Wednesday, August 31, 2005


Lauren Scherr's Greta Bag. Eva Longoria of "Desperate Housewives" carried this at the Teen Choice Awards. Longoria is a devoted fan of Scherr's -- she's even told BeansTalk.

~~~
Posted by Picasa

Britney Spears' good gift bag

More on Spears' Shower Gifts

Britney Spears and friends recently celebrated the impending arrival of Spears' first baby with a Moroccan-themed shower at her Malibu home. Amongst other things, her guests received these Kenneth Cole gifts in their goody bags:

Tribeca sequin slippers
The girls were treated to "Jade" sequin slippers by Tribeca, A Kenneth Cole
Production in either ruby red or aqua. The trendy flats retail for $49.00
and are available nationwide at select department stores such as Dillards,
Nordstrom and Macy's.

Gold earrings
Britney's guests also received Bohemian gold-plated hoop earrings with
intricate metal detailing by Kenneth Cole New York. The earrings retail for
$32.00 and are available nationwide at select Bloomingdales and Macys
stores.

~~~
Other Fashion Notes

Minnie Driver performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in a top by Catherine Malandrino. She showed off her musical talents in a mint-green polka-dot chiffon v-neck top with kimono sleeves and satin trim.

Anna Kournikova attended the Teen People party celebrating their 2nd Annual Young Hollywood Issue in a top by Catherine Malandrino, a white chiffon plunging v-neck top with playful dragonfly cut out.

Posted by Picasa

Mad About Mangos

Marvelous Mangos

An apple a day may keep the doctor away and oranges may give a jolt of vitamin C to ward off colds, but mangoes are the ultimate skin remedy leaving it glowing and extremely smooth and soft. Mangoes are chock-full of vitamins and make the perfect treat for tired looking skin.


Mad about Mangoes? No problem. This exotic fruit is no longer hard to find as it is available in many grocery stores year round.

Some magnificent mango ideas from Malie Kaua'i, maker of the Mango Butter Bun:

At-Home Tropical Hawaiian Body Polish

1 whole mango
1 tablespoon ground avocado pit
1 tablespoon dried orange zest (the colored part of the peel)


To ground avocado pit: Place the clean avocado pits in a clean, sealable plastic bag. With hammer or mallet crush the pits into small pieces (about the size of peas).

Step 1: Remove the peel and seed from the mango and mash the fruit.
Step 2: Stir in the ground avocado pit and orange zest.
Step 3: Use the mixture as an allover body treatment while showering, to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. Rinse off.
Step 4: Finish by using Malie Kaua'i's Mango Butter Bun


Pamper Yourself with the Peels

Don't throw away the mango peels. Instead, powder the peels and add one teaspoon of milk powder and rub all over. Wash off after 5 minutes for a smooth, satin finish.

Posted by Picasa

The Interpreter is coming to DVD

Interpreter on DVD


Oscar® winners Nicole Kidman (The Hours, Moulin Rouge) and Sean Penn (Mystic River, Dead Man Walking) star in The Interpreter, coming to DVDand VHS October 4, 2005 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Directed by Academy Award® winner Sydney Pollack, The Interpreter is the first feature film ever shot inside New York’s United Nations headquarters.

The Interpreter DVD offers an alternate ending and bonus features including; a look inside the United Nations building with interviews and walking tours conducted by official U.N. personnel; a featurette exploring the life of a real U.N. interpreter; and audio commentary with director Sydney Pollack, among several other special features.

The Interpreter marks the first occasion that a feature film crew was granted access to the inner sanctum of the United Nations. Sydney Pollack’s unprecedented access to the UN building was only achieved after Pollack himself negotiated with UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. The result is the first cinematic glimpse inside the world’s international headquarters. Alfred Hitchcock was famously denied access when he requested access for the classic North By Northwest. Nicole Kidman had to master the fictional African language of Ku for this role.


On September 10, 2001 in New York City, producers of Kevin Misher, Liza Chasin and Tim Bevan of Working Title Films, and screenwriter Charles Randolph met with the Secret Service’s New York City office chief. This was part of a series of meetings about a political thriller the filmmakers were in the early phases of researching. The conversation turned to terrorism. The agent confided that what he feared most was a terrorist suicide attack in a major US city. The next day, the world changed forever and The Interpreter was set aside. With time, the producers returned to the project, but concerned how their story could be told in a post 9/11 world.

Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, August 30, 2005


Diamond Angel Wing Pendant, designed by international jeweler Mouawad and valued at $1,000.

Victoria’s Secret Wishes
Luck To Emmy Nominees

New York, NY (September 2005)—Victoria’s Secret is wishing good luck to female best-actress nominees. The lingerie and beauty company is sending a special delivery to best actress nominees (comedy and drama categories) that includes an exclusive Diamond Angel Wing Pendant, designed by international jeweler Mouawad and valued at $1,000. The angel wing is unavailable to the public and is worn by another exclusive group—the world-famous Victoria’s Secret supermodels each have one.

Also included in the gift is a bottle of Dream Angels Heavenly fragrance. Dream Angels Heavenly, out-performed all other prestige fragrances in the marketplace for the first half of the year. Nominees will receive a Dream Angels VIP card, featuring a secret “Heavenly Hotline” phone number, so the Emmy nominees can order additional fragrance for themselves or to give as gifts whenever they like.

Posted by Picasa


Bellini's Extreme Makeover for the Harris Triplets

We’re Having A Baby! …What Do We Do Now?

This September, Bellini Baby & Teen Furniture and Destination Maternity are teaming up to host two free educational events for New York-area expectant parents.

