Archie Comic Publications Inc. announces new management team

From Archie Comics

Mamaroneck, NY -- Archie Comic Publications Inc. is pleased to announce the following promotions: Victor Gorelick to co-president/editor-in-chief and Fred Mausser as co-president/director of circulation. Michael Pellerito has been named vice-president/managing editor. In addition to running the day-to-day operations of Archie Comic Publications Inc., the new management team will review all areas of the company’s properties and operations in order to broaden the legacy of Archie Comics as a leader in the field of humor and family friendly entertainment for untold decades to come.

Gorelick and Mausser indicated they are extremely confident in the continuing success of these true American icons (Archie, Betty, Chuck, Jughead, Veronica and friends), and are developing plans to bring additional projects to fruition in the near future. The potential of the Archie Comics’ stable of properties has never been brighter.

“We’re very thankful for the trust placed in us by the Estates of Richard Goldwater and Michael Silberkleit. We’re also extremely confident in the future of Archie and his friends and will strive to bring these properties to new heights,” stated Gorelick, Mausser and Pellerito at a recent office presentation.

About Archie Comic Publications Inc.
Archie Comic Publications Inc. was founded in 1941 and remains one of the purest brands of family entertainment for almost seven decades of readers. Appealing to kids, tweens, teens and the young at heart, the company features such well known characters as Archie, Betty, Chuck, Jughead, Veronica. Other famous properties such as Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Little Archie, The Shield and a myriad of other characters are also owned by Archie Comics. The company has also been successful in the publishing of licensed properties, namely Sonic the Hedgehog from Sega and other properties such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. For information about Archie Comics, please visit www.archiecomics.com

Jughead's new look epic "The Matchmakers" is now available in one collection

From Archie Comics

Back in the spring of 2007, the world of Archie Comics was rocked by the publication of BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #151, featuring the first installment of "Bad Boy Trouble," an epic tale spanning four issues that found Riverdale's favorite teens rendered in a realistic style!

The "new look" inspired months and months of debate and media coverage... and was so intriguing to fans that it led to further "new look" sagas. The most recent is the "Breakup Blues" saga currently concluding in the pages of PALS-N-GALS DIGEST... but in between, the crowned one got a taste of reality, too!

That's right: not only did Jughead get a "realistic makeover," but the intriguing tale he starred in led to a bit of a personality makeover as well. It all started when Archie, Betty, Reggie and Veronica agreed that Jughead needed a break from his "fifth wheel" status. They hatched a scheme to find a girl who would interest Jughead more than food and sleep… never realizing they would actually succeed! Or did they?

Comic book legends Joe Staton and Al Milgrom brought their years of experience to the Archie "new look," handling pencils and inks respectively, giving this story an extra-special touch.

Now, all four installments of this heralded tale from JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #139 through #142 are available in one convenient, affordable edition. The special 6 x 9 inch format contains 112 full-color, thrill-packed pages, with a low cover price of only $9.95 US! Whether reading it again or discovering it for the first time, don't miss the most talked about Jughead story of 2008!

ARCHIE NEW LOOK SERIES VOLUME 2: JUGHEAD
"THE MATCHMAKERS"
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan. ART: Joe Staton.
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 21, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 3, 2009
112-page, full-color 6" x 9" squarebound paperback
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-38-2
OLD # 1-879794-38-1
$9.95 U.S.

Tom Wopat ventures off the stage for "Taking Chance"

You may think Tom Wopat's life is all about Broadway these days. Well ... actually, you'd be right. But that doesn't mean our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard" won't pick up a small movie role now and then.

"Taking Chance" is a story of military honor. The plotline from the IMDb: "Based on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming." Kevin Bacon stars, and Wopat's character is Phelps' father. Paige Turco of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movies and the '90s TV show "American Gothic" also appears.

Directed by Ross Katz, who also shares writing duties with Michael Strobl, the movie is scheduled to air in February 2009. It made the Sundance Film Festival for next year, too.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: What does the number 13 mean to you? The number meant a lot to BRB's mom, in this week's installment of the yearlong My Mother's Clothing project, now in its final four weeks.

Coming up in Archie Comics

THE ARCHIES: GREATEST HITS VOLUME ONE

Everyone's heard the hit song "Sugar Sugar" and children of the 1970s remember The Archies band from Saturday morning cartoons, but did you know the band actually started in comic books? Now fans can relive that history with some of The Archies' most tuneful tales. Features painstaking restoration from original publishing elements, and a special foreword by Ron Dante, the famed singing voice of Archie and a successful singer-songwriter, musician and producer of such multi-platinum acts as Barry Manilow, Cher and Pat Benatar.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 10, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 23, 2008
96-page, full-color squarebound paperback
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-37-5
Old ISBN #: 1-879-794-37-3
$9.95 U.S.

