"The Belz" will be on Bill Maher tonight.

Bill Maher, Richard Belzer Get Real

Rep. Barney Frank and author Camille Paglia will be the interview guests on the next edition of Real Time With Bill Maher, debuting Friday, March 11, 2005 at 11 p.m. on HBO. Roundtable guests are comedian and actor Richard Belzer, Irshad Manji, author of "The Trouble with Islam : A Muslim's Call for Reform in Her Faith," and TV commentator Joe Scarborough.

Note: BeansTalk interviewed Belzer once. He showed up at Chado's Tea Room on Third Street wearing a black catsuit. Seriously. A lycra one-piece black outfit. Oh! And black loafers so soft they were like ballet slippers.

That lucky man in the center is salsa instructor, dancer and actor, Ken Baldwin.

Salsa Rhumba on Monday Nights

You want your salsa on the Westside (of Los Angeles, that is): and now you’ve got it. Salsa Mondays are coming to Santa Monica’s historic Casa del Mar Hotel, courtesy of live music from Frank Cano’s “Latin Groove” and Salsa instructions from dancer and teacher Ken Baldwin (seen above with a couple of models from a Dr. Pepper commercial he choreographed).

Baldwin has a new Salsa DVD, “Hot Salsa Lessons Volume 1.” He’s worked with Reneé Zellweger, Morgan Freeman and Emilio Estevez. The weekly Monday series, “Salsa by the Sea” at Casa del Mar will feature live music and dance instructions with Baldwin. Learn to dance and meet fellow Salsa lovers in a breathtaking setting overlooking the Pacific.

Schedule:
6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Beginner instruction
7:15 - 8:00 p.m. Beginner / Intermediate
8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Live Music with Frank Cano’s “Latin Groove”

Lobby lounge at Casa del Mar Hotel
1910 Oceanfront, Santa Monica
(310) 581-5533
Parking: $8

Baldwin also teaches salsa at the Congo Room and Mama Juana’s. See his website, www.dancefish.com for more info.

Frank Cano's "Latin Grooves." Mondays at Casa del Mar in Santa Monica.

No, BeansTalk hasn't gotten all fairy-elven on you.

Real Dragons

From the origins of time, people have been fascinated with the dragon, which has appeared in the myths and legends of almost every world culture -- the Inuits, the Aztecs, the Chinese. Although these people never connected, they all arrived at the same basic idea of the animal. Working with production crews from around the world and collaborating with top scientists, artists and animators, Animal Planet's new special combines scientific fact and theory, CGI animation, and cutting-edge special effects to bring dragons to life in Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real, premiering Sunday, March 20, 2005 from 8-9:30 p.m. (ET). A half-hour special, Dragons: The Magic Behind The Scenes, will air immediately following. from 9:30-10 p.m. (ET). Patrick Stewart narrates. Remember these are the people who brought you "Walking With Dinosaurs," and yes, they can make it look that real.

Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine of BBC America's "What Not To Wear," the original, not to be confused with the U.S. version, TLC’s, starring Stacy London and Clinton Kelly.

BBC America Airs New Season of "WNTW"

What Not and What To Wear on BBC America

BBC AMERICA’ airs a new season - and a new format - of “What Not To Wear,” on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at 10 p.m. This season, Trinny (right) and Susannah (left) no longer pounce on unsuspecting victims. This time, crowds of female volunteers, desperate for some style, compete for the duo's brutally honest wardrobe dissection. Their New York Times No.1 best-selling book, What You Wear Can Change Your Life, written by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, is available in the U.S., published by Riverhead Books.

Woodall says sagely, “The big mistake when you hanker after someone is you forget your own body shape.”

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That's What They Say

From bbc.co.uk:

Style basics

Recognise your assets and choose clothes which flatter this part of your body.

Show off your breasts OR your bum, never both in one outfit.

If you have love handles or a round tummy, wear textured fabrics and wrap-around tops.