Leading area health experts and service providers will speak on a range of topics, including Fetal and Infant Health, Prenatal Diet and Exercise, Pregnancy Fashion, Breast Feeding 101, Nursery Design, Layette Essentials, and much more! We will also distribute important Crib Safety information in observance of National Baby Safety Month.

The events will take place in Huntington, New York on Thursday, September 22nd at 6:30pm, and Scarsdale, New York on Thursday, September 29th at 6:30pm.

All attendees are eligible for thousands of dollars in raffle prizes, including a Bellini Crib and Destination Maternity Spa Gift Certificates, as well as free gift bags and special area discounts and promotions.

Seating is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, expectant Moms and Dads should call:

Bellini of Huntington

631-421-2229

516 Walt Whitman Road (Rte. 110)

Huntington, New York

September 22, 2005

6:30pm- 9:30pm


Bellini of Scarsdale

914-472-7336

495 Central Park Avenue

Scarsdale, New York

September 29, 2005

6:30pm-9:30pm


RSVP by September 8th RSVP by September 15th

About Bellini:

Bellini Baby & Teen Furnitureรข, the nation’s leading manufacturer and retailer of fine juvenile furnishings and accessories, has 47 company-owned and independently-owned boutiques in major cities across the U.S. (www.bellini.com)

About Destination Maternity:

Destination Maternity Superstore, a brand of Mothers Work, Inc., (Nasdaq:MWRK) is the world’s leading designer and retailer of maternity apparel. As of January 31, 2005, Mothers Work operates 1,105 maternity locations, including 874 stores and 231 leased departments, predominantly under the tradenames Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod®, and Mimi Maternity® and sells on the web through its Maternitymall.com and brand-specific websites.

Posted by Picasa

HeadBlade


Head Start


It looks a European race car, it's a certified work of art and it's the best thing to happen to shaved heads since Michael Jordon. Put one in a guy's Christmas Stocking, it will be the one present everybody talks about.

The Limited Edition HeadBlade S4, a razor designed for heads, not chins, is the perfect gift for any male who currently shaves his head, a sexy option for men with thinning hair, a tempting conversation piece for the rest. With more than a nod to sleek automotive design, the HeadBlade S4 is cast in bright stainless steel and puts a lot of performance into three compact inches of patented suspension, and yes, moving wheels. The razor is ergonomically-designed with a spring-loaded adjustable ring that fits over the middle finger, to make shaving easy and comfortable. The design is so striking, New York's Museum of Modern Art has place the S4 on permanent display.

The Limited Edition S4 has a suggested retail price of $75, and is available at specialty stores. The original HeadBlade ($15 at Walgreen's and Rite-Aid), has a pedigree all its own, with a list of headshavers that includes Vin Diesel, Shaquille O'Neil, Samuel Jackson and Damon and Keenan Wayans. Both the original HeadBlade and the Limited Edition S4 can also be purchased at www.headblade.com.

Posted by Picasa

Jessica Simpson (AP Photo/ Andrew Stuart)


Fashion Bits

Jessica Simpson who plays Daisy Duke attends the United Kingdom premier of 'The Dukes of Hazard' in London Monday Aug. 22, 2005. Simpson wore a dress by Catherine Malandrino.

In Other Fashion News

Nominated for 2 MTV VMAs, R & B artist Amerie strolled the red carpet in a gown by Monique Lhuillier. Amerie, nominated for Best Female Video and Best Choreography for her hit song “1 Thing,” wore a paisley print chiffon gown with pleated bodice and jewel-encrusted halter neckline from Monique Lhuillier’s Fall/Winter 2005 collection.

Emmy nominee and Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher hosted the Festival of the Arts - Pageant of the Masters Benefit Gala on Saturday evening. She wore Monique Lhuillier's sage floral print chiffon gown with laser-cut godets.

Posted by Picasa

Royal Carribean talks to "A Current Affair"

Royal Carribean Corporate
Talks to A Current Affair

From their corporate headquarters in Miami, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines breaks its silence on camera for the first time on tonight’s ‘A Current Affair’ to go on record, against the advice of the FBI, about the disappearance of newlywed George Smith from one of their cruise ships eight weeks ago (syndicated, check local listings for station and time).

“I believe you [‘A Current Affair’] are one of the few programs who are trying to cover this story in a fair and balanced way. And for that reason, we decided to come on your show,” says Lynn Martenstein, Vice President of Corporate Communications for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, who claims there has been “a lot of misinformation” surrounding the disappearance of Mr. Smith.

Talking only with ‘A Current Affair,’ Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines answers questions about cleaning up the bloody scene -- who and when, their reason why security guards never entered the cabin of George and Jennifer Smith even after complaints of noise heard that fateful night, and about their attempts to contact the family of the missing groom. ‘A Current Affair’ also learns the latest in the FBI’s investigation and to what extent Royal Caribbean has cooperated.

George Allen Smith vanished eight weeks ago. The young newlywed from Connecticut was on a 12-day honeymoon cruise with his brand new bride, Jennifer, following a picture perfect wedding in Newport, Rhode Island. The couple was halfway through the cruise on the night of July 4th between Greece and Turkey when tragedy struck.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Posted by Picasa

Essencia Revitalize Face and Body Oil

Revitalize with Essencia


Essencia founding aroma therapist Juliana Lipe combines the earth’s finest, high-grade essential oils with natural renewable high-energy oil nectars, for a super-rich, nourishing, moisturizing, anti-aging and skin-rejuvenating skin care treatment enriched with over 12 refined and renewable oil ingredients: Revitalize Face & Body Oil

This synergy of rich natural oils provides the extra-nourishing moisture boost needed to pump extremely dry and/or aging skin into a more youthful glow. Skin cells and surfaces are refined, renewed and returned to natural, healthy condition, say company reps, who add: A few drops prevent or reverse parched, dry, dehydrated skin, restoring skin to a more radiant and vibrant texture and tone and a softer, more supple, smooth-as-silk appearance and feel.

