frequently lonely existence.
Even Michael Jackson’s legendary wealth was in sharp decline. There was speculation that he only decided to do the 50-concert comeback in order to save himself from bankruptcy and due to the pressure from his own people. He found himself in a huge financial hole which only was getting bigger and bigger, but was able to maintain some financial stability based on his half ownership of the copyrights to The Beatles catalogue. That joint venture with record company Sony technically kept him from bankruptcy.
A source close to Jackson says that he predicted his own death just a week before he died: “I am better off dead. I do not have anywhere left to turn. I am done.” The source also added, “He said he was worried that he was going to end up like Elvis. He was always comparing himself to Elvis, but there was something in his tone that made me think that he wanted to die, he was tired of life. He gave up. His voice and dance moves weren’t there any more. I think maybe he wanted to die rather than embarrass himself on stage. The most obvious comparison between the King of Pop and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was their prescription drug habits, which in Jackson’s case had significantly intensified in his final months.”

Jackson’s tragic death made me compassionate and upset at the same time. Two questions are definitely raised by his sudden passing and the way he was forced to live. First, when will the medical community realize that the solution does not lie in prescription drugs? Hanging around celebrities for recognition and giving them drugs in order to get into their good graces is not helping their heath but rather hastening their death.
Secondly, when will the media finally back off ? Why is it necessary to delve into the very private lives of celebrities and not only dig until they hit the kidneys, but cover a story (whether true or not) until the audience gets sick of it? Then, move onto yet another one, again, until we all get sick of it? In the meantime, the world is falling apart and there is more than enough to talk about besides gossip and one celebrity or another without a break. I sometimes wonder how one topic can be talked about for days or weeks from so many angles yet with one meaning.

Michael Jackson was undoubtedly the most talented performer of his generation and will be remembered forever. But his music and talent may be overshadowed by the grotesque caricature of him that was perpetuated in the media.
Now that he is gone, it is time to appreciate him and his talents for what they really are, and not what fashionable and sensational interpretations describe them to be.

About the Author of This Article:  Lady Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View,Celebrity Society,Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Todayamong many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicityand publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazineis owned by Atlantic United, Incwith Adrienne Pappbeing the majority shareholder.

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Jane Lynch Hosting the 2011 Emmy Awards

By Adrienne Papp

Americans just love their TV!  Despite what one may have heard about the popularity of video games and all the things that can be done on the latest gadgets of Apple, etc., television is really what brings Americans together in our living rooms. On Sunday night’s 63^rd Emmy broadcast from the Nokia Center, television’s best was celebrated in typical Hollywood style, which means there were plenty of dazzling dresses and diamonds on display on the red carpet and also a few of those moments that are refreshingly unscripted.

Half the fun of watching the Emmys is keeping score of the announced winners compared to your picks.  The odds are in your favor if you picked “Modern Family” to sweep most of the categories it was nominated in and Jon Stewart’s “The Daily News” to score another win in the Variety, Music or Comedy category. But the real excitement at the Emmys is about watching an underdog get a surprising win, get emotional, shed a few tears, talk off script and say things that are completely unexpected.

With host Jane Lynch the centerpiece of a rousing musical opening that included Leonard Nimoy and a host of set pieces from popular TV shows, the broadcast got off to an energetic start and proceeded to showcase sometimes predictable winners, but also a few real surprises.

ABC’s “Modern Family” juggernaut picked up where it left off last year with wins for best comedy series, writing, direction, supporting actress Julie Bowen, and supporting actor Ty Burrell.  In accepting his award, creator Steve Levitan cited not only the show’s ample lineup of talent, but also its empathy for interracial and same-sex couples. Other winners in the category were the “Big Bang Theory” with repeat winner Jim Parsons and “Mike and Molly” where Melissa McCarthy won for lead actress in a comedy series. In one of those surprising Emmy moments, all nominees, including Edie Falco, Tina Fey, Laura Linney, Amy Poehler and Martha Plimpton rushed the stage when announced like finalists in a beauty pageant. When Melissa McCarthy won for her role in CBS’ “Mike & Molly,” not only was she given the award, she was also crowned and offered bouquet of roses. “Holy smokes!” she exclaimed. “It’s my first and best pageant ever. Sorry, I’m a crier. I’m from Plainfield, Ill, and I’m standing here and it’s kind of amazing.”  So all of you actresses out there who think you’re not pretty enough or don’t fit the right figure profile, let Melissa McCarthy be an inspiration to you.

