Gallery Opening, 4 December 2004 (see story below) 

Beauty Sleep

Get Your Beauty Sleep: More and more companies are coming out with treatments specifically to be used in the evening and are giving new meaning to the phrase “Beauty Sleep.” Here's what reps say about a few of these products:

Leaf & Rusher Tx Night
An enhanced nighttime concentrate designed to restore radiance to stressed, dehydrated, aging skin while you sleep. It smoothes and retexturizes, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and protects skin from photodamage. Kelly Preston, Ali Landry and Jennifer Tilly use these skin care products, developed by Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Norman Leaf and skin care expert Rand Rusher. SRP: $150.00

Victoria Principal Principal Secret Reclaim Revolutionary Anti-Aging Night Cream
An intensive nighttime treatment formulated with Argireline Molecular Complex to fight the visible appearance of wrinkles. Delivers a higher concentration of ingredients during the optimal repair time to help accelerate the skin’s natural renewal process without irritation. SRP: $47.00

Skyn Iceland Oxygen Infusion Night Cream
An overnight treatment that charges up skin’s natural renewal process. Rich emollients and therapeutic natural ingredients offer anti-aging benefits, helping to replenish what chronic stress has taken away, while the Arctic-inspired Biospheric Complex immediately goes to work to radically stabilize, strengthen and nourish skin. SRP: $75.00

Boscia Recharging Night Moisture
A concentrated cream of Oriental botanicals formulated to moisturize, soothe and nourish the skin overnight. Absorbs deeply to revitalize, repair and strengthen the skin. Also diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and restores vitality. SRP: $30.00

Sothys Noctuelle
A new and improved universal night cream with AHAs and Vitamin C that results in optimal performance. An anti-aging formula with more anti-oxidant properties that fight free radicals to prevent the signs of age. SRP: $52.00

Jason Natural Thigh Therapy Nighttime Firming Creme
After you workout, let this cream go to work while your body and muscles rest and restore. This concentrated European oil-free Creme formula works while you sleep to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Seaweed, Guarana and Wasabi work in conjunction with Thermogenic Yerba Gold to noticeably tone and smooth hips, thighs and buttocks. Algae Extract and Ivy help break down fat in cellulite cells and amino acids strengthen and firm the skin. Horsetail helps the body produce new elastin and collagen fibers. Concentrated Vitamin E reinforces the collagen and network of elastic fibers, and helps prevent free radicals from causing skin to age prematurely. SRP: $20.00

Lamas Pro-Vita C Plus Vital Infusion Complex
A breakthrough anti-aging formula used in the evening that combines three key natural antioxidants - vitamin C ester, alpha lipoic acid and DMAE - to combat skin damage caused by free radicals while stimulating skin regeneration at the cellular level. Achieve optimum results by applying over clean skin at night, preferably a half hour before bedtime, including eye area and neck. SRP: $52.00

SkinMedica Dermal Repair
A luxurious, exclusive formulation that is highly concentrated with vitamins A, C and E, along with safflower seed and soybean oils, sodium hyaluronate, natural extracts of aloe, oat, olives, algae and other ingredients for unparalleled hydrating benefits. This heavy cream goes beyond standard moisturizers to replenish, protect and nourish skin, while improving skin texture and tone for a healthier, more vibrant appearance. SRP: $94.50

Not So Hole-y Grail

Actress Kelly Hu in GRAIL Clothing

Rock-er Wear

Grail Clothing has cool rocker-style tanks, short and long sleeved shirts, hoodies, jeans and even dresses (love the dresses). www.Grailclothing.com . They are currently releasing a new embroidered denim line (jeans and skirts) as well as handbags, wallet chain and wallets. All of these items are made for both men and women.

Grail Celebrity Client List:


Ashlee Simpson
Ashton Kutcher
Drew Barrymore
Drop Kick Murphy
Farrah Fawcett
Fred Durst
Gavin Rosdale
Gwen Stephani
Jessica Simpson
Kelly Hu
Lyndsay Lohan
Marc Anthony
Mary Kate Olsen
Steven Tyler
Ty Pennington
Samuel L. Jackson
Nick Cage
Jake Gyllenlhaal

THREADCOUNTzzz Sleepwear is the first and only line of ultra-high thread-count sleepwear. All THREADCOUNTzzz products are made with proprietary fabric which is a 400+ thread count, single ply, 100% Egyptian cotton sateen weave. New for the holiday season will be 14 new women’s styles and 2 new men’s styles of pajamas. The new collection features ‘Shoely Obsessed’, ($148) a classic cut pajama embroidered with many a woman’s obsession, shoes. ‘Shoely Obsessed’ comes in aquamarine and lipstick, two new colors for the holidays. The style will come in aquamarine as well as white and black. In addition to the embroideries, THREADCOUNTzzz offers a new style of pajama featuring ribbon trim and small bows ($154). THREADCOUNTzzz launches the first high thread-count robes in October. The robes will come in white with black or tan stripes for men ($184) and women ($180). Woman’s robes will also come in aquamarine or lipstick ($180). Another first in the high thread count world will be the company’s boxers ($38) made from the same proprietary fabric and packaged in a matching draw string bag. http://threadcountzzz.com/

Yuko Yamashita, the superintendent of YUKO SYSTEM

The Straight Answer to Beautiful Hair!
MODELS NEEDED for revolutionary
YUKO HAIR STRAIGHTENING SYSTEM!

Upscale Yuko System Salon is currently in search of six (6) HAIR MODELS to appear at the ISSE BEAUTY SHOW in Long Beach, CA, February 5-7,2005. Go from curls to luxurious straight hair-free of charge!

MODEL AUDITIONS
Auditions will be held Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 at Yuko System Academy
(1860 W. Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90501) Call for details at: 310-618-5412 or
887-985-6797.

MODELS NEEDED
-TWO models are needed to act as the main models having their hair straightened on the show floor.
-THREE FEMALES: medium to long hair needed.
-ONE short hair male needed.
-FOUR DANCERS to walk/dance around showing off the straightened hair
-No bleach or highlights (color is okay).
-Age 19-29

MODEL Requirements
-Females with semi long hair (not too curly, hair with volume)
-80% of straightening procedure will be done prior to the event
-Age 19-29

Required Dates
-Audition December 10, 2004 for 2 hours.
-End of January: Rehearsal for 3-4 Hours and a Photo Shoot for 1-2 hours
-Prior to show Hair straightening (4 hours)
-Available for show days (Feb 5-7)

CONTACT:

MS. REINA MISAKI
1860 W. Carson St. #102
Torrance, CA 90501
310-618-5412/ FAX 310-328-0716
 

Luxury Gifts, Memberships and other Asundry Cheer

Breitling Emergency Watch- Designed originally for pilots and air crews, the Emergency Breitling is an instrument watch with built-in microtransmitter broadcasting! Made for the high adventurer, the Breitling will broadcast a signal for 48 hours at the push of a button. It retails in yellow gold for $25,000 and white gold for $32,250.

Reuters reported that two British pilots, Squadron Ldr. Steve Brooks and Flight Lt. Hugh Quentin-Smith, crashed their helicopter in Antarctica and were rescued after activating their Breitling Emergency transmitter watches. The two pilots were in their lifeboat when a Chilean Otter aircraft found them after homing-in on signals from their watches. The Breitling Emergency watch contains a micro-transmitter, which is programmed to transmit on the international aviation distress frequency of 121.5 MHz.

