We are pleased to announce that Marci Weiner, internationally known columnist and TV personality will be writing a regular column for www.KNBSTV.com.  Marci's syndicated column is in many local and national publications, and she has appeared on such TV shows as Joan Rivers, USA Network, Soap Talk, and Hollywood Style.  She is currently taping a series "Hollywood Marci" which originates in  Houston, Texas.

Marci's Hollywood Hotline will be a regular feature on www.KNBSTV.com and you can submit info and invitations to her at hlbt@earthlink.net  

Marci’s Hollywood Hotline                          By Marci Weiner

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS MEDIA FOUNDATION

     The International Women’s Media Foundation honors women journalists who have shown extraordinary strength of character and integrity while reporting the news under dangerous or difficult circumstances.  Appropriately, Christian Amanpour, renowned international correspondent for CNN, acted as Mistress of Ceremonies, and among those honored were Farida Nekzad, Managing Editor of Pajhwok Afghan News, and Sevgul Uludag, investigative reporter for Yeniduzen newspaper in Cyprus. 
     First Lady of California and a respected journalist herself, Maria Shriver, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Edith Lederer, who has for four decades worked on every continent covering wars, famines and political upheavals.  She has worked as Chief Correspondent for The Associated press covering conflicts in Darfur, Iraq, Congo and Kosovo, to name a few, and was the first woman assigned full time to reporting on the Vietnam War.
     Some of the many celebs on hand to support these brave women. Included Award winning actress Renee Zellweger, Victoria Principal and Julie Chen, co-anchor, CBS News, The Early Show. To illustrate that not only women are involved in this organization, Billionaire Howard Graham Buffett  (Warren Buffett’s son)  stated, “I joined the IWMF Leadership circle because of their initiative to improve reporting on issues of food insecurity, conflict and gender inequality in Africa.  I believe in freedom of the press, and to strengthen the role of women in the new media worldwide.” 

Columnist Marci Weiner with Vijay Amritraj

RISING STARS GALA                        Marci Weiner

     Oscar winning actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. presented the Sherry Lansing Award to producer Paula Wagner at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Wagner, who launched Cruise/Wagner Productions, with Tom Cruise, has produced a wide range of award wining films included Mission Impossible and The Last Samurai, which have earned over $3 billion in worldwide box office receipts.
     Wagner has generously shared her time with numerous non-profit organizations, and has been an important influence in the careers of women embarking o a career in the entertainment business.  Cuba, who won an Oscar for his role in Jerry Maguire (opposite Tom Cruise)  helped conduct the auction, which featured VIP trips to Las Vegas, Cabos San Lucas and London, and joyfully blurted our his famous catchphrase,  –“Show me the money” from the film.
       Alan Arkin, who portrayed her grandfather in Little Miss Sunshine, presented the Young Heroes Award to 12-year old actress, Abigail Breslin, who serves as a positive role model to young people. Both Arkin and Breslin were nominated for Oscars for their roles in the critically acclaimed film, and obviously share a lasting friendship.
Breslin, who was named after First Lady of the U.S. Abigail Adams, collects American Girl Dolls and is thrilled to be starring in Kit Kittredge:  An American Girl.
     Funds raised from this event support Big Brothers/Big Sisters who are dedicated to empowering children who face economic and social challenges through a variety of programs, which provide one- to- one mentoring with a positive role model.  There certainly were lots of fabulous role models in house that evening!