ARCHIE #592
"The Demo": A salesmen tries to sell Archie and Jughead an interactive sports video game, but the teens consider acting out the action with the wireless device as just "going through the motions" compared to their real life memories.
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Snow Woe": Will Archie and Chuck's entries in the winter photo contest wow the judges or be met with a "chilly" reception?
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Trouble by the Foot": Klutzy Archie's clodhoppers have trampled everything in Lodge Mansion... including Mr. Lodge's feet!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"A Touchy Subject": The gang contemplates what life would be like if everything could be accessed via touch screen.
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 24, 2008
On sale on newsstands: January 6, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126
FAN-FAVORITE WRITER ALEX SIMMONS RETURNS FOR A FUN-FILLED, FOUR-PART TALE!
"The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton, Part One: Gnomes & Stick Figure Funnies": Chuck Clayton takes center stage in this special storyline. Chuck is asked to teach an after-school program in cartooning to elementary school kids... and it isn't long before he learns the kids can be more hyperactive than his doodles! Can Chuck ultimately connect with the kids and help them create the next comic book classics? Will his temporary teaching gig lead to bigger and better things, or is his tenure soon to be terminated? The answer's just a splash panel away! This new multi-part epic comes courtesy of someone who knows his way around both creating and teaching comics, namely acclaimed writer, children's art advocate, and organizer of the world's only "Kids' Comics" convention, Alex Simmons.
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 10, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 23, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #250
"The Archies in Beverly Hills": When pop star Jessica Simmers asks The Archies to play her high school reunion, the teens are headed for the California sun! While there, they partake of the many Hollywood sights and meet other celebrities, too! This star-studded story comes courtesy of famed "pop archaeologist" and celebrity news columnist Hal Lifson.
SCRIPT: Hal Lifson.
ART: Rex Lindsey.
"Any Port in a Storm": It's a cold winter night, and Archie must choose between the chewy, warm cookies at Betty's house, or the toasty, warm fireplace at Veronica's mansion!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
SCRIPT AND ART: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Cool-ifornia cover by Rex Lindsey, inspired by the famous Beatles' "Abbey Road" album cover!
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 24, 2008
On sale on newsstands: January 6, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #239
"Good Bye Paparazzi!": The paparazzi follow Veronica home to Riverdale from a movie premiere, and it isn't long before most of her friends are vogue-ing for the cameras, too!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Scrap Flap": Veronica has no interest whatsoever in Betty's new scrapbook hobby... until she meets the hunky scrapbook expert at the craft shop!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Dancing Fool": Inspired by a classic beach party movie, Veronica comes up with her own dance step guaranteed to make you flip... literally!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 17, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 30, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #190
"Coming to the U.S.A.": This poignant tale details Kumi and her family's arrival in the United States and their introduction to American life and culture. Not to mention Kumi's first day at Riverdale High and how she met Archie and his friends. It's a very special day for Archie Comics' newest superstar!
SCRIPT: Misako Rocks!
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Bedtime Story": A boy's camping trip leaves the girls without plans for the weekend... until they decide to have a slumber party! Of course, true to form, the party will involve every activity but "slumbering!"
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
SCRIPT AND ART: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 17, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 30, 2008
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #167
"Get Out of Town": You can take Cheryl out of Riverdale, but you can't take Riverdale out of Cheryl... especially when Archie visits Pembroke to remind her!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
"Lucky Charmed Life": When Betty removes her "lucky" leprechaun figure from its safe hiding place, will it bring good fortune or misfortune?
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
"The Staff": Veronica has a new chauffeur, and it isn't long before her friends "drive" him crazy!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 7, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 20, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #146
"Worry Flurry": Mrs. Jones worries that her husband and Jughead aren't getting enough physical activity... and then worries some more over all the injuries and trouble such activity could cause!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Dishing It Out": A competition between school cafeteria managers allows Jughead to see Miss Beazly in action. Can her rival take the heat, or will she get out of the kitchen?
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"The Recycling Game": The gang figures out the perfect way to battle the recession and help the environment at the same time: recycle their cans and bottles for cash!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Randy Elliott.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 17, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 30, 2008
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #127
THE THIRD PART OF A NEW FOUR-PART STORY IN THE "REALISTIC STYLE" - AND THIS TIME, MOOSE & MIDGE'S ROMANCE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!
"Breakup Blues, Part 3": The unbelievable has happened: Midge and Moose have broken up! Now Midge is seeing Reggie while Moose is dating Judy Johnson. Needless to say, the status quo of Riverdale High's circle of friends has been shaken, but the former couple's friends aren't giving up hope. In this latest installment, Betty and Archie have a plan to get Midge and Moose talking again. Will it bring the former lovebirds back together or drive a further wedge between them? They say the road to regret is paved with good intentions... are Betty and Archie just what the doctor ordered or have they gone too far? Now the stakes are higher, as not just romantic relationships but lifelong friendships hang in the balance! It's romantic intrigue served up in the "realistic" art style that made both Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble" and Jughead's "Matchmakers" some of the most-talked about Archie stories in recent years! Veteran penciller Tod Smith and journeyman inker Al Milgrom carry on that popular style in what is sure to be the most explosive Archie Comics story of the year!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan.
ART: Tod Smith (pencils) and Al Milgrom (inks).
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 10, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 23, 2008
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #99
"The Final Battle, Part 2 of 3": The countdown to issue #100 continues! With the aid of their new allies, the Four Blades, Sabrina and her friends set out to battle the villainous Vosblanc. They journey to the main plaza of the Magic Realm only to find that the source of all magic, the Mana Tree, is dying. Not very good timing as the first wave of Vosblanc's followers attack! And just as he did before, Vosblanc tries to turn the entire Magic Realm against Sabrina and her friends. Their only hope is to convince everyone of the withered Mana Leaf's existence, but Vosblanc has other plans. With the situation more desperate than ever, it's up to Sabrina, now one of the most powerful magic users in the realm, to do the unimaginable to save it. Can she save the day or will life as she knows it be changed forever?
SCRIPT: Tania del Rio.
ART: Lindsey Cibos (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks).
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 7, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 20, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #31
"Not Home Alone": Mr. Andrews can't wait to start working from home... but his work won't start until his distractions stop!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Money Matters": Archie, Reggie and Moose fantasize what it would be like to be rich... but after observing Mr. Lodge they soon learn that the reality (namely, hard work) outweighs the fantasy!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 10, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 23, 2008
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

VERONICA #192
"Kiss & Tell": Veronica's Aunt Lily gives her a necklace she claims is charmed... and it isn't long before Veronica is experiencing clairvoyant images while wearing it! Is the necklace merely magical, or is the magic all in Veronica's head?
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. "Career Sphere": Career Day at the school leads Veronica to imagine what life in the workplace would be like... with her as the boss, of course!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Dan Parent.
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 7, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 20, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Charlene Tilton and daughter bring on "The Fish"

She may be traveling to the U.K. and dipping into panto, but Charlene Tilton is doing what she can to keep the projects going on this side of the pond, too. Our former Lucy Ewing of "Dallas" has a new TV series scheduled for next year.

