Love Angeles Magazine®

Jack Johnson Will Donate 'All' Tour Profits To Charity

Source: ecorazzi.com - Can anyone remember the last time a popular musician donated his entire tour profits to charity? I’m at a loss to think of anyone, but in the future you can peg that label on Jack Johnson.

The Hawaiian surfer/songwriter/guitarist has announced that 100% of profits from his 34-date tour between July and October will go to charity. The new tour is set to celebrate the release of his new album, To The Sea, which once again sets the example of how a green album should be made. It was recorded at Johnson’s two solar-powered studios: The Mango Tree in Hawaii and the Solar Powered Plastic Plant in Los Angeles.

Once again, Johnson’s tour will be eco-friendly. Greening actions include fueling tour vehicles with sustainable biodiesel, offering eco-friendly tour merchandise, and promoting ride share programs. In addition, venues and fans are encouraged to reduce waste, recycle, use water refill stations and offset carbon emissions.

The tour will also collaborate with over 150 hand-chosen community groups around the world as part of Johnson’s All At Once Community. This year’s All At Once campaign will focus on supporting non-profit groups and engaging fans in the realms of plastic waste reduction and sustainable local food systems.

National Geographic's 'Extraordinary Animals in the Womb'

Source: Ecorazzi - National Geographic created a stunning documentary a few years back called Extraordinary Animals in the Womb - but this is the first I’ve heard of it.

What really caught my attention are the scenes the filmmakers managed to put together using new advances in scanning and imaging technology. The footage is actually a combination of digital photography, scans, and computer-generated models — but the work is so seamless that it’s very hard to tell what’s real and what isn’t.

“There is no intention to deceive, and we are clear about just how far our cameras can go,” said the show’s producer Peter Chinn. “But the picture we’ve been able to build up goes further than my wildest dreams.”

It’s worth noting that none of the animals — or their embryos — were harmed during the filming. Whatever could not be captured in great detail using scanning cameras was meticulously rendered to represent what a close-up would look like on the inside.

Winemaker Johnny Depp

Source: ecorazzi - In between jamming on the guitar, playing a pirate, or going mad with Alice in Wonderland, Johnny Depp prefers the quiet and solitude of his French getaway.

We previously wrote how the actor enjoys nothing more than watching his garden grow and playing with his wife and children — but in a new interview, he also reveals another love: wine.

“I have a secret desire to make wine. But I’ll keep it for myself before daring to sell it commercially. In the Var where I live, it’s very interesting. The region is notable for rose and it’s very good, though I prefer red myself.”

Should Depp decide to take the commercial plunge, he would be in good company, as evidenced in our Top 10 Celebrity Wineries gallery.

PEOPLE’s current Sexiest Man Alive also admits, “there are times when I don’t leave the property for three months at a time.”

“With Vanessa and the kids, we live in a sort of little village in the south and I have the impression of being in paradise,” he continues. “It’s a property of about 30 acres and you know what I do there — absolutely nothing.”

Faux-Fur Line ‘Imposter’ Debuts With Celebrity Support

source: Ecorazzi - We all know that real fur is the opposite of cool, but what if you want the look without all the nasty brutality and environmental destruction? Well, we’ve found a great option for you!

Imposter is a brand new faux-fur line that has invented a new symbol to showcase compassion. The IM symbol, found on each garment, proudly shows the world that no animals were harmed in the making of your outfit.

Imposter will also donate 10% of all online sales to saving animals via contributions to charities like: The HSUS, Farm Sanctuary and the ASPCA.

According to their site:

“Saving animals is Imposter’s inspiration and brand identity – to the core. The lives of countless animals will be saved on both sides of the initiative. Each garment bearing an IM logo has an exponential impact on the industry.”

A slew of celebrities have already come out to support the new line, including Carrie Underwood, Angie Harmon, Emmy Rossum, Jessica Lownes (90210), and Olivia Palermo (The City).

Celebrities Join Campaign To Protect View Of Hollywood Sign

Source: ecorazzi - The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has announced its intention to protect the view of the famous Hollywood Sign by purchasing 138 acres on Cahuenga Peak in Los Angeles. TPL must raise $12.5 million by April 14 in order to prevent the land from being developed for luxury homes.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus has agreed to lend her support to the campaign. She is joined by other Hollywood stars including Virginia Madsen, Katherine Morris, Aisha Tyler, John Slattery, Julian McMahon, Tippi Hedren, James Kyson Lee, and Beau Garrett.

