Take a journey into "The Inexplicable Lives of Dolls"

We interrupt our coverage of great '80s TV shows and their stars to bring you this update on BRB's writing projects ...

As a little girl, Billie Rae Bates had some pretty interesting friends: Dolly Parton, Cher, the Archies, Catwoman and Wonder Woman.

At least the versions of them that are plastic and about a foot tall.

This year, our own author and journalist BRB is finding out just how photogenic these "stars" of her childhood are, as she follows up her 2008 yearlong raw-photo essay project, My Mother's Clothing, with a new project for 2009: The Inexplicable Lives of Dolls.

One part history, one part sociological study, and heavy on the whimsy, the photo project will spend a full 52 weeks highlighting the various dolls -- fashion dolls, not baby dolls, just so you know -- of BRB's collection.

"Dolls are like dreams, I believe," she says. "And it works in both directions. When we're little, they represent the grown-up life we can only wish for. When we're grown-up, we then look back and dream about being a kid again! And all of these dolls, most of them from my childhood but some from more recently, represent memories for me. My dolls were companions, just as my real-life friends were."

Like My Mother's Clothing (http://mymothersclothing.billierae.com), The Inexplicable Lives of Dolls offers one raw, untouched photo per week, posted on a Sunday, of one or more of BRB's dolls, most of which were boxed up at the family farm in her hometown in mid-Michigan for nearly 30 years. Each week's accompanying essay not only takes a trip down memory lane, but also veers to the sociological, even anthropological.

"I've always loved the study of pop culture," she says, "and our dolls can tell us quite a lot about ourselves, both individually and as a culture."

This project differs from My Mother's Clothing in that it's not self-photography and it's not tied to Sunday morning each week. Each photo might be taken anytime the preceding week, and in any location, whereas My Mother's Clothing was based at her Metro Atlanta home.

"I wanted to free it up that way because for one thing, my house is all spent, been-there-done-that, and there are so many other possibilities when the photos can be taken anywhere at all. And while the self-photography of last year was a fun challenge, I'm glad that the project has been freed up from that, as well!"

Insisting that she's strictly amateur where photography is concerned, BRB is shooting the photos as medium-resolution jpegs with her point-and-shoot digital camera, on all auto settings, no frills or tricks, then loading them directly onto the web page, http://dolls.billierae.com, without any alteration.

"I actually can use Photoshop!" she laughs. "This is not a cop-out! But I think in our day and age, photo-correction is overused. We're twisting reality. There comes a time when we need to embrace reality. Be real. That's why I photographed myself just the way I was, for better or worse, in My Mother's Clothing, and that's why my 35-year-old Malibu Barbie doll won't have any retouching, either!"

BRB, who holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from Michigan State University and spent 10 years in the daily newspaper business before moving to the corporate world, says she expects topics such as materialism, mass consumption, and how females are viewed in our society will factor into the weekly essays for The Inexplicable Lives of Dolls, as well as her own faith and beliefs. The author, whose websites include BillieRae.com, and BRBTV.com, says she is relishing every moment of this new project, which highlights dolls that range in age and value from the Mego Batgirl she received in 1972 to Mattel's Poison Ivy and Wonder Woman Barbies that were Christmas gifts from her family just a couple years ago.

"I felt so blessed by the My Mother's Clothing project. I very much looked forward to it each weekend. And it wasn't just because I loved the wardrobe, and that I felt it was a link to my mother. As writers, we don't just execute noun, verb and compound modifier. We inspect the world around us. We play armchair philosopher. So that's what I'm looking forward to in this new project. Having a voice."

She adds, "I believe it's innate in every human being, that need to have a voice."

It's about time -- and it's about "The Dukes"!

We know them Duke boys were always racing against a lot of stuff on our beloved "Dukes of Hazzard" -- the Hazzard County Sheriff, the Chickasaw County Sheriff, maybe some poor girl's daddy, and even time itself! Artist Pat T. of Indiana has captured that sentiment in this ceramic clock she hand-crafted for a friend, featuring the General Lee jumpin' right over ole Father Time. We just had to give you a look-see, to brighten your day. A one-of-a-kind "Dukes" item, for sure. Pat even pointed out to BRBTV that she purposely lined up the number on the car with the appropriate area on the clock! Thanks for sharing the pic, Pat.

Special news alert: Look for coverage on this very BRBTV News Blog of this week's first-ever Knight Rider Festival on the Las Vegas strip!!!!

Who's Working: "The Dukes of Hazzard"

It's time to round out our sweep of the casts of the four major BRBTV shows, with a look at the folks from Hazzard County. Now, events like DukesFest have been keeping these guys busy for a number of years, but they do still dabble in some acting gigs ...

- John Schneider
aka, Bo Duke
Now: Everytime you check John-John's page on the IMDb, a few more projects have popped up. Here's some of what he's got going on this year, in the wake of his regular role on ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager."
Collier & Co. 2: High Octane (2009) (in production) .... J.R. Collier ... aka John Schneider's Collier & Co. 2: High Octane (USA: long title)
Hollywood Boys (2009) (pre-production) (rumored) .... John Litgown
The Gods of Circumstance (2009) (post-production) .... Mick Jeremiah
Holyman Undercover (2009) (completed) .... Satan
Set Apart (2009) (completed) .... Pastor John Gunn
H2O Extreme (2009) .... Crash

- Tom Wopat
aka, Luke Duke
Now: Besides his steady work on the Broadway stage, he takes an occasional small role on the screen, such as John Phelps in this year's "Taking Chance," as previously reported on this blog.

- Robert Morse
aka, Dewey Hogg
Now: Bertram Cooper, the enigmatic former owner of the ad agency Sterling Cooper, on AMC's "Mad Men"

By the way: John Schneider and his fellow Duke, Catherine Bach, are both scheduled to appear at this year's Motor City Comic Con in Novi, Michigan!

