Friday, September 27, 2013

Julianne Hough celebrates her 25th birthday in  L.A., in blonde satin Stuart Weitzman LATENITE heels.(AKM Images)


Thursday, September 26, 2013



Here's Jennifer Aniston, this summer, in her Stuart Weitzman Alex Espadrille Sandals

Everyone makes a big deal of when the Duchess of Cambridge "recycles" a dress she wore for previous events. She's got nothing on Jennifer Aniston, who simply adores her Stuart Weitzman Alex Wedges, which she's proudly worn since 2009. Aniston has been photographed in the popular crochet style wedges numerous times. We can't say if she's only got one pair (she may have many, and they do come in other variations in color), but she is enamored of the ankle-wrap sandal.

Here's Aniston in the summer of 2011, again, in the Stuart Weitzman Alex Sandals.
Stuart Weitzman's Alex, Jennifer Aniston's "go-to" sandal of several seasons.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013


JFK: The Assassination Mystery Continues

John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline B. Kennedy


The 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy has fueled dark rumors of conspiracies for decades. Now, 50 years later, what can modern science tell us about the shooting in Dallas—and the investigations that followed? NOVA and a team of foremost experts employ exclusive tests and sophisticated new technology to reconstruct and review the evidence in COLD CASE JFK, premiering on Wednesday, November 13 at 9PM/8c on PBS (check local listings).


Dallas 11 November 1963

COLD CASE JFK is part of a series of specials airing in November on PBS to commemorate the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s death. This collection provides viewers with a comprehensive slate of programs that deliver fresh, unbiased perspectives on a defining historical moment of the 20th century. This programming is part of an ongoing collaboration among PBS documentary, science, news and public affairs programs to bring audiences trustworthy, factual content tied to relevant national conversations.

In COLD CASE JFK, NOVA follows a unique group of experts trying to unravel the lingering mysteries of the Kennedy assassination. What should have been a homicide investigator’s best-case scenario—a crime that occurred in broad daylight in front of hundreds of witnesses—instead became a forensics nightmare in a case plagued by a mishandled crime scene, a controversial autopsy, and a prime suspect gunned down while in police custody.

Dealy Plaza 1963

NOVA combines cutting edge technology and contemporary scientific techniques with archival footage and expert interviews to recreate the crime and the Warren Commission’s investigation--examining the shooting, the assassination scene, the medical information and wounds, and the evidence found on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository.

The film features several exclusive elements: For the first time since the original investigation by the FBI laboratory, forensic scientists trained and experienced in both firearms identification and shooting scene reconstruction review and evaluate the ballistics evidence in the JFK assassination. These experts apply new technology, not available until recently, to this historic crime.

JFK's Limo: The Aftermath

Forensic innovations featured in Cold Case JFK include:
• Test-firing the exact model of rifle and ammunition used by Lee Harvey Oswald
• High-speed videography to understand how these particular bullets behave in flight and in human tissue
• Multiple wound ballistics and tissue stimulants to test the Warren Commission’s controversial “magic bullet” theory
• New ballistic Doppler radar, not yet available in major crime labs
• Measuring the sounds of Carcano gunshots and supersonic bullets at various distances--useful for analyzing “ear witness” testimony
• Contemporary 3-D laser scans to recreate and analyze the physical crime scene and possible bullet trajectories, including “the grassy knoll”
• Virtual autopsy of JFK’s body
Autopsy Photo of the 33rd President

To execute the forensic tests, NOVA calls on several leading experts—including father and son firearms experts Lucien and Michael Haag; private investigator Josiah Thompson; medical examiner and forensic neuropathologist Peter Cummings; laser scanning specialist Tony Grissim; legendary newsman, Jim Lehrer, and historian and leading JFK assassination expert, John McAdams.

