Comedian Cook to Host Rock4Change Benefit Concert

Dane Cook will host the Rock4Change Benefit Concert on Thursday, September 4th, 2008 at the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk.

Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman & Grammy winning founding member of Rage Against The Machine & Audioslave has just been added to the lineup. The goal of the Rock4Change Benefit Concert on Thursday, September 4t at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, is to fund the Reforestation Project in Darfur via the work of “Aid Still Required” and to also fund the Clean Springs Campaign in Uganda through the work of “Hands Across Nations”. These projects provide life saving and life changing solutions for the people of Darfur & Uganda.

Actor & Comedian Dane Cook is set to host the Rock4Change Benefit Concert powered by Gibson Guitar on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk. Named a "comedian phenom and icon" by Entertainment Weekly, Dane Cook has maintained his reputation as one of today's most prolific stand-up comedians while simultaneously distinguishing himself as a charismatic and versatile actor in a variety of film and television projects. Dane can next be seen in the Lionsgate film “My Best Friend’s Girl” starring with Kate Hudson and Alec Baldwin opening on September 19th.

Also joining the Rock4Change lineup is Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman. Tom is the Grammy winning founding member and guitar icon of the rock bands Rage Against The Machine & Audioslave, both of which have won numerous Grammy Awards and are responsible for a combined 30 million albums worldwide. Widely known for his unique voice as a master electric guitarist, his compositions as Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman, have been primarily based around the acoustic guitar. Fans worldwide will be able to enjoy Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman when the album is available on September 30, 2008.

Rock icons & Grammy award winners Flea & John Frusciante will take the stage for a once in a lifetime improvisation featuring Josh Klinghoffer & Stella Mozgawa at the Rock4Change Benefit Concert. The concert will also feature performances by R&B icon Charlie Wilson (of the multi-platinum The Gap Band & BMI Icon Award recipient), multi-platinum Grammy nominated singer/songwriter/producer Jon B., Grammy award winning Hip Hop artist Rhymefest, Grammy nominee Angie Stone, and Alex Band of the multi-platinum band The Calling. Also performing are R&B & jazz singer Lalah Hathaway (daughter of soul singer Donny Hathaway), rockstar & producer Mitch Allan of SR-71 fame, and new recording artists The Library and Aside Worldwide recording artists Now On featuring Buff1. EMMY nominated choreographer Shane Sparks
(of MTV’s hit show “America’s Best Dance Crew”
& FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance”) will be choreographing a special presentation of African Dance. 100% of the net proceeds from ticket sales will support the sustainable relief efforts in Darfur & Uganda. Our goal is to fund the Reforestation Project in Darfur via the work of “Aid Still Required” and to also fund the Clean Springs Campaign in Uganda through the work of “Hands Across Nations”. These projects provide life saving and life changing solutions for the people of Darfur & Uganda.

The Rock4Change benefit concert will also feature special appearances by stars, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Isaiah Washington, Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan, Layla Kayleigh, Danielle Savre, Rupak Ginn, Max Lugavere & Jason Silva
of Current TV, Randy Couture, Tichina Arnold, Reid Scott and more! The all-star lineup for the show continues to grow and new announcements will be made every few days. Tickets are on sale at TicketMaster.com. 50% of your ticket is tax deductible!

Rock4Change, created by In 2 It Media partners Amy Balsam & Michael Wasserman, along with humanitarian Nadia Stylianou, empowers & inspires a new generation of activism through the entertainment industry, and in doing so will raise funds and awareness for important social issues that need our attention. The first Rock4Change concert is a partnership with Novo Worldwide, a group of philanthropic individuals committed to making a difference.

Every few days leading up to the Rock4Change concert, a new PSA will be released featuring some of the biggest names in music, dance, film, television and sports including: Ludacris, James Franco, Paul Oakenfold, Shane Sparks, James Denton, Greg Grunberg, Charlie Wilson, Nicholas Gonzalez, Randy Couture, Lalah Hathaway, Reid Scott, Rupak Ginn, Jesse Spencer, Rebecca Budig, Bob Guiney, Aaron Yoo, Max Lugavere & Jason Silva of Current TV, Brad Raider, The Library, Now On, Buff1 and more!

Please visit the Rock4Change website at www.rock4change,org, an interactive & engaging social justice community where users can find out more about the Rock4Change benefit concert & can join the Rock4Change movement. You can also view our Rock4Change star studded PSAs at www.myspace.com/rock4change. JJ Sansone of The Nest Co-op and Cooper Croft of Croft Studios were instrumental in developing the Rock4Change brand and website with our team.

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About Rock4Change:
Rock4Change empowers & inspires a new generation of activism through the entertainment industry, and in doing so will raise funds and awareness for important social issues that need our attention. Each one of us has the opportunity and the responsibility to use our voice to make a difference. Partnering with the biggest names in music, film, television, and sports, we shine a spotlight on worthwhile causes to motivate people across the globe to do their part to affect change. We invite you to be a part of the worldwide movement. Together we will rock to change the world.
www.rock4change.org & www.myspace.com/rock4change

About Aid Still Required:
Aid Still Required (ASR) is a non-profit, humanitarian movement focused on rebuilding communities through sustainable solutions in the aftermath of natural disasters and human crises. ASR was founded in January 2005 by Hunter and Andrea Herz Payne. The primary objectives of ASR are to bring awareness to global issues, which have left the headlines, and to help communities rebuild themselves through environmentally friendly processes. Currently Aid Still Required is focused on helping to stop the genocide in Darfur and is supporting the Reforestation and Solar Cooker Projects as sustainable solutions to affect change.
www.aidstillrequired.org

About Hands Across Nations:
Hands Across Nations didn’t start with a big vision or even a great idea… it was born in the midst of devastation and started out of a necessity to care for the needs of the thousands of unheard voices ravaged by war. In 2001, what started as a missionary trip became a life-altering journey for Carolyn Kurowski, a founding member of the charity. After witnessing the suffering in Uganda, the individuals with no access to doctors, no clean water, and no protection from rebels, her faith

and hope could not be quelled. After that first trip, Carolyn returned to the U.S. and enrolled the hearts of countless others to aid these devastated areas.