Archie Comics for March

ARCHIE #595
"Home Insecurity": After robbers break into his safe, Mr. Lodge upgrades his security system to protect his property... but who will protect him from the ever-pervasive new system?!
SCRIPT: Arie Kaplan.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"The Fall of Reggie": Realizing how much sympathy accident-prone Archie gets from the ladies, Reggie decides he'll take a few falls of his own... but will the girls "fall" for his scheme?
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Prom Preparation": The perfect recipe: the annual prom plus the eternal love triangle equals a comedy of errors!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale at comic specialty shops: March 25, 2009
On sale on newsstands: April 7, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #129
"The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton" concludes with this latest installment. Tony Messina is a troubled kid, always getting into mischief. When he gets caught spreading graffiti in his neighborhood, his mother decides it would be best if Tony learned how to use his artistic abilities in a more positive way and enrolls him in Chuck's class. But there's a reason Tony's painted the walls in his town, and when Chuck finds out why, he decides to take action. What reason could Tony possibly have to deface property? Can Chuck find a solution beneficial to everyone? It's a poignant tale you won't want to miss, brought to you by children's educator Alex Simmons.
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
On sale at comic specialty shops: March 11, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 24, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #252
"A Cheap Date Contest": The local paper is sponsoring a contest to see who can go out on the most frugal date - don't they realize "cheap dates" are a fact of life for Archie?
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
"Mow Me Down": Archie enters his modified lawn mower in a special race for former clippers - after all, they get great "grass mileage!"
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: March 11, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 24, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #197
"Write on, Dude!": For Archie, modern homework is more about text messaging than text books!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
"2 of a Kind": Little Archie visits his grandparents' farm and meets all their new animals, including a monkey that's just like him!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dexter Taylor.
"Snack Attack Flak": While waiting for Veronica to get off the phone, Jughead and Archie eat all the appetizers prepared for Mrs. Lodge's fundraiser! Time for the merry munchers to make fast with alternate hors d'oeuvres!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: March 25, 2009
On sale on newsstands: April 7, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

BETTY #179
"Those Nasty Budget Cuts": The kids want to hold a "green day" ecological event at the school, but Mr. Weatherbee worries about how much "green" it would cost to hold it!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Greeting Card": Betty gets a job with perks - literally - when she takes a position as a perky store greeter!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Yo Taxi": Betty offers to chauffeur Archie around until he earns enough money to fix his own car. Hope she has a lot of gas money!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Dog Daze!": Canine chaos ensues when Betty agrees to dogsit a neighbor's seemingly well-behaved pooch.
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale at comic specialty shops: April 1, 2009
On sale on newsstands: April 14, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #169
"Big Brother Sister is Watching!": When they find out she's working at the Pembrooke café, Betty and Veronica enlist Marcy to spy on Cheryl and her friends. That includes Archie, who's been spending an awful lot of time in Pembrooke since Cheryl moved back there... and getting quite cozy with Cheryl's friend Becky!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
"Dance, Dance, Dance!": It's time for "Dancing with the Students" when Riverdale High holds a charity dance marathon!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Bob Bolling.
"A Good Dressing Down": When it comes to work clothes, Veronica doesn't have a thing to wear!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
"Promotion Commotion": Veronica finds Archie's job as a radio DJ impressive - until he promotes a hot female singing act live in the studio!
SCRIPT AND ART: Tim Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: March 18, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 31, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #88
"Geeks Rule": Betty and Archie get jobs on the "Geek Patrol," a group of computer tech-sperts seen in last month's VERONICA #193. To keep Betty from spending so much time with Archie, Veronica joins the squad, too... and it isn't long before she inadvertently unleashes a vicious computer virus! Co-starring computer gurus Dilton and Veronica's cousin, Marcy, this "geek-tacular" issue also features a "techie" quiz, internet tips, geek-chic fashions, and more!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale at comic specialty shops: March 18th, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 31st, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

JUGHEAD #194
"Unfair Fair": Reluctantly attending the Job Fair at his parents' insistence, Jughead has a plan: he'll scare away potential employers with tall tales about jobs he's botched. Will his ruse succeed, or will Jughead's fears of gainful employment become a reality?
"A Rude Awakening": Hot Dog tries everything he can to wake Jughead up for the grand opening of the "Rise and Shine" bakery. But which is stronger: Jughead's desire for sleep, or his massive appetite?
"Sandal Scandal": Ethel buys Jug a pair of ergonomic massage sandals which keep our lovable lazy-boy on his toes all day long!
SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman.
ART: Rex Lindsey.
On sale at comic specialty shops: March 18, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 31, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #32
"Getting His Goat": Jughead and Archie really kick up a ruckus - literally - when they bring goats to the school's "Pet Day!"
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
"Missing Link": Jughead waxes poetic about a few of his favorite things... and they all happen to be edible!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: April 1, 2009
On sale on newsstands: April 14, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #130
"Snap Decision": Riverdale's resident prankster Reggie takes center stage in this hilarious tale of vanity, camera phones and text messages gone awry!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Science Flair Drama": Raj Patel is back! This time, the aspiring filmmaker decides to help his sister Tina with her volcano exhibit at the science fair. Of course, he can't resist spending more time taping the event than Tina. How long before Tina's temper erupts?
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: April 1, 2009
On sale on newsstands: April 14, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #101 PRESENTS - "YOUNG SALEM"
This reader requested story-line offers everyone's favorite magical cat Salem in a special 4-issue tale that harkens back to the days when he wasn't an enchanted feline, but an actual boy wizard! In this thrilling tale, you'll journey to Salem's original home on the Saberhagen Farm for the first time! You'll also meet his mother, Felicia, and scruffy Uncle Mort. The tale begins when young Salem finds a talking frog who was once a wizard. The thrills, spills and surprises build from there! Don't miss out on the start of this magical mini-series!
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn.
ART: Chad Thomas.
Fabulous first issue cover by Chad Thomas!
On sale at comic specialty shops: April 1, 2009
On sale on newsstands: April 14, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

Who's Working: "Dynasty"

We've done a sweep of the casts of "Santa Barbara" and "Dallas," so now we'll take a look at what the folks from "Dynasty" are up to nowadays, in terms of regular acting gigs ...

