Exiled Tibetan Spiritual Leader, Dalai Lama, Sends Peace Envoy to Beijing
DALAI LAMA
Two envoys of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, travel to China from Dharmsala, India today for informal talks on Saturday with the Chinese leadership regarding the crisis in Tibet. The envoys will focus on ending violence and bringing about peace in Tibet. Beijing has received numerous calls from world leaders to open a dialogue with the Dalai Lama since violent protests erupted in Tibet in March 2008.
The subsequent actions taken by China in Tibet caused international protests against China during the world tour of the Olympic Flame Torch ahead of August's 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. In several cities including Paris and San Francisco on the 20-nation tour, the torch relay was disrupted by human-rights activists, anti-China, pro-Darfur and pro-Tibeten demonstrators. The torch will be in Hong Kong on May 2, 2008 and in Macao on May 3.
2008 OLYMPIC FLAME TORCH RELAY SCHEDULE: BUENOS AIRES
Soldiers in ceremonial dress welcome the Olympic flame at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, at 17:00 local time (20:00 GMT) April 10, 2008. The Beijing Olympic torch run in Buenos Aires is due to begin on Friday after the San Francisco relay ended smoothly on Thursday despite route changes made to ensure the dignity of the Olympic flame and the safety of torchbearers. [Xinhua]
2008 OLYMPIC FLAME TORCH RELAY - BUENOS AIRES
The honor guard stand before an Air China plane carrying the Olympic flame at the Ezeiza international airport, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, April 10, 2008. The Beijing Olympic torch run in Buenos Aires is due to begin on Friday after the Olympic Flame Torch Relay in San Francisco relay ended smoothly on Thursday despite route changes made to ensure the dignity of the Olympic flame and the safety of torchbearers. [Xinhua]
The Olympic flame of the 2008 Olympic Games arrived in Buenos Aires at 17:00 local time (20:00 GMT) Thursday at Ezeiza international airport from San Francisco. The Olympic flame is visiting for the first time Argentina's capital, which has dressed up to receive it. The torch relay on Friday will include 80 people in its 13.8 km tour throughout the city. The icon of the Olympic Games arrived in the only Spanish speaking city of the 135 cities chosen for the 33-day 137,000 km world tour.
Executive vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games Liu Jingmin (2nd R), Chinese ambassador to Argentina Zeng Gang (R) and Argentine Olympic Committee (COA) vice president Alicia Masoni de Morea hold the Olympic flame lamp at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, at 17:00 local time (20:00 GMT) April 10, 2008. The Beijing Olympic torch run in Buenos Aires is due to begin on Friday after the San Francisco relay ended smoothly on Thursday despite route changes made to ensure the dignity of the Olympic flame and the safety of torchbearers. [Xinhua]
Buenos Aires is the ninth stop in the flame's world tour, the longest in the Olympic history.
The last stop in the relay was San Francisco: See photos of San Francisco Olympic Flame Torch Relay
2008 Olympic Games
The Games of the XXIX Olymic Games in Beijing 2008 will take place from 8 to 24 August 2008. Buy your Summer Olympic Games tickets now for the most exciting event of 2008. Over 10,500 athletes are expected to participate in the Olympic Beijing Summer Games and over 20,000 accredited media will bring the 2008 Olympics to the world! 
TOUR SCHEDULE OF OLYMPIC FLAME TORCH RELAY 2008
April 1 - Heading to Almaty
April 2 - Almaty
April 3 - Istanbul
April 5 - St. Petersburg
April 6 - London
April 7 - Paris
April 9 - San Francisco
April 11 - Buenos Aires
April 13 - Dar es Salaam
April 14 - Muscat
April16 - Islamabad
April 17 - New Delhi
April 19 - Bangkok
April 21 - Kuala Lumpur
April 22 - Jakarta
April 24 - Canberra
April 26 - Nagano
April 27 - Seoul
April 28 - Pyongyang
April 29 - Ho Chi Minh City
May 2 - Hong Kong
May 3 - Macao
2008 OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY: SAN FRANCISCO - PHOTOS
Hours before the opening ceremonies at McCovey Cove, Pro-Tibet demonstrators, Olympic Torch Relay spectators and Chinese Olympic Games supporters gathered in front of the San Francisco Giants' AT&T Ballpark waiting in vain to see the Olympic Torch relay in San Francisco, on April 9, 2008 / Photo Gray & Gray Media
2008 OLYMPIC FLAME TORCH RELAY - SAN FRANCISCO
Spectator with Olympic flag, waits peacefully with thousands in vain for a glimpse of the Olympic Relay in San Francisco. Protests were mostly vocal. Some Pro-China Olympics groups surrounded their Free-Tibet antagonists, shouting "Liar! Liar!" or singing the Chinese national anthem. / Photo Gray & Gray Media
"We don't have control of the street," said one SFPD officer around 1pm / Photo Gray & Gray Media
Hours before the opening ceremonies at McCovey Cove, tens of thousands of Pro-Tibet demonstrators, Olympic Torch Relay spectators and Chinese Olympic Games supporters gathered in front of the San Francisco Giants' AT&T Ballpark, at the Ferry Building Marketplace Plaza, Justin Herman Plaza, along the Embarcadero and entire relay route, waiting in vain to see the Olympic Torch relay in San Francisco, on April 9, 2008. Unknown to spectators and police, Mayor Gavin Newsom, SF Police Chief Heather Fong, and Peter Ueberroth decided about 1pm to choose a new route after the arrest of three protestors by the police. All three were cited and released.