In 2003, she was determined to not only meet needs of those in the region, but to also provide hope and let them know they are not alone. She stayed for two and a half months and brought mobile health clinics, education, and food supplies. Four days after leaving, the village was attacked by rebels, killing 53 people, many of whom she helped and had grown to love. The survivors made their way to displacement camps outside of UNICEF’s reach, and within weeks another attack almost wiped out the entire village – more than 500 men, women and children were killed. Hearing this news, Carolyn realized that a larger relief effort was needed…Hands Across Nations would be the company to rise and meet these needs.
www.handacrossnations.org

Double click to enlarge image

BeansTalk's Bag of the Week

Dr. Q Lil' Riz

This week’s BeansTalk Bag of the Week features a designer whose clothes, shoes and handbags we think are completely adorable. But, alas, pricey, and oh-so-out of our price range. We really love this one.

Marc By Marc Jacobs
Dr. Q Lil' Riz Pleated Hobo

Logo-stamped hardware and a utility-inspired enamel logo plate detail a supple leather bag with a cuffed top and a rounded, pleated body.

Covered magnetic closure.
Interior zip, wall and cell phone pockets; key clip.
Leather.
By MARC BY MARC JACOBS; imported.
Dimensions: 14"W x 11"H x 7"D.
Bag sits under arm. Strap drop: 8"
Comes in black, grape, taupe-grey. All with silver-tone hardware.
$428
See the bag at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Jouer at Bendel, Online

Jouer fans can again get their customized palettes with Christina Zilber’s unique redesignOn Thursday, August 7, 2008, Jouer returned exclusively to Henri Bendel with new formulas and colors–and new chocolate brown packaging.You can mix and match to find the right fit for your skin tone. Available online at www.jouercosmetics.com.

Here’s the release our friends at Full Picture sent:

Combining beauty, style and love for travel, Founder and Creative Director of Jouer Cosmetics, Christina Zilber launches the new innovative collection of custom luxury cosmetics. Jouer, renown as a niche customizable cosmetic line, has been reinvented with a broader, sophisticated, modern perspective.

Jouer is designed to offer streamlined beauty to the modern woman. It’s practical and portable, without sacrificing elegance or style. Multi-purpose products are complemented by color palettes that are soft, strong, and above all...classic. Jouer has added active ingredients that offer a perfect balance of beauty and treatment.

Jouer’s star product lineup includes Luminizing Moisture Tint SPF 20 (hypo-allergenic, oil-free and loaded with multi-vitamins and multi-benefits), Age-Repairing Brightner and Concealer (with Dermaxyl Complex and Orchid Complex) and Mineral Perfector formulated to deliver a gorgeous, effortlessly beautiful complexion. Jouer’s extended color collection, renown for ease of application and wear, includes moisturizing lipglosses, hydrating lipsticks, definers, conditioning lip enhancers, powder and crème shadows, tints, mineral powders, more!

Christina has taken her inspiration for the new collection from high fashion and crafted the art of capturing colors that best suit a woman’s individual beauty and personal style. Jouer’s signature connecting system with chic yet playful new rich chocolate brown packaging encourages women to create a personalized makeup palette to meet their ever-changing beauty needs.

Jouer Cosmetics first launched in 2004 as a simple, fun color line with compacts that connect to create custom makeup palettes. Zilber and her ingenious concept had nearly a cult following in the who’s who of the beauty and entertainment industries. With the experience and success of her small color line, Christina saw this definitive opportunity to capitalize on her vision and embarked on a new venture to re-develop and expand Jouer into a full custom luxury collection. For more information, go to www.jouercosmetics.com.

Stars Unite: Rock4Change

Emmy- nominated choreographer Shane Sparks from MTV's “America’s Best Dance Crew” teams up with the show’s co-host Layla Kayleigh, actors (seen above) from “Step Up,” Jenna Dewan & Channing Tatum, and Danielle Savre, the star of “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” in the fourth Rock4Change PSA. The faces of dance culture unite to Rock4Change in support of the sustainable relief efforts in Darfur & Uganda

Sparks, seen each week as a judge on MTV’s hit show “Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew”, joined the show’s beautiful co-host Layla Kayleigh, in showing their support for the people of Darfur & Uganda in the 4th Rock4Change PSA. Sparks choreographs the Broadway version of “Dream Girls” this fall, making its debut in South Korea before its NYC run.

Host, singer, and actress, Layla Kayleigh can also be seen hosting "The Feed" on G4. Joining Shane and Layla in the Rock4Change spot are real life couple, Teen Choice Award winners and co-stars of the hit dance movie “Step Up”, Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum.

Dewan appears in “Shine On” & “The Six Wives of Henry LeFay,” and Channing, who was in “Stop Loss” with Ryan Phillippe and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, will play Duke in the upcoming 2009 summer blockbuster “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra.” Also appearing in the Rock4Change PSA is Danielle Savre, the star of “Bring It On: All or Nothing” & the eponymous Kaya in MTV’s first scripted series. Savre also appears in “American Primitive” with Josh Peck, Tate Donovan and Stacey Dash.

Sparks unveils a special presentation of African dance at the Rock4Change Benefit Concert on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk. Rock icons & Grammy award winners Flea & John Frusciante will appear with Josh Klinghoffer & Stella Mozgawa. Charlie Wilson (of the multi-platinum The Gap Band & BMI Icon Award recipient), singer/songwriter/producer Jon B., Rhymefest, and Alex Band of The Calling will also perform as will Lalah Hathaway (daughter of soul singer Donny Hathaway), Mitch Allan of SR-71 fame, and new recording artists The Library and A-Side Worldwide artists Buff1 and Now On. 100% of the net proceeds from ticket sales will support the sustainable relief efforts in Darfur & Uganda. The goal is to fund the Reforestation Project in Darfur via the work of “Aid Still.”


Required” and to also fund the Clean Springs Campaign in Uganda through the work of “Hands Across Nations”. These projects provide life saving and life changing solutions for the people of Darfur & Uganda.

The Rock4Change benefit concert will also feature appearances by Emmanuelle Chriqui, Carla Gugino, Isaiah Washington, Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan, Layla Kayleigh, Danielle Savre, Rupak Ginn, Max Lugavere & Jason Silva
of Current TV, Randy Couture, Tichina Arnold, Reid Scott and more. Tickets are on sale at TicketMaster.com.

Rock4Change, created by In 2 It Media partners Amy Balsam & Michael Wasserman, along with humanitarian Nadia Stylianou, empowers & inspires a new generation of activism through the entertainment industry, and in doing so will raise funds and awareness for important social issues that need our attention. The first Rock4Change concert is a partnership with Novo Worldwide, a group of philanthropic individuals committed to making a difference.

Every few days leading up to the Rock4Change concert, a new PSA will be released featuring names in music, dance, film, television and sports including: Charlie Wilson, Nicholas Gonzalez, Fonzworth Bentley, Randy Couture, Lalah Hathaway, Reid Scott, Rupak Ginn, Jesse Spencer, James Denton, Rebecca Budig, Bob Guiney, Aaron Yoo, Max Lugavere & Jason Silva of Current TV, Brad Raider, The Library, Now On, Buff1 and more. www.rock4change.org and www.myspace.com/rock4change.