At the Salon and Spa, aestheticians can use it for moisturizing facials, body treatments, massage, and nail, hand and foot treatments.


Revitalize Face & Body Oil is a blend of a dozen natural essential and vegetable oils that work synergistically to regenerate skin cells, while eliminating and preventing wrinkles. Chock full of moisturizing, anti-aging, and rejuvenating properties, it contains:

JOJOBA, an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory oil that balances sebum in the skin.
SWEET ALMOND OIL, which relieves dryness and inflammation.
AVOCADO OIL, which is extra moisturizing on dry skin, and improves the skin’s elasticity.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL, which prevents premature aging of the skin, helps wounds and scars heal and disappear, and is excellent on psoriasis and eczema.
ROSEHIP SEED OIL, which revitalizes dry dull skin and is excellent on mature skin.
WHEAT GERM OIL heals cracked skin, is ideal for prematurely aged skin, and on eczema and psoriasis.
FORAHA OIL to aid in cellular regeneration.
HELIOCARROT OIL (dried carrot root infused in jojoba) is rich in beta-carotene and vitamins A and E, making it an ideal remedy for skin damaged from the elements as it stimulates the production of sebum in dry, scaly skin and soothes chapped and irritated skin.
CALENDULA-INFUSED FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is ideal for rashes and dry, chapped or cracked skin.
LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL, which is a cure-all for all skin conditions because it stimulate, cell regeneration and stimulates scarring.
ROSEWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL regenerates and restimulates cell growth.
SEABUCKTHORN BERRY ESSENTIAL OIL, which helps rebuild cell tissue and heals and restores skin tissue.

Revitalize Face & Body Oil from Essencia retails for $22 for a 1.75 oz. jar. Essencia skincare can be found at specialty beauty stores, spas and salons nationwide, and on the web at www.essenciaonline.com. 866-568-5848.

Posted by Picasa

Monday, August 29, 2005


Paris Hilton, left, and her sister Nikki pose for photographers as they arrives on the white carpet of the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami. (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)

Diamonds Sparkle at Miami’s VMAs

Paris Hilton, who arrived on the arm of record producer Scott Storch and later boasted of wearing “about 250 carats” of diamonds when she presented an award with Bow Wow, was still wearing her 24-carat emerald cut engagement ring – even though "fiance" Paris Latsis was nowhere to be seen.

Additionally, Hilton wore a diamond rose cut fringe bracelet totaling 42 carats, set in 18k white gold, valued at $52,000; a 50 carat diamond necklace and 20 carat round linear diamond earrings set in 18k white gold (necklace and earrings each valued at $360,000); all by Jacob the Jeweler.


Not to be outdone, the dapper Storch was sporting a $2.5 million diamond necklace by Sol Rafael, which Hilton later wore on the VMA stage. Combined, the two wore almost $6 million in diamonds .

Host Diddy gave away a diamond watch during the show to one lucky audience member – a GC1 5 time zone watch, 11 carats total, valued at $50,000, by Jacob the Jeweler.

Diamond Fans:

Alicia Keys – Layered diamond chains, diamond hoop earrings, and stacked diamond bangles.

Ashlee Simspon – Vintage inspired diamond linear earrings.

Diddy – The evening’s host changed into numerous diamonds throughout the night, including four different diamond watches by Jacob the Jeweler – one of which, valued at $50,000, he gave away to an audience member. He also wore a 35-carat green diamond ring valued at $1 million, and diamond studs by Jacob The Jeweler. A 6.5 rose cut diamond pinky ring and 1940s gold and diamond cuff buttons by Fred Leighton.

Ciara – Yellow diamond bracelet, set in platinum, featuring 65 carats, valued at $225,500; a multi-colored diamond chain with a diamond cross, valued at $125,000; and yellow diamond earrings, set in platinum, totaling 25 carats, valued at $85,000; all by Sol Rafael.

Beyoncรฉ – Diamond and wood stacked bangle bracelets and large diamond and wood hoop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz.

Pharrell – 30 carat “The world is yours” multi-colored diamond watch by Jacob the Jeweler. Necklace, also by Jacob the Jeweler: featuring pink, blue, yellow, white and green diamonds: 125 carats total, value $400,000.

Gwen Stefani – Diamond studs, Diamond Right Hand Ring and a diamond bracelet.

Paris Hilton – 50- carat diamond necklace, 20 carat round linear diamond earrings set in 18k white gold (both necklace and earrings valued at $360,000 each) and a diamond rose cut fringe bracelet totaling 42 carats, set in 18k white gold, valued at $52,000, all by Jacob the Jeweler.

Nicky Hilton – Round cut diamond bracelet set in white gold, 22 carats, $28,000 and diamond chandelier earrings, totaling 7 carats, by Jacob the Jeweler.

Jay-Z – Sported a 25 carat flawless yellow diamond ring, valued at $2 million, by Lorraine Schwartz. 30 carat “The world is yours” multi-colored diamond watch by Jacob the Jeweler.

Jamie Foxx – Diamond six time zone watch by Jacob the Jeweler totaling 10 carats, valued at $38,000.

