BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- Ross Kettle, the quite European Jeffrey Conrad on "Santa Barbara," turns 45 today, September 19.
- Don Starr, our own Jordan Lee of "Dallas," was born on September 20, 1917 and died on July 11, 1995.
- The unstoppable Larry Hagman, who was, of course, the unstoppable J.R. Ewing on "Dallas," turns 75 on Thursday, September 21.
- Catherine Oxenberg, who played long-lost daughter Amanda Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 45 on Friday, September 22.

Happy birthday!

Coming up in the Archies in January ...

Archie & Friends #106
"The Monster Museum": Seeking inspiration for Chuck's comic books, Archie and Chuck visit the town's new "Monster Museum." It is filled with monster movie memorabilia… or at least it was, as the boys find out when they arrive to find a real live crime scene there! Meanwhile, Nancy feels so neglected she starts wearing "goth" outfits! Can Chuck help recover the museum's missing merchandise… and will he recover his original, NON-goth girlfriend, too? SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. PLUS: SUPERMODEL KATY KEENE IN ANOTHER ALL-NEW TALE! "May I Have This Dance?": Katy's sister MacKenzie has a crush, but her crush has designs on Katy! Can MacKenzie find a way to swing the subject back around to herself? It's love in the "fashion lane" as only Archie Comics can deliver! SCRIPT AND ART: Andrew Pepoy.
On sale newsstand January 9, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Archie Digest #231
The adventures of America's favorite teen continue with new stories and classic tales. SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand January 3, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

Betty & Veronica #223
Working Hand in Glove" A famous designer asks Veronica to give him a hand… as a hand model modeling his high-fashion gloves! "Instrumental to the Story": Veronica would rather listen to classic rock than classical music… but the hunky new Riverdale High tenor may have her singing a different tune! "Offering Lip Service": Archie refuses a kiss from Veronica because of his chapped lips, but Betty offers to share the last of her lip balm with Archie. Problem is, it happens to be on her lips, and when Veronica finds out they're smooching, guess who might get a fat lip?! "Don't Miss This": Could it be true – an all-new love triangle between Midge, Moose, and… BETTY?! You'll have to read this story to find out! SCRIPTS: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale newsstand January 3, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Betty & Veronica Digest #171
Bright and brassy, bold and beautiful, blonde and brunette-- teen dream queens Betty & Veronica romp through this collection of new stories and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand December 27, 2006
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

Betty & Veronica Double Digest #148
What's better than a digest full of those teen dream queens Betty & Veronica? A double digest full of them! Featuring new stories and classic tales. SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand January 9, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

Jughead #178
"The Competition": Fed up with their feuding, rival restauranteurs Pop Tate and Segarini each take a break… and put Archie and Jughead respectively in charge! Will the teens bring new marketing strategies and less tension to the neighboring eateries, or will the fast food wars be as fierce as ever? "The Jughead Zone": Five years ago, Jughead agreed to spend one whole day with Ethel in exchange for a piece of her homemade pie. That one day is today! Will Jughead be able to go through with it, or did he bite off more pie than he can chew? "One Step Beyond": Jughead owes Reggie money, and it's payback time. Only Jughead is broke! His solution: tail Reggie before Reggie can tail him! SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman. ART: Rex Lindsey.
On sale newsstand December 27, 2006
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Sabrina The Teenage Witch #81
"Mortal Decision": After being imprisoned last issue for her unusual magical abilities, Sabrina decides to give up magic completely and live life as a normal mortal. Her decision causes quite a stir… from her aunts who believe her magic is something to be proud of and should be nurtured; to Llandra, who doesn't believe Sabrina will go through with it; and especially Shinji, concerned that Sabrina's anti-magic stance will put The Four Blades movement in jeapady! All this opposition simply strengthens Sabrina's resolve… but will she be happy with the results?! SCRIPT AND ART: Tania del Rio.
On sale newsstand December 27, 2006
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Tales From Riverdale Digest #17
"Monster-piece Theatre": It's a "comedy of terrors" for Chuck when he accidentally mixes up a monster drawing done for art school with the flattering portrait he intended to give Nancy for Valentine's Day! SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz. PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand January 16, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