Demi Attends Rumer's
Premiere in Lanvin

Rumer Willis (R), one of the stars of the comedy film "The House Bunny", poses with her mother actress Demi Moore and Moore's husband Ashton Kutcher at the film's premiere in Los Angeles August 20, 2008. Moore wore Lanvin’s dark blue grosgrain ribbon cocktail dress. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES)

The Decembrists

The Decemberists' Always The Bridesmaid: A Singles Series Kicks Off With October 14th Release Of Volume 1
Band Will Perform "Valerie Plame" On "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" November 3rd


The Decemberists will release Always The Bridesmaid: A Singles Series this fall. The three volumes will be available digitally and on 12" vinyl. Volume 1, comprised of "Valerie Plame" and "O New England," will be released on October 14th. The band will give "Valerie Plame" its national television debut on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on November 3rd, the eve of the United States presidential election. Written from the point-of-view of one of Plame's inside contacts upon discovering her true identity, the song is an amorous tribute to the onetime CIA operative. The Decemberists will be playing select U.S. dates this November; details will be announced shortly.

Volume II and Volume III of Always The Bridesmaid: A Singles Series will be released on November 4th and December 2nd respectively. (See below for track listings.) The series will be available digitally at DSPs, released by Capitol Records, and on 12" vinyl via The Decemberists' own label, Y.A.B.B. Records/Jealous Butcher Records. Fans who pre-order all three singles through the band's website will receive a limited edition version on colored vinyl; the pre-order begins today at http://www.decemberistsshop.com/. The vinyl will also be available at select independent retail stores (go to http://www.thinkindie.com to find out where). In the U.K., Rough Trade will release the series digitally and on 7" vinyl.

Formed in Portland, Oregon in 2000, The Decemberists weave spellbinding tales rife with atmosphere and an infallible melodic knack. 2006's The Crane Wife - the band's fourth full-length album and its first released by Capitol Records - was hailed by Pitchfork as "an enormous folk-prog monsterpiece" while The New York Times called it "one of the most accomplished albums of its kind this year."

The band is currently in the studio working on a new full-length album with Tucker Martine, who produced Always The Bridesmaid: The Singles Series and co-produced The Crane Wife.


Track listings for Always The Bridesmaid: A Singles Series:

Volume I. Valerie Plame / O New England
Release date: October 14, 2008

Volume II. Days of Elaine / Days of Elaine (long) and I'm Sticking With You
Release date: November 4, 2008

Volume III. Record Year / Raincoat Song
Release date: December 2, 2008

Above Image: Decemberists 14/02/07 Berlin
$30.00
Dimensions: Height: 24 inches Width: 18 inches
Description: Diana Sudyka, The Decemberists at MPostbahnhof Berlin Germany with Lavender Diamond. Part of the 2007 Decemberists European Tour Poster Series. Limited Edition Silk Screen Print Signed and Numbered by Diana Sudyka
Extremely limited quantity. Strict limit of two per customer.

ALMA Awarded America

America Ferrera, a cast member in 'Ugly Betty,' poses backstage with a Special Achievement award for Outstanding Performance of a Latino-led Ensemble in a Television Series at the 2008 ALMA Awards in Pasadena, Calif., Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008. Ferrera wore Platinum jewelry by Fred Leighton, vintage Platinum and onyx earrings along with a bow bracelet. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

BeansTalk's Bag of the Week

Jammin' Jamah

We love handbags. Love them, love them. If you read BeansTalk you know that we often profile the hottest/trendiest bags. In our new installment (that's won't replace Hot Handbags, but add to it), we're going to show you what is essentially our dream bag of the week. Unfortunately, most of the time (alright, all of the time) we cannot afford them. But we can dream, right?

Here's what we adore this week. Check out Jamah to see their other purses and accessories, too.

The Tribeca

14.25"h x 17"w x 9"d
Handle Drop 10"
Detachable Strap Drop 17"
Zipper Closure
Interior:
2 cell phone / pda pockets
1 zip pocket
key clip
suede lining

jamah.com

Available Colors:

Ron Howard Honored

Oscar®-Winning Filmmaker Ron Howard To Relive His Extraordinary Career in New TCM Original Special Ron Howard: 50 Years In Film Film Critic and Documentarian Richard Schickel Producing Special for Debut in December 2008

Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg have more in common than winning Academy Awards® for their work. These directors sat down for in-depth interviews with film critic and documentarian Richard Schickel for three critically acclaimed Turner Classic Movies (TCM) specials. This December, Oscar®-winning filmmaker Ron Howard will join that elite list in a new TCM original special called Ron Howard: 50 Years In Film.

The 90-minute special will trace the actor/director’s career from a first-person perspective. Howard will discuss each movie he has made, from 1977’s low-budget Grand Theft Auto to major blockbusters like Splash, Backdraft, Apollo 13, The Da Vinci Code, Parenthood, EdTV and the film that earned him an Oscar, A Beautiful Mind. He also will talk about his latest film, the eagerly anticipated Frost/Nixon, in which Frank Langella will reprise his Tony-winning performance as President Richard M. Nixon and Michael Sheen will play famed interviewer David Frost.

Howard will talk extensively about his career as a child star in such movies as The Music Man and The Courtship of Eddie’s Father and the landmark television series The Andy Griffith Show. Howard, whose fame grew as when he starred in the movie American Graffiti and the TV series Happy Days, will describe how these experiences influenced him as a filmmaker. The interview will be peppered with memorable scenes from Howard’s extensive career.

