Cue Dirge: "Why??" Wednesday

On this very, very, very, very sad day for America, here's the BeansTalk Newsletter.

Dresden Dolls: The Dresden Dolls will come to Los Angeles’ El Rey Theater on Friday, November 19, 2004 and to San Diego’s Epicentre on Saturday, November 20, 2004. Comprised of Palmer and drummer/guitarist Brian Viglione, The Dresden Dolls’ sound and image resonates a combination of the smoky cellars of a Weimar-era cabaret with the rock n’ roll fury of Joan Jett, PJ Harvey, and The Violent Femmes. They’ve gotten raves from Flaunt, Soma, Boston Globe and made their national TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live. MTV2 and MTVu rotate their "Anachronism” and their new single “Coin-Operated Boy.” The band has even been nominated for an MTVu Woodie Award in the Left Field Category-the category that declares the most original artist. Nominated alongside The Streets, N.E.R.D., Kenna and Kinky, “these are the artists,” says MTVu who “came out of nowhere and surprised us so much we still have no idea what section the record store to look for them in. Frankly, who cares? This is the most unique, genre-busting talent of the year and we’re ready to celebrate them in all their unclassifiable glory.”

Tour Dates:

Wed Nov 3 '04 (9 PM)

Toronto, ONT

Mod Club Theatre

Fri Nov 5 '04 (8:30 PM)

Chicago, IL

Park West

Sat Nov 6 '04 (TBA)

St. Louis, MO

Mississippi Nights

Mon Nov 8 '04 (8:45 PM)

Denver, CO

Bluebird Theater

Tue Nov 9 '04 (9 PM)

Salt Lake City, UT

Club Sound

Fri Nov 12 '04 (7:30 PM)

Seattle, WA

Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room

Sat Nov 13 '04 (TBA)

Vancouver, Canada

Red Room

Mon Nov 15 '04 (TBA)

Portland, OR

Aladdin Theater

Wed Nov 17 '04 (9 PM)

San Francisco, CA

Great American Music Hall

Fri Nov 19 '04 (9 PM)

Los Angeles, CA

El Rey Theater: Los Angeles

Sat Nov 20 '04 (TBA)

San Diego, CA

Epicentre

Bio Ionic: Top celebrities love Bio Ionic, an ionic hair care line that uses natural negative ions to hydrate strands -- weightlessly -- from the inside out. Halle Berry is a huge fan of the IonClenz and IonCondition while Farrah Fawcett who is known for her perfect mane uses the IonPutty and FR Line Ion-Smoothing Brushes. Other celebrity users include Courteney Cox Arquette, Carmen Electra, Dave Navarro, Hilary Duff, Michele Rodriguez and Julianne Moore.

Mrs. Marc Anthony Gets Her Nails Done: Creative Nail Design Nail Stylist, Liza Smith, helped Jennifer Lopez maintain herflawless look after she filmed her much-anticipated Pepsi ads at Shepperton Studios in London last Thursday. Lopez went ultra femme with a full set of Creative Nail Design nail enhancements. They are sexy, long and almond shaped with natural pink nail beds and subtly defined white tips. Smith says: “Jennifer is as exacting about the way she looks as she is about her performances. The clean, subtle contrast Creative Nail Design Forever French nails we did are classic and versatile – just like Jennifer! She’s an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Liza Smith used the following Creative Nail Design products on J.Lo:

Citrus and Green Tea Creative Scentsations Lotion

SolarOil

Moxie Sculpting Liquid

Perfect Color Soft White and White Powders

Perfect Color Pink Powder

Girlfriend Buffer

Blizzard Board

SpaManicure

Cuticle Eraser

Vassar Tops Charts: Singer-Songwriter Phil Vassar's "In A Real Love," stays at the top of the charts this week for a second week in a row. From his latest Arista Nashville album, "Shaken Not Stirred," the single has claimed the No. 1 position again this week on both Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks and Radio & Records' Country National Airplay charts. Co-written by Vassar and Craig Wiseman, this is the second single the two have written together that has hit #1.

Crusin’ Gucci: Gucci’s Cruise Collection includes colorful leathers (pink, yellow, green, as well as floral patterns), their trademark bamboo handles and range in price from $695 to $4200 at Neiman Marcus. www.neimanmarcus.com

Who’s Wearing What: Musician Tommy Lee wears TRUNK LTD to the signing of his new book Tommyland October 25, 2004: The Doors “Lizard King ‘71” crew in carbon

Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington wears TRUNK LTD to the surprise birthday party for Velvet Revolver’s Scott Weiland on October 27, 2004: “For Good Luck Rub My Trunk” raglan in white and black

Harry Hamlin wears TRUNK LTD to Mercedes-Benz Spring 2005 Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios October 27, 2004: The Cult “Electric ‘87” crew in carbon. www.trunkltd.com

Naomi Watts wore a Collette Dinnigan gown at the Australian Film Industry Awards on Friday, October 30, 2004 in Melbourne, Australia. Watts selected an ivory silk charmeuse gown with delicately beaded metallic straps from the newest Spring 2005 collection. Ms. Watts took a break from filming and flew in to Australia to attend the awards as a special guest. She selected this look to wear for the event during a special fitting with the designer.

