Blue Medical Spa in Sherman Oaks, Calif.

Last night, BeansTalk had the pleasure of an invitation to a Pure Fiji party thrown by our friend Rachel Sarnoff of Sugar PR. (We had a choice of returning to Fashion Week or this, and opted for this.) Sure, we had to drive to the valley, and it took 1 hr. and 40 mins. but it was lovely to see Rachel. We've been curious about the location which is at the once historic theater, La Reina (the Queen for those who don't espanol). That's the current outside of the spa, which is very cool and mod and often serves as a location for private parties.

Pure Fiji is introducing their new scent, Passion Flower.

We got an express (25 mins.) massage from therapist Andrea, who was booked solid. There was a lot going on, Oxygen facials, facial readings, Psychic girl, manicures and pedicures. It's a great facility, with easy parking in the back (ever so important to BeansTalk).

To be honest, we were motivated by the promise of a drawing for a $10,000 trip to Fiji. Given our financial state, it's probably the only way we'd ever get anywhere. However, we were told that the drawing wouldn't be done until "tomorrow," which seemed queer. At any rate, we're waiting for the phone call. But not holding our breath.

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The 411 on Blue Medical Spa

Under the supervision of a board-certified plastic surgeon, certified registered nurses perform the medical cosmetic procedures at Blue using only medical-grade equipment and medically formulated products. Treatments include Botox, Restylane, laser hair removal, vein and tattoo removal, sclerotherapy, microdermabrasion, and dermaplaning (a resurfacing procedure using a razor to skim off fine layers of skin). Mesotherapy is used to combat the appearance of cellulite and as an anti-aging treatment. Blue also offers endermologie (an FDA-approved, non-surgical alternative to liposuction) and the popular IPL FotoFacial. IPL is an innovative method of photo rejuvenation that uses pulsed light to stimulate new collagen growth while eliminating discoloration and leaving the skin tone even. Blue Medical Beauty Spa features spa services, including medi-facials, a variety of rejuvenating massage therapies, full-body waxing, and manicures and pedicures. Blue is also available for party rentals with specialty spa services customized for any event.

Pure Fiji

Check out the yummy scents of Pure Fiji at www.purefiji.com

Tight "Wire" Renewed

The Wire

It's Back in 2006

So be patient. Six-Feet Under Fans had to wait a year for the last season (and unfortunately, most were disappointed). The Peabody Award-winning HBO drama series The Wire has been renewed for a fourth season, it was announced today by Carolyn Strauss, president, HBO Entertainment. The 12-episode fourth season will begin shooting in late 2005, with debut set for 2006. Created by David Simon, The Wire wrapped its third season last December. The first season looked at the national drug war through the microcosm of a West Baltimore housing project, and the second season focused on a longshoremen's union and its struggle to survive. In its third season, the drama developed its portrait of a fictional Baltimore by exploring the place of the political leadership in addressing a city's problems. With the Barksdale investigation concluded, the fourth season of The Wire will expand its focus to include a look at the role of the educational system in an urban environment.

Chris Tucker

Tucker Hosts the NAACP Image Awards

Chris Tucker hosts the The 36th NAACP Image Awards, which will tape March 19, 2005 and air Friday, March 25, 2005 at 8 p.m. on Fox. Held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles presenters and performers include Halle Berry, Angela Bassett, Don Cheadle, Jamie Foxx, Jesse L. Martin, Kanye West, Kerry Washington, Michael Moore, Queen Latifah, Rachel True, Regina King, Sean Combs, Vanessa Williams, Stevie Wonder, Fantasia and Vivica A. Fox, and more. Honorees include Oprah Winfrey, who is receiving the NAACP Hall of Fame Award; Prince, who will receive the NAACP Vanguard Award; and Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), who will be honored with the NAACP Chairman’s Award.

So L.A.

Emily and Katie of the emerging Label Los Angeles


Lending Local Support


A woman standing next to me in line during fashion week last night sighed, "It's really all about N.Y. I think all fashion is in New York." Please. It's so not.