"The Fish," billed as "not another reality show," will feature Tilton as "the Crazy One." She's joined by her daughter, Cherish Lee, in the show. Cherish, born in August 1982 (ironically, just after Lucy was dealing with the Roger situation, and just before the character learned she was pregnant), has done a little other acting.

Brigitte Nielsen also stars in this story of "what happens when actors and writers go on strike." The comedy is directed by Demetrius Navarro and written by Ryan Glasgow. See the promo video on YouTube.

New York TV show features Archie Comics writer Alex Simmons

Tune into New York City TV show "BronxTalk" with host Gary Axelbank tonight and you'll hear Alex Simmons of Archie Comics. The writer will be on the show live from 9 to 9:30 p.m.

"BronxTalk" airs on local channel 67, and fans can call in to (718) 960-7241 and ask Simmons questions. He will be talking about the fun and power of comics for kids, as well as his latest Archie & Friends miniseries, “The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton.” Simmons has worked on many comics characters over the years, including Blackjack, Batman, Tarzan, Superman and Scooby-Doo.

If you miss the live show, there will be replays on channel 67 the entire week at 4:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. The station also offers live viewing from its website; see the link below.

BronxTalk
Channel 67
Monday, December 8
9:00 - 9:30 p.m.
(718) 960-7241
http://bronxnet.org

John Wesley Shipp takes on the "Karma Police"

It's been quite a few years since he shared scenes with Kristen (Victoria Lane) Meadows as tennis hunk Martin Ellis on "Santa Barbara," but John Wesley Shipp is still looking good. At least that's what we read from anybody who's seen the latest film of "Dawson's dad," who is also quite well-known as ABC's '90s "The Flash."

"Karma Police" is a crime drama that's been making the rounds at film festivals in the past few months. The movie, directed by John Venable and written by Greg Beauchamp and Jay Gormley, is about "the world's largest secret organization, the Karma Police," which recruits all-around good guy Charles West as their newest agent, giving him the power to reward good and punish evil. Shipp plays Barrington Freeman in the movie.

The movie comes out on DVD in February. Learn more, and watch Shipp in the trailer at the movie's site, or visit the MySpace page.

Shipp is also involved in "Port City," scheduled for release next year: "Several stories interweave, chronicling the lives, loves and adventures of a group of diverse, inter-related characters in and around the port city of Wilmington, NC." Shipp is George in the film and shares the screen with former "Full House"-r Jodie Sweetin. It was shooting in Wilmington this summer; the local paper, the Star-News, covered it.

Finally, Shipp will be starring in the action-thriller movie "The Ninja," which will be filming in Geelong, Victoria, by Film Source Australia director Rob Baard. The local paper also has this one covered.

For Patrick Duffy, "Love Takes Wing"

Seeing our perennial "Dallas" hottie Patrick Duffy in this latest project is certainly incentive enough, but the fact that fellow hottie Lou Diamond Phillips is directing it -- and starring in it? Mega-hottie-wattage!

Based on a book by Janette Oke, "Love Takes Wing" also features Cloris Leachman and the quite-yummy Dale Midkiff, who played Jock Ewing in "Dallas: The Early Years."

Duffy is Mayor Evans in the TV movie, scheduled for release next year. The story revolves around a lonely, restless prairie girl, Belinda, who moves to the big city of Boston.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: We always knew that blazin' orange General Lee could do a lot of stuff, but can the unofficial star of "The Dukes of Hazzard" solve a crime, too? Evidently. The (Cookeville, Tennessee) Herald-Citizen has the story.

Joan Collins appears in Miss Marple mystery

Alexis Colby and Miss Marple may seem like rather mutually exclusive terms, but Joan Collins' latest project indeed centers around the famous detective created by British author Agatha Christie. We mentioned it briefly in September, but now we'll tell you a little more about this new TV movie.

Scheduled for 2009 release, "Marple: They Do It with Mirrors" casts our "Dynasty" grand dame as Miss Maple's friend, Ruth van Rydock. The 1952 book the movie is based on also was adapted as a TV movie in 1985, then as part of a BBC series in 1991.

The plotline from the IMDb: "Miss Marple is requested to help her old friend Carrie-Louise, the loving wife of benign philanthropist Lewis Serrocold. Carrie-Louise is slowly poisoned by an unknown hand, and her husband and her sister Ruth want absolutely to save her from this dark menace."

"Joan still feels very young at heart, and she’s determined that she should still be taken as a serious actress," the UK's Daily Mail quoted from someone "close" to the actress. "She may be 75, but her acting days are far from over. Getting Miss Marple is a major coup for her – it’s primetime with a huge following and Joan is understandably thrilled."