Veronica #177
"The Secret of Veronica's Diary": When Veronica's diary accidentally ends up in Reggie's hands, Veronica has a lot of explaining… and apologizing to do! SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. "The Art of Doing Nothing": Tired of being overscheduled, Veronica will do everything she can to do nothing! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Dan Parent. "Payback Time": The status quo of Veronica and Jughead's tense relationship is upended, as Jughead rescues Veronica from a boorish boy, and Veronica feels obligated to return the favor! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand January 16, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Diahann Carroll speaks at luncheon

If you're in the Metro Detroit area, or can be in early October, you can catch Diahann Carroll, our own Dominique Devereaux of "Dynasty," speaking at a benefit luncheon for Henry Ford Hospital. Carroll, who's a Tony and Golden Globe winner; an Emmy, Grammy and Best Actress Oscar nominee, besides a beloved "Dynasty" star, also happens to be a breast cancer survivor.

She'll speak at the Mothers, Daughters, Sisters & Friends Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 at the Shenandoah Golf, Banquet & Country Club, 5600 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield, Michigan. It's a benefit for the planned Francee & Benson Ford Jr. Breast Care & Wellness Center at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. Tickets are $75-$500. For more information about the event, call (313) 876-9237.

Linda Gray, Sheree J. Wilson to appear at fan convention

Two of our lovely "Dallas" ladies, Linda Gray (Sue Ellen Ewing, who celebrated a birthday this week) and Sheree J. Wilson (April Stevens Ewing) will appear at a special Fan Appreciation Weekend presented by FanSource.com.

The event, held over the weekend of October 13-15 at the Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn in North Hollywood, California, will even feature a "Dallas" panel. Gray and Wilson will speak at the panel as a special tribute to our beloved 1980s primetime soap. Also among the activities that weekend is a special screening of Wilson's new movie projects, "Fragile" and "Killing Down" (check the March 6 post of the BRBTV News Blog for more info on those films).

FanSource says its Fan Appreciation Weekend is unlike other celebrity events and conventions because it gives you some personal time with the stars. Joanna Cassidy, Robert Pine and Lindsay Wagner ("Bionic" rules, man!) are also scheduled to appear. For more information or to get tickets, check out http://www.fansource.com/weekend.htm.

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- Linda Gray, the unforgettable Sue Ellen Ewing of "Dallas," turned 66 yesterday, September 12.
- Mary Crosby, Gray's on-screen baby sister Kristin Shepard, turns 47 tomorrow, September 14.
- Henry Darrow, who played Cruz Castillo's father Rafael on "Santa Barbara," and even showed up on an episode of "Dynasty" and the "Dukes of Hazzard" spinoff "Enos," turns 73 on Friday, September 15.
- Janis Paige, the lovely second Minx Lockridge on "SB," turns 84 on Saturday, September 16.
- Kimberly McArthur, who was the second Kelly Capwell on "SB," turns 44 on Saturday, September 16.
- Morgan Woodward, who was Punk Anderson on "Dallas" and also made a couple guest appearances on "The Dukes of Hazzard," has a birthday on Saturday, as well, turning 81.
- Shalane McCall, our young Charlie Wade on "Dallas," is our final Saturday birthday, remaining so young at just 34.

Happy birthday to all!

Coming up in Archies next week ...

BRB is back in town after a trip out of state, and the BRBTV News Blog is back in action ...