Now you can not only own the best of L.A. designers in L.A., but from anywhere the internet is. Los Angeles-based designers get the recognition they deserve at Label Los Angeles www.labellosangeles.com.

This sweet site not only gives the 411 on emerging designers and trend reports, but also sells their wares. Label Los Angeles adds new talent every month. Emily Heintz and Katie Bogue, conceived the idea while entrepreneur students at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM).

With retail price ranges from $30 to $300, nearly everyone, from nearly anywhere, can shop on-line. Hey! General Norman Schwartzkopf does (he told BeansTalk!). Labels Los Angeles ships order within 24 hours. Returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase. Designers include: Amy Tangerine, Blue Angels, Bluebird, Capital Tailors, Dead Sexy, Diane Yang, Dragonfly, Ella Moss, Eisbar, Emerge, Farmer, Fresh Los Angeles, Grail, Grey Ant, Hudson, Kimberly Faith, KKornbread, Lacey J., Little Mama Baby Dude, Oligo Tissew, Red Engine, Sha, Sweetees, Under, Yanuk, Zingaro, and others.

Conservatives in the Audience!

Jason Alexander guests on Bill Maher.


Audience Shift on Bill Maher Tonight

"Will our show change if our audience is half-conservative, instead of the usual 90% Hollywood liberals? I don't know...but that's what we're going to find out - live - on Friday night." -- Bill Maher


Real Time With Bill Maher continues its third season Friday, March 18, 2005 at 11 p.m. on HBO. Maher offers his perspective on contemporary issues. Tthe show includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists, and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.

Featured on this week's show as roundtable guests are actor Jason Alexander, Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Christie Whitman, former EPA head and former New Jersey governor.

Other HBO playdates: March 20 (12:35 a.m.), 22 (10:00 p.m.) and 23 (midnight).
HBO2 playdates: March 18 (1:00 a.m.), 19 (11:00 p.m.), and 24 (8:00 p.m.).
Slated for 23 editions this season, Real Time With Bill Maher will go on hiatus in May after the first 12 shows, with the remaining 11 shows to debut beginning August 19, 2005, wrapping the season November 4, 2005.

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Uber-chef and restauranteur Todd English


Under Fire In The Kitchen

The new 13-part documentary series “Cooking Under Fire” takes viewers behind the scenes as aspiring chefs are put through a coast-to-coast challenge that tests all their talents — including culinary acumen, endurance, business skills, management abilities, artistic sensibility and even purchasing power — revealing what it takes to work in the high-stakes, high-stress world of restaurants and fine dining. Using a fast-paced documentary-style format, infused with all the excitement of reality television and with an added dash of enlightenment, Cooking Under Fire provides greater understanding and respect for the ambition and aptitude necessary to excel in the competitive culinary world. The final show culminates with one skilled individual winning the job of chef at one of famed chef and restaurateur Todd English’s restaurants in New York City. Judges are chefs English, Ming Tsai and Michael Ruhlman. Premieres Wednesday April 27, 2005 at 8 p.m. on PBS.

Sneak Peek: Deadwood

Ian McShane and Timothy Olyphant of HBO's Deadwood Photo: Doug Hyun

Addicted like BeansTalk is? You’ll never watch another western the same way once you’ve seen HBO’s Deadwood.

Deadwood in April

Episode #17: " 'Complications' (Formerly 'Difficulties')"
Debut date: Sunday April 3, 2005 at 9 p.m.
Other HBO playdates: April 5 (9:00 p.m.), 6 (11:00 p.m.), 7 (1:55 a.m.), 8 (10:00 p.m.) and 15 (9:00 p.m.) HBO2 playdates: April 3 (1:00 a.m.), 4 (10:00 p.m.), 9 (8:00 p.m.) and 11 (9:00 p.m.)
As a convalescing Swearengen (Ian McShane) bridles, Cochran (Brad Dourif) tells Burns (Sean Bridgers) and Dority (W. Earl Brown) how to best assist his recovery; Alma (Molly Parker) is feeling unwell; unexpected profits at Chez Ami lead Tolliver (Powers Boothe) to an unexpected discovery about Wolcott (Garret Dillahunt); Merrick (Jeffrey Jones) posts a provocative statement from Yankton on title to the claims; Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) protects Commissioner Jarry (Stephen Tobolowsky) from an angry mob; and Samuel Fields (Franklin Ajaye) finds a kindred spirit in Jane (Robin Weigert). Written by Victoria Morrow; directed by Gregg Fienberg.

