2009 TV Land Awards

The 2009 TV Land Awards premieres on Sunday, April 26th at 8 p.m. ET/PT on TV Land during a special presentation of TV Land PRIME. Appearances included Will Ferrell, Matthew McConaughey, Martin Sheen, Teri Hatcher, Amy Poehler, Jimmy Kimmel, Cyndi Lauper, Angela Bassett, Reba McEntire, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dr. Phil McGraw and more. This year’s honorees included Don Rickles (Legend Award), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Lucille Ball Legacy of Laughter Award), “M*A*S*H” (Impact Award) “Married With Children” (Innovator Award), “ER,” (Icon Award), “Home Improvement” (Fan Favorite Award), “Magnum P.I.” (Hero Award), Sid and Marty Krofft (Pop Culture Award), “Knots Landing” (30th Anniversary Award), “Two and a Half Men” (Future Classic Award), and Earth, Wind & Fire (Entertainer Award).

The gala event featured unforgettable moments such as Jimmy Kimmel’s tribute to legendary Don Rickles and Teri Hatcher’s memories of her guest appearance on “Future Classic Award” series winner “Two and a Half Men.” In an ironic and witty tribute, Dr. Phil McGraw presented the cast of “Married With Children” with “The Innovator Award,” and Martin Sheen presented the cast of “M*A*S*H” – including Alan Alda and Loretta Swit -- with “The Impact Award.” Movie star and leading man Matthew McConaughey presented the always debonair Tom Selleck and the cast of “Magnum P.I” with “The Hero Award,” and critically-acclaimed funk band Earth, Wind & Fire received “The Entertainer Award” from Angela Bassett.

Other memorable moments included:

* A videotaped parody/show open by host Neil Patrick Harris which took him through his own version of “The Twilight Zone,” traveling through TV hits spanning from “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Love Boat,” “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” “Happy Days” – featuring an appearance by Marion Ross, “Baywatch” and finally “Survivior” where he comes face to the show’s host Jeff Probst.

* A heartwarming taped tribute to Don Rickles by close friend and fellow icon Bob Newhart.

* A medley performed by honorees Earth, Wind & Fire of their hits.

* Will Ferell’s presentation and Cyndi Lauper and Clint Black’s musical tribute to “Pop Culture Award” winners Sid and Marty Krofft.

* Amy Poehler’s tribute to Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

* Neil Patrick Harris’s performance of the song “I’ll Take TV,” written by acclaimed Academy Award-nominated composer Marc Shaiman (“Hairspray” and “Sleepless In Seattle.”

The tribute awards included the following:

THE LEGEND AWARD

Jimmy Kimmel presents Don Rickles with the Legend Award. This award is presented to an entertainer or a television show that has stood the test of time and ranks among the most memorable and celebrated in television and movie history.

THE LEGACY OF LAUGHTER AWARD

Presented by Amy Poehler, this award is presented to an entertainer whose comedic work continues to serve as an inspiration and a guiding force. This year’s recipient is Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The recipient of the Lucille Ball Legacy of Laughter award serves as an ideal appreciation to those who have provided the invigorating healing power of laughter. The first recipient to have received such an award was Lucille Ball for her awe-inspiring work which continues to set a precedent for those who receive this great honor.

THE IMPACT AWARD

Martin Sheen presented this award this award to “M*A*S*H,” a show that offered both entertainment and enlightenment, always striving for humor and humanity, with comedy that reflected reality. Sheen presented the award to the cast – Alan Alda, Mike Farrell, Allan Arbus, Jeff Maxwell, Kellye Nakahara-Wallet, Loretta Swit, Mike Farrell, Wayne Rogers, William Christopher, producers Burt Metcalfe, Gene Reynolds and Larry Gelbart.

THE INNOVATOR AWARD

Dr. Phil presented this award to “Married with Children,” a series whose influence is still felt and evident in television today. This award is most exemplified by a show that carved out new territory, re-defining elements of the genre and opening pathways for others to follow. Cast members Ed O’Neill, Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate, David Faustino and Ted McGinley.

THE ICON AWARD

“ER,” one of television’s longest running dramas, will be presented the Icon Award by Neil Patrick Harris for the way that it changed television with its fast-paced steadi-cam shots as well as for its amazing and gritty storylines. The Icon Award is presented to a television program with immeasurable fame and longevity. The show transcends generations and is recognized by peers and fans around the world. Cast members Alex Kingston, Anthony Edwards, Angela Bassett, Linda Cardellini, Ellen Crawford, Lily Mariye, Kellie Martin, Mekhi Phifer, Paul McCrane and Yvette Freeman accepted the award.

THE FAN FAVORITE AWARD

Presented by Jamie Lee Curtis, The Fan Favorite Award is given to an All-American classic that won the hearts of television viewers, with characters who became our friends, stories we could all relate to and irresistible laughs. The 2009 Fan Favorite is “Home Improvement.” Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, Richard Karn, Debbe Dunning, Zachary Ty Bryan and Taran Noah Smith all accepted the award.

THE HERO AWARD

Matthew McConaughey presented the cast of “Magnum P.I.” -- Tom Selleck, Roger Mosley and Larry Manetti -- with The Hero Award. This salutes a show whose crime-solving feats were astounding, yet remained thoroughly authentic, offering equal parts of street smarts, wit and charisma - in this case, all wrapped up in floral prints.

THE POP CULTURE AWARD

Will Ferrell presented Sid and Marty Krofft with the Pop Culture Award, which is presented to a producer whose body of work has crossed the line from ordinary to pop culture status. The tribute also included a performance by Cyndi Lauper as well as Clint Black and Barry Williams (“The Brady Bunch”) and characters from their famous series including “H.R. Pufnstuf” and “Sigmund and The Sea Monsters.”

THE ANNIVERSARY AWARD

Presented by Reba McEntire, “Knots Landing’s” will be given The Anniversary Award as one of the longest-running primetime soap-operas in television history, celebrating its 30th Anniversary. With its unpredictable storylines, intriguing characters and surprising plots, it charmed audiences and critics alike while creating a pathway for future programs. McEntire presented to the cast – Donna Mills, Joan Van Ark, Kevin Dobson, Lisa Hartman-Black, Michele Lee, Michelle Phillips, Ted Shackleford, William DeVane, Constance McCashin, David Jacobs and Don Murray.

THE FUTURE CLASSIC AWARD

Presented by Teri Hatcher, this award was unveiled by TV Land in 1998 and is presented annually to a show that best exemplifies the qualities of a television show that will stand the test of time and become a television classic. “Two and a Half Men” is this year’s recipient of the Future Classic Award. Stars Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer, Holland Taylor, Angus T. Jones, Conchata Ferrell, series creator/executive producer Chuck Lorre and producer Mark Burg accepted the award.

