Just What We Were Looking For

Gina Alexander's Leather Cosmetic Bag

Gina Alexander, whose bags are owned by celebrities like Ashanti, Lisa Marie Presley, Oprah (the latter's was a gift from Robin McGraw, Dr. Phil's wife) is rolling out her new leather line, featuring custom images. Alexander is the first company to offer custom images on leather. You send her the photo (horizontal preferred), and she'll place it on this cute cosmetic bag ($235) and it's sent right to your home. It measures 5 x 7 x 2.5" and is the first in this collection to be introduced. It features a leather pull, zipper closure and black lining (easy maintenance). As the owner of several of Alexander's bags, BeansTalk can recommend the quality of the bags and accesories, as well as the customer service -- they arrive when they say they will and the keep in contact with you. www.ginaalexander.com. Be the first on your block to have one.

Beijo Bags

The Handbag That's a Business

Beijo Bags. When single mom Susan Handley decided to sell her handbags to friends and neighbors, she had no idea that 20 months later Beijo would become a multi-million dollar enterprise, turning a one-woman business into a fashion phenomenon profiled on CNN, Extra and Entertainment Tonight. Handley began showing her poly-vinyl designs in northern Florida, with word of mouth taking place of a marketing budget. Today, she has an extensive network of women who sell her handbags (and you know women love their purses). Many Beijo representatives, made up of budding entrepreneurs, have no prior selling experience. Handley hopes Beijo gives women balance in their lives, enabling them to be both a loving wife and mother and as well as a successful entrepreneur with a substantial income. The name came from the Portuguese word for “kiss,” and her son Kyle would ask her for “Beijo, Mommy, beijo.” One collection of many is seen in the photo above. Visit her website for more information and sales reps near you. www.beijobags.com

Kudrow's "Comeback"

Lisa Kudrow

Valerie Cherish was once TV's "It Girl." Now it's different story - and she'll do anything to get back in the spotlight. Desperate for a comeback, she agrees to star in a new reality TV series, allowing cameras to follow her every move as she lands a part on a new network sitcom.

Lisa Kudrow ("Friends") stars as the embattled Valerie Cherish when the new comedy series The Comeback kicks off its 13-episode first season Sunday, June 5, 2005 (9:30-10 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO, followed by other editions on subsequent Sundays at the same time. The show is created and executive produced by Michael Patrick King (HBO's "Sex and the City") and Kudrow, and executive produced by John Melfi ("Sex and the City") and Dan Bucatinsky ("All Over the Guy"), with episodes debuting immediately following new episodes of the hit comedy series "Entourage," returning for its second season.

Totally scripted, The Comeback explores the madness of television, a Beverly Hills lifestyle, the dual roles of wife and stepmom, the trouble with growing older in Hollywood, and the bravery of a comic-tragic 40-year-old woman who is slowly sinking under the pressure of it all.

June's shows include:
Episode #1: "The Comeback (Pilot)"
Debut date: Sunday, June 5, 2005 (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: June 6 (10:00 p.m.), 8 (10:30 p.m.), 9 (11:30 p.m.), 17 (8:00 p.m.) and 29 (8:30 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: June 5 (1:30 a.m.) and 11 (11:00 p.m.)
Valerie Cherish starts a new chapter in her TV career as she agrees to allow cameras to trail her around the clock for a reality show called "The Comeback," a prerequisite for being cast in the pilot of the new series "Room and Bored." She wins the part, but soon learns her co-stars are much younger and her role is much smaller than anticipated. Now she is forced to play the part of the matronly Aunt Sassy. Clinging to the remnants of her dignity, Valerie also endures crises closer to home as she and her husband Mark adjust to her new work schedule and a pesky water leak. But Valerie is a survivor, and victory arrives as "Room and Bored" is picked up for the fall season.

Written by Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow; directed by Michael Patrick King.