Fantastic Fashion Finds and More

Rockstar by ThickSkin Leather. You need one. In all colors. Four gun-metal black zippers. Two front pockets gusseted for extra room. One large back pocket. Gun metal black strap hardware. Italian. Hand made in the USA. Dimensions: 13 x 7 x 3.5

Our friends at Couch Nobelius have several suggestions for holiday shopping. BeansTalk especially **ADORES** the bag in the photo above (it also comes in three other yummy colors), but here's a look at some of their other clients, too.

Born and raised on New York City’s Park Avenue, Alex Gaines left Columbia University to Launch Paper Denim and Cloth in 1999 to immediate applause from fashion’s elite. By the end of its debut year, Paper Denim was picked up by Fred Segal and has since become a must-have designer label, now in stores including Colette (Paris), Barneys New York, and Harrods (London). In 2003, Alex left Paper Denim in the trusty hands of her brother Chris Gilbert in order to create her first women’s ready-to-wear line. This first line, aptly dubbed “Alex Gaines,” consists of lush cashmere tunics, cashmere/wool trousers, fitted blazers and cashmere low slung coats. The collection is currently available at Neiman Marcus, Henri Bendel, Scoop, and American Rag among others.

saja is a sensual new label inspired by the lines, glamour and femininity of 1920’s and 30’s fashion, a time when women were elegant and mysterious. With a nod to mentor Richard Tyler and the renowned French dressmaker Madeleine Vionnet, the designer Yoo Lee insists on quality in even the smallest details - french seams, silk linings, natural fabrics, hand-embroidery and beading. Saja is sold to over 300 stores within the United States as well as in Spain, Kuwait, Japan and Indonesia. In Los Angeles, Saja can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue, Fred Segal, and at Turtle in Boston; Mandarine in St. Barts and Isabel in Palm Beach.
www.sajainc.com

Romy Ivsic French-born Romy Ivsic’s exquisite jewelry collection combines her childhood passion for precious stones with an adult appreciation of their powerful, metaphysical healing properties. Characterized by large stones and ingenious settings that allow the stones to maintain skin contact, the rings alone in Romy’s collection are weighty pieces (both figuratively and literally) weighing in at up to 15 grams of either solid gold or sterling silver.
www.romyivsic.com

Australian jewelry line Damselfly's latest collection, Black Madonna comprises an eclectic mix of old world Egyptian princess meets eastern antique charm. Rare components exclusive to the collection include sterling silver, oxidized sterling silver, with premium semi precious stones, jade, agate, black onyx and turquoise
www.damselfly.com.au

Thickskin is a fierce new line of upscale accessories crafted from Italian leathers and lined in espresso suede with unique hardware in oxidized copper, nickel and gun metal black. Styles range from the sophisticated evening Clutch, to resilient travel bags like the All Nighter and Director’s Bag, to the ever funk-tional Rockstar, 3-Way and Bucket bags. Sassy Thickskin leather colors include Rum & Coke, Natural Blonde, Topless and Bloodshot. Now fans from Cameron Diaz and Maggie Gyllenhaal to Fergie and Joseph Finnes are known as “Thickskin-ers.” “It’s a certain personality who buys my bags,” smiles designer Cordila Joachim. “Metro, urban, intelligent, witty, gritty, avant garde and world-focused. I can always see them coming. I know my tribe.”
www.thickskin.net

sass & bide wolfnation is a new limited edition collection personifying Sarah-Jane & Heidi’s passion for beautiful fabrics, hand-crafted detail and a love of contemporary innovation juxtaposed with vintage style. The aesthetic is sexy, contradictory and distinctive. This collection features luxurious fabrics such as french silk adorned with hand-beading, vintage lace and studded kid suede. The range is distinguished by elaborate detailing, embellishment and innovative construction. Unique, custom-made harness style accessories have been designed to accentuate these luxurious and directional pieces.
www.sassandbide.com

Additional Note:
Please take a moment to ask the Governor to Protect California's National Forests at the following web site: You can do it in less than a minute!

http://environmentcalifornia.org/envirocalifforests.asp?id=234&id4=TAFsent

Another Holiday Gift Guide

Meanwhile, our pals at Full Picture have their own suggestions for Holiday Gifts:

Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra: Supermodel Tyra Banks models the 2004 Heavenly ‘70’ Fantasy Bra by Mouawad, in the Victoria’s Secret ‘Christmas Dreams And Fantasies’ The Heavenly ‘70’ Fantasy Bra by Mouawad features a 70-carat flawless pear-shape diamond in the center. Inspired by Victoria’s Secret’s Angels Collection, the Fantasy Bra has been created with a delicate angel-wing motif. Adorned with 2,900 pave-set diamonds and weighing a total of 112 carats, this year’s Fantasy Bra is set in 18-karat white gold. The one-of-a-kind bra is worth $10 million.

XACT Stream|Jockey Plug+Play Satellite Radio Receiver and Portable Pod The Stream|Jockey Plug+Play receives Sirius satellite radio with over 120 commercial free stations of music, talk, news, weather, traffic and more. The receiver can be plugged into a home stereo and a car audio system. XACT Portable Pod is the first ever wireless accessory, allowing you to receive satellite radio transmission through the Stream|Jockey Plug + Play without being plugged in. It provides over 3 hours of playing time. The Stream|Jockey satellite radio receiver is priced from $99to $149; the Portable Pod is $99.

Rocawear Playa Pack and Women’s Accessories Rocawear is offering the Playa Pack for the 2004 holiday season. The Playa Pack gift set contains a Silver Signature edition official Rocawear basketball, 2 pairs of Rocawear athletic socks and a limited edition Roc-a-fella CD with such artists as Kanye West, Jay-Z, Nicole Wray, Cam’ron and numerous others. The Playa Pack is available from Macy’s, Dr. J’s and D.E.M.O. for $50. For the Rocawear lady, there are a wide variety of handbags, belts and sunglasses. Made from leathers and furs with metallic trims. Rocawear accessories range in price from $30-$100, available at department stores and specialty stores nationwide.

Perrier Jouët 1999 Fleur de Champagne Blanc de Blancs This very rare Champagne pays homage to the greatest of Perrier Jouët’s 100-percent-rated Cramant vineyards, which are at the heart of all the Fleur de Champagne prestige cuvées. It was in 1902 that master glassmaker and Art Nouveau founder Émile Gallé created the original “Flower Bottle” which honored the Belle Époque era and now provides a fitting backdrop for this beautiful gold elixir. Availability for the 1999 vintage is extremely limited and retail price is $220 per bottle.

Fill-r-up Gift Baskets Want to make a phone call, name any products and have them beautifully assembled in a holiday gift basket for a business associate or a loved one? Fill-r-up is a customized gift basket service and retail store located in Manhattan's Upper East Side which provides this unique service. Pre-assembled baskets are also available nationally on the website www.fill-r-up.com or 866-fill-r-up (345-5787).

Alpha Omega Jewelers Alpha Omega, America’s leading luxury watch and jewelry retailer offers the most sought after watches, perfect for holiday gift giving. A.Lange & Sohne Double Split- Referred to as an emotional timepiece by watch collectors the world over, the A. Lange & Söhne Double Split may be pricey ($97,800), but it’s worth it. Two precise hands measure time – one splits the minutes, the other splits the seconds. Baume and Mercier Vice-Versa- The hot, new watch of the season, this trend setting watch doubles as a bracelet. One side tells the time and the other is a polished steel bracelet set with diamonds. It retails for $795.