The most controversial aspect of the Warren Report is the “single bullet theory,” which says that one shot wounded both President John Kennedy and Governor John Connally, causing seven separate wounds in the two men. The bullet which the Warren Commission claimed did all this damage was discovered on a gurney at Parkland Hospital, looking virtually pristine, leading critics to deride it as “the magic bullet.” Yet the single bullet theory is essential to the Warren conclusion that Oswald acted alone.
Dealy Plazy, Aerial Photo

To test the single bullet theory, the film travels to a shooting range in New Mexico where criminalists Lucien and Michael Haag, experts in firearms and ballistics, reconstruct the shooting. The Doppler radar used by the father and son duo is a technology so new and unique that even the FBI and BATF forensic laboratories do not yet possess it. The Haags are convinced that the only hope of understanding what really happened in the assassination lies in reexamining the physical evidence: the weapon, the bullets and the wounds. They have studied Oswald’s rifle and discovered that both the gun and the ammunition it uses have some extremely unusual properties-–documented with high-speed video and shooting tests--which may shed new light on the controversial single bullet theory.

The Haags also pursue the question of whether there was a second shooter who fired from the grassy knoll, as the 1979 House Select Committee on Assassinations concluded. Working with laser scanning expert Tony Grissim, they use state-of-the-art 3D laser scanning to build a three-dimensional virtual model of Dealey Plaza.

With this model, accurate to the millimeter, they can evaluate any and all possible trajectories and determine what shooting positions were – or were not – possible.

Renowned JFK assassination expert and professor John McAdams weighs in on the findings of the original Warren Commission, the deficiencies of the medical and autopsy evidence, and the lack of understanding on the part of the Kennedy camp on the need for a forensic autopsy at the time.

Veteran investigator Josiah Thompson also studies the most famous “eye witness” account of that day: the 8mm Zapruder film—perhaps the best known “home movie” in history--which captures the shooting and wounds sustained by both the president and the Texas governor as their motorcade rides through Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas.
The tragic first family. Only Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg is alive today.

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy was a defining moment in our nation’s history and one that continues to perplex us. It was also the murder of a man. A half-century later, the shooting remains controversial to a majority of the public that doubts the Warren Commission findings that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. In Cold Case JFK, NOVA shows viewers the importance of re-examining the evidence of prior eras using the technology and tools of today to try to unlock the secrets of the past and yield important new insights.


Premieres Wednesday, November 13 at 9PM/8c on PBS 
www.pbs.org/nova
www.facebook.com/novaonline 
Twitter: @novapbs


Tuesday, September 24, 2013


A Day In Candy Land
The Sweet Suite to benefit 
the Juvenile Arthritis Association 
by Alessandra Incandela
Contributor, BeansTalk

The Organic Candy Factory had yummy treats for partygoers  (Photo by Karen Ray)

Some of Hollywood’s hottest stars joined Trueheart Events, famed pop artist Cassian and fashion brand iiJin in co-hosting the Sweet Suite to benefit the Juvenile Arthritis Association at Avalon Hollywood.

Patients and their families enjoyed a day of sweets, treats and activities in a Candy Land themed party. The Juvenile Arthritis organization is a nonprofit whose mission is to bring community awareness, research and empowerment to children and young adults diagnosed with the disease.

Blogger and actress, Alli Simpson says it’s a privilege to be apart of this event and help raise awareness.

“Events like this definitely make huge differences for the charity and for the kids.  It’s a good time for everyone,” Simpson says.

  Partygoers snacked on ice cream from Bonavenutre Gelato Lounge, grilled cheeses from the Grilled Cheese Truck, candy from the Organic Candy Factory and drinks from The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

There was also a cupcake decorating station, a chocolate fountain and a jewelry bar, hosted by Chirp Brand, where guests could design their own necklaces and bracelets.

Delicious cupcakes from Goody Girl Cupcakes (Photo by John Tobin)

“The kids definitely need a chance to just have fun and escape from what they are feeling. It’s nice to have fun and relax in Candy Land with them,” says actress Tara- Nicole Azarian.

DJ Kid Fish kept the crowd dancing with a special set led by Los Angeles Magazine’s #1 Children’s entertainer Groovy David. Guests also watched a special performance by rhythmic juggling beat boxer, Bronkar Lee.

  Lee says he appreciates giving back to the community and hopes to inspire children as well as adults.