ARCHIE #569
“How to Survive High School”: Archie’s got all the answers a teen needs to navigate through the tricky world of high school … too bad his answers don’t match the teachers’ questions! SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Stan Goldberg. “Feeling Fuelish”: Archie and his friends imagine a world without fuel… and it’s a “gas”! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. “Come Blow Your Horn”: Deciding a “new sound” is needed for the band, Archie takes up the Alpine shepherd’s Alphorn. One note is all it will take to determine if his choice was good or baaaaa-d! SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand September 19
32-page, full-color comic, $2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE’S DOUBLE DIGEST #173
Double your pages, double your Archie and double your fun in this double digest full of new stories and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”
On sale newsstand September 19
Full-color digest format, $3.69 U.S.

VERONICA #174
"Go for the Gold": Betty has decided to run in the Riverdale Marathon, and Mr. and Mrs. Lodge decide that's a good way for Veronica to get exercise, too. It seems the only way Veronica can cover any distance is if she's running to get a latte... or a bagel ... or the latest fashions, so Betty uses that psychology to help Veronica do well in the race! “Baker’s Half Dozen”: Veronica has finally baked a batch of cookies that didn’t burn… but can she get them to Archie in time to prove it? Find out how the cookie crumbles in this tasty tale! SCRIPTS AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand September 19
32-page, full-color comic, $2.25 U.S.

Get a signed copy of "Dukes" guide in the show's birthplace

For those of you who are in the Covington-Conyers-Oxford area of Georgia, and those of you who plan to be or can be, don't miss the Southern Cruisers Classic Car Show on Sunday, October 1. The event, which will be at the Square in Covington, begins at 10 a.m. and runs through the day. You'll see all kinds of great classic cars, and you'll also see BRB, beginning at 1 p.m. near the A Touch of Country shop on the Square. She'll be signing copies of "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!", the reference guide to "The Dukes of Hazzard." Covington is a special place for "The Dukes of Hazzard," as we all know, because the first five episodes were filmed in the area back in late 1978.

"Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" just released a second print edition, which added 42 pages and lots of photos to the book. With character guide, cast list, episode guide, a jam-packed trivia chapter and more, the guide is designed to be a fun fact book to have at your side while you're enjoying the beloved action hit on CMT or DVD! BRB will be signing copies of "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., so come on out and say howdy!

For more information on the car show or other events in the birthplace of "The Dukes," contact the Newton County Chamber of Commerce.

BRBTV birthdays this week, plus a blip ...

- Roberta Weiss, the too-hot-to-handle Flame Beaufort of "Santa Barbara," turned 48 yesterday, September 5.
- Tom Wopat, our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 55 on Saturday, September 9.
- Constance Marie, who played Nikki Alvarez on "SB," has a birthday on Saturday, as well, turning 41.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: A few weeks back, the Hallmark Channel premiered a great Western flick featuring two of the BRBTV stars, Patrick Duffy of "Dallas" and A Martinez of "SB." If you missed it, then set your TiVo for Friday, October 20, when Hallmark repeats the film "Desolation Canyon." You can also catch Duffy in a re-airing of "Falling in Love With the Girl Next Door" on Thursday, October 5 on Hallmark.

Archie Comics writer and artist answers your questions

A special newsflash from Archie Comics ...

From the Betty & Veronica Spectacular and the monthly Veronica comic to Archie's 65th Anniversary Bash!, writer and artist Dan Parent has made Veronica Lodge his business. Now, Parent is available to answer your questions about Riverdale's richest (and best dressed!) teen. As part of ArchieComics.com's new PodCast program, send your questions today to questions@archiecomics.com and they will become part of the Archie Comics PodCast with Dan Parent.

Jack Scalia: That pic is named!

On July 14, the BRBTV News Blog reported that Jack Scalia, our own Nicholas Pearce / Joey Lombardi on "Dallas," will star in a new Sci Fi Channel original movie (the kind they show on Saturday nights at 9, and the kind of truly, terribly entertaining flicks that BRBTV just loves). The movie, as of several weeks ago, was tentatively titled "Deadly Water." Sci Fi put out a call to viewers to give the film a better name. Entries were submitted on the Sci Fi website, and a winner was chosen. And the winner is ...