Gran Centenario Ultra Premium Tequila Gran Centenario ultra- premium tequila is recognized for smoothness and versatility. Available at fine liquor and wine stores, nationwide, bottles of Gran Centenario’s Plata, Reposado, and Añejo tequilas are perfect for specialty cocktails like the Holiday Season Beso (tequila and hot chocolate) or simple sipping on ice.

barbara k Lightweight Power Drill The barbara k! Power-Lite Cordless Drill Kit, is the newest product from Barbara K, Power-Lite Cordless Drill has the power of a standard drill yet is lighter, less bulky and easier to handle. In addition to the website (www.barbarak.com), barbara k! tools are also sold at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Ace Hardware Stores, Gracious Home, The Container Store, True Value Hardware, Avon and this fall barbara k! will be available at Target, Orchard Supply and more. The barbara k! Power-Lite Cordless Drill Kit is competitively priced at $59.99.

Jordache Jeans The iconic Jordache look is back as the company re-launches their classic jean with a modern twist. The line features: Classic Boot, Flare and a Super Tight Slim. The collection also includes a mini skirt and pencil skirt, both in denim. The pieces are individually crafted using the most innovative process and using only premium denims from Italy, Japan and the US. The new collection will be available at high-end retail stores and boutiques (including, Intermix, Atrium, Fred Segal, and Tracey Ross).

The Setai Club A membership in The Setai Club, a private residential resort opening in South Beach, Miami in January 2005, offers sophisticated travelers the opportunity to be a part of an exclusive club and own ultra-luxury resort properties in elite destinations around the world. Beginning with the flagship property in Miami and future destinations in Morocco, Bali and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Setai Club owners are entitled to spend an unlimited amount of time in any of the Club properties as well as experience superb amenities such as world class dining, spa and fitness centers and spectacular pool areas and beaches. Founders of The Setai Club hail from worlds of fashion, art, music, business, sports and entertainment and include Lenny Kravitz, Heidi Klum, Sheryl Crow, Jac Nasser, Boris Becker and Alex Von Furstenberg, among others. Membership fee are approximately $300,000

Cross It Off Your List This Holiday season you can give the gift of organization. Linda Rothschild has been organizing the lives of busy people since 1990. The native New Yorker created Cross It Off Your List to help people take back both time and space in their harried and hectic lives. She has been featured in O The Oprah Magazine, In Style, Allure, The New York Times, Good Morning America and CNN. Prices of consultation vary, please call for details

Anthony Martin Master iPod Programmer Anthony Martin has the ability to download just the right tunes for each playlist, to suit any personality, occasion or locale has put him in high demand. Anthony Martin’s service, available to music lovers in New York City, is one of the most personalized gifts one can give during the holidays.

Heeeerrre's Johnny!

Here’'s Johnny: "John Mayer Has A TV Show" Premieres Thursday, December 9, 2004 at 11 p.m. New VH1 Special Follows Grammy-Award Winning Artist John Mayer On The Road As Host Of His Own Talk Show. Shot guerrilla-style, it's one-part documentary, one-part travelogue and one part sketch comedy. The half-hour show offers up 'behind-the-scenes' look at Mayer's life on the road. Shot during Mayer's most recent summer tour, the show gives a glimpse of how he spends his day when he's not performing. He takes rapper Trick Daddy on a tour of downtown Nashville, he disguises himself in a bear suit costume to get a fresh perspective on how his audience preps for his concerts in the venue parking lot and four female fans get a shot at tweaking their favorite musician's image when hebrings them in for their very own focus group.

Mayer is currently promoting his album, "Heavier Things," which has just been certified double platinum and features the hit single, "Daughters." For more information on "John Mayer Has A TV Show" log onto http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/john_mayer_has_a_tv_show/series.jhtml.

Julia Roberts has her babies (see story below). 

Julia Roberts Has Her Twins

Julia Roberts, 37, epitome of the superstar, who didn't "take the opportunity to discuss her issues with fertility and her pregnancy via in virtro" when guesting on Oprah, gave birth at approximately 3 a.m. (PT) to Phinnaeus Walter and Hazel Patricia Moder at a Los Angeles Hospital.

Monty Python’s Flying Circus
In the best tradition of British ridiculousness, join the masters of lighthearted mayhem as they explode penguins, explore lifeboat cannibalism and interview a filing cabinet. Meet the Piranha Brothers, Scott of the Antarctic, the Man Who is Alternatively Rude and Polite, the Silly Vicar and The Bishop. Pour yourself a cup of Conquistador Coffee and thrill to the Semaphore Version of Wuthering Heights, the Exploding Version of the Blue Danube and The Attila The Hun Show.

Since they first landed on TV screens of an unsuspecting British audience, the Pythons have been widely credited as one of the most influential comedy teams of their generation.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus airs Saturday and Sunday, January 1 and 2, 2005, from noon - 6 p.m. ET/ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. PT.

Friday Fun Facts

Yes, it still the holiday weekend, but we gotta get the news out.

On The Road Again:

John Ratzenberger is on the road again, visiting companies in communities across America to tell the stories behind some of the country’s best-recognized companies in the second season of the Travel Channel’s John Ratzenberger’s Made In America. Premiering with back-to-back half-hour episodes on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), the second season spotlights distinctly American companies and products, and the unique niche each has found in American culture. With a profound love for the ingenuity that goes into manufacturing, Ratzenberger focuses on each craft and the level of skill, pride and dedication that workers bring to the manufacturing process as they create products that Americans, and often the rest of the world, have come to depend on. Season Two features a range of brands including Yankee Candle, Pyrex, U.S. Steel Corporation, GE Transportation, Weber Grills, American Champion Aircraft, CUTCO, Coca-Cola, Derecktor Shipyards, Hallmark, Whitman’s Chocolates, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Sage Fly Fishing Rods, Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc., Kitchen Aid, Kohler, and Hostess. A full list of companies is available at www.press.discovery.com.

Auf de Maur: Auf der Maur will play with H.I.M. @ Los Angeles' Avalon Thursday, December 2, 2004, and Wiltern Theatre on Saturday, December 4, 2004. Auf der Maur, fronted by ex-Hole/Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf der Maur, released their self -titled debut album Auf Der Maur in June. Q magazine called it "The first essential album of 2004." The video for lead single "Followed the Waves" can be seen here:

http://aufdermaur.com/followedthewaves

Auf Der Maur Auf Der Maur
w/ H.I.M. & Monster Magnet w/ H.I.M. & Monster Magnet
Thursday, December, 2004 Saturday, December, 2004
Avalon Wiltern Theatre
1735 North Vine Street 3790 Wilshire Blvd.
323.467.4572 213.388.1400
Doors: 7pm/Event: 8pm Doors: 7pm/Event: 8pm
Price: $25.00 adv/dos Price: $23.00 adv/dos

Pornucopia: A Real Sex Xtra: Pornucopia: Going Down In The Valley. December Episodes
Episode #4: "The Business of Kink"
Debut date: Friday, December 3, 2004 11 p.m.
Segments include: Vanity, a curvaceous she-male whose 5000 fan-club members are mostly straight men; "Fatter, Balder, Uglier," a fringe-market video best-seller and winner of the Adult Film News Award for most outrageous sex scene; Dave Cummings, a retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel and current "oldest man in porn," who makes nearly $150,000 a year producing, directing and starring in "old man, young girl" videos; the appeal of videos highlighting women making their porn debut; and an on-the-set look at bondage-film stars Anastasia and Paige, whose lucrative S&M audience is dominated by upper middle-class males.

