New Partners Save 2009 Daytime Emmys: The Daytime Emmys almost didn't happen this year when CBS opted out of airing the award show, but producers at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences got a stay of execution when Associated Television International and MGM offered to help. Together, the three will host the event this Sunday at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles. And even if the ratings aren't up to par for the first-time broadcast on the CW, producers are optimistic the event will continue in some incarnation next year. [Variety]
First Lady Firms Up G20 Schedule: Michelle Obama will make her debut as international hostess outside the White House next month when the G20 Summit comes to Pittsburgh. The economy-focused gathering of world leaders is shaping up to be a busy two days for Obama, as her schedule of spouse-entertaining already includes hosting a lunch at the Andy Warhol Museum, a visit to Pittsburgh's Creative & Performing Arts School, and a private dinner at Teresa Heinz Kerry's Rosemont Farm. [Politics Daily]
Pickpockets Enlisted for Guerrilla Stunt: British cellular phone marketer Talk Talk has hired a team of 20 "reformed" pickpockets to carry out a series of stunts in London and other cities in the U.K. in the coming months. But instead of stealing from the unsuspecting masses, they'll be discreetly slipping money into their pockets and bags. The group plans to give out about $200,000 in total, and in addition to the advertising it will afford Talk Talk, the participants are getting a clear conscience. One of the staffers had this to say: "Every time I put money back in someone's pocket, I feel less guilty about the fact I spent many years taking it out." [BrandFreak]
Chicago Olympic Committee Pushes Meetings: The Chicago 2016 Olympic organizing committee recently finished up a series of meetings called "50 wards in 50 days" in an attempt to placate growing criticism of the city for courting the costly 2016 summer games. All in all, the committee has hosted more than 400 meetings since 2007. They'll be able to measure their success after an upcoming City Council vote needed to give the mayor the authority to sign the host-city contract. But even then, the competition to host remains tight between other finalists Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo. The International Olympic Committee will settle any debate on October 2, however, when it announces the winner in Copenhagen. [Sun-Times]