If you have a short or wide neck, wear tops that are open at the neck, rather than high or round ones, to lengthen and slim your neck.

If your clothes are too tight, you'll look fatter not thinner; straining fabric is a style no-no.

How to wear colours

Only wear shiny fabrics and bright colours on areas that you are sure can stand up to being in the limelight.

If you have sallow skin, dark circles or bags, don't wear black near your face, it only draws attention to it.

Combining black with bright colours makes the black look boring and the colours look cheap.

If you're petite or of larger build, avoid a dramatic contrast between top and bottom as this will cut you in half.

Your bra

Always make sure your bra is lighter or the same colour as the clothes you're wearing.

If you have big breasts - it's essential to wear a bra that fits you properly; a good bra will lift the boobs and give definition to the waist.

Balcony bras look great on girls with large chests.

Avoid thin back straps unless you are totally fatless or you will end up with unsightly back bulges under your clothes.

If you have small breasts - spaghetti straps will offer enough support. it's all right to show the straps off under spaghetti strapped tops and dresses, as long as the bra is pretty.

If you want to create cleavage, wear 'chicken fillets'.

Small breasts look good in bras with 'chicken fillet padding' and a draw-string front.

Your knickers

Wear flesh-coloured underwear under white, light or see-through clothes.

If a skirt is see-through but not figure-hugging, opt for big, flesh-coloured knickers rather than a G-string.

If you have obvious cellulite on your bum, avoid G-strings at all costs when wearing thin fabrics.

Making the most of accessories

If you've got a large chest and you're embarrassed to show off too much flesh in a v-necked top, wear a large necklace to cover the area.

Never wear a scarf or necklace over the top of a roll-neck jumper.

Don't wear long pendants that nestle in your cleavage if you have big boobs.

If you have a double chin or your face is chubby, opt for longer earrings.

If you have a short neck, avoid large, choker-style necklaces.

Chunky costume jewellery is a stylish way to add colour and individuality to your outfit.


Choosing the right pair of shoes

If you have thick ankles, don't wear delicate, strappy heels, ballerina-style shoes or ankle straps which cut across the ankle.

If you have skinny legs, avoid thin, teetering heels or they'll look like they're going to snap under the weight of your body.

If you are pear-shaped, avoid dainty kitten heels.

Trousers and jeans should fall to the bottom of the heel.

Black shoes look best with darker colours - don't wear black shoes with light-coloured clothing unless they are extremely dainty.

Don't wear black shoes with bright colours as they make your outfit look cheap.

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Compiled by Abbie Fereday based on BBC's What Not to Wear programmes.

Tracy Bonham


Singer-Songwriter Pairs Up With Illustrator


While paging through an art book late last year, musical artist Tracy Bonham came upon a series of illustrations from artist Hadley Hooper . The prints, part vintage magazine graphics and part illustration, inspired Bonham to contact the artist.

"Hadley is as much a part of this record as the violin parts are. She created this art -- the bird and the firefly -- as a response to my new music," says Bonham. "To me, the firefly represents that fleeting moment of clarity, the subject of the album."

Multi-instrumentalist Bonham’'s new album 'blink the brightest' comes out May 10, 2005 on Zoe/Rounder Records. Look for songs like "Dumbo Sun," "Wilting Flower," and "Something Beautiful." www.tracybonham.com

Hooper is an artist and illustrator whose work has been in a variety of publications including Harper's, The New Yorker, Forbes, Rolling Stone, and Atlantic.

Reknown-illustrator Hadley Hooper (www.hadleyhooper.com). Hooper illustrated Tracy Bonham's latest album (see story above).

Brendan Benson

Benson's Love Alternative

Rolling Stone calls Brendan Benson and his latest CD, The Alternative to Love "Perfect Power Pop for Another Universe." The Detroit-native songwriter and one-man band lost his major-label deal after one album, waiting six years to return with 2002's Lapalco. The Alternative To Love is in stores on March 22, 2005 on V2.