With Jane Lynch as host, you knew there had to be some biting comedy, and she didn’t disappoint.  In what may have been the best barb of the night, Jane Lynch introduced the cast of HBO’s recently retired comedy series by saying, “A lot of people are curious why I’m a lesbian. Ladies and gentlemen, the cast of ‘Entourage.’”

Other big winners on Sunday night’s show were AMC’s “Mad Men,” the highly stylized Madison Avenue period drama which earned its fourth consecutive Emmy for drama series (and also inspired at least two new 60s-period shows on the fall slate).

That bastion of broadcast creativity, HBO, was a big winner on Sunday with its tough period mini-series “Boardwalk Empire” which took home 8 Emmys and a directing award for Martin Scorsese, and “Mildred Pierce,” which had 21 nominations heading into the show, taking home 5.

Though it recently ended, critical favorite “Friday Nights Lights” was finally given some of the respect it deserved all along, taking home Emmys for best writing in a dramatic series (by showrunner Jason Katims) and best lead actor statue for Kyle Chandler. Accepting his award, Katims quoted the series’ T-shirt-worthy slogan “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose.”

In an intriguing moment, ripe for a live Emmy situational disaster, Charlie Sheen came on as a presenter and in a surprisingly classy move, offered his best wishes to “Three and a Half Men,” the show he departed after a series of controversial public incidents. “From the bottom of my heart,” Sheen said, “I wish you nothing but the best for this upcoming season. I know you will continue to make great television.”  It was an act of uncommon generosity from the man who had become a sensation with his boastful tabloid headlines

In other key awards, Julianna Margulies won again for lead actress in CBS’ “The Good Wife,” supporting actor in a drama series went to Peter Dinklage for HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and Margo Martindale picked up her first Emmy for supporting actress in a drama series in FX’s “Justified.”

If you were looking for a good old-fashioned Steve Martin/Chevy Chase type of moment, Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon did their best when they scuffled on the floor and Kimmel grabbed Fallon’s acceptance speech out of his pocket (Fallon was nominated for Best Variety, Music or Comedy Series). Riffing on Fallon’s fake script, Kimmel said, “Another note to self: Hold trophy like it’s the Lion King baby.”

In a centerpiece music performance, Lonely Island delivered a hilarious live medley performance, featuring guest appearances by Michael Bolton, Maya Rudolph, John Stamos, Ed Helms and Akon. The musical trio, led Andy Samberg, had three songs nominated for Best Original Song, and they really stole the show on Sunday’s prime time broadcast.

In the highbrow division, “Mildred Piece” failed to live up to pre-Emmy expectations. It took key awards for Kate Winslet and a supporting actor trophy for Guy Pearce, but it was the PBS miniseries “Downton Abbey” that won four awards in the category, including best Miniseries or Movie.  Barry Pepper took the lead actor Emmy in a TV miniseries or movie for his role as Robert F. Kennedy in the Reelz Channel’s “The Kennedys.”

About the Author of This Article:  Lady Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View,Celebrity Society,Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Todayamong many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicityand publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazineis owned by Atlantic United, Incwith Adrienne Pappbeing the majority shareholder. 

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Surviving an Abusive Mother and Getting a Life Abundant

Debra Pauli

By Adrienne Papp

Life, even under the best of conditions, is often extremely harsh.  Even those who live a charmed one suffer their share of pain, disappointment and loss as life takes its toll on even the most privileged among us. As if there was always something to “pay for.”

But imagine what it would be like to start out a life in an atmosphere of total fear, humiliation and hopelessness, to be deprived of the joys of childhood, to be brutalized and taunted from birth and treated as evil by the people who were responsible  to love and nurture you — your parents? That was the torture inflicted on Debra Pauli from birth, a case of parental brutalization so severe that it has been documented as one of the worst child abuse cases in U.S. history, which puzzles the mind even more: an innocent baby is “made to pay” for something that she does not even know about. Instead of unconditional love, she receives unconditional hate.

“My Mother  had no time or tolerance for her daughters, me or my sister Danielle, who was born eleven months after I was in 1962. Both of us were kept isolated in separate small closets as infants and in the basement as toddlers. The meager food we received was placed in a bowl on the stairs, as if we were pets.”

Physical torture was continual and included cigarette burns and the use of pharmaceutical drugs (four doses of valium per day) to keep Debra quiet.  “I was fed an assortment of pills beginning when I was about two years old.  My mother had convinced a doctor that she needed adult prescription drugs for her stress, which then she used these drugs to keep me sedated,” Debra says.