THE ENTERTAINER AWARD

Angela Bassett presented this award to Earth, Wind & Fire’s Verdine White, Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson. This award is given to a series or entertainer whose talent is unmatched and whose fame and longevity are immeasurable. From the beginning, Earth, Wind & Fire brought popular music something new and thrilling – a jazzy, soulful uplifting spirit all their own. Their work transcends generations and is recognized by peers and fans all over the world.

For a complete list of winners, go to www.tvland.com.

Demi Moore Loves Her.....

Stuart Weitzman's 5050

• Luxe over-the-knee boots with a round toe and elastic boot shaft panel for a great fit.
• Soft nappa leather.
• Pull-on design.
• Leather lining.
• Non-skid sole.
• Made in Spain.
• 1" heel.
• 21" shaft.
• 14" circumference.
• 17.60 oz.

Demi Moore was spotted and photographed wearing these $535 boots throughout her European Spring Break, shopping in Nice, walking the pier, hanging out with her husband, Twitter king Ashton Kutcher.

Did You Know…


That these are all Liz Claiborne brands?

Axcess
Belongings
Bora Bora
C&C California
CITY Unltd
Claiborne
Crazy Horse
Curve
Dana Buchman
DKNY Active
Elisabeth
Ellen Tracy
Emma James
Enyce
First Issue
Intuitions
J.H. Collectibles
Juicy Couture
Kenneth Cole New York/Reaction
Kenneth Cole
Kenzie
Kenziegirl
Laundry by Shelli Segal
LIZ
Liz Claiborne
Lucky Brand Jeans
Mac&Jac
Mambo
Marvella
Metro Concepts
Mexx
Monet
Monet 2
Prana
Realities
Rhythm&Blues
Sigrid Olsen
Soul
Spark
Stamp 10
Tapemeasure
Tint
Trifari
Villager
YZZA

L.A. Acoustic Fest Brings Out the Best

The L.A. Acoustic Music Festival debuts over the weekend of June 6–7, 2009 on the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Calif. The two-day celebration of acoustic music takes place during the Pier’s 100th Anniversary year and benefits the California Acoustic Music Project (CAMP). Tickets and information can be found at , or by calling (818) 621-8309.

The lineup for Saturday, June 6 will open with the Refugees, the all-female “power band” of Wendy Waldman (“Save the Best for Last”), Deborah Holland, and Cindy Bullens, followed by Joel Rafael, Eliza Gilkyson, and the extraordinary Jimmy LaFave, named “Best Singer-Songwriter” by Austin Music Awards, playing what he calls “red dirt music.”

After a dinner break, Richard Thompson (seen in the image above), the iconic British folk rock legend and one of the world’s most critically acclaimed singers, songwriters and guitarists, will take the stage, followed by Natalie MacMaster, the virtuoso Cape Breton fiddler. Bringing it home as the final act of the evening will be Bruce Cockburn, rocking the festival stage with his own brand of acoustic folk-jazz-based music that has expanded to include reggae and a harder jazz-fusion-tinged rock.

Leading off the lineup on Sunday, June 7 will be Sarah Lee Guthrie (granddaughter of Woody Guthrie) and Johnny Irion; Austin singer/songwriter Slaid Cleaves; and Stonehoney, with its neo-California country-rock sound. In the afternoon, the deeply inspiring Woody Guthrie tribute (by the band Ribbon of Highway, Endless Skyway) will pay homage to America’s greatest troubadour.

Sunday evening will continue the massive talent lineup with David Bromberg & the Angel Band, followed by David Lindley, one of Southern California’s prototype singer/songwriters, known also for his guitar work in Jackson Browne’s recorded legacy. The festival will conclude on a high note with Nanci Griffith performing her acclaimed brand of what Rolling Stone has described as “folkabilly” music.

The California Acoustic Music Project (CAMP), to which proceeds from the event will be contributed, is a 501c(3) organization that provides artists-in-residence to schools on a salaried, ongoing basis through the curriculum of the Americana Project in order to ensure that every student gets the experience of music instruction every day. Instruments (primarily guitars, mandolins and banjos) are also provided, and songwriting, instrumentation and performance are taught. Each semester culminates in both a CD project and a concert performance.

According to festival promoter Renee Bodie, “My heart has always been to get the music out there, in whatever way it can. Los Angeles isn't broken, but it has become very disconnected. This is about our community, and being able to buck the odds and have a celebration of acoustic music in a time when our hearts need it the most.”

The L.A. Acoustic Music Festival debuts in a year in which the venerable Claremont Folk Festival is on a one-year hiatus, making the event even more indispensible for fans of folk and Americana music.

The Santa Monica Pier is the ideal spot for a music festival, alive with a variety of entertainment, dining and shopping experiences, including the thrill rides of Pacific Park, a historic 1922 Carousel and an interactive aquarium. With its inspired line-up and location featuring a laid-back beach atmosphere, cool ocean breezes and gorgeous sunsets, the L.A. Acoustic Music Festival is one of the very best summer offerings of 2009.

“Premiere” tickets for the event cost $130 (adults, both days) and $100 (children, both days), or $75 (adult, one day) and $45 (children, one day). General admission is $110 (adults, both says) and $80 (children, both days), or $65 (adults, one day) and $45 (children, one day). The ticketing sections are seated in chairs, reserved by section but not individual chair. Premiere seating is front of house. General admission is behind premiere seating.

Caged Gladiators

You'd have to be living in a cave not to notice that the "hot" sandal, tall or short (aka high- or low-heeled) are the multiple-strapped sandals, which some dub as "caged platforms" and others as the "gladiator flat."

At any rate, while you can find inexpensive versions of this trendy style at Bakers and Aldo, the style remains popular in the up-market, with brands like Stuart Weitzman creating provocative and pricey versions.

Famous for the million-dollar red-carpet sandals (featuring real diamonds and jewels), as well as their evening line, Weitzman's designs are often worn by starlets to Hollywood premieres and events.

Weitzman's latest super-hot sandal is the Tijuana (seen above), which was worn last week by actress Emma Roberts to a New Museum event in NYC, as well as "Ugly Betty" star Vanessa Williams (the former Miss America wore her Tijuanas to a Gotham Magazine event). Scroll down BeansTalk to several days ago and you'll see Observe & Report star Anna Faris, also wearing the Tijuanas.

Fekkai Offers Free Brow Service
(With Purchase, in April Only)


For the month of April, the Frederic Fekkai Salons are offering an eyebrow wax or tweeze with purchase.