"We don't have control of the street," reported one SFPD officer.
Spectators and protestors with signs lined the route of the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay / Photo Gray & Gray Media
The first torch runner, Chinese retired Olympic swimmer Lin Li, held the lit Olympic torch at the brief pre-relay ceremonies at San Francisco Giant's McCovey Cove Park at the start of the Olympic Torch relay on April 9, 2008 in San Francisco, California. The Olympic torch re-appeared on the streets of SF on Wednesday after the runner bearing the flame disappeared from sight for almost an hour. Just seconds after the torch was lit and handed to Lin Li, both she and the torch disappeared through a security cordon into a dockside warehouse. The 79 "runners" carried the flame on a new route on Van Ness and through the Marina District, then was quickly transported to the SF International Airport. Waiting spectators along the route and at the Ferry Buillding Plaza relay finish site were unaware of the change and waited patiently along the original route of the flame's only appearance in North America.
Spectators who had been waiting since as early as 6 am along the intended route of the Olympic Torch relay and opening ceremonies stood by after being denied access to the opening ceremonies by a phalanx of police who blocked the bridge entrance and took up positions along the originally planned route / Photo Gray & Gray Media
China on Wednesday urged San Francisco resident and House Majority Leader, Nancy Pelosi and some other U.S Congress members to stop disturbing and sabotaging the Beijing Olympics and the torch relay, saying instigators are conscienceless. Next, the Olympic torch heads by Air China to Buenos Aires.
Police boats and jet-skis and Coast Guard vessels patrolled McCovey Cove, and a few sailboats unfurled pro-Tibet banners / Photo Gray & Gray Media
"When they remember the torch of 2008 in San Francisco, they will think about the number of protesters and the fact the torch was snuck through the city on secret routes," said SF Supervisor Chris Daly.
"The mayor made a game-time decision, based on information he was receiving from the police chief and law enforcement personnel around the city," said spokesman Nathan Ballard. "He knew he had to protect the safety of the torchbearers, and the safety of everybody in San Francisco."
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger commented through his spokesman Aaron McLear, "The governor believes people should both honor the Olympics and be able to peacefully protest, and is confident that officials in San Francisco tried to accommodate both today."
See more 2008 Olympic Torch Relay photos at San Francisco Event Update:
Macy's Celebrates Spring With Renowned Flower Shows
"A Mosaic of Spain" / Photo Gray & Gray Media
MACY'S CELEBRATES SPRING WITH RENOWNED FLOWER SHOWS
A beloved tradition celebrating spring, Macy's Flower Show is a premier event heralding the arrival of the season nationwide. This year's floral extravaganzas opened in the Herald Square (New York), Union Square (San Francisco), State Street (Chicago) and downtown Minneapolis stores, marking the first time that all shows were held simultaneously and had thematic elements that tied them together creatively. From ushering visitors through the grand displays of vibrant, colorful floral creations, to introducing them to a myriad of cultural and community activities, the flower shows have made an indelible mark on customers.
Macy's Union Square, San Francisco: March 14-29 - "A Mosaic of Spain"
Fragrances and Flowers of Spain enchant shoppers at Macy's Flower Show / Photo Gray & Gray Media
Macy's Union Square in downtown San Francisco celebrated its 62nd Annual Flower Show this year with an ode to the bold and lively culture of Spain. Inspired by the diverse architecture, cuisine, music and history of this mesmerizing country, "A Mosaic of Spain" welcomed visitors with a variety of special events including Flamenco dancing and cooking demonstrations by Star Chef Tyler Florence, Cesar's Chef Maggie Pond, and other local chefs.