BRBTV birthdays for December

- Forry Smith, the dashing Reese Walker on "SB," turned 56 yesterday, on December 1.
- Charlene Tilton, little Lucy Ewing of "Dallas," turned 50 yesterday, December 1, though reports sometimes conflict on her age.
- Nicolas Coster, the unforgettable Lionel Lockridge on "SB," as well as Lyle Sloan and Joe Morris on "Dallas," and even Ezra Bushmaster in "The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood" TV movie, turns 75 tomorrow, 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 57.
- 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," is the same age as our little Lucy (apparently!), turning 50 on December 12.
- Thaao Penghlis, who was Dr. Micah De Angelis in the tail-end of the run of "Santa Barbara," turns 63 on December 15.
- Helen Slater, who voiced Talia on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 45 on December 15.
- Christopher Cazenove, rugged and angry bro to Blake Carrington as Ben Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 65 on December 17.
- Brad Pitt, who was a very youthful Randy, boyfriend to Charlie, in one of his very first roles, on "Dallas," turns 45 on December 18.
- Karen Moncrieff, who played Cassandra Benedict on "Santa Barbara," turns 45 on December 20.
- Jared Martin, our own Dusty Farlow of "Dallas," turns 67 on December 21, according to the IMDb, although sources are conflicting.
- John Callahan, who was Craig Hunt on "SB," turns 55 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 62 (although one of our sources says 59).
- Dane Witherspoon, who originated the role of Joe Perkins on "Santa Barbara," turns 51 on December 27.
- Terri Garber, who was the feisty Leslie Carrington on "Dynasty," as well as Suzanne Collier on "SB," turns 48 on December 28.
- Barbara Carrera, who played the evil Angelica Nero on "Dallas," turns 63 on New Year's Eve, December 31, although sources have conflicted on that one, too!

Happy birthday to all, whatever age ya are!!!!! (It IS good to be alive, after all, isn't it???)

Catherine Bach and Ben Jones, out and about

Two of our "Dukes of Hazzard" stars have some dates coming soon on their appearances calendar.

Ben (Cooter Davenport) Jones will be in Lebanon, Tennessee, on December 11 for the Mature Lifestyles and MTEMC (Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Cooperative) Senior Extravaganza 2008. The event takes place at The Mill, 300 North Maple Street in Lebanon.

Hours of the event are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Jones will be signing autographs from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more info, call 615-444-6008.

Catherine (Daisy Duke) Bach, meanwhile, will travel to the 10th Annual Canton (Ohio) Hot Rod & Custom Bike Show, on January 23-25. Show hours are Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Bach signs Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 7 -9:30 p.m.

Find out more at CantonHotRodShow.com.

Tom Wopat, meanwhile, continues to reap the rewards of a successful Broadway career. The Raleigh (N.C.) News and Observer pays tribute to our own Luke Duke.

Gotta love it: Fandom certainly has its quirks

OK, we weren't going to post again until Monday, but how can you not pass this along? The worlds of "Dallas" and "The Dukes of Hazzard" couldn't seem more far apart, on the surface, but from BRBTV's perspective, they seem to cross quite often. At various "Dukes" events we attend, we meet lots of "Dallas" fans, since the shows once aired on the same night on CBS. And the two shows do seem to share a certain appeal to a certain kind of fan. That down-home country thing. Yea, there's a little of that.

Well, when we first learned that there would be a 30th anniversary reunion event at Southfork Ranch for the fans of "Dallas," a chance to meet and greet with the cast, we couldn't help but draw a parallel with the wildly popular DukesFest event. And NOW ... after years of seeing people worship and collect the famous blazin' orange kingpin car of "The Dukes of Hazzard," the General Lee, along with Rosco's sheriff's vehicle, Daisy's Dixie Jeep and Cooter's tow truck, we come across this little item ...

Charles Halt of Florida owns the 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible that was driven by Patrick Duffy, our Bobby Ewing, on "Dallas." He went out of his way to snag it, as his wife is an avid "Dallas" fan. And pay attention, when you read the St. Petersburg Times' story on it, to that little bit at the end about fans of the show wanting to pose for pictures with it ...

Ummmm-hmmmmm .... Could Jock's Lincoln be far behind?????

Signy Coleman: Reminiscing about "Santa Barbara" and "Dallas"

Last Friday, we let you in on some highlights of BRBTV's interview with Signy Coleman, whom we remember so well as Celeste DiNapoli of "Santa Barbara," and who also did a 1987 episode of "Dallas." Today we take a look at a few of the things she has to say about her time on those shows.

"I was fortunate to be working with some great people," she tells us of "Santa Barbara." "Like working with Vincent (Irizarry), and that turned out pretty well, because we got married and had a beautiful daughter, Siena. Jill Farren Phelps was just tremendous, as well. She was just an amazing person to work with. In terms of cutting my teeth in the business, it was a beautiful experience. I feel very fortunate."

The role of Celeste struck a certain chord with her.

"I liked her in her strength," she says. "She was definitely a survivor. The circumstances that she found herself in -- I related to it on a very personal level, because when I was doing the modeling circuit and flew to Paris, there were so many girls in one room. The amount of girls that are brought in -- and to see who's going to stick and who's going to fall by the wayside. To see who's going to get eaten by the monster machinery. I saw a lot of girls very chewed up and spit out, and in circumstances that they never thought they'd be in. Fortunately, for whatever reasons, it didn't happen to me."

But the role of Celeste -- the former hooker with a heart of gold -- wasn't always a piece of cake.

"It was very difficult to play at times. There were times that I would leave the studio very uncomfortable, like I needed to go home and take a shower. But at the same time, what a great thing, to be able to experience the circumstances of that life without really experiencing the circumstances of that life. That's one of the great parts of being an actor -- you get to step into the life of the character without suffering the consequences."

There are similiaries between the role of Celeste DiNapoli and the one-shot role that Coleman stepped into for the "Tick-Tock" episode of "Dallas," where she was part of a cattle-call (for lack of a better word -- this is Texas we're talking about!) to find the new Valentine Girl for Sue Ellen Ewing's company, Valentine Lingerie.

"'Dallas' was one of my favorite shows at the time, and it was a tremendous treat to be in the company of actors like Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy," she says. "It was wonderful. I think I held my own. 'Dallas' was such a spicy show. I loved the diversity of the characters. Of course, what draws a person to a show? Conflict. They always had such great conflict to the show."

And to be spotted on-screen amid a line of girls, and remembered so many years later? As with the two Huey Lewis and the News music videos she appeared in, that's chick power!