“The kids need to experience things like this because it puts them in the light and shows that people actually care,” he says.

An estimated 1 in 250 children are affected by juvenile arthritis, yet they only receive a tiny fraction of the funding.
Candy Land Photo Fun (Photo by Karen Ray)

“As someone who is in the media I think it’s almost a moral imperative and at the same time an honor to help kids and help people,” says actress Chuti Tiu, who stars in this summer’s movie The Internship.

  Partner at Trueheart Events, Amy Malin says she is so excited to “create a magical and yummy day for the beautiful and deserving children the organization serves.”

Well done iiJin, Cassian, and Trueheart events, a day in Candy Land was a sweet success!

Monday, September 23, 2013

2013 Emmy Winners!


Big Emmy Winners

Who won big at this year's 65th Primetime Emmy Awards? Check out the list of winners (in bold) and nominees:
DRAMA SERIES
Winner: Breaking Bad, AMC

Nominees: Breaking Bad, AMC; Downton Abbey, PBS; Homeland, Showtime; Game of Thrones, HBO; House of Cards, Netflix; Mad Men, AMC
--
COMEDY SERIES
Winner: Modern Family, ABC

Nominees: The Big Bang Theory, CBS; Girls, HBO, Louie, FX; Modern Family, ABC;30 Rock, NBC; Veep, HBO
--
MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Winner: Behind the Candelabra, HBO
Nominees: American Horror Story: Asylum, FX; Behind the Candelabra, HBO; Phil Spector, HBO; Political Animals, USA; The Bible, History; Top of the Lake, Sundance Channel
--
LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Winner: Claire Danes, Homeland, Showtime

Nominees: Connie Britton, Nashville, ABC; Claire Danes, Homeland, Showtime; Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey, PBS; Vera Farmiga, Bates Motel, A&E; Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men, AMC; Kerry Washington, Scandal, ABC; Robin Wright, House of Cards, Netflix
--
LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Winner: Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom, HBO

Nominees: Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey, PBS; Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad, AMC; Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom, HBO; Jon Hamm, Mad Men, AMC; Damian Lewis, Homeland, Showtime; Kevin Spacey, House of Cards, Netflix
--
LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Winner: Jim Parsons, Big Bang Theory, CBS
Nominees: Jason Bateman, Arrested Development, Netflix; Louis C.K., Louie, FX; Don Cheadle, House of Lies, Showtime; Matt LeBlanc, Episodes, Showtime; Jim Parsons,Big Bang Theory, CBS; Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock, NBC
--
LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Winner: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep, HBO

Nominees: Lena Dunham, Girls, HBO; Laura Dern, Enlightened, HBO; Tiny Fey, 30 Rock, NBC; Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation, NBC; Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep, HBO;Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie, Showtime
--
LEAD ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Winner: Michael Douglas, Behind The Candelabra, HBO
Nominees: Michael Douglas, Behind The Candelabra, HBO; Matt Damon, Behind The Candelabra, HBO; Toby Jones, The Girl, HBO; Benedict Cumberbatch, Parade's End, HBO; Al Pacino, Phil Spector, HBO
--
LEAD ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Winner: Laura Linney, The Big C: Hereafter, Showtime

Nominees: Jessica Lange, American Horror Story, FX; Laura Linney, The Big C: Hereafter, Showtime; Helen Mirren, Phil Spector, HBO; Sigourney Weaver, Political Animals, USA; Elisabeth Moss, Top of the Lake, Sundance Channel
--
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Winner: Bobby Cannavale, Boardwalk Empire, HBO

Nominees: Bobby Cannavale, Boardwalk Empire, HBO; Jonathan Banks, Breaking Bad, AMC; Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad, AMC; Jim Carter, Downton Abbey, PBS; Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones, HBO; Mandy Patinkin, Homeland, Showtime
--
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Winner: Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad, AMC
Nominees: Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad, AMC; Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey, PBS;Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones, HBO; Christine Baranski, The Good Wife, CBS;Morena Baccarin, Homeland, Showtime; Christina Hendricks, Mad Men, AMC
--
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Winner: Tony Hale, Veep, HBO