Lindsay Lohan – Diamond chandelier earrings and Diamond Right Hand Ring by Loree Rodkin.

Missy Elliott – 30-carat fancy intense yellow diamond asscher cut ring, valued at $1.5 million, by Sol Rafael, as well as a 26 carat round cut diamond necklace valued at $28,000, by Jacob the Jeweler.

Usher – Yellow diamond studs and a yellow diamond ring.

Omarion – Diamond studs, diamond bracelet, diamond ring, diamond crown pendant and a diamond watch.

Jessica Alba – Round diamond drop earrings, totaling 16 carats, valued at $500,000, and the “Angel” watch, 15 carats of diamonds, valued at $45,000, by Jacob the Jeweler.

Kirsten Dunst – Diamond chandelier star earrings valued at $95,000 and a diamond cluster ring valued at $12,500, by Fred Leighton.

Kelly Rowland – Rose-shaped diamond cuff by Lorraine Schwartz.

Bow Wow – Diamond cross necklace Jacob the Jeweler.

Eva Longoria – Diamond cross pendant and diamond hoop earrings.

Vanessa Minillo (MTV VJ) – Vintage diamond earrings totaling 50 carats valued at $125,000, a diamond bracelet and a diamond pin by Sol Rafael.

Nelly – Diamond studs, diamond cuffs, and an oversized diamond necklace.

Lil' Kim – Wore a Diamond Right Hand Ring, a diamond cuff, two diamond bangles and diamond hoops.

Kanye West – A 2.5 carat yellow vivid square-emerald cut diamond cross set in platinum, valued at $80,000, and a white diamond cross, set in platinum, valued at $40,000, both by Jacob the Jeweler.

R. Kelly – Square cut diamond studs.

Ludacris – Studs, bracelet, diamond chain and a diamond ring.

Kim Porter – 11-carat fancy yellow radiant cut diamond ring, set in platinum, valued at $140,000, by Jacob the Jeweler.

Posted by Picasa

Cheryl Hines, Larry David

Curb Your Enthusiasm Returns (Finally)

Variety said the series "retains its place as the funniest of the funny on television today," while the Washington Post called the show "one of the absolutely funniest half-hours on television," and New York Newsday described it as "painfully funny."

Curb Your Enthusiasm, executive produced by and starring Larry David, kicks off its fifth season of ten episodes Sunday, September 25, 2005 (10 p.m. ET/PT), on HBO. The show will be followed by episodes of the new comedy series "Extras" in September and October.

Completing its fourth season of ten episodes in March 2004 (with 40 episodes to date), Curb Your Enthusiasm stars "Seinfeld" co-creator David as himself in an unsparing, cinema veritรฉ depiction of his life. Featuring real-life celebrities playing themselves, the episodes are improvised by the actors from storylines by David. Curb Your Enthusiasm also stars Cheryl Hines as David's wife Cheryl, Jeff Garlin as David's manager Jeff and Susie Essman as Jeff's wife Susie.

Also appearing on the fifth season are Shelley Berman, Ted Danson, Bob Einstein, Richard Lewis, Rosie O'Donnell, Ed O'Ross and Wanda Sykes.

September's episode:
Episode #41: "The Larry David Sandwich"
Debut: SUNDAY, SEPT. 25 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: Sept. 27 (12:15 a.m.), 28 (8:00 p.m., 1:00 a.m.) and 30 (1:15 a.m.), and Oct. 29 (10:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Sept. 26 (8:00 p.m.) and 29 (9:00 p.m.)
Larry is changed by a near-death experience, a revelation about his father, and a sandwich named after him.
Guest stars: Shelley Berman, Ted Danson, Richard Lewis and Ed O'Ross.
Directed by Robert B. Weide.

Curb Your Enthusiasm won the Golden Globe in the Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy category in 2002. In 2003, Robert B. Weide won a directing Emmy(r) for his work on the series.

A veteran of the New York City comedy club scene, Brooklyn native Larry David has appeared as an actor in such feature films as "New York Stories" and the Woody Allen film "Radio Days." In addition to co-creating and executive producing "Seinfeld," he wrote and directed the 1998 feature film "Sour Grapes." David was first seen on HBO in the 1999 comedy special "Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm." The series Curb Your Enthusiasm debuted on HBO in 2000.

Curb Your Enthusiasm is executive produced by Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Gavin Polone, Robert B. Weide and Larry Charles; co-executive producer, Tim Gibbons; producer, Erin O'Malley.
Posted by Picasa

HBO's Rome

Rome September Episodes

Episode #2: "How Titus Pullo Brought Down the Republic"
Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPT. 4 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: Sept. 6 (9:00 p.m.), 7 (11:00 p.m.), 8 (3:25 a.m.), 9 (10:00 p.m.), 10 (12:15 a.m. ET/11:00 p.m. PT), 11 (8:00 p.m.) and 16 (9:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Sept. 4 (1:00 a.m.), 5 (10:00 p.m.), and 12 (9:00 p.m.)
Anointed People's Tribune by Caesar (Ciarรกn Hinds), Mark Antony (James Purefoy) returns to Rome with Octavian's (Max Pirkis) liberators, Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Pullo (Ray Stevenson). After being feted by a grateful Atia (Polly Walker), Vorenus heads home to his family for the first time in eight years, while Pullo heads for the brothels. Shocked to see a husband she thought was dead, Vorenus' wife Niobe (Indira Varma) presents him with a family he barely recognizes. After the Senate rebuffs Caesar's "compromise" for a heroic return to Rome, Antony learns Pompey (Kenneth Cranham) has drafted an ultimatum stripping the general of his power. With tempers on both sides reaching a boiling point, unfinished business involving Pullo spawns a Forum melee that all but ensures an unhappy outcome in the Pompey-Caesar standoff - and sends Pullo and an injured Vorenus back into Caesar's ranks.

