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The 2010 Newport Beach Film Festival kicked off its 11th anniversary this past Thursday night with the World Premiere of Five Star Day. The movie marked the feature directorial debut for Orange County native Danny Buday. journeyPod caught up with Michael Damian to chat about his new film, Flicka 2.  We also chatted with Frank Kelly, who's film 140 was inspired by Twitter. And finally we got some inside scoop on the documentary, The Wall, from film maker Ricardo Martinez.

The festival runs through Thursday, April 29 so if you're headed to the OC, be sure to stay at the Fairmont Newport Beach. It's where all the celebs stay!  We're pretty sure we saw Ludacris walking the halls last night. Stay tuned for an upcoming Chef's Corner with Chef Michael from the Fairmont Newport Beach. PHOTO BY DAVID WOYTOWICH

Welcome to Surf City USA! With eight-and-a-half miles of golden sand beaches, and a sunny Mediterranean climate, Huntington Beach is located along the Southern California coast in Orange County, 35 miles south of Los Angeles and 95 miles north of San Diego.

Be sure to check out the AAA Four Diamond award-winning Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort —right across the street from the beach! It’s pet-friendly and green! So bring Fido and feel like you are doing good by the environment!

journeyPod had a chance to check out the property and enjoyed dinner and Sunday Champagne Brunch at Shades Restaurant and Bar. Sunday Brunch was made all the better by local magician Jeff Black. For more information on Shades, please sure to check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Jeff.

Check out the sounds of the hottest band in South Africa (with local connections in the OC) Just Jinjer and their song "Like You Madly."

journeyPod is back at the Ellis Hotel, Atlanta’s only “Green” Boutique Hotel located in the heart of downtown. We had a chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend at the property and we highly recommend this to couples for next year! The only time we left our room was to taste some of Chef Thomas’s delectable dishes! For Valentine’s Day we enjoyed fresh Blue Pointe Oysters and North Georgia Trout stuffed with American Crab. After licking our plates clean, we headed to our candle-lit room where we were pleasantly surprised with champagne, edible chocolate with a feather duster and rose petals!

Let’s listen in on our interview with Executive Chef Thomas McKeown as he chats about cooking with local organic produce at Terrace on Peachtree, shopping at farmer’s markets & upcoming events like St. Patrick’s Day!

Enjoy podsafe artist 3rd Culture with their hit “One Promise”.

Situated on 1,500 feet of sugary white sand at the tip of Estero Island, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa offers a four-star Fort Myers Beach hotel accommodations in a playful and friendly atmosphere. Located along the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, with sweeping gulf and bay views, Pink Shell is the premier choice of Fort Myers hotels for guests seeking adventure, relaxation, and fun. Enjoy a pampering couples massage at the Aquagene spa, let the kids splash around in the Octopool or book an exclusive package that fits your travel needs! We love the “Discover Sailing Getaway“!

Enjoy podsafe artist Douglas Kay with his hit “How can I be sure?”

Known to be “the most romantic spot on the California coast”, Dana Point is located  half -way between Los Angeles and San Diego.

From shopping, to dining, to fishing and whale-watching, there is tons to do in Dana Point. Of course water sports are a big hit year-round with mild temps even in the winter!

As for accommodations, journeyPod highly recommends the Ritz Carlton Laguna Nigel. You can delight your tastebuds at Eno, give back to the community via Second Harvest while sport fishing, or learn to surf with a pro Billabong surf instructor!

For more information on this amazing property check them out on Face Book and on Twitter, and listen to our exclusive podcast here! Then sit back and enjoy local Laguna Beach artist Sasha Evans and her song, Achin' For You.