The Phantom of the Opera chandelier, 17-feet high and 13.2-feet wide, is hung with 20,000 Swarovski crystal chandelier components. Swarovski worked closely with the Phantom’s set designer, Tony Pratt on the concept and construction of the chandelier. The chandelier took four months to construct, weighs 2.2 tons, and is estimated to be worth £1,000,000.

Costume designer Alexandra Byne selected Swarovski crystal for Christine’s (Emmy Rossum) engagement ring, hair ornaments, gowns and period jewels that light up a Swarovski jewelry shop, into which Raoul (Patrick Wilson) gazes wistfully.

As the world’s leading manufacturer of cut crystal, Swarovski is the presenting sponsor of the 7th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards to be held in Los Angeles on February 19, 2005. Nadja Swarovski explains, “We are honored to partner with the Costume Designers Guild on this special occasion. We look forward to celebrating the artistry of costume design and bringing the designers the recognition they truly deserve”.

Swarovski has worked with the industry’s most innovative set and costume designers, and adorned Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina, Grace Kelly in High Society, Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge and Halle Barry in James Bond’s Die Another Day.

Baby Makes Three

“Soap Talk's Ty Treadway, who also starred as “One Life to Live's” psychotic, love sick, kidnapped Dr. Colin MacIver, and his real-life wife, model/actress Monica Surratt (yes, that's their wedding photo from 2003), welcomed daughter Samantha Raine into the world Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. Samantha Raine weighed 8 lbs., 15 oz. and is 20 inches long. Treadway and Lisa Rinna co-host “Soap Talk,” the soap- themed lifestyle show that airs daily on SOAPnet.

Smooth Shave: Essencia's Lavender Mint Shaving Syrup and wooden razor was included in the part of the official celebrity gift bag presented at “Night Of 100 Stars” - the official viewing party for last year’'s 76th Annual Academy Awards. This product was also featured in the 2004 Grammy BUZZ Bag presented to Grammy nominees and VIPs attending this year's BMG after-party.

The syrup features rich emollients and essential oils to lubricate even the toughest hair follicles and prepare all skin types for clean, close, comfortable shaves. It was formulated to be used two different ways, eliminating the choice of either a shaving cream or gel. Syrup can be simply smoothed onto the skin for a "close as this soft shave, or lathered into a light foam for an alternative application. Calming and skin-relaxing Lavender Essential Oil helps reduce razor burn on sensitive skin, while Spearmint Oil’s invigorating properties cool and refresh just-shaved skin. 8.8 oz. $22.

the dan band
Saturday
February 12, 2005
Avalon
1734 n. vine @ hollywood
8:30 show/7:30 doors
for tickets email: thedanband@avalonhollywood.com

www.thedanband.com

Hard Day's Night: 1964 THE TRIBUTE, dubbed “the No. 1 Beatles tribute band in the world” by Rolling Stone, played five days in New York City. Their fifth concert at Carnegie Hall on 21 January 2005 was sold out.

Band members saw the Broadway musical “Wicked,” and then appeared on the “Scott and Todd” radio show on 95.5 WPLJ, as well as Premiere Radio Network and performed a mini-concert in the Virgin Megastore. 1964 The Tribute began a national campaign, “100 Acts of Support: The Concerts For Tsunami Relief,” held in Virgin Megastores throughout the U.S. to raise money for the victims of the disaster in South Asia. Their appearance garnered a mention on the local 10 p.m. news. The following morning, they appeared on WB 11 “Morning Show,” performing “She Loves You” and “Twist and Shout.”

The band continues their concert tour with stops in Oklahoma City, Dallas, Lakeland, Miami, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Kalamazoo, and Iowa City. For a tour list and additional information on the band, http://www.1964thetribute.com/.

Band members: Mark Benson (John), Gary Grimes (Paul), James Pou (George), and Greg George (Ringo)

Custom Statements: Let Your Chest Do the Talking

Made-to-order airbrushed and embellished custom shirts are available at Super Sexy Clothing.