Debra Pauli lived every day of her childhood being demonized by her mother and was psychologically and physically tortured well into adolescence.  Yet through sheer willpower she was able to survive the horrendous abuse.  It’s a story that has drawn a lot of national attention, a childhood drama worthy of an uplifting Lifetime Channel biography.  And the best part is that there is no tragic ending.  Instead, Debra Pauli was able to triumph over her nightmares and become recognized as an inspiration and champion for victims everywhere, an author, motivational speaker and role model for us all.

Debra at Her 50th Birthday

How is this possible? How can someone with such a horrific history become such a guiding light for abused and downtrodden souls everywhere?

Debra’s early life has been published in a series of candid autobiographical books, searing personal memoirs that reveal a life of unspeakably sadistic treatments as a child.  Hers was a nightmare that began at birth as Debra was branded “The Devil’s Daughter” by her paranoid schizophrenic mother.

But that’s all behind her.  The most important part of her life is what’s happening now.  She has been able to share her survival story and healing process as she has become recognized by the public as a respected and truly extraordinary woman who has the strength that is almost impossible to obtain and yet maintain, especially at her age, and on top of it all, she was able to rely upon this higher calling her entire life! Against all odds, Debra Pauli faced daily torture, along with numerous near death experiences  from birth, yet somehow survived to be able to share her message of hope with us all!

“One day I heard a tiny but powerful voice inside me say that things would be all right, a voice telling me that ‘It’s not you, it’s her, your mother” Debra recalls.  “If it hadn’t been for that message, I don’t know if I could have survived my crazed mother. Something deep inside me told me that there was something better for me, that my mother’s hatred would not destroy me. My mother could physically and emotionally torment me, but she would NEVER take away my will to survive, but only make it stronger.”

When she finally gained freedom from her horrendous home life, Debra ran into a new set of problems, getting pregnant in her freshman year of high school. “My first husband was also physically abusive,” Debra says. “In my ninth month of pregnancy, he pushed me out of a moving car. During an argument, he leaned over while driving and opened the passenger door and shoved  me out. I rolled down into a ditch while desperately trying to protect the life of my unborn child.”

With an indomitable will to succeed, Debra finally got her GED and, though busy raising four sons and taking care of her family, still found time to pursue a higher education, earning a 3.7 to 4.0 GPA and degrees for Graphic Arts/Word Processing and Psychology/Sociology thru a State University.  She was finally on track to a healthier, more productive life.  There were still numerous pitfalls to be overcome, however, and, after a divorce from her first husband, Debra was to suffer through two more disastrous relationships, including a sham marriage to a man who turned out to be a closet homosexual.

Tormented by the memories of daily childhood terror, torture and near-death experiences, Debra began exorcising the demons of her early life in a series of books, including A Survivor’s Closet, And Then There Was Light – My Spiritual Cleansing, and Why We Cry for a Soul Set Free.  The books are brutally honest accounts of Debra’s childhood, and were part of the process of liberating herself from her horrors.

The unlikely ending to this horrific story of torment and abuse is that today Debra has become one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the country. Through her cathartic presentation of raw passion and brutal honesty, she is a living example of perseverance as the key to survival. Her searing life story is testimony to the incredible amount of courage needed to survive even catastrophic child abuse cases. Triumphing over her imposed demons, instead of escaping into drugs or alcohol, she has become the successful role model who now inspires others to overcome life’s harshest realities.

Against all odds, Debra Pauli is now a highly successful businesswoman, best-selling author and life coach who can teach others, as individuals or in groups, not only how to survive harsh realities, but also how to become successful, decent, passionate and loving humans. Her story is one for the ages, and is now attracting the attention of Hollywood for development as a feature film or television mini-series.

Through her efforts to honestly expose her life in books, speaking performances and seminars for small, medium and large corporations, Debra Pauli has become an inspiration to us all,  a legend who can show us that, no matter how big our life problems are, we can not only survive, but also make our dreams come true.

Debra Pauli’s story gives us hope and courage. Her triumph over horrific adversities is a message that she now shares with people in desperate need of a voice of encouragement or better known as “One Survivor’s Voice for Millions of Silent Victims”. Through her books, speaking tours and a feature film in the making, we can all be grateful that Debra Pauli is not only a survivor, but also is able to share a personal message that can make the world a much better place for us all.

About the Author of This Article:  Lady Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View,Celebrity Society,Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Todayamong many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicityand publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazineis owned by Atlantic United, Incwith Adrienne Pappbeing the majority shareholder.

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