Paul Ramsey and Lee Shilling, founders of Ramsey Shilling & Associates, were partners for over 50 years.

SOLD! Bing Crosby Estate 10500 Camarillo

Jon & Shirley have been partners for nearly 20 years! When asked what the glue is that has kept them together for so long, Shirley answered that they both enjoy a job where they’re helping people. Jon answered much in the same way. He said he enjoyed helping Shirley … helping the people … (most of the time).

More seriously, they realize that the client who needs to lease an apartment is more than just a “lease” client but is a person who needs the right place in which to live. This is of paramount importance to this person. This is also true with the clients who are in a position to buy the home of their dreams. One such family has just closed escrow on the Bing Crosby Estate. This estate is truly a home of historic and aesthetic value. Nearly two acres, with a night lit tennis court, swimming pool, and two guest houses.

The other such scenario is a lady who is a superb working actress. She desired to live in the Toluca Lake area and wanted a two bedroom condominium to lease. This would afford her the flexibility to be in proximity to the studios, while allowing her the opportunity to walk to the village for shopping and eclectic restaurants. Lock the doors, put your suitcase in the car, and fly to your next film location, with no concerns for lawns, pets, or maintenance. Differing needs, changing situations all trigger the need for a real estate professional.

1410 N. Sycamore — Hollywood For Lease and For Sale $2,700.00 – Fully Furnished Or $649,000 List Price

There is the president of a prominent Toluca Lake insurance agency who said he would like to buy some investment property in the local area. He closed escrow on a four unit building in Toluca Lake south of Riverside for an excellent price. Or the CPA who needed to sell a large building in Korea Town near Wilshire Boulevard for his lodge that also closed escrow in 2011.

The homeowner who grew up as a small girl in the home bought new by her parents, which was now to be sold. The goal was to have the proceeds from the sale be used to purchase a new residence with no mortgage. It needed to be a one story, ground level in a good area, and have a large enclosed patio with at least three bedrooms and no subterranean garage. The result: Studio City, South of Moorpark, Large enclosed private patio, hardwood floors, three bedrooms, and a convertible den with two bathrooms. Dreams can come true.

For those whom need less of a sales person, and more of a Real Estate Consultant, consider contacting Jon Molin & Shirley Duenckel of Ramsey Shilling at (818) 481-8643 or (818) 317-1006.

The Doheny family and Maryvale first partnered in 1950 when Mrs. Edward L. Doheny contributed land and funds to construct a new children’s home. She was a founding member of the Los Angeles Orphanage Guild, and Mrs. William H. Doheny later served as Guild president. The Dohenys have remained active and continue to generously support Maryvale and the Guild.

Since 1952, the Los Angeles Orphanage Guild has financially supported Maryvale’s vital programs. Maryvale, founded in 1956 by the Daughters of Charity, addresses the needs of today’s children and families through services including early education, mental health services, residential services, and transitional housing. The Guild supports these and other programs that further Maryvale’s mission to help young people attain dignity, productivity, and self-esteem in an environment of stability and love.

For more information about this Los Angeles Orphanage Guild event, please contact Committee Chair Patti Di Tullio at ldrunnerpfdt@aol.com or visit www.laorphanageguild.com.

Norby Walters, veteran music agent, reprises his role as Producer and Dinner Chairman.

The formal sit-down dinner viewing party has always included past Oscar winners and nominees who will return to pay tribute to this year’s favorite award nominees. Stars and their guests will be dressed to the nines in formal fashions represented by the nation’s finest design houses.

The media has always rated the “Night of 100 Stars” as one of the top award parties. Last year over 200 + media outlets from the U.S. and nearly 50 international news outlets covered the “Night of 100 Stars.”

This awards party is the first to ever stream a live show worldwide starting seven years ago when announced by the Hollywood Reporter‘s Paul Bond in a special Oscar-party edition. This year the live streaming show is being produced by Beverly Hills Courier TV®, a new division of the weekly and daily online award-winning newspaper that has spanned two centuries of excellent journalism for the most famous city in America. “The new ‘Night of 100 Stars’ awards party TV show will be seen live by millions thanks to our new relationship with Beverly Hills Courier TV®, which will broadcast live over www.foxnews.com,” says Norby Walters.