New Jersey-based designer Anna Pereira creates custom stencils which she uses to initially airbrush designs and then she embellishes with glitter and/or Swarovski crystals. Each item is custom made, after the customer chooses the shirt’s style, color and size. Text style and embellishment options range from plain text to glitter enhanced to Swarovski crystal encrusted. Super Sexy has been approved by Swarovski and has been assigned an ID number verifying the garments have been crystallized with Swarovski.

Some of the custom requests include such quirky verbiage as Silicone, Turn Up the Valium, Don’t Cry If I Reject You…I’m Out of Tissues, Yes Your Highness (Practice That), Celebrity Party Crasher (It’s Not a Party Until I Arrive), The World Doesn’t Revolve Around You (It Revolves Around Me) and You’ll Do for Now.

Anna Kournikova owns an “"I Love Enrique,” while Ice-T’s ubiquitous girlfriend Coco has one with her name on it.

Last summer the most popular request were the “Mrs. So-So” shirts, a la Madonna and her “Mrs. Richie” tank (yup, that's a sample of one, above. Jersey-girl Pereira has plenty of examples on her website of the "Mrs." or "About to Be Mrs." Many sound like "Soprano" castmembers.

Shirts are machine washable and come in sizes Small through XXL Prices start at $20, with the average shirt costing about $60; www.SuperSexyClothing.com (be forewarned it’s a text-heavy website).

Super Sexy's Royalty shirt.  

Bye Bye Bad Vibes

Now, BeansTalk can officially join the ranks of other Possession Protector possessors like Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillipe, Julia Roberts, Christian Bale, Kate Beckinsale, Jude Law, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, the stars of “Queer Eye,” and the trio “Destiny’s Child.” The protectors are the creation of celebrity-favorite psychic Justine Kenzer – seen above (she’s counseled Cate Blanchett, Courteney Cox, Jessica and Ashley Simpson, Carmen Electra and even Leonardo Di Caprio).

PsychicGirl Possession Protectors, says the PsychicGirl site, “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. To help you make the most of your relationship with the PsychicGirl Possession Protector place it under your pillow for the first night. This will allow you and your Possession Protector to become energetically in sync. Possession Protectors are made out of genuine porcelain. Care for them as you would any object that is sacred to you.” Whatever you believe, these protectors are darn cute ($30).

Kenzer also does readings. Check out her website to make an appointment and for more information.

Banish Evil

BeansTalk loves the Maneki Neko (aka The Lucky Cat; middle, middle row) Possession Protector from Psychic Girl (www.psychicgirl.com)

Ringer: WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H guests on “The Bernie Mac Show” as the victim of Jordan’s (Jeremy Suarez) anonymous prank phone calls. But when Bernie blows Jordan’s cover, there will be “H” to pay on “The Big Picture” episode of The Bernie Mac Show Friday, March 11, 2005 (8 to 8:30 PM ET/PT) on Fox.

Paul Levesque, whose wrestling character tag is Triple H (for Hunter Hearst Helmsley), recently appeared in New Line Cinema’s “Blade: Trinity” opposite Wesley Snipes. He’s guested on “The Drew Carey Show,” “Grown Ups” and Fox’s MADtv. Triple H has earned four WWE world championships as well as being crowned King of the Ring.

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In other Fox news:

Jason Bateman, who recently won a Golden Globe for his role as Michael Bluth on Fox’s Emmy-winning comedy Arrested Development, makes a special guest voice appearance as an overpriced vet in “The Petriot Act” episode of King Of The Hill Sunday, February 13, 2005 (7 to 7:30 PM ET/PT) on Fox.

When Hank agrees to take in a cat named Duke, he gets a lesson in pet care. Duke turns out to be a nightmare pet, which Hank takes to visit Dr. Leslie (Bateman), a vet with all the latest expensive equipment and tests. Dr. Leslie’s prescription for cat care winds up costing Hank an arm and a leg – and almost his family vacation.