Episode #2: "Valerie Triumphs at the Upfronts"
Debut date: Sunday, June 12, 2005 (9:30-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: June 13 (10:00 p.m.), 15 (10:30 p.m.), 16 (11:30 p.m.), 17 (8:30 p.m.) and 29 (9:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: June 12 (1:30 a.m.) and 18 (11:00 p.m.)
Valerie, Mickey and the rest of the cast of "Room and Bored" fly to New York for the "Upfronts," the annual network event where new shows are unveiled to the media. In the Big Apple, Valerie gets stiffed on a perk, misses out on a meal, frets about her stepdaughter Franchesca's dinner guests back in LA, and fears the worst as the network president introduces the cast. Written by Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow; directed by Michael Patrick King.

Other cast regulars on The Comeback include: Malin Akerman (Juna), Robert Bagnell (Tom), Lance Barber (Paulie G), Robert Michael Morris (Mickey), Laura Silverman (Jane) and Damian Young (Mark).

Along with the hit comedy series "Friends," for which she won an Emmy(r), as well as receiving five other nominations, Lisa Kudrow's credits include the feature films "Analyze This," "Clockwatchers," "The Opposite of Sex," "Wonderland" and "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion." Her new film, "Happy Endings," opened the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.

Michael Patrick King has received two Emmys(r) and three Golden Globes for his work on "Sex and the City."

The Comeback is created by Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow; executive produced by Michael Patrick King, Lisa Kudrow, John Melfi and Dan Bucatinsky; co-executive producers (beginning with episode #2), Linda Wallem and John Riggi; producer, Denis Biggs; producer (beginning with episode #2), Amy Harris; producer (episode #1 only), Tim Gibbons; co-producer (beginning with episode #2), Mike Schur; casting, Liberman/Patton Casting. The Comeback is an HBO Entertainment Production in association with Working Class, Is Or Isn't Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television.

Willie Nelson

Nelson: Thanks, But No Thanks

Singer, songwriter, performer and entertainer Willie Nelson knows a thing or two about awards and honors. He's received literally hundreds over the course of his career. And so while flattered to find out the Texas Senate was endeavoring to name a highway in his honor, the route's distinction as a toll road didn't sit well with him.

The Austin American-Statesman published a news article saying "[Nelson] envisioned motorists invoking his name every time they paid for their drive." The piece went on to quote Nelson as saying, "I don't really need that. If they want to give me a piece of it, that's a different deal. Toll roads are not that popular. I'd put my name on an electric chair, too, but I don't think that'd be too great a thing. As far as the Republican opposition, I don't blame them. It all sounded political."

In a letter sent to a state senator dated April 13, 2005, his attorney declined the distinction. "Willie simply does not feel that the naming of a toll road in his honor comports with his worldview, on either a personal or an artistic level," wrote Nelson's attorney, Joel A. Katz.

Two weeks later, however, two Republican state senators, Steve Odgen and Jeff Wentworth, have made headlines by protesting the proposed renaming which Nelson had already declined -- citing Nelson's "fondness for drinking and smoking, and active campaigning for Democratic candidates," according to an Associated Press report.

Nelson is also reprising his nationwide tour of minor league baseball parks with Bob Dylan. His next cinematic turn comes in the role Uncle Jesse for the big-screen version of the hit television show The Dukes of Hazzard. Co-stars include

Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott as Bo and Luke Duke, Jessica Simpson as Daisy Duke and Burt Reynolds as Boss Hogg. The film is set for a August 2005 release.

Final Season of Six Feet Under

Six Feet Under returns.

Six Feet Under kicks off its 12-episode fifth and final season Monday, June 6, 2005 at 9 p.m., with the episode entitled "A Coat of White Primer," followed by other editions on subsequent Mondays at the same time, exclusively on HBO.

Wrapping its fourth season last September, the Emmy(r) and Golden Globe winner Six Feet Under was created by Alan Ball (winner of the Best Original Screenplay Oscar(r) for "American Beauty"). The show approaches the subject of death through the eyes of the Fisher family, who own and operate Fisher & Diaz Funeral Home in Los Angeles.