Oscar-nominated composer John Debney will receive the Henry Mancini Award from ASCAP. As the youngest recipient of this award, he’s worked on many acclaimed films in a short period of time, including The Passion of the Christ, Bruce Almighty The Princess Diaries, Spy Kids, The Scorpion King, The Replacements, and Elf. He'’s currently scoring Robert Rodriguez’' film-noir Sin City and scored the No. 1 U.S. movie, The Pacifier. The Passion Recut is opening on Friday and Debney will perform the Oscar-nominated The Passion of the Christ score live in concert at several venues.

Sarah Jessica Parker with her 2004 (19 September 2004) Emmy for "Sex and the City:" Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series



Parker and HBO Strike Deal

HBO and Sarah Jessica Parker signed a two-year, exclusive-to-television deal for Parker to develop and produce series and long-form programming for HBO through her production company, Pretty Matches Productions.

"I'm overjoyed to be able to officially call HBO my creative home, and I'm excited to continue one of the most rewarding and inspiring collaborations I've had the privilege to experience," says Parker.

Parker was honored this year with an Emmy for Best Actress for HBO’s series "Sex and the City," which she also executive produced. She won Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2001. The show, which received the Golden Globe Award for Outstanding Comedy Series three years in a row, was also honored with an Emmy(r) for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2001.

Parker is currently filming "The Family Stone" for director Thomas Bezucha. Her other upcoming film projects include "Failure to Launch" and "Love Walked In."

Setting Trends

Natalie Portman in her influential Lanvin gown.

Some gals are already thinking about prom and looking to the Academy Awards for fashion inspiration. While BeansTalk chronicled the couture and accessories, most of those items are untouchable and, frankly, unreachable to the average person. That'’s why Allen B. Schwartz, owner of ABS, “recreates” the most popular looks, which in turn, range from $300 to $400 (as opposed to the thousands of the originals).

Schwartz tells E!'s Juliana Depandi that the top five most popular dresses were worn by Halle Berry (taupe Atelier Versace), Cate Blanchett (yellow Valentino Couture), Natalie Portman (seen above in Lanvin), Emmy Rossum (red Ralph Lauren) and Charlize Theron (seafoam John Galliano for Dior Couture).

Visit ABSstyle.com or call (877) ABS-2050.

BeansTalk also loved Kate Winslet'’s blue Badgley Mischka, Ziyi Zhang'’s black Chantilly lace, full-skirted Monique Lhuillier, Maggie Gyllenhaal's strapless champagne-colored Prada and Imelda Staunton’'s unique green teal dress by costume designer John Bright.


More Fashion Notes:

Style.com says the hot Spring 2005 fashion trends are African safari, Asia society, Greek Odyssey, “nothing but knit,” “top brass,” and white.

On accessories:

Bottega Veneta is all about white handbags and peep-toe pumps with butterfly cutouts.
Dolce and Gabbana are combining croc and python

Emilio Pucci is putting those outrageous prints on handbags and very busy looking shoes.

Gucci says oversized handbags and embellished shoes.

Missoni’s using their signature knit print on handbags and shoes.

Moschino’s playing with sequins on shoe heels and all-over handbags.

Prada’s also using croc and python but in an array of bright colors.

Roberto Cavalli is using exotic materials for handbags and mixing gold and wood for bracelets.

Tod’s doing gold driving shoes and python bags.

Alexandra Neel is putting pearls and feathers on shoes and sandals.

Balenciaga’s putting zippers on exotic shoes and returning to black-and-white handbags.

Chanel’s introducing a minaudiere shaped like a pearl and has a black-and-white high-heeled geometric ankle boot.

Christian Dior has an all-white daily leather handbag and crocheted shoes.

Ungaro is combing croc with gold/brass on handbags.

Helmut Lang is putting a rectangle of croc on a super high sandal.