Macy's Union Square windows filled with the flowers and plants of Spain herald Springtime in San Francisco / Photo Gray & Gray Media
Transforming the store into a haven of Spanish-inspired gardens, visitors experienced the beauty of various vignettes, each representing the country's regions and cultures - from courtyard gardens and castles to opera houses and traditional marketplaces. Guests to the store will also had the unique opportunity to purchase authentic hand-selected decor, home furnishings and antiques from Spain.
In addition, Macy's displayed a special black and white photo exhibit of the late award-winning writer and photographer David George. His famed work from the 1960s and 70s capture the reality of the Spanish culture and the Anadulsian gypsies during their Golden Age. Thirty of these images made their debut at Macy's with limited edition, museum-quality silver gelatin prints on archival paper available for purchase. 
Macy's Union Square Cellar in San Francisco features the cooking of Spain in demos by top chefs / Photo Gray & Gray Media
Macy's Minneapolis and Macy's on State Street, Chicago: March 13-30 - Floranova
Macy's Minneapolis and Macy's on State Street brought the art, music and botanical gardens of the Latino world to life with the opening of Floranova.
Inspired by the energetic cultures of Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, the Amazon, and South Beach, Miami, Floranova offered visitors a truly unique visual experience. While the theme was the same across the two north-based stores, each location offered visitors unique experiences with diverse displays of exotic flora species, and artwork from local artisans and organizations.
Partnering with David LeBatard, known as "Lebo", to design this year's flower show image in his signature South Beach style, his artwork was on display in the Macy's on State Street store for customers to purchase.
Bachman's, Macy's Minneapolis partner for the Flower Show since its inception in 1960, has updated this year's displays with a series of fountains featuring plantings of tropical flowers at their bases. Additionally, in collaboration with Heart of the Beast (HOBT), a local puppet and mask theatre company, the store featured HOBT's oversized colorful papier-mache animal masks throughout the show.
On Friday, March 14, and Friday, March 28, both Macy's stores will host a Latin-themed marketplace offering foods and products representing various Latin countries, including samples from local restaurants, crafts from local artisans, and entertainment from local musicians and dancers. Additional activities included shopping parties and family fun days.
Macy's Herald Square, New York: March 16-30 - A Wonder of the World
Macy's Herald Square transformed the World's Largest Store into a vibrant landscape featuring over 30,000 varieties of exotic trees and plants with this year's 34th annual show, A Wonder of the World. Opening on March 16 with a personal appearance by Martha Stewart, the Main Floor exhibition of intricate displays featured 11 specialty gardens, including the favorite "Bouquet of the Day."
This year's piece de resistance, constructed by Paul Busse of the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show, was a detailed reproduction of Macy's famed Broadway building at Herald Square, created entirely from organic plant material. In addition to this astonishing work, the stores adored window displays featured a veritable timeline of fashion history through the creative arrangement of fresh flowers.
Visitors to the New York City show also took part in a line-up of entertaining events including guided tours, tabletop seminars, cooking demonstrations and floral arrangement tutorials from celebrity designers.
About Macy's
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Offering distinctive assortments including exclusive fashion and home brands, Macy's stores are operated by seven regionally based retail divisions - Macy's East, Macy's Florida, Macy's Midwest, Macy's North, Macy's Northwest, Macy's South, and Macy's West - and an online store at macys.com.
San Francisco Zoo Update: April 20 Party For The Planet To Celebrate Earth Day!
“As a local leader in conservation, the San Francisco Zoo serves as a model for Earth-friendly initiatives and educates visitors on how they can play an important role in preserving local wildlife and their habitats,” said Manuel Mollinedo, executive director at the SF Zoo.
SF ZOO IS THROWING A ‘PARTY FOR THE PLANET’ TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY
In coordination with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ “Party for the Planet,” the San Francisco Zoo is applying its conservation commitment on Earth Day featuring Earth-friendly and educational activities on April 20 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
Do not miss the SF Zoo's awesome "Big Cats", apes, and bears / Photo Gray & Gray Images
Visitors will learn more about the Zoo’s involvement at conserving great apes, amphibians and bears at animal keeper awareness stations and take home valuable information on preserving local habitat from more than 40 Bay Area conservation-minded organizations. Families also can gain knowledge about the environment by experiencing the “Most Important Show on Earth Tent.” Sponsored by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the PUC’s Water Pollution Prevention Program, the Most Important Show on Earth Tent features artwork, activity booklets for kids and vital information on how to delicately balancing everyday activities with nature according to Paul Garcia, SF Zoo Media Relations.