"Kraken: Tentacles of the Deep." The plotline: "A marine archeologist and a sailor team up to search for a priceless ancient treasure, only to find themselves in danger from a giant squid that seems to be protecting the treasure, and a ruthless rival who wants the artifact for himself." Scalia is the "ruthless rival," named Maxwell Odemus. Victoria Pratt of the syndicated sci-fi drama "Mutant X" also stars. The film has its world premiere on Sci Fi on Saturday, September 23 at 9 p.m. We'll be there!

Gordon Thomson keeps it going

After a minor speaking role in this year's disaster-epic remake "Poseidon," Gordon Thomson, our own Adam Carrington of "Dynasty" and third Mason Capwell of "Santa Barbara," has a small role in "Little Miss Sunshine." The film, starring Greg Kinnear and Alan Arkin and new out this summer, is a comedy focusing on a dysfunctional family.

The plotline from the IMDb: "Olive is a little girl with a dream: winning the Little Miss Sunshine contest. Her family wants her dream to come true, but they are so burdened with their own quirks, neuroses, and problems that they can barely make it through a day without some disaster befalling them. Circumstances conspire to put the entire family on the road together with the goal of getting Olive to the Little Miss Sunshine contest in far off California."

Have you heard Joan Van Ark?

You might have heard our own Valene Ewing of "Dallas" and its spinoff "Knots Landing," without even realizing it. She's been doing voiceover work for commercials. Touting products from Nivea skin care, Friskies cat food and more, her silky voice can be heard on a demo tape from her official website, http://www.joanvanark.com. Fun!

Van Ark also has a movie project going on this year. "Channels," directed by, written by and starring Nathanial Christian, is listed as in postproduction. The film features Edward Asner. Plus, Van Ark has been indulging in some theater, performing in Tennessee Williams' "A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur" at the Harftford (Conn.) Stage earlier this year.

Coming up in Archies next week ...

Betty & Veronica Spectacular #75
75th issue anniversary blowout guest-starring the Veronicas!
"Fashion Victims": Ginger comes up with the best Sparkle Magazine Fashion Show theme yet: "Are you a Betty or you a Veronica?" As one famous model after another sports the latest Betty-centric outfit or flashy Veronica couture, the hottest act in pop music, The Veronicas provide the tuneful accompaniment! Script and art: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand September 5
32-page, full-color comic, $2.25 U.S.

Betty & Veronica Double Digest #145
What's better than a digest full of those teen dream queens Betty & Veronica? A double digest full of them! Featuring new stories and classic tales. Script and art: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand September 5
Full-color digest format, $3.69 U.S.

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- John Allen Nelson, the original (and hottest) Warren Lockridge on "Santa Barbara," who's now got the starring role in Fox's brand-new drama "Vanished" (did you catch the second episode last night? Nelson's doing a bang-up job), turned 47 yesterday, August 28.
- Russell Curry, who was Lt. Victor Boswell on "SB," also had a birthday yesterday, August 28, though the year is unknown!
- Emma Samms, the second Fallon on "Dynasty" who returned to her role as Holly Sutton Scorpio on ABC's "General Hospital" earlier this year, turned 46 yesterday, August 28.
- Sonny Shroyer, our loving Enos Strate on "The Dukes of Hazzard," is our last BRBTV birthday for yesterday, August 28, turning 71.
- Jim Davis, the legendary Jock Ewing of "Dallas," was born on August 29, 1909 and died on April 26, 1981.
- Don Pedro Colley, the stern Sheriff Little of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 68 tomorrow, August 30.
- Ben Jones, the reliable ole Cooter on "The Dukes of Hazzard" and venerable host of the yearly DukesFest, turns 65 on Thursday, August 31.
- And finally, Leonard Katzman, the mastermind behind the Ewings of "Dallas," was born on September 2, 1927 and died on September 5, 1996.

