Pamela Sue Martin reunites with her fellow detective

Frank Hardy and Nancy Drew on-screen together again? That'll surely sell, at least with those who love classic TV like we do! Parker Stevenson (who, incidentally, voiced the role of Paxton Powers in our beloved "Batman Beyond") and Pamela Sue Martin, our own original Fallon Carrington of "Dynasty," will star in a new movie, now filming and due out later this year.

"McTaggart's Fortune" is an adventure story about lost treasure, directed and written by Gary Ambrosia. Stevenson portrays Richard Heywood and Martin's character is Sgt. Jeanine Bowman. The movie's been filming in Monterey, California.

And speaking of "Dynasty," be sure to catch the monthly polls on the Ultimate Dynasty site, most specifically this month's poll, which asks you who is the most handsome of the male "Dynasty" stars. And don't just check the poll, vote for Bo Hopkins! Because he's just plain hot! (We always did dig that Marlboro Man type.)

Robin Wright Penn loves "New York"

Natalie Portman, Shia LaBeouf, Hayden Christensen, Blake Lively, Kevin Bacon, Ethan Hawke, John Hurt, Julie Christie, Eli Wallach, Cloris Leachman ... It's the very definition of a megawatt cast. But add in our own Robin Wright Penn of "Santa Barbara" and it moves up a notch, for sure!

It's "New York, I Love You," and it's an anthology of 12 short films (five minutes or so each) by 12 filmmakers. Overall directed by Yvan Attal and Allen Hughes, and written by Emmanuel Benbihy and Fatih Akin, the collection of romance stories has been shooting in New York City, of course. It's due out this year.

Our onetime Kelly Capwell is also in good company in "State of Play," classified as in postproduction and due out one year from now. She joins Jason Bateman, Ben Affleck, Russell Crowe, Helen Mirren and Jeff Daniels in the crime drama based on the BBC miniseries.

Entertainment Weekly reports, by the way, that Robin Wright Penn and Sean Penn withdrew their petition for divorce earlier this month.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: We interrupt this coverage of classic TV and the various shows featured in the BRBTV products to bring you an extraneous news blurb: Have you see the new limited-edition Wildly Cherry M&M's? Or the Mint Crisp M&M's for the new "Indiana Jones" movie? What are they trying to do, kill us????? BRB remembers fondly a joke her coworker Jeri at The Saginaw News once made, about the ideal diet being M&M's and Diet Coke. Yea, we're there, girl!!!!!!

Details of "Batman: Gotham Knight" continue to unfold

The details continue to race across the Web in regards to the new "Batman: Gotham Knight" animated flick, due on DVD, Blu-Ray and on-demand from the fabbo Warner Bros. production mill this summer. The trailer has been posted online, and now Yahoo has a high-resolution version:
http://movies.yahoo.com/premieres/7367858/standardformat/

Also, a better look at what comes on the DVD can be found:
http://angryweb.wordpress.com/2008/04/18/batman-gotham-knight-extra-features-revealed/

The movie's IMDb page has some new art, videos and a full cast list, too.

Also from the WB crew ... We've reported on this blog about the "Wonder Woman" and "Justice League" film projects. The latest news, from CHUD, is that "JL" is out, but the Amazon princess is soooooo in.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: We reported on March 5 on the various new projects of Ian McShane, aka Don Lockwood of "Dallas." News is now in that McShane will star in the new show "Kings," a soapy update on the story of King David. The show was just announced for NBC's 2008-2009 lineup.

Join us in the Motor City in May

With all the guest additions posted on the official site in the past few weeks, the Motor City Comic Con is shaping up to be one surefire fabbo classic TV party! Erin Gray and Gil Gerard of "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" were just added (and hey -- Felix Silla was already there!). Lou Ferrigno of "The Incredible Hulk" and Erik Estrada of "CHiPs" are there. M.C. Gainey of "The Dukes of Hazzard," will be there, as previously reported on this blog. There'll be a good "Star Trek" presence, as usual, with Walter Koenig and Denise Crosby and Avery Brooks. And a buddy of BRB's has even managed to get the proud new owner of one of the two true original Monkeemobiles to bring his lovely crimson prize -- fresh off the Barrett-Jackson auction block -- to the show, to be reunited with one of the show's stars, Micky Dolenz! Meow! (or whatever high-pitched, shrill sound it is that a monkey makes!!!!)

BRB will be at the show for the third year, signing copies of "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" at the display of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club. You'll see the General Lee and a traveling museum of fab "Dukes" memorabilia, along with a host of other fun TV cars. And BRB will be bringing copies of the other BRBTV reference books. So if you can be at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi on May 16, 17 or 18, you can snag yourself a signed copy of the new "Destination: Dallas," too. She'll also have CDs of the BRBTV anniversary year products such as the AniPak of BRBTV Reports / Shorts. Remember, it's the 10th year of BRBTV, and special anniversary stuff is offered all year long in 2008!

The Motor City Comic Con is always a smokin'-good pop-culture time! See the full guest list for the show here.

Archie Comics sends its big names to this weekend's New York Comic Con

MAMARONECK, NY – Thank goodness for those comic cons in your own backyard! Archie Comics biggies Michael Silberkleit (publisher), Victor Gorelick (editor-in-chief) and Mike Pellerito (managing editor) will be appearing at the Archie booth #1821 at this weekend's New York Comic Con. Joining them will be the following:

- Stan Goldberg, signing at the booth from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.
- Bob Smith, signing at the booth from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
- Alex Simmons, signing at the booth from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
- Barbara Slate, signing at the booth from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
- Dan Parent, signing at the booth from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and can be found at table E7 in artists' alley.
- Angelo DeCesare, signing at the booth from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
- Joe Staton, signing at the booth from 11 a.m. to noon on Sunday and can be found at table I11-12 in artists' alley.
- Patrick "Spaz" Spaziante, signing at the booth from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
- Fernando Ruiz, signing at the booth from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
- Ron Dante, the voice of cartoon Archie, will be singing the hit song “Sugar Sugar” live at the Archie booth. Ron will autograph copies of an Archies coloring page.