In addition, families can go on a guided tour of the Zoo with Director of Conservation John Aikin who will showcase the Zoo’s specific wildlife conservation efforts, and experience horticulture tours that highlight the Zoo’s expansive but unknown botanical collection. During various times of the day at the Zoo’s Wildlife Theater, visitors can relax and enjoy a special animal demonstration featuring parrots, frogs and animal ambassadors from the Koret Animal Resource Center.
planet Earth.”
“As a local leader in conservation, the San Francisco Zoo serves as a model for Earth-friendly initiatives and educates visitors on how they can play an important role in preserving local wildlife and their habitats,” said Manuel A. Mollinedo, president and executive director at the San Francisco Zoo. “Each day we strive on protecting the planet and on April 20 we will celebrate it by throwing a party for our beloved planet Earth.
Recycle your cell phone and receive one free admission pass to the Zoo on April 20. Guests can receive one free admission pass to the Zoo to experience the Earth Day festivities when they drop off an old cell phone, computer, television, printer, stereo and other e-waste items at the Norcal/Sunset Scavenger station located at the Zoo’s south gate entrance.
About The San Francisco Zoo
Encompassing 100 acres, the historic San Francisco Zoo is Northern California’s largest zoological park serving more than one million visitors annually. Located on the Great Highway between Skyline and Sloat Boulevards, across from the Pacific Ocean, the Zoo is open daily, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and its Web site is www.sfzoo.org
George Clooney May Be Engaged to Sarah Larson
George Clooney and Sarah Larson
GEORGE CLOONEY
Rumor has it that George Clooney, who was recently nominated for an Oscar for best actor in a leading role for his work in "Michael Clayton," may be engaged to his girlfriend Sarah Larson.
Madonna Inducted Into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
MADONNA
Madonna, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Monday March 8th and paid tribute to both fans who encouraged her and critics who discouraged her for helping to drive her career.
"People are still encouraging me to believe in my dreams," she said at the Waldorf Astoria induction ceremony. "What more could I ask for? Even the people who said I was talentless, that I was chubby, that I couldn't sing, that I was a one-hit wonder - they helped me, too," she said. "They inspired me because they made me question myself repeatedly and pushed me to be better."
Singer Justin Timberlake, who helped produce Madonna's upcoming album, inducted Madonna saying, "The world is full of Madonna wanna-bes. I might have even dated a couple. But there is truly only one Madonna."
John Mellencamp, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, Leonard Cohen, the Dave Clark Five and The Ventures were some of the other inductees.
Harrison Ford Stars Again As Indiana Jones
HARRISON FORD STARS AGAIN AS INDIANA JONES
Paramount says a record 4.1 million views on the Yahoo movie site in the first week and 2.6 million on the official IndianaJones.com site, the most ever for the studio.
The Indiana Jones series is the brainchild of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The franchise began off with "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" in 1981, followed by "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" three summers later. "The Last Crusade" was released in 1989, with a worldwide box office total to $1.2 billion.
EVENT UPDATE: TOP ENTERTAINMENT TICKETS, MARCH 2008 .. What's Hot!
Wicked - The Musical, is #1 in Event Update's Top 100 Entertainment Tickets for March
EVENT UPDATE: TOP 100 ENTERTAINMENT TICKETS
The best tickets for the following A-List Events are available at GETMEIN in Europe and TicketMaster, Worldwide:
1 Wicked - Wicked - The Musical
2 Celine Dion
3 Jonas Brothers
4 Jersey Boys
5 Jay-z & Mary J. Blige
6 Billy Joel
7 Kanye West
8 Radiohead
9 Bon Jovi
10 Kenny Chesney
11 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
12 Rascal Flatts
13 Michael Buble
14 Elton John
15 Rush
16 Boston Red Sox
17 Cher
18 Bruce Springsteen
19 WWE
20 Houston Rodeo
21 Jack Johnson
22 Lion King
23 Bette Midler
24 Spice Girls
25 George Strait
26 Nascar Nextel Cup Series: Daytona 500
27 New York Yankees
28 Van Halen
29 Matchbox 20
30 Los Angeles Lakers
31 Boston Celtics
32 Chris Rock
33 Blue Man Group
34 New York Knicks
35 New York Rangers
36 Santana
37 Phantom Of The Opera
38 Montreal Canadiens
39 Denver Nuggets
40 Young Frankenstein
41 The Eagles
42 Minnesota Wild
43 2008 NBA All-Star Game
44 Samsung 500
45 The Police
46 Supercross
47 Carrie Underwood
48 Linkin Park
49 Monster Jam Trucks
50 Little Mermaid
51 Foo Fighters
