It Has Arrived: The Verizon iPhone 4 is Here!

AP Photo/Mark Lennihan Dan Mead, left, CEO of Verizon Wireless, and Tim Cook, COO of Apple, unveil the Verizon iPhone 4 to be sold starting Feb. 2011

Do you hear that…soft cries of happiness  from AT&T customers (and from people who are glad to FINALLY put this rumor to bed).  The mythical Verizon iPhone is now a reality.  Announced this morning at Verizon’s much-anticipated press conference in New York City, VZ’s COO Lowell McAdam confirmed what many had wanted for so long.  Starting early next month, Verizon will be selling the iPhone.

Many of the predictions the tech community has made about the Verizon iPhone are true; there were no major modifications to the hardware with the exception of a redesigned antenna and lack of sim card slot.

And even though this is a major boon for Verizon and would be iPhone users everywhere there are a few details that should be considered before you run out and grab the gadget.

1. It’s not 4G.  The phone has been designed to run on Verizon’s older CDMA network.   More than likely Apple will introduce the newest generation (iPhone 5) of the super phone this summer with LTE (Long Term Evolution) capability.  Will Verizon customers be able to upgrade seamlessly to the new model?
2. CDMA = No ability to call and surf at the same time.  So you can’ talk and check your email.  Kind of a downside.  However, the CDMA Development Group has said this will change for all CDMA operators this spring (we’ll see).
3. If you’re a current VZ customer, you have a whole host of other things to think about besides the tech factor and they all come down to upgrade credits and cycles (see this blog from Engadget for more details)

With any smart phone purchase there are many reasons to consider before making the investment but the iPhone coming to Verizon is a pretty good thing and it opens up the possibility for the phone going to other CDMA carriers this year (Sprint, T-Mobile).

Will you be getting the Verizon iPhone 4? Let us know in our comments section!

Arizona Shooting: Alleged Shooter to Appear in Court Today

Tragedy struck Tuscon, Arizona this weekend when a shooter took the lives of 6 people and attempted the assassination of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-Arizona)  at a “Congress on Your Corner” event  Saturday.  The lone gunman, Jared Lee Loughner, 22, is scheduled to be arraigned in court today at 2pm MT.

Loughner opened fire on the crowd gathered in the Tuscon Safeway grocery store  parking lot shortly after 10am inquiring 14 and killing 6 people: Chief Federal Court judge John Roll (63) 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, Gifford’s Director of Communications, Gabe Zimmerman (30)and retirees and Arizona residents Dorwin Stoddard (76),  Dorothy Morris (76) Phyllis Schneck (79).  His main target however was U.S. Rep Giffords (40) whom Loughner shot in the head at point black range.  Giffords remains in critical condition following the attack, however her doctors are “optimistic” about her recovery.

Loughner has been charged on three counts: first degree murder, attempted murder and attempting to kill a member of congress.  The state is set to also bring charged against the gunman.

This weekends’ events have also sparked a heated conversation about the climate of the current political rhetoric and what role it had to play in this tragedy.   Oddly enough, prior to her shooting, Giffords felt that the rhetoric did in fact need to be turned down and she expressed this in an email written to Arizona Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R).    In her note to Grayson, Gifford said

“After you get settled, I would love to talk about what we can do to promote centrism and moderation,” wrote Giffords. “I am one of only 12 Dems left in a GOP district (the only woman) and think that we need to figure out how to tone our rhetoric and partisanship down.”

Pima County Sheriff Clarance Dupnik has also been very vocal this weekend.  During an interview with ABC News, Sheriff Dupnik explained his feeling towards the recent events saying:

“We have become a very angry country, part of it very ugly. And that even though we have free speech in this country, constantly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making the people angry at government . . . may benefit some party, but I think those people have to consider that they may have some responsibility when incidents like this occur and may occur in the future.”

Authorities are still conducting an investigation into what led Loughner to commit this crime and if he did in fact act alone.  There has been no concrete evidence disclosed at this time linking him to any specific agenda.

Stay tuned for emerging details.

Former Priest Alberto Cutie’ Takes Pictures with His Wife and Newborn Daughter

LCO Client and former priest Alberto Cutie’ was featured on channel 7 news and in the latest issue of People magazine.   Cutie’ and his wife Ruhama posed with their newborn daughter Camila Victoria Cutie’.

Alberto Cutie’ was formerly known as a popular Latin TV show host that gave relationship advice.   He sparked controversy in 2009 when he was spotted kissing a woman on the beach and admitted to having a romantic relationship with her.   Since then, he has left his Miami church to become an Episcopal Priest.  Check out the feature here.