“With the support of donors such as The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, TPL and its partners are in a campaign to raise a total of $12.5 million by April 14,” said Sam Hodder, California State Director for TPL. “The Hollywood Sign is one of America’s iconic views and that view would be ruined forever if estates are built behind it.”

Once the TPL is able to purchase the acreage, the land will be added to Griffith Park which, at 6.52 sq mi of land, is one of the largest urban parks in North America.

Check out the official site here for more information!

Apple Thinking Solar-Powered iPod?

Source: ecorazzi - While the world may be hanging on every shred of new info leading up to Apple’s potential unveiling of their tablet on Wednesday, the tech giant is quietly planning for future - and possibly greener - products.

One patent, filed last week, details a system in which an iPod draws power from solar cells covering the device. According to Gizmodo, it includes a description on how constant voltage could be maintained even with the user’s hand obstructing some of the cells and explains how the solar power could be used in conjunction with traditional batteries.

While there are plenty of external solar chargers available for the iPod right now, carrying one less thing around with me would be a welcome addition. It would also be interesting to see how Apple could integrate the solar cells (which we assume would be of the thin-film variety) to fit their rigorous design standards.

Granted, most Apple patents rarely make it into final products, but we like the way they’re thinking.  To learn more about the ways Apple is working to make their current business more green, jump here.

Earth Hour 2010 Set For Lights Out March 27th

Source: ecorazzi - Are you ready for Earth Hour 2010? It’s hard to believe, but we’re already on the third year of the worldwide campaign to recognize climate change with the symbolic gesture of “lights out” for one hour. The initial list of US landmarks taking part in this global climate event includes Mount Rushmore, Empire State Building, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas,” Harrah’s Caesar Palace and the MGM Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

New Earth Hour participants in 2010 will include Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Indianapolis. Other local landmarks taking part include Atlanta’s Bank of America building and the Pike Place Market sign in Seattle, with many more expected to sign on in the days ahead.

The World Wildlife Fund, which organizes the campaign each year, is hopeful that participation in the U.S. will include people, buildings, and landmarks from all 50 states.

Last year, celebrities like Edward Norton, Alanis Morissette, and even Yoko Ono campaigned for people to join the campaign. Are you ready for a little candlelight on March 27th? Check out the new promo below:

Stars To Rock LA Go Green Expo

Source: ecorazzi - It’s January. It’s 2010. And it’s time for Los Angeles to welcome yet again over 250 exhibitors, interactive seminars, educational workshops, an eco-film festival and a green marketplace. In other words, it’s time for the LA Go Green Expo Jan. 22-24

Speakers for this year’s conference include Ed Begley Jr., Mariel Hemingway, Sophie Uliano, Linda Loudermilk, and many more. MNN gives us the scoop on admission saying, "Business buyers can attend the Friday expo at no charge; a business card is all that is needed for admission. The general public can purchase a two-day pass for only $10 to attend the weekend events. Discounted tickets are available for senior citizens, students and military families ($5) and children under 12 are free."

Want more info, hit the official site here. And if you’re not in LA Jan. 22-24, no worries! Other Go Green Expo events planned in 2010 include New York City (3/19-3/21), Philadelphia (4/16–4/18), and Atlanta (5/21-5/23).

Neha Dhupia Goes Natural

Source: ecorazzi - Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia has become the latest Indian star to promote the green scene - this time in a new calendar shot by ace photographer Jatin Kampani. Each scene shows Neha as different avatars of the elements of nature.

“I grabbed this opportunity of making people aware of today’s need to protect the environment,” the 29-year-old said. “This initiative is very close to my heart.”

Some more beautiful additional pics of Dhupia can be found here!

James Cameron Covers Life On the Planet

Source: Ecorazzi - "At the premiere in London of Avatar, James Cameron’s first film in over 10 years, the director opened up on the environmental message of the movie — and how he hopes it inspires people to look at the destruction around them.

“The point is that we are devastating habitat and biodiversity at a terrible rate,” he told the UK Sun. “We are causing a global climate change that’s going to be absolutely devastating to the coral reefs. Science is unable to keep up with our industrial society. We are destroying species faster than we can classify them. We are destroying the food chain faster than we can understand it. The politicians are over in Copenhagen talking about climate change now – but there are other issues as well.”

Cameron mentioned that once the publicity and premieres for the new film have wrapped, he will head back to his solar-powered eco-ranch in Santa Barbara, California. Him and his wife are also planning on installing wind turbines soon. Check out the rest of The Sun’s interview with the director here.