Consider a Fekkai signature cut or color, rejuvenate your hair, try the new Au Naturel Dry Shampoo buy a series of 10 manicures to use throughout the next year, as long as you you rack up a bill of $500 on products and services, tell the front desk for a free eyebrow waxing or tweeze.

**PROMOTIONS**
Complimentary Eyebrow Wax or Tweeze:

Spend $500 on services and products and receive a complimentary eyebrow wax or tweeze.

$52 Value

Offer Valid only in April





Frederic Fekkai Salon Locations



MELROSE PLACE

8457 Melrose Place

Los Angeles, CA 90069

323.655.7800



BEVERLY HILLS

440 North Rodeo Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

310.777.8700



FIFTH AVENUE

712 Fifth Avenue

Henri Bendel

New York, NY 10019

212.753.9500



SOHO

394 West Broadway

New York, NY 10012

212.888.2600



DALLAS

47 Highland Park Village

Suite 207

Dallas, TX 75205

214.219.3600



PALM BEACH

301 Australian Avenue

Palm Beach, FL 33480

561.833.9930



GREENWICH

2 Lewis Court

Greenwich, CT 06830

203.861.6700

Phish Summer Tour

Online Ticket Request Period Is Underway;
Tickets Go On Sale Next Week To General Public

Band Begins Recording Next Album With Producer Steve Lillywhite


Phish will kick off its first summer tour in five years with a concert at Boston's historic Fenway Park on May 31, 2009. The band has also added a third date (June 2nd) at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY. An online ticket request period is currently underway for the two newly announced shows at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/ and will end April 12th at 11:59 p.m. ET. Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10:00 a.m. ET on Friday, April 17th, for the Jones Beach show and at 10:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, April 18th, for the Fenway Park show.

The band will play the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on June 12th and 14th. Tickets are still available for the festival as are a limited number of seats for the band's August 11th date at Toyota Park in Chicago, IL. The rest of the group's previously announced shows are sold out. See below for a full itinerary. For information on where to purchase tickets, visit http://www.phish.com/tourdates.

The group has already recorded demos of 20 new songs and entered the studio last week with Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band) to begin work on Phish's first new studio album in five years. Lillywhite produced Phish's 1996 album, Billy Breathes. The Clifford Ball, a seven-DVD box set from JEMP Records/Rhino capturing the band's entire performance at this landmark 1996 festival, recently debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Music Video chart.

Phish received stellar reviews for its recent three-night stand at Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, VA. The New York Times ran two features on the concerts and noted: "as the opening passage of the anthem 'Fluffhead' enveloped the room, the eruption of exultation was not merely for the band itself but also for the millions in the Phish diaspora who make up perhaps the most fervent fandom in pop music" while USA Today praised the group for "expertly navigating hairpin changes." "Over a massive, four-hour set, guitarist Trey Anastasio, bassist Mike Gordon, drummer Jon Fishman and keyboardist Page McConnell ripped through dozens of crowd-favorites," said rollingstone.com. "They kicked things off with some of their most compositionally complex tunes, from the knotted prog-funk of 'Fluffhead' to 'Divided Sky,' where the group's quiet, mellifluous interplay of guitar, drums, bass and keys suggests they're as well-oiled of a machine as they've ever been."

Formed at the University of Vermont in 1983, the Grammy-nominated band was included in the Top 10 Grossing Concert Tours in North America from 1995-2000 and from 2002-2004. Phish has released 11 studio albums, six concert videos and a series of 44 complete live concert CDs, including 13 on its own JEMP Records. Its series of full concert downloads on livephish.com, the band's digital download store, currently totals 91.


PHISH -SUMMER 2009 U.S. TOUR

5/31 Boston, MA Fenway Park PUBLIC ONSALE 4/18
6/2 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater PUBLIC ONSALE 4/17
6/4 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater sold out
6/5 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater sold out
6/6 Mansfield, MA Comcast Center sold out
6/7 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center sold out
6/9 Asheville, NC Asheville Civic Center sold out
6/10 Knoxville, TN Thompson-Boling Arena sold out
6/12 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Manchester, TN ON SALE NOW
6/14 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Manchester, TN ON SALE NOW
6/16 St. Louis, MO Fox Theatre sold out
6/18 Burgettstown, PA Post Gazette Pavilion sold out
6/19 Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center sold out
6/20 East Troy, WI Alpine Valley sold out
6/21 East Troy, WI Alpine Valley sold out
7/30 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre sold out
7/31 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre sold out
8/1 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre sold out
8/2 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre sold out
8/5 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre sold out
8/7 George, WA The Gorge sold out
8/8 George, WA The Gorge sold out
8/11 Chicago, IL Toyota Park LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE
8/13 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center sold out
8/14 Hartford, CT Meadows Music Theater sold out
8/15 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion sold out
8/16 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center sold out

Huge Lips, Skinny Hips

Purple Lab has created Huge Lips, Skinny Hips, a lip gloss offering non-invasive access to the lips and hips women have always dreamed about. The formula features plump-prompting Vitamin B3 and the natural appetite suppressant Hoodia—in six high-gloss hues.

“Huge Lips, Skinny Hips is the answer to every girl's beauty dreams—sophisticated lip color, plumping performance and a natural way to curb those carb cravings,” says Purple Lab Creatrix, fashion/beauty insider, author and media personality Karen Robinovitz. “It’s the perfect secret weapon for surviving cocktail parties without succumbing to all the hors d’oeuvres.”

Huge Lips, Skinny Hips’ formulation features Hoodia Gordoni Extract, which is derived from the cactus-like plant indigenous to South Africa and Namibia and has been used safely for centuries for its appetite-suppressing benefits. The formulation also includes Vitamin B3 to stimulate blood flow to the lip surface, diminish the appearance of unsightly wrinkles around the lip area and comfortably create a plumping effect without stinging or burning. Other lip-conditioning ingredients include natural lipids that bind water to the skin, as well as Meadow Foam to moisturize to perfection and Lemon Peel Oil to offer instant cooling. The formulation is paraben-free.

The collection’s six hues include: Red Sole (a sultry red inspired by the bottom of seductive Louboutin heels), Love Your Thighs (a flirty coral and Robinovitz’s personal mantra), Worship Kate (a rich pink glitter tribute to Kate Moss), Lychee Martini (a frothy peach inspired by her favorite fruit), No Panty Lines (a shiny clear) and Kitty Poledancer (the perfect nude and a nickname given to Robinovitz for her love of dancing) are each packaged with colorful anecdotes about the meaning behind the name of the shade. The packaging is an hourglass-shaped box in glossy ombre dyed purple with metallic hot pink accents.