The “22nd Annual Night of 100 Stars Awards Gala” hosted by Norby Walters will be at The Beverly Hills Hotel Crystal Ballroom located at 9641 Sunset Blvd. in Beverly Hills on Sunday, Feb. 26. Celebrity arrivals begin on the red carpet at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $1,000 per seat. Call for tickets only at (310) 446-5416. For media credentials and interviews, email Edward Lozzi & Associates PR at epl@lozzipr.com. Please request credentials by email and include your phone number contact. Please bring the print-out of your confirmation to the event.

Receiving the top honors at the 2012 Golden Mike Awards adds to the station’s incredible run of “Best Newscast” honors. Last year, NBC4 made industry history by winning all three Los Angeles-area Emmy Best Newscast Awards and won two-out-of-three top honors at the 2011 Golden Mike Awards.

“This is an amazing tribute to our news organization, which strives every day and on every newscast to make a difference and an impact,” said Steve Carlston, NBC4 President and General Manager. “I could not be more proud of the entire NBC4 team.”

The “NBC4 News at 5 p.m.” won the Golden Mike for Best News Broadcast (60 Minutes). The program is anchored by Chuck Henry, Colleen Williams, and weathercaster Fritz Coleman. Marissa Sifuentes served as the producer.

The Best News Broadcast (30 Minutes) trophy was awarded to “NBC4 News at 11 p.m.” The newscast is anchored by Chuck Henry and Colleen Williams, with weathercaster Fritz Coleman and sports anchor Fred Roggin. Tara Wallis is credited as the producer of the program.

“Today in LA,” airing at 6 a.m., was the big winner in the Best Daytime News Broadcast (any length). Alycia Lane and Kathy Vara are the show’s anchors, along with weathercaster Elita Loresca and traffic reporter Shawn Murphy. “Today in LA” at 6 a.m. is produced by Jeff Evans.

As part of the ten year redistricting process, leaders from the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce, the Toluca Lake Homeowner’s Association and the Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council jointly appeared before the Redistricting Commission and asked that they not change Toluca Lake’s Council District. The Toluca Lake leaders appeared after they learned of a proposal from another community that urged the Commission to move Toluca Lake to Council District two.

“We wanted the Commission to know in no uncertain terms that Toluca Lake had no part in any map that would move us away from Council District four, and that every community organization in Toluca Lake has voted unanimously to remain in CD4 and represented by Tom LaBonge”, says Toluca Lake Chamber President, Steve Hampar. “We presented a number of compelling reasons to the Commission to support our request. We made it absolutely clear that Toluca Lake does not want to change Council districts, but they apparently weren’t listening. We have been well served by CD4 and our interests will be best served in the future by remaining in that district. We don’t want other communities choosing our destiny for us”

“It’s important that the community of Toluca Lake make their voices heard loud and clear about who will represent them at City Hall. There is one last opportunity for people to speak out against the change at an upcoming Commission hearing at Walter Reed Middle School. If we remain silent the Commission will assume we agree with the proposed change”, said Toluca Lake Homeowner’s Association President, Peter Hartz.

The Los Angeles Redistricting Commission, appointment by Mayor Villaraigosa, is hosting one final series of public hearings for public comment on the proposed new District maps. The closest hearing will be on Thursday, February 9, at 6:30 p.m., at Walter Reed Middle School (4525 Irvine Avenue, North Hollywood). The public is invited to speak about the proposed new District map at that time.

In partnership with ConAgra Foods, industry expert, and “Supermarket Guru,” Phil Lempert, predicts an interesting year ahead.

“We will continue to see higher prices, but we will also see all the different ways Americans love their food – in supermarkets, on television, at restaurants and now even on their mobile phones,” Lempert says. “We are on the verge of what may be one of the most exciting and game-changing years in the food world.”

Lempert advises consumers to watch for 10 major trends in their supermarkets this year:

1. Higher food prices – Last year’s trend will continue, so consumers will place even more emphasis on ways to save money. In addition to already-popular methods like coupons and frequent shopper cards, you may want to consider using your mobile device to menu plan while you shop. Websites like ConAgra’s ReadySetEat.com give you recipe ideas and can also help you find out which ingredients are on sale in your store.

2. The group experience will grow – Food blogs set a foundation for group experiences, food trucks tweet their locations, and flash food raves assemble underground at midnight. More Americans are choosing to eat and shop together in new ways. Mobile app marketers will offer “social rewards” for groups that shop together – think of it as the virtual version of warehouse clubs.

3. The baby boomer influence will grow – Last year, the first of the 76 million-strong boomer generation turned 65. Their influence on the supermarket will show up this year in increased healthful food options, wider aisles and lower shelves.