“It felt good to back to my roots in radio where I got my start at RCA back in the early ‘50s,” said Bateman of his experience on the show. “The process has come a long way and the people at King Of The Hill really have it down. The collaboration was fun and fast and I look forward to working with them again in the future. The character was a militant veterinarian. It’s been helpful to me in my personal life as I have a new puppy and now I know what to look out for.”

Not So Goth, Not Anymore: Apparently, Christina Ricci is looking to soften the signature jet black locks. The former film “Wednesday Addams” is letting her hair grow longer, wavy and a more subtle shade of brown, courtesy of Prive's Guy Romeo. Romeo has styled Virginia Madsen, Penelope Cruz, Marisa Tomei and Blink 182's Mark Hoppus, among others.

Laid Bare: Last year’s “Naked TV,” (the cast from April 2004 is shown, above -- note Melissa Joan Hart, fourth from right in the middle row, in a turquoise shirt) garnered aspiring television writers Andy Brobrow and Matt Boren script program development deals, and animator Chuck Swenson a development deal with FOX 21, a division of Twentieth Century Fox Television created to develop low-cost programming.

The result of a partnership between the Fox Broadcasting Company and the Naked Angels Theater Company, “Naked TV” is an evening of short plays performed during a three week run at the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica, CA. This year “Naked TV” returns with a new crop of playwrights who will be given a chance to pitch their talents to FOX television executives in a theatrical environment. Freelance journalist Tony Horkins, Los Angeles based playwright Patricia Cotter, novelist Veronica Chambers, playwright Evan Smith, director and producer Douglas Segal and playwright Aida Croal bring their one-acts to the stage in this round of pitches.

Friday, April 8, 2005 will be a private show for FOX executives who will be looking for talent to develop network pilot scripts. “Naked TV” opens to the public Saturday, April 9, 2005.

“Naked TV” is a product of FOX’s Creative Writer Development Division whose focus is to scout new talent and assist in turning their ideas into viable content for television series. The division’s main goal is to reach out to a wider artistic community to create shows for FOX. The Creative Writer Development Division works primarily with filmmakers and playwrights to develop network pitches using a variety of innovative formats that tap into the arts. Writers will be given opportunities to utilize digital film production and theatrical staging in presenting projects to the network.

The Naked Angels Theater Company is home to top actors such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Gina Gershon, Rob Morrow, Ron Rifkin, Lili Taylor, Marisa Tomei and Nancy Travis. The Angels brought productions of Stephan Belber’s “Tape,” “Omnium Gatherum” and “One Day on Wall Street” to the stage. The Company is a breeding ground for up-and-coming talent, including actors and writers. Their playwrights include Academy Award nominee Kenny Lonergan (“You Can Count on Me”), Frank Pugilese (“Aven’u Boys,” “Just Cause,” “Homicide: Life on the Street”), Tony Award winner Warren Leight (“Side Man,” “Law and Order, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Dear God”), Jon Robin Baitz (“The Substance of Fire,” “People I Know,” “The West Wing”), Theresa Rebeck (“Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Gossip,” “Third Watch,” “Harriet the Spy,” “NYPD Blue”) and Nicole Burdette (“Chelsea Walls”). Additional information about the Naked Angels Theater Company can be found at www.nakedangels.com.