Purple Lab’s Huge Lips, Skinny Hips debuts in Spring 2009 for $20.00 at Scoop and Space.N.K. Co-Founder of Scoop, Stefani Greenfield, says “Everything that Karen does has a fresh and innovative marketing twist—this is truly ‘sexy yummy’.”

Recession Chic

Think NYC is just too pricey for you to enjoy yourself? Well, we've found some deals that might change your mind.

In line with the trend of saving more and spending less, you can continue to enjoy the best of everything New York City has to offer on a tighter budget. Here is a list of some choice deals, discounts and bargains around the city that you can take advantage of:

Dining: Here is a list of some much-loved and decidedly cool restaurants and cafes in the cheap to moderate range that are guaranteed to satisfy a taste for exceptional food and atmosphere without breaking the bank:

* Brown Cafe in the LES;
* 24 Prince in Nolita;
* Smith’s on MacDougal Street;
* Champignon, a twee French cafe in Chelsea
* Toloache, a Mexican in Hell’s Kitchen with the ‘best ceviche in town’.
* Wild Ginger Kitchen, a vegetarian pan-Asian on Broome St with a startlingly cheap lunch menu (and the fastest delivery in town).

Drinking: The economic situation has definitely prompted some interesting new takes on the Happy Hour…

* Cellar Bar at Bryant Park Hotel, is serving up free cocktails from 5 to 6 PM every weekday for hotel guests.

* Elettaria, noted for taking over a venue at which Jimi Hendrix once played and for its seasoned mixologists from Freemans and Death & Co, is offering half-priced cocktails, wines by the glass, and beers seven days a week from 5 to 7 PM.

* Also, thousands of hipster joints pride themselves on their divebar aesthetic perfected by $2 or $3 cans o’Pabst and wonderfully discriminating playlists - think Rusty Knot, Bob Bar, Von Bar, Bourbon St, The Heights, or Amsterdam 106.

Pampering: Budget cuts are no excuse for bad haircuts. In case you haven’t heard:

* Bumble and Bumble University offers FREE haircuts, color, and styling, though you do have to call or email in advance to sign up.

* For your Skin: Bliss is having great sales, including $15 off their bath and body line. And remember, you always get a discount at Bliss during your birthday month.

* Priti Organic Spa: on East First Street where you’ll find a sweetly packaged, green and wallet friendly product line as well as monthly spa specials.

* For insanely cheap though meticulously performed manis and pedis visit Cindy’s, a gem of the UWS that many a fashionista will swear by.



Shopping:

* Net-A-Porter, a site that doesn’t force you to sign up to view their stock, is currently having a mid-season sale worth perusing.

* Finding Sample Sales: (or to find bargains on vinyl, books, and more, find daily and monthly listings and locations), visit Daily Candy, NYMag and NYCGO - or just walk around our shopping districts the old-fashioned way.

* Downtown Bargains: There are delectably reduced pieces at Ina.
* Uptown Bargains: We found some insanely cheap used books at Book Culture, previously Labyrinth books.

Entertainment:

* Free TV Shows: It’s possible to call ahead and charm the guys down at NBC into giving you some free tickets to SNL and other shows.

* Comedy Clubs: Like Gotham Comedy Club, where the pilot of Curb Your Enthusiasm was filmed, have websites to sign up to regularly receive free tickets - they will actually mail them to you.

* Opera: If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, spend your unemployed mornings with the NY Philharmonic: Avery Fisher Hall hosts Open Rehearsals from 9.45 AM to 12.30 PM daily for only $16. You can also score some tickets to the Met Opera for $15 if you can get to Lincoln Center’s box office by 10 AM on the morning of the performance.

* Museums: For those of you who couldn’t be paid to stand through the Ring Cycle for five hours, but still want some high culture on the cheap, visit MoMA’s Target Free Fridays - free admissions Friday evenings from 4 to 8 PM. Similarly, Brooklyn Museum offers Target First Saturdays.

Hotels:

* Midtown: If you always need to be right at the center things, stay at midtown’s Bryant Park Hotel (image above) while you visit the city and enjoy its free happy hour listed above as well as complimentary valet on the weekends for hotel guests.

* Downtown: The Soho Grand and its sister hotel the Tribeca Grand are offering March promotions and winter specials through March 31st: these links to their websites list the details and availability.

Uptown: check in to the seasonal packages and anniversary specials at the Columbus Circle Mandarin Oriental - its website invites you to celebrate with them through Sept 2009 by saving 50% through a Suite Fifth Anniversary Offer.

Image: Garment District. Bryant Park Hotel as seen from Bryant Park. This hotel located in the famous "American Radiator Building" is just across the street from the New York Public Library, on West 40th Street. The building itself (which has been often described as one of the best-loved skyscrapers in the city) was designed by Raymond Hood and J. André Fouilhoux and built in 1923-1924. The unusual dark brick color is a result of bricks being dipped in manganese. The idea was that combined with the golden ornaments, this would give the illuminated building a look resembling a glowing radiator coil.

Multihued "Graceful Bird" Watch
From Christian Audigier

Just in time for spring, a watch with a fresh burst of color from Christian Audigier (Ed Hardy). The winged bird’s cage is surrounded by white Swarovski crystal numerals. The stainless bezel too is ringed with crystalline bling – this time in ruby. Transparent rubber strap with embossed CA crown logo. Suggested retail $225. Available at Nordstrom, shop.com, kenmarwatches.com, altivo.com and other sources on the web.

Mary Norton’s Peace On Earth

Pretty! Sure, we won’t ever be able to afford this, but it’s so gorgeous, we love it and thought we’d profile it. Details are available at marynorton.com.

(From their site) As featured on E! Hard Box Clutch with Mary Norton Engraved Push Top Closure; Laser Cut Hair Calf Adorned with Swarovski Stones to Create an Abtract Collection of Peace Symbols; Optional Shoulder Chain
Available for pre-order only; contact customer service at 1.866.666.7661 or customerservice@marynorton.com

$1,995.00
sold out
sku: peac00520001
Material: Hair Calf
Color: Black
Handle/Strap: 45cm
Details: Push Top Closure
Origin: Made in Italy
Dimensions: 15 x 12.5 x 4 cm
Lining: Signature Mary Norton Leopard Print Lining

Gugino: The Lady in Red

Cast member Carla Gugino blows a kiss during the Spanish premiere of the film "Race to Witch Mountain" in Madrid April 2, 2009. Gugino wore a Georges Chakra Couture red satin strapless dress has rosette detailing on the back. REUTERS/Andrea Comas (SPAIN ENTERTAINMENT)

Paradise Redux

As the oh-so-quotable Liz Lemmon says, “I want to go to there.”

