Now Jughead gets a new look

From Archie Comics

MAMARONECK, NY – Last year, one of the most talked-about stories in the comic book industry was the dynamic new look for Betty and Veronica, as seen in the story “Bad Boy Trouble.” Thousands of Archie fans responded by email, snail mail and phone expressing their disapproval of the new look before the story was even printed. Those same fans, after reading “Bad Boy Trouble,” let us know how much they enjoyed the story once seeing it in print. They thought it was fun and interesting to see the characters with a different look, AS LONG AS IT WASN’T IN ALL OF THE COMICS. The story was so popular it was collected into a graphic novel.

Thanks to the response of those thousands of fans, we have created another story with a dynamic new look, this time, starring Jughead in a story that will shock you. You can see Jughead’s dynamic new look in four consecutive issues of Jughead’s Double Digest, issues 139 through 142, with dynamic art by the legendary Joe Staton. Remember, it is only one of the stories in Jughead’s Double Digest; the remaining stories will be in the classic Archie art style you know and love. Make sure you contact your local comic book retailer to reserve your copies today.

BRBTV just wants to know -- who's the cute redhead???!!!

Al Corley's "in the Box" while Ken Howard's in the "Gardens

James Van Der Beek, whom we just spotted over the weekend in a sci-fi creature-feature, is one of the stars of "Boy in the Box," the latest production from Al Corley, our own original Steven Carrington of "Dynasty." Josh Lucas and Jessica Chastain also star in the drama, scheduled for release next year.

The film is directed by Anders Anderson and written by Glenn Taranto.

Fellow "Dynasty" caster Ken Howard, meanwhile, is filming "Grey Gardens," also scheduled for 2008 release. He plays Phelan Beale in the drama about the eccentric aunt and first cousin of Jackie Kennedy. The film stars Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange.

HBO is doing the producing. You can read a little more about the film here:
http://www.totalfilm.com/movie_news/drew_barrymores_in_the_gardens
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3icd201607b0abc97fe74fd42ccf755baa

BRBTV birthdays in December

- Forry Smith, the dashing Reese Walker on "SB," turned 55 on December 1.
- Charlene Tilton, little Lucy Ewing of "Dallas," turned 49 on December 1.
- Nicolas Coster, the unforgettable Lionel Lockridge on "SB," turned 73 on December 3.
- Morgan Brittany, who also was unforgettable as the Bobby-stalking Katherine Wentworth on "Dallas," and who played Mary Lou Pringle on a 1980 episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The Hazzardville Horror," celebrates her birthday on December 5, this year turning 56.
- Gunnar Hellström, who not only played Rolf Brundin on "Dallas" but also directed some episodes, was born on December 6, 1928 and died on November 28, 2001.
- Tom Fuccello, who was Sen. Dave Culver on "Dallas," was born on December 11, 1936, and died on August 16, 1993.
- Sheree J. Wilson, our own April Stevens Ewing of "Dallas," turns 49 tomorrow, December 12.
- Thaao Penghlis, who was Dr. Micah De Angelis in the tail-end of the run of "Santa Barbara," turns 62 on December 15.
- Helen Slater, who voiced Talia on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 44 on December 15.
- Christopher Cazenove, rugged and angry bro to Blake Carrington as Ben Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 62 on December 17.
- Brad Pitt, who was a very youthful Randy, boyfriend to Charlie, in one of his very first roles, on "Dallas," turns 44 on December 18.
- Karen Moncrieff, who played Cassandra Benedict on "Santa Barbara," turns 44 on December 20.
- Jared Martin, our own Dusty Farlow of "Dallas," turns 64 on December 21.
- John Callahan, who was Craig Hunt on "SB," turns 54 on December 23.
- Susan Lucci, the evil Hillary Taylor in the latter years of "Dallas," has a birthday on Saturday, December 23, as well, turning 61 (although one of our sources says 59).
- Dane Witherspoon, who originated the role of Joe Perkins on "Santa Barbara," turns 50 on December 27.
- Terri Garber, who was the feisty Leslie Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 47 on December 28.
- Barbara Carrera, who played the evil Angelica Nero on "Dallas," turns 56 on New Year's Eve, December 31.

Happy birthday to all!

Our favorite classic TV babes rank high on AOL's list

We love that Pamela Anderson topped the list, we love that Farrah was up there too, because she was our hero back in the day! We really love that Lynda Carter came in third, speaking of heroes! That all rocks, big-time, because all three of those are lovelier than lovely, when it comes to female-ness! But we especially loved that so many of our BRBTV femmes ranked on AOL's list of the top 50 sexiest women on TV ...

