'69 Dodge Charger stars in new Tarantino film

Special thanks to Chad Fullerton of Georgia for passing along these two shots, taken about a month ago at a promotion for the new double feature "Grindhouse." Now hitting theaters, "Grindhouse" features Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof" and Robert Rodriguez's "Planet Terror." It also features a certain car that "Dukes of Hazzard" fans know and love, the 1969 Dodge Charger.

Tarantino is a "Dukes" fan himself (remember the "CSI" episode he directed, which featured characters playing a "Dukes" board game?) and a friend of James Best, our own Rosco P. Coltrane. It's no wonder he would bring the make and model of the General Lee into his new filmwork.

"I sold numerous parts to the company that built the cars for the film," says Chad, who works for Year One in Metro Atlanta, "and I thought it was really cool seeing the cars along with the cast, especially Kurt Russell!"



"In the pic, left to right is actress/stuntwoman Zoe Bell, myself, Kurt Russell and actress Tracie Thoms. The second photo is of Bell and Thoms sitting on the hood of Kurt Russell's 'Death Proof' killing machine ... a 1969 Dodge Charger. (Notice the 'rubber duck' hood ornament!)"

Chad goes on, "The Charger(s) that Kurt Russell drives are pretty neat and have a few connections with other television shows/movies from the past. For instance, the rubber-duck hood ornament that graces the hood of the Charger is a tip of the hat to the old '70s trucker film 'Convoy' as the main character had that same ornament on the hood of his semi. The license plate on Russell's Charger(s) is also tip of the hat to another 'car flick' of the '70s ... 'Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry' starring Peter Fonda. Fonda also drove a '69 Charger in that film and Tarantino saw it fit to give his 'Death Proof' Charger the exact same license plate number as the one on the car that Fonda drove.

"Last, but not least, Russell's Charger(s) also give nod to the General Lee from 'The Dukes of Hazzard' as all of the cars used wore American Racing's reissued 10-spoke 'Vector SE' wheels. Pretty cool, huh?"

Yea, Chad, that's pretty cool ...

Olivia Newton-John as Pamela Ewing?

The news reports are claiming a possible "Grease" reunion for stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Travolta, fans of "Dallas" know, has been cast as J.R. Ewing in the big-screen remake of our beloved '80s soap. But now reports indicate his lovely "Grease" Sandra Dee might take the role of his nemesis Pamela Ewing.

DailyIndia.com reports that Newton-John is in negotiations right now to get the role. Travolta has weighed in on the topic:

"We've had talks and I think she'd be great playing Pam Ewing. She loved the TV version and was delighted with the idea too. The movie should get shooting later in the year," Contactmusic quoted Travolta as saying.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Remember Lonnie Quinn as Rich Landers on "Santa Barbara"? He just scored a new job at WCBS Channel 2 in New York. A meteorologist, Quinn comes to the TV station from WTVJ in Miami. See a photo of Quinn at Gothamist.com, and read more about what he's been doing since his "SB" days at NBC.net.

Victoria Principal on "Good Morning America"

Tune in to ABC's "Good Morning America" this Monday, April 16, and you'll catch our own Pamela Ewing of "Dallas," Victoria Principal. She'll be chatting with host Diane Sawyer. "Good Morning America" airs at 7 a.m. EST.

Principal also has several upcoming QVC appearances to promote her Principal Secret skin-care line on Tuesday, April 24, 2007:
- 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. EST
- Noon to 1 p.m. EST
- 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST

To learn more about her beauty products, check out her official website.

Ken Howard roams into "Still Waters" and more

Ken Howard, our own Garrett Boydston of "Dynasty," as well as the voice of Hartness in the "See No Evil" episode of "Batman: The Animated Series" (besides being known for that whole "White Shadow" thing in the '80s!), has quite a few new projects going on ....

An Untitled Cynthia Cidre Pilot could be coming to a CBS affiliate near you this fall. It's a TV series featuring some big names like Rita Moreno, Jimmy Smits and Hector Elizondo. It's about a Latino family operating a rum business in South Florida, with Smits at the head of the family. Howard's character's name is Joe Samuels. Learn a little more about the pilot in this Backstage.com piece.

Howard takes a darker turn in the thriller "Still Waters," which is classified as in postproduction. He plays Conrad in the film, which is about a young married couple that "encounters a stranger who threatens their marriage and their lives." It's written and directed by Carolyn Miller.

In "Smother," Howard, as Gene Cooper, shares the screen with lovely rocker-spawn Liv Tyler and film icon Diane Keaton. The plotline from the IMDb: "What would you do if your mother moved in with you and just wouldn't leave? When NOAH COOPER, 29, is fired from his job as a therapist, he thinks his day can't possibly get worse. When he arrives home his already full house gets even crazier when MARILYN, Noah's overbearing mother arrives with her five dogs in tow needing a place to stay. Comedy ensues as Noah learns to deal with the pressures of finding a job, a wife who desperately wants a baby, and worst of all a mother who won't quit smothering!" The comedy is written and directed by Vince Di Meglio and was reportedly filming in L.A. earlier this year.

Howard suits up with Sydney Pollack and George Clooney in "Michael Clayton," written and directed by Tony Gilroy. The drama movie has this plotline at the IMDb: "A New York attorney learns that after 15 years of cleaning up his high-profile clients' problems, they can come back to haunt you, in what will be the last and worst days of his career." Howard plays Don Jefferies. Clooney and Pollack also produce the film. A rumored release date for the Warner Bros. film, classified as completed, is September 28. Learn lots more at ClooneyStudio.com's page for the film.

Tom Wopat talks "Dukes" on "Just My Show"

"I was not quite the iconic figure that I think both John and Cathy were on the show," Tom Wopat of "The Dukes of Hazzard" humbly tells the host on the pop-culture podcast "Just My Show." Come, now, Tom! You're an icon to us!

Wopat touches on several aspects of our beloved "Dukes" in the online interview, including his views on celebrity and his real-life closeness to on-screen cuz John Schneider.

"To me, I have never really been one to hang with celebrities. That's not my deal," he says. "When I'm hanging with John, we're like brothers. We spent a lot of time together through seven years."

Wopat even talks about the General Lee and the story behind those "bolted" doors, as well as the controversy surrounding that confederate flag. Listen to the whole interview at http://www.justmyshow.com/showthirteen.html.