Famous Flips

We're not being flip, just interested in famous Filipinos. Just because. Here’s a list of celebs, the famous and the high-profile who boast a Filipino heritage. Some may surprise you. We don’t claim that this is the most comprehensive list of famous folk of Filipino descent, but we dare you to find a better one (as of the date of this posting, of course)

Lynda Barry -- writer, one-quarter Filipina
Veronica De La Cruz – CNN News Anchor
Kristine Johnson -- anchor, WCBS-TV half Filipina
Cristeta Comerford -- White House Executive Chef
Allen Evangelista -- actor, "The Secret Life of The American Teenager" (Henry Miller)
Caterina Fake – Cofounder, Flickr.com, acquired by Yahoo! Inc. half Filipina
Josie Natori – founder, The Natori Company
Alley Baggett -- Playboy model and WWF
Tia Carrere – actress
Phoebe Cates – actress; mother is Filipina
Emy Coligado Piama -- actress; Malcolm in the Middle, Crossing Jordan
Vanessa Hudgens
Dean Devlin – screenwriter/producer Independence Day, Godzilla and Stargate, occasional actor; mother Filipina
Rob Schneider -- actor, mother is Filipina
Tessa Keller -- reality performer; Laguna Beach
Kevin Kleinberg –actor, Power Rangers; mother is Filipina
Sharon Leal – Guiding Light, Rent, Dreamgirls; mother is Filipina
Cris Judd -- choreographer, former Mr. Jennifer Lopez
Alex Mapa -- actor, comedian “Half & Half,” Ugly Betty
Madison Michele -- TV Host; mother is Filipina
Pia Manalo – actress; Min on “Barney”
Vanessa Minillo -- companion of Nick Lachey (aka former Mr. Jessica Simpson)
Irene Molloy – actress, mother is Filipina; “Andy Richter Controls the Universe” (Wendy), “Grosse Point” (Becky)
Elena Murzullo – actress, Canadian; “L-Word” (Anna)
Nia Peeples
Lou Diamond Phillips
Melissa Reyes – Pussycat Dolls
Lourdes Benedicto – actress; Crazy for You
Christina Chang – actress; CSI: Miami; mother is Filipina-Chinese
Kira Clavell-- actress
Victoria Principal -- actress; mother is Filipina
Shannen Sossamon -- actress; mother is of Filipino descent
Cassie Steele – actress, Canadian; mother is Filipina; “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” “Instant Star”
Tamlyn Tomita -- actress; mother is half-Filipino, half-Japanese
Leeann Tweeden – mother is Filipina
Leslie Usi – actress, “One Life to Live,” “Suite Life of Zack and Cody”
Cassie Ventura – actress; Step Up 2: The Streets (Sophie)
Jade Villalon – model, actress; father Filipino “Final Fantasy: X2”
Vanessa Viola – dancer/actress, “Smith,” “General Hospital”
Herve Villachaize -- late little-person actor ("da plane!) was of Filipino descent
Elizabeth Wubishet – actress; mother Filipina, father Ethiopian
Brandon Baker -- actor, Johnny Tsunami; mother is Filipino
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle – actress; Ashley from Hannah Montana
Cheryl Burke –Dancing with the Stars; mother is Filipina
Mark Dacascos -- The Crow, Iron Chef America; father is Filipino
Allan Pineda a.k.a. Apl.de.ap –of The Black Eyed Peas; African American father, Filipina mother
Kirk Hammett -- Metallica lead guitarist; Filipina mother
Arnel Pineda -- current lead singer of Journey
Nicole Scherzinger – lead singer Pussycat Dolls
Joey Santiago – lead guitarist of the Pixies, The Martinis
Kara Crane – actress, Minuteman
Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys -- mother is Filipina, father is Ashkenazi Jewish
Monique Lhuillier – Fashion Designer, from Cebu, Philippines
Tracy Douglas – actress, Mortal Kombat
Leilani Dowding – Miss Great Britain 1998, half Filipino
Rachel Grant – actress; body double for Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft: Tomb Croft
Rebecca Grant – actress, sister of the above; their mother is Filipina; their father is a baron; their great grandmother was first cousin to the Queen Mother and grew up with her at Glamis Castle in Scotland
Emm Gryner – actress, Canadian
Kelly Hu – acress, of Filipino/Hawaiian/Chinese descent
Natalie Jackson Mendoza – actress, singer, Australian; Hotel Babylon, Beastmaster
Rhoda Jordan – actress, half African American, half Filipina
Traycee King – acttess, mother Filipina
Liza Lapira – actress, “NCIS,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Huff”
Mallory Low – actress, “Lincoln Heights,” “Dance Revolution”
Ernie Reyes Jr. – actor, Teenage Ninja Turtles
Samantha Esteban – actress, Saved by the Bell: The New Class
Barbara Luna – actress
Claudia Malkovich – actress, British; mother Filipino; “Cracker”
Camille Mana – actress, “One on One”
Pedro Flores -- inventor, Father of the Modern American Yo-Yo (1926)
Victoria Manalo Draves -- 1st Woman in Olympic History to Win 2 Gold Medals in Diving (London Olympics, 1948) on the U.S. Olympic Team
Bobby Balcena -- Major League Baseball Player -- Cincinnati Reds (Redlegs) in 1956
Tai Babilonia – Olympic figure skater; African American mother; Filipino and Hopi-Indian father)
Elizabeth Punsalan – U.S. Olympic figure skater
Natalie Coughlin – Olympic swimmer, gold medalist; mother is Filipina)
Victoria Recaño -- correspondent The Insider, Inside Edition; father Filipino
Natassia Malthe -- model, dancer, actress "Fallen"; mother Filipina
Reggie Lee – actor Pirates of Carribean, Fast & Furious, Prison Break
Liza Lapira – actor; 21, Huff, NCIS
Lalaine – actress/singer, Lizzie Maguire; busted for meth in 2007
Michael Copon – actor, One Tree Hill; father Filipino
Danny Barcelona -- drummer, Louis Armstrong's All-Stars band, 1958 until Satchmo died 1971
Joe Bataan -- King of Latin R&B, his discography, "most famous Afro-Filipino in East Harlem"
Billy Hinsche -- of Dino, Desi & Billy, now Ricci, Desi & Billy, & Beach Boys
Joseph "Flip" Nunez -- (1931-1995) -- jazz pianist-vocalist-composer
Larry Ramos -- singer New Christy Minstrels, then with The Association - audio of Cherish, Windy
Rocky Fellers -- Dinah Shore, 1960; Killer Joe #16 Billboard’s Top 100, 1963; Great Big World
Roman Gabriel Jr. – football player
Malia Jones – model, surfer
Enrique Iglesias – singer; mother Isabel Preysler is Filipina journalist/socialite
Gerald Anderson – actor; mother is Filipina
Billy Crawford – actor
Anthony Quinn – actor; part Filipino
Anna Zelinski – actress, mother Filipina, father Polish; “Vanished”


Beauty Queens

* Angela Perez Baraquio- Miss America 2001
* Gemma Cruz Araneta - Miss International 1964
* Gloria Diaz - Miss Universe 1969
* Raquel Gibson - Playmate of the Month November 2005
* Ruffa Gutierrez- 2nd princess Miss World
* Aurora Pijuan - Miss International 1970
* Margarita Moran - Miss Universe 1973
* Melanie Marquez - Miss International 1979
* Evangeline Pascual - 1st runner up Miss World 1973
* Pilar Pilapil* Miss Philippines
* Precious Lara Quigaman - Miss International 2005
* Miriam Quiambao - 1st runner up Miss Universe 1999

Images: Nathalie Coughlin, Phoebe Cates (with husband, actor Kevin Kline)

Why Wear Your Baby?