Moving forward in her screen work, because even though she's been writing lately she still certainly wants to keep on acting ... Coleman did take a meeting a couple weeks ago with execs of a certain TV show we're quite familiar with. And that's all we can say about that!

You'll see the full interview with Signy Coleman (including how she got that unique name -- and it's pronounced "sig-ny," by the way) in the next edition of the BRBTV reference book "Send Me to Santa Barbara," the fourth edition, which we hope to publish in the next few months. (Keep in mind that the purchase of any e-edition of a BRBTV reference guide entitles you to all free future updates!)

Happy Thanksgiving from BRBTV, by the way!

And stay tuned ... we've got another "Santa Barbara" star on our radar ... He's wigglin' around a lot, but we're gonna pin him down, we swear we will ...

Morgan Fairchild on "Chuck"? That is so fun!

Morgan Fairchild, whom we know as one of the Jenna Wades on "Dallas," is hitting the spy circuit with a one-shot on NBC's "Chuck." Fairchild has a fun role -- mom to the wonderfully hunky-yet-ditzy fiance, Captain Awesome (believe it) of Chuck's sister Ellie. Another '80s fave, Bruce Boxleitner, joins her as the dad. The episode, "Chuck Versus the Sensei," is set to air on December 1. We'll be there!

Fairchild is also following in the footsteps of her "Dallas" costar Larry Hagman by guesting on this coming season of FX's "Nip/Tuck," premiering in January 2009.

Meanwhile, in the interest of keeping up with little Lucy, Charlene Tilton:
- See some photos on her site from the Southfork 30th anniversary reunion a few weeks ago.
- Buy tickets to see her on stage in "Cinderella" next month in Southsea, England.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Fresh off the dance floor, Stephanie Beacham has lined up her next gig. Our own Sable Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys" will be heading to the UK's "Coronation Street," The Daily Mail reports.

Tracy Scoggins splashes out a new website

For years, http://www.tracyscoggins.com/ took you to a simple merchandising page, run by someone else, where you could buy autographed photos. That was basically it. But not now! Now Scoggins has a cute new site that's more uniquely her.

Front and center on the page is some news for our former Monica Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys" as well as Anita Smithfield and Dianne Kelly of the "Dallas" realm. She's appearing on an episode of CBS' "NCIS," airing next month, she's working on a reality series, and she's beginning the fourth-season shooting of the Here! Networks' "Dante's Cove" in January.

Scoggins also will be appearing at the Super Mega Show and Comic Fest in New Jersey next month.

The new site offers a good-sized bio, list of her credits, gallery and more.

(Oh, and you can still buy those autographed photos!)

Signy Coleman is cookin' up a lot of great stuff these days

You might have first spotted the beautiful Signy Coleman in the 1980s Huey Lewis and the News videos "Heart and Soul" or "I Want a New Drug." Or you might have caught her as one of the new Valentine Girl prospects Sue Ellen Ewing was checking out on our beloved "Dallas" in 1987. Or you might have first seen her as Celeste DiNapoli on our beloved "Santa Barbara." Heck, you might have even first spotted her as Hope on "The Young and the Restless," a longtime character that was only killed off earlier this year.

Well, BRBTV had the lovely Ms. Coleman on the phone a week or two back, and she filled us in on a whole lot of great stuff she's got going on in her life. In the next installment of a sort of "SB" series, following in the path of our interviews with David Baker and Anthony De Longis, we'll tell you a few of the thoughts she expressed to us about what she's got going on now.

Primary on Coleman's agenda at the moment is "Snaggin' the Stag: A Culinary Agenda," a cookbook she and her sister Bethany have been collaborating on. Wrapped up in that particular project, it's evident when you talk to Signy, are great recipes, some fab continental adventuring, and a whole lot of love. The extended title is "Luring the Hart from Forest to Table, A Book of Cookery," and the writing is rich in imagery and emotional as well as culinary connection. Coleman and her sister traveled to exotic locales like Morocco to secure the inspiration and the research in great taste.

"It's sort of memoirs of food and love and the chase that's involved," she tells us. "We tested all the recipes. We dressed, we photographed, everything is ours. We researched. There's a lot of historical information, as well. It's just really sexy and interesting and funny. My sister is as passionate about food as I am. There are so many good stories about food and love. ... Everybody's got a good story about food."

It's a subject matter for which Coleman truly has a passion.

"I pore through cookbooks and Bon Appetit magazines," she says. "I read cookbooks like people read novels. When you write something and step back from it objectively and think, omigosh, I would want to read this, you get very excited about it."

Also on Coleman's agenda right now is the completion of the official Signy Coleman website, which she and her sister have been working on. Coleman says she found a need for it after reading some less-than-true stuff about herself around the Internet.

"No, I am not married," she laughs. "And I haven't been for years! And yes, I am actively pursuing George Clooney!" (OK, that was a joke! Read: Joke!)

But besides that great stuff, Coleman also does volunteering work and cares for her daughter Isabella, who's still at home (her older daughter Siena, whose dad is Coleman's "SB" costar Vincent Irizarry, is at college).

That's a pretty full **plate**, so to speak! We'll have another excerpt of our interview next Wednesday, when we'll talk a little about her time on "Dallas" and "SB."

You'll see the full interview with Signy Coleman in the next edition of the BRBTV reference book "Send Me to Santa Barbara," the fourth edition, which we hope to publish in the next few months. (Keep in mind that the purchase of any e-edition of a BRBTV reference guide entitles you to all free future updates!)