Written by Bruno Heller; directed by Michael Apted.

Episode #3: "An Owl in a Thornbush"
Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPT. 11 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Sept. 13 (9:00 p.m.), 14 (11:00 p.m.), 15 (3:00 a.m.), 16 (10:00 p.m.), 17 (9:45 p.m.) and 18 (8:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Sept. 11 (1:00 a.m.), 12 (10:00 p.m.) and 19 (9:00 p.m.)
Scouting for Caesar some 30 miles from Rome, Pullo, Vorenus and some Ubian soldiers meet minimal resistance from a green group of Pompey recruits. Alarmed at the speed with which Caesar's army has advanced, and with a less-than-full complement of soldiers at his disposal, Pompey makes an unusual tactical decision: abandon Rome to Caesar, at least temporarily. The order forces patrician families to choose sides - while Servilia (Lindsay Duncan), Caesar's longtime lover, decides to stay in Rome, her son, Marcus Junius Brutus (Tobias Menzies), flees the city with others faithful to Pompey. After seeing her family's fortunes fall and rise in the course of a few hours, Atia enlists her mercenary, Timon (Lee Boardman), to ensure her family's security. As Vorenus marvels that Rome has been left undefended, Pullo sees his uncanny good fortune continue after his unit intercepts a cargo wagon on the city's outskirts.

Written by Bruno Heller; directed by Michael Apted.

Episode #4: "Stealing from Saturn"
Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPT. 18 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Sept. 20 (9:00 p.m.), 21 (11:00 p.m.), 22 (3:10 a.m.), 23 (10:00 p.m.), 24 (12:45 a.m.) and 25 (8:00 p.m.), and Oct. 7 (8:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Sept. 18 (1:00 a.m.), 19 (10:00 p.m.) and 26 (9:00 p.m.)
As Pompey "maneuvers" outside the city, Caesar seeks to consolidate his hold on Rome. Atia throws a party to welcome Caesar home, while Vorenus throws one of his own to usher in his new life as a citizen businessman. Pullo's run of luck continues when he delivers Quintus Pompey (Rick Warden) to Caesar, who in turn returns Quintus to his father's camp - with an offer of truce he knows Pompey will never accept.

Written by Bruno Heller; directed by Julian Farino.

Episode #5: "The Ram Has Touched the Wall"
Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPT. 25 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Sept. 27 (9:00 p.m.), 28 (11:00 p.m.), 29 (3:10 a.m.) and 30 (10:00 p.m.), and Oct. 2 (8:00 p.m.) and 7 (9:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Sept. 25 (1:00 a.m.) and 26 (10:00 p.m.)
Caesar weighs Pompey's counteroffer against Antony's recommendation to chase down Pompey's vulnerable army. Vorenus is forced to reconsider his career choices after a series of business setbacks leave him with little income to support his family. A jealous Atia concocts a clever scheme to separate Caesar from Servilia. Pullo is recruited to tutor Octavian in the art of soldiering, but ends up learning a lesson or two from the boy.

Written by Bruno Heller; directed by Allen Coulter.

Rome is a co-production of HBO and the BBC; co-creators, John Milius and William J. Macdonald and Bruno Heller; executive producers, Bruno Heller, William J. Macdonald, John Milius, Anne Thomopoulos and Frank Doelger; co-executive producers, Jim Dyer and Eugene Kelly; produced by Marco Valerio Pugini; consulting producer, Michael Apted; production designer, Joseph Bennett; costume designer, April Ferry; casting, Nina Gold, Nina Gold & Associates.

Posted by Picasa

The F***ing Fulfords on BBC America

Brit Comedy Arrives in U.S.

The F***ing Fulfords follows a British family with all the trappings of aristocracy but are more like the Osbournes in tweed. They may have 12th Century heritage and a sprawling three thousand acre estate but they sorely lack class and cash. The cameras follow patriarch Francis Fulford as he hatches various schemes to make his money-pit mansion pay for itself. Expect high blood pressure and expletives galore when one man fights to save his corner of England. The F***ing Fulfords premieres on BBC America Tuesday, September 14, 2005 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Posted by Picasa

Katie Melua on the Just Like Heaven soundtrack

Just Like Heaven Soundtrack

Columbia Records/Sony Music Soundtrax is set to release Just Like Heaven -- Music From The Motion Picture, the soundtrack album from new romantic comedy, on Tuesday, September 13, 2005.

"Just Like Heaven," a DreamWorks film starring Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo and Jon Heder (in his first film role since "Napoleon Dynamite"), opens nationwide on Friday, September 16, 2005

Just Like Heaven -- Music From The Motion Picture opens with Katie Melua (Britain's highest-selling female artist in 2004 and awarded Best International Newcomer at Germany's ECHO Awards in 2005) singing the film's title song, originally an alternative rock hit for The Cure, whose 1987 version is also on the album.