Louis Vuitton is just going crazy—mixing huge red dots on a white background with hot pink reptile and their signature LV—all in one bag.

Valentino is combining coral, topaz and python.

YSL Rive Gauche is accenting with a crest and sculpting high heels.

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The quick 411: look for a lot of gold accents in shoes and purses, and there is an overwhelming amount of python and croc (if you’re not offended by carrying or walking in such things, or are a card-carrying PETA member). And white bags and shoes are back (it is, afterall, significantly before Labor Day).

Clothing wise, look for a lot of very bold, animal-inspired prints in very bright colors and mixing of said patterns.

Merry Monolators

The Monolators (Mary, Eli and Mike) have planned "“an awesome show"” on March 13, 2005 at 6 p.m. 8-bit, Circus Minor, The Sweet Hurt, The Trainables will be performing with them. The Monolators will debut their much-anticipated music video. This show is all ages, so now is the time to bring the kidlets along. Their new Song of the Month up: Perfect Day by Lou Reed. Check it out!

Show Info:

Tickets $5

24th St. Theater
1117 W. 24th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 745-6516

In other news, The Monolators are introducing the Christmas 45 "Santa Claus vs. Dave Matthews.”" Per frontman Eli Chartoff, “"Yeah, it's a little late, but it's red! We'll be giving away a couple of copies at the show or if you're not one of the lucky few, you can buy one for $5."” See photo above. Get it now. BeansTalk predicts that it will command huge bucks on Ebay one day.

If you’'re in Vegas, you might want to tune into “Counter Intelligence,” a local, weekly KVTE (the former channel 35) TV show hosted by Michael Politz. This week, Politz sits down with uber chef Wolfgang Puck for a two-part interview in which Puck his multi-million dollar mega-deal and what it took for Spago Las Vegas to open in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. It’s the first time in 10 years Puck has consented to a sit-down, out-of-the-kitchen interview.

Spago is the first of Puck's four restaurants in the Las Vegas market. The Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group includes; Postrio,Chinois, Spago and Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill.

“Counter Intelligence” highlights the restaurant industry business, with in-depth interviews with chefs and was created by Robin Leach.

Politz publishes Food and Beverage in Las Vegas, and produces “Eye on Vegas,” a weekly newsletter. KVTE, owned by Leach and his attorney, is a 24-hour “"All Vegas All The Time"” network.

From left: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Steven Tyler in "Be Cool."

Absolutely love the t-shirts Uma Thurman's "Edie" wears in "Be Cool," including this one, "mourning" and another that reads, in goth print, "widow." (Edie's husband, played by James Woods, is hit by the Russian mob at an L.A. cafe, early in the film.) Apparently, Thurman suggested the shirts that her record company-owner character wears, but are never discussed. Now that's cool.


Trying to "Be Cool "

As for the film itself, it’s most vibrantly funny when Vince Vaughn and Cedric the Entertainer are on-screen. Vaughn is hilariously, wholly un-selfconscious in his portrayal of Raji, a wanna-be hipster miscreant and partner to the more hooked-up and experienced cel-phone addicted Nick Carr (Harvey Keitel).

Right from the start, the film keeps it metaphorical tongue firmly in cheek, as Chili Palmer (John Travolta, who lumbers through the film) disavows sequels. His character, a shylock turned movie producer isn’t thrilled about making a follow-up to his hit film, and he laments and proselytizes to James Woods’ Tommy Athens, a shady indie-label owner, right before the latter is gunned-down at an outdoor café.

While Uma Thurman (as anyone would attest) – as Woods’ widow Edie -- is not without many charms, Rene Russo was better balance to Travolta in the original film, “Get Shorty” (the faux film sequel is called “Get Lost”), and Russo's presence is missed.

There’s a notably contrived romance cooked up between Travolta and Thurman, who surprisingly have little chemistry here (yes, we know they had it in "Pulp Fiction.")