Let’s face it, a baby is extra weight and there certainly is no perfect way to carry that extra weight. Back in the day, we had what was the hottest carrier, a Baby Bjorn.

Nowadays, mums have plenty of options, including SlingEZee. SlingEZee, say the company reps, prioritizes the comfort and safety of parent and child, how to properly wear any type of sling.

Mark and Rebecca Miller offer their tips and suggestions of how to properly wear a baby.

The SlingEZee owners saw slings being worn improperly. From sizing issues to incorrect placement, they saw mothers and fathers struggle with their slings in the streets, in photos online, and even in magazine articles that are promoting comfortable baby wearing. The Millers understand baby wearing takes time and practice. They aspire to teach parents the importance and benefits of wearing their child near their heart.

Two Common and Basic Problems:

Two general issues turn people away from using a baby sling.

The first is incorrect usage and wear. In wearing a padded sling; make sure the ring is in the correct place. The rings on a sling should be placed between the breast and the shoulder cap. Any other placement will result in discomfort for a parent and child.

The shoulder padding must also be placed correctly, right over the shoulder cap to protect the shoulder from the stress of a baby's weight. Be certain the fabric is spread out properly over the back. If not spread sufficiently the baby's weight distribution causes parent pain.

The Millers believe that many of the available baby slings are just not properly designed, and are therefore, uncomfortable.

Some padded slings appear bulky, yet padding aids comfort for both the parent and the child. Shoulders are protected from strenuous pulling, but unpadded sling edges expose a baby’s sensitive skin to red marks and indentations.

Slings that run narrow across the back, say the Millers, result in improper weight distribution and cause back pain. "One size fits all" slings do not allow for individuation necessary. Proper sizing of a padded ring sling ensures comfort when wearing a sling for long periods of time. SlingEZee is available in five sizes. The Millers favor slings to carry babies over pack-style carriers. The slings, they say, encourage proper development of a child. Pack-style carriers suspend a child, outward, their weight settled from between the babys legs, which the Millers say insufficiently supports the spine and potentially hindering proper physical development. Wearing a child in a sling, they say, positions a with spine support and promotes proper physical development.

Benefits of Baby Wearing for Parent and ChildDiscoDoilies

Wearing a baby in a proper sling snuggles a baby in a cradle hold, safe from unwanted touches, shielded from germs, and in full view of a parent at all times. Baby wearing, they say, decreases a child's cries up to 50 percent. The Millers say more frequent and smaller breast feeding sessions combined with the motion of being worn aids a baby’s digestion. They also claim language development is encouraged by baby wearing. Their rep reports, “Being on the level of adult conversation and interpersonal eye contact is an excellent spot for a child to help enrich his developing mind.”

SlingEZee allows mothers to be quickly responsive to a baby’s needs. Mothers who breastfeed will find the baby in an ideal position to feed, and do so in relative privacy. Retails for $60.

www.SlingEZee.com

click to enlarge

Celebrity (Legend) Sighting

Wednesday afternoon, while on a Tuesday Morning run, we noticed the slip of a woman in front of us, returning a fancy colander. Blonde, but Asian, we were talking to ourselves wondering when the “France Nuyen-like woman” was going to be done, when we realized it actually was France Nuyen, the legendary star of “South Pacific,” “Diamond Head,” and “The Joy Luck Club.” She spent four years as a doctor on “St. Elsewhere.”

The French born, half French/half Chinese actress, who lives in Beverly Hills, was a wisp of a thing, with her blond hair pulled back into a braided (and netted) bun. She had on black ballet flats with an oval accent, black thigh-high (gasp!) stockings, a black lace-accented skirt and a shrugged-on khaki colored coat. Very cute. When she eventually finished her transaction, she stayed in the store, looking at chenille slippers.

After Anna-May Wong, Nuyen broke ground and introduced the Asian actress as star. Ironic, since Nuyen (who never discusses her Chinese/Vietnamese father) speaks no Asian languages. She also didn’t see another Asian person until she was 18 years old. She was raised by a cousin in Marseilles, while her mother and grandfather were tortured for being gypsies by the Nazis.

Nuyen made news when she publicly spoke out against her “Joy Luck” director Amy Tan. But she’s an icon. At least to us. We almost said something, but opted not to. Let her shop in peace.

The Secret Life of BeansTalk's Managing Editor

An Oh-So Reluctant Omission

A look at how teens at a Midwestern high school struggle with decisions about sex and relationships. One model student and daughter succumbs to the charms of the school Romeo and finds herself knocked up; another good girl, a popular, ambitious virgin, doesn't realize her boyfriend's stamina for abstinence is not as strong as hers; and one good boy determined to become a bad boy finds that pursuing the object of his affection only brings out the good in him.

It’s like a car wreck on the side of the freeway. You can’t stop watching. Well, this doesn’t wholly apply because we actually can not look at accidents we pass in traffic, but what what we reluctantly admit is that while the rest of the staff sleeps, we watch ABC Family’s “The Secret Life of The American Teenager,” promoted as “a new kind of family.”

Yeah, right.

The ideal way to describe this series? A several hours long after-school special. They don’t make those anymore, do they? Well, they actually do, but now they’re aired in prime time on cable. On ABC Family, in fact.

SLOAAT features 80's icon (and one-time Time magazine cover girl) Molly Ringwald. But since she’s long past her own 16 Candles, she plays the mother of Amy, the unluckiest high school sophomore ever portrayed on television.

We hope that somewhere between Gossip Girl, The Hills (we’re not even sure if they’re supposed to be in high school or if it’s a reality show), the forthcoming “new” 90210 and this dreary dreck of a show, lies a series, somewhere, that will present something nominally resembling actual high school.

Our big beef about the original 90210 was that it was set at Beverly Hills High School (or the fictional West Beverly or whatever it was) and yet there were no Persian students. We're assuming that Aaron Spelling and co were familiar with Beverly Hills High, so we can only assume it was a blatant, conscious omission. (The sharply witty 1995 Clueless not only got cliques dead on, director Amy Heckerling’s star Cher (Alicia Silverstone) explains, “And that’s the Persian Mafia. You can’t hang with them unless you own a BMW.’" It's not clear in the slightest what city, state or universe (or year, for that matter) SLOAAT is set.