Just Like Heaven -- Music From The Motion Picture includes original songs by Philly's singer-songwriter Amos Lee ("Colors") and Beck ("Strange Invitation") alongside artists performing covers of pop, rock, punk and alternative classics: British singer-songwriter Imogen Heap provides a rendition of the Classics IV's "Spooky"; alt-rock singer-songwriter Pete Yorn sings The Temptations' "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)"; former Letters to Cleo singer Kay Hanley performs the Iggy Pop/David Bowie composition, "Lust For Life"; Bowling For Soup deliver Ray Parker's "Ghostbusters"; Kelis does a version of the Pretenders' "Brass In Pocket"; and Emerson Hart, guitarist and vocalist for Tonic, does "Bad Case of Lovin' You," a John "Moon" Martin composition popularized by the late Robert Palmer.

The soundtrack album includes original catalog treasures from The Cars ("Good Times Roll" from 1978), Chakachas ("Jungle Fever" from 1971), and Screamin' Jay Hawkins ("I Put A Spell On You" from 1956) as well as five selections--"Her Picture," "David Alone," "I'm Seeing Someone," "Machines Don't Know Everything," and "I Remember You"--from the film's score by composer Rolfe Kent. Kent, who has scored more than 30 films including "Fight Club" and "Wedding Crashers," was nominated for a Golden Globe for his music for "Sideways" and earned BMI Film Music Awards for "Legally Blonde," "Legally Blonde 2," and "Freaky Friday."

The music for "Just Like Heaven" echoes and mirrors the film's narrative and emotional arcs, providing subtle counterpoint to the movie's action while illuminating the characters and their motivations.

"Just Like Heaven" is a romantic comedy based on French novelist Marc Levy's bestselling debut, If Only It Were True. Directed by Mark Waters ("Mean Girls" "Freaky Friday"), "Just Like Heaven" stars Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo, Donal Logue, Dina Waters, Ben Shenkman and Jon Heder.

Set in San Francisco, "Just Like Heaven" is a romantic tale of love across the boundaries of our physical and metaphysical worlds. It follows David (Mark Ruffalo) who is visited in his new apartment by Elizabeth, a pretty, but controlling woman who appears insisting the apartment is hers and then mysteriously disappears. Convinced Elizabeth is a ghost, David tries to help her cross over to the other side, but Elizabeth is equally convinced that she is still alive. As Elizabeth and David search for the truth about her present state, their relationship deepens into love. Unfortunately, they have little time before their prospects for a future together permanently fade away.

# # # # #

Just Like Heaven -- Music From The Original Motion Picture

Tracklisting

Just Like Heaven -- Katie Melua

Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) -- Pete Yorn

Lust For Life -- Kay Hanley

Good Times Roll -- The Cars

Ghostbusters -- Bowling For Soup

Brass In Pocket -- Kelis

I Put A Spell On You -- Screamin' Jay Hawkins

Strange Invitation -- Beck

Spooky -- Imogen Heap

Jungle Fever -- Chakachas

Bad Case Of Lovin' You -- Emerson Hart

Colors -- Amos Lee

Just Like Heaven -- The Cure

Her Picture - Rolfe Kent

David Alone -- Rolfe Kent

I'm Seeing Someone -- Rolfe Kent

Machines Don't Know Everything -- Rolfe Kent

I Remember You -- Rolfe Kent

Posted by Picasa

Sea Lions at the L.A. Zoo

What's New in the City of Angels

Shuttling Off to Malibu

A new weekend ParkLINK Shuttle offers transportation through the Santa Monica Mountains, making it easier for residents and visitors to get to parks, trailheads and beaches. For $1 per person (free for children under age 5), the shuttle carries hikers, bicyclers, picnickers, beachgoers and other recreation hounds to several spots in the mountains and along the Malibu coastline. The bus loop includes stops at Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas and Paramount Ranch and Peter Strauss Ranch in the Agoura area. Free and paid parking spaces are available. The buses stop approximately every half hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting in fall. They are wheelchair accessible and have room for backpacks, bicycles, boogie boards and other recreational gear. Parking is available at any of the parking lots along the route. Free parking is available at all National Park Service sites. California State Parks give a $2 discount off the regular $8 parking fee to shuttle users at Malibu Creek and Tapia. www.nps.gov/samo/shuttle/

Passenger Screening to Speed up at LAX

LAX has announced a $15.9 million plan to expand passenger checkpoints. The expansion will add seven screening lanes, plus signs, lighting, security cameras and alarms by July 2006, bringing the total number of checkpoint lanes to 66. Ten lanes were added during the past year. Passenger volume at LAX is projected to be more than 64 million in 2005. Future improvements include the addition of three more lanes with state-of-the-art passenger screening technology to Terminal 1 and more lanes in Terminals 2, 4 and 6. Currently, LAX has the highest number of passenger screening lanes (nearly 60) among all U.S. airports. www.lawamedia.org

Museums Sponsor "Free-For-All"

LA-area museums such as the Autry National Center, Japanese American National Museum, Skirball Cultural Center and Museum of Contemporary Art are hosting a "free-for-all" on Oct. 1. Anyone visiting any of the 24 participating museums that day will get in free. A first for the LA area, the "Museums Free-For-All" is sponsored by the Museum Marketing Roundtable, a group of local museum marketing professionals. The offer does not include parking fees or special exhibitions. Call (323) 667-2000 ext. 316, for more information.