The film bases its premise on the tremendous leap of faith audiences must make into believing that an aspiring pop singer (pretty Christina Milan) is the second-coming of Ashanti. Meaning, that each time she performs, everyone is transfixed by her magical quality the filmmaker so very much want the audience to embrace. The music throughout the film is equally uninspiring. Look for plenty of obvious "Sidekick" product placement.

Palmer decides he wants to move from the movie business into the music business and begins by repping Linda Moon (Milan), who’s actually in a vise-like contract with Nick and Raji. Throw in the Russian mob, a murderous rap band (headed by Cedric’s “Sin LaSalle), and you have everyone after the other.

Instead of Dennis Farina, “Be Cool” has the late Robert Pastorelli as Joe Loop, but the idea is still the same. The Rock, as Raji’s gay, aspiring-actor bodyguard, offers up a fun performance, too, but why the filmmakers decided to call attention to his very, very tired one-eyebrow raised schtick is anyone’s guess.

That said, there are plenty, plenty of laughs, but mostly because of the sharp performances by Vaugh and Cedric the Entertainer, but it unfortunately pales in comparison to the original.


(BeansTalk had an "only in L.A." experience watching the film at The Bridge at the Howard Hughes Center: at one point in the film, Sin's guys hang Raji upside down out the window -- and he's being hung from the building directly across the street from The Bridge.)

Astroglide Warming Liquid is a personal lubricant with a twist, a warming sensation. The liquid is, according to manufacturers, a long-lasting, light and latex-safe personal lubricant. This product is not a spermicide or contraceptive. Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Purified Water, Acacia Honey, Methylparaben, Polyquaternium 15. 2.5 oz $6.50, 5 oz. $10.35. www.astroglide.com

Crystal Clear

Daniel Swarovski Paris Gourmand clutch carried by Fran Drescher (see story below).

Before you ask, no, we’re not quite done with Oscar fashion notes. Daniel Swarovski Paris crystallized jewelry and accessories were carried at Oscar Parties:

Sheryl Crow - Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Crow carried an Ivory satin Sofia bag by Daniel Swarovski Paris complete with a one of a kind gold feather Daniel Swarovski brooch. This particular clutch comes from Swarovski's Oscar Collection - a handful of bags made especially for this highly anticipated event.

Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon - Vanity Fair/Elton John Oscar Party. The NYPD Blue star used a vintage black trapezoid clutch with a border of clear crystals.

Cheryl Hines - Elton John Oscar Party. Hines carried a black box bag complete with crystal elliptical handle.

Aisha Tyler - Elton John Oscar Party. Tyler carried a white square clutch with a small crystal handle.

Erika Christensen - Elton John Oscar Party. She chose a small gray Lazuli embroidered clutch.

Kim Raver - Elton John Oscar Party. Raver accessorized with a navy pearl mesh Knock Out clutch to party the night away.

Fran Drescher - Vanity Fair/Elton John Oscar Party. Drescher carried a white pearl mesh Gourmand clutch.

Jacqueline Bisset - Elton John Oscar Party. Bissett carried a black long satin clutch with a large topaz crystal closure.

The Nose Knows

Buddha Nose is a line of handmade therapeutic-quality aromatic plant remedies, which combine the energetic dynamics of shiatsu, a Japanese form of bodywork based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with the essential oils of aromatic plants.

Buddha Nose was founded by Amy Galper, a New York City based aromatherapist and shiatsu practitioner. Buddha Nose's unique aromatic products include salves, spray misters, and bath salts, and use only organic and wild-crafted ingredients. Each and every ingredient has been carefully researched and sourced, with all materials procured directly from eco-certified farmers' cooperatives and distributors who work directly with farmers and their distilleries.