In this invention, sweet band geek Amy (think of a taller version of the proverbial “girl next door”), played by Shailene Woodley, finds herself pregnant and deeply regretful after an unsatisfying one-night de-virginization at band camp (yes, it does lead one to think "One night, at band camp...". Amy's erstwhile slick seducer is the school sex addict (and, of course, drummer), Ricky Underwood (Daren Kagasoff), a foster child fighting the trauma of sexual abuse from his father. Ricky, blasé about his relentless sexual predatory ways, has sessions with his earnest, emotional therapist (who really, really cares) (played by one-time Ghostbuster Ernie Hudson).

The scenes with Hudson and Kagasoff ring so profoundly phony and was undoubtedly part of creator Brenda Hampton’s pitch to give the series (albeit superficial) depth. TSLOTAT cad may not exactly have a heart of gold, but he’s getting help, damn it. Ricky may further be reformed through his burgeoning "friendship" with born-again Grace. Ricky comes complete with politically correct foster parents -- his foster mom is African American and his foster dad is East Indian. They deliver rote platitudes from a kitchen table, a set so temporary in appearance it looks like it was set up for Candid Camera or the Jamie Kennedy Experiment.

Amy has a goth-y 13-year-old sister Ashley, played by India Eisley who has a bland completely unemotional delivery. One can only assume that Eisley, a Mia Tyler look-a-like, must be related to someone affiliated with the show. Ah. We’ve looked her up. She is a Hollywood "legacy." Her mother is Olivia Hussey (Franco Zeferilli’s classic Romeo and Juliet). While certainly beautiful, Eisley’s extraordinarily emotionless acting doesn’t resemble, in the slightest, her mother’s depth and passion (at the time of Zeferilli's film, her mother wasn’t that much older than Eisley).

The good girl, played by Megan Park (actually a pretty good actress), comes complete with a promise ring of chastity given to her by her Ken and Barbie parents (played by extremely blond 70s/80s TV stars John Schneider and Josie Bissett), is named, unsubtly, Grace. Poor Park. She is given the series’ emptiest, unrealistic, most cringe-inducing lines.

Hampton’s original collaboration with Aaron Spelling (for 7th Heaven) was curious given his previous productions and Hampton’s obvious Christian agenda. Yet that teaming was a rounding success.

ut Grace, her Melrose Place mother and her Dukes of Hazzard dad offer up such an insipid agenda, it seems ludicrous that the intent of the series is anything but to turn audiences off. Since the Jonas Brothers all wear those chastity rings, does that mean it should translate into credible family television? Schneider aka Bo Whoo-Hoo Duke, the Billy Ray Cyrus of his time, plays a doctor. A medical doctor. The kind who cures people.

Despite the fact that this is ABC Family, a blatant “message” series with a pro-Christian message, it is not recommended for children ("viewer-discretion advised") – and rightly so. BeansTalk readers know we are not prudish in the slightest, but we have to say it does give us slight pause the way smart-but-slutty Adrian Lee (Francia Raisa) seduces Grace’s blockhead boyfriend and how her “friends with benefits” relationship with Ricky is depicted. Adrian's stewardess mother (played by former Miss Universe runner-up Paola Turbay, who looks the exact same age as Raisa) brings a rotating door of lovers through their apartment and often leaves Adrian alone. Is it no wonder that Adrian turns to sleazy Ricky for love?

Meanwhile, Amy finds "true" love with geeky Ben Boykewich (Kenny Baumann), who not only offers to marry her (knowing the baby is Ricky’s), but with his father’s support and enthusiasm. Again, a return to the “what universe” file – what dad would cheer on the marriage of his 15-year-old son to a 15-year-old girl, pregnant with another boy’s baby? For that matter, Baumann (who is adorable, by the way) is such an odd cast – he seems like he should be in a half-hour comedy. Each time he delivers a line, we half expect a joke to emerge – but the lines he's given are so heartily earnest and it just doesn’t suit the actor.

Baumann also comes complete with two best friends, an Asian couple who decide to "wait" to have intercourse. (Just an aside -- the male half of the Asian couple, Henry Miller, is played by a Filipino, Allen Evangelista. Shout out to the peeps.)

Amy laments how fat she’s getting, mom Molly Ringwald says, “It’s O.K., Amy, your dad loves you, your sister loves you, and I love you.” Amy to her 13-year-old sister, "You don't need condoms Ashley, just say no!" Inane much?

Did we mention that Amy’s dad has left her mom to live with the woman he’s having an affair with, who happens to be bad-girl Adrian’s mother?

They’ve been telling this tale forever. They’re still making them. They’re called soap operas.

It’s all so icky, but if we endure it, we want to share.

Home Sweet (Smelling) Home

DayNa Decker Expands Home Ambiance with Botanika and Flora Essence Diffusers

DayNa Decker™ added to their EcoCouture™ home ambiance collection with Botanika and Flora Essence Diffusers. Both feature thick, hand blown glass vessels filled with DayNa Decker botanical oils which are alcohol free; the Botanika in transparent green with organic dark wood reeds, and Flora in opaque white with organic light wood reeds.

Decker says , “I wanted to complement the popular Botanika and Flora Collections with diffusers in our most popular fragrances.I created a diffuser that was unlike anything I had ever seen. I wanted it to be a reflection of the existing collections design sensibility but to remain fresh, luxurious and innovative. Our diffusers use alcohol free concentrated botanical oils and are available in fragrances including: Leila, Sierra, Yasmin and Zelia (Botanika) and Acacia, Dahlia, Eglantine and Polianthes (Flora).”

The EcoCouture™ collection offers eco-conscious ambiance that's environmentally friendly and sophisticated.

The Botanika Essence Diffusers retail for $94 and the Flora Essence Diffusers retail for $116 and are available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Space NK, Fred Segal, Bergdorf Goodman and specialty boutiques nationwide and daynadecker.com

Robin Hood’s Third Season on BBC America
-BIG Spoiler alert ahead -

BBC AMERICA has announced that it is co-producing the new season of Robin Hood. Season 3, currently filming on location in Budapest, will air on the channel in 2009.

Following the recent critical success of Season 2 on the channel, Robin Hood fans will be pleased to know that their show is back for an all new season. Season 3 returns with an older and tougher Robin, hell bent on revenge following the tragic murder of Marian by Gisborne and the Sheriff's failure to kill Prince John. The Sheriff is more precarious and unpredictable than ever with new threats looming over him and there's the much anticipated arrival of Friar Tuck (David Harewood, Blood Diamond) who joins the gang and becomes one of Robin's closest allies.