There also have been some dates added for Wopat's run of "Chicago: The Musical." The schedule:

April 13-15
Fox Theater - St. Louis, Missouri

April 17-18
Classic Center - Athens, Georgia

April 20-22
Ruth Eckerd Hall - Clearwater, Florida

May 1-6
The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

May 11-13
Milwaukee Theatre - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

May 14-21
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

TENTATIVE:
May 29-June 3: Keller Auditorium - Portland, Oregon
June 7-17: http://www.liveatthemusichall.com/ - Dallas, Texas

Thanks to Sheri, "the web girl" of Wopat.com, for the tipoff!

Archie Comics marks 65 years with reprinted original story

From Archie Comics ...

Can it be so? Is Archie really 65 years old? You bet! The saga of everyone's favorite comic book teen began way back in December 1941, with Archie's very first story in PEP COMICS #22 (December, 1941). A mere year after his auspicious debut, the redheaded wonder was awarded his own title with ARCHIE COMICS #1 (Winter, 1942). Now 65 years later, the Archie characters remain one of the longest-running groups of continuously published characters of all time! Is it any wonder? Archie and his friends have entertained six generations with timeless tales of the trials and triumphs of growing up! Along the way, they've represented the fads, fashions and attitudes of America 's youth. This has led to an enormous following and spin-off projects such as countless animated series and licensed merchandise. Truly, Archie and his friends are a cherished American institution.

Now a special issue of ARCHIE DIGEST pays tribute to Archie’s illustrious past by reprinting Archie’s very first adventures from PEP COMICS #22 and ARCHIE COMICS #1! From Archie being a hapless showoff when Betty moves into town, to Archie being a tongue-tied, discombobulated wreck when Veronica moves into town, these early stories written by Vic Bloom and others reflect the free-wheeling fun of the popular screwball comedy movies of the day. Not to mention the charmingly exaggerated cartooning styles of Bob Montana and others so popular in the 1940s. As if that weren’t enough, the original “funny animal” supporting features like Squoimy the Woim, Cubby the Bear and Bumbie the Bee-tective, from the legendary Joe Edwards are also included! If you’ve never seen Archie and his friends as they originally appeared, you’re in for a treat with these milestone tales … as well as a brand new story created in homage to the gang – “When Archie Meets Archie”: On the eve of his 65th anniversary, Archie Andrews meets … himself! At least, the version of himself that appeared in Archie’s first story! After Archie gets used to calling his other self “Chic,” he ends up meeting the vintage Jughead and Betty, too – also drawn 1940s style! The space-time continuum has never seen anything like this! Celebrate Archie’s 65th anniversary in the best way possible – read this digest and take a hilarious walk down memory lane!

ARCHIE DIGEST #236, ships July 4, 2007. Full-color digest format, $2.49. SCRIPTS AND ART: Vic Bloom, Bob Montana, Fernando Ruiz, Rex Lindsey and more!

Elsewhere in Archie Comics ...

JUGHEAD #180
"Sneaking & Snacking": Banished from the Lodge's high class party, Jughead waits in the bushes with a sack, waiting to catch the food Archie tosses out the window! Little does he know a robber is also waiting, hoping to capture the valuables his accomplice tosses out the window! "Eyesore": A new shirt from his aunt sends Jughead's friends reeling… must be that hypnotic circular pattern! "Alias… the Claw!": Here's a story that will really "grab" you – always on the lookout for new ways to be lazy, Jughead buys a spring-loaded claw! SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman. ART: Rex Lindsey.
On sale newsstand April 10, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #19
"Red Carpet Romance": When Archie wins a date with super-hot pop star Ashlee Simpleton, the other guys… as well as Betty and Veronica… are green with envy! And it turns out they actually have something to worry about, as Ashlee's "approval rating" soars after dating a "typical teen!" Urging Ashlee to continue dating Archie, Ashlee's agent makes the couple the darlings of the press as Archie's friends wonder if they'll ever seem him again. But can Archie handle a relationship that's constantly under siege from reporters and photographers?! 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 April 10, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

BRBTV birthdays in April

Today, April 6, we've got some goodies:
- Billy Dee Williams, our own Brady Lloyd of "Dynasty," turns 70.
- Judith McConnell, second and longtime Sophia Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 63.
- Jane Rogers, the lovely Heather Donnelly on "SB," turns 47.
- Marilu Henner, who voiced vivacious redheaded socialite Veronica Vreeland on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 55.

On Easter Sunday, April 8, we've got a couple more:
- John Schneider, the unstoppable Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 47.
- Robin Wright Penn, the lovely original Kelly Capwell on "SB," is still such a young'un at 41.

And the rest of the month ...
- Lee Bergere, the long-suffering and perhaps twisted Joseph Aynders of "Dynasty," was born April 10, 1918 and died on January 31 of this year.
- Joel Grey, the unforgettable Adam who taunted J.R. in the series finale of "Dallas," turns 75 on April 11.
- Howard Keel, the ever-responsible Clayton Farlow of "Dallas," was born on April 13, 1919 and died on November 7, 2004.
- Terry Lester, who was the second Mason Capwell on "Santa Barbara," was born on April 13, 1950 and died on November 28, 2003.
- Ron Perlman, voice of Clayface on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 57 on April 13.
- Loretta Lynn, who gets some credit with BRBTV even though her time on "The Dukes of Hazzard" was brief, turns 72 on April 14.
- Lois Chiles, that slinky ole Holly Harwood on "Dallas" (we always wanted her hair; it was so fluffy and cool), turns 60 on April 15.
- Michael Ansara, the voice of Dr. Victor Fries / Mr. Freeze on "Batman: The Animated Series, turns 85 on April 15.
- Peter Mark Richman, one of our favorites and certainly an amazing BRBTV quadruple-shot for his time as Andrew Laird on "Dynasty," Maynard Anderson on "Dallas," the first C.C. Capwell on "SB" and even the voice of Charles Baxter on "Batman: TAS," turns 80 on April 16.
- Byron Cherry, who stepped in as Coy Duke in the fifth season of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 49 on April 17.
- Timothy Gibbs, our own Dash Nichols of "Santa Barbara, turns a very young 40 on April 17.
- John James, our Jeff Colby of "Dynasty," turns 51 on April 18.
- Bob Hastings, who voiced Commissioner James Gordon in "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 82 on April 18.
- Dick Sargent, who stepped in as Sheriff Grady Byrd on "The Dukes," filling in for Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane, was born on April 19, 1930 and died on July 8, 1994.
- Christopher Mayer, our other replacement Duke as Vance in "The Dukes," and a BRBTV double-shot as T.J. Daniels on "SB," turns 52 on April 21.
- Steve Bond, our own Mack Blake on "SB," turns 54 on April 22.
- Nancy Lee Grahn, our own Julia Wainwright of "Santa Barbara" who's now turning in good time as Alexis Davis on ABC's "General Hospital," turns 51 on April 28.