4. Increased emphasis on “farm to fork” – More Americans are interested in knowing where the food comes from. In 2012, you’ll see more blogs and social media featuring farmers, as well as advertising and TV programs starring farmers as food experts. Hunt’s tomatoes, for example, are grown in Oakdale, California and harvested at the peak of ripeness then flash-steamed to maintain the natural tomato goodness.

5. The end of the checkout lane – Tech-savvy options are gaining popularity, with consumers enjoying self-checkouts, comparing prices at nearby retailers, and taking advantage of the convenience of cellphone scanners, in-store interactive media devices, QR codes, RFID and mobile coupons.

6. Ethnic on the road – Food trucks are replacing gourmet and specialty stores as the channel to experiment and discover new food experiences – especially when it comes to ethnic foods. More often than not, these ethnic food trucks are operated by natives of the countries from which the actual cuisines being offered originated, and they have the ability and knowledge to share the heritage and romance of the food.

7. It’s a man’s (grocery shopping) world – Dads aren’t just winning the bread; these days, they’re also bringing it home from the grocery store. A Bureau of Labor Statistics study found that 41 percent of men are now preparing food for their families, as compared to half that percentage in 2003. Look for them to do more grocery shopping, too, Lempert predicts.

8. Extreme home cooking – More people will continue to eat at home to save money. Following the lead of extreme couponers, groups of everyday cooks pride themselves on making the most food for the least amount of money.

9. How sweet it isn’t – Reduced sugar products and revised Nutrition Facts panels will be the biggest health claim in 2012. With the negative health effects of sugar and high fructose corn syrup gaining so much attention, look for a continued emphasis on reducing sugar in our diets. Food producers like ConAgra are responding by eliminating high fructose corn syrup from such staples as Peter Pan peanut butter and Hunt’s Ketchup products.

10. Listen to your food – You judge the readiness of some foods (like microwave popcorn or grilled burgers), by the sounds they make. Multisensory perception will be one of the new “food sciences” in 2012, as psychologists and food scientists join forces to design, create and influence the sounds of our foods to convey freshness, taste and even health attributes.

For more information about Phil Lempert’s 2012 predictions, visit SupermarketGuru.com, and for simple meal ideas made in 30 minutes or less, visit ReadySetEat.com.

The Dalai Lama once said, “When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”

Many would believe this statement helps explain Caitlin Crosby’s success in life. She cares about others first and foremost, and her altruistic ways are the reason we should all be resolute fans of hers.

“The Giving Keys”

Caitlin Crosby: singer/songwriter, actress, and founder of The Giving Keys.

It started in a New York motel. The key to my room was old and rusted. And I immediately loved it. So I “permanently borrowed” it, put it on a chain, and slipped it over my neck. The rush of compliments that key received completely surprised me. After all, it was just a key. Or so I thought.

Back home in Los Angeles, I asked a locksmith to engrave the word “LOVE” on the key. And the questions and compliments kept coming.

When it was time for my next music tour, I decided to sell an assortment of used and discarded keys at the merchandise tables, next to my CDs. Each key was engraved with a message: “HOPE,” “STRENGTH,” “COURAGE,” “FIGHT,” “BELIEVE,” “FEARLESS,” “PEACE,” “DREAM,” “FAITH,” etc.

From the stage, between songs, I would talk to the audience about embracing our imperfections. I was beginning to realize that we are all like keys: unique, flawed, scarred, and at risk of being discarded. I asked them to find and wear a key that would remind them that they are one-of-a-kind.

Every night, from state to state, the key necklaces would sell out. And suddenly, before every show, instead of rehearsing and tuning my guitar, I found myself scrambling to find keys and assemble the chains and clasps, just to keep up with all of the orders. That’s when I started encouraging people to give their necklace to someone they felt needed the message on that particular key. Now the keys were becoming stories. So I created www.TheGivingKeys.com, a place where folks could post the story of their key.

Incredible tales began to pour in. But still, I knew there was a missing link. So I decided that the money from the sales should go to a charity or some special cause. I wanted “The Giving Keys” to be more than “Pay It Forward.”

Not long after making that decision, I attended a screening of the documentary Invisible Children about child soldiers in Uganda. It was held at Ecclesia Church on Hollywood Boulevard and after it was over I walked out of the main building and into the rain. My face was red and puffy from crying. But at the same time, I was on fire. I wanted to change the world, wanted to help — right there, right then. I was bursting with passion for humanity. Every person I passed on Hollywood Boulevard had a story I wanted to know.