Cast regulars for the fifth season of Six Feet Under are: Peter Krause (Nate), Michael C. Hall (David), Rachel Griffiths (Brenda), Frances Conroy (Ruth), Lauren Ambrose (Claire), Freddy Rodriguez (Federico), Mathew St. Patrick (Keith), James Cromwell (George) and Justina Machado (Vanessa).

Also appearing in the new episodes will be: Kathy Bates (Bettina), Veronica Cartwright (Peg) Joanna Cassidy (Margaret), Patricia Clarkson (Sarah), Jennifer Elise Cox (Mary), Ileana Douglas (Angela), Tina Holmes (Maggie), Richard Jenkins (Nathaniel), Peter Macdissi (Olivier), Matt Malloy (Roger), Catherine O'Hara (Carol), Lili Taylor (Lisa) and Jeremy Sisto (Billy).

Fisher Family

June's episodes:
Episode #52: "A Coat of White Primer"
Debut date: Monday, June 6, 2005 at 9 p.m.

Other HBO playdates: June 8 (11:00 p.m.), 10 (10:00 p.m.), 12 (10:00 p.m.) and 24 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: June 7 (midnight) and 11 (9:00 p.m.)
Ruth dreads George's return from the hospital in light of his diagnosis; Nate and Brenda prep for a big day, but an emergency makes them reconsider; David and Keith discuss alternative parenting options; Rico navigates new waters via internet dating; and Claire enjoys domestic bliss, but crosses a line with her camera.

Written by Kate Robin; Directed by Rodrigo Garcia.

Episode #53: "Dancing for Me"
Debut date: Monday, June 13, 2005 at 9 p.m.
Other HBO playdates: June 15 (11:00 p.m.), 17 (10:00 p.m.), 19 (10:00 p.m.) and 24 (9:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: June 14 (11:00 p.m.) and 18 (9:00 p.m.)
Nate hangs with some high school friends and finds little in common anymore; Ruth gets relief from George's daughter Maggie; Brenda is reluctant to accept Margaret's help and struggles in her new internship; David and Keith's latest baby dream starts to resemble a nightmare; Claire bemoans being pigeonholed by her art; Billy defends his career, but wonders what happened to his old self; and Rico seeks sympathy from Vanessa.

Written by Scott Buck; directed by Daniel Attias.

Six Feet Under

Episode #54: "Hold My Hand"
Debut date: Monday, June 20, 2005 at 9 p.m.

Other HBO playdates: June 22 (11:00 p.m.), 24 (10:00 p.m.) and 26 (10:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: June 21 (11:00 p.m.) and 25 (9:00 p.m.)
Claire is seduced by Billy's newfound lust for life but hits a roadblock on her educational journey; George is haunted by visions of an early trauma; Brenda feels at home with her new supervisor Jackie; David and Keith meet Mary, a fertile young woman; Vanessa encourages Rico to mingle; Nate shares a tragic bond with Maggie; and Ruth finds a surprise hidden in George's clothes.

Written by Nancy Oliver; directed by Jeremy Podeswa.

Episode #55: "Time Flies"
Debut date: Monday, June 27, 2005 at 9 p.m.
Other HBO playdates: June 29 (11:00 p.m.), July 1 (10:00 p.m.), 3 (10:00 p.m.) and 15 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: June 28 (11:00 p.m.) and July 2 (9:00 p.m.)
Brenda is disturbed by Nate's reaction to her news; Ruth shares her feelings about George with her knitting circle; David and Keith "propose" to Mary and meet Roger's equally unconventional family; Rico is shocked at how Vanessa and the boys are doing; George shares a beer and a song with Billy, whose recent behavior repulses Claire; and Nate comes home to an unpleasant surprise.

Melanie Pullen's photo of The Black Keys

Elle Celebrates Photographer Pullen

Elle and Elle editor-in-chief Roberta Myers will host an event for photographer Melanie Pullen at Los Angeles’s ACE Gallery on May 25, 2005 in honor of Pullen’s ACE Gallery debut exhibition High Fashion Crime Scenes.