The island of St. Barths is considered one of the most stunning and sophisticated destinations in the world.

Hotel St. Barth Isle de France, one of the island's luxury hotels, combines West Indian charm with tSouth of France sophistication. The Spa at Hotel St. Barth Isle de France nurtures body, mind and spirit with Molton Brown-designed treatments ranging from renewing and regenerating massages to personalized therapies and treatment ‘journeys’ from around the globe. The Spa also features a gymnasium and water sports, steam room and lounging on the beach offers the perfect wind down.

Hotel St. Barth Isle de France recently unveiled a quartet of Beach Suites, each boasting views of Baie des Flamands. The new Suites offer a private retreat for guests and is situated directly on Flamands Beach. The Beach Suites have been designed by Penny Morrison of Morrison Interiors in London, who helped the redesign of the property when it was bought in 2000 by current owners Charles and Mandie Vere Nicoll.


The design features parquet floors, vintage French fabrics, and sheer linens in pale natural tones to complement the indigenous colors of St. Barth’s. Each 1,500 sq. ft. Suite will include a living room featuring a 52" plasma television screen, fully equipped kitchen, complimentary mini-bar and wireless internet connection. Overlooking the beach, the new Suites will each feature a private terrace with an infinity plunge pool for guests’ private use., with sea views through the living rooms, oversized bathrooms with inside and outside showers, stone bathtubs, double vanity units and separate dressing areas. A private parking space will also be provided.

This oceanfront property feature 37 guest rooms including deluxe rooms and suites overlooking the sea, gorgeous Garden Bungalows set amidst the property’s lush tropical gardens, and Fisherman’s Cottages suitable for families, all in addition to the four new secluded Beach Suites, perfect for a romantic getaway.

The hotel’s al fresco restaurant, Case de L’Isle, overlooks the ocean and offers food by Chef Bruce Domain.

www.isle-de-france.com/

You Should Be Watching...


BBC America's Ashes to Ashes, starring Keeley Hawes and Philip Glenister. It's a sequel of sorts to BBC's original Life on Mars (not to be confused with inferior American/U.S. version). Life on Mars chronicled the curious adventures of a contemporary cop who's hit by car and is suddenly transported, once he wakes up, in the location where his accident was, but in the 1960. It's there where Sam meets the take-no-prisoners, gristly, old-school Gene Hunt (Glenister). In Ashes to Ashes, Hawes plays police psychologist /detective inspector Alex Drake, who had treated Sam and was familiar with what she assumed was his "fantasy" of Hunt and his staff. When Alex is suddenly shot in the face, she awakes to London, July 1981 and encounters the "characters" of Sam's stories. She's convinced her injured mind has somehow transported her there and often makes references to her fellow officers as "figments of her imagination."

This show is witty and smart and there is genuine chemistry between the stars, and it's just as enjoyable as Life in Mars, but wholly fresh. Check it out. Saturday nights, BBC America

Platinum Love
Television host Ellen DeGeneres, looks on, as her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, speaks after accepting an award at the 23rd Annual Genesis Awards presented by The Humane Society in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Saturday, March 28, 2009. De Rossi wore platinum earrings by Neil Lane. The earrings featured a black diamond surrounded by white diamonds. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)

Isla Fisher's Fancy Pants

Designers Yves and Cedric Benaroch introduce Country Love, a new casual-wear line gaining popularity in Hollywood. (And, like us, you may have mistakenly read that as “Courtney” Love. We suggest you don’t confuse the two.)

Isla Fisher wears her Country Love pants ($99) while out with her daughter, Olive (dad is actor Sasha Cohen). Fisher told reps she loves the line and thinks it is “so cool!”

Other celebrity fans include: Privileged stars Joanna Garcia and Robert Buckley, Vanessa Hudgens, Jessica Alba, Blake Lively, Hilary Duff, Whitney Port, Miley Cyrus, Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson

Iggy Pop Gets Literate En France

Iggy Pop, the Godfather of Punk, takes on the language of romance and gets “dangerously near jazz” on his new album, Préliminaires, to be released in the U.S. on EMI Music’s Astralwerks label on June 2. Produced by Hal Cragin, Préliminaires, which means “foreplay” in French, is score music inspired by Michel Houellebecq’s 2005 novel The Possibility of an Island.

Iggy will present the new project during an online interactive press conference hosted at www.iggypoppreliminaires.com, which will take place live from Paris, France today, Thursday March 26, 2009 at 11:00am CET (6:00am EDT/3:00 a.m. PST). He will speak about his inspirations, the link to French culture, and controversial author Houellebecq. Those subscribing to the webcast will also have the opportunity to ask questions and hear tracks from the album.



The book “is about death, sex, the end of the human race, and some other pretty funny stuff,” says Iggy in a video statement explaining his motivations. “I read the book with intense pleasure when it came out and, in my mind, I created music that would have been the music that I would hear in my soul when I read it.”



Later on Iggy was approached to write several songs for a film documentary about Houellebecq’s life and his attempt to direct a film of his own book. “The project grew and grew and I found the emotions from my reading transforming themselves into music,” Iggy explains. “I wrote less and less for the movie and started writing an alternative score to the novel.”



On Préliminaires, which eventually took on a life of its own beyond the film project, Iggy sings the standard “Les Feuilles Mortes (Autumn Leaves),” originally covered by the likes of Yves Montand and Edith Piaf, while the New Orleans-influenced “King of the Dogs”—with a jazz arrangement featuring trumpet, trombone and clarinet—tells the story of a dog named Fox who explains “how cool it is to be a dog, and how much it beats human life.” There’s also a version of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s bossa nova standard “How Insensitive (Insensatez).”



“At one point, I just got sick of listening to idiot thugs with guitars banging out crappy music. I’ve started listening to a lot of New Orleans-era, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton type of jazz. And I’ve always loved quieter ballads as well,” says Iggy. “There are some guitars on the album. Only one song is vaguely raucous; three have jazz-like instrumentation.”



The album was recorded in Woodstock and in Miami, where Iggy first sketched out the songs in his small cabin on the river on his old wooden guitar.



“Like Daniel, the book’s protagonist, I too have grown weary of a career as an entertainer and I wish for a new life,” he says. “I, too, have spent desolate hours in the future world of the Spanish Coast. The concluding chapters about Daniel and his small faithful dog wandering doomed through a ruined earth to the desiccated sea were the most empathetic and believable predictions of the future that I’ve encountered.”



The visuals for the album package are being created by French/Iranian graphic novelist and award-winning film director Marjane Satrapi, who first met Iggy when she asked him to do the voice for one of the characters in her Oscar-nominated animated feature Persepolis in 2007.



The track listing for Préliminaires is as follows:



1. Les Feuilles Mortes
2. I Want To Go To The Beach
3. King Of The Dogs
4. Je Sais Que Tu Sais
5. Spanish Coast
6. Nice To Be Dead
7. How Insensitive
8. Party Time
9. He's Dead/She's Alive
10. A Machine For Loving
11. She's A Business
12. Les Feuilles Mortes (Marc's Theme)

Observe & Report Anna Faris' Platforms

The adorable, incomprehensibly underrated Anna Faris chose a pair of gladiator inspired heels by Stuart Weitzman (they're called Tijuana, if you'd like to order a pair of your own) to walk down the red carpet for her latest film, "Observe & Report," starring the red-hot Seth Rogan. Photo from anna-faris.org

Garbage Pail Kids

This Earth Day, Recycling Gets A Makeover

“I don’t see garbage anymore, I just see cash.” — TerraCycle CEO Tom Szaky Gen.

“Y” Whiz Kids, Led By 27-Year-Old Ceo, Turn Trash Into Mass-Market Treasure In National Geographic Channel’s Garbage Moguls

Step 1. Team of “Eco-Capitalists” Scour Landfills
Step 2. Design Hip Products from Garbage
Step 3. Sell to Major Retailers
Step 4. Make “Boatload” of $$$

Garbage Moguls Premieres on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at 9 PM ET/PT

Kites from Oreo® cookie wrappers. Spiral notebooks from old cereal boxes. Pencils from rolled newspaper. Coming to a superstore near you are ingenious products made entirely of garbage. Now, a new National Geographic Channel (NGC) special, premiering on Earth Day, takes a look at the quirky young “eco-capitalists” at the pioneering company TerraCycle, Inc., who are making this revolutionary concept happen: rummaging through dumpsters and landfills for materials, brainstorming innovative products … and hoping to make millions.

In Garbage Moguls, premiering Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at 9 PM ET/PT, follow the team’s unorthodox creative process — the brain-racking and stress, the silliness and infighting — all working to build a profitable business with products composed entirely of trash. Once named the “The Coolest Little Start-Up in America!” by Inc. magazine, TerraCycle™ is redefining green business, focusing each day on the next million-dollar idea, even if that means spending hours scrounging through stinky garbage.

“Garbage is a man-made idea, and we’ve created garbage because we haven’t created solutions for it,” explains CEO Tom Szaky, a 27-year-old eager brainiac who got his “Ah-Ha!” idea for TerraCycle as a Princeton freshman. “We take waste, we add design and produce mass merchandise.” Once just a dorm-room operation, TerraCycle has grown from two employees to more than 50 and a multimillion-dollar venture that counts Wal-Mart, OfficeMax, The Home Depot® and Target as clients.

Garbage Moguls tracks the team’s work on two prototypes: a messenger bag for OfficeMax — made from old billboard materials and seat belts — and a kite made entirely of Oreo wrappers for Wal-Mart. Viewers witness the zany brainstorming ideas (a Slip ‘N Slide made of wrappers?), the uphill battles and the real-life Generation “Y” dramedy in the vein of “The Office.”

Sisters and graphic designers Lea and Dara are sent to the dump to search for 200 seat belts to be used in a design for messenger bags, only to return with 15 — hoping no one will notice! Albe, the PR guy and Tom’s right-hand man, has to rally the team to design kite prototypes that actually fly, including organizing a field trip to a local dump in search of supplemental materials. Everything — even the string used to fly the kite — needs to be from recycled trash. Albe then takes off his trash-diving suit and takes to the street with James, Albe’s PR partner in crime, for on-the-spot “marketing research,” with questions about the prototype messenger bag like “So you think you’d date a boy wearing a bag like this?”

Rounding out the colorful Garbage Mogul team are Tiffany, the product designer, who must somehow make 20 samples of the messenger bag in less than a week; and Milton, the intimidating former ex-con turned factory supervisor, who runs a tight ship on deadline.

With only one week to produce a functioning kite, everyone has to come up with a possible design. The team tackles this project with hilarious ideas and a collaborative spirit (sometimes!). The success of the company’s first meeting with Wal-Mart buyers hinges on the prototype: If the kite crashes, so could the meeting; if the prototype succeeds, then Tom and his team will happily face the next challenge of mass-producing their product.

Garbage Moguls follows the ups and downs of the TerraCycle team on the edge of billion-dollar success — and bankruptcy — all while trying to make the earth a better place. This Earth Day, these Garbage Moguls truly give recycling a makeover!

About TerraCycle:

One of the only companies in existence that produces products entirely made of waste, TerraCycle stands in a category or “landfill” unto itself. But TerraCycle is more than just a company; it’s a group of people that has defined the power of a product made solely from waste. Since its inception, TerraCycle has saved over 70 million drink pouches, 10.5 million cookie wrappers, and 3.1 million plastic bottles from ending up in a landfill. TerraCycle’s eco-friendly, affordable products are available at major retailers nationwide.

Tom Szaky’s first book, “Revolution in a Bottle: How TerraCycle Is Redefining Green Business,” will be available online and at bookstores nationwide beginning April 1.

Garbage Moguls is produced by Silent Crow Arts for the National Geographic Channel. For Silent Crow Arts, producer and director is Melissa Kennedy, executive in charge of production is Tim Mann, executive producer is Matt Bennett and co-executive producer is Tom Szaky. For National Geographic Channel, executive producer is Noah Morowitz, senior vice president of production is Michael Cascio and executive vice president of content is Steve Burns.

For more information, visit natgeotv.com/garbage.

Just Because....

By now BeansTalk readers know we adore Tina Fey and we've posted this, just because we do. Here she is at the Golden Globes in a Roberto Cavalli dress, and H. Stern jewels. She may still not be entirely comfortable on the red carpet (this pose is a little forced, afterall), but she's got tons of talent! If you're not watching 30 Rock, start ASAP!

What we’re using these days…

Some of our favorite facial products


Liz Earle’s SuperBalm

We recently discovered this and love it – it’s designed to be used on cuticles, lips and eyebrows, but we use it directly on our face. It smells divine and not perfume-y at. It’s not often we find a new product, and nearly all the other products we’re using we’ve had for awhile.

Emergency' skin salve rescues and restores very dry and chapped skin anywhere, anytime. With 100% pure plant oils and waxes including softening rosehip, moisturizing avocado, natural source vitamin E, soothing chamomile strengthening echinacea, plus restoring neroli.

SuperBalm is a softening, calming and restoring treatment for dry, chapped skin. 1 oz. $29

To order: Liz Earle

Sonya Dakar’s Omega-3 Repair Complex for Irritation

We have extremely sensitive skin and have used this product for several years.

Repair irritated skin with 100% natural and botanical Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Infused with bergamot and chamomile to soothe and calm delicate skin. These botanical ingredients help diminish bothersome itching and upset skin.

• Strengthens, calms and balances skin
• Deeply penetrates to restore skin's natural moisture levels
• Great for rosacea & eczema
• 100% natural and botanical

Omega-3 Repair Complex for Irritation .50 oz. $42

Sonya Dakar’s Retinol Renewal Serum

This has great texture, no fragrance and feels wonderful on skin. I adore this…

Intense Repair of Signs of Aging and Scarred Skin. This retinol super-serum fights fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, discoloration and enlarged pores by exfoliating dry, scarred and damaged skin while expediting cell turnover. Our exclusive Advanced Retinol Delivery System technology prevents retinol breakdown due to sun exposure, allowing maximum absorption.

Retinol Renewal Serum 1 oz. $120

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate

We use this a couple of times a week, in the shower, and apply a layer in circular motions and leave it on for about 30 seconds, rinse well, pat dry and then apply moisturizer. We’ve never found anything quite like the powerful enzymes. It’s a unique product and works wonderfully.

All Skin Types

* Fruit enzymes clarify skin by removing dead cells & eliminating bacteria
* Highly effective in combating acne, including stubborn blackheads
* Polishes skin, revealing a smooth, glowing complexion
* Healthy skin, healthy glow, healthy you!

ExfoliKate 1.7 oz. $85.

Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Serum

Anti-Aging/Normal to Dry

* Gives skin a silky, satiny look & feel
* Contains HSC Complex, an advanced hydrating system that delivers & locks moisture in cells
* Helps protect against environmental aggression & excessive UV exposure
* RetiStar™, the most advanced form of Vitamin A, counteracts aging for a more youthful appearance
* Leaves skin undeniably luminous

Quench Hydrating Serum 1 oz. $65.

Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cream Soap


This is a super mild cleanser that we use daily, on our face, neck and chest.

Keratoplast is a natural, botanical ingredient that reduces redness associated with broken capillaries and extreme sensitivity. This non-soap cleanser will remove light make-up while soothing redness and irritation from the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Best when used with our Keratoplast Cleansing Lotion.

How to Use: Twice daily massage in a circular motion on wet skin and rinse with tepid water, avoiding eye area. Pat dry and follow with toner or astringent.

Ingredients: Deionized Water,Stearic Acid,Propylene Glycol, Keratoplast,Dipelargonate,Glycerin,Lauramide DEA,Octyl Palmitate,Glyceryl Isostearate,Cetyl Alcohol,Triethanolamine,Isodecylparaben,Imidazolidinyl Urea,Quaternium-15,Methylparaben,Propylparaben

Good for these Skin Types:
Combination, Dry, Sensitive

Keratoplast Cream Soap 6 oz. $10, 16 oz. $20.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

We assumed we wouldn't need this in middle-age. Ah well.

Best-selling Pimple Healer, Drying Lotion is an Acne spot treatment made with a blend of Calamine and Salicylic Acid to clear up and soothe unsightly whiteheads overnight. A dab of this lotion will heal and dry pimples quickly.

How to Use: Before bed, after cleansing, toning and moisturizing apply a dab of lotion directly on the whitehead using a cotton swab. Do not rub in. Let it dry and rinse off in the morning. DO NOT shake the bottle and apply only the pink sediment on the skin.

Beauty Tip: Apply a drop on itchy mosquito bites to soothe irritation. Works great on soothing razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

Ingredients: Isopropyl Alcohol,Deionized Water (Aqua), Calamine, Camphor, Colloidal Sulfur,Salicylic Acid,Glycerine,Zinc Oxide,Titanium Dioxide,Talc

Good for these Skin Types:
All Types

Drying Potion 1 oz. $17.

Kinara Lactic Acid Hydrating Serum

This is lovely, and we use it exclusively on our nose, on our chin and at our hairline.

Recommended for all skin types except the very sensitive or very dry, Kinara Lactic Acid Hydrating Serum is a light, penetrating essence that provides a wide spectrum of anti-aging and nourishing benefits. Utilizing a combination of lactic and glycolic acids blended with natural extracts such as algae, burdock, chamomile, sage and green tea, Kinara Lactic Acid Hydrating Serum provides benefits to acne-prone, oily, normal and dry skin. Retail price: $70.00

Product Benefits:
• Combats skin eruptions with lactic and glycolic acids which gently exfoliate skin, helping to unclog and refine pores
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, a benefit of lactic and glycolic acid’s exfoliating effects
• Rejuvenates damaged skin with a combination of botanicals and acid ingredients
• Restores a healthy glow to the skin

Product Usage:
apply after cleansing
• Acne Prone: Morning
• Oily: Evening
• Normal to Oily (Combination): Evening
• Normal to Dry (Combination): Evening

Kinara Lactic Acid Hydrating Serum 1 oz. $70.

So there you go, right from the BeansTalk skin-care cubby. This is what we're using now and what's been working for us. Good, clean skin to you all!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Grammy-Winner Guests on DogTown

Music star Emmylou Harris calls for help with a vicious shepherd mix named Gunnar, leaving animal behavior specialist Sherry Woodard only a few days to come up with a plan to overcome his aggression. Theresa, an abandoned pit bull, has a mysterious mass in her belly. The dog has a history of skin cancer, so vet Dr. Patti Iampietro must do exploratory surgery to see if the cancer has spread internally. The unlikely combination of boisterous trainer John Garcia and painfully shy Little Girl proves rewarding for both, as John teaches the Catahoula leopard dog mix to trust the world — one person at a time. DogTown: A Fighting Chance (featuring country singer Emmylou Harris) Friday, April 17, 2009 at 10 p.m. et/pt (World Premiere)

Decemberists' Hazards of Love

The Decemberists launched their new album The Hazards of Love (Capitol Records) yesterday, March 17th with a weeklong exclusive sale of the digital album through the iTunes Store. The album, which NPR called an “epic adventure,” is also being released today as deluxe 180-gram gatefold vinyl through select indie retailers, and will be made available widely through all retail outlets in all formats on March 24, 2009.