Spelling: "Nobody did guilty pleasure better"

Last night's Emmy Awards salute to TV kingpin Aaron Spelling was a delight, for sure. Just seeing the three original Charlie's Angels together -- Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson and the amazing Farrah Fawcett, all beyond stunning in black -- was alone worth the price of admission. But our own Joan Collins and Heather Locklear of "Dynasty" were there, as well, (and delightful in shimmering beiges) as was Stephen Collins of Spelling's WB show "7th Heaven."

"Nobody did guilty pleasure better than Aaron," Stephen Collins said.

Kate Jackson offered her own words: "Aaron Spelling gave us the gift in a little blue box. For four decades, he gave us something safe and comfortable through his work in television." (Love that Tiff & Co. reference -- ironic because one of the Angels' names actually was Tiffany.)

Check out some photos:
http://tv.msn.com/tv/emmys2006/showgallery?photoidx=3
http://tv.msn.com/tv/emmys2006/showgallery?photoidx=15

E! Online has some good videos from the Emmys, too.

Emmy salutes Spelling

Tune into the Emmy Awards broadcast this weekend to catch a special salute to the megaprolific mastermind behind "Dynasty" -- and so many other TV greats -- Aaron Spelling. Some high-profile guests are expected for the tribute: Joan Collins and Heather Locklear of "Dynasty" are among the names being bandied about:
http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,19838,00.html

Meanwhile, nice salutes to Spelling remain across the Internet, since his death earlier this summer, such as this one from Soap Opera Digest, which even includes a quote from Joan Collins, as well as Lesley-Anne Down, who was Stephanie Rogers on "Dallas" and had a brief role as a nurse on "Dynatsy":
http://soapoperadigest.com/features/special/aaronspelling/

Robin Wright Penn: Lots going on, as usual!

What else would you expect from the lovely Robin Wright Penn, whose star has shone brightly since she originated the Kelly Capwell role on "Santa Barbara"? Now, she is starring in a short film by Jennifer Aniston film for Glamour magazine's special "Reel Moments" campaign:
http://glamalert.com/reelmoments/

We've reported months ago on the BRBTV News Blog on other movie projects Penn has going on this year. One of them is "Sorry, Haters," and you can check out the film's website here:
http://www.sorryhaters2006.com/. Our gal, who is the star of the movie, is featured on the commentary with the DVD, which came out earlier this month. You can see some nice photos of her at this site.

Penn has also been working on the big-screen epic version of the classic tale "Beowulf," which looks like it will be lots of fun for any fan of the original tale. That film's website is also up, though it will be awhile before the film is actually released:
http://www.beowulfmovie.com/

"The Colbys" on DVD ... ?

In the "We're Not Quite Sure It's Legal But Have You Seen It?" department ... TVDVDPlanet.com is offering the complete series "The Colbys" on DVD, all 49 episodes on nine discs:

http://www.tvdvdplanet.com/movie/comedy/The_Colbys.html?gclid=CNrgoand8YYCFQ1mUAodJB2ZDQ

Now, of course, the series has not been released on DVD or on video officially by the owners of the trademark / property, so you can use your own judgment. ("Dynasty" had never been released, either, until the first season came out on DVD last year.) This set is $99.99 and includes artwork of the show and, evidently, an episode guide, along with each episode in chronological order. And who or what exactly is TVDVDPlanet? "TVDVDPlanet was recently established as a premiere DVD store selling all the best shows from the past," their website says. "We will continue to expand our show lineup and service to meet the growing needs of our customers. We are an independently owned and operated company."

BRBTV birthdays this week ...

- Barbara Eden, the delightful J.R. Ewing adversary of LeeAnn de la Vega on "Dallas," as well as Larry Hagman's previous costar on "I Dream of Jeannie," turns 72 tomorrow, August 23.
- Frank Runyeon, who was Father Michael on "Santa Barbara," has a birthday tomorrow, August 23, as well, turning 53.
- Wanda DeJesus, another "SB" star as one of the several Santana Andrades, turns 46 on Saturday, August 26.