Bidding Adieu: Comedienne Judy Tenuta, actresses Charlene Tilton, Frances Fisher (seen above) & Nadia Bjorlin are just a few of the Hollywood celebrities who say "bye bye" to blemishes with Bye Bye Blemish drying lotion. This hypo-allergenic formula, celebrity makeup artist secret. “I recommend Bye Bye Blemish to all of my clients,” says celebrity make-up artist, Michelle Doan. “My job is to make the stars look their best and Bye Bye Blemish creates a beautiful canvas for my makeup.” Other products in the line include: Bye Bye Blemish Anti-Acne Serum, Bye Bye Blemish Anti-Acne Cleanser, Bye Bye Blemish Anti-Acne Moisturizer and Bye Bye Wrinkles. www.byebyeblemish.com

Good Gifting: Kathy Delgado's Los Angeles boutique, Vintageweave Interiors offers collections of antique pedestal cake plates, circa early 1900’s apothecary jars & urns, triple-milled soaps, French-imported vintage furnishings and sets of mirrored bureaus & jewelry boxes reminiscent of 1920’s Hollywood. Pieces are authentic antique or reproduction.

In celebration of Mother's Day and the approaching spring season, Vintageweave Interiors offers custom-made gift baskets in non-traditional vessels, such as vintage champagne buckets and exclusive Tote Bags made from luxurious French fabrics & trims. Delgado handles customized orders for clients such as Vince Vaughn and Michael Mann. “

"The tote bags have become a boutique best-seller," says Delgado. “"My customers love the styles that are lined inside with soft plastic and discrete pockets, making them perfect for carrying baby, pet and beach items!”"

Vintageweave Interiors is located at 169 South Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036, across from The Grove shopping center. Parking is available at meters on Fairfax or in back of the boutique by entering on Third Street.

Hours: Monday - Closed for treasure hunting; Tuesday - 12:30 to 4:30pm; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 11:00am to 6:30pm; Saturday - 10:30am to 6:00pm; Sunday - 12:30pm to 5:00pm www.vintageweave.com

Lynne's Latest: Suit Yourself, the latest album from Capitol recording artist and Grammy winner Shelby Lynne, will be released May 24, 2005. Lynne produced the album as she did its predecessor, 2003's Identity Crisis, laying down the initial tracks in her home studio near Palm Springs, CA. While Lynne wrote the majority of the songs on the album, she also covers Tony Joe White's "Old Times Sake." The two wrote and recorded the duet "Can't Go Back Home," for White's 2004 release The Heroines, and White dropped by the studio to play guitar and harmonica on a couple of tracks for Suit Yourself. More info, www.shelbylynne.com

Happy Birthday, Jack Marsden: Actor James Marsden (“X-Men,” “The Notebook”) was pushing a stroller through Fantasyland at Disneyland Monday, 31 January 2005 with his wife, actress Lisa Linde and his son, Jack, who turns four today -- the next day (1 February 2005).

DGA Honors

The "Sideways" cast flanks director Alexander Payne. Star Virigina Madsen, far right, wears a mint-green gown by super-hot designer Kevan Hall.

The winners of the 2004 Directors Guild of America Outstanding Directorial Achievement Awards and the recipients of the DGA's 2005 Career Achievement Awards were announced at the 57th Annual DGA Awards Dinner at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

For the nineteenth time, actor/director/comedian Carl Reiner hosted the Awards ceremony before an audience of 1,200 guests. The presenters included: DGA President Michael Apted; Mischa Barton (The O.C.); Jason Bateman (Arrested Development); DGA Board member LeVar Burton; Sandra Oh and Paul Giamatti (Sideways); Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives); Regina King, Kerry Washington (Ray); Diane Lane (Unfaithful); Director Garry Marshall (The Princess Diaries); Ian McShane (Deadwood); Edward James Olmos (Battlestar Galactica); DGA Second Vice President Ed Sherin; Abby Singer; Academy Award® winner Halle Berry (Monster's Ball); DGA Lifetime Achievement Award winner Steven Spielberg; and 77th Annual Academy Award® nominees: Cate Blanchett (The Aviator), Leonardo DiCaprio (The Aviator), Thomas Haden Church (Sideways), Jamie Foxx (Ray and Collateral), Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby), Virginia Madsen (Sideways), Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace) and Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby).