Episode #18: "Something Very Expensive"
Debut date: Sunday April 10, 2005 at 9 p.m.
Other HBO playdates: April 12 (9:00 p.m.), 13 (11:00 p.m.), 14 (1:15 a.m.) and 15 (10:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: April 10 (1:00 a.m.), 11 (10:00 p.m.), 16 (8:00 p.m.) and 18 (9:00 p.m.)
Alma proposes forming a bank; Swearengen grants audience to a long list of supplicants; talks with Farnum (William Sanderson) and Miss Isringhausen (Sarah Paulson) prove illuminating; the arrival of low-priced Chinese whores begins the next phase in Tolliver and Wolcott's arrangement; humiliated by Bullock, an angry claim owner looks to "square the scales"; Merrick tours a new schoolteacher around the camp; and Wolcott's alliance with Tolliver is tested, prompting Stubbs (Kim Dickens) and Utter (Dayton Callie) to covert action. Written by Steve Shill; directed by Steve Shill.

Episode #19: "E.B. Was Left Out"
Debut date: Sunday, April 17, 2005 at 9 p.m.
Other HBO playdates: April 19 (9:00 p.m.), 20 (11:00 p.m.), 21 (1:00 a.m.) and 22 (10:00 p.m.), May 6 (9:00 p.m.) HBO2 playdates: April 17 (1:00 a.m.), 18 (10:00 p.m.), 23 (8:00 p.m.) and 25 (9:00 p.m.)
Tolliver enlists Lee (Philip Moon) to clean up Wolcott's mess; Stubbs confides in Utter; Swearengen meets Alma to inform her of a Pinkerton agent in camp; Alma and Bullock confer about her bank; Tolliver's efforts at damage control backfire when he asks Swearangen to convene a Camp Fathers meeting; Wolcott summons Utter to barter Hickok's last letter in exchange for information about Stubbs. Written by Jody Worth; directed by Michael Almereyda.

Episode #20: "Childish Things"
Debut date: Sunday, April 24, 2005 at 9 p.m.
Other HBO playdates: April 26 (9:00 p.m.), 27 (11:00 p.m.), 28 (1:50 a.m.) and 29 (10:00 p.m.), and May 6 (10:00 p.m.) HBO2 playdates: April 24 (1:00 a.m.), 25 (10:00 p.m.) and 30 (8:00 p.m.)
Wolcott makes an offer on a rich claim operated by two ornery brothers, and reports to Hearst on their progress; Nuttall (Leon Rippy) unveils his new bicycle; Swearengen and Bullock discuss alternatives to annexing the Hills to Dakota; Miss Isringhausen strikes a deal with Swearengen; Alma receives proposals from Martha (Anna Gunn) and Ellsworth; Merrick gets a new office mate; and Stubbs has unexpected visitors at Chez Ami. Written by Regina Corrado; directed by Timothy Van Patten.

Cast: Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, John Hawkes, Brad Dourif, William Sanderson, Paula Malcomson, Powers Boothe.

Deadwood is produced by HBO Entertainment in association with Red Board Productions and Paramount Network Television; created and executive produced by David Milch; executive producer, Gregg Fienberg; supervising producers, Scott Stephens and Jody Worth; producers, Ed Bianchi, Ted Mann, Elizabeth Sarnoff; casting directors, Junie Lowry Johnson, C.S.A. and Libby Goldstein.

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So L.A.: Spinning and Spirituality

Djimon Hounsou on the meaning of the vernal equinox.


