Blog

Excellence in Journalism Day
08.29.14
Interested in quality journalism and need a day of inspiration to learn more about the craft? You can attend the Excellence in Journalism Day at Chapman University in Orange on Saturday, Sept. 6. It’s a free conference organized by the Orange County Press Club thanks to generous grants and donations.
Eleven Pulitzer Prize winners, two Emmy-winning broadcasters and two New York Time best-selling nonfiction authors will provide inspiration and share their skills during a day of workshops.
The conference begins at 9 a.m. in Memorial Hall, with attendees dispersing about 9:20 a.m. for breakout sessions in Argyros Forum.
You can choose among five breakouts each hour, starting at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Lunch is on your own from 11:30 a.m.- 2p.m., with great choices in nearby Olde Town Orange.
You can RSVP to attend by emailing ocpressclub@orangecountypressclub.com.
Featured presenters include:
Claudia Rowe, education solutions reporter, The Seattle Times
Gustavo Arellano, editor, OC Weekly, author, commentator
Charles Apple, Focus Page editor, Orange County Register
Norberto Santana Jr., editor-in-chief, Voice of OC
Keith Esparros, investigative reporter, KNBC/4, Los Angeles
Don Bartletti, Los Angeles Times photographer, Pulitzer Prize winner
Michele Gile, Orange County bureau chief, KCBS/2,KCAL/9
James V. Grimaldi, The Wall Street Journal, Pulitzer Prize winner
Susan Kelleher, The Seattle Times, Pulitzer Prize winner
David Hasemyer, freelance investigative journalist/InsideCliimate.com, Pulitzer Prize winner
Michele Nicolosi, The Orange County Register, Pulitzer Prize winner
Martin Dugard, nonfiction author of three New York Times best-sellers with Bill O’Reilly
Amy DePaul, nonfiction author, UCI literary journalism program
Caitlin Rother, nonfiction author, UC San Diego Extension
Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, Pulitzer Prize winner
Abigail Goldman, LA Times, Pulitzer Prize winner
Gary Metzker, Chapman University, Pulitzer Prize winner
Joe Little, multimedia journalist, KGTV/10, San Diego, Emmy winner
Gary Reynolds, senior director of production operations, ESPN
Rob Curley, editor, Orange County Register
Kim Christensen, Los Angeles Times, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner
Jeff Gottlieb, Los Angeles Times, Pulitzer Prize winner
Terry Wimmer, University of Arizona journalism professor, Pulitzer Prize winner
Martin J. Smith, editor, Orange Coast Magazine, nonfiction author
Samantha Dunn, writing coach, author, journalist, freelancer
Chapman University is at One University Drive, in Orange.
Blog

Michael O’Connor’s Emmy Style Lab 2014
08.28.14
By Sue Facter
Hollywood awards season is not complete without a visit from New York based jewelry aficionado, Michael O’Connor. The style guru hosted his annual Emmy Style Lab at the L’Ermitage Hotel where he showcased the latest in bling for celebrities, nominees and stylists to rule on the Emmy red carpet. This is an invitation and appointment-only event.
The former QVC style director says that color is the key, even for diamonds. “Celebrities are choosing to reinvent classic designs with modern shapes and patterns.” (We spotted chocolate diamonds!)
For 48 hours pre-Emmys from dawn till dusk, he hosts a constant flow of well-heeled guests. And we’re not talking Louboutins. When Greer’s OC stopped in, Kate Flannery (“The Office”) was on her way out, after selecting a pair of drop leaf earrings by Kallati worth $15K with 2.6 carats pave set with diamonds. Another Kate (Linder, “Young and Restless”) called his private line. Kate Mulgrew (“Orange is the New Black”) was drawn to Leo Diamond stiletto style drop earrings with 13.65 carats by Leo Schachter worth $200,000.
O’Connor’s warm personality, sense of humor and knowledgeable tidbits makes everyone comfy as he shows a pre-pick necklace for an actress du jour. “This is not a done-deal because you know how that works. But I am almost certain that a very important person will be wearing this necklace on Emmy night.”
Whether it’s vintage Hollywood glam or a modern version, O’Connor (who has worked many carpet for Reelz TV and other shows) knows how to pair personality with pendant. He never forgets the men, especially the “Mad Men” appeal. Seah Watches & Jewelry launched The Astronomer timepiece, the only watch in the world that comes with the Greek Zodiac signs that replace the hours.
“Takat is reinventing Hollywood glam with an 108 carat Columbian Emerald cut necklace featuring 72 carats of diamonds priced at three million.” He says Sofia Verega was born to wear this.
Designer Kara Ross from Diamonds with a Story Collection designed parts of broken sidewalk concrete with diamonds to create a statement ring priced at $2,130. He thinks it would be perfect for Heidi Klum.
Other designers included Bellarri, Brenda Smith, Dena Kemp, Leeza Braun, Mastoloni, Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry, and Vahan Jewelry.
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