The DGA's Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film has traditionally served as a near-perfect barometer for the Academy Award for Best Director. Only six times since the DGA Award's inception in 1949 has the winner not gone on to receive the Academy Award for Best Director.

The winners of the 2004 Directors Guild of America Awards for Outstanding Directorial Achievement, and the recipients of the Guild's 2004 Lifetime Achievement Awards, are:

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN FEATURE FILM
CLINT EASTWOOD
MILLION DOLLAR BABY

Warner Bros. Pictures
Mr. Eastwood's Directorial Team:
Unit Production Manager: Tim Moore
First Assistant Director: Robert Lorenz
Second Assistant Director: Donald Murphy
Second Second Assistant Directors: Katie Carroll
Additional Second Assistant Director: Ryan D. Craig

This is Mr. Eastwood's second DGA Feature Film Award. His prior win was for UNFORGIVEN (1992) and he also received a nomination for MYSTIC RIVER (2003).

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN MOVIES FOR TELEVISION JOE SARGENT
SOMETHING THE LORD MADE
HBO

Unit Production Manager: Karyn McCarthy
First Assistant Director: Michele Ziegler
Second Assistant Director: Joseph Incaprera
Second Second Assistant Director: Xanthus Valan

This is Sargent's third win out of seven previous DGA nominations. He won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television in 1973 for The Marcus Nelson Murders. That year he also won the DGA Television Award for Most Outstanding TV Director 1973. Sargent's other nominations include: For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story in 2000; A Lesson Before Dying in 1999; Miss Evers' Boys in 1997; World War II: When Lions Roared in 1994; and Miss Rose White in 1992.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMATIC SERIES NIGHT WALTER HILL
DEADWOOD - PILOT
HBO
Unit Production Manager: Gregg Feinberg
First Assistant Director: James Hensz
Second Assistant Director: Kenneth B. Roth
Second Second Assistant Director: Kevin Turley

This is Hill's first DGA Award.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY SERIES
TIM VAN PATTEN
SEX AND THE CITY - "AN AMERICAN GIRL IN PARIS: PART DEUX"
HBO
Unit Production Managers: Jane Raab, Margo Myers
First Assistant Director: Bettiann Fishman
Second Assistant Director: Peter Soldo

This is Van Patten's second win in the Comedy Series category out of four DGA Award nominations. In 2003, he won the Comedy Series award for "BOY INTERRUPTED" (SEX AND THE CITY). In 2002, he was nominated in the Dramatic Series Night category for "WHOEVER DID THIS" (THE SOPRANOS). This year, he was also nominated in the Dramatic Series Night category for "LONG TERM PARKING" (THE SOPRANOS).

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSICAL VARIETY
BRUCE GOWERS
GENIUS: A NIGHT FOR RAY CHARLES
CBS

Associate Directors: Laura Lyons, Paige Rabban Hadley, Leslie Wilson

Stage Managers: Gary Natoli, Valdez Flagg, Harve Levine, Dency Nelson, Jacqueline Stathis, Debbie Williams

This is Gowers' first DGA Award. He was also nominated for the FLEETWOOD MAC REUNION SPECIAL in 1997.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DAYTIME SERIALS
BRUCE BARRY
GUIDING LIGHT - EPISODE #14,321
CBS
Associate Director: Tracey Bryggman
Stage Managers: Ann Vettel, Adam Reist
Production Associate: Jan Conklin

This is Barry's first DGA Award and fifth nomination for Daytime Serials. His previous nominations - in 2000, 1996, 1995 and 1993 - were all for episodes of GUIDING LIGHT.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
STUART GILLARD
GOING TO THE MAT
Disney Channel
Unit Production Manager: Donald Schain
First Assistant Director: Matias Alvarez
Second Assistant Director: Miriam Footer
Second Second Assistant Director: Christopher Barnes