Nominees: Adam Driver, Girls, HBO; Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family, ABC; Ed O'Neill, Modern Family, ABC; Ty Burrell, Modern Family, ABC; Bill Hader, Saturday Night Live, NBC; Tony Hale, Veep, HBO
--
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Winner: Merritt Wever, Nurse Jackie, Showtime

Nominees: Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory, CBS; Jane Lynch, Glee, Fox; Sofia Vergara, Modern Family, ABC; Julie Bowen, Modern Family, ABC; Merritt Wever,Nurse Jackie, Showtime; Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock, NBC; Anna Chlumsky, Veep, HBO
--
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Winner: Ellen Burstyn, Political Animals, USA
Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Asylum, FX; Charlotte Rampling, Restless, Sundance; Imelda Staunton, The Girl, HBO; Ellen Burstyn, Political Animals, USA; Alfre Woodard, Steel Magnolias; Lifetime
--
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Winner: James Cromwell, American Horror Story: Asylum, FX
Nominees: James Cromwell, American Horror Story: Asylum, FX; Zachary Quinto,American Horror Story: Asylum, FX; Scott Bakula, Behind The Candelabra, HBO; John Benjamin Hickey, The Big C: Hereafter, Showtime; Peter Mullan, Top of the Lake, Sundance Channel
--
REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
Winner: The Voice, NBC
Nominees: The Amazing Race, CBS; Dancing With the Stars, ABC; Project Runway, Lifetime; So You Think You Can Dance, Fox; Top Chef, Bravo; The Voice, NBC
--
VARIETY SERIES
Winner: The Colbert Report, Comedy Central

Nominees: The Colbert Report, Comedy Central; The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, Comedy Central; Jimmy Kimmel Live, ABC; Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, NBC; Real Time With Bill Maher, HBO; Saturday Night Live, NBC
--
VARIETY SPECIAL
Winner: Louis C.K.: Oh My God, HBO

Nominees: The Kennedy Center Honors, CBS; Louis C.K.: Oh My God, HBO; Mel Brooks Strikes Back! With Mel Brooks And Alan Yentob, HBO; Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update Thursday (Part One), NBC; 12-12-12: The Concert For Sandy Relief
--
DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Winner: House of Cards, Netflix
Nominees: Boardwalk Empire, HBO; Breaking Bad, AMC; Downton Abbey, PBS;Homeland, Showtime; House of Cards, Netflix
--
DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Winner: Modern Family, ABC

Nominees: Girls, HBO; Glee, Fox; Louie, FX; Modern Family, ABC; 30 Rock, NBC
--
DIRECTING FOR A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Winner: Behind the Candelabra, HBO
Behind the Candelabra, HBO; Ring of Fire, Lifetime, Phil Spector, HBO; The Girl, HBO; Top of the Lake; Sundance Channel
--
WRITING FOR A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Winner: The Hour, BBC America
The fantastic, but inexplicably canceled The Hour
Behind the Candelabra, HBO; Parade's End; HBO, Phil Spector, HBO; The Hour, BBC America; Top of the Lake; Sundance Channel
--
DIRECTING FOR A VARIETY SERIES
Winner: Saturday Night Live, NBC
Nominees: The Colbert Report, Comedy Central; The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, Comedy Central; Jimmy Kimmel Live, ABC; Portlandia, IFC; Late Show with David Letterman, HBO; Saturday Night Live, NBC
--
WRITING FOR A VARIETY SERIES
Winner: The Colbert Report, Comedy Central

Nominees: The Colbert Report, Comedy Central; The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, Comedy Central; Jimmy Kimmel Live, ABC; Portlandia, IFC; Real Time With Bill Maher, HBO; Saturday Night Live, NBC
--
WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Winner: Homeland, Showtime
Nominees: Breaking Bad ("Dead Freight"), AMC; Breaking Bad ("Say My Name"), AMC;Downton Abbey, PBS; Game of Thrones, HBO; Homeland, Showtime
--
WRITING FOR COMEDY SERIES
Winner: 30 Rock ("Last Lunch"), NBC