Every Buddha Nose product is handmade in small quantities. All of the essential oils used in each blend are certified organic, and in some instances wild-crafted, farmed from around the world. Other ingredients, including the Hemp seed oil and the Jojoba are also organic, and the beeswax comes from a small local bee farm in upstate New York. For retail locations and on-line purchases, www.buddhanose.com

Madge of Honor

Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist, Madge, creator of Madge Cosmetics, presents the Girls’ Night Out kit: a simple makeup palette that eliminates the fuss of getting ready for a hot date.

Date-night preparation tips from Madge:

There’'s nothing alluring about perfection. Madge says it’s all about smudging and blending. And, she adds, “remember to swipe an eye shadow or blush brush on the back of your hand before applying.

Start with an opalescent white gold, giving the lid a warm wash of color from lash line to brow bone. “Don’t be afraid to be messy” she says, “treat it like fairy dust!”

To darken the lid, apply a cool, charcoal color from the lash line and blend up to the crease, it should just peek out.

Top the look off with a striking onyx, “just a subtle dab in the crease or line the lash line with an angled brush and smudge out”.

For the perfect pout, dab on gloss with a finger to help the color pop. “ A sheer cherry red gloss gives smoochable vitality to the lips” says Madge.

Why no blush? “It looks too dated to have a colorful lip, smoky eye, and defined cheeks”. Madge explains, “A girl’s best flirting tools are her eyes and lips, so play them up.”

Log onto www.madgecosmetics.com for more information on the Girls Night Out kit from Elements by Madge

The Elements by Madge “Girls Night Out” kit retails for $19.50 and is available at select beauty retailers and online at www.madgecosmetics.com .

Fair Hair, Couture, as well as Sparkles from "American Idol" Winner

From left: Diane Von Furstenberg and H. Stern whose collaboration on a jewelry collection is popular in Hollywood.

American Idol winner and recording artist Fantasia Barrino wore H.Stern to the 19th Annual Soul Train Music Awards held at the Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. Fantasia performed, and co-hosted the event with Nicole Richie.

Barrino selected a pair of diamond earrings from the Hans Stern private collection featuring 36 diamond set in 18k white gold with 2 heart shaped diamond drops at just over 2.5 carats each ($249,800), a necklace from the “Tennis” Collection featuring diamonds set in 18k white gold ($14,600), and a bracelet from the “Diane von Furstenberg by H.Stern” Collection featuring pave diamonds set in white gold ($114,000), for her appearance on the red carpet and for the first half of the show. For her performance, Barrino selected a pair of earrings from the “Virtuose” collection, featuring assorted colored stones (amethyst, blue topaz, and pink tourmaline) with diamond accents set in 18k yellow gold ($12,500), and a ring from the “Elegance” Collection featuring a rare 14.5 carat green tourmaline with diamond accents set in 18k white gold. For the second half of the show Barrino again selected the bracelet from the “Diane von Furstenberg by H.Stern” Collection featuring pave diamonds set in white gold ($114,000), and added a ring from the “Ritzy Topaz” Collection featuring a 17 carat oval cut Imperial Topaz set in diamond encrusted 18k white gold bands.

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Foxy Fox: Vivica A. Fox wore Elie Saab Couture to the 19th Annual Soul Train Music Awards held at the Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, a pale yellow chiffon one shoulder dress with crystal and sequin bead work and a ruffle trimmed slit. The dress is from the Elie Saab Couture Spring Summer 2005 collection.

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Get the Look: Hairstylist Adir Abergel created a modern and romantic up-do for model Karolina Kurkova, who attended the Vanity Fair Oscar party in Hollywood. Abergel used L’Oréal Professionnel’s textureline hotstyle hotvolumefoam to give Kurkova’s hair more body and to add that very important texture needed for styling. Abergel then placed a dime size portion of textureline’s freshstyle featherweightcreme in his hands and massaged it through Kurkova’s ends. He twisted her hair back into a ponytail and fishtail braided it. Abergel finished off the modern romantic look by tucking in the fishtail braid, creating a softly sculpted textural bun.