Happy birthday!

"Dallas" returns to UK television, Season 7 DVD on schedule

"Dallas" fans in the United Kingdom will be pleased to be able to watch episodes of our beloved show on the UKtv Gold satellite and cable station. It will air twice on Mondays through Fridays, at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., beginning Friday, April 27. Thanks to DallasFanzine.com for the word-up on that one.

The fanzine also tips off to the release of the next DVD set for "Dallas." TVShowsonDVD.com has the press release from Warner Bros. It releases on July 31 and includes a special feature on the music of the show. The DVD set will retail for $39.98.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Thanks for the heads-up in the Get_SB_on_TV Yahoo group ... Roscoe Born, our sinister Robert Barr and even-more-sinister twin Quinn Armitage of "Santa Barbara," will return to the soaps world with a new role on NBC's "Passions," beginning April 23. Read more about it at the TV Guide site. The soap, which NBC has cancelled, might be moving to DIRECTV in the fall.

Billy Dee Williams in "Barry Munday"

Oh, our smooth Billy Dee ... How we loved the way he romanced Dominique Devereaux on "Dynasty" ... Well, now, Billy Dee Williams, also known so well in the "Star Wars" world, is attached to a new comedy film from director and writer Chris D'Arienzo.

"Barry Munday" is currently in production. Starring Luke Wilson, it's about a guy who "wakes up after being attacked to realize that he's missing his family jewels. To make matters worse, he learns he's facing a paternity lawsuit filed by a woman he can't remember having sex with," according to the IMDb plotline. Williams, who plays a character named Lonnie Green, joins a cast that includes Lily Tomlin, Dianne Wiest and even Colin Hanks, whom we loved quite a lot on the WB's "Roswell." The movie is based on the book "Life Is a Strange Place: A Novel" by Frank Turner Hollon. It comes from Prospect Pictures and was scheduled to film this spring (now, in other words).

Read more in a little blurb on Williams here.

Ray Wise is heavy into the action

Ray Wise is a BRBTV double-shot as Spiros Koralis on "The Colbys" and Blair Sullivan on "Dallas," not to mention that truly evil turn he took as Leland Palmer on one of BRBTV's faves, "Twin Peaks." On March 23, we mentioned "The Reaper," a pilot Wise is working on. Wise has several other projects in the works, for both the big and small screens.

"One Missed Call" is classified as in post-production, scheduled for U.S. release on January 4 of next year. This one's a horror thriller directed by Eric Valette and written by Yasushi Akimoto and Andrew Klavan. The plotline from the IMDb: "In this remake of the Japanese horror film "Chakushin Ari" (2003), several people start receiving voice-mails from their future selves -- messages which include the date, time, and some of the details of their deaths." Wise's character name is Ted Summers. The filming has included a foray right into BRBTV's backyard in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

"Burn Notice" is a pilot for ordered from Fox for the USA Network. Wise plays Pyne and is joined by Bruce Campbell, Gabrielle Anwar and Sharon Gless for the action drama, about a spy who's been recently disavowed by the U.S. government and who uses his special ops training to help others in trouble. Read a little more about it at MovieWeb.com.

Wise's "Colbys" co-star Kerry Armstrong, who played Elena, Duchess of Branagh, joins him for "Reservations," written and directed by Aloura Melissa Charles. The IMDb's plotline: "A castaway, surrounded by water, suffers the most miserable thirst. The same ironic ache haunts lonely souls in the congested city of New York. But on this night, at a hotel, several strangers reach out and connect." Wise plays Mitch, while Armstrong will portray Hellen.

Sean Connery's son Jason Connery directs "Pandemic," which is completed and which this blog mentioned last August. Wise plays General Matthews in the thriller. "It's set in a small New Mexico town and a virus hits the town," Connery was quoted as saying on the 360 Pump website. "Initially, it's thought to be in the water, and it travels from livestock to people, which is obviously quite pertinent at the moment, with avian bird flu. In this small community, the Army arrive and close the whole place down and there's a progression of events."

Mourning the loss of Jack Gordon

Today BRBTV joins other "Dukes of Hazzard" fans in mourning the death of Jack Gordon, known to us as "Honest" John Ledbetter in the show's pilot episode. Gordon, who had been ill for some time and lived in a nursing home in Canada, had recently turned 80.

Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club operated a Yahoo group in tribute to Gordon and was one of his close friends. Gordon was scheduled to appear at Paul's cancer benefit, the Hair Dare Dukes Days, this August. Paul has renamed his Yahoo group in memory of Jack: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/In_Memory_of_Honest_John_Ledbetter/

"I don't understand why," Paul said about Gordon's death, "as Jack looked really good when we were there the week before. He was feeding himself, and we even got some video clips of Jack." Paul snapped the photo of Jack below a few months ago.


Besides campaigning against Rosco P. Coltrane for sheriff in the "One Armed Bandits" episode of "The Dukes," Gordon starred in the film "Jaws of Satan" in 1981 and "They Went That-A-Way & That-A-Way" in 1978. He appeared at the Hair Dare Dukes Day event over the years, as well as the early DukesFest, to sign autographs and chat with "Dukes" fans. Gordon is survived by his wife, Janet.

There's a nice message string, with many photos, in memory of Gordon at the Confederate General Lee Fan Club board.

Gordon is the second death in the "Dukes" family in the past few weeks, as car builder Rich Sephton passed away on March 14. BRBTV sends prayers and condolences to the families of Jack Gordon and Rich Sephton.

Archie artist Steven Butler answers your questions

You have seen the new look of Betty and Veronica on TV, magazines and newspapers. It has been featured all over the Internet. As part of Archie Comics' podcast program, now is your chance to ask Betty & Veronica Double Digest artist Steven Butler your own questions. What would you like to know about the new look?

As part of ArchieComics.com's new PodCast program, send your questions today to http://us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=qinterviews@archiecomics.com and they will become part of the Archie Comics PodCast with Steven Butler.

Elsewhere in Archie Comics ...

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #150
SPECIAL 150th ISSUE ANNIVERSARY STORY!
"Betty & Veronica's Scrapbook": Betty and Veronica take a page out of the nation's fascination with scrapbooking, but making their very own scrapbook of memories! Follow the girls from their days as "Little" Betty and Veronica, fighting over Archie even back then! Behold their preteen years of high fashion (Veronica) and comfy jeans (Betty)! Relive their first junior high dance! Share their musical memories on stage with The Archies! And who could forget the "Love Showdown" or the rise of "The Veronicas?!" It's all here in this poignant and hilarious trip down memory lane! SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. PLUS: Other 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 April 3, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

VERONICA #179
"Save Our Prom": When a burst pipe threatens to leave the prom a literal "washout," Veronica's mom lets the kids and faculty use the mansion instead! It's a good thing Mr. Lodge is away on business… SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
"Distress Over a Dress": Fed up with high bills, Mr. Lodge forbids Veronica from buying any more custom clothes from designers. His plan backfires, however, when Veronica buys out all the local stores to keep the other girls from sharing her fashion sense! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Dan Parent.
On sale Newsstand April 3, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #108
"Weird He Go?": Archie is convinced the new British exchange student staying with Veronica is an alien from another world… especially when he finds the student's giant robot! Is the visitor really out of this world, or is Archie just out of his head?! SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Stan Goldberg.
PLUS: MORE HIGH FASHION HIJINX WITH KATY KEENE!
"Viva Las Vegas ": The glittery city never saw anyone as glittering as Katy! Katy is in town to present the awards at an extreme sports skateboarding competition, but she isn't winning any awards with her love-interest, stuntman K.O. Kirby. It's romantic intrigue, classy comedy, and fashions galore as only Katy can deliver! SCRIPT AND ART: Andrew Pepoy.
On sale newsstand March 27, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

ARCHIE DIGEST #233
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 March 27, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

Cincinnati, you can still see John Schneider!

The situation with the Cincinnati Pops aside (see the March 16 and 19 posts of this blog), John Schneider still will be showing up in the town, in a manner of speaking. His independent movie "Collier & Co. -- Hot Pursuit!" will be screening April 13-24 at the Danbarry Dollar Saver Cinemas:

- DANBARRY DOLLAR SAVER CINEMAS – please call (513) 671-0537
601 Cincinnati Mills Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45240
- DANBARRY DOLLAR SAVER CINEMAS – please call (513) 947-8111
4450 Eastgate Blvd. Cincinnati, OH 45245
- DANBARRY DOLLAR SAVER CINEMAS – please call (513) 451-2300
5190 Glencrossing Way, Cincinnati, OH 45238

"Collier & Co. -- Hot Pursuit!" has also had 2007 bookings in Mobile, Alabama; Pensacola, Florida; many sites in Georgia (of course!); Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and El Paso, Texas, among others.

Haven't seen the film? Wanna view the trailer? Click on over to
http://snipurl.com/Collier_trailer.

Ted McGinley decides to "Eavesdrop"

Ted McGinley was hunky on "Dynasty" right after he was hunky on two of ABC's other shows, "Happy Days" and "The Love Boat." Now our former Clay Fallmont has two films in the works.

"Eavesdrop," written and directed by Matthew Miele, is currently filming in New York. McGinley plays a character named Grant in the movie. "This unique motion picture is intent on continuing the grand tradition of films that have explored similar themes such as the Peeping Tom in Hitchcock's, 'Rear Window' and snooping in Coppola's 'The Conversation,'" the film's bio says. "The entire film will take place real time in a cafe in Manhattan during a busy brunch hour. An eclectic cast is currently being assembled to portray the patrons at several different tables that will eavesdrop on one another in a variety of intriguing ways." The film also stars Christopher Lawford, first child of Peter and Pat Kennedy Lawford.

"Privileged" is also classified as filming right now, is a drama directed by Jonah Salander and written by Steve Allison. McGinley plays Mr. Webber amid a huge cast that also includes Aaron Ashmore, the new Jimmy Olsen on the CW's "Smallville," and Tatyana Ali.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: McGinley's "Dynasty" co-star, the lovely Heather Locklear, might be returning to primetime this fall, the Televisionista blog reports. ABC is looking at her pilot "See Jayne Run," about (what else?) a successful female competing in a male-dominated world.

Yes, "Batman: The Animated Series" is part of this news blog, too!

Holy Newsflash, Batman! It's an actual news item about "Batman: The Animated Series," which BRBTV published an Amazon Short for a few months back and claims is part of this BRBTV News Blog, along with the other fine classic BRBTV shows ...

Well, OK, OK, BRBTV does love "Batman: TAS" just as much as the other classic TV shows it covers; make no mistake. And there are some happenings on the news front related to the show, or at least related to the legacy that the show created when it launched in the early '90s, as well as the Bat-phenomenon as a whole ...

First up, it's the release this month of Season 2 of the fine "Justice League Unlimited," which evolved from "Batman: TAS" and utilized some of the same voices and definitely the same creative team. Find a review for the DVD here. Mark Hamill, the "Star Wars" icon who wowed Bat-fans of the '90s with his interpretation of the Joker, makes an appearance in the DVD set's extras.

Along the same lines, another animated series spawned by the immensely popular "Batman: TAS" is "Batman Beyond," the futuristic take that shows an aging Bruce Wayne and the kid he mentors to take on the Bat-mantle. "Batman Beyond" released its third and final season this month, as well, and you can find a review here. Extras of the DVD set include tidbits from actor Will Friedle, who voiced Terry, the new teen Batman. (Look for a BRBTV Amazon Short on "Batman Beyond," by the way, in the not-so-distant future.)

Animated Magazine does a little writeup on those two DVD releases here.

And, as if that wasn't enough Bat-joy, Warner Bros. digs back into its prize closet for "The New Adventures of Batman." No, this isn't "The New Batman Adventures," which "Batman: TAS" evolved into in later seasons (confused yet?). This is the old and grand Filmation stuff, the wonderful stuff of the '70s, featuring the voices of live-action heroes Adam West and Burt Ward as our Caped Crusaders, no less. TVShowsonDVD.com has the official press release from the WB. The two-disc set will cost $26.99 and will release on June 26. The set of 16 episodes, which originally aired on CBS, include the fiery-tressed Batgirl, as well.

And, for a capper on this whole Bat-tribute, see one blogger's take on "Batman: The Animated Series" and its legacy here at Shangrila Towers, a post that includes a couple fun video clips, too.

Web roundup: Larry Hagman, Catherine Oxenberg

Seen around the web ...

- Larry Hagman of "Dallas" was featured yesterday on the Restoring Hope Transplant House blog, highlighting Hagman's 1995 liver transplant and his letter to the facility's coordinators.
http://restoringhope.blogspot.com/2007/03/transplant-survivor-larry-hagman.html

- Our beloved soap "Dallas" showed up in a freelance story in The Seattle Times discussing how TV reruns influence our choice of home decor.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2003633879_decorontv240.html

- Our lovely Catherine Oxenberg, aka the original Amanda Carrington of "Dynasty," appeared with her hubby Casper Van Dien at the Genesis Awards on Saturday and was featured in this story on the Televioinista blog yesterday, with two nice photos:
http://televisionista.blogspot.com/2007/03/veteran-soap-couple-oxenberg-van-dien.html

Some bits and pieces from around the web ...

- If you've been catching "Dallas" lately on SoapNet, then you just saw the episode where Jamie Ewing (Jennilee Harrison) was killed in an accident in California, accompanied by her friend Mary Elizabeth, who survived. Amy Yasbeck played Mary Elizabeth, and now she's on tap to star in a new pilot for an ABC comedy about a local TV news team in Phoenix. That pilot, from Ric Swartzlander, also stars "Veronica Mars" gal Julie Gonzalo. Yasbeck plays a co-anchor in the pilot, currently untitled.

- Ray Wise, who is a BRBTV double-shot as Spiros Koralis on "The Colbys" and Blair Sullivan on "Dallas," has a new pilot in the works, too. He'll star in the CW's "The Reaper" as, of all things, the Prince of Darkness. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Reaper" is a comedic drama about a slacker who somehow becomes the devil's (Wise) bounty-hunter. We dearly loved Wise on "Twin Peaks" and know that he does an evil turn just fine.

- If you catch "Illegal Tender" in theaters this summer, you'll catch our "Santa Barbara" toughie Wanda de Jesus, who was the fourth one to take on the role of Santana Andrade. She plays Millie DeLeon, mother of the movie's main character, Wilson De Leon Jr. The film, which shot in locales like Puerto Rico, Staten Island and New Jersey last year, has this plotline at the IMDb: "When the thugs who killed his father come looking for him, a young Latino man and his mother flee from their home." De Jesus has another project on the horizon, by the same director and writer as "Illegal Tender," Franc. Reyes: "The Ministers," which just finished filming in New York a month or two ago, according to MovieWeb.com. The plotline from the IMDb: "A NYPD detective attempts to avenge the death of her father, but unwittingly becomes involved with one of his killers." De Jesus plays a police captain and shares the screen with John Leguizamo and Harvey Keitel for that one. The IMDb page has some nice shots of her; she's looking beautiful as always. You can read more about both films here and here.

Patrick Duffy in "He's Such a Girl"

Patrick Duffy, our own Bobby Ewing of "Dallas," has a new movie project about to be released. "He's Such a Girl" is classified as in postproduction and features Duffy playing the dad of the main character, Whitney, who's portrayed by Bryan Fisher of the "George Lopez" show.

Ed Begley Jr. and Alexandra Paul of "Baywatch" are also part of the comedy film, directed by
Sean Carr and written by Jimmy Gleacher. The movie filmed in Chicago last year and comes from Kinesis Entertainment.

Duffy has recently been involved in pantomime projects. Read more about that here.

Pamela Sue Martin goes "Soupernatural"

It's like classic TV star heaven -- not only our own lovely original Fallon Carrington of "Dynasty," Ms. Pamela Sue Martin, but even the Incredible Hulk and some Munsters? Yes, the new film "Soupernatural" includes Lou Ferrigno, that former mean green machine who's made a well-tuned-and-toned resurgence on the comic-con circuit in recent years (ask BRB about the time she drank his orange juice at an appearance). And he and Martin are joined by Pat Priest, known as the "ugly" Munster, lovely Monroe-like Marilyn, and Butch Patrick, known as her brother Eddie! (Who also, by the way, is known to make a comic-con appearance these days!)

But back to Pamela Sue ... She plays a character named Rod in the film, in pre-production as of the end of February (and kicking around since 2000, actually). The plotline, from the IMDb: "What happens in a small-town newsroom when it is rumored that the Messiah is serving soup at a local church festival."

Also popping up in this film is Ronnie Schell, who played Frank Armsted in 1985 on "Santa Barbara" and who was Lester Starr before that in the "Dukes of Hazzard" early episode "Daisy's Song."

"Soupernatural" is directed by Christopher Noice and written by Julie Matthews. Although Martin doesn't mention it as a recent project on her official website, you can learn more about the film at its own site.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Have you caught our former Tanner McBride, aka Kevin Bernhardt, as the temporary Frisco Jones / Dr. Kevin O'Connor on ABC's "General Hospital"?

Archie offers "Little Archie" on Free Comic Book Day

If you know anything about the comic-book world, then you're familiar with Free Comic Book Day, which this year is May 5. If you aren't, Free Comic Book Day is a single day when participating comic-book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their stores.

Archie Comics has been there since the beginning with original art and all-new stories. This year, Archie is offering two all-new comics for Free Comic Book Day: a Little Archie comic that will be the first new Little Archie comic in years, and a Sonic comic.

Little Archie -- Free Comic Book Day Special!
“Legend of the Lost Lagoon”
Little Archie, several campers and two counselors are boating on Loon Lake when they are suddenly caught in a dangerous storm. A golden owl, thought only to be a legend, directs them to the safety of a hidden tunnel that leads them to yet another legend, The Lost Lagoon.
STORY, ART and COVER: Bob Bolling.

Sonic the Hedgehog -- Free Comic Book Day Special!
"Unburying the Hatchet"
What could be better than Dr. Eggman's killer robot, Metal Sonic? How about the real thing! What has turned Sonic against his friends in Knothole, and who among our heroes has to power to stop the true blue hero-gone-bad?
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn ART: Tracy Yardley! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks).
Fiercely free cover by Spaz!

If you don’t know where to find the closest comics shop, call 1-888-COMIC BOOK (1-888-266-4226).

Elsewhere in Archie Comics ...

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST DOUBLE DIGEST #151
THE BEGINNING OF A SPECIAL FOUR-ISSUE SAGA FEATURING RIVERDALE’S FAVORITE TEENS IN A WHOLE NEW LOOK! “Bad Boy Trouble”: When Nick St. Clair rides into Riverdale on his motorcycle, Veronica is smitten. She likes Nick's air of assurance and his knack for getting noticed. The only problem is Nick gets noticed for all the wrong things! Nick quickly alienates all of Ronnie's friends, especially Betty. Is this handsome rebel the boy of Veronica's dreams, or just plain trouble? Will Betty and Veronica's friendship come to an end over the new boy in town? Don’t miss the first part of this epic four-part tale, drawn in an all-new style, to be continued the following issue! SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan. PENCILS: Steven Butler. INKS: Al Milgrom. 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 May 15, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

ARCHIE'S CAMP TALES #1
Ah, summer! Free time, warm weather, and outdoor activities... and no better time for Archie Comics! With kids home from school and adults on vacation from work, casual comic reading goes up. Especially casual Archie comic reading! Whether looking for a quick read on the beach, in the backseat of the car on the way to some vacation destination, or simply some entertainment for a rainy day, Archie Comics offer something fun for everyone. And let us not forget those countless kids who've spent evenings reading and swapping Archie Comics under the covers! For decades, s Archie Comics have made their way into countless summer campers' backpacks… and for decades, the writers and artists at Archie have provided readers with stories of Archie and his friends' adventures at summer camp! Now, some of the best of these stories are collected in a special 5 x 7 & ½ inch edition. Each story is meticulously restored and printed on high-grade paper, so you can feel like you're camping right alongside Archie, Betty, Veronica and the rest! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
On sale newsstand June 12, 2007
112-page, full-color paperback
$7.49

ARCHIE #575
"Bee on the Lookout": After a whole school year of run-ins with one another, Archie and Mr. Weatherbee decide to start the summer vacation with a restful day at the beach… each with the mistaken notion that the other will never be there! SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Stan Goldberg. "Summer Musings": An internship at the local newspaper has Archie fearing he'll be cooped up inside all summer, but a surprise assignment puts him right where he longs to be! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. "Good Taste in Cars": Mr. Andrews's new hybrid SUV runs on recycled cooking oil… and soon all the neighborhood critters are running after it, entranced by the aroma! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand June 5, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #110
IT'S ANOTHER SUPER-HEROIC ADVENTURE FOR THE QUEEN OF THE CATWALK! "Four Color Fun": Fresh from the excitement of ARCHIE & FRIENDS #107, where Katy starred as the Web's love interest in a mega-blockbuster movie production, Katy is back for another issue of high-flying heroics! Katy is clearly a hero to the many fans who show up to meet her at the mammoth California Comic-con, where she's promoting her epic "Web Returns" film. While there, she sets out on a comics quest of her own that's sure to be as thrilling as her celluloid exploits! SCRIPT AND ART: Andrew Pepoy. PLUS: "Living Lodge": Mr. Lodge decides to put his handheld daily reminder device to the test by giving one to each of Veronica's friends… only who's going to remind Archie to actually use it? SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand June 19, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

ARCHIE DIGEST #235
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 June 19, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #179
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 May 29, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

BETTY #165
"Fan Elan": When Betty wins a date with celebrity heartthrob Jason Jarson, will it be a silver screen classic or an all-time turkey? SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. "My Loss is My Gain": Betty loses a five dollar bill, but gains much more in the search that follows! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg. "Then & Now": Betty and Archie catch the "pioneering spirit" at a living history museum, but when they're done, it's Betty who's still the handy one! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. "Trying Not to Get BURNED": Betty sees red – literally – when she forgets to bring her sun screen lotion to the beach! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand June 5, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 US.

BETTY & VERONICA #227
"Losers Can Be Choosers": Betty & Veronica's performance in the big beach volleyball tournament is less than stellar, but they certainly look fashionable as they flop! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Jeff Shultz. "The Things You Find": When Betty and Veronica have a competition to see who can come up with the best outfit from garage sale purchases, they learn that everything old is new again! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz. "Two of Club": Veronica has Betty pose as a rich cousin at her "beach club for wealthy girls," but if it's one thing Betty's not, it's a "poser!" SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale newsstand June 12, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #78
"Let's Talk Tiki": An Hawaiian themed party—and the new hunk in town who's invited to it—inspires Betty and Veronica to compete in the food, decoration and of course, hula dancing departments! SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand May 22, 2007
Full color-digest format
$2.49

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #175
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 June 12, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #152
THE SECOND PART OF A SPECIAL FOUR-ISSUE SAGA FEATURING RIVERDALE'S FAVORITE TEENS IN A WHOLE NEW LOOK! "Bad Boy Trouble Part 2": The story that has the news media abuzz continues in this issue! Wild Nick St. Clair is a motorcycle-riding bad boy who's stolen Veronica's heart, but not those of her friends. Is Nick the misunderstand romantic he's convinced Veronica he is, or really a wolf in a biker's clothing? Reaction to the Riverdale teens' makeover has been swift, with mentions on TV, in newspapers, and especially on the internet, raising anticipation levels for this epic to unprecedented heights! Don't miss the latest installment of this thrilling tale, drawn in an all-new realistic style that has everyone talking! SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan. ART: Steven Butler. 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 June 19, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

JUGHEAD #181
"Misery Date": When Jughead agrees to take the new girl on a date, he borrows some advice from Archie… as well as Archie's sweater, car and cash! "Missed Kiss": A case of mistaken identity finds a pair of mysterious lips kissing Jughead as he sleeps… and Jughead is determined to taste that yummy flavored lipstick again, even if he has to kiss every girl in Riverdale to find those lips! "Babe Magnet": Taking his baby sister Jellybean for a stroll is no walk in the park for Jughead, especially when her cuteness attracts so many girls! SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman. ART: Rex Lindsey.
On sale newsstand May 22nd, 2007
Full color digest format
$2.49

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #20
"The Summer Job": Jughead finds the perfect job for someone inclined to avoid work - he finds a job in which Hot Dog does all the work for him! SCRIPT: George Gladir. 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 June 5, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #131
Its double-decker sandwiches and double-trouble as the irrepressible Jughead tilts the laugh-o-meter in this uproarious 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 June 12, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

PALS-N-GAL'S DOUBLE DIGEST #112
The spotlight is on the wonderful cast of Archie supporting characters, in this double digest featuring new stories and classic tales. SCRIPT & ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand June 5, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #84
"Truth Be Told": When Sabrina rejoins the current Four Blades, is it out of genuine interest or merely a way to keep tabs on Shinji's mysterious new girlfriend, Hemlock? Further complicating matters, Sabrina and Harvey continue to grow closer as a couple, but can Sabrina ever really reveal her biggest secret to Harvey? What would Harvey's reaction be if she did? And is there any further fallout from last issue's surprising revelation about Bartholomew? Buckle your broom-belts, Sabrina fans… many magical answers await you this issue! SCRIPT AND ART: Tania del Rio.
On sale newsstand June 12, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25


TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #20
"Model Citizen": When talent scouts from a trendy modeling agency visit Riverdale, Veronica does all she can to get their attention. As usual, she has some tough competition… no, not Betty, not Cheryl but none other than that rascal Reggie! Will their pretend poise prove to be no match for their massive egos? SCRIPT AND ART: Tim Kennedy. 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 May 22, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

More on the Cincinnati Pops / "Dukes" controversy

Special thanks to Renee and to Michael Barnard for posting additional info about the Cincinnati Pops / "Dukes" stink and about John Schneider. Be sure to check it all out on the comments page for the Friday post of this blog.

This story has got some legs, and we're thinkin' we need to just keep those legs a-movin', especially since there's an opportunity to bring an injustice to light.

"This is a benign family show loved by people of all ages and races," Ben Jones, our own beloved Cooter, told the Associated Press in a phone interview on Friday. "I have fought racism and bigotry my whole life and worked in the Civil Rights movement, and there is nothing racist about it."

PRNewswire reported that "in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, Jones was arrested several times attempting to integrate segregated facilities. He says he was shot at by the KKK, had a tooth knocked out by a Klansman, and had ammonia thrown in his eyes at a sit-in."

The Associated Press also reported that a statement by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra said that the orchestra has had a long artistic relationship with Schneider and Wopat and had conversations about a possible Dukes of Hazzard-themed program. Umm ... OK ....

Meanwhile, our own Paul Harrington, president of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club, has fired off an email to several folks at the NAACP. "First, I will start off my email and let you know right off, I'm a Native American, living in Ontario, Canada, and I don't agree with allot of things I see or read in the newspapers or even on television or even at the movies today," Paul wrote. "But I don't slander others if I don't understand them. I will ask questions, not do what you have done this week. I treat people how I wanted to be treated, with respect and honour; is that not what we are supposed to do, in our daily lives?? And I don't want to cause any other problems as we all have too many already, but why????"

Paul went on to include the text of the PRNewswire story referenced above, then later in the email said, "'The Dukes of Hazzard' IS NOT, WAS NOT and WILL NEVER be a racist television show. I have done 1000's of car shows, special events, birthday parties and many other events since I bought my General Lee from a magazine back in 1991, and I have never had a problem. Whites, American Indians, colored people (as it is stated on your website) and all other races have made nothing but great comments to myself and my wife through out the years when we have done shows."

Thanks to Paul for speaking up, and remember the links in the Friday post of this blog, below, if you want to also make your feelings known about this topic.

Cincinnati Pops condemns our Duke boys

Ben Jones, our beloved Cooter of "The Dukes of Hazzard," who doesn't shy away from speaking out against injustices, has issued a statement in response to a recent decision by the Cincinnati Pops regarding an upcoming appearance of Tom Wopat (Luke Duke) and John Schneider (Bo Duke).

Wopat and Schneider have performed with the Cincinnati Pops in the past, but apparently they were not welcome for the planned July 14, 2007 appearance. The Pops says that Cincinnati community members see "The Dukes of Hazzard" as having "racist overtones." (Yikes! OK, did they even watch the show? Anybody who watches "The Dukes" knows that isn't true.)

Jones calls the situation "a dangerous affront to the rights of performing artists and their audiences, and the worst example of political correctness I've ever heard of," according to the PRNewswire story.

You can read the whole story here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20070315/pl_usnw/singers_canned_by_orchestra_because_of_classic_t_v__show
Thanks to Renee for the email tipoff on this one. She adds, "Here's contact info for the Pops and NAACP, if you want to get your readers to contact them."
http://www.cincinnatisymphony.org/Verify/contactus.asp
http://www.naacp.org/about/contact/form/

Kim Zimmer gets more Emmy recognition

Kim Zimmer, who played Jodie Walker on "Santa Barbara" and is, of course, a longtime soaps actress, has received a nomination in this year's Daytime Emmy Awards. Zimmer is currently in her (lifelong!) role as Reva Shayne Lewis on "Guiding Light" (we all knew that whole "SB" gig was just a break from her life as Reva!).

The 34th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards will air on Friday, June 15 on CBS. For the full official list of Daytime Emmy nominations, click here.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Aaron Spelling, the man behind "Dynasty," though no longer with us, has a grandchild. His daughter Tori Spelling just gave birth to Liam Aaron McDermott a couple days ago. Liam is the first child for Tori.

Larry Hagman wants you to help save the planet

Thanks to Garry at Soapchat's "Dallas" forum for the tipoff on this one ... Larry Hagman, our very own J.R. Ewing, is doing a new spokesman's gig. Click on over to RefundsForGood.org and you'll see him and other celebrities such as Ed Begley Jr. and Martin Sheen encouraging folks to use their refund of the IRS' telephone excise tax for a good cause. You'll be helping to save the planet, they say, by donating your windfall to a charity such as PeaceJam or Physicians for Social Responsibility.

Refunds for Good Inc., the group behind the website, has been set up "to assist nonprofit organizations and progressive for-profit companies in using the Internet cost-effectively," their site says. And if you're wondering what all this telephone excise tax stuff is, Refunds For Good explains: "After 108 years, the IRS decided in May 2006 to stop assessing the federal excise tax on long distance interstate and wireless calls. The courts decreed that the IRS must refund these improperly assessed taxes and pay interest on the billions of dollars collected after February 28, 2003 and before August 1, 2006, a 41-month period."

Jughead the grizzly bear dies

MAMARONECK, N.Y. -- Since 1995, Archie Comics and the Bronx Zoo have had a special relationship. The Bronx Zoo named four of its grizzly bears after the Archie characters, Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica. In 2004, Archie Comic produced a special-edition comic dedicated to the Bronx Zoo bears and the plight of grizzly bears in nature as well as their life at the zoo.

Archie Comics sadly reports that on Friday, March 2, the beloved 13-year-old male grizzly bear Jughead died. “Jughead was a wonderful, charismatic animal, and he will be missed by all of our staff and visitors,” said Bronx Zoo Director Jim Breheny.

The zoo reports, "Jughead was one of four bears that was rescued and transferred to the Bronx Zoo in 1995. As human populations increase and bear habitat shrinks, grizzly bears are forced to live near humans. Occasionally, some bears become too accustomed to people and their surroundings, which can lead to conflict. In these cases, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services relocate bears to more isolated areas. 'Nuisance' bears are given three chances to avoid contact with people before they are euthanized or an appropriate zoo home can be found. The Wildlife Conservation Society, headquartered at the Bronx Zoo, along with other accredited zoos, assists the USFWS by rescuing these bears. The Bronx Zoo was able to take two young brothers (Jughead and Archie) who were rescued from Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front. Two young, unrelated females (Veronica and Betty) were also rescued at that time from the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming ."

Archie Comics says in its press release, "We have been honored to have had the grizzly bear named after one of our character and happy that our namesakes was able to entertain thousands of children and their parents over the years, much like our own Jughead Jones."

Elsewhere in Archie Comics -- what's coming up in the next several weeks ...

ARCHIE #574
"Dinner for Six": When the parents of Archie, Betty and Veronica make plans to meet for dinner, the teens are mortified. What if the subject turns to the eternal love triangle? Each imagines… and worries… over what may happen from their unique perspective. Will the dinner conversation leave these love-birds cooked? SCRIPT: Barbara Slate. ART: Stan Goldberg. "A Real Keeper": Mr. Lodge sends Archie home in the rain so Veronica can date the son of a businessman he's hoping to make a deal with. Will the rich kid be a better investment than Archie, or just another one for the "loss" column? SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand April 20, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #178
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 April 20, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #109
IT'S MORE HIGH-FASHION FUN WITH TOP TEEN MODEL KATY KEENE!
"America's New Best Model": Call it "designer satire" when Katy takes on television model competitions! Katy of course is the nicest contestant on the reality series hosted by Tyrant Brinks... and that makes her a real winner, no matter how the judges vote! SCRIPT AND ART: Andrew Pepoy.
"The Perfect Birthday": Archie decides to make his birthday last the whole day through with a full schedule of fun: arcade games with Jughead, tennis with Reggie, the movies with Betty, and a rock concert with Veronica. But will it be four chances for fun, or four chances for foul-ups? SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale newsstand May 8, 2007
32-page, full color comic
$2.25

ARCHIE DIGEST #234
"Stacked Under Pressure!": The Sport Stacking craze hits Riverdale as Archie and Reggie compete to determine who is superior in the increasingly popular sport of plastic cup stacking! 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 May 8, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

BETTY #164
"Custard's Last Stand": When Betty and her friends learn that their neighborhood ice cream man is being run out of business by a large chain, they repay his years of kindness by performing at his store to attract customers! SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Outdated But Not Outdone": The internet-friendly Cooper sisters are shocked when Polly gets an actual "snail mail" letter... until they read the postmark and realize it was sent 10 years ago! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Take the Cake": Betty is happy to make a cake for the charity bake sale... but can she get it past her hungry father and clumsy boyfriend intact? SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.

On sale newsstand April 24, 2007
32-page, full color comic
$2.25

BETTY & VERONICA #226
"Where the Jobs Are": A stroll through the high school's job fair leads Betty and Veronica to daydream about glamorous jobs like being a secret agent, rock star or blogger. At least we know they're qualified to be
"creative writers!" SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz. "Personal Best": The girl's baseball team decides the best way to win this season is for each member to improve her specialties—so Betty & Midge work on their fielding, Ethel perfects her pitching, Nancy brings her batting average up... and Veronica handles cosmetic improvements! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Serious Business": The line to wait for a famous author's autograph is so long that Betty & Veronica have time to write their own books while they wait! SCRIPT: Barbara Slate. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale newsstand May 1, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #174
"The Late, Great Veronica": Taking a page from Archie's book, Veronica is late for school again. It's going to take the help of true-blue Betty to reverse Veronica's tardiness... or is it already "too late" to help? SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. 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 May 1, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #151
THE BEGINNING OF A SPECIAL FOUR-ISSUE SAGA FEATURING RIVERDALE'S FAVORITE TEENS IN A WHOLE NEW LOOK!
"Bad Boy Trouble": When Nick St. Clair rides into Riverdale on his motorcycle, Veronica is smitten. She likes Nick's air of assurance and his knack for getting noticed. The only problem is Nick gets noticed for all the wrong things! Nick quickly alienates all of Ronnie's friends, especially Betty. Is this handsome rebel the boy of Veronica's dreams, or just plain trouble? Will Betty and Veronica's friendship come to an end over the new boy in town? Don't miss the first part of this epic four-part tale, drawn in an all-new style, to be continued the following issue! SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan. ART: Steven Butler. 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 May 15, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #19
"The Mis-Matcher": It's the return of Jughead's cousin, Bingo Wilkin! And with Mr. Weatherbee's niece Wendy in the same story, the sparks are sure to fly! At least that's what Jughead hopes, when he sets the two up on a date during Bingo's visit to Riverdale. The two hit it off, which causes Bingo's on-again off-again girlfriend/next-door neighbor Samantha to step up her game, much to the chagrin of her father, who'd like nothing more than to be rid of Bingo and his family forever! Has Wendy finally found her steady guy, or is this just another ride on her merry-go-round of love? 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 April 24, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #130
It's double-decker sandwiches and double-trouble as the irrepressible Jughead tilts the laugh-o-meter in this uproarious 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 May 1, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

LITTLE ARCHIE - FREE COMIC BOOK DAY SPECIAL!
"Legend of the Lost Lagoon."
Little Archie, several campers and two counselors are boating on Loon Lake when they are suddenly caught in a dangerous storm. A golden owl, thought only to be a legend, directs them to the safety of a hidden tunnel that leads them to yet another legend, The Lost Lagoon.
STORY, ART and COVER: Bob Bolling.
32-page, full-color comic
FREE

PALS-N-GAL'S DOUBLE DIGEST #111
The spotlight is on the wonderful cast of Archie supporting characters, in this double digest featuring new stories and classic tales. SCRIPT & ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to "Find Your Name in Print!"
On sale newsstand April 24, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #84
Batty wizard Bartholomew continues to tutor Sabrina with frustrating lessons that have little to do with magic. Despite her protests, Sabrina's aunts insist she continue with her lessons. Meanwhile, Sabrina receives an invitation from Llandra to Narayan's birthday party. Desiring to resurrect her friendship with Llandra, but feeling awkward about running into Shinji now that she's dating Harvey, Sabrina accepts the invite. But when Shinji arrives with a new girlfriend named Hemlock, it is Sabrina who feels awkward and hurt. Matters get worse when Sabrina learns what Shinji has in mind for Hemlock. As if all this intrigue weren't enough, it all ends with a startling revelation about Bartholomew! SCRIPT AND ART: Tania del Rio.
On sale newsstand May 1, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25

VERONICA #180
"The Return of the Elevenaire!": The mysterious stranger last seen in ARCHIE #545 and JUGHEAD #157 now pays Riverdale's resident richest teen a visit. Ironic, since this stranger's M.O. is handing out 11 dollars to other strangers, and the latest recipient is a millionaire. But when Veronica finds herself trapped at the bottom of a well, her newfound cash ends up being good fortune indeed! Find out how in this intriguing tale! SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Dan Parent.
"A Hair Affair": Veronica's bad hair day is so bad, it's caused everyone else's day to be bad, too! SCRIPT: Bill Golliher. ART: Dan Parent.
"An Old Story": When the bookstore clerk gives Veronica a summary of a romantic story from the pirate days, the love triangle within is all too familiar! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Dan Parent.
On sale newsstand May 15, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25