Nominees: Episodes, Showtime; Louie, FX; The Office, NBC; 30 Rock ("Hogcock!"), NBC; 30 Rock ("Last Lunch"), NBC
--
GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES (presented at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmys)
Winner: Bob Newhart, The Big Bang Theory, CBS
Nominees: Bob Newhart, The Big Bang Theory, CBS; Nathan Lane, Modern Family, ABC; Bobby Cannavale, Nurse Jackie, Showtime; Louis C.K., Saturday Night Live, NBC; Justin Timberlake, Saturday Night Live, NBC; Will Forte, 30 Rock, NBC
--
GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES (presented at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmys)
Winner: Melissa Leo, Louie, FX
Nominees: Molly Shannon, Enlightened, HBO; Dot-Marie Jones, Glee, Fox; Melissa Leo, Louie, FX; Melissa McCarthy, Saturday Night Live, NBC; Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live, NBC; Elaine Stritch, 30 Rock, NBC
--
HOST FOR A REALITY OR REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM (presented at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmys)
Winner: Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Project Runway, Bravo
Nominess: Ryan Seacrest, American Idol, Fox; Betty White, Betty White's Off Their Rockers, NBC;Tom Bergeron, Dancing With the Stars, ABC; Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn,Project Runway, Bravo; Cat Deeley, So You Think You Can Dance, Fox; Anthony Bourdain, The Taste, ABC
--
GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES (presented at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmys)
Winner: Carrie Preston, The Good Wife, CBS
Nominees: Margo Martindale, The Americans, FX; Diana Rigg, Game of Thrones, HBO;Carrie Preston, The Good Wife, CBS; Linda Cardellini, Mad Men, AMC; Jane Fonda, The Newsroom, HBO; Joan Cusack, Shameless, Showtime
--
GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES (presented at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmys)
Winner: Dan Bucatinsky, Scandal, ABC
Nominees: Nathan Lane, The Good Wife, CBS; Michael J. Fox, The Good Wife, CBS;Rupert Friend, Homeland, Showtime; Robert Morse, Mad Men, AMC; Harry Hamlin, Mad Men, AMC; Dan Bucatinsky, Scandal, ABC

Friday, September 20, 2013

We are IN LOVE

blockheads, in the heart of West L.A.'s Little Tokyo

Bonkers for blockheads

Ever since we actually sampled the goods at West Los Angeles' trendy blockheads shavery co. we absolutely cannot get enough. We're embarrassed to say there have been visits five days in a row, perhaps a missed day, and then we returned for another three in a row.

If you live in Los Angeles, and you haven't had the opportunity to try this amazing concoction, you must do so, like as soon as you can (although it's really best to avoid evenings and especially weekend evenings because the line-ups are nuts and since each dish is custom and made-to-order, it's not the fasted production line).

Originating in Taiwan, snow cream is a variation on shaved ice (most associated with Hawaiian Shaved Ice; think Snow Cone). Snow Cream or Snow Fluff start out as large round blocks of frozen goodness, placed in a specially designed shaving machine from which comes the delightful cloud-like delight.

Blockheads' flavors include original (our favorite, which is a sweet milk), Green Tea, Black Sesame and Strawberry. Right now, their special flavor is Taro.

There are three steps to ordering: 1. Choose the size (regular or large) and flavor 2. Choose toppings (these range from fresh fruits, to more exotic offerings like grass and almond jelly, familiar Asian sweet treats like honey boba and mochi, and our favorite, homemade rice cakes (which aren't what you may imagine, if you're picturing Quaker Oats minis and regulars; they're actually round balls made from sweet rice flour -- we ADORE them). 3. The final step is the topping, the drizzle (a sweet sauce) -- choose from condensed milk, carmel, chocolate, strawberry and coconut puree.

It is utterly addictive and wonderful.




This is the eat-in large size -- green tea snow cream with the aforementioned rice cakes, red beans and condensed milk drizzle.