4. Heather Locklear (they cite "T.J. Hooker" -- we say "DYNASTY"!!!!!!! Precious at No. 4, just precious!)

7. Barbara Eden (she's known for "I Dream of Jeannie," but we loved her as a conniving beauty on "Dallas")

9. Catherine Bach (our "The Dukes of Hazzard" reigning queen supreme; thank God she was in the top 10, because there would've been a major revolt)

10. Tina Louise (known for "Gilligan's Island," of course, but she was Julie Grey at the beginning of "Dallas," and the redheaded BRB can't help but be glad she inched out Mary Ann for the No. 10 spot! BRBTV is so much more a Ginger than a Mary Ann!!!!!)

34. Victoria Principal ("Dallas" -- now this gal's a little low on the list, for our taste)

At the same time, we couldn't help but admire some of the other picks: 8. Katherine Heigl ("Grey's Anatomy" now, but we loved her in "Roswell" a few years back), 14. Lisa Bonet, 15. Maureen McCormick, 20. Julie Newmar (always the best Catwoman of "Batman"), 27. Nichelle Nichols (original "Star Trek," and now keepin' the fame with "Heroes"), 28. Jeri Ryan (such a stunner on "Star Trek: Voyager" in more ways than one), 29. Alyssa Milano ("Charmed" -- naturally beautiful in all her offbeat outfits), 30. Cheryl Ladd ("Charlie's Angels" -- she had tough shoes to fill, but she did fine), 32. Sherilyn Fenn (we're going to be rewatching all those fabbo "Twin Peaks" episodes soon, and Audrey Horne is great!)

See AOL's top 50 whole list (and luscious photos) here:
http://television.aol.com/photos/sexiest-women-tv

Let the Bat-buzz begin ... (oh wait, it never stopped)

Borrowed from BRB's entertainment blog at Congoo, as part of our continuing coverage in the "Batman: The Animated Series" realm ...

Heath Ledger is scoring points as the next big-screen Joker. A preview of “The Dark Knight,” the sequel to 2005’s “Batman Begins” and the next installment in the rebirth of a once-failing Batfilm franchise, is showing on IMAX on December 14. We’ve all seen Christian Bale’s interpretation of Batman, so there’s no surprise there. What we’re waiting with Batted breath – so to speak – to see is Hollywood hottie Heath Ledger as the Crown Prince of Crime.

The sequel plans were announced almost immediately after “Batman Begins” opened. And of course, for any diehard Batfans, the question of who the villain for the next movie would be was already answered at the end of the first one. The real question was … who would play him? Ledger has some pretty big spectator shoes to fill – Jack Nicholson wowed and wooed fans big-time in the 1989 “Batman” movie, the groundbreaker that brought the Caped Crusader back out of the comics and away from the 1960s TV camp. Nicholson was perfect for the role, through and through (helped along, ironically, by his similarities in style to Cesar Romero, who handled the role so deftly in the ‘60s TV series). And some would argue that the ante was upped with the voicework of the surprising Mark Hamill in “Batman: The Animated Series” through the ‘90s.

So back to that whole Heath thing. Will he cavort? Will he preen? Will he leer and jeer with maniacal cheer? Will it be purple and orange and green -- marked in pasty white -- for Batman's off-kilter foil? The first six minutes of the film are what’s showing on IMAX next week. And Ledger’s certainly got his buzz on: “Seeing this extraordinary face, eight stories high... you can smell his breath,” director Christopher Nolan says in the Hollywood Reporter.

The (whole) movie is scheduled for theaters on July 18.

You can still get your "Dukes" Cruise T-shirts

Mr. Wayne Wooten reports that he's still got some leftover T-shirts from the Hillbilly Woodstick 2 Dukes of Hazzard Cruise a few weeks ago. Check out his website for details:

http://www.dohgltruth.com/t-shirt.htm

And speaking of the Cruise, special thanks to Rob C., who emailed BRBTV these photos he had of the event ...