Equinox Santa Monica Infuses New Age Philosophies and Fitness

On Sunday March 20, 2005 Equinox Santa Monica hosts a candlelight Vinyasa Flow Class with live music from instrumental musician, Girish. This first class will launch a new series at Equinox, to be sponsored by Lululemon Athletica, which will give away gifts to class participants during this introductory class. Actor Djimon Hounsou (pictured above) will read the meaning of the vernal equinox at the start of class.

The club also introduces Darryl Gaines Spring Equinox Cycle - a spinning class infused with physical and spiritual work, designed to transform the mind and body! Spring Equinox Cycle incorporates Gaines’ background in astrology and the cycles of the seasons. Class premieres, only at Equinox Santa Monica on Sunday March 20, 2005 at 4 p.m.

201 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 593-8888

Must Have Fashion

Richie Rich and Traver Rains flank TV- icon Tori Spelling (above). Rich's and Rains' Heatherette was a huge hit at Monday night’'s PSII party. Hollywood legacy Bijou Philips, wearing Heatherette, of course, had a Janet Jackson moment, but she just picked up right where she left off. The guys are in L.A. doing D&A during fashion week. They’re in downtown L.A. and fashionistas are flocking to see them or genuflect in front of 'em, we're not entirely sure.

I want this. Who wouldn't? Heatherette samplet from Fall 2005 NY Fashion week. Super cute -- and isn't the model a dead-ringer for Athina Onassis?

Beauty, Bath and Fashion Bits

Urban Decay Cosmetics kicks off their new campaign: How Could Anyone, which will raise funds and support towards animal protection. Urban Decay Cosmetics has sported the motto, “We DON’T do Animal Testing. How Could Anyone?” On each of its cruelty-free products since1996 when the brand first launched.

Urban Decay teams up with The Humane Society of the United States (The HSUS) to launch the campaign with a How Could Anyone? Bracelet. 100% of Urban Decay's profits from this bracelet will be donated to help stop cruelty to animals. Rachel Bilson, Brooke Burke and Nicole Richie have worn it.

All For One, One for All

Spongeables Soap n Sponge All In One are infused with rich olive oil- and glycerin-based soap, for billowy, whipped-cream like suds (so they say, BeansTalk hasn’t actually experienced them yet). Spongeables texture stays soft; a lighter grip brings out its brisk exfoliating texture. A few fast squeezes amp up the suds, even in hard water.

Spongeables act as a washcloth, loofah, soap, and body lotion all in one. Eight different fragrances ranging from tangy citrus blends to spicy floral scents (or fragrance free) last for at least 30 showers. The heart-shaped Spongeables lasts through 15 uses, the flower lasts through seven and possibly more. (Wasabi, yes, that green stuff you eat with sushi, a natural preservative, keeps Spongeables fresh and clean for as long as they last.)

Spongeables are made from renewable resources. The man-made sponge is hypoallergenic and does not deplete the marine environment. The natural glycerin-based soap is enriched with olive, coconut and palm oils (no animal fats or petrochemicals). Spongeables will be at more than 800 locations including Nordstrom, Saks, Smith & Hawken, Pure Beauty, H2O,Beauty First, Burke Williams Spas, the Regent Beverly Wilshire Spa in Beverly Hills, La Costa Spa in Carlsbad, and Henri Bendel-New York. Suggested prices: Spongeables seven-shower Travel Star, $5; 20-shower Heart, $10; 30-shower Round or Mushroom, $15. For more info, www.spongeables.com.

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In Fashion News:

Kerry Washington attended the Creative Coalition’s Capitol Hill Spotlight Awards in Washington, DC in a gown by Kevan Hall and accessories by Rickard Shah. The Ray star, who’ll also be in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, chose a black silk-gazar corset gown with matte jersey skirt with front slit. She completed her look with Rickard Shah’s vintage-inspired black satin Kelly peep toe pumps and black Sinead square-shaped bag with beaded zig-zag pattern and silver- chain handle.

