The Mummy Ride at Universal Studios: Last night, the entire staff of BeansTalk attended Universal Studios private party for the premiere of the much-anticipated Revenge of the Mummy ride.

The Jurassic Park ride was also open. It was a treat to not wait in any line, have an entire car to ourselves, but not so much the getting wet. Getting absolutely soaked. We took our wet selves over to the line for the Mummy ride – significant because the even more privileged got to go straight to the front. It took more than an hour. The ride is fairly raucous (not for the faint of heart).

There were a bunch of celebrities – most of whom (despite being on the periphery of entertainment) we didn’t recognize. We got to meet Jon Favreau, who we actually had just done an hour-long phone interview earlier that day! Stars Brendan Fraser and Arnold Vosloo were there, along with one-hit wonder Geraldo, Miguel Ferrer, Davleigh Chase, Thora Birch and Wayne Brady.

Bear in mind that starting today, the lines for Revenge of the Mummy will be long – and the ride (per a BeansTalker) seems to last about 45 seconds.

If Ben Affleck Can Win $365K…: GSN, the network for games, gets ready for “Celebrity Blackjack” its premiere episode of “Celebrity Blackjack,” with Snoop Dogg, Shannon Elizabeth, Jason Alexander, Camryn Manheim and Kevin Nealon. The six-episode series hosted by Matt Vasgersian (lead TV broadcaster for the San Diego Padres) and Alex Borstein ("Mad TV," "Cat Woman"), and featuring 25 celebrities playing for their favorite charities debuts on Monday, July 5, 2004 (10:00-11:00 PM ET/PT). The winner earns an impressive $100,000 donation. Then on July 12, 2004, Richard Belzer, Chynna Phillips, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Andy Dick and Mark Steines take their turn at the table.

Miming Martha (Stewart, that is): With Martha Stewart’s fate in the balance, ABC is jumping on the opportunity with the new series “The Great Domestic Showdown.” Steve Kemble is on the contestants on the series, which airs Sunday, July 11, 2004. Kemble’s appeared on “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” on the Style Network, to a role on ABC Family Channel’s “My Life is a Sitcom.”

Adam Carolla, TV and radio personality (“The Man Show” and “Loveline” – and graduate of North Hollywood High School, class of 1982) hosts. Kemble and five other contestants prove their diva-ness in six categories: decorating, cooking, gardening, entertaining, home improvement and the final challenge – a splendid gala event. Judges are Sandra Lee, host of the Food Network’s “Semi-Homemade;” Robert Verdi, host of the Discovery Channel’s “Surprise by Design;” and Govind Armstrong, one of LA’s top chefs at the elite Table 8. Contestants are judged on originality, creativity, resourcefulness and the ability to stay within the rules. The winner gets a deal with Hyperion Books, an appearance on “Good Morning America” and his or her own television show.

Kemble says, “this show is a dream come true for me. On any given day, I’m used to working with ice sculptures the size of a ballroom and enough roses and flowers to create a botanical garden – then, I’ll go home and host a 50 person cocktail party. I’m truly a domestic diva!”

Contestants lived together in one mansion, shared a solitary bathroom and were monitored by audio and cameras 24-hours a day. No communication with the outside world were allowed. They also had only five “survival” items they were allowed to bring as resources to prove their domestic skills.

Who’s Wearing What: Ashley Judd signed as Face of Estee Lauder's "American Beauty" and she showed up at Wednesday’s NYC Carlyle Hotel event in a Marc Jacobs dress, Chanel earrings and Manolo Blahnik shoes.

Julie Delpy, at the 2004 Los Angeles Film Festival - "Before Sunset" Premiere showed up in a gorgeous deep green silk satin dress, looking not a day older than she did at the “Before Sunrise” premiere years ago.

God knows what Winona Ryder was wearing at that event. The actual outfit – destined to make the “What Was She Thinking” columns – wasn’t bad, but on petite Ryder it overwhelmed her. The vintage clothing fan wore a 70s styled silk chiffon pastel and amber print pleated dress, with an empire waist, and halter top. She added a red silk print kimono coat and carried, curiously, a tan leather everyday handbag.

Our friends Karen Brailsford , pretty in a Sue Wong print dress, and Alice Chung were at the Levi's 501-Caroline Calvin Reception at Pearl (we couldn't go since we were at the Universal Event even those we LOVE the hosts, the guys at Rousso/Fisher, Ryan and RJ).

Safe Tan : St. Tropez Tanning Essentials instant self-tanner is a favorite of Victoria Beckham , Madonna, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Ripa, Mia Tyler, Cate Blanchette, action super star Rick Yune, EXTRA¹s Samantha Harris, Fox 11 News/ Entertainment Reporter Lisa Breckenridge, producer Joe Reitman, and even the British Royal Family, who get tanned at the palace! New is the Self-Tan Remover: A fast and easy way to remove any unsightly stains from your palms after using any self-tanner. The Remover, along with other St. Tropez products, is available at Sephora Stores around the country and selected beauty and department stores throughout Europe.