Photo by Lesley Bohm and used by permission; copy at your own risk

New for the holidays: The Archies Christmas Album

From Archie Comics

One of the most important and successful garage bands of all time, the Archies return for the Christmas season with "The Archies Christmas Album featuring Betty & Veronica"! The Riverdale High quintet scored several top 40 hits, with "Sugar, Sugar" becoming the No. 1 song of the year. The Archies have been named one of the top ten Coolest Cartoon Rockers by AOL Music. Just in time for the Holiday season, band members Archie Andrews, Reggie Mantle, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge and Jughead Jones are pleased to release their new album. The Archies Christmas Party combines the best of their trademark sound with the radio sensibilities of today.

Featuring...
Archie Andrews - Lead Guitar, Vocals
Reggie Mantle - Bass Guitar
Jughead Jones - Drums
Betty Cooper - Vocals, Tambourine, Percussion, Guitar
Veronica Lodge - Vocals, Organ, Keyboard
Hot Dog - mascot

With,
Danielle van Zyl - Vocals
Kelly-Lynn - Vocals
Ron Dante - Vocals
Ted Perlman - Programmer, Keys, Guitar
Scott Erickson - Programmer, Keys
Tim Pierce - Guitar
Bo Donaldson - Keyboards
George Eisaman - Guitar
Rick Thibodeau - Bass
Billy Haarbauer - Drums

New and classic Christmas songs include...

1. Here Comes Santa Claus
2. Up on the Housetop
3. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
4. Holly Jolly Christmas
5. Jingle Bell Rock
6. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
7. Run Rudolph Run
8. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
9. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
10. Sleigh Ride
11. Archies Christmas Party
12. Christmas in Riverdale

Get your CD today at ArchieComics.Stores.Yahoo.net

As a special just for Christmas, ArchieComics.com is offering THE ARCHIES CHRISTMAS ALBUM FEATURING BETTY & VERONICA, ARCHIE'S CLASSIC CHRISTMAS STORIES VOLUME ONE and THE ARCHIES: GREATEST HITS VOLUME ONE at a low price of $29.99 (That price includes the $7.90 shipping and handling), which represents a savings of $10.90. That's more than 25 percent OFF! Hurry; this offer is valid only while supplies last and will expire on December 15, 2008. Available only in the United States and Canada.

The CD on its own is $11.99.



ARCHIE'S CLASSIC CHRISTMAS STORIES VOLUME ONE
It's been on fans' wish lists for years, and now it's finally here: the ultimate Christmas gift! Since their inception, Archie and his friends have delighted readers with scores of yuletide tales. These stories proved so popular that in 1954, an entire series devoted to stories of holiday cheer and good will to men premiered: Archie's Christmas Stocking! Now you can relive the magic, warmth, and hilarity as Archie and his friends show their holiday spirit in this special collection of classic tales from the first decade of Archie's Christmas Stocking. It's a grab-bag of goodies just for you! Featuring a festive foreword by Santa Claus himself!
96-page, full-color square bound paperback
ISBN #:978-1-879794-10-8
$10.95 U.S.



THE ARCHIES: GREATEST HITS VOLUME ONE
Everyone’s heard the hit song “Sugar Sugar” and children of the 1970s remember The Archies band from Saturday morning cartoons, but did you know the band actually started in comic books? Inspired by the runaway success of guitar-and-vocal groups like the Beatles, Byrds and Beach Boys, The Archies made their debut in a 1967 issue of “Life with Archie.” But that was only the beginning. Looking for a group to follow-up his mega-successful singing group and TV comedy sensations The Monkees, music producer Don Kirschner found the answer when he spotted The Archies in his child’s comic book. It wasn’t long before a group of studio musicians became The Archies “for real,” and began recording music that would become bubblegum pop standards. Simultaneously, the first series of Saturday morning Archie cartoons was developed and it was decided to have The Archies band in the animation as well. THE ARCHIE SHOW premiered on the CBS network on September 14, 1968. An ARCHIES album followed shortly thereafter and the hit single, "Sugar Sugar," became the top-selling single of 1969. The rest, as they say, is musical history! Now fans can relive that history with some of The Archies’ most tuneful tales. Features painstaking restoration from original publishing elements, and a special foreword by Ron Dante, the famed singing voice of Archie and a successful singer-songwriter, musician and producer of such multi-platinum acts as Barry Manilow, Cher and Pat Benatar.
96-page, full-color square bound paperback
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-37-5
$9.95 U.S.

BRBTV News Blog Note: LOVE IT!!!!! Thanks to the Archies for helping us celebrate the Christmas season!!!!

More Bits 'n' Pieces: "Dallas" reunion, plus some "Santa Barbara" stuff

Thanks to Garry of DallasFanzine.com for passing along this quality shot of the "Dallas" 30th anniversary reunion at Southfork Ranch in great-ole Parker, Texas, earlier this month. Garry's got a whole big album on his site, so check that out. Lots of good closeups of the gang. Click on "Gallery" on the left-hand menu.

"Santa Barbara" is also much on our minds right now. Melissa of the Single Gal in the City blog reports having dinner the other night with our own Cruz Castillo, known to the rest of the world as A Martinez. He'll evidently be returning to "One Life to Live" at the end of next month. And Lonnie Quinn, who played Rich Landers on our show, and who has been enjoying a successful career in TV newscasting, and was featured in a story in the New Haven (Conn.) Register.

AND ....! (and, and, and!!!!) ... Have we got a treat for you! Guess who we talked to on the phone a couple weeks ago? None other than Ms. Signy Coleman, the lovely Celeste DiNapoli of our beloved "SB." It's an interview for the next edition of BRBTV's "Send Me to Santa Barbara" reference guide, but you'll find excerpts on this blog this Friday and next Wednesday. "Dallas" fans, by the way, might recall Ms. Coleman in the mix when Sue Ellen Ewing was seeking a new Valentine Girl in 1987! She was a big "Dallas" fan, she tells us!

Bits 'n' Pieces: Heather Locklear's new TV movie is coming up

- You knew it had to happen, especially since you saw literally every sneeze during the filming, on the various news outlets around the web ... Heather Locklear's new Lifetime movie is about to air! It's on the cable channel's holiday schedule:
"Flirting with Forty"
Lifetime
Saturday, December 6
9 p.m. EST
Read a little more about the movie at Lifetime's site.

- A brand-new Dodge Charger with a classic touch? What can it be but a modern General Lee? AutomobileMag has the image.

- Us "Dukes of Hazzard" fans remember how Bo and Luke idolized racecar driver Cale Yarborough, who appeared in a couple episodes. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel gives a sort of appreciation for the NASCAR legend.

John Schneider status check, part 3,564 or something like that

Ahhh ... time to do another John Schneider status check. If we don't keep up with it now and then, the sheer force that is our buddy Bo Duke's career will just plum run us over!

"Collier & Co. 2: High Octane" is the sequel to Schneider's own beloved 2006 movie project, and a major motivation behind selling his equally beloved General Lee car. Due out next year, the film will include his wife Elly and daughter Karis as the original did, but will take J.R. Collier on more "Dukes of Hazzard"-like adventures involving a 1969 Charger.

"Bleachers," classified as in production, casts Schneider as "Mr. Simmons, the 'hard a**' school administrator" to six students who are on suspension and missing spring break. It's written and directed by Derek J. Hartman.

"The Rebound" stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sam Robards. Schneider is Trevor in the movie, which comes from writer and director Bart Freundlich.

The last three projects are a collection of interesting references to God, angels, hell, the devil ... ya know, stuff like that:
- The tagline for "The Gods of Circumstance" is "Two desolate angels on the highway to hell." The movie casts Schneider in the lead role as Mick Jeremiah. The plotline: "Michael Lewis Mick Jeremiah, 49 and a half years old, former Kennedy Cold Warrior, single father and bankrupt homebuilder, on his way from California to Colorado to get a fresh start, stops by Nevada's infamous Chicken Ranch brothel on an impulse to look up an old girlfriend." Brian Krause of "Charmed" plays a psycho who chases him.
- In "Set Apart," Schneider portrays a pastor and shares the flick with Richard Roundtree. Directed by Ralph E. Portillo, the screenplay is from George Flynn.
- Finally, "Holyman Undercover" departs a little bit. Here, our wholesome Bo Duke is the bad guy ... as in the bad guy, Mephistopheles, Beelzebub, whatever ya wanna call him. This one also stars David A.R. White, one of BRBTV's favorite actors since we saw him do an amazing job in the Christiano Brothers' "End of the Harvest." Clint Howard, Edie McClurg and Fred Willard are thrown in, along with Staci Keanan, whom we loved on ABC's "Step by Step."

OK, you can take a breath now.

You've gotta love those holiday Archies

From Archie Comics

'Tis the season to be jolly as Archie and his friends celebrate in true holiday style! Since November 1941 Archie and his friends have delighted readers both young and old with their wholesome brand of family entertainment! For nearly as long, they have upheld the family traditions of the holiday season.

The first Archie Christmas stories appeared in such flagship titles as ARCHIE, PEP and LAUGH throughout the 1940s. Response to these stories was so great that soon an entire title was devoted to stories of holiday cheer and good will toward men: ARCHIE'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING #1, released in 1954! This title not only became a holiday tradition, but was joined by such others as ARCHIE'S CHRISTMAS LOVE-IN, ARCHIE'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING and BETTY & VERONICA CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR.

Yes, Archie and crew have long displayed their holiday spirit throughout the years, and this year is no different. Be sure to stock up these perfect stocking stuffers!

BETTY #177
“The Big Battle”: Betty and her friends compare their energy conserving dates… and how their boyfriends did or didn’t comply!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
“ Down Memory Lane ”: Thumbing through her diary takes Betty back to Christmas when she was 9 years old.
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
“Secret Shopper”: Tired of all the attention Veronica draws when they go shopping together, Betty decides to make a solo shopping trip… and has all the sales clerks competing to sell something to “Veronica’s friend!”
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
“The Dilemma”: Can Betty find a way to get her boyfriends Archie and Adam to see eye-to-eye?
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 3, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 16, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #86
SPECIAL HOLIDAY ISSUE!
“Jingles All the Way”: The Sugar Plum fairy is convinced that Betty and Veronica are being manipulated by Archie; while Jingles the Elf thinks Archie would be better off without the girls. They each decide to take matters into their diminutive hands – by adopting human forms to distract the teens! Will their diversions dismantle the love triangle for good, or will there be a merry… and romantic… Christmas for everyone after all?
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale at comic specialty shops: November 19, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 2, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #189
“The Present”: Betty tries to live for the “here and now,” but Veronica is only interested in it “every now and then!”
SCRIPT: Barbara Slate.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
“The Party”: After accidentally gobbling up goodies meant for the Orphanage Christmas party, Jughead finds a way to redeem himself and keep the Christmas spirit alive.
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 at comic specialty shops: November 12, 2008
On sale on newsstands: November 25, 2008
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.


JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #145
“Pizza and Good Cheer!”: Take Jughead, some pizza pies, a giving heart, mix it up with good cheer and what have you got? A yuletide tale that will warm your heart… and your belly!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
“Tree Fortified”: Archie searches for the perfect Christmas tree, but the only problem is the perfect Christmas tree is also the perfect cover for woodland creatures!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: November 12, 2008
On sale on newsstands: November 25, 2008
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: It's been a few weeks since we checked in on John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," so he must have a dozen or two new roles by now ... One we know about is a new Hallmark movie, titled "Wedding Dance" and set to air next year. Reuters has more.