Best Bag Right Now

Hollywood's Hottest Handbag: Practicality defined. This is limited-edition Coach suede pocket satchel ($498) that's already hot with celebs. Eva Longoria, Selma Blair, and Rebecca Romjin all have the gold-trimmed suede version. It also comes in all calfskin ($598), as well as a canvas/leather version ($398). www.coach.com

Strong Support for Kevan Hall

Actress Brenda Strong of the television series 'Desperate Housewives', poses at the 3rd annual TV Land Awards in Santa Monica, California, March 13, 2005. Strong wears a seafoam green-beaded cowl-neck bias dress by Kevan Hall. To complete her red carpet ensemble, Brenda carried a Daniel Swarovski pale green crystal skin clutch. The 3rd annual TV Land Awards honors classic television shows and performers. Strong seems to really love Hall, whose designs she seems to always be wearing (see recent photo below) -- and we can see why -- the statuesque actress looks stunning in his dresses. He'll be at showing later this week at Fashion Week and BeansTalk's going.


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In Other Fashion News:

Lisa Rinna (who BeansTalk profiled for an upcoming feature in the Seattle Times) wore a dress by designer David Rodriguez at The Wellness Community's Tribute to the Human Spirit Awards Gala. Rinna presented the award to honoree Daisy Fuentes in a fuschia satin cocktail dress with sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps.

Celebs Design Ts for Charity

Alyssa Milano

2 Love Ts

2 LOVE is a collection of tops, tees and novelty knit wear. The collection ranges from basic tees to embellished tops in extra soft, body hugging cotton. “The company’s mission is for young women to love themselves and in turn spread the love to others.” Each season, 2 LOVE’s collection features “celebrity designed tees” with a percentage of the sales of the tees going to charity. Participating celebrities include Jessica Alba, Brittany Murphy, Michelle Branch, Mena Suvari, Mischa Barton, Molly Sims and now Alyssa Milano (pictured above), Jamie-Lynn DiScala, Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne. Since June 2003, 2 LOVE has given a percentage of proceeds from its celebrity tees benefiting non-profit organizations and charities all over the world. Each celeb designed a signature tee as part of the 2 LOVE Spring/Summer 2005 collection to be sold in hundreds of stores nationwide with a percentage of all sales benefiting their favorite charity.

Alyssa Milano’s tee captures the theme of Love with a hand painted look with “Peace” and “Love” in American colors benefiting the U.S Fund for UNICEF, (Untied Nations Children’s Fund). A recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1965, UNICEF works in 158 countries and territories throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Central and Eastern Europe to provide children with lifesaving medicine, better nutrition, clean water and sanitation, quality basic education, and emergency relief.

"As a national ambassador for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, I am doing everything I can to support their effort to save and protect children around the world,” says Milano. “I love the idea behind 2LOVE clothing. It is fun to mix fashion and charity. The cute tank makes a statement, and helps UNICEF increase public awareness of the challenges facing the world's children and create positive change around the globe."

Both Sharon Osbourne’s “Love” in white and red and Kelly Osbourne’s Black and Pink “Love Off” design join the 2 LOVE Spring/Summer Collection benefiting The Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai which is devoted to saving lives through advanced research, early detection, prevention and state-of-the art treatment options for colon cancer.

Jamie-Lynn DiScala’s “AMORE” design of vintage style in a fashion body 2 LOVE tee benefits The Jamie-Lynn DiScala Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to raise body image awareness and educate young people about the prevention and serious consequences of eating disorders. The foundation will provide financial support to disadvantaged patients by awarding grants to qualified treatment centers for eating disorders.

2 LOVE Inc. is a privately held company that designs, manufactures and markets contemporary women’s apparel. Its two signature collections, 2 LOVE and Mblem By Mandy Moore, are sold at more than 500 specialty boutiques such as Intuition (West LA), Lisa Kline (Beverly Hills), Brown Eyed Girl (San Francisco), Dari (Studio City) E Street Denim (Highland Park, IL), Talulah G ( Las Vegas), Planet Blue (Malibu), as well as better department stores like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s West. 2 LOVE has a sales showroom in Los Angeles and New York and a press showroom in Beverly Hills. This showroom services celebrity, film and television stylists, celebrities themselves, as well as fashion editors who pull product for editorial shoots.