- John James
aka, Jeff Colby
Most recently: Eric Decker on "As the World Turns" last year

- Jack Coleman
aka, the second Steven Carrington
Now: the amazing and oh-so fun Noah Bennet on NBC's "Heroes"

- Diahann Carroll
aka, Dominique Deveraux
Most recently: Jane Burke on "Grey's Anatomy" in 2007

- Catherine Oxenberg
aka, Amanda Carrington
Most recently: Leandra Thames on "Watch Over Me" in 2007

- Emma Samms
aka, the second Fallon Carrington Colby
Most recently: A return to the '80s role of Holly Sutton Scorpio on "General Hospital" in 2006

- Leann Hunley
aka, Dana Waring Carrington
Basically now: Anna DiMera on "Days of Our Lives"

- Terri Garber
aka, Leslie Carrington
Most recently: Iris Dumbrowski on "As the World Turns" in 2007

- Wayne Northrup
aka, Michael Culhane the chauffeur
Most recently: the longtime Roman Brady on "Days of Our Lives" in 2006

- Ted McGinley
aka, Clay Fallmont
You might see him guest-hosting "Live With (Regis and) Kelly"; you might also see him in the occasional TV movie such as Hallmark's "Taking a Chance on Love."
Also recently: Charley Shanowski on "Hope & Faith" in 2006

- Stephanie Beacham
aka, Sable Colby
Most recently: Phyllida Oswyn on the UK's "Bad Girls" in 2006, plus that dancing gig

- Bill Campbell
aka, Luke Fuller
Most recently: Jordan Collier on "The 4400" in 2007

- Ray Abruzzo
aka, Sgt. John Zorelli
Most recently: John Sciarra on "Boston Legal" last year and Little Carmine Lupertazzi Jr. on "The Sopranos" in 2007

- Billy Dee Williams
aka, Brady Lloyd
Now: Touissant DuBois on "General Hospital: Night Shift"

- Tracy Scoggins
aka, Monica Colby
Most recently: Grace Neville on "Dante's Cove" in 2007

- Kevin Conroy
aka, Bart Fallmont
Now: Occasional voicework as the unforgettable Caped Crusader in "Batman: The Animated Series" and its many offshoots

- Kerry Armstrong
aka, Elena, Duchess of Branagh
Most recently: Louisa Atherton on "Bed of Roses" last year

BRBTV birthdays for March

- Jed Allan, the final and most commanding C.C. Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 72 on March 1.
- Catherine Bach, lovely Daisy Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard," shares an exact birthday with Rick Edwards, hunky Jake Morton on "SB." They both turn 55 on March 1.
- Cassie Yates, who was Sarah Curtis on "Dynasty," turns 58 on March 2.
- Gordon Thomson , a BRBTV double-shot as Adam Carrington of "Dynasty" and the third and final Mason Capwell on "SB," turns 64 on March 3.
- Stacy Edwards, the sweet Hayley Capwell on "SB," turns 44 on March 4.
- Arlen Dean Snyder, who was Texas Energy Commisioner George Hicks on "Dallas" and Lt. Cobb on "Dynasty," turns 76 on March 5.
- Linda Gibboney, who played the first Gina DeMott (and really, the one we preferred for the role), turns 58 on March 7.
- Alice Hirson, who was Mavis Anderson on "Dallas" and was married to "Dallas" castmate Stephen Elliott (Scotty Demarest), turns 80 on March 10.
- Frank Welker, the voice of Isis the cat on "Batman: The Animated Series" and Ace the Bathound on "Batman Beyond," as well as the General Lee and Uncle Jesse's pet raccoon on "The Dukes" cartooon, turns 63 on March 12.
- Julia Campbell, the cute Courtney Caroline Capwell of "SB," turns a young 46 on March 12.
- Steve Kanaly, our own Ray Krebbs of "Dallas," turns 63 on March 14.
- Dennis Patrick, who was Vaughn Leland on "Dallas" and was also married to a castmate, Barbara Cason (Iris Porter), was born on March 14, 1918 and died on October 13, 2002.
- Patrick Duffy, our Bobby Ewing of "Dallas," is one of our St. Patrick's Day (how ironic) birthdays, turning 60.
- Lesley-Anne Down, who played Stephanie Rogers on "Dallas" and Nurse Ellena Corey on "Dynasty," is our other Patty's Day prize, turning 55.
- James L. Brown, that shrewd Det. Harry McSween on "Dallas," was born on March 22, 1920 and died on April 11, 1992.

Happy birthday to all!

Overheard: Jack Coleman

Atlanta's J93.3 FM recently did a phoner with Jack Coleman, our own second Steven Carrington of "Dynasty" who's got great new acclaim as Noah Bennet on NBC's "Heroes." Coleman talked about the Super Bowl, commenting on how nice it was to see a Super Bowl where both teams played well, and also joking about his co-star Hayden Panettiere, who was at the game talking with Al Roker. There are three of her, he jibed -- one protesting somewhere overseas, one on set and one at the Super Bowl.

J93.3 asked Coleman what superpower he would have if he could.

"I'm going to give you my stock answer," he said. "I used to think it would be cool to be invisible, but I was invisible through most of the '90s, and it wasn't that great."

The radio host asked what superpower he would rather his kids not have.

"Plausible deniability," he quipped.

Tonight's episode of "Heroes" gives special focus to Noah, hinting that at last we'll have the answer to whether this dad-of-the-invincible-Claire is really a good guy or a bad guy. And indeed, he's been changin' like the wind, much like fellow character Sylar (who's BRBTV's fave, by the way).

Make your travel plans now for "Carnival of Thrills" stunt show

On our trusty ole "Dukes of Hazzard," the Carnival of Thrills was the stunt show that came to town in a 1980 two-part episode, wooing poor Bo -- via the charming Robin Mattson of "Santa Barbara" as slinky stunt-show coordinator Diane -- into the action. Can you believe there's a real-life Carnival of Thrills comin' to town -- at least a town you can get to in North Carolina?

