January 20, 2015: Pope Francis Confirms Visit to U.S., Paris Fashion Week Boosts Security, Child Gets Bill for Missing Birthday Party


1. POPE FRANCIS CONFIRMS VISIT TO U.S.: Pope Francis is planning a three-city tour of the United States in September to Washington, New York, and Philadelphia. Details of his trip attributed to the Catholic News Agency include visiting President Obama and addressing Congress; celebrating mass at Madison Square Garden and speaking at the United Nations; and participating in the World Meeting of Families conference in Philadelphia. Los Angeles Times: http://lat.ms/1CeiOPt

2. PARIS FASHION WEEK BOOSTS SECURITY: Following deadly terrorist attacks in Paris, the organizer of Paris Fashion Week is boosting security measures. The measures by the Federation Francaise de la Couture are in part to make attendees feel safe at shows. AFP: “A statement given to the fashion houses taking part said ‘simple logistical measures’ must be implemented ‘to reassure those attending the shows and those participating in them.’ They included heightened checks on those holding invitations for the shows and bag inspections.” http://yhoo.it/1J7cLwh

3. CHILD GETS BILL FOR MISSING BIRTHDAY PARTY: It’s not often that a child’s birthday party goes viral, but one British boy’s birthday did after his mother sent a bill to another child for missing the event. The friend’s parents say their child was double booked that day and regretted missing the party. The host’s mother created an invoice for a “no-show” charge, a bill that experts say is unenforceable. BBC: “It's amusing to imagine what a children's party invitation seeking to create a contract might say: ‘I, the first party, hereinafter referred to as the birthday boy, cordially invite you the second party, hereinafter referred to as my best friend, to the party of the first party.’” http://bbc.in/1KV6TtZ

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON:  The Boston Ballet Ball is February 7 at the Castle at Park Plaza. The evening will include a performance from Lady of the Camellias (the story that inspired Moulin Rouge) and will offer a French-inspired menu.

CHICAGO:  Soho House Chicago will host Art Week through Sunday. Activities will include a cocktail-making class, nail art, and a butterfly-theme afternoon tea inspired by artist Damien Hirst.

LAS VEGAS:  Michael Mina celebrated the grand opening of Bardot Brasserie at Aria Resort & Casino on Thursday.

LOS ANGELES:  New karaoke lounge Blind Dragon from the H.wood Group soft opened on Thursday in Hollywood.

Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival will announce the Festival’s 2015 program and other highlights on January 27.

NEW YORK:  The sixth annual Ice Ball, presented by the Simulacrum of Yore Society, was Wednesday, with ice skaters on the Bryant Park rink in formal attire. Wall Street Journal: http://on.wsj.com/1yBitqJ

Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork

ORLANDO:  Mark Sadowski will replace Terry Brinkoetter as public relations director for Disney's global meetings business. Brinkoetter will become PR director for Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and Adventures by Disney.

PARK CITY, UTAH:  Talent Resources will host its TR Suites lounge January 23-25 at the Blue Iguana Restaurant during the Sundance Film Festival. The gifting suite will partner with nine brands including Alex and Ani Jewelry, Otterbox, and Yellowtail.

TORONTO:  Toronto Men's Fashion Week will move to College Park for its fall/winter 2015 collections February 23-March 3. The Art Deco-style venue has 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. Outside, the event will stage a Winter Fashion Festival with pop-up shops, food trucks, and other attractions.

The Interior Design Show is Friday-Sunday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The event will feature some 300 exhibitors, speakers and seminars, and a special exhibit honoring Missoni Home’s 60th anniversary.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center, scheduled to open in early 2015, named Bradley Nairne as director of food and beverage operations. Nairne will oversee the hotel’s day-to-day food and beverage services and manage the culinary staff.

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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, Jill Menze, and Anna Sekula in New York.

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