Archie Comics collector gets a cool Archie Comics gig

From Archie Comics

MAMARONECK , NY – Archie Comics is at it again! In 2003, after winning a cherished slot in Tokyopop’s “Rising Stars of Manga” anthology, Archie hired writer-artist phenomenon Tania del Rio to give Sabrina the Teenage Witch a manga makeover…

In 2006, Archie held a “try-out contest” at the San Diego Comic-con, and a young man named Bill Galvan – wearing a homemade Jughead t-shirt and wielding a pencil full of talent – soon found himself becoming Archie’s newest artist-extraordinaire…

This year, Archie gives another deserving talent a big break. The recipient this time is longtime Archie Comics collector and historian, Jeffrey C. Branch. Jeff has been championing Archie Comics in print for years – with text articles in such diverse outlets as grassroots fanzines, established magazines like Comic Book Marketplace, and even the official Archie Comics website. He made his most recent splash with an introduction to ARCHIE DIGEST #236, a very special issue that reprinted the original ARCHIE COMICS #1 from 1941 in its entirety.

With his reverence for and encyclopedic knowledge of Archie Comics, who better to write new Archie tales to vie for their own place alongside the classics? Judge it for yourself when you read “From the Ground Up,” in ARCHIE & FRIENDS #115. Inspired by TV’s home makeover shows, Archie and his friends endeavor to restore historic Pickens General Store and turn it into a museum. But can they overcome their lack of construction experience, not to mention opportunistic politicians who want to exploit the situation for their own gain and fame? It’s a poignant addition to the fabled canon of Riverdale lore, rendered with panache by Archie fan-favorite Rex Lindsey.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #115
SCRIPT: Jeffrey C. Branch. ART: Rex Lindsey.
On sale on newsstands: January 8, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

George Hamilton (starring) in "Coma"

George Hamilton, our evertan star of "Dynasty" as the ever-evil Joel Abrigore, has a new project in the works.

Hamilton plays the mayor in "Coma," a thriller scheduled for release next year. The film also stars April Scott, whom "Dukes of Hazzard" fans know from the most recent "Dukes" movie.

Hamilton has certainly been keeping up the acting creds over the years since he snuck out of Denver and out of Krystle Carrington's life. Besides the snack commercials and Old Navy commercials, he's popped up in stuff like "Las Vegas," "Nash Bridges" and "Diagnosis Murder," among many others.

Bo meets Coy -- and we're just thrilled by it!!!!!

There've been rumblings in the "Dukes of Hazzard" world all year long about the possibility of Byron "Coy Duke" Cherry and Christopher "Vance Duke" Mayer finally, after all these years, being invited to the annual DukesFest. And from this "Dukes" watcher's perspective, two things have precipitated those rumblings.

The first is the fact that Byron Cherry has been making "Dukes"-related appearances for the past couple years, such as at the Hair Dare Dukes Days in Canada two years in a row and the Hillbilly Woodstick 2 Dukes of Hazzard Cruise just a few weeks ago (see the BRBTV News Blog's coverage of those events). Cherry has shown what kind of guy he is at these events (a good one, in other words), and it's as if "Dukes" fans have discovered a whole new way of looking at Coy, who along with Vance had the inenviable role of being a "replacement" Duke in the 1982-83 season of the show.

The other factor is that now John Schneider is running the show, so to speak. He and his wife Elly have taken over the fabbo DukesFest event. Cherry has spoken about how he and Schneider knew each other back in the day, and that Cherry actually auditioned for the role of Bo and the two joked with each other about who would get it. There are no hard feelings between these two guys.

Well now, the news has broken that there's been a meeting between the two. No etched-in-stone details are available right now, but there's some nice indications from it all ...

"I just want all of you awesome 'Dukes' fans to know," Cherry wrote in his Yahoo discussion group, "I met with John Schneider today while he was filming in Ventura. He was three miles from my house, called me and said, 'Come on down to the set and see me.' He looked better than 28 years ago. That guy does not age." (BRBTV surmises that Schneider was thinkin' the same thing about Cherry! See our photos of him in earlier posts!)

"He met my 6-year-old son Wesley and was cutting up with him. John and I hugged after 25-plus years and had a great time. ... I sure hope to see you all at DukesFest this year. It's about time. Love you. Oh, and one more thing ..................YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE---HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, Coy Duke lives, and thanks, Byron Cherry."

As one fan put it on the Confederate General Lee Fan Club Board, "I think the days of Byron and Chris as outcasts instead of castmembers are almost over!"

Gina Gallego has four movie projects for 2008

Gina Gallego, who took over the role of Santana Andrade from Margaret Michaels on "Santa Barbara," hasn't exactly been a stranger over the years. She's popped up here, and she's popped up there. And next year, she'll be popping up on a bunch of stuff ...

"South of the Border," now filming, gives her a small part as a shelter director. The film's got an excellent cast: Drew Barrymore, Salma Hayek, Jamie Lee Curtis, Andy Garcia, Edward James Olmos, George Lopez, Cheech Marin. The comedy is about a lost chihuahua and is due in theaters next August.

In "Periphery," Gallego plays Carmelita. The drama is written and directed by Duane Allen Humeyestewa.

"Winged Creatures" has her playing a waitress. This one is about a group of people who form relationships with each other after a shooting at a diner. Kate Beckinsale and Dakota Fanning are also in it.

In the horror flick "Pearblossom," it's not clear what Gallego's character is, but the movie itself is about a lesbian couple who encounter God in 1968 and are reborn 40 years later. The movie stars one-half of the babysitting twins from "Grindhouse." (Read more about that at Bloody-Disgusting.com.)

Helmut Berger dons an "Iron Cross"

Helmut Berger was the intriguing and arguably distasteful Peter De Vilbis on our beloved "Dynasty," he of the charm and accent who whisked away our precious Fallon Carrington and helped break poor Jeff Colby's heart. And though you may not be able to translate this Austrian-born actor's resume, he's been a busy boy over the years. He's had many projects dating back to the 1960s.

On his plate this year is "Iron Cross," a war thriller written and directed by Joshua James Newton. The plotline from the IMDb: "Joseph, 78, a holocaust survivor settled in New York, who witnessed the massacre of his family in Poland 1941, travels to Berlin to visit his son Ronnie having turned his back on him for the last five years for marrying Anna. No sooner does Joseph attempt to heal the rift with Ronnie, he swears that living in the apartment below under the false name of Shrager is the now-aging SS commander who committed the atrocity. With little hope of seeing him stand trial, Joseph talks Ronnie into exacting justice -- and vengeance -- and together they set out to kill him."

Roy Scheider plays Joseph. Though Berger's character is not named on the page, we have to wonder if it's Shrager (wouldn't that be fun -- anyone?). The movie has been filming in Poland this year by Calibra Pictures.

A "Dukes" museum update

There it is ... like a beacon shining in the distance ... the "Dukes of Hazzard" museum being built by Mr. Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club. We've been posting photos now and then, to update you on the progress of the museum, and these photos are the latest.

"We have been kind of busy with the east wall," Paul said, "trying to get it all covered before it gets too cold. Well, here it is so far, now it's 40 outside. Last week it was 93; wow, what a difference."

And that was last month. There's a reason they call it the Great White North, ya know ... (of course, maybe now it'll be the Great Orange North!)

Photos courtesy of Paul Harrington

Another "high school musical" comes to Riverdale

From Archie Comics

MAMARONECK , NY -- In early 2006, a new phenomenon was born. A TV movie was aired that captured the hearts of the nation’s youth. A modern retelling of “Romeo & Juliet” set in a high school to a thumping backbeat of catchy teen-pop, it aired to amazing ratings in the U.S. and Europe. It was so popular that many repeat airings followed. Inevitably, it spawned a hit soundtrack CD and spinoffs, as well as DVD releases and a live stage show. A sequel movie is completed and about to air, with a third installment already in the works.

With a history of reflecting the current fads and fashions, it’s only natural that Archie Comics would take a stab at gently spoofing and paying tribute to this popular series, and this November that’s exactly what happens in “Riverdale High – the Musical,” appearing in VERONICA #185.

When a former Riverdale High student-turned-famous screenwriter/director decides to make a movie about her teenage years, it’s enough to make Veronica, Betty and their friends break out in song! Of course, using the current high school class as inspiration, there’s more drama behind the cameras than in front of it! Don’t miss this hilarious spoof of the beloved musical high school films that have swept the nation.

VERONICA #185
“Riverdale High – the Musical!”: When a former Riverdale High student-turned-famous screenwriter/director decides to make a movie about her teenage years, it’s enough to make Veronica, Betty and their friends break out in song! Of course, using the current high school class as inspiration, there’s more drama behind the cameras than in front of it! Don’t miss this hilarious spoof of the beloved musical high school films that have captured the hearts of the nation. SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale on newsstands: December 4, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Frank Runyeon, wish we could have been there!

We reported on the BRBTV News Blog a week or two ago on how Frank Runyeon was out and about, speaking in Illinois on the topic of Hollywood and faith. Runyeon was still in the Midwest this past weekend, now setting about a more Christmasy theme: He performed his show "The 3 1/2 Stories of Christmas" in Gibsonburg, Ohio.

The show, a Christmas story told from the angel's point of view, was brought to the stage this past Sunday, and it was a free performance! (A freewill offering was taken, though -- and believe you-me, we woulda gladly paid the church's December heating bill to see this guy in action!)

(So is it appropriate to us "Santa Barbara" fans that the name of the church was St. Michael's?)

The Princeton grad, who's been performing these dramas in the decade he's been off the Hollywood radar, was also doing shows in New York and Michigan (a major ouch! for this former Detroiter now in the South ... how 'bout Hot-lanta, Mr. Runyeon?).

You can read more about it (and see a nice photo) in the Port Clinton News Herald:
http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071123/NEWS01/711230316/1002

Fame brings the crazies out of the woodwork, John Schneider can attest

Well, didya all have a great Thanksgiving? Watch any parade? Overeat? All the traditional stuff?

Early this week, we reported on a BBC show that was to include a reunion of our "Dukes of Hazzard" Big Three. The BBC site reports on that show:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2007/11_november/22/norton.shtml

John Schneider, for instance, has a bit of crazy stuff to say about love and romance as the icon Bo Duke. "There are some fans who have claimed to have my child," he said. "When we started I lied about my age (I said 24) and this woman sued me as the father of her child. I thought 'my God' – because I knew her! – but her son was 12, so that would have been impossible."

Schneider related another case of mistaken identity with a fan. We'll let you read that one yourself.

Ahhhhh ... the perils of fame ... have a great weekend, and shop to your heart's content ...

Lane Davies to star in new cable TV show

Lane Davies, our own original Mason Capwell of "Santa Barbara," is set to star in the pilot of "Dixie Melodie," a new half-hour comedy TV project for cable.

Produced by Los Angeles-based Sheer Audacity Productions, "Dixie Melodie" will be entirely shot and produced in New Orleans. "We want to show New Orleans in a new, exciting and positive light, through the eyes of our lead character, Melodie," says B.J. Grogan, one of the show's writers.

As the character Frederick Charleston, the Georgia boy Davies will work with cast and crew from New Orleans. Shooting is scheduled to begin in early 2008 in New Orleans.

You can read more about the show at Top40-charts.com, and check out the show's official website at http://www.sheeraudacity.com/dixiemelodie.html.

Spotted: The now-seasoned Ray Abruzzo, our own Sgt. John Zorelli of the latter years of "Dynasty," playing a lobbyist who was the target of a serial cannibal on Fox's "Bones" last night. Though his hair has receded a bit, he's still that hottie who once chased Fallon Carrington!

Those artistically inclined, Archie Comics wants to post your Christmas card

From Archie Comics

MAMARONECK , NY – Send in your own Christmas or holiday cards, and your artwork might get featured on ArchieComics.com! If your art is chosen, people around the world may be sending your greeting card, and they will see the following:
"This card created by (your name here)"

To participate, send your art by email attachment to blogfanart@archiecomics.com. Be sure to put "CARD" in the subject area of your email. Also, make sure at least one of the Archie Comics gang is featured in your card!

If you would rather use one of the cards already on the site, go to www.archiecomics.com/sendcard/holiday.php

In other Archie news ...

Victor Gorelick has been named Archie Comics’ new editor-in-chief, with Mike Pellerito being promoted to managing editor.

Gorelick is a very familiar name for any reader of the Archies. In the late '50s, as a graduate from the School of Industrial Art, he was hired to work in the production department at Archie Comics. In a few years, he moved on to become the art director and later an editor.

By the mid-'80s, Gorelick had been promoted to managing editor, where, the official press release from Archie Comics says, "he has strived to keep Archie current and relevant to each new generation of readers."

Gorelick serves on the board of advisors to the Joe Kubert School of Cartooning and is always looking for new talent. He hired Kubert School graduate Mike Pellerito to work in the production department. Pellerito moved on to become an associate editor, where he soon became the editor for Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic X and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. "His hard work and dedication to his job is the reason why the decision was made to promote Mike Pellerito to the position of managing editor," Archie says.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Special thanks to Izzy, who on behalf of TV Land, sent BRBTV this little addendum to our post last week on the 100 greatest TV icons of all time. Check out http://50icons.blogspot.com/ for more on our beloved Oprah and other icons!

"Dukes" fans in the U.K.? It could happen!

In fact, we've showcased a couple of 'em in our "See My Lee" feature. Now, the Graham Norton Show on BBC2 in the U.K. is filming a "Dukes of Hazzard" special next week. The show will star Tom Wopat (Luke Duke), John Schneider (Bo Duke) and Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke).

"We are interested in hearing from all fans of 'The Dukes' from all over the world," their official memo says, passed along to members and friends of the Confederate General Lee Fan Club. "Do you have any 'Dukes of Hazzard' stories or experiences that you would like to share? Or do you have any 'Dukes' dreams or ambitions that you would like to fulfill?"

The production team of the show asks fans to get in touch as soon as possible, with a contact telephone number.

"We are recording the show on Wednesday this week, so time is of the essense," the team says. "We have audience tickets to give away for all 'Dukes' fans in the U.K., and of course any fans abroad if they want to travel to London."

Email them at alant@sotelevision.co.uk

Elsewhere in the "Dukes" world, meanwhile, Scott Romine of the Confederate club reminds fans of the brand-new website set up for the 2008 DukesFest scheduled for Atlanta, hosted by John and Elly Schneider. Scott also invites you to "friend" the MySpace page: www.myspace.com/dukesfest2008

"Information regarding car owner registration, parking, camping, etc., will be available on the website soon -- and many things will be put in place right after the first of the year," Scott says.

Paul Dini gets a new gig in comics-oriented social network

Our guy Paul Dini of "Batman: The Animated Series" fame is in the news for taking a new post at Zeros 2 Heroes, an online comics and genre entertainment social network. He'll serve on the board and has been named editor-in-chief for the network for aspiring comics creators.

"The Zeros 2 Heroes' Comic Creation Nation is an exciting initiative that harnesses the power of the web to identify the next generation of storytellers," Dini says in a news release on PRWeb.com. "There are no gatekeepers here: This is a major opportunity for undiscovered creators to make their mark, and I couldn't be more thrilled to be behind this incredibly rewarding campaign."

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Tracy Scoggins, a BRBTV triple-shot as Monica Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," Anita Smithfield in the "Dallas" movies and the beautiful blonde cop on "The Dukes of Hazzard," has a new gig herself. She's currently filming the movie "Otis," where she'll play Rita Vitale. The flick also stars Illeana Douglas and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs of "Welcome Back, Kotter" fame.

OK, what's Hagman doing at No. 50?

What a beautiful list it is, TV Land's compilation of the top 100 TV icons of all time. But stuffing Larry Hagman down at No. 50? Yikes! We'd say J.R. Ewing and Tony Nelson rate higher than that! Anyhow, it's a lovely list, just the same. From the BRBTV perspective, there was decent representation ...

80. Adam West (Simon Trent of "Batman: The Animated Series")
69. Barbara Eden (LeeAnn De La Vega of "Dallas")
63. Ed Asner (Roland Daggett of "Batman: TAS")
50. Larry Hagman (J.R. Ewing of "Dallas")
44. Susan Lucci (Sheila Foley / Hillary Taylor of "Dallas")
36. Diahann Carroll (Dominique Deveraux of "Dynasty")
25. Heather Locklear (Sammy Jo Reece of "Dynasty" and Lisa of "Batman: TAS")

Many congrats to that doll Oprah, who rated No. 3, and BRBTV was delighted to see Dick Van Dyke at No. 12 (we simply adore his "Diagnosis Murder"). You can see the whole list at TV Land's site.

TV Land airs the celebration of the top 100 TV icons tomorrow night. Tune in at 8 p.m. EST.

The holiday sweaters don't match up for poor Archie this season ...

Coming up in Archie Comics in the next few weeks ...

ARCHIE #580
"A Not-So-Cool Yule": Archie is having a stress-free holiday season, until both Betty and Veronica give him "matching sweaters" that they expect him to wear. The only problem is, the designs the girls chose don’t match! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. "Cold Comfort": Veronica thinks Archie is being chivalrous about her onion breath, when he merely has a cold! SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg. "The Fix is In": When Mr. Lodge and Smithers see Archie with a tool kit, an unspeakable horror grips them – is hapless Archie somewhere in the mansion, trying to fix something? SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Stan Goldberg. "You Never Listen": Veronica laments that Archie never listens, but since he’s not paying attention anyway, are her protests all for naught? SCRIPT: Greg Crosby. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale on newsstands: December 11, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #114
FEATURING THE RETURN OF MONEY-SNIFFING CRICKET O’DELL!
"Fortune Telling": Cricket O’Dell, the girl with the nose for money, is back. A mere sniff and Cricket can tell you exactly how much cash is in your wallet. But this time, the same weakness that impacts her ability – an allergy to nuts – gives her a new power – the powers to see how much a person will have in the future! At first everyone is fascinated as Cricket reveals future prosperity for Riverdale’s most financially challenged, but fascination turns to paranoia when Cricket reveals who will end up penniless! Is credence in Cricket’s predictions "on the money," or simply a "bad investment?" SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale on newsstands: November 27, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #184
"The Fame Game": Jay, the ‘70s rocker next door, visits an Archies practice showdown and fills them in on all the "wonderful" things they can expect from fame… but wonderful is in the eye of the beholder! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Jeff Shultz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups.
On sale on newsstands: December 11, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

BETTY #170
"A Case of Stressmas": Betty decides to relieve Archie’s math stress by giving him the gift of tutoring, but wait until you see the gift she gives to relieve Veronica’s stress! SCRIPT: Barbara Slate. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"The Collector": When Archie and Adam learn Betty likes collecting penguin figures, no flea market or antique store can restock them fast enough! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Miracle Work": When klutzy Archie helps the Coopers decorate their Christmas tree, is it doomsday for the ornaments, or the eve of a Christmas miracle? SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Second-Hand Girl": When Veronica jets off to Paris, Betty ponders whether it’s worth being Archie’s "second choice" as date for the Winter Wonderland dance. SCRIPT: Barbara Slate. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale on newsstands: December 18, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #156
"Holiday on the High Seas": A holiday cruise with her parents is anything but smooth sailing for Veronica, who can’t stand to be away from her friends during the holidays. But when the band booked to provide the cruise’s entertainment cancels at the last minute, guess who steps in to fill their shoes? Now the only rough seas are reserved for Mr. Lodge! SCRIPT: Bill Golliher ART: Jeff Shultz. Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups.
On sale on newsstands: November 27, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #25
"The Secret of Jughead’s Hat!": Move over, Davey Crockett – when Jughead loses his trademark crown, he replaces it with a coonskin cap! There’s simply no substitute for his ol’ reliable headwear, however. Luckily, that’s when Wendy Weatherbee reveals another hidden talent! Can she help Jughead get his head… er, hat… back on straight? SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups.
On sale on newsstands: December 18, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #117
"The Winner": Insisting he’s turned over a new ego-free leaf, Reggie invites Archie and Veronica over to show them he’s gotten rid of all his trophies… but all he’s really done is recycled them into coat racks, hot plates and the like! Is there any escape from Reggie-mania?! SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Fernando Ruiz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups.
On sale on newsstands: December 18, 2007
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #25
"DENIM!": If you think this summer’s box office-busting arachnid hero had trouble with his new mood-altering threads, wait until you see what happens to Dilton! In this sequel to "Send in the Clones" from ARCHIE’S DOUBLE DIGEST #173, Dilton is lamenting his lack of luck with the ladies. With cell samples from Reggie and his synthoid-making machine working overtime, Dilton creates a new synthetic material that, unbeknownst to him, is actually alive! Not only does it lead to a new wardrobe for Dilton, but he also seems to have adopted Reggie’s penchant for arrogance and self-centeredness! Can Archie and his friends undo this malevolent makeover? SCRIPT: AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: December 4, 2007
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

VERONICA #185
"Riverdale High – the Musical!": When a former Riverdale High student-turned-famous screenwriter/director decides to make a movie about her teenage years, it’s enough to make Veronica, Betty and their friends break out in song! Of course, using the current high school class as inspiration, there’s more drama behind the cameras than in front of it! Don’t miss this hilarious spoof of the beloved musical high school films that have captured the hearts of the nation. SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale on newsstands: December 4, 2007
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.


B A C K L I S T :

DECK THE HALLS WITH YULETIDE CHEER, ARCHIE STYLE!
Don't miss these classic comics chock full of Christmas tales!

ARCHIE'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING #2 - 48 page, full color special, $2.00 US.
ARCHIE'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING #3 - 48 page, full color special, $2.00 US.
ARCHIE'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING #4 - 48 page, full color special, $2.00 US.
ARCHIE'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING #5 - 48 page, full color special, $2.25 US.
ARCHIE'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING #6 - 48 page, full color special, $2.25 US.
ARCHIE'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING #7 - 48 page, full color special, $2.29 US.

A couple "Dallas" and "Dynasty" nuggets

"I'm a little bit DA-LLAS ... I'm a little bit DY-NASTY ..."

(Sorry, we were so enraptured by Oprah's Osmond family reunion on Friday, we've had Osmonds on the brain ...)

Whether you're a little bit "Dallas" or a little bit "Dynasty" or, like many of us, a lot of both, we've got something for you to enjoy today.