“Unchopping a Tree” Debuts In Copenhagen

Source: ecorazzi - Artist and architect Maya Lin has unveiled her latest addition to her conservation memorial “What is Missing” called “Unchopping A Tree”. It’s a moving piece of work enriched with ethereal music and visuals. The Fast Company blog gives us the details saying,

The video, which is inspired by a W.S. Merwin poem of the same name, focuses on how we would feel if deforestation came to the city parks that we love the most. Lin decided the debut the video at the Support REDD+ Gala in Copenhagen to highlight the importance of enacting REDD, a UN program that will pay developing countries to cut down on deforestation. “I want to get out the message that by preventing deforestation, we can reduce emissions and save species,” Lin said.

Check it out below (the ‘unchopping’ bit comes near the end):

Architecture In Times Of Need: Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Launches New Book

Ecorazzi - "Make It Right NOLA has a new website and now a new book too. The green building organization founded by Brad Pitt is currently helping to rebuild New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward and the book, titled “Architecture in Times of Need”, documents that process. From the synopsis,

This book which was sponsored and assembled by [architecture firm] Graft, features essays on the history and people of the Lower 9th Ward, the hurricane and its impact, and tracks the development and progress of the Make It Right project. But the primary focus of the book is on the design process and designs. The contributions to the project from Adjaye Associates, GRAFT, Gehry Partners and Shigeru Ban, among others, are shown in numerous photographs and renderings with sketches, building plans, and informative commentary. The book also describes the sustainable Cradle to CradleSM approach, which seeks to maximize economic, ecological, and social value by following principles inspired by nature.

In addition, Brad Pitt also adds his commentary to the pages. Sounds like a pretty solid read for anyone interested in green building and/or inspiring feats of charity."

“Architecture in Times of Need” is available now for $28.

Edward Norton is Doing Good as Usual

ecorazzi - Edward Norton has achieved his goal of raising more than $1 million for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.

"The fundraising effort began in late summer when Norton and a team of runners (including some Maasai warriors) sought sponsorship in running the New York City Marathon. Celebrities such as Alanis Morissette and David Blaine jumped on board — as well as corporations like shoe giant PUMA. All of the money raised, which totaled some $750,000 after the marathon in early November, went towards the Trust to support education, wildlife conservation, and medical services. But Norton wasn’t content with just three quarters of a million.

“Trying to raise 1 million by the end of next week. We’re close.,” he wrote on Twitter. 11 days later, using a variety of signed movie collectibles and other giveaways, Norton and his team crossed the finish line. The current total now stands at $1,005,977.

While the tweets have dropped off since then, we suspect the last one means we haven’t quite reached the end of this ambitious fundraising effort. “For new followers: check out what we’ve been up to,” it says. “Trying to get 100,000 people to contribute $20 to this great org www.maasaimarathon.com"

Congratulations to Team Norton on raising cash that will make an enormous difference for both the people and wildlife of Kenya.

“A Generation Free” Gives Hope For The Future

ecorazzi - "Last night, I headed downtown to catch a private screening of Nigel Barker’s new film “A Generation Free.” This powerful 45-minute documentary examines how the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is helping put an end to pediatric AIDS in 17 countries through the world.

Barker and his crew traveled to Tanzania and visited Foundation-supported health clinics where HIV-positive mothers and toddlers were getting the care and support necessary to lead healthy, stable lives.

In the film, Barker explains: “Two-thirds of HIV-positive pregnant woman worldwide do not receive the services they need to prevent transmission of HIV to their babies, resulting in more than a thousand babies being infected with HIV every single day. Of those children, half will die before their second birthday, if left untreated.”

As Thanksgiving approaches and we begin to evaluate the many blessings in our lives, it’s imperative that we do not forget those who are so often forgotten. The easy choice is to turn away. The easy choice is to say, “It’s too hard. It’s too expensive. It can’t be done.” But the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is proving that it can and must be done.

As author Edward Everett Hale once said, “I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”

Daryl Hannah’s ‘Kill Bill’ Trans Am Now Running On Pure Alcohol

Ecorazzi - "Back in September of 2008, Daryl Hannah mentioned that she was planning on taking the iconic Trans Am her character from the movie Kill Bill drove and turning into an all-electric vehicle. She did have some reservations about the conversion, however. “Because it’s a heavier car, it’s not going to get as long a range,” she said.

Looks like Hannah decided to wait and instead focus on using the gasoline engine she already had. The actress told MNN that the Kill Bill Trans Am has been converted to run on 100% pure alcohol (or ethanol). This would make it the second car in her garage running on an alternative fuel after her “badass” biodiesel El Camino."