The Hazzard County Stunt Team, comprised of seasoned Hollywood stunt guys who were once involved in the production of our beloved '80s show, is bringing on the action at the Concord Motorsport Park in Concord, N.C., this summer. The Professional Stuntman’s Invitational's Carnival of Thrills Stunt Show will feature TV star cars and "the South’s finest hot rods and classic cars." The dates are June 26, 27 and 28.

Expect a spectacular stunt show on both Saturday and Sunday with appearances by some of Hollywood’s best stuntmen. Special guests will include "Dukes" cast members, along with Billie Rae Bates signing copies of the reference book "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" There will also be a burnout competition, swap meet, car corral and more.

Want to bring a car? The event is open to all American-made cars. Sponsors, vendors and car clubs are welcome.

For more information about the Carnival of Thrills, contact the stunt team at hazzardcounty@carolina.rr.com or call Tom at 704-496-4249 or Wayne at 434-223-1305. The stunt team asks that you print and mail, with your payment to enter the event, this Entry Form.

For hotel accommodations, you can get a discounted rate at Sleep Inn, 1120 Copperfield Blvd., Concord, NC 28025. The hotel is 11 miles from the track. Call 704-788-2150, and use "Hazzard County Stunt Team" when making reservations for discounted pricing. Visit the hotel's site at:
http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-concord-north_carolina-NC288?promo=gglocal

BRB can't wait -- we'll see you there!

Who's Working: "Dallas"

Continuing our 2009 status check on each of the four major shows of BRBTV, we turn our attention on our beloved "Dallas" ...

- Patrick Duffy
aka, Bobby Ewing
Most recently: Stephen Logan on "The Bold and the Beautiful"

- Audrey Landers
aka, Afton Cooper
Most recently: Veronica on USA Network's "Burn Notice"

- Lesley-Anne Down
aka, Stephanie Rogers
Now: Jacqueline Payne Marone on "The Bold and the Beautiful"

- Leigh Taylor-Young
aka, Kimberly Cryder
Most recently: Katherine Barrett Crane on "Passions" in 2007

- Fredric Lehne
aka, Eddie Cronin
Most recently: Marshal Edward Mars on "Lost" in 2007 and some stuff on other shows like "CSI"

- J. Eddie Peck
aka, Tommy McKay
Most recently: Adam Baylin on "Kyle XY" last year

- Susan Flannery
aka, Leslie Stewart
Now: Stephanie Forrester on "The Bold and the Beautiful"

- Ted Shackelford
aka, Gary Ewing
Now: Jeffrey Bardwell on "The Young and the Restless"

-Derek McGrath
aka, Oswald Valentine
Now: Reverend Duncan Magee on "Little Mosque on the Prairie"

- Joel Fabiani
aka, Alex Ward
Most recently: Barry Shire on "All My Children"

- Ray Wise
aka, Blair Sullivan
Most recently: Title character on CW's "Reaper," and this Reaper's not down for the count -- the show returns next month

And finally ...

- Susan Lucci
aka, Hillary Taylor / Sheila Foley
Now: Erica Kane, who will probably unfortunately never die off of "All My Children"

Archie Comics for February

ARCHIE #594
"Running in the Fast Lane": Betty convinces Archie to do a marathon with her, but can Archie keep from
"running on empty"?!
SCRIPT: Hal Lifson.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"An Egg-Cellent Assignment": The "yolks" on Archie when Professor Flutesnoot has the students take care of eggs to learn about responsibility. SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"The Replacement": Don't get him wrong - Archie's not the paranoid type - he's just absolutely certain Veronica has replaced him!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale at comic specialty shops: February 25, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 10, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #128
"The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton, Part 3: Waaay Back in the Day": A history teacher at Riverdale Middle School wants to do something new and exciting for her next lesson, so she decides to bring Chuck's comic book workshop in for her class. At first Chuck is overwhelmed, and not just by the kids. Can Chuck overcome his own academic weakness and make history come alive? It's fast-paced sketching, wacky role-playing, and a few trips through time in this third comical tale of
"The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton."
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
On sale at comic specialty shops: February 11, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 24, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #196
"Big, Big Sleep": Feeling sleep-deprived, Archie turns to the one person who's a model of rest and relaxation - Jughead! Will Archie ever wake up now?
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
"The Past Was a Blast": An 80th birthday party for Archie's grandfather makes the kids reconsider their attitude that older folks
"missed out" on all their modern-day fun.
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
"On the Spot": Feeling self-conscious over the freckles on his ears, Archie takes to wearing earmuffs... all the time!
SCRIPT AND ART: Tim Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: February 18, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 3, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #240
"The Face in the Mirror": A poignant tale that asks the question, does Veronica have a conscience after all?
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"She Just Can't Win": Veronica simply cannot... will not... believe her brand new designer dress was designed by... Betty!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Economizing": When it comes to saving money, it's all a matter of perspective... and in Veronica's case, the amount of
"zeros" in the final figure!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"It Takes a Thief": Mr. Lodge gives Veronica an ultimatum: improve her grades or kiss her social life and credit cards goodbye! Will Betty agree to tutor her even after Veronica's stolen yet another date with Archie from her?
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale at comic specialty shops: February 11, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 24, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #192
ANOTHER STORY FEATURING RIVERDALE'S LATEST SUPERSTAR, KUMI!
"Culture Shock": Archie, Betty and Jughead get a crash course in Japanese culture at Kumi's house... and we do mean
"crash!"
SCRIPT: Misako Rocks.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Fizzed": Veronica and her friends are "bubbling" over with excitement when Mr. Lodge has them taste-test his new "Fizzy Fresh" soda!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: March 4, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 17, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #168
"Cool Rule": A mall owner with dwindling sales hopes the Archies will be pied pipers... but instead of mice, he's hoping the rockers lure teens with cash to spend!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Calendar Gal": Little Veronica's vanity remains constant from day-to-day... especially when she ends up the subject of her very own photo calendar!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dexter Taylor.
"A Battle Royal": To get Jughead's mind off of food and onto her, Ethel takes a job as a chili dog vendor's mascot - complete with hot dog costume! 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: February 11, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 24, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #148
"A Tip of the Hat": Jughead begins to think his trademark crown cap may be too recognizable and decides he'd like a change of pace in his headwear. Will Jughead's look be changed forever, or is this merely a detour for Riverdale's
"crown" prince of mirth?
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
"The Fame Game": Despite advice from the famous snowboarder known as "the Zooming Carrot," Archie continues to be "the Klutzy Carrot!"
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
"Problems and Solutions": Jughead offers solutions to some of the problems faced today... but the biggest problem may be getting people to take him seriously!
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: March 4, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 17, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #129
"The High Cost of GAS": Archie's feeling the gas crisis where it hurts - now taking the girls out on dates is even MORE expensive! Dilton's solutions aren't cost-effective and Chuck's cartoon gag didn't lift Archie's spirits, so he turns to Jughead to help... and the fun begins!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Who's Watching Who?":
"Big Bee is watching" when Mr. Weatherbee installs monitors throughout the school... but how long before the watcher is watched himself?
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.
ART: Bill Galvan.
"The Big 70": A local reporter covering the Chocklit Shoppe's 70th anniversary gets an earful from Pop Tate about the town teens' mouthfuls of goodies downed through the years!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: February 25, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 10, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #100
SPECTACULAR 100th ISSUE!
"The Final Battle, Part 3 of 3": This is the issue you just can't miss: the exciting conclusion to the Sabrina manga series! The carefully hidden signs and secrets of the past 42 issues are finally explained and revealed in this dramatic issue. Don't miss the suspense as sides are picked in the ultimate battle against Vosblanc when old friends and enemies return to join the fight! In the thick of it all, Sabrina exhibits her most astounding feat of magic yet, finally uncovering the secret of her amazing power. Still, the battle won't be easy—someone on Sabrina's side won't survive... but who will it be? Will Vosblanc be defeated? Will Sabrina end up with Harvey or Shinji? Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain: the Magic Realm will never be the same again!
SCRIPT: Tania Del Rio.
ART: Tania Del Rio and Jim Amash.
On sale at comic specialty shops: February 18, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 3, 2009
32-page, full-color comic,
$2.25 U.S.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #32
"The Missing Manhole Covers": There's a mystery afoot, and it's up to Riverdale's premiere teenage rock band, the Archies, to solve it! Can they solve the mystery of who is stealing the town's manhole covers... and the even bigger mystery of "why?!"
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Lunchroom Lament": Complaining is on the menu when Miss Beazly tells a new café co-worker of the trials and tribulations of slinging hash for teens! Wait until she gets a load of what's for dessert!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Bob Bolling.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: February 25, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 10, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

VERONICA #193
"Stuck in the ‘80s": Break out the spandex and hair spray - the Archies are about to go all-out ‘80s for a special Riverdale High concert and Battle of the Bands contest celebrating the decade! Hopefully Jughead won't get replaced by a drum machine!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
"Geek Chic": When Veronica's computer dies, she calls the
"Geek Patrol" computer experts to help... which brings on Veronica's cousin Marcy, a double date and the mortification of being seen in the
"geek-mobile!" Can Veronica's ego ever live it down?
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
"Carpool Cool": Veronica's going green... because her friend Ethan is the hunkiest environmentalist she's ever seen!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.
ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic specialty shops: March 4, 2009
On sale on newsstands: March 17, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

Who's Working: "Santa Barbara"

Ya know, for 2009 we thought we'd do a nice little status check on all four of our major BRBTV shows to see who from the cast has a regular TV gig these days. The first series up on our status roster is "Santa Barbara." So here, in celebration of life and all that's merry in the new year, is a little handy-dandy rundown on our beloved folks from "SB," and what they're doing for regular TV stuff right now, or just a second ago ...

- A Martinez
aka, Cruz Castillo
Most recently: Ray Montez on "One Life to Live" this past fall, with a stint as Roy DiLucca on "General Hospital" a few years ago, and you know that in that daily soaps game, you're never really "dead" or out ... Martinez also has a couple movie projects: "The Terminators" and "Becoming Eduardo," as we've mentioned on this blog.

- Judith McConnell
aka, the second and longest Sophia Capwell
Most recently: Bad Witch on "Passions" in 2007

- Nancy Lee Grahn
aka, Julia Wainwright Capwell
Now: Alexis Davis on "General Hospital"

- Signy Coleman
aka, Celeste DiNapoli
Most recently: Hope Newman on "The Young and the Restless" last year, and she told BRBTV several weeks ago that a return to the show was possible, but not as Hope

- Todd McKee
aka, the original (and best, BRBTV says) Ted Capwell
Most recently: Jake Maclaine on "The Bold and the Beautiful" this past November

- John Allen Nelson
aka, the original (hottest, hottest, hottest!) Warren Lockridge
Most recently: After his Fox show "Vanished" was canceled in 2006, on which he had a plum starring role, he did some one-shots on shows like "Burn Notice," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Knight Rider," and he still has that "Fire Bay" movie coming up, in which he plays JFK (hello ... HOT!) and for which the release date was pushed back to 2010

- Robin Mattson
aka, the second and stingiest Gina Capwell whatever-whatever
Most recently: Cheri Love on "As the World Turns" in 2007, and has been known to rear her pretty little head on "GH," where she was the longtime vixen Heather Webber

- Melissa (Brennan) Reeves
aka, Jade Perkins early in the show's run
Most recently: Jennifer Horton on "Days of Our Lives" in 2006

- Justin Deas
aka, the most memorable Keith Timmons
Now: Buzz Cooper on "The Guiding Light"

- Wolf Muser
aka, Marcello Armonti
Most recently: Dr. Seifert on "The Bold and the Beautiful" this past September

- Mark Arnold
aka, the second Joe Perkins
Now: He's veering off the daytime soaps form of this compilation, as he's got movie roles coming out of his ears:
Geraldine (2009) (pre-production) .... Det. Doug Willoughby
April Showers (2009) (post-production) .... Sean's Father
The Last Stop (2009) (post-production) .... George
An American Journalist (2009) (post-production) .... Sean Donnely
Purge (2008) (completed) .... Frank
They Came from Outer Space (2008) (completed) .... Dr. Katz
Who Shot Mamba? (2008) (completed) .... Armen Chadwick

- Vincent Irizarry
aka, Dr. Scott Clark
Basically now: Dr. David Hayward on "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" and David Chow on "The Young and the Restless"

- Sydney Penny
aka, B.J. Walker
Now: Julia Santos Keefer on "All My Children"

- Tricia Cast
aka, Christy Duvall
Basically now: Nina McNeil on "The Young and the Restless" and the movie "Old Habits Die Hard"

- Kim Zimmer
aka, Jodie Walker
Now: Reva Shayne Lewis Cooper Spaulding Lewis Lewis on "Guiding Light"

- Eileen Davidson
aka, the final Kelly Capwell
Now: Ashley Abbott Carlton on "Y&R" and "B&B"

- Jack Wagner
aka, the final Warren Lockridge
Now: Dominick Marone on "B&B"

- Eric Close
aka, Sawyer Walker
Now: Martin Fitzgerald on "Without a Trace"

- Ally Walker
aka, Andrea Bedford
Most recently: Agent Stahl on "Sons of Anarchy" this past November and the movie "Wonderful World"

- Thaao Penghlis
aka, Dr. Micah DeAngelis
Now: Tony DiMera on "Days of Our Lives"

- Marj Dusay
aka, second and most boistrous Pamela Capwell
Now: Alexandra Spaulding on "Guiding Light"

- Lonnie Quinn
aka, Rich Landers
Now: Newscaster on WCBS-TV in New York

- Lynn Clark
aka, the original Lilly Light
Now: Have you seen her playing "Katie" in that stop-smoking commercial?

- Julia Campbell
aka, Courtney Capwell
Now: This week's episode of NBC's "Heroes," playing a struggling single mom of a teen son whose last name is Campbell, actually.

BRBTV birthdays for February

- Kim Zimmer, who shone as Jodie Walker on "Santa Barbara," turns 54 on Groundhog's Day, February 2.
- Bo Hopkins, hotter than hot (in our opinion!) as Matthew Blaisdel on "Dynasty," turns 67 on February 2.
- Morgan Fairchild, one of the Jenna Wades on "Dallas" and so many other things in our soap-opera lexicon, turns 59 on February 3.
- Gayle Hunnicutt, who was the love of J.R.'s life, Vanessa Beaumont, on "Dallas," turns 66 on February 6.
- Bruce W. Timm, writer and artist for "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 48 on February 8.
- Dame Judith Anderson, the grand gal who originated the Minx Lockridge role on "SB," was born on February 10, 1897, and died on January 3, 1992.
- Tina Louise, the unforgettable Julie Grey on "Dallas," and an unforgettable redhead anyway (!), turns 75 on February 11.
- Richard Eden, who was Brick Wallace on "Santa Barbara," turns the big 5-0 on February 13.
- Stockard Channing, who voiced the Barbara Gordon of the future (that's Commissioner Barbara Gordon to you!) on "Batman Beyond," turns 65 on February 13.
- Gretchen Wyler, who is a BRBTV double-shot as Dr. Dagmara Conrad on "Dallas" and Judge Larson on "SB," was born on February 16, 1932 and died on died May 27, 2007.
- George Kennedy, so fun as Carter McKay on "Dallas," turns 84 on February 18.
- Michael Nader, the hottie Dex Dexter on "Dynasty," turns 64 on February 19.
- Kathleen Beller, who was Kirby Aynders on "Dynasty," turns 53 on February 19.
- Two "Santa Barbara" stars share a birthday on February 20: Marj Dusay (second Pamela Capwell), who turns 73 and Peter Love (Ric Castillo), who turns 46.
- Henry Polic II, who voiced the Scarecrow on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 64 on February 20.
- Jack Coleman, the second Steven Carrington on "Dynasty," who's got a great show in NBC's "Heroes," turns 51 on February 21.
- John Ashton, who was cartel oilman Willie Joe Garr on "Dallas," turns 61 on February 22.
- Dennis Redfield, who played Roger Larson on "Dallas," turns 66 on February 23.
- Two "Dynasty" stars share a birthday on February 24: James Farentino (Dr. Nick Toscanni) turns 71 and Susan Scannell (Nicole Simpson DeVilbus) turns 51.
- John Vernon, the voice of Rupert Thorne in "Batman: The Animated Series," was born on February 24, 1932 and died on February 1, 2005.
- Leann Hunley, Dana Waring on "Dynasty," turns 54 on February 25.
- Bert Remsen, a double BRBTV star as Dandy Dandridge on "Dallas" and Jack Crager on "Dynasty," was born on February 25, 1925 and died on April 22, 1999.
- Margarita Cordova, who was Rosa Andrade on "SB," turns 70 on February 26.
- Barbara Babcock, Pam's steady boss Liz Craig on "Dallas," turns 72 on February 27.
- Stephanie Beacham, the spicy Sable Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," turns 62 on February 28.

Happy birthday to all ...

Archie Comics for January

ARCHIE NEW LOOK SERIES VOLUME 2: JUGHEAD "THE MATCHMAKERS"

Now, together under one cover for the very first time, the complete "Matchmakers" saga! The story that began in JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #139 and concluded in JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #142 caused quite a stir, as it brought back the "new look" of Riverdale's fabled teens, first seen in the landmark "Bad Boy Trouble," the epic 2007 tale that appeared in several high-profile issues of BETTY & VERONCIA DOUBLE DIGEST. The flagship characters of Archie Comics have once again gotten an extreme makeover, and the buzz has been deafening! Add to that the intrigue of Jughead actually showing interest in a girl and you've got a recipe for a tale of combustible proportions! It all starts when Archie, Betty, Reggie and Veronica agree that Jughead needs a break from his "fifth wheel" status. They hatch a scheme to find a girl who will interest Jughead more than food and sleep... never realizing they would actually succeed! Or have they? Comic book legends Joe Staton and Al Milgrom bring their years of experience to the Archie "new look," handling pencils and inks respectively, and help you relive the most talked-about Jughead story of 2008 in this special collection!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
PENCILS: Joe Staton
INKS: Al Milgrom
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 21, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 3, 2009
112-page, full-color squarebound paperback
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-38-2 / OLD # 1-879794-38-1
$10.95 U.S.

ARCHIE #593
"Wreck-ommendation": To get Archie out of his hair... and his mansion... Mr. Lodge agrees to write him a letter of recommendation.
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Changing Times": Feeling passed by, useless and "fossilized" by rapidly advancing technology, Mr. Weatherbee considers retiring. Will the students be able to convince him otherwise?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
"It's Downhill from Here": When Jughead and Archie agree to move a piano for Betty, will they hit a high note or be horribly out-of-tune?
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Dancing Lesson!": When the parents of Riverdale's teens chaperone the dance, they wow their kids with dance moves from the past!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 28, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 10, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #127
THE SECOND PART OF A FUN-FILLED, FOUR-PART TALE FROM FAN-FAVORITE ALEX SIMMONS!
"The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton, Part Two": Continuing this special storyline, Chuck Clayton takes center stage. Feeling overwhelmed by all the commitments in his life, Chuck could sure use some help teaching his cartooning class... and he's about to get it from an unlikely source! Chuck's world of collecting, drawing, and teaching kids how to make their own comics takes on new meaning in this poignant tale. 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: January 14, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 27, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #251
"A Time to Reflect": The gang meets Dilton's inventor uncle – and are soon whisked away on a journey to the future in his time machine! This literally "timely" tale is packed with both laughs and introspection as Archie and his friends explore the fragile nature of the Earth's environment and effects of global warming.
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Job Fair Flair": Obsessed with his new handheld video game, Archie forgets to bring his resume, references, and a proper wardrobe to the Job Fair. Will he be fired before he's even hired?
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: February 4, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 17, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #195
"The Model Z": Mr. Lodge decides to enter the classic car he bought from Archie's grandfather in ARCHIE DIGEST #239 in an antique auto competition... but the car is stolen before the contest begins! Who did it, and what was their "motor-vation?!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
"The Grommet": Archie dreams of winning gold in the cold by becoming an Olympic snowboarder... but wait until he sees how many hills he has to climb to get there – literally!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy.
"Quiet Riot": Archie and his dad decide to let Mrs. Andrews sleep in after a busy week... now if only they can keep quiet!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 14, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 27, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

BETTY #178
A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY ISSUE!
"My One & Only Valentine": Betty makes homemade Valentine's Day cards for Archie and Reggie, one declaring love and the other friendship... but will the cards reach the correct recipients? It's a comedy of romantic errors as only Archie Comics could deliver it!
SPECIAL BONUS: Betty shows her readers how to make homemade Valentines of their own!
SCRIPT: Barbara Slate
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic specialty shops: February 4, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 17, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #87
BETTY & VERONICA TRADE FASHIONABLE CHIC FOR INTREPID MYSTIQUE IN THIS ACTION-PACKED ISSUE!
"Where the Action Is!": In perhaps the most aptly-titled tale of the year, Betty and Veronica deliver high-octane action and adventure as the most super secret agents ever to tackle a viperous spy... not to mention the most beautiful! Equipped by Dilton with the latest high tech crime-fighting gadgets, the girls are on the case as Archie goes missing... and the usual suspects are quickly rounded up. But will the real suspect be someone a bit more unusual? You'll never guess! All this plus "Action Fashions," an action movie quiz, gadget pages and more!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 21, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 3, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #191
"Flying High": A tribute to the brave female pilots and stunt performers who helped pioneer the early years of aviation! This "what if" story casts Betty as a stunt flyer, with Archie as her trusty mechanic and Veronica as a flashy movie star looking for a secret stunt double for her latest high-flying feature film. Fans of antique airplanes and Hollywood's golden age will love this story's authentic attention to detail in both its script and art!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Bob Bolling
"DesignERR!": Trying to ease a guilty conscience, Veronica finds a designer store that rents clothes and accessories for her friends who can't afford such luxuries.
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 28, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 10, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

JUGHEAD #193
"The Jughead List": Jughead decides to follow in Mr. Lodge's footsteps by creating a list of goals he simply must accomplish in his lifetime. But can Jughead cram a lifetime of goals into one week the way he's crammed down a lifetime of burgers in one sitting?
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman
ART: Rex Lindsey
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 21, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 3, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #31
"Banana Split Decision": It's a split decision, and it's decided by the readers as they get a chance to choose the direction of this story! Jughead simply doesn't want to pay up on the empty promise he made to Ethel to take her out on a date. Readers can alternate between pages depicting two separate directions for the story: one where Jughead ducks into Dilton's laboratory to avoid Ethel; the other where Jughead toughs it out and actually goes on the date with Ethel! Each choice leads to another and another... and is of course packed with laughs and adventure!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Mystery Man": Amateur investigators Chuck and Archie have a genuine mystery on their hands: not only has Jughead gotten a top-secret job, he's stopped wearing his trademark crown hat, too! Can this mother of all mysteries be solved?!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 21, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 3, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #147
"The Big UFO Scare": The truth is out there... and it has something to do with a sky full of bright glowing orbs. Is Riverdale being invaded? Jughead and Archie aim to find out!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Rex Lindsey
"Pet Set": Veronica takes Jughead to the "Doggie Heaven Boutique" to show him and Hot Dog "how the other canines live!" But the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the doghouse!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
"The Intruder": Snowed-in by sub-zero temperatures, Jughead warms up his imagination by reading classic adventure novels, and imagining himself in the heart of the action!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 28, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 10, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #128
THE THRILLING CONCLUSION TO THE "NEW LOOK" STORY, "BREAKUP BLUES"
THE INTRIGUING TALE WHERE MIDGE & MOOSE'S ROMANCE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!
"Breakup Blues, Part 4": For the past three issues, Archie and his friends have been dealing with the unimaginable: the breakup of Midge and Moose! In the aftermath, Midge started seeing Reggie and Moose began dating Judy Johnson. The status quo of Riverdale High's circle of friends was severely shaken, but that didn't stop the former couple's friends from doing what they could to get the pair back together. Their efforts weren't always successful, but they still haven't given up hope. The fourth and final installment brings everything together as the kids convene at an exclusive dance club to boogie the night away... and hopefully bring Moose and Midge back together once and for all! And they're about to get some help from an unlikely source. Will true love persevere and save the day? Be sure to reserve your copy so you can find out! The romantic intrigue is 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 has surely been the most explosive Archie Comics story to date!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
PENCILS: Tod Smith
INKS: Al Milgrom
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 21, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 3, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