Also, there will be a "live appearance of Archie, Jughead and Sonic the Hedgehog. Plus giveaways, prizes, contests and free comics," Archie's press materials say. Archie staff and creators will be at the following panels on Sunday, which is the con’s Kids Day.

Sunday, noon - 1 p.m., Kids Room 1E02
GROWING UP WITH ARCHIE
Join the creative staff who will share inside perspectives on the creation of Archie, how Archie Comics has evolved, why it dominates the newsstands and the supermarkets in comic sales. Panelists include: Michael Silberkleit; Victor Gorelick (in his 50th year with Archie Comics); Fred Mausser, VP of sales; Mike Pellerito; Dan Parent, Betty & Veronica writer and artist; Barbara Slate, Betty & Veronica writer; Fernando Ruiz, Tales from Riverdale writer and artist; Alex Simmons, Archie & Friends writer; and rising new Archie Comics writer Misako Takashima. The panel will be moderated by Rik Offenberger, public relations coordinator.

Sunday, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., Kids, Teen Room 1E02
COMICS FOR GIRLS
This panel will answer all the questions you've ever had about finding the perfect comics for girls. Join Barbara Slate (Angel Love, Archie, Barbie), Mike Pellerito (Archie), Allison Barrows (Pre-Teena, Goofyfoot Gurl), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules), Buzz Dixon & Marlon Schulman from RealBuzz Studios (Serenity, Goofyfoot Gurl), Raina Telgemeier (The Babysitters Club) and moderated by Christine Norrie.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: We're quite sure that on any given day, somewhere in the world, a Lifetime or Hallmark movie is being filmed, but never have there been quite so many photos snapped as with "Flirting With 40," currently being filmed for Lifetime in Calgary, Alberta. The reason, of course, is our lovely "Dynasty" alum Heather Locklear, whose star just can't seem to shine any brighter, in-between her husband's DUI charges and that mysterious 911 call! We've watched a lot of these photos come and go over the past few weeks but simply couldn't resist passing this one along, from the I Got UGGs blog. And while we're talkin' Locklear (cuz, evidently, we have to, these days, kinda like John Schneider!!!!), let's also browse over to Live Journal, which features her in a spin through the lives of '90s TV stars, "Then and Now." Definitely keep scrolling past Locklear, though; it's a fun trip.

Andrea Romano talks about Bat-projects

Andrea Romano, voice director for "Batman: The Animated Series," "Batman Beyond" and beyond, recently spoke with John Siuntres of Word Balloon about her many various projects and about the fun of working with celebrity voice talent.

Romano touched on the surprising interest of various megawatt celebrities in doing animated voices, of folks like Gene Simmons calling up and asking to do a role on a show. She says it's often because their kids want them to do it, and the role will make them the "hero" of the house. She's happy to accommodate, but, "I am of the mind, and have always been of the mind, that it really should be the right voice, whether they're a celebrity or a noncelebrity. I don't cast celebrities just for celebrity's sake."

She said, "I have a much bigger talent pool to pull from now than I did, let's say 20 years ago when I was casting for Hanna-Barbera."

In talking about the choices for this year's new animated feature "Justice League: The New Frontier," Romano said, "I never cast in a vacuum. It's never just me. I've done so much work with Bruce Timm, the producer, that he and I have a very good shorthand conversation that we can speak in. ... We've known each other for a really long time. ... He's the first person that I talk to."

On Brooke Shields, whom she had voicing a role for the TV show "The Batman" : "She was terrific and she so enjoyed it." Romano said she then thought of Shields when she was casting for the "JL" feature. Through many scheduling conflicts, Shields bent over backward to make it happen. "She was my heroine, and she truly wanted to be a part of it, and moved her life around."

Romano does a little voicework, herself, including the part of Martha Wayne in the new "Batman: Gotham Knight" feature. "I was an actress for a long time before I got into casting and directing. I never take a role away from a voiceover actress who would normally get paid ... Every once in a while when there's a gap, I'll step in and do it."

Listen to the whole interview at http://cdn1.libsyn.com/wordballoon/WBandrearomano.mp3.

BRBTV News Blog Blip (and really, we should just make a daily feature out of the John Schneider update!): Pa Kent is making another appearance on the CW's "Smallville," according to the network's press materials released this week. In the May 1 episode, titled "Apocalypse," Clark sees how the world would have been if he had not come to Earth. It's a scenario that also means Pa Kent never died, and Schneider is listed in the credits. See the official word at KryptonSite.com (click on "Spoilers").

Andrew Prine tries on some "Sutures"

On "Dallas," Andrew Prine played the brief but memorable Harrison Van Buren III, surprise hubby of Afton Cooper, in whom Cliff Barnes was in hot pursuit after learning of Afton's (surprise!) daughter. While his time in Texas may have been short, Prine is a longtime TV veteran whose credits include "Murder, She Wrote," "The Fall Guy," "Hart to Hart," "Hawaii Five-O," even "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" and the original "Wonder Woman" pilot (the one with Cathy Lee Crosby!).

Prine, who in actuality registers as a BRBTV double-shot for his role as an "angry man" in the 2005 "Dukes of Hazzard" movie, has a new project in the works. It's a film called "Sutures," directed by Tammi Sutton and written by Jacqueline A. Kelly and Carlos Lauchu. The plotline from the IMDb: "A group of longtime friends converge on a fatal course with destiny when they cross paths with Alexander Tatum. A mercenary surgeon, he is a hunter with the keen skill of one who has also been hunted." Prine's character is Dr. Hopkins. Filmed at an L.A. hospital, the horror flick is scheduled for release this year.

Prine, meanwhile, is featured on Cinematical for his role in the stunning classic "Barn of the Naked Dead." He played the slasher in that one. Well, OK, not really a slasher. More like a stalker, and a painter, evidently. Fun.

And while we're still talking "Dallas," you can catch up with how our gal Priscilla Presley is doing on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" on Zap2It.

Call Chris Coffey the coach of coaches, and call John Schneider a blur!

We reported in our January 18 post of this news blog a sort of catch-up with Christopher Coffey, who played Professor Forrester, love interest to Lucy Ewing on "Dallas." He's still teaching after all these years, we note in our interview with him in the "Destination: Dallas" reference guide. Coffey's got some neat dates coming up for his instructional seminars on coaching:

April 23-24, 2008: Mirage; Las Vegas, NV
April 28-29, 2008: InterContinental Boston; Boston, MA
May 7-8, 2008: Fairmont Dallas; Dallas, TX

You can catch up with the handsome Coffey, yourself, after all these years, with these videos, that tell a little more about what he's up to these days:
http://www.conference-board.org/conferences/videos/ChrisCoffey.wmv
http://www.conference-board.org/conferences/videos/David_Chris.wmv

Speaking of "Dallas," check The Munster (Ind.) Times for another catch-up, or sorts, regarding the big-screen treatment of our beloved primetime soap. One of their reporters was on the scene in the Lone Star State. Hmmm ... Tommy Lee Jones? We'll have to chew on that one a bit. But Ben Stiller? Ack!

BRBTV News Blog Blip: In the continuing effort to somewhat keep up with the total high-speed chase that is John Schneider's acting career these days, we'll post the news that he'll appear in an episode of "CSI: Miami" late this month. Airing on Monday, April 28, the episode is called "Tunnel Vision," and Schneider plays a character named Charles Brighton. He's not logged into the IMDb for it, but hey, CSIfanatic says so ...

BRBTV News Blog Blip, Too: Grace Kelly in the 'Hood? Maybe so. Catch the latest installment of the yearlong "My Mother's Clothing" photo project.

Archie Comics co-sponsors Lulu Awards, which changes venue this year

From Archie Comics

Friends of Lulu is moving the organization's Lulu Awards event from the San Diego Comic-Con to the popular MoCCA Art Festival (aka Artfest) this year.

The annual Lulu Awards, which recognize the efforts women make in comics, will be held at the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art in Manhattan on Saturday, June 7 at 8:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, and there will be a suggested donation of $7 at the door.

The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, along with IDW, DC Comics and Archie Comics, is sponsoring this major event."We are excited to bring an award event to MoCCA Artfest, and just as excited not to be competing with the multitude of great events at San Diego Comic-Con this July. We are able to reach a larger group of people eager to see wonderful creators recognized for their hard work in this field," Treasurer Marion Vitus notes.

On the schedule to present awards are the previous years' award winners, including Rachel Nabors and Abby Denson, and on the roster to emcee the event is Lulu Eightball creator Emily Flake.

The new Lulu Awards date, in June instead of July, means the nominations are right around the corner; nominations will be open to nonmembers this year and begin at the joint MoCCA / Friends of Lulu table at the New York Comic-Con starting Friday, April 18.

Look for more details on the Friends of Lulu blog: http://www.friends-lulu.org/

Founded in 2001, the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) is one of a small handful of not-for-profit organizations dedicated solely to the collection, preservation, study and display of America's favorite art form. In addition to a year-round slate of on-site exhibitions and programming, the museum holds an annual fundraiser, the MoCCA Art Festival, which has grown to be widely recognized as one of the major events of the comic convention season. MoCCA's website: http://www.moccany.org/

Some "Dynasty" tidbits: DVDs, directors, Fallon, an appreciation of the great Jason Colby

- We've reported before on the BRBTV News Blog about the corrected release date for the Season 3 DVD set of "Dynasty." Here are fuller details on the "Dynasty" third-season DVD, which is splitting the season into more than one release:
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/Dynasty-3rd-Season-Volume-1/7615
http://www.amazon.com/Dynasty-Season-Three-Vol-1/dp/B0015I2S7E/ref=rcx_ser_title?ie=UTF8&s=dvd
The three-disc set arrives on June 17.

- Longtime actress Nancy Malone directed the 100th episode of "Dynasty." She also directed some "Colbys," too, along with a host of other TV stuff. Malone will be speaking at the Plimoth Plantation’s Gainsborough Hall in Plymouth, Massachusetts, on April 30. See more here.

- So how much do celebs visit the sites that honor them? That's a good question, but at least we can say that Emma Samms, our own second Fallon Carrington of "Dynasty," is not above chatting directly to the fans. The lovely actress posted on the guestbook of her fan site, http://www.emma-samms.com/. Click here to go right to it.

- The remembrances of Charlton Heston continue to make their way across the web. Here's a nicely illustrated look at our Jason Colby's starried career, in The Sun in the U.K.

Paul Johansson stars in new web sci-fi series

Paul Johansson hasn't done too badly since his days as Greg Hughes on "Santa Barbara." He's dabbled in the "Highlander" world and in the "Lonesome Dove" world, and he's had a great regular gig on "One Tree Hill." Now he's starring in the web-based science fiction series "IQ-145."

"IQ-145" comes from "One Tree Hill" director Billy Dickson (Johansson has directed some episodes of the latter, himself, by the way). The title refers to the genius level of IQ. The story revolves around a high-school guy with that IQ who's struggling with the (supposed?) death of his father.

"We wanted to give the audience something to piece together week to week in a nonlinear fashion," the show's site says. "Shot almost entirely in front of a green screen, we built a world of our own where reality is only in one's mind."

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Speaking of "SB," you can catch a photo of Justin Deas, our original Keith Timmons, with his wife, Margaret Colin at TheaterMania.com.

BRBTV News Blog Blip 2: And speaking of "SB," again (because we did ... again), check out the roster of the celebrity golf tourney of Jack Wagner, our final Warren Lockridge, and you'll spot another BRBTV name, that lovely Heather Locklear, who's been generating so much HTML lately over suicide calls and whatnot that she might as well be her own search engine.

John Schneider gets a new TV series, and Hair Dare "Dukes" event turns a page!

Thanks to Renee of the All-John blog for giving us the tip-off on this one. John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard" who also starred as Pa Kent in "Smallville," is heading back into regular series television once again. He's been cast in ABC Family's new "Untitled Brenda Hampton Project."

Schneider shares the small screen this time with female brat-packer (and our fellow redhead and 40-year-old!!!!) Molly Ringwald. The one-hour drama is set to premiere this summer. Schneider plays Dr. Marshall Johnson.

Read more in ABC Family's press release:
http://www.abcfamilymedianet.com/docs/2008/04/Cast_Announcement_Release.pdf

Also from Hazzard County ... And you'll be hearing a lot more about this "Dukes" event, as it's one near and dear to BRB. It's the Hair Dare Dukes Weekend in August in the Great White North, as in Ontario, Canada. This is a charity event produced by Paul Harrington and his Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club. BRB was a guest of the event last year, signin' copies of "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" and havin' lots of fun meetin' folks. We're looking forward to another great event this year.

To keep us all informed, Paul has set up a special info page right here on Blogger:
http://hairdaredukesweekend.blogspot.com/

Start with the first post, from April 2, which will give you a general run-down of the event, then progress on to photos of last year's event, then a map of this year's location (which changes from last year -- this year Hair Dare will be at the Leamington Fairgrounds).

We're tellin' ya ... just listening to voice impersonator extraordinaire Will Rodgers (who helped BRB in editing the "Destination: Dallas" book, by the way) alone is worth the trip. But throw in some "Dukes" stars like Byron ("Coy Duke") Cherry and Don Pedro ("Sheriff Little") Colley? Yowza! Er, we mean ... yeeeeee-haaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Look for more information on the Hair Dare Dukes Weekend as the months progress, and also check out Paul's other page on Blogger:
http://canadiandukesofhazzard.blogspot.com/

Announcing the new BillieRae.com, and a very special photo project

It's a special day here in BRBland, and a special day calls for a special announcement. Tell me, how do you finish the following sentence ... "Life begins at ________"?????

Yes, that's right. Today, I officially mark "Year 40." And in honor of that (!), and all that entails (!!!!!), I'm launching not only a brand-new look for my site BillieRae.com, but also a photo project that I began in January and will continue rolling out all year long.

The new BillieRae.com features some original art by longtime Archie Comics artist Dan DeCarlo, as well as a new feature on my very first "books" and "newspapers" of the '70s, and a glimpse at my third novel, due next year:
http://billierae.com/

"Year 40 -- The Photo Shoots: My Mother's Clothing" is a very long name for a very simple tribute to the legacy of garments -- all reflecting a magnificent zest for life -- that my mother stuck away in boxes for years:
http://mymothersclothing.billierae.com/

Read the official press release for "My Mother's Clothing" here:
http://www.prlog.org/10062663-author-launches-daring-photo-essay-on-her-40th-birthday.html

My fondest wishes to you, in whatever year you're in ...

-- Billie Rae

Charlton Heston dies at age 84

Generally, Sunday is an off-computer day here at the BRBTV headquarters -- a day of rest that we spend out in the Florida room sipping tea and reading Harper's Bazaar or Entertainment Weekly, or parked in front of some cheesy somebody-stole-my-baby-or-my-husband-has-amnesia Lifetime movies. But today we felt it appropriate, since we're doing a lot of setup online for a big announcement tomorrow, anyway, to bop into the blog and post the sad news that's right now making big ripples in papers and on websites across the world ...

Our handsome and commanding Jason Colby of both "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," Mr. Charlton Heston, has died. The screen legend and gun-rights advocate, for whom our beloved "The Colbys" was such a small part of his career, died last night with his wife by his side, the Associated Press reports.

On "The Colbys," launched, of course, from episodes of "Dynasty" in 1985, Heston shared the small screen with Stephanie Beacham and Katharine Ross, as well as fellow big-screen legend Barbara Stanwyck. BRBTV just loved him, also, in the original "Planet of the Apes" movie of 1968. He's well-known for his roles as Moses in 1956's "The Ten Commandments" and as the title character in 1959's "Ben-Hur."

We'll let these sources tell the rest of the story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hIhnqF6LygGpQ54CQdntp6c74tTwD8VS6A580
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080406/world-news/us-actor-charlton-heston-dies-at-84-family
http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=aa4385c6-8e8b-4cf7-9492-1f687e21f1f1

Meanwhile, stay tuned for a big announcement tomorrow ... BRB is excited ...

"Batman: The Brave and the Bold" gets its official announcement

We reported in the March 17 post of this news blog some rumblings (and we tend to stay away from "rumblings," truth be told!) about a new Batman animated series. Well now that series, "Batman: The Brave and the Bold," has received its official announcement from the folks at Warner Bros.

The show, premiering on Cartoon Network later this year, will feature the Caped Crusader fighting crime, as he does so well, with a hand from buddies such as Blue Beetle, Green Arrow and Aquaman. This broader spectrum will sometimes take the Dark Knight far out of the Gotham surrounds. The art released with the announcement is certainly comic-book-classic but rather catchy.

Interestingly enough, we don't see any of the usual ("Batman: The Animated Series") players among the production staff listed in the official information:
http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1686
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/moving-forward-the-force-is-with-cartoon-network,338803.shtml
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Todays-News/Star-Wars-Batman/800036792

We'll be there!!!!

Coming up in Archie Comics

BRB's fave Archie character, the beautiful and vivacious redhead Cheryl Blossom, gets some good airtime in the next crop of issues ....

ARCHIE #584
"Two Ring Circus": Talk about a bad connection -- Veronica gives Archie one of her father’s prototype phones, even though the matching phone is Mr. Lodge’s! How long before Hiram calls 911?
SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"The Blame Game": To get out of a jam with Veronica, Archie asks Jughead to take the blame. And in return, he’ll do the same for Jughead. Need we mention this is one deal doomed to failure?!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Outside the Box": Mr. Lodge learns rule #1 of the toy biz: kids almost always love the box the toys comes in best!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"The Blob": Dilton tries to give Archie the ink blot test, but when his cards are replaced with photos of Veronica, he thinks Archie is certifiably obsessed!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale on newsstands: May 13, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #118
"Archie World Tour Part 2 of 4": Having barely escaped with their lives in the previous issue’s trip to London, Archie and his friends are looking for a more traditional vacation spot … a place filled with history and romance … and Madrid, Spain is just the place! The key word is romance, as Veronica and Betty are wooed by their teen guide, leaving Archie feeling whoa-ed. Even Ms. Grundy becomes the object of someone’s affection! But mystery and danger make a handsome couple too, as the villain they’ve been evading continues to pursue them from the city to the country. A meeting with a beautiful mystery woman provides Archie with his first clue … and a "first date" with a herd of angry bulls! The mystery continues to deepen and Archie must figure out what is going on before things get really dangerous! Acclaimed writer, children’s art advocate, and organizer of the world’s only "Kids Comics" convention, Alex Simmons, returns to handle the script chores, while fan-favorite Rex Lindsey is back with some of the best art of his career. It all adds up to one world tour you won’t want to miss!
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons. ART: Rex Lindsey.
On sale on newsstands: April 29, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #243
"No Worries": Archie doesn’t have a single worry – he has a double worry, namely whether to choose Betty or Veronica! The "eternal love triangle" lives up its billing as an ad infinitum entanglement!
SCRIPT: Barbara Slate. ART: Jeff Shultz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: April 29, 2008
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #188
"Catch Phrase": Archie tries to be the "early bird" at the fishing hole, but as the fish are biting, it’s sleep Archie’s fighting!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Randy Elliott.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: May 13, 2008
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #235
A POIGNANT TALE DESTINED TO TURN THE TOWN OF RIVERDALE UPSIDE DOWN!
"Runaway Ronnie": In serious trouble with her parents for blowing a curfew and other responsibilities, Veronica longs for freedom … and gets it, when she leaves home to live in an apartment and takes on an … egads … part-time job! Will Veronica’s bid for independence truly give her the "freedom" she seeks, or will she learn that nothing comes free? Will the love of her parents win out as they miss their only daughter? How will Veronica’s friends react to the news?
SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale on newsstands: May 6, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #183
"Double Take": Veronica is wearing a brand-new, exclusive, "original" designer dress … wait until she notices Betty is wearing the exact same thing!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Jeff Shultz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: April 29, 2008
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #160
"Who is Cheryl Blossom?": Intrepid reporter Tomoko doesn’t know what she’s getting into when she sets out to interview Cheryl Blossom for the school newspaper! Once Cheryl gets going, it’s apparent to Tomoko that this is one newspaper article that is going to have to appear over the course of several consecutive editions! Don’t miss the fun in this entertaining recap of Cheryl’s appearances in Archie Comics, including the milestone "Love Showdown" series!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: May 6, 2008
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #139
A FOLLOW-UP TO LAST YEAR’S MOST TALKED-ABOUT BETTY & VERONICA STORY, "BAD BOY TROUBLE" – FEATURING RIVERDALE’S FAMOUS TEENS IN A REALISTIC STYLE!
"The Matchmakers Part 1": It’s another tale of the teens from Riverdale High, done in a realistic style! This time, the romantic entanglements are reserved for Jughead, whom Archie, Betty, Reggie and Veronica agree needs a break from his "fifth wheel" status! Can the cunning matchmakers actually find a girl who will interest Jughead more than food and sleep? Another pillar of Archie Comics mythology hangs in the balance in this first installment of a 4-part epic, set to play out over the next few issues! Last year’s "Bad Boy Trouble" set the comics world on its ear as the teens were depicted in a realistic style. Comic book legends Joe Staton and Al Milgrom carry on that look, handling pencils and inks respectively, in what is sure to be one of the most intriguing Archie stories of the year!
SCRIPT: Melanie Morgan.
ART: Joe Staton.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: April 29, 2008
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #121
"Sunny Daze": When it comes to keeping the students’ attention spans from wandering, the faculty is no match for a beautiful day!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: May 20, 2008
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #93
"Salem’s Secret Part 1": Sabrina’s loyal cat Salem is more than you might realize. Salem was a warlock who once tried to take over that the Magic Realm. His punishment was to spend the rest of his life as a cat. For the first time ever we will learn just what Salem did to earn this unique magical punishment …. and what he did in the aftermath that affects Sabrina to this day, especially after her recent battle to become good again! For the first time in the history of the manga Sabrina series, a guest artist is featured: Chad Thomas takes on the penciling chores to tell the story of Salem’s hidden past!
SCRIPT: Tania Del Rio. ART: Chad Thomas (pencils) & Jim Amash (inks).
Cat-scratch fever cover by Tania Del Rio & Jim Amash!
On sale on newsstands: April 29, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #28
"The Real Problem": When Mr. Lodge goes to a resort to de-stress, Archie decides to get a job there to "get on his good side." Yeah, that’ll work! And in a way, it actually does … but you’ll have to read the story to find out how!
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Fernando Ruiz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: May 13, 2008
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