Elizabeth Edwards Has Passed Away

We were saddened to hear after a long and public battle with cancer, Elizabeth Edwards, 61, has passed away. Elizabeth, estranged wife of 2008 Presidential hopeful John Edwards, only yesterday posted a heartfelt message on her Facebook page.  Her message, although mindful of what she knew was to come, was inspirational and a true testament to her resilient character. Yesterday she wrote:

“The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren’t able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It’s called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful.”

Elizabeth was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after John Edwards’ unsuccessful bid for Vice President in 2004.  Shortly thereafter, she became very vocal about her struggle with the disease, becoming an advocate for cancer patients and survivors. She underwent aggressive treatment, and the cancer was though to have gone into remission, however in 2007, her doctors discovered that the cancer had returned.  This was shortly before John Edwards embarked on his 2008 Presidential campaign.  Despite the severity of her cancer, Elizabeth maintained her support of Edwards’ Presidential bid.

After the former Senator from North Carolina was unsuccessful in seeking the highest office, scandal broke about John Edwards having an affair with a campaign worker with whom he also father a child.  Elizabeth received praise and criticism for how she handled the fallout; but despite the mixed opinions, she emerged from the scandal more popular than her estranged husband, whose political career had practically ended after the news of his affair was made public.  Elizabeth and John separated in 2009 and she went on to discuss her experience in several high-profile interviews and in her book “Resilience” where she candidly recounts the infidelity and betrayal.

Elizabeth Edwards is survived by her husband, former Senator John Edwards, and their children Cate, Emma and Jack.  Their son, Wade preceded her in death when he was killed in a car accident in 1996.

Elizabeth Edwards: mother, wife, lawyer and advocate.  Gone too soon.  May she rest in peace.

RIP Leslie Nielsen

We were saddened to hear about the death of comedic icon, Leslie Nielsen over the weekend.  Nielsen, 84, died yesterday (Nov. 28th) near his Florida home due to complications from pneumonia.  Nielsen is best known for his performances in the spoof movies “Airplane” and the “Naked Gun” series.

The world became a little less funny yesterday:( 

Leslie, you will be missed!

Check out this video with some highlights from his awesomely funny career.

Michael Levine Sits Down with Los Angeles Business Journal

This week, president and founder of Levine Communications Office, Michael Levine, sat down with Joel Russell of the Los Angeles Business Journal.  Michael provided and in-depth look as his start in the business, his rise to PR superstardom and what he really thinks of “celebrity” today.  He also discusses the value of “self-education” and why Bob Dylan is the William Shakespeare of our time.

Read on to hear what else Michael has to say.  Michael Levine: Imaged Focused

Remembering Ronni Chasen

Levine Communications Office mourns the loss of friend and colleague, veteran publicist Ronni Chasen.  We were saddened and stunned to hear of her death that took place on Tuesday Nov 16th.  Ronni was gunned down on Sunset Boulevard early Tuesday, moments after she left the star-studded premiere of the movie “Burlesque”.   Police have not uncovered any motive or indicated any suspects, but have launched a thorough investigation into her death.

Michael Levine, head of LCO, remembers Ronni as a “beloved, iconic figure” and has started a reward fund to assist the Beverly Hills Police Department in bringing her attackers to justice.  The goal for the fund is $25,000 to be raised by next week.  We urge our friends in the Hollywood community to help us in the effort to find the criminals behind this senseless act.

Our deepest condolences go out to Ronnie’s family and friends.

If you have any information about this crime please contact the Beverly Hills Police Department immediately.  If you’d like to contribute to the reward fund, please contact LCO directly at (310) 300-0950 x 230.

The Twinkie Diet?

The South Beach Diet, the Grapefruit Diet, the Zone Diet…the Twinkie diet?

Yep, it’s true and the even more bizarre truth behind this diet is that it was created by A NUTRITION PROFESSOR!  Mark Haub set out to prove that how much you eat is more important than what you eat in terms of weight loss so he designed what he calls “the convenience store diet” based on Little Debbies, Doritos, Oreos, sugary cereals and yep, Twinkies.  He feels that it is “unrealistic” to believe that most Americans will be willing and able to trade their convenience store items for fresh fruits and vegetables so he wanted to show that you could still lose weight basically, I have to say it, eating CRAP.