Episode #5: "Love and/or Sex"
Debut date: Friday, December 10, 2004 11 p.m.
"Space Nuts" stars Jessica Drake and Evan Stone come clean about their marriage, careers and shared live-in girlfriend; adult-film pioneer and "Nudie Cutie" director Dave Friedman explains how '60s nudist colonies fueled the '70s porn explosion; an "ordinary" married couple becomes the latest stars of the hot porn series "Screw My Wife, Please"; sex-star sweethearts Mia Smiles and Chris Cannon detail the long and winding road that led them from Alaska (as teenaged missionaries-in-training) to the Valley (as porn actors and producers); and director Jonathan Morgan dissects the anatomy of a "stormy" romance between a porn-star princess and her art-director boyfriend.

Episode #6: "Questions, Anyone?"
Debut date: Friday, December 17 2004 11 p.m.
Segments include: Do's and don't's of today's sex stars; pornography and the "little blue pill," a modern-day miracle for male actors, and especially their producers; female veto power over sex partners on film; Hollywood porn parodies, with clips from "classics" like "American Booty," "Pulp Friction," "The Ozporns" and "The Sopornos"; behind-the-scenes at "Misty Beethoven - The Musical," directed by Veronica Hart; starlet Katie Morgan, who answers the burning question "Are blonde porn stars smart?"; and a trip to the "other Hollywood," Las Vegas, for the Adult Video News (AVN) Awards, where "Space Nuts" and its star, Stormy ("Princess Hubba Hubba"), are front-runners for Best Comedy and Starlet of the Year.

BBC America Premieres:

The Kumar’s at No. 42 premieres Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT

Murphy’s Law premieres Monday, January 31, 2005 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT as part of BBC AMERICA’s acclaimed Mystery Mondays.

BBC AMERICA Comedy Live Presents Dylan Moran premieres Thursday, January 20 at 10:00 p.m. ET\PT.

Black Books airs Thursdays starting January 20, 2005 at 9:30 p.m. ET/11:30 p.m. PT

Night Detective premieres Monday, January 31, 2005 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Canterbury Tales premieres Saturday, January 8, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. ET/11:00 p.m. PT. Starring some of the UK’s hottest actors, BBC AMERICA presents a bold, modern retelling of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales set in the 21st century. Love, lust, greed, jealousy – the themes are the same, but BBC AMERICA’s Canterbury Tales are completely contemporary and penned by some of Britain’s best-known writers.

An all-star cast including Julie Walters (Calendar Girls, Billy Elliot), James Nesbitt (Murphy’s Law, Cold Feet, Waking Ned), Bill Nighy (State of Play, The Young Visiters), John Simm (State of Play, Sex Traffic), and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Trust, Dirty, Pretty Things) feature in four vividly modern adaptations of Chaucer’s 14th century tales.

Julie Walters plays successful 53-year-old soap star, Beth Craddock in The Wife of Bath. When her fourth husband (Bill Nighy) deserts her, Beth begins a passionate romance with her twenty-something co-star Jerome (Paul Nicholls).

The Sea Captain’s Tale is a hauntingly seductive film noir set in Britain’s Indian community. Om Puri (White Teeth) plays wealthy Asian ‘Godfather’ figure, Jetender. His beautiful but spoiled wife Meena (Indira Varma) struggles to hide her shopping addiction and enormous debt from her husband, and uses any means necessary to keep her secrets.

Two of the UK’s hottest young actors, John Simm and Chiwetel Ejiofor play best friends and prison inmates who fall in love with the same woman (Keeley Hawes, Tipping the Velvet, MI5) in a powerful story of love and jealousy, The Knight’s Tale.

Finally, award-winning actor James Nesbitt plays Nick, a smooth-talking con artist in Chaucer’s bawdiest story, The Miller’s Tale. Nick arrives in a small town where he meets John (Dennis Waterman, New Tricks), owner of a pub and B&B who also runs the village’s karaoke night. Nick sets his sights on John’s much younger and very attractive wife, Alison (Billie Piper, Dr. Who), and uses every trick in the book to seduce her.

January Laughs: Throughout the month of January fans of classic British comedy can enjoy a marathon weekend of their favorite shows. From Fawlty Towers to Monty Python’s Flying Circus and Are You Being Served? to Keeping Up Appearances viewers can feast on six hours of episodes on Saturday and Sunday.

Monty Python’s Flying Circus

In the best tradition of British ridiculousness join the masters of lighthearted mayhem as they explode penguins, explore lifeboat cannibalism and interview a filing cabinet. Meet the Piranha Brothers, Scott of the Antarctic, the Man Who is Alternatively Rude and Polite, the Silly Vicar and The Bishop. Pour yourself a cup of Conquistador Coffee and thrill to the Semaphore Version of Wuthering Heights, the Exploding Version of the Blue Danube and The Attila The Hun Show. Since they first landed on TV screens of an unsuspecting British audience, the Pythons have been widely credited as one of the most influential comedy teams of their generation. Monty Python’s Flying Circus airs Saturday and Sunday, January 1 and 2 from 12:00 noon – 6:00p.m. ET/ 9:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m. PT.

Fawlty Towers

This enduring comedy, based on a real-life guest house in the English seaside resort of Torquay, is one of the most celebrated TV series of all time, playing to fans in more than 60 countries worldwide. Despite being written 20 years ago, it remains as fresh and funny as ever. So stand by for all your favorite scenes with the irrepressible Basil (John Cleese), his overbearing wife Sybil and of course the hapless Spanish waiter Manuel. Fawlty Towers airs Saturday and Sunday, January 8 and 9 from 12:00 noon – 6:00p.m. ET/ 9:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m. PT.

Benny Hill

One of the UK’s most popular comedy exports, Benny Hill was loved worldwide for his trademark saucy sketches and penchant for pretty, scantily clad women. He had many classic skits, including his own character creations Fred Drunge and The Halitosis Kid, as well as his pitch-perfect impressions of the rich and famous. Hill’s repertoire also included his send-ups of the entertainment industry with spoof TV game shows and news broadcasts as well as classic examples of his cleverly choreographed sketches. Benny Hill airs Saturday and Sunday, January 15 and 16 from 12:00 noon – 6:00p.m. ET/ 9:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m. PT.

Keeping Up Appearances

When it comes to snobbery, Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced 'bouquet') is simply in a class of her own. Obsessed with etiquette and breeding she presides over 'little candlelit dinners', bans the use of the back door and ensures her empty milk bottles sparkle on her doorstep. Down-trodden husband, Richard, has become resigned to his miserable life - but unfortunately her own family let the side down badly. Frightfully common, they are a source of constant shame for super-snob Hyacinth. Keeping Up Appearances airs Saturday and Sunday, January 22 from 12:00 noon – 6:00p.m. ET/ 9:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m. PT.

Are You Being Served?

"Ground floor perfumery, stationery and leather goods, wigs and haberdashery, going up!" This long-running and well-loved favorite was penned by the multi-award winning writing team David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd. It is set in an old-fashioned department store where its loyal, but decidedly eccentric staff, serve up schoolboy humor laden with double entendres. Featuring Mr Humphrey's celebrated catchphrase, "I'm free!" along with Mollie Sugden, Frank Thornton, Wendy Richards and John Inman. Are You Being Served? airs Saturday and Sunday, January 29 and 30 from 12:00 noon – 6:00p.m. ET/ 9:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m. PT.

My Family (U.S. premiere)

Created by American sitcom maestro Fred Barron (Seinfeld) and written by a team whose credits include Not The Nine O’Clock News and Three Of A Kind, My Family depicts a bizarre, authentic picture of family life today, where the unexpected is always expected. Parenting is an adventure for Ben (Robert Lindsay) and Susan (Zoë Wanamaker) Harper. Teenage daughter Janey is ‘mature’ beyond her years with a passion for shopping and dating. Terminally laid back son Nick lives in a sphere far removed from reality, and spends his days inventing ridiculous get-rich-quick schemes. And youngest son Michael is a bit of a computer nerd and social outcast, but compared to his older siblings and parents, he seems like the normal one.

In an all-new season, daughter Janey is heading off to college. While Ben is rejoicing, Susan is not at all happy about her leaving - or about being the only female in the house. Ben’s hopes of turning Janey’s bedroom into his own quiet retreat are quickly dashed when Susan invites cousin Abi to live with them. Meanwhile Nick is still looking for a way to become rich with little or no effort, and one of his ideas lands Ben with a criminal record. My Family premieres Wednesday, January 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

At Home With The Braithwaites (U.S. premiere)

Take one average dysfunctional family, add $60 million in lottery winnings…and it’s a recipe for disaster. In an all-new season of At Home With The Braithwaites, catch up with the family whose lives were turned upside down when housewife and mother of three, Alison, hit the jackpot and said nothing. As season three opens Alison is on a high, having been awarded a Dame of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace for her charity work. But newly crowned Dame Alison is less than thrilled when she discovers that she is pregnant. David is delighted but isn't aware that that the baby is his brother Graham's. Meanwhile Megan’s attempts at setting up a decoy agency aren’t going too well until she is reunited with Virginia and recruits bored single mum Sarah. On top of this, the family receives a devastating blow that places their fortune in jeopardy. As the new season unfolds it soon becomes clear that there isn’t a ‘happily ever after’ on the horizon after all as the family once again begin to encounter personal dilemmas and traumatic twists and turns in their relationships. At Home With The Braithwaites premieres Saturday, January 8 at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Seymour Glass: "A band, not a person, the majestic, multi-faceted quartet Seymour Glass purveys progressive pop with sonic overtures, growling bass driven grooves, simultaneous electronic and acoustic drum patterns, multi-faceted keyboard harmonies and blistering guitar textures without making it sound all that complicated. 'Trigger Finger' skillfully plays funk rhythms against classical piano motifs. The title track, steeped in neo-psychedelic harmony, sits comfortably atop sequenced hip-hop beats as if the two disparate genre-defining elements were meant for each other…the ballad 'Everytime' replete with ocean waves samples, Slash-like guitar melodies, weeping violins and breathy vocals is the stuff of pure rock 'n' roll bombast. Coldplay comparisons abound in 'Chemicals,' by way of a strong melodic chorus worthy of a few thousand cigarette lighters. Will there be an arena big enough to hold Seymour Glass?"
--Tom Semioli, Amplifier,

November/December 2004

www.seymourglass.tv is the band's website, which includes sound clips. The band will be performing in New York City on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at Lit (93 Second Ave., NYC 10003).

Vacation All I Ever Wanted: Phil Vassar Teams With Hecht's Department Store For Ultimate Party Trip Contest ASCAP Celebrates "In A Real Love" Two Weeks Consecutive At #1 People Magazine and Music Row Magazine Praise Latest Album Singer-songwriter Phil Vassar pairs with Hecht's and Strawbridge's Department Stores with an enter-to-win contest in November. For 10 days at all stores of the chain in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, New Jersey, Tennessee, Delaware, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, customers were able to enter to "Win A Trip to Las Vegas With Phil Vassar." The winner will be announced later this week and will win travel and hotel to Las Vegas as well as two tickets and passes to meet Phil at his December 10, 2004 "Shaken Not Stirred" Concert at the Las Vegas Hilton. The concert is one of a string of dates for Phil in Sin City.

Score!: Universal Studios Home Entertainment announces Wimbledon Kirsten Dunst & Paul Bettany Star in This Summer's Winning Love Match From the Makers of Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill in stores December 28, 2004

"One Of The Year's Best Romantic Comedies" - Melanie Moon, WB-TV

"Genuinely Funny!" − Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal

From the makers of Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill comes Wimbledon, the charming romantic comedy starring Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man 2, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Paul Bettany (Master and Commander, Knight's Tale, A Beautiful Mind), Sam Neill (Jurassic Park III) and Jon Favreau (Something's Gotta Give, Elf). Wimbledon is "a sexy love match," according to US Weekly. The DVD is $29.98 SRP; VHS is $23.98. Pre-order close date is November 23, 2004 for DVD and VHS.

Bonus Features
The Wimbledon DVD serves up extras including:

· "A Look Inside" - Interviews with the cast, director and legendary tennis figures to take a look behind the scenes

· "Welcome to the Club" - Featurette on how the filmmakers persuaded the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club to let them film there and why the championship is so special

· "Ball Control" - How the filmmakers approached the challenges of making a film about tennis including the serving rocket, CGI of balls and roofing the Centre Court for the first time

· "Coach a Rising Star" - A look at how the stars were coached by Pat Cash and the training regimes that they underwent

· Feature Commentary − With actor Paul Bettany and director Richard Loncraine

The Tennis Channel is partnering with Universal in the Wimbledon DVD release promotion. The network will rebroadcast its special "Making of Wimbledon" documentary two weeks before and two weeks after the DVD's release, during which on-air promos will tout the DVD's availability in retail outlets nationwide. Each Wimbledon DVD will have a sticker promoting The Tennis Channel, to drive traffic to the network's "Making of Wimbledon," and the channel is also encouraging its audiences to visit TheTennisChannel.com, where the DVD will be supported with additional promotion and a "buy now" link to an online distribution partner. The Tennis Channel's viewers and Web site visitors also have the chance to win a trip for two to England, as part of a network sweepstakes where the winners stay at Wimbledon's Dorchester Hotel and visit the famed Wimbledon Lawn and Tennis Museum, the actual grounds where the tournament takes place. The sweepstakes is in conjunction with VisitBritain.com.

Universal is also partnering with Prince to promote the Wimbledon DVD release in connection with its own advertising campaigns aimed at Prince tennis products and a sticker on the DVD. By November 2004, 5,000 units of promotional stickering of Prince products will feature "Wimbledon" key DVD messaging. In addition, the DVD will be promoted in conjunction with Prince ads in Tennis Life magazine, Inside Tennis magazine and Net News magazine, generating over 1,900,000 impressions. Prince consumers and dealers will receive email blasts promoting "Wimbledon" and banner ads will appear on Web sites including tennis.com, juniortennis.com, collegetennisonline.com and gotennis.com.

Synopsis

Pro tennis "hot shot" Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten Dunst) is a rising star who lives to win. But when she falls for a long-shot contender Peter Colt (Paul Bettany) amid the glitz and glamour of Wimbledon, Lizzie discovers it's not if you win or lose, but how you play the game...of love. A deliciously witty romantic comedy about chasing your dreams and risking your heart, Wimbledon is a fun and charming story of love across the net.

For more information please visit: www.wimbledonmovie.com.