VERONICA #188
"Prom Showdown!": Remembering all the lumps he’s taken over the years by choosing one girl over another, Archie decides to cut his losses by asking Betty, Veronica AND Cheryl to the prom all at once! Of course, with two deviously determined rich girls in the mix, this will be one prom Archie and Betty will never forget!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
"That Takes the Cake": Veronica decides to bake her mother a cake for her birthday. At least the gesture is "sweet!"
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Dan Parent.
"Keen Competition": To lure Archie over, Veronica ramps up her home theater with the latest movies (before they hit the theaters) and automated treats… but that just leaves Archie with more of his allowance to spend on Betty!
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Dan Parent.
On sale on newsstands: May 20, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BACKLIST
NOTE: All backlist titles on sale on newsstands: April 29, 2008

GIMME A BREAK! IN FACT, MAKE IT A SPRING BREAK!
Archie has decided to give everyone a break yet again, by offering these great SPRING BREAK specials once more!
ARCHIE’S SPRING BREAK #3, 48-page full-color comic, $2.25 U.S.
ARCHIE’S SPRING BREAK #4, 48-page full-color comic, $2.29 U.S.
ARCHIE’S SPRING BREAK #5, 48-page full-color comic, $2.49 U.S.

BRBTV birthdays for April

- Jordan Charney, who is a BRBTV triple-shot as Lt. Sutton on "Dallas," Bill Cochran on "Dynasty" and Dr. Renfro on "Santa Barbara," turned 71 yesterday, April 1.
- Hunter von Leer, who was B.D. Calhoun on "Dallas," turns 64 tomorrow, April 3.
- Billy Dee Williams, our own Brady Lloyd of "Dynasty," turns 71 on April 6.
- Judith McConnell, second and longtime Sophia Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 64 on April 6.
- Jane Rogers, the lovely Heather Donnelly on "SB," turns 48 on April 6.
- Marilu Henner, who voiced vivacious redheaded socialite Veronica Vreeland on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 56 on April 6.
- John Schneider, the unstoppable Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 48 on April 8.
- Robin Wright Penn, the lovely original Kelly Capwell on "SB," is still such a young'un at 42, also with an April 8 birthday.
- Lee Bergere, the long-suffering and perhaps twisted Joseph Aynders of "Dynasty," was born April 10, 1918 and died on January 31, 2007.
- Joel Grey, the unforgettable Adam who taunted J.R. in the series finale of "Dallas," turns 76 on April 11.
- Michele Scarabelli, who was the menacing and highly psycho Connie Hall on "Dallas," turns 53 on April 11.
- Buck Young, who was Seth Stone and Sen. Cawley on "Dallas," was born on April 12, 1920 and died February 9, 2000.
- 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 58 on April 13.
- Loretta Lynn, who gets some credit with BRBTV even though her time on "The Dukes of Hazzard" was brief, turns 73 on April 14.
- Randolph Powell, who portrayed Alan Beam on "Dallas," turns 58 on April 14.
- Lois Chiles, that slinky ole Holly Harwood on "Dallas" (we always wanted her hair; it was so fluffy and cool), turns 61 on April 15.
- Michael Ansara, the voice of Dr. Victor Fries / Mr. Freeze on "Batman: The Animated Series, turns 86 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 81 on April 16.
- Byron Cherry, who stepped in as Coy Duke in the fifth season of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns a very nice-lookin' 53 on April 17.
- Timothy Gibbs, our own Dash Nichols of "Santa Barbara, turns a very young 41 on April 17.
- John James, our Jeff Colby of "Dynasty," turns 52 on April 18.
- Bob Hastings, who voiced Commissioner James Gordon in "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 83 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 53 on April 21.
- Steve Bond, our own Mack Blake on "SB," turns 55 on April 22.
- Ryan O'Donohue, the voice of Terry's little bro Matt on "Batman Beyond," turns 24 April 26.
- Hilary Bader, writer for "The New Batman Adventures" and "Batman Beyond," was born on April 27, 1952 and died on November 7, 2002.
- 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 52 on April 28.

Happy birthday!

Love Fallon's red glittery dress? The gavel is rising ...

Wowzers, and it's even in BRB's size ... The latest celebrity goods to grace the pages of auction powerhouse eBay is a selection of original wardrobe pieces from our beloved "Dynasty." Thanks to the "Dynasty" forum on SoapChat for the head's-up:

Fallon's red glittery dress from the opening credits
Now this one is a true icon. Who could forget that shot of Pamela Sue Martin in the opening credits, the one that Emma Samms could never really duplicate? Yes, this is the dress ... the dress. (And red is BRB's favorite color? Have we mentioned that????? Major-heckin'-meow!) Who knew those were tiny little bugle beads! Beware; there's some loss of beading -- don't worry, Ms. Martin, we'll let ya keep 'em. The auction closes Saturday. Can you believe there's only been one bid, as of post time? Oh, the humanity!!!!!!
http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/31296-Nolan-Miller-Dynasty-Gown-Pamela-Sue-Martin_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ28269QQihZ007QQitemZ170204836533QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Alexis' negligee and nightgown from episode 161, January 1987, worn in a scene with Ben Carrington
We're fine with not commenting any further on this one; we're still rather verklempt about the red sequined dress.
http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/31303-Nolan-Miller-Joan-Collins-Dynasty-Nightgown_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem170204836612QQitemZ170204836612

Krystle's gown for the Black and White Ball, December 1986
http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/31297-Nolan-Miller-Linda-Evans-Dynasty-Gown-Cape-G_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem170204836545QQitemZ170204836545

Heritage Auction Galleries, which deals in a whole mess-a celebrity stuff, is behind all of this debauchery. To see just their "Dynasty" items, click here:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/heritageauctiongalleries?_rkw=Dynasty


BRBTV News Blog Blip: Tomorrow marks 30 years since "Dallas" first hit the airwaves. The Daily Record in the U.K. is taking note of that fact with an appreciation and 30 fun facts about the series.

John Schneider wants to mark 30 years of "The Dukes" in a big way

John Schneider's publicist issued an online push over the weekend in the name of "The Dukes of Hazzard." In anticipation of the show's 30th anniversary (it first filmed in late 1978 and launched on the airwaves in January 1979), Schneider is calling for fans to support re-airing the show on ABC Family, which recently purchased the rights to the series from CMT. Despite the wild success CMT enjoyed by bringing the series back a couple-a years back, ABC Family has no plans, currently, to air it.

BRBTV caught up with Schneider's publicist, Michael Barnard, on Saturday. He gave us a little more info on the cause, which directs fans to write to Tom Zappala, senior vice-president of program acquisitions and scheduling at ABC Family.

"The letter-writing request has been sent out via email to a few 'friends,'" Barnard says, "about 100, with the hope that they will forward it to their friends. It's been posted in a few forums, such as the chatroom on the http://www.dukesfest.com/ site."

He tells us, "The 30th anniversary will be celebrated at DukesFest on June 28-29; it's the theme of this fest. We are holding it in Atlanta for the first time because the show was originally shot in Georgia."

And what is Schneider up to, at this very moment, we had to ask? (He's been so busy that we can't just ask what he's been up to lately, ya know!)

"John just finished starring in 'Chicago' on Broadway, and has a film for the Hallmark Channel called 'Shark Swarm,'" Barnard says. "He stars with Daryl Hannah. We are working on raising funds for a couple feature film projects: 'Collier & Co. 2 -- High Octane,' the sequel to the original family comedy; and 'Seven Ways from Sunday,' a powerful Western."

If you'd like to read more on the push to our friendly neighborhood ABC Family, click here:
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/03/28/dukes_of_hazzard_fans_told_to_act_now_fo
http://www.pr-inside.com/hazzard-fans-told-to-act-now-r506339.htm

And here's the ABC Family contact page:
http://abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/path/section_Global/page_Contactus

Elsewhere in Hazzard County ...

Thanks to Barry, as well as to Renee of the All-John blog, for the tipoff on this nice write-up in yesterday's New York Times (we just love that Sunday paper):
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/fashion/30nite.html

Over fettucine with shrimp and other accoutrements, our two good-ole'-boys-turned-Broadway talked about drag-racing to the set and lotsa fun stuff from their Hazzard days.

And speaking of fast-drivin', just take a gander at these words from Tom Wopat on Bo and Luke's fair cousin Daisy's expertise behind the wheel, as reported in the Scottish Sunday Mail:
http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/tv-showbiz-news/music-news/music-reviews/2008/03/30/real-duke-of-hazzard-78057-20366958/

James Best heads to the ballpark, and DukesFest, of course

Our own Rosco P. Coltrane, James Best, is returning to the ballpark this summer. He will be throwing out the first pitch for the Southern Illinois Miners Baseball Team on May 29. He'll have photos for sale and will sign your memorabilia for $5 per item.

It all happens at Rent One Park, 1000 Miners Drive, Marion, IL 62959. Check at http://www.southernillinoisminers.com/ for more information.

Best is, of course, among the "Dukes" cast scheduled to appear at this year's DukesFest, making its debut in Hot-lanta. Indeed, John Schneider and his wife Elly are expecting all of the cast biggies to appear this year. DukesFest will also be your opportunity to nab a copy of a couple fun new products: Best's own DVD, "Rosco's Hazzardous Roadtrip," and Ben Jones new memoir, "Redneck Boy in the Promised Land." Yes, Jones has released his own book now to add to the fine collection of "Dukes"-related books we have out there, publishing it through Harmony Books.

Keep your eye on that DukesFest site, because they've had some fun stuff going on with the design (and the videos!).

Joan Collins talks about the influence of legend Bette Davis

Convincing screen legend Bette Davis to help her adjust her revealing silver lame gown (designed by Nolan Miller, of course) is just one of the fun reminisces that Joan Collins offers in a new story in The Times in London.

Collins, our amazing Alexis Carrington Whatever of "Dynasty," talks about the influence that Davis had on her own career, as Turner Classic Movies celebrates "The Bette Davis Centenary season," 100 years since the actress' birth.

"When I first read the role of Alexis Carrington on 'Dynasty' I considered how Davis would have approached this character," Collins says. "The part was described to me by my agent as 'a real juicy b-tch, the kind of gal Bette Davis would have played in her prime.' "

Collins writes on: "So much of Alexis seemed to emulate so many of Davis’ roles. Conniving, glamorous, sly, the epitome of the woman scorned, she wasn’t afraid to use her sexual charms to get her own way. Whenever I had thoughts about how to play a scene I’d think: 'How would Bette do it?' and the rest was easy."

Davis, who was born on April 5, 1908, died on October 6, 1989. You can learn more about the celebration of her centenary at TCM's site.

Eileen Davidson chats on BlogTalkRadio

Eileen Davidson talks soaps, more specifically, she talks her current soap, CBS' "The Young and the Restless," on the Internet-based Buzzworthy Radio. The interview, airing last night, is available for your listening pleasure at Buzzworthy's site at BlogTalkRadio.

Davidson is currently immersed in her role as Ashley on "Y&R," but we, of course, remember her as the fourth and final Kelly Capwell on "Santa Barbara."

"It's a whole different ballgame out there," she said of the soaps business, saying that some of the shows are scrambling to try to figure out how to stay on the air. "I've seen it in its heyday." Davidson, in the context of her firing from "Days of Our Lives," added that she doesn't take anything too seriously.

"I was on 'Santa Barbara' the last year of its life," she said, "and it was an interesting time then, because Paul (Rauch) just -- he was getting the heavy hitters from every show ever known to mankind. ... I was on the show at the same time as A Martinez, Kim Zimmer, Jack Wagner, Gordon Thomson, who was just amazing, Nancy Grahn, just like these terrific people. The unfortunate thing is that we didn't have that much to do. We had some storylines, but ... it was not working out that well."

She added that "A is an exceptional human being" and was wonderful to work with. "It was a really, really great working experience," she said of the show, where she remarked that morale was even good at the time. "I was probably going to leave anyway, if it hadn't been canceled."