Myers says, “Elle was the first fashion publication to feature Melanie more than a year ago, thanks to the discerning eye of fashion features editor Jenny Feldman. We’re honored to help her celebrate her continued success.”

Elle first featured Pullen’s work in the February 2004 issue. The event marks Pullen’s first exhibition since she joined ACE Gallery in spring 2004 to bring together the fashion, art, photography and cultural communities in Los Angeles. The exhibition contains works from Pullen’s photographic series of the same title based on vintage crime-scene images, firsthand accounts and documents Pullen mined from the files of the Los Angeles Police Department, The Country Coroner’s Office and other primary sources. Drawn to the rich details and compelling stories preserved in the criminal records, in 2002 she began restaging the events, outfitting her “victims” in current haute couture and photographing them in her staged settings.

High Fashion Crime Scenes will be on display from May 25, 2005 through August 20, 2005 at Ace Gallery, located at 9430 Wilshire Boulevard between Beverly Drive and Canon Drive in Los Angeles.

Varnish Nails

Lemon-Aid for Your Feet

Varnish introduces their summertime lemon-aid pedicure, a hand-mixed scrub made from raw sugar and fresh-squeezed lemons that heals dry skin and whitens nails. Fresh lemon & pink grapefruit soak quenches thirsty toes. $32.00 Varnish 8254 Melrose Ave. Hollywood, Calif. 90046 (corner of Harper and Melrose) www.varnishnails.com (323) 852-9822

Actress Anna Friel 

British actress Anna Friel (“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”) wore a custom-designed Moschino ensemble to the London premiere of “Kingdom of Heaven,” an emerald green strapless top and maxi length skirt with Indian embroidery and sequin detail. Her boyfriend, David Thewlis (“Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban”) wore a chocolate pinstripe suit also by Moschino.

Michael McKean

Friday's Real Time

Real Time with Bill Maher continues its third season Friday, May 6, 2005 at 11 p.m. on HBO. Featured on this week's show as roundtable guests are former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell, journalist Andrew Sullivan and actor Michael McKean.

Fox Statement Regarding Clark

Fallen Idol: Corey Clark


Idol-atry?

American Idol second-season contestant Corey Clark was kicked out because he didn't disclose criminal charges. He is currently alleging he had a sexual relationship with Paula Abdul while still part of the program. Clark is reportedly shopping a tell-all book that's led to tabloid and TV reports about the scandal. Last night, he appeared on an ABC special.

BeansTalk received the following this morning:

Statement From The Producers Of “American Idol,” Fremantlemedia, 19 Entertainment And Fox Broadcasting

“We have concerns about the motives behind last night’s purported news special, as much of it was filled with rumor, speculation and assertions from a disqualified contestant who admitted during the special to telling lies. Regardless, we are absolutely committed to the fairness of this competition. We take any accusations of this nature very seriously, no matter their source, and we have already begun looking into them.

Despite documented procedures and multiple opportunities, as well as contractual requirements for contestants to raise any concerns, we were never notified or contacted by Mr. Clark or any other individual, nor presented any evidence concerning these claims.

Upon recently hearing rumors of Mr. Clark’s claims, we contacted him and requested that he detail his accusations to us. That has yet to happen.

It should also be noted that the ultimate decision on which contestants move forward on “American Idol” has always been determined by the voting public. We have gone to great lengths and great expense to create a voting system that is fair and reliable. Judges may offer opinions, but viewers vote using their own subjective criteria; and it is the voters who ultimately determine each season’s American Idol.”

A Passion of Christ styled belt buckle from VSA.

Ave Maria Collection from VSA

Get Your Icons Here: Virgins, Saints and Angels is the concept of designer Cheryl Finnegan who was inspired by women such as Mary Magdalene, The Virgin of Guadalupe and Frida Kahlo - who have influenced us with their strength, love and divinity.