St. Tropez Body Bronzing Treatments are available at four Equinox locations throughout New York City as well as the Four Seasons Hotel & Spa in Beverly Hills. These St. Tropez treatments are performed by trained and certified St. Tropez technicians skilled to give the ultimate glowing tan.

Pin-Heads: Fifty years ago James Dean bowled at PINZ (formerly Sports Center Bowl) in Studio City, CA. Regulars at PINZ include Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher and their exes Brittany Murphy and Jared Leto. Sports and music celebs include Shaquille O¹Neal, Kobe Bryant, Method Man, Nelly and Ice Cube. Eleda Cohen owner of PINZ, just announced summer activities including "Bikini Bowl" and "Pajama Bowl.” www.pinzbowlingcenter.com 818 -769-7600.

His Parents Sang “Mockingbird” : Ben Taylor makes his acting debut guest-starring in a multi-story arc as Cal, a struggling singer-songwriter in the mid-1960s who will also be performing in the Lair -- and provides a new romantic interest for Beth Mason (Rachel Boston) -- in the third season of NBC's "American Dreams" (Sundays, 8-9 p.m. ET).

“I am really looking forward to being on American Dreams,” says Taylor, whose parents are Carly Simon and James Taylor. “It will be a good way for me to get my feet wet in acting as the character I am playing is very much like myself. In the meantime, I am trying to finish my band’s new album and really trying not to think about the fact that I have never acted.”

Taylor is currently in an Atlanta studio recording the Ben Taylor Band's follow-up album to their 2003 debut, Famous Among the Barns. Recording with producer Rick Beato (Ingram Hill, Flickerstick, The Rising), the band's new album titled Another Run Around the Sun, is expected to be released this fall to coincide with the season premiere of NBC's "American Dreams," which will also feature original music from this album.

"It's our show's good luck to have Ben Taylor playing the Beatles' 'In My Life' last season," said "American Dreams" executive producer Jonathan Prince. "There will be romantic tension between Ben's character and Beth, played by Rachel Boston. How could there not be? A good-looking guy with a guitar who sings like an angel."

The Ben Taylor Band's debut album, Famous Among the Barns, has sold over 50,000 copies since release through Taylor's self-owned label, Iris Records (Ryko/MRI). The band spent much of 2003 on the road promoting the album and touring with artists as Dar Williams, Blues Traveler, Spearhead, and Ziggy Marley. The group also appeared on NBC "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," CBS "The Early Show," NBC "Last Call with Carson Daly," and FOX "Summer Music Mania," and also won a Boston Music Award.

The Ben Taylor Band's music has been described as a mixture of rock, pop, folk with touch of hip-hop infused lyrics.
"American Dreams," has won two Emmy Awards and is set against the music of the 1960s. It’s life as seen through the Pryor family of Philadelphia. "American Dreams" is from NBC Universal Television Studios. Dick Clark and Jonathan Prince are executive producers. For further information on the ben taylor band visit: www.bentaylorband.com

Here Comes NRBQ on DVD! : NRBQ – One In A Million has just been released on DVD.

Generally recognized as “the greatest bar band in the world”, NRBQ got their start in 1968 when they signed with Columbia Records. The future looked promising for the band, but soon third-stringers started getting similar contracts with big record companies.

Although NRBQ’s records didn’t shoot up the charts, they and their fans were more than satisfied with the results. Coming off a few regional hits and rabid east coast fandom, things began to fall into place for the band. Musicians like Dave Edmunds and Elvis Costello showed interest and NRBQ was finally in the limelight.

The release of “One In A Million” is a representative slice of NRBQ in their prime. Shot in 1989 and featuring the classic quartet of Terry Adams on keyboards, Joey Spampinato on Bass, “Big Al” Anderson on guitar, and Tom Ardolino on drums, it demonstrates the frightening ease with which one of America’s best bands can perfectly play prime material that is fun, showing their fans what rock ‘n’ roll really is. Retails for $16.95


Bonus material includes an NRBQ slide show, and a bonus video from the title track, 2004 release, “Dummy”.

Track List:

I Got a Rocket In My Pocket

Girl Scout Cookies

It’s A Wild Weekend

Little Floater

You’re So Beautiful

12 Bar Blues

Crazy Like A Fox

Here Comes Terry

Shake, Rattle & Roll

Supporting Same Sex Marriages : DEMOCRATIC STATE SENATE LEADER DAVID A. PATERSON HONORS SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOM FOR HIS HISTORIC SUPPORT OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

Hollywood, Broadway Stars and Top Gay Leaders Gather for Gay Pride Awards at NYC's City Hall

WHO: New York State Senator David A. Paterson; Actress Laura Linney; Actress Joyce Randolph; Tony Award winners Harvey Fierstein and Alan Cummings; Queer As Folk's Hal Sparks; John Tartaglia; Larry Kramer Star of Tony Award-Winning Avenue Q; Playwright Ronald Johnson; Creator of Hedwig and the Angry John Cameron Mitchell; Mayor, New Paltz, NY Jason West; Mayor of San Francisco Gavin Newsom

WHAT: Paterson and the New York State Democratic Conference will lead a press conference honoring exceptional champions of equal rights and cultural expression for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Community.

There will be an awards ceremony immediate following the press onference-open to the public-in City Hall Chambers.

WHEN: Thursday, June 24, 2004
PRESS CONFERENCE
4:30 PM
AWARDS CEREMONY
5:30 PM

WHERE: PRESS CONFERENCE
City Hall Red Room
AWARDS CEREMONY
City Hall Council Chambers

BBC America's "Family":

Driving tests, teenage parties, annoying neighbors, young love and a never-ending job search are just a few of the trials and tribulations awaiting Robert Lindsay (G.B.H., Oliver Twist) and Zoë Wanamaker (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Gormenghast) in a new season (Season 2) of "My Family," Wednesdays from July 21, 2004 at 9:00 p.m. ET, 8:00 p.m. PT.

Family life never runs smoothly, at least that is the view of creator and U.S. sitcom writer Fred Barron (Seinfeld, The Larry Sanders Show and Caroline in the City). Based on his own family, he and a British team of writers have created a family that is funny but flawed.

Ben Harper (Robert Lindsay) is a dentist who finds family life a frightening prospect. His wisecracking wife, Susan (Zoë Wanamaker), is the one who keeps order in the busy household – although her culinary skills would be enough to make anyone leave home as soon as they were able.

The children, couch potato Nick (Kris Marshall, Love Actually), ‘mature’ Janey (Daniela Denby Ashe, EastEnders) and sensible Michael (Gabriel Thomson) bring their own problems to the family, making Ben wish he was far away from the disordered life in which he exists.

Brit Gardening: Back in the U.S. by popular demand this summer, the Ground Force America team pack up their gardening kits and head across the pond for an all-new season of inspirational makeover programming. New shows premiere every Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. ET\PT beginning July 13 with Ground Force America: Santa Barbara.



Gardening goddesses Charlie Dimmock and Kirsty King join forces with construction kings Tommy Walsh and Will Shanahan to present five all-new episodes filmed across the west of the United States in California, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. In each location the team have just 48 hours to secretly tackle and transform lame looking backyards while one of their owners is away from home. There are two new faces lending a helping hand this season, Tommy’s trusty building assistants, Jason and Chris.

New terrains create tough new challenges and exciting new creative possibilities for television’s original gardening gurus. From the slopes of the Santa Barbara hills to the desert landscapes of Santa Fe and Las Vegas and the stunning woodland backdrop of San Antonio, the Ground Force America team tame the wildest gardens and confront the trickiest problems to create awe-inspiring new spaces.

Incorporating regional plants and landscaping styles, Charlie and Tommy bestow stunning original garden designs to compliment the local style and culture of each new location. Look out for an artistic garden in Santa Fe with a southwestern flavour, a swinging pergola and path in an elegant Fort Worth garden and a majestic gothic ruin in the heart of Santa Barbara.


Get Your Retro Groove On: Fast cars, dashing do-gooders, high-kicking heroes and international intrigue… The Avengers, The Saint and The Prisoner swing into action in BBC AMERICA’s new Friday night line-up beginning July 9, 2004 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET/PT.

Cool, classic and quintessentially British – Friday nights kick off with The Avengers as BBC AMERICA presents some of the show’s most popular episodes featuring Patrick Macnee (Scrooge, The Fantastic Seven) as debonair expert agent John Steed and Dame Diana Rigg (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Mrs. Bradley Mysteries) as aristocratic widow and amateur secret agent, Emma Peel.

Men envy him and women adore him… Roger Moore (A View to a Kill, Four Your Eyes Only) stars as Simon Templar – The Saint. In an action-packed hour of international intrigue, the debonair daredevil steals from criminals and keeps the spoils for himself.

Finally, BBC AMERICA offers one of the most ground-breaking series of the ’60s, The Prisoner. Patrick McGoohan (Danger Man, Mary, Queen of Scots) plays a man known only as Number 6 who wakes up in a surreal and disturbing place called “The Village” – where nothing is what it seems and everybody knows too much.

Another retro British series comes to Friday nights in November as two millionaire playboys team up to bring justice to an unjust world. Tony Curtis and Roger Moore star in The Persuaders.


Get Your Bling Here: Debra Savage the jewelry designer for Chad Allison Designs uses symbols in her jewelry line. One of her most popular is a cross with four equal sides. "This represents balance in life and was originally the symbol of the goddess," explains Savage from her Scottsdale design studio overlooking Camelback Mountain.

Fleur de lis and hearts are other themes running throughout the Chad Allison line. The collection features wide, diamond cuffs, large pendants, a large selection of diamond hoops and chandeliers and a collection of rings. The Chad Allison Collection has been expanded to include several new pieces.