Davidson was frank in the interview, noting that it was very difficult to play the role of Kelly after other people had, and that her own personal history on the show was not long, so she didn't have as much of a feeling of loyalty toward it.

(We must say, it's nice to see a star taking time out of their schedule to chat with an Internet fan site / radio channel -- it truly shows the growing power of the Internet.)

BRBTV News Blog Blip: We know what a huge pop-cultural influence our beloved "Dallas" was. MentalFloss.com knows it, too, naming it the first of their "10 TV Shows that Changed the World." The post at their site discusses, in particular, the show's influence on communist Romania.

BRBTV News Blog Blip, Too: Look, they can criticize her face all they want, but we just dig the fact that she's on the show! Track the progress of Priscilla Presley, our third and final Jenna Wade of "Dallas," on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," at ABC's official site for the show. (Didya see her on last night's show? She's still alive!)

A couple new students are coming to Riverdale High

From Archie Comics

MAMARONECK, NY – Jesús Gil Holguín is one of the best-known comic book professionals in Mexico, where he has been translating American comics into Spanish and editing the Mexican editions of American comics for the past 25 years. He started at Editorial Novaro, the most important comic book publishing company in Latin America. He was a regular collaborator in a weekly radio show about comics, and has given a series of conferences about comics throughout Mexico. In 2005, Holguín started publishing Spanish editions of Archie Comics in Mexico. Now Holguín is writing his first script for Archie Comics. The story will feature the first Mexican addition to Riverdale High: Toño Diaz.

Born in Mexico, Toño assists his parents, Adrián and Rosa, in their party-planning business. Rosa handles public relations and the administrative part of the business, while Adrián is responsible for the creative and labor portions of the family business. Toño enjoys helping them with gardening and decoration, but the part he likes the most is cooking. He wants to become a great chef when he grows up. The Diaz family has been hired by Mr. Lodge to plan events for the city of Riverdale. As a result, the family has relocated to Riverdale.

Join Toño and his entire family for their first Riverdale adventure in Pals ‘n’ Gals #123 on sale in July 2008. Toño’s first appearance will be released simultaneously in the United States and in Mexico.



Misako Takashima, meanwhile, developed a love for comics and manga at an early age and drew her first comic at the age of 13. She moved to New York in 2001 and worked as a puppeteer, face painter, animal balloon maker and art teacher, while still developing her own work. She's been featured in many magazines and newspapers, including Elle Girl and the New York Times, and the BBC recently featured her in a documentary about comic book creators. Takashima currently lives in Brooklyn.

Takashima works with Archie's other new character, Kumi Tamura, a shy, cute and goofy Japanese girl. She doesn't think she's goofy or funny. However, when Archie, Betty and the others meet her, they think she is very funny. She wants to be taller, so every morning she drinks a lot of milk, believing this will help her grow. She likes reading Japanese girls’ comics and believes that someday she will meet a gorgeous boy in America. She arrives in Riverdale with her younger sister, Ami Tamura. Compared to Kumi, Ami is outgoing, fun and a positive girl. Ami and Kumi often have fights and usually Ami wins. Ami goes crazy for cute boys, and she is excited to meet a lot of tall American boys! When she finds something / somebody who she really likes, she usually doesn't give up until she gets it, or them! Oh, boy ...

Kumi’s mom is very kind and sweet … but she's obsessed with keeping their home clean. Therefore, when the kids have fights or make a mess, she gets crazy and loses her mind!! Kumi’s dad is an engineer. Even though he's busy, he tries to make time for his girls as much as he can. When mom gets crazy, he's really good at calming her down.

Kumi and her family will be moving to Riverdale shortly.

Bits 'n' Pieces: A couple "SB" hunks, and a car that's truly an icon

- His character on "Santa Barbara" might have gotten iced early on, but Eric Stromer has recovered quite nicely, years later. This actor, who portrayed Michael Adams in the 1984 earthquake storyline of "SB," then went on to a few other TV roles, wields a hammer and saw these days. He's the host of HGTV's "Over Your Head," and now he's written a new home-improvement book: "Do It Yourself Family." CBS' Showbuzz has more on the hunky Stromer and his current projects.

- And speaking of "SB," we've been reporting here on the BRBTV News Blog on Frank Runyeon, our own Father Michael Donnelly, and his modern-day more real-life evangelistic efforts. The News-Enterprise in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, has a neat feature story on Runyeon that sheds a little more light on that fun thing he does.

- We, of course, know just how much of a TV icon our beautiful, blazin'-orange General Lee is, besides being the star of "The Dukes of Hazzard." Well, the Trib knows it, too. The General Lee came in nicely on their list of the top TV icons, according to reader votes. Among the write-in candidates was the Batphone from "Batman." Coolness. Check it out at the Chicago Tribune's website.

Ken Farmer, a tough guy of many talents

Texas-born Ken Farmer moved effortlessly through several roles on our beloved "Dallas," particularly one where he almost started a brawl at the annual Ewing Barbecue over J.R.'s machinations with gas prices. Farmer, who is a seasoned actor, turns his attention these days to mentoring the younger ones coming up behind him. He's an author and workshop leader who has some skillful advice on being in front of the camera.

While researching the BRBTV reference book "Destination: Dallas," we had the opportunity to get to know Ken Farmer. He's a guy with a tough persona who's quite nice to talk with! During our lively January 2007 interview, he told us about a screenplay he was working on, "Damn You, Bone!" It's the story of a 6-foot-7, 300-pound cop in north Texas who has an interesting way of doing business.

Farmer has also written "Rockabilly Baby," a story on the birth of rock 'n' roll that was shot in Texas last year. Farmer directs this one and takes on a role as an announcer, too. You can read the official press release and see photos of the cast at the movie's site.

To keep an eye on Farmer and his work, which includes the book "Acting is Storytelling," check out his website.