Here's the original flavor with mochi (the little white things), rice cakes (the larger white balls), fresh strawberries and strawberry drizzle.
Here's a pre-topped Black Sesame flavored regular to-go sized snow cream.
This is the type of shaver they use at blockheads
These are what the frozen blocks of flavored ice look like before they're put into the machines (seen above). However, none of the snow cream flavors at blockheads are any of these colors.

Thursday, September 19, 2013



“Love Boat” Captain Pens Memoir


Iconic characters of television are imbedded in our culture and mindset. Two classic and endearing TV characters, “Murray Slaughter” and “Captain Stubing,” have become household names thanks to the actor who lovingly played them, Gavin MacLeod.

In his upcoming autobiography, This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith & Life (Thomas Nelson/October 22), Gavin MacLeod not only shares stories and memories of his long and distinguished career, but candidly reveals the highs and very lows of his life, and how his discovering faith gave him true happiness.

Gavin MacLeod, in his six decades on television, will always be readily identified for his roles in the groundbreaking Mary Tyler Moore program and the entertaining The Love Boat series. But, like many in the entertainment industry, he was “no overnight success.”

Written with Mark Dagostino, This Is Your Captain Speaking takes readers on a pleasure cruise through MacLeod’s youth, from his childhood in upstate NY and studying acting at Ithaca College, to moving to New York City and his days as a young "starving artist," trying to break onto Broadway while surviving on buttered rolls, hot dogs and "ketchup soup."

MacLeod then goes behind the scenes to provide vivid details and memories of the cast and creators of The Mary Tyler Moore show, where playing Murray Slaughter changed his life forever.

As Captain Merrill Stubing, MacLeod sailed the Pacific Princess into America’s living rooms for nearly 10-years. Indeed, his joy of traveling the world as “The Captain” continues today, serving as an ambassador for Princess Cruise Lines.

Gavin MacLeod does not hold anything back in discussing his personal and professional life in This Is Your Captain Speaking, including:

- His encounters with some of the world’s biggest stars, including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Steve McQueen, Bette Davis and Robert Redford, among others.

- His battles with depression and near-suicide while working on McHale's Navy, and with alcoholism that led to quitting cold turkey in 1974 (He’s been sober for some 39 years).

- His audition for the role of Archie Bunker in All in the Family.

- The painful divorce from his first wife, finding new love with actress/dancer named Patti Steele, then a second divorce and their miraculous remarriage.

- The emotional moment when he gave his life to Christ.

- MacLeod recalls how he brought longtime friend and Mary Tyler Moore co-star Ted Knight to Christ just before he died.

- His surviving two heart attacks, a quintuple bypass and other health issues.

- Why MacLeod retired from commercial television and film work, and what he focuses those efforts on today.

“My life has taken one incredible turn after another,” writes MacLeod. “I’ve gotten to do what I wanted to do. I’ve been a captain! I’ve been given this incredible gift of life and now I want to use it to give back. That’s why I’m sharing my story here, the fun parts and even some not-so-fun parts, in the hopes that maybe someone will take a nice walk down memory lane with me – and maybe I’ll even give someone a little bit of hope.”

This Is Your Captain Speaking hits bookstores and online outlets nationwide on October 22, 2013.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

 Rihanna wore a pair of shorts and a baseball cap from the Roberto Cavalli Gym Collection in Stockholm, Sweden

Tuesday, September 17, 2013


New Series from BBC World News


BBC WORLD NEWS--
Escape from the Boardroom - NEW SERIES (6-parts)
Premiering Saturday, September 21, 2013 – 5:10 pm ET

The business world has changed immeasurably over the past decade and thanks to globalisation, the competition in most sectors is tougher. In order to stay ahead, today’s CEOs have to be multi-skilled visionaries, capable of seeing the big picture as well as understanding the details that may trip up the organisation. In order to do that effectively, there’s no substitute for getting out and about and experiencing their business at the sharp end. 