A commonality to her line, "All my pieces are big. They make a statement. They are not for the meek woman," said Savage. They are, she insists, "for the woman who embraces excess - the woman who can buy for herself and will enjoy the purchase".

Chad Allison was co-founded in l999 by diamond dealer David Goldstein and designer Debra Savage. Prices range from $500 to$500,000. For information www.chadallison.com or 877.947.7844.

More Bling : Players Club jewelry line from Mirabelle features more than 80 pieces featured in this new collection, gaming pieces feature jeweled encrusted heart, spade, clover and diamonds necklaces, chandelier and drop earrings, bracelets and cufflinks. Handcrafted in 18k white and yellow gold, the pieces featured diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.

Mirabelle plans to enter the winner's circle with this line with a July 4, 2004 launch in Las Vegas. Celebrities wearing Player¹s Club include players Dave Navarro, Jennie Garth, James Woods, Kathy Najimy, Star Jones, Mena Suvari, and Rosario Dawson. The line has already been featured on Bravo's Celebrity Poker.

Available at Saks Fith Avenue and other retailers nationally. www.Mirabelle18k.com

Celebs Get Comfy: Super hot Mischa Barton and Jessica Simpson are just two celebs who love the designs of Peddy Ebrahimian, 27. He created "One Life," a new sportswear line.

With no formal training, Peddy's inspiration comes from the streets. His marketing approach is also very "street." "The best way to advertise my line is for people to wear it," says Ebrahimian. "It's cut to fit and accentuate curves. It's comfortable, durable and extremely wearable and I want to get everyone-- from the hipster, or car pool mom, to the Ivy luncheon society babes sporting it."

Made from double-knit fabric the line is reversible and Ebrahimian likes the practicality of this design. "No one else is doing this, and today who has the time to shop for multipleoutfits or pack too much," says Peddy. "We live in a fast paced world. I like to pack and go".

"Cowgirl", the reversible line, is available at Fred Segal, and Kitson in Los Angeles, as well as on ­line in a variety of colors including reversible black to grey, pink to blue, grey to white and other solids including orange, baby blue, black, and tan. All items carry the One Life logo and unique finishing studs.

New collections will hit stores mid-summer and fall and include Gothic, Desert Fatigue and Kaleidoscope.

Celebrity fans include Christina Aguleria and Rachel Bilson who own several sets in four colors. Stacey Ferguson (Black Eyed Peas) packed a suitcase full of One Life for her concert tour while Dennis Rodman favors the new One Life beenie cap. www.onelife-2live.net

What's That (Great) Smell??: Fruits & Passion, a Canadian(www.fruits-passion.com) offers consumers products from skincare to home care to gourmet foods.

Fruits & Passion’s CUCINA DOLCE collection, a
collection of candles, soaps, and home-fragrance products are inspired by Italian cafés and desserts. This new collection also includes a wonderful diffuser which fragrances the home and bathroom with CHOCOLATE ORANGE, CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT, and CHOCOLATE MINT wax slabs wrapped like candy bars. They’re not edible, though you’ll certainly be tempted.

A quartet of candles scented like Italian coffees features ESPRESSO, FRESH CREAM, NUTMEG AND ORANGE ZEST, and HAZELNUT candles are poured into genuine Italian espresso glasses for a sophisticated collection that creates a warm and welcoming ambiance.

Gelato Soaps come in three fragrances that are reminiscent of
Italian bonbons. STRAWBERRY, PISTACHIO and LEMON Italian ice soaps smell like ice cream and are wrapped like candy.

Don't Miss This If You're In Town : Mother Jones & AEG Presents, A Madison House & Spire Artists Production
THE STATE OF THE UNION
A benefit to assist the voice of independent media

Starring
JANEANE GAROFALO, MARC MARON, WARD SUTTON, LIZZ WINSTEAD AND FRIENDS
DON’T MISS THIS SPECTACULAR EVENING OF POLITICAL COMEDY, AT NEW YORK CITY’S TOWN HALL ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2004.

Mother Jones Magazine’s State of the Union project represents a year-long campaign intended to inform millions of Americans of important trends and facts that are relevant to the 2004 elections in November. As part of these continuing efforts, Mother Jones, together with Madison House Inc. and Spire Artists, will organize a spectacular evening of political comedy. This special event will be held on September 4th, 2004, the weekend following the Republican Convention, at Town Hall in New York City,

This show will benefit various independent media outlets in an effort to increase the reach of information that is often dismissed by mainstream news organizations. By using humor as a vehicle for artists’ social and political commentary, the producers and participants of this presentation hope to connect important content of independent political issues with a broad cross section of Americans.

Who's Wearing What :

A glamorous bosomy Catherine Crier wore a pale yellow silk satin Donna Karan dress with dangling diamond earrings to the American Women in Radio & Television 29th Annual Gracie Allen Awards held at the NY Hilton

Mariska Hargitay chose a black silk satin backless sexy Vera Wang dress to the American Women in Radio & Television 29th Annual Gracie Allen Awards held at the NY Hilton

Deborah Roberts elected to wear a lingerie styled Ralph Lauren dress in champagne with sleeveless lace to accentuate her fit arms to the American Women in Radio & Television 29th Annual Gracie Allen Awards held at the NY Hilton

Tracey Ullman channeled the 80s in a vintage dress -- a black print, with a bold purple pattern and wide matching belt to the American Women in Radio & Television 29th Annual Gracie Allen Awards held at the NY Hilton

Elisabeth Hasselbeck wore a grey tank top and coordinating long grey skirt (and ribbon belt) from H&M to to the American Women in Radio & Television 29th Annual Gracie Allen Awards held at the NY Hilton

Meredith Vieira, wore a black pantssuit, tux style by Calvin Klein to the American Women in Radio & Television 29th Annual Gracie Allen Awards held at the NY Hilton

Gayle King wore a tangerine print Carmen Marc Valvo dress to the American Women in Radio & Television 29th Annual Gracie Allen Awards held at the NY Hilton

Eva LaRue Callahan chose a lavender silk chiffon Jean Paul Gaultier dress to the American Women in Radio & Television 29th Annual Gracie Allen Awards held at the NY Hilton

Rene Sylar wore a turquoise Carmen Marc Valvo dress to the American Women in Radio & Television 29th Annual Gracie Allen Awards held at the NY Hilton

Shandi Finnessey, Miss USA, chose a strapless red satin dress with sexily exposed sides designed by Stephen Yearick to the American Women in Radio & Television 29th Annual Gracie Allen Awards held at the NY Hilton

Kelly Ripa chose a classic black Roberto Cavalli dress, with a "V" at the back and simple and elegant otherwise to American Women in Radio & Television 29th Annual Gracie Allen Awards

At the "Spider-Man 2" Los Angeles Premiere, Kirsten Dunst wore her living-room curtains. OK, she didn't but it looked a little like it. Of course, it's something we would probably like and wear, but the gorgeous Dunst was hiding all her assets.

At the same premiere, former Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar wore pinstriped taupe capris, super high heeled sandals and a seafoam green silk chiffon floaty top.

Soon to be wed Rachel Leigh Cook looked beautiful (she's engaged to a Spiderman 2 co-star), in a pale seafoam green strapless dress, with ruching at the bodice and a slit in the front. A peachy pink silk fringed shawl was shrugged over her shoulders and her sexy high-heeled sandals were very strappy and tied at the ankles. Her hair, once elfin and short, is now long and feathered.

Talk about classically elegant! Ashley Judd at the Window Unveiling of Armani Fashions Inspired by her New Film "De-Lovely" appeared in a knee length, traditional black silk sleeveless Armani sheath, with Armani shoes in white with black accents.

Who’s Wearing What:

“Smallville" beauty Kristin Kreuk wore a cute black-printed, ruffled-bottom dress with a black tie- at-the-torso shrug to the premiere of “The Notebook” last night.

At the same event – at Westwood’s Mann Theater – Brooke Burke wore a simple white tank over a bold patterned silk skirt with blues and browns, and a ruffled bottom.

“Notebook” star Rachel McAdams, sporting a much darker red heavily banged ‘do, wore a beautiful 20s-inspired champagne colored dress cut down to there.

Daisy Fuentes showed off those Pilates created curves in a halter black dress with a printed ruching down the center.

Lauren Bacall chose a taupe pantsuit, lavender pointed shoes and beige clutch for Former US President, Bill Clinton's Book Release Party for "My Life" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.

Chelsea Clinton supported her dad in a very conservative black pantsuit, featuring a zipped up cardigan top with subtle cut-out accents.

Holding hands with her hubby, Senator Hilary Clinton, chose wide ivory pants and a light pink collarless jacket – she looked happy and sweet.

Meanwhile, Phoebe Cates supported husband Kevin Kline for the NY premiere of "De-Lovely" wearing an asymmetrical shouldered black silk satin dress, one shoulder ruffled, with 40s-inspired slingbacks with a leather flower accent.

Ashley Judd looked lovely for “De-Lovely” in a Chanel ensemble that included a silk chiffon pleated short-sleeved ivory blouse and full 50s style black skirt with white accents and cut-out designs.

Talk about va-va voom! Alanis Morisette (a film co-star), wore a black silk dress that criss crossed against her bosom, exposing her stomach, with a long fitted black skirt. She looked voluptuous and sexy. She cuddled with bearded date Ryan Reynolds.

Darling Tracy Ullman, who we idolize, wore mismatched blacks, a long-sleeved button-up blouse and a beautiful kicky black-velvet skirt.

Beyonce Knowles wore a side-revealing baby blue silk halter dress to the London launch of her New Tommy Hilfiger Womens Fragrance "True Star."

Belly Basics is Back Big Time: Whether you’re a celeb or a commoner, Belly Basics has been considered a solid, quality maternity clothing line. The watershed Pregnancy Survival Kit has been a “must have” for expectant mommies, with its versatile (and here’s the key word: ) comfortable clothing staples. They’ve added designer Ema Degnan, a young brit to complement the line with fashion forward wear. The line can be purchased at Nordstroms, Bloomingdales, Pickles & Ice Cream, estyle.com, and in August, purchase at www.bellybasics.com Celeb fans include Courteney Cox, Debra Messing, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, and Marcia Gay Harden.

Banishing Brown Spots Dermaplaning, microdermabrasion and TCA Peels are used at Century Cosmetics medi-spa in a program developed by plastic surgeon Peter Fodor, to refine skin tone and combat the damaging effects of sun exposure (including those nasty brown spots). For more info, call (310) 203-9533 or visit www.centurycosmetics.com.

Sweet Hands & Feet: L.A.’s Paint Shop offers such dessert like treats as the Godiva chocolate foot bath or the margarita foot scrub, manicures and pedicures include Footsie White Choco-Latte, Ritas & Rocks, and Shaken Not Stirred. Celeb fans include Cameron Diaz, Janet Jackson and Tyra Banks. Prices range from $25 to $78. Visit www.paintshopbeverlyhills.com.

New Haircare Line: growUp’s a new professional line geared towards teens and tweens, but can be used by anyone. Products include Loosen Up Ballerina Detangler, Hold Fast Gymnast Finishing Spray, Reach for the Stars Cheerleader Shine Serum for girls and Stand Firm Karate Hard Hold Hair Gel and Blaze a Trail BMX Styling Stick for boys. More info, call (800) 267-4781 or visit www.growUphair.com.

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story The BeansTalk Review: Ben Stiller may have hits and misses, but he manages to score with his latest film, “Dodgeball,” which co-stars his wife, Christine Taylor and Vince Vaughn. The premise is simple: two rival, neighboring gyms – a high-tech, over-the-top facility run by the ridiculous White Goodman (Stiller) and one slovenly one, run by the nice-guy-who-needs-a-break Peter La Fleur (Vaughn). Taylor plays a lawyer negotiating the collapse of one and the rise of the other who falls for La Fleur. She’s a natural, credible actress (albeit almost distractingly too thin) who plays it straight among the wacky characters.

It may not be the most thought-provoking film of the year, but “Dodgeball” delivers consistent, nearly non-stop laughs that can be credited to the quick pacing and balanced acting. Balanced refers to the fact that writer/director Rawson Marshall Thurber allows Stiller to be silly and exaggerated (although after actually meeting Tony Little, Goodman isn’t too far from actuality), and has La Fleur be deadpan, yet appealing. As a BeansTalk staffer noted, Vaughn seems to be channeling Bill Murray. Indeed, it’s a role Murray could easily have played. Because it’s not at such an A.D.D. hyper pitch and actually doesn’t try too hard or work to cover all its bases (and be simply not funny as comedies can be), it’s a very successful comedic film. There’s a minimum of gross-out factor, as well, keeping the humor surprisingly smart.

Swing Time! Music Video Distributors and Disconforme announce the release of The Swing Era DVD Series; they’ll be released on August 3, 2004 and retail for $19.95.

COUNT BASIE - SWING ERA
One of the legends of jazz, Count Basie (1904-1984) came to epitomize the very concept of swing. The fabled Basie, fronted two of the very best jazz orchestras ever: his classic 'Old Testament' line-up from 1935 to 1949 and a renewed, hard-swinging 'New Testament' band from 1952 onwards. If his early orchestra featured such legendary players as Lester Young, Harry Edison and Buck Clayton, or the relentless rhythm section of Basie on piano, Walter Page on bass, Freddie Green on guitar and Jo Jones on drums, the second Basie band was also a star-studded, powerhouse affair. The DVD is completed with different sounds showcasing Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Joe Turner, Henry Red Allen, Gene Krupa, Lucky Millinder and the dancer Bill Bojangles Robinson. (TRT 93 minutes)

BENNY GOODMAN - SWING ERA
The greatest of the jazz clarinetists, Benny Goodman (1909-1986) was universally known as "The King Of Swing". A colorful, extroverted personality and a top-notch performer, Goodman enjoyed a phenomenal string of hits all through the Thirties and Forties while fronting his powerhouse orchestra or resorting to the small-combo format. A charismatic figure, B.G. was also known for the quality of his bands, which at one time or another featured jazz greats such as Billie Holiday, Coleman Hawkins, Lionel Hampton, Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa, Harry James or Charlie Christian. A household name for millions, Goodman is still remembered as one of the most influential musicians in the last century. A compilation of different clips featuring the great Benny Goodman and his band, this video is completed with a selection of assorted sounds from the Swing era starring star performers and bandleaders of the day such as Artie Shaw, Jimmy Dorsey, Hoagy Carmichael and Jack "Mr. T" Teagarden. (TRT 77 minutes)

DUKE ELLINGTON – IN HOLLYWOOD - SWING ERA
Duke Ellington (1899-1974) featured jazz greats such as Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, Paul Gonsalves, Sidney Bechet, Cootie Williams, Harry Edison, Clark Terry, Barney Bigard, Jimmy Blanton, and a host of first-rate sidemen too numerous to mention. Ellington was also a superb composer who wrote literally thousands of songs (including numbers such as Flamingo, Take The A Train, Caravan, and countless other classics). Besides being a top-notch arranger, the Duke was also a restless, experimental artist by nature and a musician who never stopped recording from 1926 on. This video compiles different films starring the great Duke Ellington and his orchestra: Black And Tan (1929), Symphony in Black (1935 - featuring the famous sequence with Billie Holiday), plus assorted different musical sequences from other motion pictures, including the three scenes starring Mae West in the 1934 movie Belle Of The Nineties. (TRT 60 minutes)

GEORGE SHEARING – SWING ERA
The leader of one of the most popular combos in jazz during the fifties and early sixties, the blind George Shearing (born 1919) was reputed for his mastery at the piano, an instrument he played in a sophisticated style he termed 'locked hand.'
Shearing was also known for the unique sound of his quintet, which featured an unusual lineup, with the vibraphone and guitar tripling the melody. Shearing's very special sound proved fruitful during his heyday, when he was one of the best-selling jazzmen around. A notable composer, the blind pianist wrote numbers which have become classics. Lullaby of Birdland, Conception, Consternation... he employed Latin-oriented sidemen such as Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo or Cal Tjader and performed alongside jazz greats such as Oscar Pettiford, Peggy Lee, Wes Montgomery, Mel Torme or Jim Hall. Besides gathering different clips and sounds featuring the great George Shearing and his combo, this video includes additional numbers showcasing what we could term Fifties Swingers: Mel Torme, the Slam Stewart Trio, Slim Gaillard, the Bob Cats, and others, in all, a splendid compilation. (TRT 97 minutes)

Good Gifting: Looking for a great gift idea? Consider Essencia Gift Collection baskets which retail from $16 to $67.50. Products are also available separately, and all products contain natural ingredients and essential oils.

ESSENCIA GIFT COLLECTION

BABY FACE GIFT BASKET: Baby Bouquet Body Lotion, Bum
Balm and Baby Face Essential Oil Soap in pandan
basket.

BATH COLLECTION GIFT BASKET: Cocoa Butter Bath Milk,
Bath Tea, Essential Oil Soap, and Rosemary Mint Bath
Gel in pandan basket.

BATHING BEAUTY GIFT BASKET: Lavender Mint Shaving
Syrup, Rosewater Body Milk, and Rosemary Mint Bath Gel
in pandan basket.

BUTTER GIFT BASKET: Chamomile Body Butter, Heel Butter
and Nail Butter in pandan basket.

CHAMOMILE & HONEY GIFT BASKET: Chamomile Body Butter,
Chamomile & Honey Essential Oil Soap, and Honey Mint
Lip Balm in pandan basket.

CHOCOLATE & ROSES GIFT BASKET: White Chocolate with
Almonds Soap and Rosewater Body Milk in pandan basket.

ESSENCIA SOAP GIFT BASKET: One 5-oz. soap of your
choice from the Essential Oil Soap Collection in
pandan basket.

FACE ESSENTIALS GIFT BASKET: Rosewater Body Milk,
Oatmeal & Honey Facial Bar, Rose or Chamomile Facial
Toner, and Lavender, Oats & Nuts Scrub in pandan
basket.

GARDENER'S COLLECTION GIFT BASKET: Gardener’s Bar,
Aromaway Insect Repellent, Sandalwood Moisture
Therapy, Nail Butter in pandan basket.

GENTLEMAN'S COLLECTION GIFT BASKET: Gentleman’s Bar,
Lavender Mint Shaving Syrup, and Sandalwood Moisture
Therapy in pandan basket.

HOME ESSENTIALS GIFT BASKET I: Lavender Linen Spray
and Aromatic Light Bulb Ring w/ Garden Blossom Oil in
pandan basket.

HOME ESSENTIALS GIFT BASKET II: Aromaway Insect
Repellent and Aromatic Light Bulb Ring w/ Fresh Citrus
Oil in pandan basket.

LAVENDER COLLECTION GIFT BASKET: Lavender Essential
Oil Soap, Lavender Mint Body Crème and Lavender Mint
Shaving Syrup in pandan basket.

MINIATURE SOAP GIFT BASKET: Three 1-oz. soaps of your
choice from the Essential Soap Collection in pandan
basket.

MINT COLLECTION GIFT BASKET: Honey Mint Lip Balm,
Lavender Mint Body Crème, and Lavender Mint Shaving
Gel in pandan basket.

ROSEWATER GIFT BASKET: Rosewater Body Milk and
Rosewater Essential Oil Soap in pandan basket.

SOAK & SCRUB GIFT BASKET: Cocoa Butter Bath Milk,
Essential Oil Soap, Rosemary Mint Body Polish,
Rosemary Mint Bath Gel and pumice stone in pandan
basket.

Essencia uses the finest natural ingredients and
essential oils in their products, which are available
in spas, salons and specialty beauty and gift
retailers nationwide, and on the Web at
www.essenciaonline.com.

To see images of these gift baskets, visit
www.essenciaonline.com.


Six-Feet Under It may have taken a year for the new season, but fans are anxiously checking in with the Fisher family and their associates. Here’s a look at episodes for July

SIX FEET UNDER - JULY EPISODES

Episode #43: "Can I Come Up Now?"
Debut date: Sunday, July 11, 2004, 9 p.m.
David's (Michael C. Hall) ex-fiancée reenters his life in search of answers to the question "Why me?"; Nate (Peter Krause) has a psychic rendezvous; Keith's (Mathew St. Patrick) new job sends him into the closet; Claire (Lauren Ambrose) decides not to let life pass her by; George (James Cromwell) dumps some surprise baggage on Ruth (Frances Conroy); and Margaret(Joanna Cassidy) weighs in on Brenda's new relationship. Written by Alan Ball; directed by Dan Minahan.

Episode #44: "That's My Dog"
Debut date: Sunday, July 18, 2004, 9 p.m.
With Keith out of town on business, David gets taken for a ride by a hitchhiker; Nate feels out of place in a bereavement group; Ruth tries to play matchmaker, to George's chagrin; Claire feels empty after a critique of her self-portraits; Brenda (Rachel Griffiths) and her mom go back to school; and Federico gets an unexpected visitor at work. Written by Scott Buck; directed by Alan Poul.

Episode #45: "Terror Starts at Home"
Debut date: Sunday, July 25, 2004, 9 p.m.
Fisher & Diaz hosts two very different parties in one night; David is uncomfortable with all the comfort he's receiving; Nate finds temporary relief at a "canine retreat"; Claire and her art school friends go on a trip; Ruth grows frustrated with George's "nasty little secrets;” Federico (Freddy Rodriguez) gets his phone wires crossed; and Brenda and Joe (Justin Theroux) find a basket to house their eggs. Written by Kate Robin; directed by Miguel Arteta.

Hot Handbags : Swarovski crystals, layered feathers and the gemstones make the latest collection of Lauren Scherr Handbags an enchanting way to carry treasures.

Feathers are available in bright red, deep burgundy, shades of purple, plum, fuchsia, midnight teal and black accented with complementing gemstone detail offer versatility.

“Feathers bring out the feminine, softer side of a woman,” says Scherr. “By adding sparkle, baubles, dazzling color and texture, you create an element of excitement and artful allure guaranteed to turn heads.” Visit www.laurenscherr.com to view the entire line.


Time Tells: The following actresses have diamond-encrusted watches by ROBERT LIGHTON NEW YORK.

Angelina Jolie The Oscar-winning actress was spotted at the Cannes Film Festival, promoting her upcoming animated feature Shark Tales, wearing an 18K white gold and diamond "Wharton" style watch on a black satin band.

Angela Bassett has been seen at several events at the Maui Film Festival sporting her 18K white gold and diamond "Algonquin" style watch on a pink alligator band.

Eliza Dushku spiced up her little black dress at the unveiling of Fox's fall line-up in New York with her sterling silver "Gramercy" style watch on a pink alligator band.

Every Robert Lighton New York watch features a "vintage" aesthetic. All watches are crafted in Switzerland.

Fashion Bits: Famke Janssen hit the red carpet this weekend at the "Nip/Tuck" season premiere in an outfit by Monique Lhuillier. The actress, whose character on the series debuts this season, chose a black two-tiered chantilly lace miniskirt, paired with a black hammered organza ruffle blouse with cap sleeves. Famke accessorized her ensemble with a black crystal and chain bracelet and black leather and crystal handbag by Daniel Swarovski Paris.

Alexandra Kerry, filmmaker and daughter of Presidential candidate John Kerry, strolled the red carpet at this weekend's Crystal & Lucy awards in a cocktail coat by Pamella Roland, selecting a tailored silver ¾ length evening coat over her own black dress.

At the 31st Annual Women In Film Crystal & Lucy Awards, Alicia Silverstone wore a minidress by Monique Lhuillier, a black Alencon lace minidress with flared bell sleeves.


Both Camryn Manheim and Sharon Lawrence chose ivory silk pantsuits for 2004 Crystal & Lucy Awards: Women in Film Celebrates the Paltrow Family (Kelly Carlson chose a super similar outfit for "Nip/Tuck" Season 2 Premiere).

Meanwhile, Joely Richardson (at Nip n Tuck), Famke Janssen and Portia de Rossi chose cocktail-length black dresses (Richardson’s was strapless, Jansen’s was mini and frilly, de Rossi’s a halter)

At that same event, latest “Six-Feet Under” addition Mena Suvari chose a sexy silk satin midnight blue fitter halter dress.