Sea Lions Greet Visitors Entering LA Zoo

Visitors entering the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens are greeted by five frolicking sea lions in the zoo's newest habitat, Sea Lion Cliffs. The exhibit resembles California's Channel Islands area, where wild sea lions make their homes. Visitors can view the salt-water habitat from an underwater glass viewing area, at water level, or from an above-water station with a small seating area for behavioral demonstrations. Sea Lion Cliffs is the finishing touch to the zoo's new, 9-acre entry plaza, which also features the Children's Discovery Center, the new base for all of the zoo's educational programs. General admission to the zoo is $10; seniors and children pay less. Group discounts are available for parties of 15 or more. www.lazoo.org

Nana's Garden Offers Pampering and a Playpen

At Nana's Garden in West LA, parents can get a massage, facial or other spa treatment while the kids have fun with arts and crafts, an indoor playpen and even tarot card readings. Nana's Garden, a day spa and day-care center owned by actress Connie Stevens and her daughters, Joely and Tricia Fisher, is LA's newest respite for busy families. While it typically caters to locals (including celebrities), for a monthly membership fee, it welcomes visitors on a per-treatment basis, plus $10 to $15 per day per child (depending on whether the parent is getting a treatment) for day care. Nana's Garden also offers a cafรฉ (with a kids' menu, of course) and a boutique. www.nanasgarden.net


From LA INC., The Convention and Visitors Bureau Posted by Picasa

Former Mr. Angelina Jolie, Jonny Lee Miller as the tragic poet Byron.

Lord Byron on BBC

Mad, bad, and dangerous to know, the words society beauty Lady Caroline Lamb used almost two hundred years ago to describe Lord Byron have become synonymous with the man who revolutionized English poetry. BBC America presents the opulent biopic Byron, which captures the passion, recklessness, and profound influence of the poet’s short and extraordinary life. Byron, which stars Jonny Lee Miller and Oscar-winning Vanessa Redgrave, premieres Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Byron opens when, after much wild living and extensive traveling through Europe, Lord Byron (Jonny Lee Miller, Aeon Flux, Trainspotting) returns to England for the publication of Childe Harolde's Pilgrimage, his epic poem of adventures among Albanian bandits and Turkish sultans. The work is received with rapture -- suddenly, he is the toast of London society and no party is a success without him. Women throw themselves at him, but Byron falls deeply in love with the one woman that he cannot have: his half-sister Augusta (Natasha Little, Man and Boy).

When she becomes pregnant, he is widely rumored to be the father. Hoping to stem gossip, he proposes to pious heiress Annabella Millbanke, but it’s a short-lived, disaster of a marriage. When Annabella finally learns of Byron’s love for Augusta, a vicious scandal erupts and Byron flees the country. He is never to see his beloved Augusta again, but remains in her life via compulsive letter writing.

While exiled in a magnificent Venetian palazzo, Byron throws himself into a life of abandon. Masquerades, drink and literally hundreds of women help pass the time when he is not writing. He bonds with fellow poet Shelley, who reawakens his interest in politics. After Shelley dies in a shipwreck, Byron dedicates himself to the fight for Greek independence, but before he sees any action he succumbs to a fatal fever and dies at age thirty-six, with his ever-faithful and long-suffering servant Fletcher by his side.

Byron star Jonny Lee Miller says of the role, When I read the script, I thought, God, this is seriously good. I knew very little about Byron before that. My image of him was that he was this dark, gothic type of character, which is really only a tiny part of him.

Also starring Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave, Stephen Campbell Moore (Bright Young Things), Natasha Little (Man and Boy, This Life), Philip Glenister (Hornblower, State of Play), and featuring costumes from Oscar-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan. Byron is a BBC America/BBC co-production.

Cast And Production Credits

Lord Byron Jonny Lee Miller (Trainspotting, Aeon Flux)

William Fletcher Philip Glenister (Hornblower, Vanity Fair)

John Cam Hobhouse Stephen Campbell Moore (Bright Young Things, The Boss)

Augusta Leigh Natasha Little (Man & Boy, Vanity Fair, This Life)

Lady Melbourne Vanessa Redgrave (Julia, The Gathering Storm, Mrs. Dalloway)

Annabella Milbanke Julie Cox (Dune, David Copperfield, The Scarlet Pimpernel)

Lady Caroline Lamb Camilla Power (Sparkhouse, Inspector Lynley)

Percy Bysshe Shelley Oliver Dimsdale (He Knew He Was Right)

Mary Shelley Sally Hawkins (Vera Drake, Layer Cake)

John Murray Michael Elwyn (Bad Girls, Daniel Deronda)

Lady Judith Milbanke Penny Downie (The Girl in the Cafe, Lost for Words)

Sir Ralph Milbanke David Ryall (Lucky Jim, Around the World in 80 Days)

Anne Rood/Fletcher Mali Harries (Inspector Lynley, Foyleรข€™s War)

Contessa Teresa Guiccioli Branca Katic (The Truth About Love, Clocking Off)

Scrope Davies Oliver Milburn (The Forsyte Saga,Tess of the D'Urbervilles)

Bessy Tracey Murphy (Oliver Twist)

Colonel Leigh Nicholas Pritchard (Finding Neverland)

Lady Holland Jane How (Love in a Cold Climate)

Costumes by Jenny Beavan (A Room With A View, Sense and Sensibility)

Written by Nick Dear (Persuasion, Cinderella, Turn of the Screw, Eroica)

Director Julian Farino (Flesh and Blood, Our Mutual Friend)

Producer Ruth Baumgarten (Inspector Lynley Mysteries, A Respectable Trade)

Executive producers Hilary Salmon (BBC), Laura Mackie (BBC),

Andrea Miller (BBC Scotland), David Bernath (BBC America)

Posted by Picasa

SKA faves Madness, circa 1979

Their House!