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In Like Flynn in April

Errol Flynn


Before Jude Law or the Hughs (Grant & Jackman)

There was Errol Flynn. "The Adventures of Errol Flynn," a new documentary about the legend, premieres on Turner Classic Movies on April 5, 2005 at 5 p.m. ET with an encore at 11:30 p.m. ET. Included in the show are interviews with Flynn's widow Patricia Wymore Flynn, his eldest daughter Deirdre Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Burt Reynolds, Joanne Woodward and more. The doc presents a balanced portrait of a complex man, who was as much a swashbuckler in real life, as on film. A 32-film festival on Tuesdays in April accompanies the program and showcases Flynn's talents and some of his best roles. Warner Home Video is also include the documentary on the DVD release of "Errol Flynn: The Signature Collection" later in April.

Flynn was born in Tasmania in 1909. At 18 he headed for New Guinea, where he spent more than four years as a gold prospector, patrol officer, and tobacco plantation manager. In 1933, he appeared as Fletcher Christian in Australia’s first sound feature, In the Wake of the Bounty. He pursued his future in England, where, after 22 plays in a repertory company, he was eventually cast in Murder at Monte Carlo. It was his ticket to Hollywood and a contract with Warner Bros. He landed his first starring role in Captain Blood in 1935, opposite Olivia de Havilland, the first of their eight pictures together. He was a superstar overnight and went on to become one of the highest grossing actors of his era.

Off screen he often thumbed his nose at society’s conventions. At the height of his fame, he was charged with statutory rape. Although he was acquitted, he was horrified by the trial and the sexual innuendoes it spawned, including the phrase, “In Like Flynn.” To everyone’s surprise, people still flocked to his films. Alcohol plagued him the rest of his life (and allegedly, an addiction to morphine). Behind the smile and devil-may-care façade, Flynn was an enigma: a boy who hated school yet educated himself and loved to write; an athlete who was declared 4-F by the military; an actor who longed for recognition by his peers; and a man who wanted to explore everything life had to offer but precipitated his own decline.

The Schedule

Tuesday, April 5
8 p.m. The Adventures of Errol Flynn (2005) (premiere)
9:30 p.m. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
11:30 p.m. The Adventures of Errol Flynn (2005)
1 a.m. Captain Blood (1935)
3:30 a.m. They Died With Their Boots On (1942)

Tuesday, April 12
10 a.m. That Forsyte Woman (1949)
12 p.m. Never Say Goodbye (1946)
2 p.m. Escape Me Never (1947)
4 p.m. Desperate Journey (1942)
6 p.m. San Antonio (1945)
8 p.m. The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936)
10 p.m. The Dawn Patrol (1938)
12 a.m. Dodge City (1939)
2 a.m. Santa Fe Trail (1940)
4 a.m. Virginia City (1940)

Tuesday, April 19
10 a.m. Cry Wolf (1947)
12 p.m. Edge of Darkness (1943)
2 p.m. Northern Pursuit (1943)
4 p.m. Uncertain Glory (1944)
6 p.m. The Case of the Curious Bride (1935)
8 p.m. Adventures of Don Juan (1949)
10 p.m. The Adventures of Errol Flynn (2005)
11:30 p.m. Gentleman Jim (1942)
1:30 a.m. Objective, Burma! (1945)
4 a.m. Kim (1951)

Tuesday, April 26
10 a.m. The Adventures of Errol Flynn (2005)
11:30 a.m. Silver River (1948)
1:30 p.m. Dive Bomber (1941)
4 p.m. Green Light (1937)
6 p.m. The Prince and the Pauper (1937)
8 p.m. The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939)
10 p.m. The Sisters (1938)
12 a.m. Four’s a Crowd (1938)
2 a.m. Footsteps in the Dark (1941)
3:45 a.m. Another Dawn (1937)
5 a.m. Don’t Bet on Blondes (1935)