First up, amid rumors of a third "Dallas" reunion movie for TV, the Ultimate Dallas site has formulated a petition to ensure it happens:
http://ultimatedallas.com/phpPETITION/
(Can you believe Margaret Krebbs would be 20 years old right now? When we read the suggested plotline for the TV reunion, we did a double-take!)

Then, we've got just a yummy little tidbit for "Dynasty" ... a tribute, of sorts, in the catfight that singer Kylie Minogue had with her sister:
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22740212-5006009,00.html

Bits O' Web: The men of "SB" generate some ink

It was a heavy news weekend for the men of "Santa Barbara":

- Jack Wagner, our own final Warren Lockridge, was named No. 1 in Golf Digest's ranking of the top 100 Hollywood golfers. (And we could only be tickled pink that former "Charlie's Angel" Cheryl Ladd figured into the list at No. 68.)
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?articleID=071109_2_B2_spanc37307

- Frank Runyeon, who as Father Michael can now be seen on the Mason Chronicles at Lane Davies' official website, gave a presentation late last week at St. Stephen's Church in Streator, Illinois, titled "Hollywood vs. Faith: The struggle to live as a Christian in the age of media values."
http://mywebtimes.com/ottnews/archives/ottawa/display.php?id=347913

- John O'Hurley, our own Stephen Slade, has "gone to the dogs -- and is loving it." He again hosts the National Dog Show Presented by Purina, airing after Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20071110/ent/ent3.html

But that's not all in today's BRBTV Bits O' Web bag of tricks: He might not have spelled the name right, but we do appreciate nonetheless the reference to "The Dukes of Hazzard" and the unforgettable Boss "Hawg" by this letter writer in an Ontario publication:
http://www.yorkregion.com/Opinion/Letters%20to%20the%20Editor/article/60199

Hair Dare Dukes Weekend moves to Leamington Fairgrounds

Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club, who holds the annual Hair Dare Dukes Weekend benefit each year for the Canadian Cancer Society, has announced a new venue for next year's event:

"My wife Cheryl and I were able to convince the Leamington District Agricultural Society's president, secretary and the board of directors to let us hold our annual event on their grounds," Paul says. "WOW, this is the greatest news I could even think of. Now the event will be held right in the town of Leamington, Ontario, Canada. The Leamington Fair Grounds are located right on the main street of Leamington."

He adds, "This is the easiest place to have the event, as you can get there right from the 401, and head south on highway 77, right into town, as the grounds would be on the left side, right behind Applebee's, where many went to eat."

(Indeed, BRB enjoyed a nice dinner at that very Applebee's with several attendees of this past year's event -- along with other special guests Don Pedro Colley and Byron Cherry!)

The 2008 show will be on the fourth weekend in August:

Hair Dare Dukes Weekend
August 22, 23, 24, 2008
"Dinner with the Stars" on Friday night, and more information to come !!

"We are working on many new things for the 2008 event," Paul says. "We will need many volunteers for 2008, so, If you can help out, please let me know, ASAP!!" You can email Paul at cdndukes@mnsi.net, or visit his website, CanadianDukes.com.

Paul also notes that he still has a few of the 2007 event T-shirts for sale.

He's got many "Dukes of Hazzard"-related groups on the web:
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/thecanadiandukesfanclub/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Canadian_Dukes_of_Hazzard_Museum/ http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/Hair_Dare_Dukes_Day_for_Cancer/

And even BRB's own ...
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/Billie_Rae_Bates/

Archie Comics story contest has its first winner

From Archie Comics

MAMARONECK , NY – When Archie comics announced the Weekly Story Contest was opened to Archie fans of all ages, from all over the world, one of our international fans accepted the challenge and became the first grand-prize winner. Maha, an Archie fan from Athens, Greece, has won the Quarterly Story Contest.

Maha was the week 6 winner from our Weekly Story Contest, with her story "Driving with Ethel." The story went on to win the Quarterly Story Contest and will be featured in Archie's Pals 'N' Gals Double Digest # 116 which went on sale on Monday (November 5).

The story includes all the kids from Riverdale with art by Archie Comics' own Fernando Ruiz. When Maha received personal congratulations from publisher Michael Silberkleit, she told him "I'm really excited about winning the grand prize and I have told everybody I know. This is a great achievement for me and I'd like to thank you for the contest."

Want to join in the fun? For rules and information about the contest go to http://archiecomicblogs.typepad.com/weekly_contest_rules