In the new, weekly five-part series, Escape from the Boardroom, CEOs are given a corporate workout: a series of challenges that gets them out of the office to explore their organisation, their staff, their customers and the competition. From Spyker cars, a luxury European car manufacturer, to Semsom, a leading middle-eastern restaurant chain, each of our company CEOs will have to deliver their findings to the staff. Is their business in good shape to tackle today’s global challenges? Or will it be a case of out of the boardroom and back to the drawing board? 

Monday, September 16, 2013

What's Zooey Deschanel Wearing??



If Zooey Deschanel Likes These...

If it wasn't for pixieish fashionista Zooey Deschanel, BeansTalk would have no idea that Oroton sold anything other than watches. The "New Girl" star wore a pair of the brand's high-heeled pumps to Fox's 2013 Fall Eco Casino Party (which is basically a shindig to celebrate the new season of Fox fall TV shows). 

Sepia Suede Bow Pumps in cotton pink

Heel measures approx. 11 cm
Calf leather
Kid Suede
Bow detail featuring Oroton hardware
Pointed toe
Oroton logo plaque on sole of shoe
Leather sole embossed with Oroton jacquard

$325 AUD (current conversion rate is $1 Australian dollar to .93 U.S. cents or $301.67 U.S.)

Orders sent out after two days; allow five working days for international delivery $19.95 AUD or $18.52 U.S. 

The Australian brand Orton was founded in 1938, and gained notoriety in the sixties' and seventies' for women's gold and silver mesh accessories. While most Americans know the brand for watches, they sell jewelry, clothing, lingerie, shoes, bags, wallets, sunshades, accessories and beauty products (pretty mirrors, nail polish, perfume, and lip balm.


Friday, September 13, 2013

Going Pink


FarmHouse Fresh & National Breast
Cancer Foundation Partner Up

FarmHouse Fresh® introduces Pink Moon shea-butter enriched hand and body creams; softly textured body whip. Pink Moon also represents the company's first partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® (www.nbcf.org).



"We are very proud of our new partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation and believe in its noble mission for early detection, since breast cancer affects so many women, mothers and daughters, and its repercussions affect entire families," says Shannon McLinden, CEO of FarmHouse Fresh® brands. "We plan to donate 10% of all Pink Moon sales made on our company website (www.farmhousefreshgoods.com) during October, in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month."

McLinden continues, "In Texas, we have a notorious pink moon during the month of April. I wanted to capture its delicate, transient quality in the form of a long-lasting hand and body cream, perfect for dry weather and colder climates, with a soft, powdery, tempting fragrance that makes women reminisce about a beautiful sunset, while delighted to be living in the moment."
 
Pink Moon blends shea and cocoa butters, jojoba seed oil, soybean oil, aloe and vitamins A and E. The shea and cocoa butters and oils soften and soothe rough, dry, chapped skin, and improve the skin's elasticity and moisture retention. Shea butter, aloe and vitamin E also help to calm skin irritations and sunburns. Pink Moon is 99.6% natural and vegan, using a phthalate-free fragrance blend, in addition to being gluten-, paraben- and sulfate-free.

Pink Moon hand cream retails for $14.00 in an airport security-friendly, 2.4 oz. aluminum tube, while the body cream retails for $30.00 in an 8 oz. bottle with pump. Both products are housed in a giftable decorative box with image that inspires one to reminisce about nature's beauty, making it a beautiful keepsake.

Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, the National Breast Cancer Foundation's (NBCF) mission is to save lives through early detection and to provide mammograms for those in need.  A recipient of Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating for nine years, NBCF provides women Help for Today...Hope for Tomorrow® through its National Mammography Program, Beyond The Shock®, Early Detection Plan, MyNBCF online support community, and breast cancer research programs. www.nbcf.org.

For more information about the Pink Moon hand and body creamor other FarmHouse Fresh® products, contact FarmHouse Fresh® at 888-773-9626 or online at farmhousefreshgoods.com. The products can be purchased at boutiques as well as spas and resorts including the Halcyon Salon & Spa at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, Glen Ivy Resort & Spas, Four Seasons Chicago, The Spa at Camelback Inn, Ritz-Carlton Orlando, The Trump Chicago and Hyatt Regencys, among others.