Madness is back and touring in support of their latest release "the dangerman sessions vol. 1" out on v2 now

entertianment weekly
"a dandy little party record for your next saturday night soiree"

blender
"music that is gutsy, unpretentious and totally danceable"

e! online
"a trip down ska's memory lane feels pretty right on"

stereotype
"brilliant"

tour dates
September 17- San Bernadino - KROQ Inland Invasion
September 18- San Diego - House Of Blues
September 20- Los Angeles- Troubadour
September 21- San Francisco - Bimbo's
September 23- Portland -Crystal Ballroom
September 24- Seattle - Fenix Underground

Madness were best known for hits such as Our House, One Step Beyond, Driving In My Car, and House Of Fun. Baggy Trousers became a Brit school yard anthem.

Posted by Picasa

Willie Nelson takes to his own personal stage.

Willie Nelson Opens Concert Theater

On September 26th and 27th Willie Nelson will officially open his concert theater:

Willie's Place, located at Carl's Corner truck stop, nestled south of Dallas on Highway I-35 and 15 miles from Nelson’s birthplace of Abbot, TX. Nelson and his longtime friend Carl Cornelius, owner of the truck stop, began building Willie's Place six months ago with a vision of taking the term "roadside attraction" to a whole new level.

Reserved seat tickets are on sale now and available at Carl's Corner Truck Stop at (254) 582-8433 or online at willienelson.com. Tickets are $35. Music starts at 8 p.m. Special guests Johnny Lovett will open for Nelson on September 26, 2005 and Darrell McCall on September 27, 2005.

Posted by Picasa

Jason Aldean

Newcomer Jason Aldean made history with his self-titled debut album. The disc's first week album sales are the highest for a country independent-label artist debut since the 1991 advent of SoundScan.


~~~~~~~

Thierry Mugler Introduces Alien

Thierry Mugler will introduce a new scent, Alien, in October. Alien features amber, woods and floral notes.

Eau de Parfum

Eau de Parfum non Refillable Spray 1.0 oz. $55
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray 1.0 oz. $65
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray 2.0 oz. $95
Eau de Parfum Refillable Purse Spray .33 oz. $70
Eau de Parfum Refill 2.0 oz. $65

Bath & Body Line

Prodigy Showers 7.0 oz. $35
Prodigy Bath Oil 4.1 oz. $45
Prodigy Body Cream 7 oz. $55

The Alien fragrance collection is available in October 2005 exclusively at: Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nieman Marcus, Nordstrom


Posted by Picasa

Our friends at Buddha Nose shared this bit of press they received in Vogue. Posted by Picasa

Dirty Love

McCarthy Gets Dirty

Sometimes a girl has to get a little down and dirty before she can find pure love. In the comedy Dirty Love, Jenny McCarthy, is gorgeous, goofy, and gross all at once in this hilarious take on one woman's chaotic quest for true love. It's a knowing, funny, trashy, guilty pleasure, in the spirit of Porky's and National Lampoon. The film opens September 23, 2005.

Rebecca (Jenny McCarthy) is devastated when she comes home one night and finds Richard, her supermodel boyfriend, engaged in sexual acrobatics with another woman in their bed. To mend her broken heart, she takes a strange and wild trip of sexual encounters that includes putting basses in asses and pulling hanker-chiefs out. With the help of a bossy psychic (comedian Kathy Griffin) and her off-beat friends (including Carmen Electra as a sadistic waxing technician), Rebecca finds that the path to true love is right in front of her.
Posted by Picasa

Medi-Spa facial

Good Skin for Back-to-School


Teen Facial

With all the stresses of going back to school, the last thing on a teen’s mind should be their skin. But 85% of teens experience acne. A Teenage Clinical Facial from Medi-Spa, the only true Medical Spa in California, can help teens rebuild confidence in their face. The Medi-Spa Mint Souffles Cleanser, Glycolic Treatment Gel and Daily Essence SPF will help achieve the back-to-school glow that every teen desires. And while there is no cure for acne, the proper beauty regime can help keep it under control.

Medi-Spa, voted one of the top ten spas in LA by LA Confidential, has three locations:

Calabasas - 16260 Ventura Blvd, Penthouse (818-906-5333)
Encino - 4774 Park Granada, #9 (818-225-8700)
Rancho Palos Verdes - 28901 S. Western Ave, Suite 126 (310-832-7727)

www.thisismedispa.com
Posted by Picasa

Saturday, August 27, 2005


The Monolators: TONIGHT

The Monolators are playing tonight at 10:30 p.m. at The Cocaine 366 E. 2nd Street in Los Angeles. $5. Be there. They'll debut their two latest new tunes.
Posted by Picasa

Thursday, August 25, 2005


The Sopranos

HBO Adds Additional
Sopranos
Episodes

HBO announced that in addition to The Sopranos’ upcoming sixth season, which will include 12 episodes, HBO will produce an additional eight bonus episodes, to debut in January 2007.

Currently filming its sixth season, the critically acclaimed, Emmy(r)- and Peabody-winning The Sopranos will continue in production for these eight additional episodes. The sixth season is slated to launch in March 2006.

HBO's hit drama series stars three-time Emmy(r) winners James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano and Edie Falco as Tony's wife Carmela, plus Lorraine Bracco as therapist Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Michael Imperioli as Tony's nephew Christopher Moltisanti, and Dominic Chianese as Uncle Junior.

In Sept. 2004, the series won four Emmys(r), including Drama Series; Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Michael Imperioli); Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Drea de Matteo); and Writing for a Drama Series (Terence Winter, "Long Term Parking").

The Sopranos is a production of HBO Entertainment, Brad Grey Television and Chase Films. Posted by Picasa