However, the tension on-screen will kick-off at the outset as Jonas Armstrong, who plays Robin Hood and updated the popular legend for a whole new generation, is set to bow out of the show in an explosive, nail biting Season 3 finale. How the legacy unfolds after Jonas leaves is in itself mysterious and intriguing - guaranteed to make fans desperate to find out what happens next.

Jonas Armstrong says: “Playing Robin Hood has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Over the last three years I have met some wonderful people and have only amazing memories to take with me. I’m grateful to the fans for their support and to all the cast and crew for their friendship and loyalty throughout, but the time has come to take on new challenges and look at new opportunities."

Foz Allan, Executive Producer says: “Jonas has been a superb Robin Hood who updated the legend for a contemporary audience, reinvigorating it for a whole new generation. It has been a wonderful experience working with Jonas – we will miss him – and wish him all the success for his future. We cannot confirm the series climax, nor can we guarantee who will survive and who won't. You will have to watch it to see! But we can assure you Robin's exit will be unmissable!"

Liz Earle for Skin

In 1995, co-founders Liz Earle and Kim Buckland extended their long friendship into a business partnership. They met at the start of their careers but took different paths within the beauty industry. Earle became a specialist in botanical ingredients, natural health and well being. She was a beauty editor, author of more than 30 books and TV presenter. Buckland worked in the area of the management of the manufacture, packaging, retail and marketing of cosmetics. Buckland then asked Earle if she had ever thought of launching her own range of products.

The partners developed products that were simple to use and for everyone - no matter what their age or skin type. Their choice of naturally active ingredients inspired the name Naturally Active Skincare.

Shopping Channels Evolve

In 1996 the range was launched on QVC, and the first product sold out within half an hour! In 1998, their Customer Centre and Customer Care team were established on the Isle of Wight. Union, our unique shop opened in Ryde in 2001, with online shopping website going 'live' in 2002. Their London shop opened in 2006.


Liz Earle Ingredients policy (From Liz Earle)

High quality, safe, naturally active ingredients are our priority.

Vitamin E
We only use potent, premium natural-source vitamin E, never the synthetic variety.

Animal testing
We never do it.

No animal ingredients
None of our ingredients are of animal origin (except beeswax, propolis and manuka honey).
All products are suitable for vegetarians.

No chemical sunscreens
We only use mineral sun filters to provide the best broad-spectrum UV protection and to reduce the risk of skin allergy.

No mineral oils
We prefer plant oils to mineral oils. We don’t use mineral oil, paraffin wax, petrolatum or any fractions of crude oil or primary petro-chemicals.

No genetically engineered ingredients
None of our products contain genetically engineered or modified organisms.

Organic ingredients
We ‘go organic’ wherever we can and our in-house Ethnobotanists support sustainability and local community growers.

Preservatives
Some of our formulations are preservative free. We do use preservatives when absolutely essential for product safety. Where natural preservatives are not available, we use relatively low concentrations of the highest grade, broad-spectrum preservatives.

Patch testing
Our products are formulated to be extremely gentle and are used by many people with sensitive skin. However, as a common sense precaution, we recommend a patch test is carried out at least 24 hours prior to 1st application. Two of the best places to test are the inside of the upper arm and behind the ear.

Earle Facts:

Skincare Essentials

I’m new to the range, which products should I start with?
The key to healthy skin is our simple 3-step cleanse, tone and moisturise trio used every day, morning and evening.

Step 1: Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - our creamy cleanser quickly melts away
make-up and daily grime, while the pure Muslin Cloth gently sloughs away dead skin cells.

Step 2: Instant Boost Skin Tonic - this gentle alcohol-free floral-scented toner soothes, calms and refreshes skin in preparation for moisturising.

Step 3: Skin Repair Moisturiser – with just the right level of nourishment to leave every skin type hydrated and protected, the only choice to make is which variety of Skin Repair Moisturiser to use. In three formulations: dry/sensitive, normal/combination or Skin Repair Light for combination/oily skin. Skincare Essentials

I’m new to the range, which products should I start with?
The key to healthy skin is our simple 3-step cleanse, tone and moisturise trio used every day, morning and evening.

Step 1: Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - our creamy cleanser quickly melts away
make-up and daily grime, while the pure Muslin Cloth gently sloughs away dead skin cells.

Step 2: Instant Boost Skin Tonic - this gentle alcohol-free floral-scented toner soothes, calms and refreshes skin in preparation for moisturising.

Step 3: Skin Repair Moisturiser – with just the right level of nourishment to leave every skin type hydrated and protected, the only choice to make is which variety of Skin Repair Moisturiser to use. In three formulations: dry/sensitive, normal/combination or Skin Repair Light for combination/oily skin.

About Liz Earle Products

What is an anti-oxidant?
Modern day living, cigarette smoke, car exhaust emissions and the sun's rays combine to produce free radicals. Anti-oxidants help protect the skin and the rest of the body from free-radical damage. We can maintain our own supplies of anti-oxidant nutrients by eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins A (in the form of beta-carotene), C and E. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best source of beta-carotene and vitamin C, especially dark green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli and brightly coloured fruits such as oranges, mangoes and strawberries. Vitamin E is more difficult to find naturally in large quantities but you can increase your intake of vegetable oils and consider taking a natural-source vitamin E supplement. You’ll find anti-oxidants in many of our products including, Instant Boost Skin Tonic, Skin Repair Moisturiser, Daily Eye Repair, Smoothing Line Serum, Superbalm, Superskin Concentrate, Spot-On, Nourishing Botanical Body Cream, Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, Hand Repair, our Sun Shade range, Sheer Gold Shimmer and Lip Shimmers.

What is the shelf life of our products ?
All products have a shelf life of at least three years if unopened.
When opened and used correctly (assuming lids are replaced properly) the shelf life is at least six months. Where the shelf life is limited then you will find the PAO symbol on these packs.

Are your products tested on animals?
We don’t test either products or ingredients on animals, instead we only test on human volunteers and the Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare range has been approved by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV). We comply with the Humane Cosmetics Standard and display the BUAV rabbit logo on all of our products. None of our ingredients are of animal origin (except beeswax, propolis and manuka honey).

All products are suitable for vegetarians.

Why do you use preservatives in your range?
Safe, effective products are our priority and many of our formulations are preservative free. However, we do use preservatives when absolutely essential for product safety. Where natural preservatives are not available, we use relatively low concentrations of the highest grade, broad-spectrum preservatives.