VSA’s belt buckles, jewels, pendants and earrings are all hand crafted in the town of San Miguel de Allende where Mexican culture fuses with the craftsmanship of artists from all over the world. Designs range from religious and iconic imagery to fairies, butterflies and the new gypsy calendar girl collection. There are a variety of design choices including saints, the Virgin Mary, Sacred Heart, Frieda Kalho, mermaids and “Calendar Girl Goddesses.” Check out their very cool website at http://www.vsadesigns.com

Milagrosa Necklace from VSA

Cheryl Hines

Cheryl Hines, star HBO's 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', arrives at the 3rd annual Runway for Life celebrity fashion show in Beverly Hills May 1, 2005. The show celebrated the DVD release of the action film 'National Treasure' and was a benefit for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,which treats children with cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases, and does research in paediatric cancer. She’s wears a dress by Nicole Miller, a pink and green floral sequin dress with pink Burma suede heels and clutch by Rodo.

Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling wore Moschino and Suzanne Wilson jewelry at the Barney’s/Rape Treatment Center/Proenza Schouler benefit.

Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross

Marcia Cross wore a dress by Australian designer Collette Dinnigan for Saturday’s 16th Annual GLAAD award ceremony at the Kodak theatre in Los Angeles. Cross was a presenter along with Desperate Housewives co-star Felicity Huffman and chose a navy blue silk satin gown with jeweled buckle and plunging v neckline. This dress is part of the Collette Dinnigan Autumn/Winter 2005 collection, previewed in Paris in March.

Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson and his wife Natasha Richardson arrive at the Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Monday, May 2, 2005. Richardson carried a silver Burma suede handbag by Rodo. (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Sisterhood Sountrack Release

Columbia Records/Sony Music Soundtrax will release The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Music from The Motion Picture, a collection of new music from established and emerging alternative pop music artists, on Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Opening nationwide on Wednesday, June 1, 2005, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," from Alcon Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures, brings to the screen Ann Brashares' best-selling novel about a special summer in the lives of four lifelong friends.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Music From The Motion Picture opens with Chantal Kreviazuk's performance of "These Days," a new song co-written for the film by Kreviazuk and Five For Fighting's John Ondrasik. The soundtrack includes another track by Chantal, "I Want You To Know," as well as the special remix of Five For Fighting's "If God Made You."

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Music From The Motion Picture includes songs from the literate and reflective singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata ("Be Be Your Love"), the roots-rockin' and passionate Shannon Curfman ("Sun's Gonna Rise"), the multiple Brit Award nominee Natasha Bedingfield ("Unwritten"), 17-year-old singer-songwriter Alana Grace ("Black Roses Red"), Blender Magazine's "Next Big Thing" vocalist Katy Perry ("Simple"), Rolling Stone "Artist To Watch" Brandi Carlile ("Closer To You"), and So Cal all-girl buzz band The Valli Girls ("Always There In You").

Directed by Emmy Award-nominated Ken Kwapis ("Malcolm in the Middle," who BeansTalk attended university with), from a screenplay by Delia Ephron and Elizabeth Chandler, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" is produced by Debra Martin Chase, Denise Di Novi, Broderick Johnson and Andrew A. Kosove and stars Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively and Alexis Bledel as four best friends who are separated for the first time. The film also stars Bradley Whitford, Nancy Travis, Rachel Ticotin and Jenna Boyd.

On a last shopping trip together, the young women find a pair of thrift-shop jeans that fits each of them perfectly and decide to use these pants as a way of keeping in touch over the months ahead, each of them wearing the jeans for a week to see what luck they bring her before sending them on to the next. Though miles apart, the four friends still experience life, love and loss together in a summer they'll never forget.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Music From The Motion Picture

1. Chantal Kreviazuk "These Days"

2. Natasha Bedingfield "Unwritten"

3. Alana Grace "Black Roses Red"

4. Five For Fighting "If God Made You (Remix)"

5. William Tell "Just For You"

6. Brandi Carlile "Closer To You"

7. The Faders "No Sleep Tonight"

8. Chantal Kreviazuk "I Want You To Know"

9. Rachael Yamagata "Be Be Your Love"

10. Shannon Curfman "Sun's Gonna Rise"

11. Katy Perry "Simple"

12. The Valli Girls "Always There In You"

Bob Seger's 1994 release Greatest Hits

Fans have kept Bob Seger's Greatest Hits album on the charts since its 1994 release (it was No. 8 on Billboard's Pop Catalog chart for the week of May 7, 2005: its 550th consecutive week on the charts). Capitol Records responds to requests from the Detroit rocker's online fan community for reissues of Seger's more obscure works by releasing a newly remastered version of his 1972 release, Smokin' O.P.'s, on June 7, 2005.

Early Devo (photo: Allan Tannenbaum)

Devo Live 1980 on DVD

Devo Live 1980 available on DVD July 12, 2005. Music Video Distributors and Devo Inc. announce the home viewing release of the DEVO – Live 1980 on DVD for $14.95

This DVD includes a full length concert from 1980 supporting their breakthrough album Freedom of Choice. Rock music visuals on TV at the time were usually relegated strictly to the weekend, on Saturday Night Live, Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, the Midnight Special, or Fridays. And mostly, it was either straight-ahead live performance footage, or else blah lip-synched stuff, with the musicians playing to an empty arena on the afternoon of a show. This all changed with Devo.

Even if you missed catching DEVO live and ‘in the flesh,’ you had a decent chance to see them on the tube, as they were one of the few acts to appear on all of the aforementioned programs. The only problem was that bands were only given a handful of songs to perform on these shows. That’s where Live 1980 comes in handy. It’s becoming rare nowadays for full-length shows to have survived from this era, but that’s what this DVD is all about – a full-length live set, just as Whip It was beginning to make DEVO a household word. And while all the group’s hits up to this point are included, hardcore spuds will enjoy such run-throughs of the obscurities It’s Not Right, Pink Pussycat, and Swelling Itching Brain.

Preview clip: http://musicvideodistributors.com/media/Devo-GatesOfSteelLarge.wmv

TRACKLIST:

Whip It

Snowball

Its Not Right

Girl U Want

Planet Earth

Swelling Itching Brain

Secret Agent Man

Pink Pussycat

Blockhead

(I Cant Get No) Satisfaction

Uncontrollable Urge

Mongoloid

Be Stiff

Gates of Steel

Freedom of Choice

Jocko Homo

Smart Patrol/ Mr.DNA

Gut Feeling/Slap Your Mammy

Come Back Jonee

Tunnel of Life

Devo Corporate Anthem

BONUS: Dove - The Band of Love from M80 Concert in 1980, Praying Hands & Shrivel Up

(Above photo: Devo backstage at Max's Kansas City, NYC, 11/15/77 SoHo Weekly News)

Angie Harmon


Harmon Chooses Pea in the Pod

Angie Harmon arrives for the seventh annual Young Hollywood Awards in Hollywood May 1, 2005. The event, sponsored by 'Movieline's Hollywood Life' magazine, recognizes the performances of Hollywood's younger generation. Harmon wears A Pea in the Pod’s blue silk dress with an empire waist and bohemian-inspired embroidered and beaded floral hemline (Visit www.apeainthepod.com 1.877.apeapod ) REUTERS/Lee Celano

Felicity Huffman

Huffman Goes Mellow Yellow in Kevan Hall

Felicity Huffman arrives at the 16th annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles April 30, 2005. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) promotes and ensures fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia. Huffman chose a gown by Kevan Hall, a butter yellow silk chiffon bias gown with tonal contrast silk scarf detail and triangular cut out back. To complete her red carpet ensemble, she carried a Daniel Swarovski light topaz crystal mesh Jackie clutch.

Sparkly!


Longoria Goes Glam All The Way: Even Text Messaging

Swarovski Crystal-encrusted Sidekick II design Amber LeVonne did for Eva Longoria, “Eva wanted a design to match her tattoo of her cross on her lower back,” LeVonne tells BeansTalk. “She liked our work so much that she bought another one and then customized it for her friend Felicity Huffman on Desperate Housewives.” www.hollywoodpin-ups.com

Eva Longoria's SideKick.

Does she text message J.C. Chasez on this?