Kim Catrall chose a black gown by Pamella Roland to the 8th annual Ace Awards gala. The dress was a silk halter gown with hand-beaded bodice from the Spring 2005 Collection. Catrall also wore a pink Roland creation for the recent 56th annual Primetime Emmys.

Holly Robinson Peete wore A Pea in the Pod as she was honored at the inaugural Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) Celebration of Hope Gala in Beverly Hills. The avid humanitarian, who along with her husband founded the HollyRod Foundation to help people afflicted with Parkinson’s disease, was awarded the society’s Distinguished Achievement Award. Sheaccepted the award in an elegant steel-gray satin halter dress featuring a pleated skirt and silver brooch by A Pea in the Pod. She and her husband, NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, are expecting their fourth child in early 2005.

Eva Longoria of TV’s Desperate Housewives, strolled the red carpet at the Fashion Group International Gala with a fur wrap by Elsie Katz Couture. Longoria perfectly accessorized her shimmery gown with a white diamond fox fur collar lined with white velvet lining, stylishly carried as a wrap.

Alexander: Alexander III of Macedonia may have been the supreme military leader of all time, conquering 90 percent of the known world by the age of 26. To salute the bold fourth century B.C. warrior-king, Discovery Channel presents three original programs timed to coincide with the opening of the Warner Bros. Pictures’ film Alexander, starring Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie, Val Kilmer and Anthony Hopkins. Together, the programs give a 360-degree view of Alexander’s indomitable character, incredible life and mysterious death. Two specials premiere on November 21, BATTLEGROUND, THE ART OF WAR: ALEXANDER THE GREAT from 9-10 PM (ET/PT) and BECOMING ALEXANDER from 10-11 PM (ET/PT.) On November 24, from 8-9 PM (ET/PT), viewers can see the world premiere of ALEXANDER THE GREAT: MURDER UNSOLVED?

BATTLEGROUND, THE ART OF WAR: ALEXANDER THE GREAT details how a 26-year-old warrior-king conquered Persia, changed the face of warfare and paved the way for Greek culture to shape Western civilization. Recreating 332-331 B.C., this program shows how Alexander defeated the mighty Persian Empire, which stretched from the Mediterranean through Asia Minor. Despite being outnumbered by more than five to one, Alexander’s army of 45,000 defeated the Persians with revolutionary military strategy, tactics and weaponry.

In BECOMING ALEXANDER, cameras follow actor Colin Farrell as he prepares to play the great warrior in Oliver Stone’s upcoming Alexander. Viewers watch as modern-day actor Farrell learns what it would have been like to be Alexander. From riding a horse bareback to researching body armor, to studying the political, military and historical context in which Alexander waged war, Farrell must understand Alexander if he’s to portray him convincingly. Farrell studies with renowned military historian Dale Dye, a former Marine who has provided training, research and staging for films such as Saving Private Ryan, The Last of the Mohicans, Platoon and Band of Brothers. Farrell and Dye discuss Alexander’s character and ambitions, and study his documented speeches and letters. Along the way Farrell also consults other historians and biographers.

BECOMING ALEXANDER also includes dramatic clips from the film itself. Finally, heralding the feature film’s debut, ALEXANDER THE GREAT: MURDER UNSOLVED? (from Atlantic Production, the producers of The Assassination of King Tut) investigates the untimely death of Alexander the Great at the youthful age of 32. Did he die from excessive drinking or disease, or was he murdered? For the first time, forensic pathologists, toxicologists, epidemiologists, archaeologists and historians team up to shed light on the 2,300-year-old mystery, comparing conflicting accounts of Alexander’s last days. One text claims he died of a fever following heavy drinking. Other clues point toward malaria or perhaps what we now know as the West Nile virus. Now, using new evidence of a poison capable of causing Alexander’s symptoms, some experts are theorizing that Alexander suffered a slow, agonizing death by poisoning, the victim of a conspiracy. ALEXANDER THE GREAT: MURDER UNSOLVED? dramatically reconstructs Alexander’s last days as well as a “virtual body” showing all of his known wounds and physical traits so that experts can assess the possible effects of poison on Alexander’s already battered body, perhaps solving the ancient mystery.

BATTLEGROUND, THE ART OF WAR: ALEXANDER THE GREAT is produced by Morningstar Entertainment; Gary Tarpanian and Paninee Theeranuntawat are executive producers. BECOMING ALEXANDER is produced by Diverse Productions; Leonie Jameson is executive producer. ALEXANDER THE GREAT: MURDER UNSOLVED? is produced by Atlantic Productions; Anthony Geffen is executive producer. For all three programs, the Discovery Channel executive producer is Jack Smith.

ALEXANDER THE GREAT: HIS LIFE AND TIMES

A Royal Childhood: Prince Alexander III of Macedonia had a short but incredibly eventful and influential life. He was born on July 20, 356 B.C., a year after his father, King Philip II of Macedonia, married Olympias, a princess of Empirus. In 343 B.C., the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, became 13-year-old Alexander’s tutor. A year later, Alexander received his great black stallion, Bucephalas, which he rode into battle.

Teenage General: Alexander got his first taste of battle in 338 B.C. when he commanded Philip’s army and beat the Greeks. The following year, King Philip divorced Olympias and married Cleopatra. Seeing a threat to his succession, Alexander quarreled with his father and left with Olympias for her childhood home, Empirus. Alexander returned to Macedonia in the autumn after making peace with Philip. The reunion was short-lived: In 336 B.C., one of Philip’s bodyguards killed Philip. Alexander ascended the throne of Macedonia and executed Cleopatra and her newborn son.

Early Conquests: Many young men feel as if they could conquer the world, but Alexander really made it happen. In 335 B.C., at age 19, Alexander crossed the Danube River, establishing his northern frontier. He also squashed a revolt at Thebes. The following year, he crossed the Hellespont into Persia, defeating the defending army in the Battle of the Granicus and capturing the Persian stronghold of Halicarnassus. In 333 B.C., Alexander defeated Persian King Darius III at the Battle of Issus.

Empire Building: One year later, the famed oracle of Siwa allegedly confirmed Alexander’s divinity by claiming Zeus was his true father. This godlike commander then besieged Tyre and Gaza, taking Egypt and getting crowned Pharaoh in the capital city of Memphis. The city of Alexandria was founded the next year in Alexander’s honor. He was on a roll. In 331 B.C., Alexander won his final victory over Darius at the Battle of Gaugamela. Alexander entered Babylon and, in 330 B.C., pushed through the Persian gates and burned Persepolis, the ceremonial capital city.

All the Known World: It was time for new frontiers. In 329 B.C., Alexander crossed the Hindu Kush into Central Asia. The next year, he split his army into five divisions to put down rebellions there. And the following year, he married Roxane, daughter of a Bactrian nobleman. He had an interesting idea for a honeymoon – invading India. In 326 B.C., Alexander vanquished the Indian King Porus at the Battle of the Hydaspes and, within a year, reached the Indian Ocean.

Vast Holdings: In just 12 years, Alexander’s charisma and military genius paid off. He had invaded and eventually ruled powerful kingdoms stretching from Greece to India, including Persia, Syria, Asia Minor (Turkey) and lands all the way to the Indian Ocean.

Personal Losses: Life with Roxane didn’t work out. In 324, in Susa, Persia, Alexander wed his second wife, Statira – daughter of the conquered Darius III. But the warrior-king’s lifelong friend and rumored lover, Hephaestion, died in Ecbatana.

Sudden Death: In 323 B.C., after he returned to Babylon, Alexander’s glorious luck ran out. On June 11, at the age of 32, he died just more than a week after coming down with a severe, feverish and undetermined illness – possibly malaria or West Nile. But there was one final mystery to come. In 321 B.C., Ptolemy Soter, one of Alexander’s generals, stole Alexander’s sarcophagus and transported his body to Egypt. This is the last known location of Alexander’s tomb, which disappeared sometime in the late fourth century A.D. and remains missing today.

Source: www.pothos.org

Psychic Girl Possession Protector: From the Kabbalah bracelet to the Possession Protector, celebs like Paris Hilton, Courtney Cox, Jessica Simpson, Nicole Ritchie and so many more, are making spirituality an accessory… PsychicGirl Justine Kenzer, has searched the universe far and wide to bring the ancient wisdom of these sacred PsychicGirl Possession Protectors. Possession Protectors have been specifically created and spiritually blessed to provide you and your belongings with spiritual protection. Wear them as a necklace or hang them from your purse, backpack, belt loop, or anything else you wish to spiritually protect. Trust these great wise guides to act as your very own spiritual guide keeping watch over you and your special possessions. There are 15 different protectors to choose from. Possession Protectors are made from genuine porcelain.