Do you use parabens in your products ?
Parabens occur naturally in many fruits and are used as preservatives in some of our products, but only in very small quantities. We use food-grade parabens where we have not found a suitable natural alternative that is 100% safe for our customers. If you would prefer to use preservative-free products, we do have products in the range (such as Superbalm, Superskin Concentrate, Spot-On, Lip Shimmers, Vital Oils for the Bath and Vital Oils Body Sprays) that do not contain any preservatives at all, as the formulations are oil-based and are not susceptible to micro bacterial contamination .

www.lizearle.com

Demi and Ashton in Tokyo

Actress Demi Moore is escorted by husband Ashton Kutcher upon arrival on the red carpet to promote his film "What Happens in Vegas" in Tokyo August 6, 2008. Moore wore LANVIN’s anthracite grosgrain ribbon cocktail dress. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN)

Cruz Chooses Chopard for Premieres

Actress Penelope Cruz attends a Cinema Society screening of 'Elegy' at the Tribeca Grand Hotel on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 in New York. At the New York event, Cruz wore Chopard’s pear-shaped diamond drop earrings, a diamond line bracelet and a magnificent yellow and white diamond cocktail ring. Cruz arrives at the Film Premiere of "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" in Los Angeles, Calif. on Monday, August 4, 2008. In Los Angeles, she also chose Chopard, an oval sapphire (11 carats) and diamond drop earrings, a Burmese sapphire (9 carats) and diamond ring and a sparkling diamond line bracelet (18 carats). Also, in Los Angeles, she wore Herve Leroux’s beautiful midnight blue silk jersey halter gown with woven bodice. (L.A.: Fashion Wire Daily/Maria Ramirez) (New York: AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

Stuart Weitzman Holiday 2008

Holiday Glamour at Bergdorf Goodman

These day-to-evening peep-toe styles will be available at Bergdorf Goodman for the holiday season. They are, from top to bottom, Pomposo (above), Wicky and BowBow. www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Wicky

BowBow

FHI Heat Continues Pink-Link Partnership

FHI Heat renewed its partnership with PINK-LINK (www.pink-link.org), a grassroots, non-profit (501.C.3) organization which provides online support to survivors of breast cancer and others affected by the disease. FHI Heat will donate a portion of sales from its various products. FHI Heat plans to donate $1 from each sale of specific pink-hued styling tools to PINK-LINK for one year. These pink-hued tools include: Nano Weight Pro 1900 Turbo Blow Dryer ($195.00); Nano Weight Pro 1800 Blow Dryer ($150.00), Nano Salon Pro 2000 dryer ($195.00); Technique G2 Styling Iron in 1" and 1.75" sizes (each $120.00); and Platform Styling Iron 1" (retail $195.00).

PINK-LINK’s mission is to create a virtual forum to provide support for women diagnosed with breast cancer. The non-sectarian site hosts the only online searchable database of breast cancer survivors. A member can search and connect with other members with privacy and confidentiality through the PINK-LINK email system. The site also provides professional support in the areas of nutrition, fitness, holistic health care and skin care through its "Ask the Expert" forum. Pink-Link has more than 2,000 members in all 50 states and internationally.

FHI Heat will put PINK-LINK stickers to the packaging of these specific products. 877.FHI.HEAT (877.344.4328) or www.fhiheat.com.

HGTV’s Design Star Chosen

America's vote crowned Jennifer Bertrand, 33, an artist and designer from Olathe, Kansas, the season three champion of the reality competition, HGTV Design Star.

In two days, from Sunday, July 27, at 10 p.m. ET through Wednesday, July 30, at 10 a.m. ET, viewers voted via HGTV.com/designstar and mobile phone text messages to choose Bertrand.

Bertrand was “crowned” in the season finale of the nine-episode series, winning - her own show on HGTV and a feature in In Style magazine. Her new show is expected to premiere on the network in January 2009.

Betrand and her final competitor, Matt Locke, 38, from Los Angeles, Calif., reunited with the other finalists to wait for the winner announcement.

"I'm shocked," said Bertrand, when asked how she was feeling about her win. "I look forward to this adventure and the chance to show America more of my designs!"

Season two winner Kim Myles made a guest appearance to congratulate Matt and Jennifer. Myles handed the finalists the HGTV Design Star paint cans. Upon popping the lids, each found mini cruise ships for a seven-day Caribbean cruise for two on Princess Cruises' newest ship, Ruby Princess. The Ruby Princess features world-class cuisine, four freshwater swimming pools, an on-board spa and the unique adults-only Sanctuary and outdoor theater, "Movies Under the Stars."

In addition, as the winner of HGTV Design Star, Bertrand will attend the ship's VIP inaugural festivities in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., this November. Each finalist also received a $5,000 gift card from Bank of America.

Most of the third season was shot in Nashville, Tenn., but the final challenge took place in New Orleans, La., where the two finalist redesigned the Katrina-ravaged homes of two neighbors - fire captain Mike Gowland and police officer John Olega. The two families were present at the live finale to thank them for the home makeovers. The Gowlands and Olegas families surprised when HGTV presented each family with a $1,000 gift card from Lumber Liquidators and a $3,000 gift card from Sears.

The season finale also reunited the show's judges Vern Yip, designer and host of HGTV's Deserving Design; Martha McCully, executive editor of In Style magazine; and clothing and home designer, Cynthia Rowley.

During each week of the competition, the drama unfolded as the finalists faced tough design challenges. For example, in one challenge they designed a space using items only purchased from an arts and crafts store. In another, they designed hotel suites for country music sensation Sara Evans at the famous Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville.

Sparkly Liv

Actors Edward Norton, right, and Liv Tyler smile upon their arrival at the Japan premiere for their movie 'The Incredible Hulk' at a Tokyo theater, Tuesday, July 29, 2008. Tyler sparkled in Platinum jewelry by Neil Lane . Tyler selected a Platinum and colored diamond cocktail ring and Platinum stud earrings. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)

Anderson in London in Chopard

U.S. actress Gillian Anderson looks up as she arrives for the British premiere of 'The X Files: I Want To Believe', in central London, Wednesday, July 30, 2008. Anderson wore Chopard’s golden pearl and cognac diamond briolette earrings. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)

We Believe: Anderson Sparkles

Cast member (and expectant mum) Gillian Anderson poses at the movie premiere of "The X-Files: I Want to Believe" at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California July 23, 2008. The movie opens in the U.S. on July 25. Anderson sparkled in Platinum jewelry by Neil Lane at the Los Angeles premiere of her film “The X-Files: I Want to Believe” on July 23rd. She selected 3 long Platinum chains, Platinum and diamond earrings and a Platinum cocktail ring. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES)