Top Gear Returns
With Two New
Back-to-Back Seasons

(BeansTalk Note: The Chairman of the Board and the CFO love this show, so we thought we'd throw a little snap their way -- for what it's worth.)

Hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are off to the races in two back-to-back U.S. premiere seasons of BBC America’s International Emmy-winning car show, Top Gear.

The hosts enter a French ice race in low-cost rear-wheel-drive coupés, They challenge the logistical might of Britain’s mail service by racing the new Porsche Panamera versus a stamped envelope across the British Isles, and Richard stages the world’s first-ever race between the 1000 horsepower Bugatti Veyron, McLaren F1 and Lamborghini Murcielago SV in Abu Dhabi.

Also this season, car enthusiast and talk show host Jay Leno is put to the test on the Top Gear test track.

Top Gear Season 13 premieres Monday, January 25, 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Season 14 will air directly after Season 13, premiering Monday, March 15, 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
In the premiere, Jeremy, Richard and James set out to discover what Top Gear might have been like 60 years ago. In a race from London to Edinburgh, James drives an old Jaguar XK120 sports car, Richard rides a Vincent Black Shadow motorbike and Jeremy jumps on board the Tornado, a brand-new Peppercorn A1 Pacific Class steam locomotive built to the original blueprints used to create some of Britain’s finest locomotives back in the heyday of the railways. Then in a television-first, Top Gear’s silent and mysterious racing driver the Stig takes off his helmet to reveal just who he really is…

The ongoing hit original “Star in the Reasonably Priced Car” segment continues with the Stig putting the rich and famous through their paces on the Top Gear test track. Getting behind the wheel this season are Jay Leno, who’s since adopted a similar challenge on his primetime show, Olympic Gold sprinter Usain Bolt, Stephen Fry, actress Sienna Miller and AC/DC’s singer Brian Johnson.

The new season features Jeremy and James attempting to understand what makes a great Volkswagen commercial - and then trying to shoot one of their own. James travels to America to spend a day with stunt-driving legend Ken Block and Jeremy gets chased by the British Army in some of its latest and most deadly toys.

Top Gear Season 12 was number 6 on TV (Seasons) list for iTunes in 2009. Top Gear Season 13 episodes will be available on iTunes 24 hours after its premiere on BBC America. Also online, BBCAmerica.com has launched a new Top Gear Soundboard featuring some of the best Top Gear sound bites.

Only days before Season 13’s premiere, DVD releases Top Gear 11 and Top Gear 12, arrive to stores on Tuesday, January 12. Top Gear 12 is also stocked with bonus material ranging from exclusive commentary on the Vietnam special, the Botswana special director’s cut with commentary, deleted scenes, photo galleries and more.

One of the most successful and interesting phenomenon’s on UK television, Top Gear defies traditional notions of programming genre and has become a global phenomenon reaching 150 million homes worldwide. Part factual and part entertainment, the award winning car show doesn’t fit into any standard category.

From Take-Out to Twinkies
Food with a 'Tude
New History Series -- Food Tech

Follows Food from Farm and Factory to Table

Whether Cheeseburger & Fries, Mexican or Chinese Take-Out... Food Tech host Bobby Bognar, a food industry veteran, travels America deconstructing our favorite meals. Along the way he reveals the hidden world behind every bite, uncovers surprising history and sees first-hand how ingredients from around the globe come together to become the meals we love.

Food Tech, a new 10-episode series, premieres Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 9 pm ET on History.

Bognar lives for food and in Food Tech he criss-crosses the nation in search of the origins and production secrets behind the foods we love. And, it's more than just the food itself. Ever think about how they get the soy sauce in those little packets or where all those pizza boxes come from? Get ready for a journey to see how ingredients from around the world come together to become the meals we eat.

Upcoming episodes include:

Food Tech: Cheeseburger & Fries -- Premieres Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 9 pm ET:
A cheeseburger and a side of fries - last year, Americans ate over 7 billion of them. And there's an amazing story behind every one. Any idea how they get the sesame seeds to stick to the bun? What does it take to stuff 20 tomatoes inside a ketchup bottle? And, what's the secret to getting the dill in dill pickle chips? Host Bobby Bognar sets off on a quest to find out, as he travels the country to unearth the hidden mysteries inside our cheeseburger and fries. It's the science behind perfectly melting cheese, the production of jet-black seeds that sprout into spanish onions, and a french fry factory where every day mountains of potatoes are sliced and diced into millions of french fries.

Food Tech: Chinese Take-Out -- Premieres Thursday, January 28 at 9pm ET:
Since an influx of Chinese immigrants to America in the mid 1800s, Americans have devoured Chinese take-out. But have you ever wondered what's really in an egg roll? What's the secret ingredient in beef and broccoli? And, did you know a fortune cookie can actually make you rich? Host Bobby Bognar is off to the far reaches of America to find out some ancient Chinese secrets. From the amount of salt in those hard to open soy sauce packets, to the waxing of Peking Ducks, it's time for take out …Chinese style.


Food Tech Host Bobby Bognar: The 411

Born in Fayetteville, N.C., Bognar's two passions in life are food and music. He is currently employed by Bon Appetit Management Company (BAMCO), an onsite restaurant company that provides café and catering services to corporations, colleges and universities, and specialty venues. Prior to that, he was the Director of Operations for Food Services at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

Although not formally trained as a chef, Bobby has worked in almost every aspect of the restaurant business including: line cook, sommelier, waiter, bartender, pizza chef and more.

In addition to his life in food, Bobby is the guitarist and lead vocalist for The Piper Downs, an award winning Los Angeles-based rock band. He currently resides in Los Angeles.

Food Tech is produced for History by Actuality Productions. Executive producer for History is John Verhoff.

Coveted Coat

During the second time we saw Twilight: New Moon (although we admittedly slept through most of it), we decided that we really like the coat Alice (Ashley Greene) wears when she scoops up Bella (Kristen Stewart) from Forks and ferrets her away to the home of the Voluturri. A little research and we found out that the costumer had more coin this go around and she chose a Michael Kors Grey Ombre Tie Dye Coat from Spring 2008. We loves it. And it's no where to be found anymore for sale.

A close-up of the coat.

Here's Alice (Ashley Greene) in action in the coveted coat.

Robert Rodriguez
grey wool plaid shawl collar coat

Since it's bloody unlikely we'll come across the Michael Kors Grey Ombre, here's a gorgeous coat (with a not very accessible price, unfortunately; this is bloody unlikely to appear in our closet, either).

Color: Shadow Plaid (Grey / Black)
Midweight wool-blend plaid
Wide shawl collar with double hook-and-eye closure
Wide leather belting along waist
Dual on-seam pockets at hips
Fully lined
Contemporary fit
Shell: 75% Wool ./ 25% Nylon; Lining: 100% Acetate; Dry Clean; Imported; style#302292701

sale $442 bluefly.com

Laurie B


Laurie B has a couple of items in their collection that might give an ever-so-slight hint of Alice's Volturri coat. Theirs are sweater knits.

Reg. $202.00 Sale: $142.00

•
Color - Black & Sable
•
60% wool 30% nylon 10% angora
•
Dry clean only
•
Snap button closure
•
Front pockets
•
Manufacturer Style No. LB83078

Reg. $202.00

•
Color - Sable & Snow
•
60% wool 30% nylon 10% angora
•
Dry clean only
•
Snap button closure
•
Front pockets
•
Manufacturer Style No. LB83078

Revolveclothing.com

JWLA for Johnny Was
Cherry Blossom Coat

Johnny Was' signature are the beautiful elaborate embroidery they embellish their line of shirts and dresses and coats. We usually find the shirts, while stunning, are a little uncomfortable when the back of the stitching rubs against our skin. But in a coat, this wouldn't be the case and looks how utterly darling this is!

Delicate cherry blossoms embellish this soft coat, bringing good fortune and luck to the wearer.

* Black.
* Red/multicolor cherry blossom embroidery at left shoulder and right hip.
* Stand collar; button front.
* Three-quarter sleeves.
* Empire waist.
* Slant pockets.
* Cotton.
* Imported.

$208 neimanmarcus.com

Of Course It's Faux!

Jones New York Faux Fur Tiered Coat

We adore full tiered skirts on dresses and think this so fun. It may be a little much for most things, but with lots of exciting potential.

Deliciously plush faux fur comprises a sassy coat shaped with a cute scrunch collar and tiered body, balanced by puffed sleeves.

* Front hook-and-eye closures.
* On-seam pockets.
* Interior slip pocket.
* Approx. length from shoulder: regular 34"; plus 38 1/2".
* Polyester lining.
* Modacrylic faux fur; dry clean.
* By Jones New York; imported.

$208 nordstrom.com

Tocca

This is a sweet little elegant number but we think it's probably best for the slender....

taupe box wool 'Linda' pleated coat
Color: Black / Taupe
Heavyweight box woven wool
Pleated round collar with hidden snap placket
Pleated along banded waist
Dual side pockets
Long puff sleeve with banded cuff
Fully lined
Shell: 100% Wool; Combo: 100% Polyester; Lining: 100% Cotton; Dry Clean; Imported; style#214513900

sale $238.84 bluefly.com

Gabriella Rocha

We think this is adorable.

Ultra modern jacket includes crisp lines and a wide funnel collar.
Snap front closure.
Doubled welt faux pockets on the chest.
Flap faux side pockets.
Wide cropped sleeves.
Vented design on the back.
Fully lined.
Coat measures 34" in length.
100% Cotton.
Dry clean only.

Sale $95 Zappos.com

Alexander McQueen Wool/Silk Coat

Yes, yes, this is an insanely expensive coat. But it's cute. And so we've included it here.

This architectural design with dramatic shoulder detail has an A-Line shape in a fine wool and silk blend. Elbow-length sleeves
Hidden button-front closure
Side slash pockets
About 33" from shoulder to hem
Wool/silk; dry clean
Made in Italy

$1,995 saks.com

Unfriended, But Not Friendless

I Was Unfriended On Facebook
I Don’t Know Why and I’m
Embarrassed It Hurt My Feelings


I admit it and I’m not ashamed: I really enjoy Facebook. I like looking at friend’s photos, knowing what they’re doing and, especially, playing Scramble and Pathwords.

The name I use on Facebook is a combination of my actual name and the affectionate nickname my husband has always called me. You won't find me by searching my “known” name, and certainly not the one I was called in any school. Which means, I’m the one who has to do the “friend-ing." In the request, or message, I reference the name they might know me by.

This was a big reunion year for my high school graduating class, and combined with the explosive popularity of Facebook, it became an ideal time to reconnect, with people we hadn’t seen or even talked to in decades.

I wasn’t necessarily thrilled or excited about these potentially renewed acquaintances, but I was perfectly happy to do so.

In high school, I was friends with the two of the popular and pretty Callahans* -- Rachel* and Jordana* - the middle two of a quartet of sisters. Each sister is separated by two years, but united in their innate sweetness, great hair and strong Catholicism. They were also all cheerleaders.

Jordana and I were on a cheerleading squad together, throughout high school. Rachel helped me throughout the initial tryout process.

We were solid friends, as their teenage-tinged emotional dedications in yearbooks and school photos attest. But we were not intimate friends, and I saw each sister a couple of times since (and that includes two class reunions).

At any rate, I first “friended” Jordana*, and via her friend list, found out Rachel’s* married name and “friended” her, too.

About six months later (I’m actually not entirely sure when I was ousted, since I don't monitor my list), I realized that neither sister was on my friend list. Odd, that.

This had happened once before, with another entirely unrelated acquaintance, without explanation (resulting in a “refriending”).

But I began to wonder if I had actually been “unfriended”? That is, removed from their Friends list, the "x" clicked on, erasing my name and access to my FB page.

Eventually, I realized the only way to find out if this was intentional or not, was to send a message, which I did (paraphrasing, it said: “Hi, You’re not on my friend list anymore, and I wasn’t sure if that was accidental/clerical or on purpose.”)
I figured, if I didn’t hear back, I had my answer: it was on purpose.

And, I didn’t hear back from either sis. I have no reason why. You may ask why I would care? I sure would if someone else was telling this story.

But -- cringingly admitting -- I did. And frankly, I’m totally embarrassed that it bothered me. I just couldn’t figure out why. I was rejected without reason.

There is no precedence etiquette-wise. The whole social network phenomena will eventually result in newly fashioned lists of socially acceptable online behavior.

I will only say this: you don’t need to tell someone that you’re taking them off your list, but if they inquire why, why not just tell them the truth?

If you’re worried about offending, phrase it as though you decided to keep your list to family and closest friends -- and really, isn't that the truth? It's a much nicer way of saying, I don't want you on my list, to see my photos and to read my status updates.

Eventually, of course, I let it go (but obviously, not enough to not write about it here). I could only come up with one reason that seemed even remotely feasible: what I used as quotes in my “About Me." Perhaps, someone faith-based might be offended.

I might never find out the reason. It’s totally speculative. We don’t have mutual friends and I’d never involve acquaintances in an effort to find out why (I'm embarrassed enough already, for chrissakes).

I admit that the exorbitant price of our high school reunion this year was primarily responsible for my absence, but honestly, my embarrassment, at feeling weird and kinda bad about the whole “unfriending” thing was unquestionably a factor to skip the high school reunion (or a convenient excuse to avoid awkward quick conversations recounting the last three decades in 100 words or less).

Without Facebook, I probably wouldn’t have consciously re-connected with these very long ago friends.

In the many intervening years, my curiosity about the sisters was extremely fleeting. I honestly wouldn’t have given them much thought and my memories of them would be fond, vague and explained breezily as “we didn’t keep in touch.”

Now, with this blatant, unexplained “unfriending,” it’s put a taint on those (admittedly) rather neutral memories of my teen years.

Yes, I know. It’s one (sort of two) friends (and don’t I have 320 other Facebook friends, anyway?).

It matters not a whit in the scheme of things, but it adds an element to the fragile confidence in our memories, in the way we remember ourselves, in the way we want to be remembered and the way we want to be thought of, even now.

(*not their real names. Duh.)

Happy New Year from BeansTalk!

Time Has Caught Up With Father....Time

What's Hot: Colorful Flat Straightening Irons

Styling Irons

Why You Should *Never*
Buy One From a Mall Kiosk


FHI Heat™'s new Go™styling irons (details follow, included in a list of more noteworthy and trustworthy products) were the inspiration for today's look at colorful flat or straightening irons, available in a wide range of price points.

In researching this story, we did discover some interesting tidbits, the most formidable is in regards why you should NOT buy a styling product from the hard-sell flat iron sellers at mall kiosks throughout the country (or at least in southern California).

The aggressive salespeople always " just want to show you something" as they beckon you over to their kiosk, and that is to run their impressive iron over your hair, to show that you can straighten as well as curl, without burning the hair. They will then make lot of claims that their irons are completely ceramic and completely healthy. There will be a non-stop monologue during the demonstration.

You may wonder why all the sales people have accents and also seem associated with other kiosk sellers of "Dead Sea" salts, lotions, nail buffers and microwavable "all natural" heating pads, pillows, etc. An article in the Jewish Journal notes that many of the well-trained salespeople are newly arrived from Israel and recruited for the super hard-sell.

While the iron, often the Corioliss (or Cortex) performs well in demonstrations, there are literally hundreds of complaints on the web including the following, which will hopefully deter you from buying from a mall kiosk:

1. Mall kiosk flat irons are often sold through the wily persuasiveness of the salespeople, and the impressive demonstration on your hair -- but you should be aware that they may use the Corioliss Flat Iron on your hair for demonstrations and sell you the HerStyler. They may tell you that the box has a different name, but it is the same company. Whether it is or not (we cannot attest to either), is beside the point.

2. Unquestionably, the problem with even the authentic Corioliss is that it apparently does not hold up to normal at-home usage -- bear in mind that the online posted complaints we're noting here were in the dozens and dozens. Repeated complaints are that the cord is flimsy and will often break, as early as within three months (see image above of pink Cortex cord).

3. The ceramic plates (kiosk sellers will tell you Chi is only partial and theirs is fully ceramic and may even have items to demonstrate) crack and break.

4. Returns at the kiosks are pretty near impossible. There are reports of the salesperson not being at the kiosk upon attempted return, of being told to return when the "owner" or "manager" are available (and they seemingly never are). The receipt will not ensure you consumer protection. If you ask for a company phone number, you will be given the runaround or the number will be wrong.

5. You could try what one buyer did and ask for a return policy signed and in writing, indicating that if you are unsatisfied, you can get a full refund (this isn't likely, they're more likely to tell you it's fine, etc. etc, just to get you to buy; there's also the possibility that whether they really are or not, the person at the kiosk may tell you that salesperson no longer works there and wasn't authorized to do that). Expect that they will tell you "exchange only," and may even go so far as to say that you have to ship the iron to the manufacturer (incurring postal costs yourself) to get another, even if there are many at the kiosk.

6. If you have to have a Corioliss or Cortex iron, remember this: the mall kiosk seller, no matter how much they tell you that they're giving you a big discount off the $199 retail price ("i will give it to you today for only $129, or $100 or $89"), will ALWAYS charge more than an online retailer (and we're talking about including shipping and handling from an internet seller).

7. Despite repeated claims that their (mall kiosk) styling tool is completely healthy for your hair, many who purchased from them found they dry the hair.

(BeansTalk tip: use a good moisturizing conditioner -- if you are concerned about the extra moisturizers making hair greasy at the roots/scalp, use the condition only from the neck down, or if your hair is short, only on the ends. Also use a "heat protector product; we use Chi, but there are many others available.)

8. The bottom line: if you buy a Corioliss Flat Iron from a mall kiosk, you may not even get the same iron they used on you for their demonstration, you'll pay more for the same item than you would online, there's a gigantic chance you can't return it, and, if the kiosk sellers agree to exchange it, it could be a time suck. You're also likely to get a seller who will say whatever they have to, to get you to pull out your card or coin for the item.


All that said, you might consider the flat irons we've suggested here (see below). Again, we were inspired by our friend Carolyn, who reps FHI and sent us their release:

FHI Heat's GoStyling

"What we aimed for is something fashionable, yet effective and affordable for women of all ages," states Phillip Wilson, International Creative Director for FHI Heat, Inc., a manufacturer of ceramic styling irons since 2003.. "These irons perform as well as expensive professional tools but at a fraction of the price. What makes them unique is that they come in a greater range of colors, which is important to younger fashionistas."

The Gostyling irons feature brightly-colored, scratch-resistant, ceramic coated plates covered with a high quantity of tourmaline crystals which results in a large negative ion count. Other features include: a beveled edge for curling, flipping and twisting hair; an extra-long 9-foot swivel cord; gentle far infrared heat and low EMF; and an advanced heater with adjustable temperature control that allows the temperature to range from 140 to 410 degrees F. The iron retails for $79.99 and comes in 5 colors: Teal, Red, Pink, Black and Purple.

The Go irons also feature a special dual voltage plug that will allow consumers to plug the irons into various types of outlets which operate on different voltages.

These new Go styling irons are available at Ulta, Trade Secret, Beauty First, Pure Beauty, and Mia and Maxx stores. Other FHI Heat products are available at fine hair salons and professional beauty retailers nationwide, via toll-free number at 877.FHI.HEAT (877.344.4328) and online at www.gohairstyling.com. Products offered by FHI Heat include blow dryers, styling irons, curling irons, shears, heat-activated conditioners, styling clips, carbon combs, brushes and a chemical straightening system. For more information, please call 877.FHI.HEAT or visit the website www. www.gohairstyling.com.

Here are other colorful irons to consider (most verbiage is pulled right from the website mentioned):

Croc Designer 1" Flat Iron

Croc Designer 1" Flat Iron has an outstanding ergonomic design that offers light weight, balance handling without strain.

Features and Benefits:
• Revolutionary Automatic Temperature Reserve system
• Automatically decreases temperature to 370F when unattended
• Temperature will instantly return to reserved temperature once in use
• Auto shut off setting is activated when no movement is detected for 30 minutes
• Buoyant plates and rounded barrel creates vivacious curls, flips and straight hair
• Far-infrared and ionic benefits
• Fully digital with 17 heat settings from 280F-450F
• Black Nano Titanium Plates with Ceramic heater seal in moisture, adds silky shine and longer lasting style
$135.00 + free shipping was $150.00 save 10% folica.com