CAST & FILMMAKERS
Director: Richard Loncraine
Screenwriter: Adam Brooks, Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin
Producers: Liza Chasin, Eric Fellner, Mary Richards
Executive Producers: Tim Bevan, Debra Hayward, David Livingston
Director of Photography: Darius Khondji
Production Designer: Brian Morris
Editor: Humphrey Dixon
Costume Designer: Louise Stjernsward
Music: Edward Shearmur
Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Paul Bettany, Jon Favreau, Sam Neill, Kyle Hyde, Robert Lindsay,

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
Street Date: December 28, 2004
Pre-Order Date: November 23, 2004
Copyright: 2004 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $29.98SRP
Selection Numbers: 25837 (Widescreen); 25838 (Full Frame)
Running Time 1 Hour and 38 Minutes
Layers: Dual
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (Anamorphic Widescreen); 1.33:1 (Full Frame)
Rating: PG-13 (for language, sexuality and partial nudity)
Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround/Caption; English Dolby Digital Surround DTS 5.1/Caption; French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround/Subtitles

VHS
Street Date: December 28, 2004
Pre-Order Date: November 23, 2004
Copyright: 2004 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $23.98SRP
Selection Numbers: 62832 (Full Frame)
Running Time: 1 Hour and 38 Minutes
Rating: PG-13 (for language, sexuality and partial nudity)
Technical Info: Hi-Fi Stereo Surround

Star Jones Selects Swarovski For Her Wedding: The View’s Star Jones chose Swarovski to adorn her wedding shoes. Her Payless white satin pumps were customized with a Swarovski crystal star ornament as well as crystals covering the entire heel. Only the best was suitable for Star - the newest generation of Swarovski crystals, XILION Crystals, were used so that she was pure glamour from head to toe. These crystals have a unique cut that have been scientifically proven to attract more light refraction than ever before and results in unmistakable brilliance.

PBS Sked:

THE CONGREGATION Wednesday, December 29, 9:30-11:30 p.m. ET Capturing a critical moment in the life of a 200-year-old Methodist church with a rich history of social activism, Academy Award-winners Alan and Susan Raymond profile a dramatic year in the life of a congregation in the midst of profound change: a newly appointed traditionalist minister replaces a progressive pastor who had served the church for 38 years. Conflict between the increasingly conservative United Methodist church and this outspoken liberal congregation mounts as the parishioners attempt to meet the challenges of a divided and dwindling membership and a subsequent financial shortfall. During the filming another ordeal emerges — the associate pastor announces to the congregation that she is a practicing homosexual and risks losing her ministerial credentials. With full support from the congregation, she chooses to challenge church law and face an impending trial.

GREAT PERFORMANCES “From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2005” Saturday, January 1, 2:30-4:00 p.m.; Rpts. 8:00-9:30 p.m. ET GREAT PERFORMANCES continues its time-honored holiday tradition with its 21st annual New Year’s Day visit to Vienna with host Walter Cronkite. This year, Lorin Maazel returns as guest conductor to lead the renowned Vienna Philharmonic in a program of delightful Strauss Family waltzes from the majestic Musikverein; international ballet star Vladimir Malakhov joins the Vienna State Opera Ballet as soloist and choreographer in performances from two of Vienna’s architectural splendors, the Belvedere and Coburg palaces. In a special addition to this year’s program, GREAT PERFORMANCES presents Vienna’s delectable treats and idyllic retreats: the creation of Viennese apfelstrudel from apple blossom to serving table, and a tour of the city’s famous woodland, set to Johann Strauss II’s “Tales From the Vienna Woods.”

December 27, 2004 at 10:30-11:00 PM RACHEL AND ANDREW JACKSON, A LOVE STORY (R) (OB: 1/13/03) -- America has embraced the legend of Andrew Jackson, who inspired the term “self-made man,” but very little is known about his wife, Rachel. For the first time, using letters, documents and historians’ expertise, the story of their love and loss is told from Rachel’s less heard and often misunderstood point of view. Excerpts from letters and quotes are read by former Senator Fred Thompson as Andrew and country music legend Loretta Lynn as Rachel. Kathy Mattea narrates. NASHVILLE PUBLIC TELEVISION

December 28, 2004 at 10:00-11:00 PM NEW-INDEPENDENT LENS -- This anthology series showcases documentaries, and a small number of dramas, united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement and unflinching visions of their independent producers. Encompassing the full spectrum of film — from history to drama to animation to shorts to social-issue films — INDEPENDENT LENS allows audiences greater access to powerful and innovative programs. Susan Sarandon hosts. INDEPENDENT TELEVISION SERVICE (ITVS)
“Short, Not Sweet” (w.t.) -- INDEPENDENT LENS offers a night of six short films, including “Fine Line Between Cute and Creepy” by Rob Slane; “La Puppe” by Timothy Greenberg; “A Monster’s Calling” by Michael Fukushima, Louise Johnson and David Verrall; “The School” by Ezra Krybus; and “Why the Anderson Children Didn’t Come to Dinner” by Jamie Travis. /TV-PG/ http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/shortnotsweet/index.html

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2004 8:00-9:30 PM NEW- LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER -- The series makes the world’s greatest artists accessible to home viewers in virtually every corner of the United States. It remains the only series of regularly scheduled live broadcast performances on American television today. Beverly Sills hosts. LINCOLN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, INC. “Galway at the Penthouse” -- Beloved flutist Sir James Galway, accompanied by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, selects short pieces important to him for this performance in Lincoln Center’s intimate Kaplan Penthouse. /TV-G/

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2004 8:00-9:00PM NEW- THE NEW THIS OLD HOUSE HOUR -- America’s favorite home improvement series, the Emmy Award-winning THIS OLD HOUSE, now in its 24th season, airs in the first half hour of THE NEW THIS OLD HOUSE HOUR. In the second half-hour, ASK THIS OLD HOUSE, host Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and landscape contractor Roger Cook address specific, viewer-driven home maintenance and repair questions in a dynamic, interactive Q&A format with in-studio demonstrations, new product reviews and “house call” visits. WGBH BOSTON

12/31/04: 9:00-11:30 PM: NEW- WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA’S DIE FLEDERMAUS -- Johann Strauss Jr.’s lighthearted story of love in 1890s Vienna combines French farce with Viennese dance music and features some of Strauss’ best melodies, including the Fledermaus waltz. The comedy of errors, sung in English, centers on a gentlewoman, her would-be paramour, her husband, a masquerade ball and hidden identities. The cast includes June Anderson as Rosalinde; Wolfgang Brendel as Rosalinde’s husband, Gabriel von Eisenstein; Hoo-Ryoung Hwang as Rosalinde’s servant Adele; Elena Obraztsova as Prince Orlofsky; Jesús Garcia as Rosalinde’s suitor Alfred; and Peter Edelmann as Eisenstein’s friend Dr. Falke. The ball scene features a cameo appearance by renowned tenor and Washington National Opera General Director Plácido Domingo. Maestro Heinz Fricke conducts the Washington National Opera Orchestra. Stage direction is by Lotfi Mansouri. /TV-G/ WETA WASHINGTON, DC

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2005 2:30-4:00 PM; Rpts. 8:00-9:30 PM (check local listings) NEW- GREAT PERFORMANCES -- The longest-running performing arts anthology on television continues to feature the best in music and dance. THIRTEEN/WNET NEW YORK
“From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2005” -- GREAT PERFORMANCES continues its time-honored holiday tradition with its 21st annual New Year’s Day visit to Vienna with host Walter Cronkite. This year, Lorin Maazel returns as guest conductor to lead the renowned Vienna Philharmonic in a program of delightful Strauss Family waltzes from the majestic Musikverein; international ballet star Vladimir Malakhov joins the Vienna State Opera Ballet as soloist and choreographer in performances from two of Vienna’s architectural splendors, the Belvedere and Coburg palaces. In a special addition to this year’s program, GREAT PERFORMANCES presents Vienna’s delectable treats and idyllic retreats: the creation of Viennese apfelstrudel from apple blossom to serving table, and a tour of the city’s famous woodland, set to Johann Strauss II’s “Tales From the Vienna Woods.” /TV-G/ http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/shows/vienna2005/

Tie It Up: Black, Navy, Blue, Sky Blue, Peppermint Green, Moss Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Dark Red, Stripe (Blue, White and Red) 18, 22, 26 inches $20. The strands of this revolutionary necklace are coated with Phiten's special Titanium. Its core has Microsized Titanium balls, as well as Charcoaled Titanium. It can also be worn on the wrist, ankle or waist to quickly relieve pain and stress.