Happy birthday to all!

Archies: Betty and Veronica learn a lesson in forgiveness

Shipping in November from Archie Comics ...

ARCHIE #571
"Christmas Toy Story": While playing Santa, Archie learns of a child's wish to get an ultra-rare, super-expensive collectible toy for Christmas... a toy so rare, it would take a miracle! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"The Spoiler": Jinx Malloy is back… and strangely, this time he's brought nothing but GOOD LUCK for Archie and Jughead! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. "A Really Special Gift": Archie has just the cure for Betty's holiday blues…and it's more than money can buy! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand on December 12, 2006
32-page, full color comic, $2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #105
"Beaches, Bikinis & Backstabbing": You might be wondering how Katy can frolic on the beach in the middle of winter… it's because she's in the middle of a working vacation in sunny Central America! Things soon go from sweet to sour when spoiled supermodel Mischa Mucha joins the photo shoot. Can Katy de-claw her catty co-star? SCRIPT AND ART: Andrew Pepoy.
"Zen & the Art of Getting to Class": From being chauffeured to different parts of the building to buying into mystical mumbo-jumbo, Archie is willing to try anything to make it to class on time! SCRIPT: Scott Cunningham. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand on November 29, 2006
32-page, full color comic, $2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #222

"Gift Exchange": An argument over who will buy Archie an expensive MP3 player leaves Christmas fairy Sugar Plum teaching Betty and Veronica lessons about forgiveness and giving from the heart, not the wallet! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Party Dogs": You know Dancer, Prancer, Comet and Vixen… and now you'll get to know Hot Dog and all his canine friends as Veronica throws a holiday party for the dogs! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Trip Slip Up!": A slip on the ice keeps Betty off the slopes, but lounging in the ski lodge with her cast and crutches sure attracts all the sympathetic… and cute… guys! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale newsstand on November 21, 2006
32-page, full color comic, $2.25 U.S.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #16

FEATURING ANOTHER FRESH APPEARANCE FROM MR. WEATHERBEE'S CUTTING EDGE NIECE, DOUBLE W!
"Instant Chemistry": Unaware that her uncle, Principal Weatherbee, continues to scare away all potential suitors, WW remains baffled as to why she can't get a date. Throwing herself into her eclectic interests to take her mind off her situation, she soon learns Dilton is as interested in computers, entomology, and chemistry as she is… and the key word is "chemistry"! It's a match made in micro-chips, but can it last? SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale on newsstand December 5, 2006
Full-color digest format, $2.49 U.S.

VERONICA #176

"Shopping 101": Budget cuts force Riverdale High to subsidize by leasing and selling school property to all of Veronica's favorite stores!
"Santa's Little Helper": Veronica secretly takes a "Santa's helper" position to be closer to department store Santa Archie… who unbeknownst to Veronica has left early for the day! "You're Cooked!": Betty and Veronica decide to bake this year's Christmas tree ornaments. Can they keep Jughead from "un-decorating" the tree? SCRIPTS AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand on December 5, 2006
32-page, full color comic, $2.25 U.S.

Mark McCoy's preference is behind the scenes these days

In the last year or so of our beloved daytime soap, "Santa Barbara," Mark McCoy was the sinister Ken Mathis, the one who enticed Sophia Wayne Armonti Capwell Capwell (and so forth) into a relationship, and even into marriage. He was a wife-killing golddigger with a penchant for chemicals, of course. We all saw it coming, now didn't we? Well, nowadays, more than 13 years later, McCoy is still making a living in showbiz, but his interests and talents lie behind the scenes. He's done some producing, but his real role is as a post-production coordinator for films. He's got three projects coming up in the next year.

"Employee of the Month" stars Jessica Simpson and is directed and written by Greg Coolidge. "Pride" lifts up Tom Arnold (and where's he been, anyway?), with Terrence Howard thrown in for good measure (he's also producing). And "Rogue," scheduled for 2007 release, is an action film directed by Phillip G. Atwell and starring Jet Li.

On another "SB" note, by the way, take the time to visit the IMDb's page on the show and you'll see some fun photos of Robin Wright as Kelly Capwell in the early days of the show. She's there with Stephen Meadows as Peter (now that's really the early days), and in the dress she wore for her wedding to Joe Perkins (Mark Arnold). The IMDb has been adding a lot of photos to its pages, and these particular shots are courtesy of MPTV.net.

Victoria Principal appears on QVC this month

Tomorrow morning, to be exact ... Victoria Principal, our own Pamela Barnes Ewing of "Dallas," who has written many beauty books and created many beauty products in more recent years, will be featured in QVC segments. "The Principal Secret With Victoria Principal" airs several times tomorrow, August 18, beginning at 1 a.m. EST, then repeating at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. If you don't have QVC, you can do a live stream from their website.

It's the 15th anniversary of Principal's show with this shopping network. QVC describes tomorrow's segment: "Principal Secret delivers the latest in skin care technology, Reclaim with Argireline, proven to deliver results for beautiful, younger-looking skin."

You can visit Principal's QVC shop at http://www.qvc.com/asp/frameset.asp?class=4950&qic=y.

"Archie" editor answers your questions

As part of the new podcast program of www.ArchieComics.com, Victor Gorelick, managing editor, will be answering questions submitted by you, the fans of Archie Comics.

According to the Archie press release, Victor Gorelick is a 48-year veteran of the comic industry. He joined Archie Comics as an art assistant, and has served as production coordinator, art director and now as managing editor. He has done everything from writing to coloring in the comics realm. He also is a moving force on the Comic Magazine Association of America’s Code Authority Guidelines Committee, a member of the Board of Advisors of the Joe Kubert School where many of today’s comic artists first learned their craft, and he has taught cartooning as an instructor at the Kingsborough Community College in New York City.

Gorelick is taking questions on anything you want to know about Archie and the Riverdale Gang, Archie Comics in general or the history of the company (maybe even about the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" TV show or comic title!). Send your questions today to questions@archiecomics.com.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Just one BRBTV birthday this week: Jonathan Frakes, who played Jamie Lee Hogg and fell for Daisy Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard," and who also, of course, went on to shine as Number 1 on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," turns 54 on Saturday, August 19.

See Tom Wopat in a cozy setting

Only 175 people will get seats for the Redstone Room at River Music Experience in Davenport, Iowa, on October 18. That's where (and when) Tom Wopat, our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," will be appearing.

The show is a benefit for public television in Iowa's Quad Cities area, and tickets are $50 each. Tickets go on sale to the general public on August 30 and will be available by calling WQPT, Quad Cities PBS at (309) 796-2424 or (800) 747-2430.

October 18 is on a Wednesday, and the event starts at 7 p.m. The Redstone Room @ River Music Experience is located at 131 W. Second in Davenport, Iowa. It's about an hour and a half from Peoria, Illinois, or three hours from Chicago or Des Moines.

Thanks to Sheri, the webgirl at TomWopat.com, for passing this item along ...

Final "Dukes" DVD: December 5

It's a cozy family scene on the cover this time around, for the seventh and final DVD in "The Dukes of Hazzard" series. Our three favorite cousins and their Uncle Jesse, Cooter and even Flash (she sure knows what's what and who's who, don't she?). TVShowsonDVD.com has posted the press release for the DVD release, scheduled for December 5, 2006: http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=6224

It's a six-disc set that will run ya $39.98. Besides the 17 final episodes of the series (sob, sob), the DVD set includes a tribute to balladeer Waylon Jennings and a music video starring John Schneider, Tom Wopat and Catherine Bach.