The band is heading to Austin, Texas, this week where they will give the highly-anticipated debut live performance of The Hazards of Love when they headline NPR Music’s South by Southwest showcase at Stubb’s BBQ today, Wednesday, March 18, 2009. The concert will be streamed live, podcast and archived at www.npr.org/sxsw, and will be available for broadcast on NPR Member stations across the country, including KUT Austin, WFUV New York, WXPN Philadelphia, KEXP Seattle and The Current from Minnesota Public Radio.

Capitol Records and imeem recently hosted a contest for fans to try their hand at designing the official poster for the SXSW showcase, and the band has selected Kathryn Rathke’s entry as the winner, deeming its surreal depiction of Lyndon Johnson being plucked from the earth by a giant hawk “rad.” The winning design and the runners up can be viewed at http://www.imeem.com/thedecemberistsfans.

Music critics weigh in -- what they’ve been saying so far about The Hazards of Love:

“An epic adventure.”—NPR

“Musically, Hazards of Love is the Decemberists’ full-on classic-rock move, with pretty Zep-style fingerpicking punctuated by crushing stoner-metal lurches.”—ROLLING STONE

“Meloy can write the hell out of a melody… some of the snarliest, bluesiest, rockingest moments in the Decemberists' catalog… yields spectacular sparks."—SPIN

“You have to hand it to Colin Meloy and his mob of merry rabble-rousers. Not many bands would event attempt an album this ambitious, and none could pull it off as convincingly as The Decemberists.”—FILTER

“An album with thematic ambition, delirious melodies, a depth of details and a wicked sense of humour.”—UNCUT

“[The Hazards of Love’s] musical palette is a vivid and evocative one… gloriously big, bold…”—Q

The Decemberists will kick-off the first leg of their Spring 2009 tour on May 19th at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. The 16-date run also includes a June 10th performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York, as well as a set at the 2009 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Tennessee. On tour, the band will play two sets a night, the first a full performance of The Hazards of Love, and the second consisting of their older material. Joining the band on stage will be special guests Lavender Diamond’s Becky Stark and My Brightest Diamond’s Shara Worden. More upcoming tour dates will be announced shortly.

The Decemberists’ confirmed Spring 2009 tour dates are as follows:

May 19 Hollywood Palladium Los Angeles, CA
May 20 Fox Theatre Oakland, CA
May 21 McDonald Theater Eugene, OR
May 23 Sasquatch Festival Quincy, WA
May 24 Wilma Theatre Missoula, MT
May 26 Fillmore Auditorium Denver, CO
May 27 Uptown Theater Kansas City, MO
May 29 Riverside Theater Milwaukee, WI
May 31 The Pageant St. Louis, MO
June 1 Lifestyle Communities Pavilion Columbus, OH
June 3 Tabernacle Atlanta, GA
June 4 Memorial Auditorium Raleigh, NC
June 5 The National Richmond, VA
June 6 Tower Theatre Upper Darby, PA
June 8 Merriweather Post Pavilion Baltimore, MD
June 9 Bank of America Pavilion Boston, MA
June 10 Radio City Music Hall New York, NY
June 11-14 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Manchester, TN
July 18-19 Edgefield Winery Portland, OR (w/ Andrew Bird & Blind Pilot)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Turner Classic Movies 10-Part

Moguls And Movie Stars: A History Of Hollywood


The true story behind the making of the American movie industry has as many ups and downs, twists and turns as the latest big-budget thriller, not to mention a cast of characters worthy of a shelf full of Oscars®. Above, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks.

Now, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) tells the real story of the film industry in Moguls And Movie Stars: A History Of Hollywood (working title), an ambitious new 10-part documentary series co-produced by Bill Haber’s Ostar Productions and TCM. Haber (TNT’s Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King; Broadway’s The History Boys and Monty Python’s Spamalot) will serve as executive producer, while Jon Wilkman will write and produce. Wilkman is a veteran documentary filmmaker whose work has been honored with four Emmys® and numerous other international film and TV awards.

“TCM is known by lovers of great film as a destination for those who cherish the film industry’s cinematic legacy; no network is better positioned to tell Hollywood’s complete story than Turner Classic Movies,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TCM, TBS and TNT. “This is an epic project that promises to be a landmark event for TCM.”

“More than just a check list of great movies, Moguls And Movie Stars: A History Of Hollywood is a rare, personalized look at the American film industry, featuring the remarkable men and women whose drive and ambition founded the ‘Dream Factory’ that became Hollywood,” Haber said. “At the heart of our story is a remarkable generation who, in a few short years, created an entertainment empire – among them such names as Mayer, Goldwyn, Warner, Fox, Zanuck and Selznick. Many began as impoverished immigrants and became among the wealthiest and most influential figures in American culture.”

“Our story will span more than 100 years of inventiveness and entertainment,” said Wilkman. “From Thomas Edison to Steven Spielberg, from Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford to Sean Penn and Kate Winslet, we’ll tell the stories of Moguls And Movie Stars: A History Of Hollywood, the lives they’ve lived, the movies they’ve made and the impact they’ve had on lives around the world.”

Set to premiere in 2010, Moguls And Movie Stars: A History Of Hollywood will consist of 10 one-hour documentaries, each focusing on a different era of American movie history, from the invention of the first photographs that moved to the astonishing, computer-driven imagery of the present. Each installment will feature rarely seen photographs and film footage, clips from memorable American movies and interviews with distinguished historians and major Hollywood figures.

At its heart, the documentary series will be a personal history of Hollywood, detailing the personalities, inter-personal relationships, collaborations and conflicts that created an industry and an art form. The series will also serve as a history of America, looking at how moviemakers responded to such major events as the Great Depression, World War II and the Civil Rights movement. As America has change, so has the movie industry, with the rise and fall of the studio system, the challenge of television and online media and the evolution of conglomerates and mega-producers.

Brewster's Millions
(Worth of Platinum)

Ever since she appeared in “Invisible Circus,” we’ve thought Jordana Brewster not only very beautiful, but a good actress who doesn’t seem to work enough.

She was in the little seen “Nearing Grace” (although it’s aired often on cable), and of course, the original “Fast and Furious.” (We’re probably the only people who liked the sequel “Tokyo Drift,” which featured a completely different cast and an utterly adorable lead actor in Lucas Black...but we digress).

At any rate, the only issue we have with Brewster is that she’s so freaking skinny. She was actually the tabloid proverbially “scary skinny,” and now is only “way too skinny” – check out the full figure shot (and specifically, her chest). She’s gorgeous, but needs to eat a sandwich!

Brewster attends the premiere of the film "Fast & Furious" in Los Angeles March 12, 2009. She wore platinum jewelry by Neil Lane and selected a pair of Platinum drop earrings, two bracelets and a cocktail ring. REUTERS/Phil McCarten (UNITED STATES) and (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)