LIQUID TITANIUM LOTION: With more than 10 plant extracts and liquid titanium to increase circulation and truly make skin GLOW $15.00 Liquid Titanium is based on the hyperactive water, which dissolves carbon molecules. The carbon molecules are more electrically active than any other minerals. Also, titanium is allergy free. And this makes it suitable for direct application to the body. When muscles are fatigued, or before engaging in sports or after sports. Titanium liquid titanium Lotion can help in shaping and firming up your body. The power of titanium will penetrate fast into the skin, so that it brings fast relief to tired, and fatigued muscles, also helps to relief stress from muscles. Application: Take generous amount about dime to quarter size of LIQUID TITANIUM. Put in the palm of hand and gently rub into the skin. Contains: Liquid Titanium Water, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Arborescent Extract, Amino Acid, Orange Oil, Sage Extract, Yarrow Extract, Mallow Extract, Chamomile Extract, Titanium Dioxide.

TITAN TAPES A special PHILD processed carbonized titanium power combined with adhesive backing of stretch tape. When applied, relieves muscular pain and stiffness and improves blood circulation. Effective for the temporary relief of pain of bursitis, tendonitis, sciatica, arthritis, back, leg, knee and joint pain, and other conditions. Application: Cut to desired length and apply to troubled area. Body area should be clean and dry. Remove or change tape after 2 to 3 days. Some warmth at applied area may be felt due to an increase in blood flow. 1" x 16.4" $18.00

Black Nylon Golf Shirts With Titanium To Ease Muscle Pain! Also In Moss And Cherry For The Holiday Phiten's innovative Aqua-Titanium cloth helps to regulate body temperature by speeding the evaporation of perspiration from the upper body, thereby allowing your body to perform at its best. (65% cotton, 35% polyester) Colors: White, Black, Gray, Navy Blue, Green, Moss Green, Sky Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink, Cherry Pink. Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL. Styles: V neck, Crew neck $29.00.

Titanium Shorts (M, L, XL / White, Black, Blue) $38.00 These shorts are ideal for sports. The shorts help with the necessary support needed when participating in sports, and great for everyday activities. The carbonized titanium inside of the short helps with lower back pain, abdominal problems, and when the body is feeling fatigue and tired.80% Polyester 20% Polyurethane $38.00.


TITAN SUPPORTER (for the Ankle, Elbow or Knee) The Phiten Supporter, with Charcoaled Titanium built into the foam print, contains ceramic fibers to maximize warmth at the ankle, elbow or knee. Price: (Knee) $28.00/(Elbow) $25.00/(Ankle) $25.00.

Another Company Bites the Dust (Gee, Thanks, Wal-Mart)

A Cecil Seydah product we actually owned once.

From bargainsla.com: "The Textile industry has taken a huge hit these last few years from many economic factors some of which include imports from China along side Walmart’s urging of it’s vendors to out source to Asia. That’s one of the major reasons Pillowtex (Canon/ Fieldcrest/ Royal Velvet etc) went out of business last year. We can now kiss goodbye another local vendor/ manufacturer of textiles this week… The Cecil Saydah Company.

This local manufacturer of Kitchen / Bath/ Bedding items is having a going out of business sale: A liquidation sale on better home textiles is happening at The Cecil Saydah Company on November 27 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), November 28 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and November 29 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Known for their upscale line in home textiles for the kitchen and bath, this going out of business sale has pricing at below wholesale on kitchen accessories, bath towels and accessories, mats and more. 2945 E. 12th St., Los Angeles (Downtown). Cash/CC only 323.263.9321" BeansTalk wouldn't necessarily refer to their line as "upscale" but it's very country cute and the demise of any U.S. company due to corporate greed is very sad.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Everyone at BeansTalk wishes you a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day. Enjoy!

Wednesday's Who's Wearing What

Who’s Wearing What:

Tisha Campbell and Ciara wore H.Stern fine jewelry to the Vibe Awards in Santa Monica.

Campbell wore jewelry from the Diane von Furstenberg by H.Stern collection. Rock Crystal earrings: quartz crystals set in 18k yellow gold with diamond accents, $3,900. Rock Crystal Bracelet: quartz crystals set in 18k yellow gold, $6,300.

Ciara wore the Lizard Necklace: 18k yellow gold, $3,300, and also opted for jewelry from the Diane von Furstenberg by H.Stern Collection: Love knot Necklace: 18k yellow gold, $2,300. Ginko Talisman: 18k yellow gold, $890. Ciara chose to wear jewelry by H.Stern and Diane von Furstenberg by H.Stern for Sunday night’s American Music Awards as well.

Several actresses and recording artists chose handbags by Daniel Swarovski Paris to recent events:

Jessica Simpson attended Clive Davis' American Music Awards after party with a Daniel Swarovski. She completed her black dress with a black satin clutch with crystal leopard spots.

Eve, at theVibe awards, chose a bag by Daniel Swarovski, complimenting her light brown Swarovski studded jumpsuit with a chocolate brown octagonal "Omega" bag, complete with large faceted crystal center and wrist strap from the Fall 2005 collection.

Eva Longoria attended the American Music Awards on the arm of her beau JC Chasez, with an evening bag by Daniel Swarovski; she accessorized her flashy cocktail dress with a light iridescent green clutch, made of a special "crystal skin" fabric.

Jamie Lee Curtis attended her Christmas with the Kranks premiere carrying a Daniel Swarovski 2004 Star Collector - a limited edition crystal mesh clutch. With only 90 Star Collectors made each year, the bag is given to actresses at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Oscars as a special gift from Swarovski.

Fashion designer Nicole Miller dressed Shannon Lucio of The OC for Lily Claire Foundation event in Los Angeles. Lucio chose a feather print brocade corseted dress.

American designer Douglas Hannant dressed actress Lake Bell for the Lili Claire Foundation’s 7th Annual Benefit Gala Hosted by Matthew Perry. Lake currently stars in “Boston Legal.” Bell chose a sleek black jersey fitted gown with leather straps. To complement her look, she wore jewelry from the Diane von Furstenberg by H.Stern collection: Rock Crystal earrings: quartz crystals set in 18k yellow gold with diamond accents, $3,900. Rock Crystal Ring: quartz crystal set in 18k yellow gold, $2,700.

The Music at KROQ's Almost Acoustic And Other Good News

The Music will play the first night of Los Angeles' KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas, December 11, 2004, along with Muse, The Killers and many other bands, including Franz Ferdinand, Modest Mouse, Interpol, Keane, Snow Patrol, Taking Back Sunday, and Jimmy Eat World. The concert takes place at the Universal Amphitheatre, and tickets for Night One are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Tickets are limited to two per person and selling out fast. Details for Night Two will be announced Wednesday morning (November 17) on the KROQ's Kevin and Bean show.

If you can't make it to Los Angeles for the show, you can still check out Almost Acoustic Christmas 2004 from your computer. The whole concert will be webcast on KROQ.com. And if you live in Los Angeles, you can listen to selected portions of the concert on KROQ 106.7 FM.


Brooklyn Cooking: A Meal Grows In Brooklyn, the premiere episode of the second season of Cooking in Brooklyn, premieres Tuesday, November 30, 2004, from 8-8:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on the Discovery Home Channel. From recipes to freshly picked produce, each episode of the second season features Alan Harding.



Move Over Martha: Restaurateur, lifestyle expert and former model B. Smith hosts a new, one-hour weekday series B. Smith which looks “at ways to create style and ease in everyday lives” on Discovery Channel, starting Monday, December 6, 2004, at 12 p.m. (ET/PT), offering tips, hot trends and living ideas. The series offers topics, including cooking, healthy living, fashion, design, home decorating, community involvement and entertaining with style. Featuring themed episodes, viewer interaction, on-location venues and celebrity guests. Each hour-long episode comprises six segments, all of which are tuned into a central theme. Segment titles include B. Chic for fashion, B. Inspired for home décor and B. Healthy for fit cooking. B. Smart tips “give the lowdown on everyday living.” Themes for episodes include Classic Styling, which considers the accessories, jewelry, makeup and outfits that exemplify classic looks personified by such icons as Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O; Jazz Brunch, influenced by Louis Armstrong’s Queens home and Comfort Zone which includes tips for seeking refuge from the hectic pace of stressed-out schedules, like baking old-fashioned recipes, taking up knitting and wearing the ideal lounge-around wear.

Rockers Light Their (Candle) Fire: The tour manager for Velvet Revolver is stocking up on Er’Go candles, among them Hawaiian Jasmine, to fragrance the backstage antics and inspiration of the band as it tours. Velvet Revolver are Scott Weiland formerly of Stone Temple Pilots, Slash, Duff Mckagan and Matt Sorum, all late of Guns N’ Roses, and Dave Kushner, formerly of Wasted Youth.

--When passing through Boston, Keith Richards stopped in at specialty boutique Fresh Eggs, and purchased all the Fresh Bamboo fragrance in stock.

--While recording in Florida, Lenny Kravitz wanted candles for his recording studio, and he sent his crew down to a store in Boca Raton, where they nearly bought out the entire Er’Go selection.

--Prince walked into a Minneapolis store near Paisley Park, as the sales staff was restocking their Er’go selection, and he bought nearly everything that they were about to put out, including Herb Garden and Monkey Grass.

Holiday Crystal Accessories to Brighten the Home Swarovski For the Holidays: Swarovski, the largest manufacturer of full cut crystal – offers gift ideas for family and friends. Swarovski’s Exclusive Annual Edition Angel Ornament ($85), flies through the heavens with her sweet faceted crystal body and frosted face which is enhanced by a gold-plated sash inscribed with the year 2004. The Swarovski Heirloom Collection ($65) was designed with a vintage feel and inspired by treasured heirlooms and rich architecture of The Czars of Imperialist Russia. Siam red stones are set into matching colored lacquer for maximum radiance using Swarovski’s unique flawless stone-setting technique, while crystal beads add movement. The ornaments, which hang from a red French ribbon, are available in Marquis, Swirl and Round styles. Tree ornaments are $37.50 or less: similar to sparkling drops of snow, the Tear Drop ornaments are single chandelier stones that hang from either a crystal angel with feather-textured wings or from a six crystal star wreath. Adorable 1½″ Crystal Moments will bring cheer into any household – “Santa Claus” is accented with Siam red buttons and light sapphire eyes; “Simon the Snowman” is sure to melt hearts with his aqua hat, jet black eyes and tiny red nose; “Felix the Christmas Tree” has a crystal pot and star with Siam red little balls and green peridot branches.

The Christmas Bowl ($250) is a two-piece set, including an 11″ clear crystal bowl that rests atop a rhodium base with colorful holly and red ribbons designed by using Swarovski’s unique stone-setting technique. A smaller 8″ version of this bowl has been transformed into the Christmas Candleholder ($250), with rhodium inserts that holds three tapered candles. The candle insert, which is adorned with matching red bows, can be removed so that the base can also be used as a small bowl.

Snowman’s misses joins the figurine collection with her warm smile. The Snow Woman ($99) and Santa Claus ($99) are charming gifts for the home that would look great on a mantle or a living room table: “Snow Woman” is decked out in a frosted crystal bonnet and scarf, carries a crystal pocketbook and is accented with jet black and hyacinth touches. “Santa Claus” is a combination of frosted and highly faceted crystal. The rhodium version of Santa features light Siam red buttons, while his gold counterpart wears clear buttons.

Swarovski’s Holiday Collection is available at Swarovski Gallery stores nationwide. For additional product/information, visit www.swarovski.com. For local store outlets, please call 1.800.426.3088.

For more than a hundred years Swarovski, the Austrian family company based in Wattens in the Tyrol, has been the world’s leading manufacturer of cut crystal. Crystal jewelry stones and crystalline semi-finished goods for the fashion, jewelry and lighting industries are as much a part of the company’s product range as gift articles and collectibles fashioned from faceted crystal. Swarovski’s artistic and design abilities are evident in Daniel Swarovski Paris and Swarovski Jewelry, the company’s accessory and jewelry ranges. Since 1995, visitors have been able to enjoy the ultimate crystal experience at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds. The Swarovski group also includes Tyrolit, which produces grinding tools and abrasives, Swarovski Optik, the company’s optics division, with its precision optics for hunting and nature observation, and Signity, which produces natural and synthetic precious stones. The Swarovski Collectors Society boasts more than 450,000 members in 28 countries around the world, with more than 100,000 members in the United States alone. For further information, visit the Swarovski website at http:\\www.swarovski.com.

The Ocean Oasis (see story below). 

Ocean Oasis: You Can Experience It, Too.

Sandie West, massage therapist extraordinaire. BeansTalk visited the Oasis Ocean Spa, overlooking the ocean in Santa Monica today. It's a unique place, owned and operated by Dr. Lisa Masterson who runs a busy (the waiting room was full) obstetrics practice (http://www.mastersonmd.net/).

The spa is located on the second level and the third level features a new Yoga studio,where classes like baby yoga are offered. There's no denying that the spa and doctor's office benefit from a killer location in a gorgeous, wholly renovated (with all integrity) Victorian home. Really beautiful house, gorgeous sumptuous furnishings (white and cushy) and a comfortable atmosphere. An ideal place to visit during those pregnant months. Dr. Masterson also has a line of pretty, but healthy undies and "Tats" which are sexy undies for those who want the illusion of a tattoo above their low-slung jeans.

There are therapy support groups, a talk series, "Teen" oriented spa services, manicures, pedicures, brow tints and shapes, henna tattoos and even acupuncture.

The spa specializes in various kinds of pregnancy massage, for the various stages, "Sooth my Soul Massage," "On My Way, Labor-Inducing Massage" and more. There's a special pregnancy facial, a special shave for "down there" (right for when you're about to deliver), and a foot massage for those famously fatigued feet of an expectant mother.

But, it was also a delightful place to visit in a very non-pregnant month. BeansTalk got a massage from Sandie West (see her website at www.creativechakra.com for her aromatherapy, as well as massage services and fitness consulting); very relaxing and soothing, quite a switch from the pressures of the thai massage we're used to. All we can say is Ahhhh.