The Giving Keys.

That’s when I saw them: the homeless couple sitting under an umbrella holding a sign that said “Ugly, Hungry, and Homeless.” I went to them — I’m not sure why — and fell in love.

Their names are Cera and Rob. They were 23. Their stories were profound … and I ended up canceling my plans for the evening to take them to dinner at Kitchen 24 on Cahuenga. I ordered a glass of red wine; Rob and Cera ordered “Judgment Day” and “Raging Bitch” beers. We ate salmon, and Rob’s favorite, New York strip steak, rare (yes, he asked the waiter to send it back when it was prepared medium). I complimented Cera on her necklace. She said she had made it herself. A light bulb went off. I had an “Aha Moment” right there in the restaurant. I flung my hands up in the air and screamed, “Ahhhh! You guys are the missing link! You have to be my business partners!” I showed them “The Giving Keys” website and it was “on.”

The next day I went back to the locksmith and ordered an engraving kit. I bought hammers at Pep Boys to give to Cera and Rob to start production. We started meeting at various Fed Exes, Kinko’s, post offices, and transitional homes, just to work on the project. Once they became pros, and I saw how hard they worked and how trustworthy they were, I started handing over more and more responsibility. We probably looked like we were doing drug deals every time we met in a Hollywood alley where they handed me a small paper bag and I handed them cash. They would cut little slits into their microwavable dinner boxes to hang the necklaces in so they wouldn’t get tangled. They started saving money from all the sales and soon they started staying in the Mark Twain Motel. Little by little, they started GED classes and Rob ended up scoring in the 99th percentile and is now registered to start community college. Still working full-time on The Giving Keys, he saved up enough money to get his first apartment. After months on a waiting list, Cera finally got into a fantastic women’s transitional home and graduated on the fast track. On top of working for The Giving Keys, she now also works at the San Diego Zoo.

I knew nothing about the fashion or jewelry industry when this all started, but the word of mouth has spread, and now The Giving Keys are being sold at Fred Segal, as well as 40 stores around the country. So I’ve hired more great people, all trying to transition out of homelessness, just to keep up with the orders. The goal is to keep expanding to get as many people employed and off the street as possible.

I think it’s fascinating that pounding out positive words, over and over for hours, can improve a person’s well-being, hope, and motivation. And when you know that each unique key is being paid forward and passed around the world to people who need a little inspiration … well, that makes all of us feel so grateful; makes us understand that we are part of a love movement.

I go online everyday to read these stories and every one reminds me of what life is all about.

© Caitlin Crosby. All rights reserved. Used with permission of the author.

To learn more about the cause and to order your custom made key, check out: www.TheGivingKeys.com.
Join TheGivingKeys page on FB: www.facebook.com/thegivingkeys Get Caitlin’s music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/flawz/id310738706.
Follow Caitlin Crosby on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CaitlinCrosby

Pasadena Society of Artists

The Pasadena Society of Artists (PSA) is proud to present its 87th Annual Juried Exhibition at the Creative Arts Center Gallery. Join us at the opening reception and awards presentation on Friday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m.—9 p.m. Eight awards will be presented during the opening reception. View 60 works of art selected by juror Meher McArthur and meet the professional artists who created their art especially for this exhibition. Meher McArthur said, “The superb quality and the wide range of styles and techniques of the submitted artwork made my job challenging but very enjoyable.”

The Creative Arts Center Gallery
1100 West Clark Ave.
Feb. 3–23

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.—8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.—7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Please contact the Gallery at (818) 238-5397 for additional information.

Live Band Karaoke?

“Live Band Karaoke” is a new spin on an old show. Instead of singing with a Karaoke machine, people get to sing with a real live band.

There are no pre-recorded tracks or bouncing balls, just printed lyric sheets. Up until this new concept, very few singers ever had the opportunity to sing with a live band.

The show draws both pros and those inspired by a shot. The band is laidback and all are made to feel like a star. Live Band Karaoke is performed by O FeeL YA also known for their modern rock/old school, dance cover band show. There is no cover charge.

Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill
4311 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Thursdays, Feb. 2 & 9, 9 p.m.—1 a.m.

For more info for Joe’s, visit www.joesgreatbar.com or call (818) 729-0805. For more info on Live Band Karaoke, visit www.LiveBandKaraokeLA.com.

ALL OVER

Flag Football

Register now for five-man all-passing football leagues in San Fernando Valley, So Pasadena, and Van Nuys/Balboa Park (also Santa Fe Springs). Evening and weekend leagues begin late January and early February. Inter-league playoffs with neighboring counties. Call toll free at (877) 846-3178 or visit TopGunFlagFootball.com. Must be 18+ to play. Referees needed.

LOS ANGELES

A Jew Grows in Brooklyn

A Jew Grows in Brooklyn, starring Jake Ehrenreich, returns to Gindi Auditorium at American Jewish University for a strictly limited 15-performance engagement. The show played to sold out houses last February — and is returning to Los Angeles by popular demand.

Ehrenreich has given more than 2,000 performances of the show — including eighteen months off-Broadway — sharing with audiences all over North America, with warmth and humor, the laughter and the tears of growing up the first American-born child of Polish Holocaust survivors.

Along the way, Ehrenreich, backed by a live band and multi-media production, performs everything from a classic rock medley to bits from the Catskills and even a Christmas medley of songs by Jewish songwriters — the popular music of both his and his parents’ generations.

American Jewish University
15600 Mulholland Dr.
Tuesday, Feb. 7—Saturday, Feb. 25;
Monday—Thursday and Saturday Evenings at
8 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Please note no performances on Feb. 10, 11, 12, 17, & 24. To charge tickets call (866) 811-4111 or visit www.ajewgrowsinbrooklyn.com.

Conscious Life Visionary Expo

Bringing together artists, exhibitors, visionaries, musicians, filmmakers, and authors, and featuring over 150 workshops covering health, science, spirituality, and healthy lifestyles, the Conscious Life Visionary Expo is an illuminating three-day event.

Three healthy living exhibit halls feature the latest and most innovative products to promote healthy living and longevity. Program includes a special Latino program, a three day music fest, the Conscious Life Film Fest, and the Post Conference Series. General admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Workshops are various prices. The Conscious Film Festival day pass is $10.

LAX Hilton Hotel
5711 Century Blvd.
Feb. 10—13

For more info, visit www.consciouslifeexpo.com or call 1-800-367-5777.

BEVERLY HILLS

Music of Byrd & Tavener

The All Saints’ Choir is performing the music of William Byrd (Senex puerum and Preces & Responses) and John Tavener (Song for Athene and Magnificat & Nunc dimittis). An offering is being taken.

All Saints’ Church
504 N. Camden Dr.
Friday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.

For further information, call (310) 275-0123 ext. 112 or visit www.allsaintsbh.org.

The Sherman Oaks Woman’s Club passes its leadership on to a new president. Barbara Lane has replaced Beverly Bittle who has served as the president for the last three years. Barbara has had many leadership roles such as being active in the Job Daughters and Eastern Star, both part of the Masonic Organization. From l, Beverly Bittle, Evelyn Perez, and Barbara Lane. Evelyn Perez congratulates both Barbara and Beverly on their new roles with the club. The club does outstanding philanthropic work in the community and has an exceptional scholarship program.

I fondly remember the Liberty Theatre in Philadelphia as the place where I received an extra-large dose of entertainment. The Saturday afternoon movie extravaganza lasted for hours and took the youngsters attending on a journey of fun, excitement, and shoot-‘em-up adventures. Being there was a social event for kids of all ages. Through the ‘40s into the early ‘50s the Saturday matinee reigned. Nothing paralleled this once-weekly tradition.

Typically, Saturdays consisted of chores in the morning. These had to be completed to mom’s satisfaction in order to assure a trip to the movies after lunch. It was my first exposure to an incentive program. I walked to the theatre with friends; we tried to get there early in order to get a good seat. Rain or shine, sweltering heat or bitter cold, standing in line was part of the ritual and put us in the mood for what was about to come.

The lights were dimmed at 1 p.m. The first of several cartoons began as the curtains opened. Tweety Bird, Tom & Jerry, Bugs Bunny, and others got us laughing with their antics. After that was a one-reel comedy followed by the newsreel. The excitement was next with the showing of the serial. You know, the continuing adventure with the hero who was tied to a runaway car about to go over a cliff in the closing scene from last week, only to miraculously escape unharmed to fight the bad guys once more in this week’s chapter. Now it was time for the first movie, usually a western. The feature film was most often a WWII movie or a swashbuckler with plenty of action.

About once a month the house lights went up between the main movies and contests were held on stage. The favorites were paddle balls, the red ones with the rubber band attached, and yo-yos. I liked the yo-yo competition because I got pretty good at it until the string broke when I was doing “around the world” in the living room and broke the front window. That ended practicing in the house and blunted my aspirations of being the local yo-yo champion.

There was a refreshment stand, much smaller than those found in modern theatres, but the selection was good. For a nickel, you could get a box of Juicy Fruits. I like these because they lasted a long time and there were lots of different flavors. The only problem was what to do with the green ones? These were peppermint and burned your mouth. So I, along with the other boys who didn’t like them either, would toss them high in the air in order to break into the light beam coming from the projector to the screen. It looked like a bright coin, but there was often an “ouch,” a “hey,” or a “who did that?” when the coin became a piece of candy again and struck someone on the head, not too hard but hard enough to get a reaction. Boys will be boys.

After the four-hour show ended, we reenacted what we saw on the screen all the way home, which usually took the better part of an hour. So we arrived just in time for dinner. Where else could anyone have so much fun for a dime? I don’t know what the girls thought about the matinees, because not too many were in the audience; but it would be nice to hear from the ladies and those from other towns as to your Saturday afternoons.

Whether you follow music, film or celebrity pop culture, impress your friends with awards season knowledge

(ARA) – Everyone loves a great competition and this year is packed full of anticipated races. Whether you are interested in celebrities vying for an Oscar, who wins Album of the Year at the Grammys, or the race to the top for the presidential nomination, a good rivalry just can’t be beat. According to a recent survey by Bing, while 21 percent of respondents are most interested in the road to the presidential conventions this winter, the hottest ticket this season is the big awards shows, with 68 percent of respondents equally or more invested in the Grammys or Oscars than the race to the political convention nominations. With so many interesting competitions taking place, how can you learn about and keep track of all the nominated films, songs and people?

By spending a little time doing research, you can impress friends with your knowledge of all the key players in the most anticipated races this season. Bing’s lifestyle expert, Karin Muskopf shares her tips on how to get smart on your favorite nominated celebrity, movie or album and make this year’s hottest races even more fun to watch:

* Plan a few fun nights. The best ways to learn about nominated movies and music can also be the most fun. Check out the lists of nominees and plan a few movie nights or listening parties with your friends to experience the hottest films and albums for yourself. Find movie times or concert listings near you with Bing Entertainment. Take note of your favorites and be ready to pick the winners on the big night based on what you see, hear and experience.

* Research what’s already won – and place your bets. By the time the Academy Awards roll around, Hollywood has already hosted several other awards shows, including the Critics’ Choice Awards, SAG Awards and Golden Globes. Use Bing Entertainment to search nominees and see who’s already won – they could win again. Make the night even more exciting by hosting a party or organizing an office bracket to bet on winners.

* Catch up on latest gossip. Hollywood’s hottest couples often use awards shows as a fun date night out on the town, while new couples take advantage of the red carpet to step out together for the first time. Unplanned run-ins and new or unexpected couplings are always hot on the Hollywood radar. Bing Entertainment’s Celebrity Connections feature lets you see who’s connected to who, what stars are newly coupled or single, or who might have the most outrageous red carpet arrival this season.

* Get inspired by red carpet glamour. Awards show watchers know that celebrities bring their fashion “A” game when walking the red carpet and its one of the key reasons why we all tune in. Of all the red carpet looks to watch for, 53 percent of respondents believe Angelina Jolie will wow us this year and take home the “Best Dressed” title, with Emma Stone and Michelle Williams also in the running as potential fashion winners. After the show, look to the best dressed stars for fashion inspiration and brighten up the dreary winter by making red carpet trends part of your wardrobe.

* Substance over style. There are many other exciting and important competitions to follow this year beyond the big awards shows. Make sure you keep up with the latest news on the political conventions and nominees, as well as the hottest buzz in the 2012 presidential race. Bing News surfaces up-to-the-minute news coverage, including videos from across the Web and the latest breaking stories, so you can be constantly informed and ready for any race that interests you this year.

Whatever race interests you the most, getting smart and researching in advance makes the experience all the more enjoyable. By spending a little time – and making it fun – you can impress your friends with your knowledge of red carpet fashion trends, pick the most likely winner for Best Picture or provide the office with gossip behind why your favorite leading man is arriving on the red carpet solo.

For more ideas on how to get smart on the nominees this season, pick winners and become an expert on your favorite movie, album or celebrity this awards season, go to www.Bing.com/Entertainment.