Actress Brenda Strong of dramatic comedy television series 'Desperate Housewives', arrives for the 22nd annual William S. Paley Television Festival at the Directors Guild in Los Angeles, California March 8, 2005. She’s wearing an ivory cashmere bateau neck cocktail dress with twist sarong detailed charmeuse skirt by skyrocketing designer Kevan Hall.
Strong narrates the ensuing events through her character, suburban housewife Mary Alice Young, who takes her own life. Mary Alice sees all and offers her own twisted take on the weekly goings-on. REUTERS/Jim Ruymen

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Behind The Scenes: Air America

The brilliant Al Franken


America Undercover: In early 2004, a group of investors set out to launch a liberal radio network that would challenge the dominance of America's airwaves by conservative talk radio. The creative, financial and logistical challenges were immense, but on March 31, 2004, Air America Radio (host Franken is pictured above) became a reality. Left Of The Dial chronicles the trials and tribulations involved in starting up - and sustaining - a nationwide radio network during a highly charged election year when the America Undercover documentary debuts on Air America's first anniversary, Thursday, March 31, 2005 at 8 p.m. on HBO.

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Luck O' the Irish (Or Soap Suds Star)!

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, "Days of Our Lives’'" Arianne Zuker (seen above with the gift bag contents) hosted “A Very Posh Tea” on Saturday, March 12, 2005, for her daytime gal pals from NBC and CBS. Judith Chapman ('Y&R'), Suzanne Rogers ('Days'), Daphne Bloomer ('Days"'), Heather Lindley ('Days'), McKenzie Westmore ('Passions') Julie Pinson ('Days'), Lauren Woodland ('Y&R'), Renee Jones ('Days'), Michelle Stafford ('Y&R'), Amelia Marshall ('Passions'), Martha Madison ('Days'), Juliette Mills ('Passions'), Shanelle Workman ('B&B') and Rachel Kimsey ('Y&R') attended the celebration.

Guests walked the 'green carpet' wearing Posh by A+A+A 'Feelin' Lucky' Tees. Doug Arango's restaurant on Melrose provided an assortment of tea sandwiches, endive spears filled with julienned Asian chicken, fresh fruit salad, fresh-baked scones with Devonshire cream and jam, mini assorted cakes and dainties, hot and cold teas and champagne.

2005 Daytime Emmy-nominee for Outstanding Lead Actress Juliette Mills (and actual Brit and daughter of a knight) said, "This tea is even better than the tea served at Buckingham Palace!"

Judith Chapman discovered the “special four-leaf clover sticker" under her plate and won a 14k white gold pink topaz and diamond ring gifted by The Sossi Collection. “Oh my goodness,” Chapman said, “I can't believe I won! I won! This ring is so beautiful and pink is my favorite color!"

Guests received gift bags which included crystal nail files by 95% & Sunny, skin care by Beyond Skin Science and Rachel Perry, Inc., topless sandals and foot jewelry by That's Cool, Inc., 'Forever My Lady' by fiction author Jeff Rivera, hair care by Bodywealth, Gano Cafe© Healthy Coffee, perfume by Angelscents, lingerie by Divine Inspirations, Bye Bye Blemish, China Glaze nail lacquers, a complimentary year subscription to Soapdom.com, a Posh by A+A+A 'I Love Shopping' Tee and more.

"Posh Tea" guest Juliette Mills, currently of "Passions" and once of BeansTalk's favorite childhood TV show, "Nanny & The Professor."

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Carolina Herrera, in a dress of her own design, at the Vanity Fair Oscar party.

More Oscar Primping News

Kristeen Van Fossen, co-owner and founder of The Salon at The Beverly Hills Hotel, and her team of stylists were busy Oscar weekend. Van Fossen hairdressers used L'Oréal Professionnel's collection of série expert products. Elle Macpherson received a série expert intense-repair powerdose treatment. Rosanna Arquette’s hair shined with L'Oréal Professionnel série expert liss extreme products to smooth out her wavy hair and add shine and suppleness. New York-based designer Carolina Herrera (seen above, a the Vanity Fair party) was also treated to a VIP treatment at The Salon. With L'Oréal Professionnel’s série expert intense repair powerdose taking care of Herrera's hair earlier in the day, she partied at the Vanity Fair party at Morton's that night. www.serieexpertusa.com.