This is Gillard's first DGA Award.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COMMERCIALS
NOAM MURRO
Biscuit Filmworks
Carry, Adidas TBWA Chiat/Day San Francisco
First Assistant Director: Gary Feil
Second Assistant Directors: Robert Kay, Brian Stevens, James Veal

Glen, Starbucks Fallon, NY

First Assistant Director: James Giovannetti
Second Assistant Director: Susie Balaban

Toy Boat, eBay Goodby, Silverstein & Partners
First Assistant Director: Gary Feil
Second Assistant Directors: Robert Kay, James Veal

This is Murro's first DGA Award and third nomination. He was previously nominated in 2003 and 2002 for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DOCUMENTARY
BYAMBASUREN DAVAA & LUIGI FALORNI
THE STORY OF THE WEEPING CAMEL

Recipients of the Guild's 2005 Career Achievement Awards:

GILBERT CATES - DGA PRESIDENT'S AWARD

For Leadership and Extraordinary Efforts in Enhancing the Welfare and Image of the Directors Guild of America and the Industry.

HERB ADELMAN - FRANK CAPRA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

For an Assistant Director or Unit Production Manager in Recognition of Career Achievement in the Industry and Service to the Directors Guild of America.

STANLEY FAER - FRANKLIN J. SCHAFFNER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

For an Associate Director or Stage Manager in Recognition of Career Achievement in the Industry and Service to the Directors Guild of America.

STEPHEN McPHERSON - DGA DIVERSITY AWARD

For Outstanding Commitment to and Leadership in the Hiring of Women and Ethnic Minorities in DGA Categories.

Note: Only six times since the DGA Award's inception in 1949 has the DGA Award winner not won the Best Director Academy Award:

1968: Anthony Harvey won the DGA Award for The Lion in Winter while Carol Reed took home the Oscar® for Oliver!

1972: Francis Ford Coppola received the DGA's nod for The Godfather while the Academy selected Bob Fosse for Cabaret.

1985: Steven Spielberg received his first DGA Award for The Color Purple while the Oscar® went to Sydney Pollack for Out of Africa.

1995: Ron Howard was chosen by the DGA for his direction of Apollo 13 while Academy voters selected Mel Gibson for Braveheart.

2000: Ang Lee was chosen by the DGA for his direction of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon while Steven Soderbergh won the Best Director Academy Award for Traffic.

2003: Rob Marshall was chosen by the DGA for his direction of Chicago while Roman Polanski won the Best Director Academy Award for The Pianist.

Mischa Barton attended the 57th Annual Director's Guild Awards in an ensemble by designer Monique Lhuillier. Barton chose a black embellished bustier paired with a black silk-crepe seamed-bias evening skirt.

Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee (Million Dollar Baby), Hilary Swank wore jewelry from Chopard to the DGA Awards: a pair of round brilliant diamond stud earrings (1.77 & 1.85 carats), an exquisite emerald cut diamond ring (2.80 carats) and Chopard's small Your Hour watch featuring a diamond bezel, diamond pave dial and black satin band.

Concert to Benefit Tsunami Victims

Will.I.Am Music Group Presents A Tsunami Benefit Concert on February 11, 2005 at The Avalon Hollywood

Performances include Black Eyed Peas, James Brown, Carlos Santana, Earth Wind & Fire, Justin Timberlake, John Legend, and more.

WHO: will.i.am music group – the brand new label headed up by Black Eyed Peas’ founder and frontman will.i.am and his business partner Venus Brown – will present a tsunami benefit concert featuring performances and a jam session by the Black Eyed Peas, James Brown, Carlos Santana, Earth Wind & Fire, Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Macy Gray, Herbie Hancock, and more. In addition, there will be special guest appearances lending their support to the benefit.

WHAT: will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas launches his brand new label will.i.am Music Group with a Tsunami Benefit on February 11, 2005 at the Avalon Hollywood. Modeled after the Pea Pod, the will.i.am foundation’s annual holiday charity jam session (six years running), the Tsunami Benefit promises to bring in big stars and big bucks – all for a good cause!

100% of the ticket and table sales will go directly to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support tsunami relief efforts (for more info, please visit http://www.unicefusa.org). The event will also consist of an online charity auction, presented by Ebay. Fans can bid on VIP tickets to the star-studded event in the weeks preceding the event. In addition, celebrity-donated charity items will be placed on Ebay following the event. All proceeds to UNICEF.

WHEN: FEBRUARY 11, 2005 – Doors @ 8:30 PM PST

WHERE: AVALON HOLLYWOOD
1735 North Vine Street @ Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028

For Ticket Information Please Contact: 323-462-4449 or benefitpeapod@aol.com.

Tickets are $150. To bid on VIP tix, go to www.ebay.com, keyword tsunami benefit peapod.

A True Classic: Get Scootin'

It's back. The classic PX 150 Vespa.

To celebrate the reintroduction of one of the greatest scooters in history, Piaggio USA Inc., manufacturer of the world-famous Vespa motor scooter, is releasing a limited edition 500 numbered Vespa PX units into the U.S. The PX 150 “Serie America” comes in a vintage green with a metal plaque by the glove box stamped with one number of 500 and a historical PX book. This classic model with the pressed steel monocoque frame, single cylinder two-stroke engine and manual four-speed gear change can be purchased at Vespa stores nationwide.

Twenty-seven years and two million units since its launch, the Vespa PX remains a cult scooter, a symbol of Italian style everywhere in the world, and the single most widely sold Vespa in history. It is the only Vespa that has remained in production for more than 20 years and has been present on the list of best selling vehicles for over a quarter of a century. For those who want a classic Vespa, it features the traditional four-speed gear shift on the handlebar and a classic design. The PX retains the strong points that have made it so successful: unique design, practicality and ease of use hardy steel frame, a reliable engine, space for a spare wheel and competitive pricing.

The Vespa’s pressed steel monocoque has always functioned as a load-bearing base. The PX keeps to this manufacturing tradition that no other scooter has and that guarantees rigidity and precise steering. The manual four-speed gearbox is an essential feature - anyone used to a PX will not give up riding control.

The PX 150 “Serie America” has a suggested retail price of $4,299. This model will not be available in the state of California due to CARB standard regulations. For more information on the PX 150 “Serie America” and its availability visit www.vespausa.com for a Vespa store near you or call 800-631-1101.

The Backstory: Manufactured by Piaggio in Tuscany, Italy, the first Vespa was designed by Corradino D'Ascanio in 1946 for Enrico Piaggio as a solution to transportation following the destruction of World War II. Combining the best elements of aeronautics, automobiles and motorcycles, it instantly became an icon of design and economy. In 2000, after a 15-year hiatus, the fabled Italian scooter returned to the United States to entice new generations with its efficient, entertaining and still nostalgic nature.

Piaggio USA is an active member of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and encourages riders to always wear a helmet, appropriate eyewear and proper apparel. The company suggests that all scooter owners/operators attend a motorcycle/scooter rider-training course to learn how to safely and skillfully operate a Vespa and recommends the MSF RiderCourse (800/446-9227) as the best introduction to riding. For additional information, or to locate a Piaggio dealership in your area, visit the Web site at www.vespausa.com.

Matthew Broderick and Jerry Seinfeld are just a couple of the Vespa's celebrity fans.

Red Carpet Struttin'

Will & Grace star Debra Messing chose a dress by Kevan Hall at the premiere of her latest film, The Wedding Date. Messing stars opposite Dermot Mulroney as a career woman who must hire an escort (played by Mulroney) to be her date for her sister's wedding. Hall designed a custom-made rose pink and black silk-gazar bell-shaped cocktail dress. Says Hall of the Emmy-winner, "Debra has an exquisite taste level and a great sense of style - it was a pleasure designing this dress for her."”