And in 8 weeks he did, he went from a BMI of 28.8 which categorized him as obese to a BMI of 24. 9. More importantly, his LDL, HDL and triglycerides counts all improved leaving him to believe that this diet could be healthy for everyone.

Here are the challenges that he somehow failed to consider, shocking though it is that a nutrition professor could miss these.

1.       This was a short term fix – what about the long term ramifications of a diet that is low in essential fatty acids, vitamins, mineral and antioxidants, fiber and high quality protein.  This could put someone at risk for a variety of diseases including osteoporosis and cancer.

2.       He failed to check the change in body fat.  If he lost weight but didn’t change his overall body composition then  he didn’t get healthier and he is setting himself up for rebound weight gain.

3.       He failed to consider biochemical and genetic individuality.  Sure, he temporarily improved but what about someone who had a genetic predisposition to elevated blood sugar and cholesterol and the genotype that called out for a low carbohydrate diet.  It is unlikely that they would see the same benefits.

4.       He admitted that he overate on healthy food previously.   Too much healthy food is unhealthy so to compare his blood lipids based on overeating to now when he is undereating isn’t a fair comparison.  You would have to keep calories neutral to take the impact of weight loss out of the equation to really see the effect. Most likely if he had followed the same calorie diet but with healthier options he would have seen an even bigger improvement in his blood lipids.

5.       Finally, I find it almost hopeless that a nutrition professor feels that it is unrealistic for people to stop eating convenience foods and eat fruits and vegetables. Honestly, if he feels that way he is in the wrong profession.

I just pray the American public is smarter than this professor and shame on him for putting this information out there as it is inevitable that there will be people going on this diet.  This would not be the legacy I would want to leave from career.

JJ Virgin, CNS, CHFI

Nutrition & Fitness Expert

Co-star, TLC’s Freaky Eaters

Author, Six Weeks to Sleeveless & Sexy

President, National Assoc. of Nutrition Professionals

www.jjvirgin.com

One Hot Pleasure

ERIKA JAYNE Launches Pretty Mess Records and

“One Hot Pleasure” Single Set For Label-Debut Release November 16

(LOS ANGELES) November 2, 2010 – Vocal temptress, seductive songstress and #1 Billboard chart queen ERIKA JAYNE is aiming to heat up this winter season with the launch of her own label, Pretty Mess Records. Currently working on new music for her second album (title TBA), the glamorous JAYNE will give a taste of what’s to come Tuesday, November 16 with the release of her new single “One Hot Pleasure.”

Written by Dave Audé, Luciana Caporaso (of the radio hit “I Like That” by Richard Vission & The Static Revenger starring Luciana) and Nick Clow, “One Hot Pleasure” sizzles just as the title of the song indicates. As the debut offering from her Pretty Mess Records, the song will be packaged with a striking video by JAYNE’s creative director and MTV video-music nominee Mikey Minden and visual collaborator, famed photographer Mike Ruiz, with remixes by Dave Audé, Ralphi Rosario, Dirty Loud, Sultan & Ned and Los Angeles newcomer Mr. White.

In Touch Weekly captured a moment with ERIKA on the set of the video that can be viewed here, or catch a glimpse of the making of her video at www.ErikaJayne.com.

“Launching my own label allows me to make music that I enjoy and deliver my product,” states ERIKA. “Having full control over the music, the message and concept enables me to make the records I want to make and perform the songs I want to perform. There’s great freedom in that, and it makes for a lot of fun. I can’t wait for my fans to check out ‘One Hot Pleasure,’ it’s a fun sexy danceable track.”

Distinguished by industry powerhouse Billboard magazine for an “uncommon feat” (issue date 6/26/10), the Atlanta-born, Los Angeles transplant sent her first four consecutive singles–“Rollercoaster,” “Stars,” “Give You Everything” and “Pretty Mess”– to #1 on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart. These chart-busting hits were featured on her 2009 debut album Pretty Mess.

According to Billboard, only 13 acts have taken at least their first four hits to #1 since the chart launched in 1976 as a national weekly survey of the most-played tunes as reported by club DJs. ERIKA joins the ranks of dance giants, including Rihanna and The Pussycat Dolls, who have accomplished similar feats.

For more information, visit www.PrettyMessRecords.com, www.ErikaJayne.com or www.twitter.com/erikajayne.

Being a Media Slut

LCO founder, Michael Levine recently spoke about the importance of maintaining a presence in the media, or becoming a “media slut“.

Check out the Clip of Michael talking from http://www.MediaBistro.com: