AT&T hosts “It Can Wait” Hackathon to discourage texting while driving – 9/7-8 & 9/18

Today, technology plays an important role in most of our lives.  It can make us more connected, can make everyday tasks more convenient and can even make us safer.

With that in mind, AT&T is challenging developers to create mobile apps that present a real solution to the texting while driving epidemic—which causes more than 100,000 automotive accidents every year—by inviting them to participate in an “It Can Wait” Hackathon in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sept. 7-8, 2012. The grand prize winner—announced on Sept. 18^th—will receive $20,000 from AT&T. The event is part of AT&T’s national campaign to save lives by discouraging texting while driving.

In a twist on the classic hackathon, five finalists will be selected following an intensive 24 hours of coding.  Those finalists will then have 10 days to refine their apps and present them again on Tuesday, Sept. 18—the eve of AT&T’s national day to discourage texting while driving.  At that time, winners will be selected and will receive the following prizes:

·         1^st Place: $20,000

·         2^nd Place: $7,000

·         3^rd Place: $3,000

     AT&T’s texting while driving simulator will also be on site for the first night, Friday, Sept. 7.

Friday, Sept. 7 and Saturday, Sept. 8  ----- 6 p.m.– 9 p.m------

Winners announced at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012.

Coloft

920 Santa Monica Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA  90401

Sponsors: AT&T, Ericsson, Telenav, Sierra Wireless, Github, Geeks Without Bounds, Anywhere Science, 106 Miles

Twitter: Follow @ATTdeveloper, #ATTHack and #ItCanWait

 

MACY GRAY PERFORMS A FREE ONE NIGHT ONLY CONCERT AT THE AMERICANA AT BRAND-- THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 AT 7:30 P.M.

The Americana at Brand will host two vocal powerhouses, award-winning singer and songwriter Macy Gray and American Idol finalist, Haley Reinhart, for a free public concert presented by Samsung Galaxy S III.  Macy Gray is a two-time Grammy and MTV Award winner known for her trademark raspy vocals who launched onto the scene with her 1999 hit single “I Try” making her a global phenomenon.  

Gray’s new album Covered is a stunning collection of cover songs where she takes on some of the best hits from popular artists such as Kanye West, Radiohead, Eurythmics and Metallica, adding her signature Macy Gray sound and style.  The crowd will be grooving on their feet.  Opening the show will be Haley Reinhart who won over the country on Season 10 of American Idol with her powerful voice and commanding presence.  Those who missed Reinhart last summer on the sold-out American Idol LIVE! Tour will be in for a treat when she performs songs off her debut album Listen Up! Thursday night on The Americana at Brand stage. 

ILORI OPENS NEW BOUTIQUE FRIDAY AT THE AMERICANA AT BRAND IN GLENDALE

No one loves their shades more than Angelenos do, so fashionistas across the city will block those rays in style when luxury eyewear boutique, ILORI, opens their new store at The Americana at Brand on Friday, August 10!  The new 1,300-square-foot store will showcase all of the designs from the world’s top brands including, Bulgari, Chanel, Persol, Prada, Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Miu Miu, and many more.  A sneak peak at the stylish new boutique follows…

 

Downtown Grand Park is Now Officially Opened

The opening celebration and civic dedication of GRAND PARK, took place last Thursday at the beautifully restored Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain adjacent to the County Hall of Administration.   

The Music Center was managing and programming the hour-long ceremony,  that

included speeches from politicians, live music, a reading from California's poet laureate and a restarting of the Will Memorial fountain with a spectacular performance of a group of dancers in blue bodysuits that danced and tumbled in the fountain while children and performers marched in brightly colored outfits.

 

LA FITNESS BUFFS CAN REWARD THEMSELVES FOR EXCERCISING OR HELP OTHERS WITH REWARDS THROUGH SOFIT MOBILE, NEW APP NOW LIVE ON APPLE AND ANDROID

SoFit Mobile, a free social gaming mobile application that lets you get fit, stay fit and earn rewards for you and others, has gone live at the 2012 London Olympic Games as the technology partner to the Walk A Mile campaign.  The free App is now live on Apple and Android mobile devices. Stemming from the saying “to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes,” the global campaign supported by the U.S. Department of State and the 2012 London Olympic Games promotes tolerance through social fitness.  

“People all over the world are able to be part of the Olympic spirit with the SoFit App and make change in their communities by virtually partnering with people in different countries and walking miles together to encourage tolerance,” said Marc Askenasi, President and CEO, Founder of SoFit Mobile Inc. and parent company InterAmerican Gaming (IAG).

“Using the Olympics as a way to inspire more people to get active, SoFit will engage users to take small steps to start living healthier while connecting millions to make the world a better place,” said Michelle Kwan, State Department Public Diplomacy Envoy and Olympic Figure Skater.

SoFit’s mission is to revolutionize the future of fitness by giving people the motivation to stay active through social connections, rewards and charitable donations.  Through GPS tracking, the App enables users to train and compete with friends and celebrities from around the world and participate virtually in athletic events like the New York Marathon regardless of geographic location.   SoFit users can harness the App to raise donations for charities of their choice or earn points for virtual and real-life rewards such as medals, coupons, discounts and special offers.  Charities can partner with SoFit to raise funds for miles walked in events they sponsor.

“The Walk A Mile campaign is the ideal debut partner for SoFit as we believe combining fitness with a cause fulfills our mission of making the world healthier in every way.  We are proud to be part of this amazing integration of fitness advocacy and global tolerance,” added Askenasi. SoFit will participate in tonight’s Walk A Mile Concert with Dave Stewart.

2012 Spirit of American Youth Scholarship Winners

Rick Caruso, CEO, of Caruso Affiliated presents the 2012 Spirit of American Youth Scholarship winners, Roylance Bird and Sierra Katow of La Cañada, with their $10,000 checks at The Grove Summer Concert on July 18.   Roylance graduated at the top of his class from St. Francis High School and Sierra from La Cañada High School.  Caruso Affiliated launched the program in 2009 which provides $10,000 scholarships to students who have shown outstanding commitment to their community and dedication to academic excellence throughout their high school career.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY’S “GRAND PARK” OPENING CELEBRATION ON JULY 26, 2012

The County of Los Angeles and The Music Center announced a series of special events that will officially open the first two blocks of Los Angeles County’s Grand Park, located in downtown Los Angeles, later in July. Festivities will begin with a civic dedication on Thursday, July 26, 2012, followed by a public inaugural event on Saturday, July 28, 2012, in conjunction with National Dance Day.

The dedication of the first two blocks of Grand Park will include music and dance artists along with a procession of young people representing the cultural quilt of Los Angeles. The event will culminate with a distinctive ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring key dignitaries at the restored Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain.


For more information, visit www.GrandParkLA.org.