Glad to see we're not the only ones clinging to the '80s

Yes, we love the '80s around here, at the BRBTV News Blog. That fine, fine decade of Reagan economics, Def Leppard, the Rubik's Cube, shoulder pads and jelly sandals .... and, of course, our beloved "Dynasty," "Dallas," "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "Santa Barbara." They haven't made shows like that since then, we know, as we blithely ignore all reality television ...

We came across a website that we just had to tell ya about, if you haven't already stumbled across it yourself. It's called The Great 80s, and it celebrates all that crazy stuff we love (much of which is still in BRB's closet, along with all of her mother's vintage fashions!). At the site, you can find clips of TV shows and movies, a listing of all the great '80s TV shows by year (including lists of top-rated ones -- and our beloved shows certainly figure in there, don't they?), links to watching '80s TV episodes online, a crazy montage of '80s cartoon openings (wow, talk about stepping back in time!) and much more. You'll also see pages on '80s pop culture, music and clothing.

It's like one, big zany tribute to the very reason BRB just can't bear to part with those oxford shirts, crewneck pullover sweaters, classic Gloria Vanderbilts (well, truth be told, she never parts with any of her GV garments) and even that navy blue prairie skirt she got for her freshman year of high school (yes, believe it) ... Sigh ...

BRBTV News Blog Blip: There's a little sprinkling of '80s fashion -- that aforementioned oxford cloth shirt -- in this week's installment of the yearlong My Mother's Clothing project ... but you're not supposed to notice, really! This project is all about the fab '50s and '60s, and this brown wool skirt and yellow mohair sweater show that sometimes you can still believe in what's good and right!

Archie Comics creators hit the road this weekend

Bob Bolling
Festival of Arts Luau
North Port Art Center
5950 Sam Shapos Way
North Port, FL 34287
(941) 423-6460
NorthPortartCenter.com
Saturday, November 15
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

North Port Art Center will be presenting their first fundraising arts and crafts festival featuring art displays, demonstrations, and a children's art activity tent. Artists will be showing and selling their works outside in tents or on tables inside the gallery. Bob Bolling will be featured as the Archie Comic cartoonist drawing sketches of Archie and the gang for the public and autographing Archie comic books.



Bob Smith & Stan Goldberg
Big Apple Convention
Penn Plaza Pavilion
401 Seventh Avenue at 33rd St.
New York, N.Y. 10001-2062
(510) 220-6314
BigAppleCon.com
Friday–Sunday, November 14, 15, 16
Friday 1 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Bob Smith will be at a table signing on the 15th and 16th. Stan Goldberg will be there for all the three days, but not for the entire day. He will be signing and selling art, but will do not do any personal drawings while he is there. He prefers talking to the fans and signing their Archie comics.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: It's always good to report when something good happens. Sonny Shroyer showed the spirit of "The Dukes of Hazzard" when he made an appearance for a 7-year-old boy, Clay Dixon, who has inoperable brain cancer. The Anderson, S.C., Independent Mail has the story.

Reports from Southfork, and a new way to get Batty

Those "Dallas" fans who traveled to the 30th anniversary reunion event at Southfork Ranch in Parker, Texas, are no doubt still coming up for air from the weekend. Various news outlets around the Net have the goods for those of us who couldn't make the journey, however ...

- The (U.K.) Sun has what appears to be somebody's cell-phone photo, along with a quickie report.
- United Press International has a much better quality photo, and adds just a little more info to the mix.
- You can count on the Dallas Morning News, however, to kick it up a notch.
- The (U.K.) Daily Mail adds some photos and details.
- And finally, the best of the bunch is local Channel 33, which has a video.

Fans who attended, however, did not post reports quite so glowing. Read more at SoapChat's "Dallas" forum.

Meanwhile, takin' the train from Dallas to Gotham City ... Fans of "Batman: The Animated Series" who maybe-kinda were holding off on buying the DVDs over the past few years have a fabulous reward. Warner Bros. has released the whole series in one big honkin' set. It's 2,379 minutes of sheer Batpleasure, and FilmThreat.com has more.

"Dallas" got some fresh looks over the weekend

You know, you go and throw some big-ole splashly reunion event at Southfork Ranch, and suddenly there's a whole new crop of "Dallas" cast interviews -- and we dig it! In fact, here are a couple we did dig up over the weekend ...

- The Dallas Morning News checked in with that rascally J.R., Larry Hagman, at his hotel on Friday, the day before the event. He had some fun stuff to say, including his experiences with the show's notoriety overseas and his perspective on his very famous character years later.

"I was the only one from Texas on the show," he told the paper. "I brought credence to the role and an understanding of the mindset that the writers didn't have any idea about. ... I always thought J.R. was a cartoon, and I played him as a cartoon. That's how I always thought of him, as a cartoon, and a damn funny one at that."

- Charlene Tilton, meanwhile, took a different slant -- so to speak -- in talking to another local paper, the gay / lesbian-oriented Dallas Voice, about the Kit Mainwaring storyline.

“I loved the way the writers handled it," Tilton said. "She protected Kit’s privacy and didn’t try to out him. When she found out that J.R. knew Kip was gay, Lucy told Kip not to worry: She’d handle J.R. This was like the first time someone had come out on TV. Those are my all-time favorite episodes on ‘Dallas.’"

Tilton also mentioned a couple upcoming projects: a sitcom pilot about a cooking show that just got picked up for 13 episodes, and the U.K.'s stage version of “Cinderella.” Plus, there's the Tammy Faye Bakker story she mentioned to BRBTV last year.

BRBTV couldn't be there at the "Dallas" reunion at Southfork because of the 2008 travel schedule bein' all used up (can you say, "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!"), but we did live vicariously at the event through the postings of Garry of DallasFanzine.com on the "Dallas" SoapChat forum. Check that if you want to read about the event.