Brown Buddha

embodiment of consciousness

Pink Buddha

embodiment of consciousness

White Tara
goddess of longevity

Vishnu
embodiment of supreme reality

Saraswati
goddess of creativity

Guan Yin
goddess of compassion

Psychicgirl

Maneki Neko
the lucky cat

Krishna
the divine awakener

Kali
destroyer of illusion

Jesus
embodiment of light

Fortuna
goddess of prosperity

Ganesh
bringer of good luck

Isis

goddess of magic

Eye of horus

protector from evil

Celeb Sightings: Three times last week NY Yankee Alex Rodriguez stopped by for lunch at Miami hotspot SUSHISAMBA dromo. All 3 times A-Rod opted for a healthy lunch that included his favorite calamari and signature Samba sushi rolls while his wife dined on a salad and chicken teriyaki. To ensure he's in shape for next season he stayed alcohol - free opting for still water and diet coke. While A-rod was dining on fish, cross-dressing Denis Rodman was fishing for a date with a hostess at SUSHISAMBA dromo. Unfortunately he didn't have the right bait and left his fishing expedition empty - handed. SUSHISAMBA celebrates the cuisine and culture of japan, brazil and peru where guests can sample a signature Sashimi Seviche at the sushi bar orenjoy cooked delicacies, like Churrasco -- Brazilian Barbecue.

Simon Sings: Carly Simon and BeBe Winans will be sharing the stage at Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theatre on December 17 and 18, 2004 for two nights only in a rare Christmas Concert, Miracle on 125th Street. The duo will be performing together and separately songs that celebrate the Holiday season, as well as some hit songs from each of their respective catalogs. The Apollo Theatre is an intimate venue and is the perfect setting for Carly to make her first public concert appearance in almost ten years. Special guests will include Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20, along with several family members and friends joining in on the celebration. A large portion of the proceeds from ticket sales being donated to the Apollo Theater Foundation.

Tickets for this concert can only be purchased from Ticketmaster outlets, including the Apollo Theater Box Office located at 253 West 125th Street, New York, NY (212.531.5305) or at www.ticketmaster.com (212.307.7171). Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 1PM EST on Saturday, November 6th. Ticket prices range from $55 to $300.

This marks the first public concert in over ten years for Carly Simon., a performer who has shied away from the spotlight and the stage. This summer Simon was profiled on CNN’s People in the News and promoted her Greatest Hits release. Famed Gospel/R&B singer, BeBe Winans also returns to the stage for his first concert after a short hiatus. Simon and Winans will be performing songs from their recent releases, Christmas Is Almost Here (Rhino) and My Christmas Prayer (Hidden Beach/TMG/Epic), respectively. Songs featured on both albums include such holiday favorites as "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Silent Night," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," “Joy to the World” and “Hark the Herald Angel.” Other songs on Simon’s album include a new version of John Lennon's "Happy X-Mas (War Is Over)" as well as a Simon/Willie Nelson duet on Nelson's classic, "Pretty Paper." Winan’s album is highlighted by a spirited duet with Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas on the CD’s title track. Thomas’ performance with Winans marks only the second

Since first appearing on the musical landscape in the early 70's as a solo artist, Carly Simon has enjoyed an unparalleled career. She has produced chart-topping hit singles, multiple award-winning film scores, nearly twenty-five albums of original music, treasured children's books, a family, an opera, at least one new musical genre, sexually-charged controversy, and collections of standards unmatched by any other popular artist. And it is a career going just as strong today. Her hits include “You’re So Vain,” “Anticipation,” “You Belong to Me,” “Nobody Does it Better,” “Jesse,” “Let the River Run,” etc. In May 2004, BMG released Reflections: Carly Simon’s Greatest Hits. Her latest full-length soundtrack will arrive in early 2005 when Disney Pictures releases the next Winnie the Pooh feature Film, ‘Heffalump.’ Carly is currently working on new music to be released in 2005.

A groundbreaking inspirational, R&B, and Gospel vocalist, writer, and producer, BeBe Winans has won four Grammy Awards, ten Dove Awards, six Stellar Awards, two NAACP Awards and a Soul Train Award. As a member of gospel music royalty, BeBe’s success is truly a family tradition. The seventh of 10 children, BeBe began his career as a background singer for his famous brothers (The Winans) before teaming with sister CeCe Winans in 1987 for an amazing run of smash hits and platinum-selling albums. BeBe and CeCe had success with such hits as, "Heaven", "I'm Lost Without You", and the number one hits "Addictive Love" and "I'll Take You There." BeBe’s voice shines on his songs "In Harms Way," "Jesus, Children of America" and, "Coming Back Home" with Brian McKnight and Joe. BeBe now returns with his Christmas release as well as his fourth solo album, Dream, to be released in early 2005 through BeBe’s TMG label (The Movement Group) and Hidden Beach Recordings new inspirational imprint division, Still Waters. This Fall he also launched the BeBe Winans Radio Show with syndicator, SupeRadio Networks. BeBe recently returned to acting, making his feature film debut in Jonathan Demme’s, The Manchurian Candidate.

Photo available at: http://www.carlysimon.com/apollo/Tickets.shtml For more information please visit : www.carlysimon.com and www.BeBeWinans.net