52 Phoenix Suns
53 Kid Rock
54 Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood
55 Nascar Nextel Cup Series: Food City 500
56 Robert Plant
57 Dallas Mavericks
58 Celtic Woman
59 Toby Keith
60 Netjets Showdown: Pete Sampras
61 Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood
62 Jill Scott
63 Bonnaroo
64 REM
65 Joe Calzaghe
66 Keith Urban & Carrie Underwood
67 Golden State Warriors
68 New York Mets
69 Usg Sheetrock 400
70 NASCAR Nextel Series: UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400
71 Alicia Keyes
72 San Antonio Spurs
73 Lynyrd Skynyrd
74 Chicago Bulls
75 Van Morrison
76 Disney on Ice: High School Musical
77 George Lopez
78 Katt Williams
79 Ringling Bros And Barnum & Bailey Circus
80 Jackson Browne
81 Tim Mcgraw
82 Barry Manilow
83 Big 12 Mens Basketball Tournament - All Sessions
84 2008 NBA All Star Saturday Night
85 Nascar Nextel Cup Series: Auto Club 500
86 Mary Poppins
87 Cleveland Cavaliers
88 Grease
89 Jeff Dunham
90 Sugarland
91 The Color Purple
92 Baltimore Orioles
93 Toronto Maple Leafs
94 Houston Astros
95 Avril Lavigne
96 Jerry Seinfeld
97 Moody Blues
98 Utah Jazz
99 Chicago White Sox
100 San Francisco Giants
2008 OSCARS .. ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS
OSCARS - ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2007 were presented on Sunday, February 24, 2008, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. "No Country For Old Men," won best picture at the 80th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. The film also picked up Oscars for Javier Bardem as best supporting actor, and brothers Joel and Ethan Coen shared the award for best direction and adpated screenplay. Its four Oscars were the most won by any film. Marion Cotillard won an Oscar for best actress for her role in "La Vie en Rose." Daniel Day-Lewis won the award for best actor for his role in "There Will Be Blood".
The winners are ...
Performance by an actor in a leading role
Daniel Day-Lewis in “There Will Be Blood” (Paramount Vantage and Miramax)
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Javier Bardem in “No Country for Old Men” (Miramax and Paramount Vantage)
Performance by an actress in a leading role
Marion Cotillard in “La Vie en Rose” (Picturehouse)
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Tilda Swinton in “Michael Clayton” (Warner Bros.)
Best animated feature film of the year
“Ratatouille” (Walt Disney) Brad Bird
Achievement in art direction
“Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (DreamWorks and Warner Bros., Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
Art Direction: Dante Ferretti
Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo
Achievement in cinematography
“There Will Be Blood” (Paramount Vantage and Miramax) Robert Elswit
Achievement in costume design
“Elizabeth: The Golden Age” (Universal) Alexandra Byrne
Achievement in directing
“No Country for Old Men” (Miramax and Paramount Vantage) Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Best documentary feature
“Taxi to the Dark Side” (THINKFilm)
An X-Ray Production
Alex Gibney and Eva Orner
Best documentary short subject
“Freeheld”
A Lieutenant Films Production
Cynthia Wade and Vanessa Roth
Achievement in film editing
“The Bourne Ultimatum” (Universal) Christopher Rouse
Best foreign language film of the year
“The Counterfeiters” An Aichholzer Filmproduktion, Magnolia Filmproduktion Production
Austria
Achievement in makeup
“La Vie en Rose” (Picturehouse) Didier Lavergne and Jan Archibald
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
“Atonement” (Focus Features) Dario Marianelli
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
“Falling Slowly” from “Once”
(Fox Searchlight)
Music and Lyric by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Best motion picture of the year
“No Country for Old Men” (Miramax and Paramount Vantage)
A Scott Rudin/Mike Zoss Production
Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
Best animated short film
“Peter & the Wolf” (BreakThru Films)
A BreakThru Films/Se-ma-for Studios Production
Suzie Templeton and Hugh Welchman
Best live action short film
“Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)” (Premium Films)
A Karé Production
Philippe Pollet-Villard
Achievement in sound editing
“The Bourne Ultimatum” (Universal)
Karen Baker Landers and Per Hallberg
Achievement in sound mixing
“The Bourne Ultimatum” (Universal)
Scott Millan, David Parker and Kirk Francis
Achievement in visual effects
“The Golden Compass” (New Line in association with Ingenious Film Partners)
Michael Fink, Bill Westenhofer, Ben Morris and Trevor Wood
Adapted screenplay
“No Country for Old Men” (Miramax and Paramount Vantage)
Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
Original screenplay
“Juno” (Fox Searchlight)
Written by Diablo Cody