John Schneider offers a one-of-a-kind collectible

Our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," Mr. John Schneider to the rest of the world, muses in a new email blast to fans that when he's asked to sign one of those 1:18 scale General Lee model cars, "if one of the other actors hasn't already taken it, I try to claim the trunk area for my signature." Well, now he's kicked the car-collecting game up a gear: He's now offering to fans his own "Bo Duke Special Edition" model General Lees, with a few rather interesting custom touches. Let's just say ... ever wonder what the General Lee really looked like after it made one of those harrowing jumps? (Hint: It wasn't driving away merrily, unscathed, with the boys laughing in the front seat!)

"These are the rarest of the rare -- and really special -- as I had a blast creating this for the fans," Schneider says of his new custom model cars. "I am quite proud of them!"

Schneider is offering up the very first custom car -- the 01 -- on eBay, in an auction closing next week. Bidding had just leapt from $157.50 to $290 as we were posting.

Get the whole deal on "Bo's Jumpyard," including a highly entertaining and instructional video (cute as ever -- like a little boy playing in the sandbox!) at Schneider's official site.

Schneider also notes the recent hospitalization of renowned stunt driver Al Wyatt Jr., and BRBTV adds in our own prayers for strength and healing for Wyatt and his family.

Anthony De Longis has a busy January

We already knew that Mr. Anthony De Longis is a guy of many talents in Hollywood, besides portraying Leo Mitchell on our beloved "Santa Barbara," as well as appearing in the "Dukes of Hazzard" episodes "Enos and Daisy's Wedding" and "The Hazzardgate Tape." De Longis has had a pretty busy year already, and we're just getting started! He offered BRBTV a little update on what he's got going on right now ...

"I've started off the year with a job (always a good thing) for Rockstar Productions ('Grand Theft Auto 4,' among other huge game hits)!" he says. "The rest is all very secret but we had our first rehearsal today and it looks like a fun project."

Also on tap are a selection of TV appearances, the first of which is this week:
- "Leverage" episode "The Wedding Job," which premiered on Tuesday on TNT and repeats Saturday, January 17 at 1 p.m., featuring a knife and cleaver fight with De Longis (you can also catch it on TNT's site).
- "Eli Stone" episode on January 20 on ABC, featuring a gladiator fight with sword and shield vs. double swords (see ABC's site on that).
- "Extreme Marksman" on the History Channel on January 25 at 8 p.m. ("I have the climactic last two acts to show off my whip skills both on the ground and on horseback," De Longis says).

De Longis told us a few months ago that he was getting a visit from Black Belt Magazine. They filmed a short whip improvisation at his ranch, Rancho Indalo, for a combative applications whip article featuring him in the December and January issues. "They also inducted me into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as 2008 Weapons Instructor of the Year, a great honor," he says.

You can check out the footage at: http://www.blackbeltmag.com/anthony_de_longis_bullwhip_december_2008_black_belt/videos/163

You can learn more about Anthony De Longis at his site, DeLongis.com, and check out our interview with him in the September 5 post, plus some fun photos in the October 24 post.

Photo by, and courtesy of, John Leonetti, The Whip Cracking Galleries

BRBTV News Blog Blip on January 15: BRBTV mourns the passing of Ricardo Montalban, whom we loved so dearly on the '80s "Fantasy Island" as well as on our beloved "Dynasty" spinoff "The Colbys." We cannot say enough about the handsome, charismatic actor, who years before even wowed us so greatly as Khan in the "Star Trek" realm. May his work live on!

Paul Castiglia: Beyond Archie's (Weird) Mysteries ...

It's hard to believe it's been a decade since PAX-TV launched the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" animated series. Archie, Betty, Veronica, Reggie, Jughead in precarious and "weird" situations involving mysterious creatures and events ... my, my, my, how we miss it. We also miss the fun accompanying comic book title from Archie.

BRBTV had the pleasure of chatting via email with Paul Castiglia, who wrote for the Archie's Weird Mysteries comic, later retitled Archie's Mysteries. He had some interesting things to say about this unique direction for the timeless Archies characters, and he's got some great work going on these days, too ...

BRBTV: You had a couple things to juggle with the Archie's Weird Mysteries comic. You had to remain true to both the TV show and to these long-established, iconic characters. Did you find that difficult, in this supernatural-mystery-type setting?

PC: That was definitely the most challenging aspect – to stay faithful to the characters within the context of the TV series’ concept. What made this especially hard was the fact that some of the situations I came up with lent themselves to great jokes and one-liners, but I always had to self-edit first and ask myself, “Would Veronica actually say this; would Betty really do that?”

It’s not the easiest thing to do once you’re wrapped up in your plot, and many Archie writers (myself included) don’t always get it right. You just try your best to keep all the varying personalities in the back of your mind and not assign interchangeable dialogue to the characters.

One edge I’ve tried to fall back on in my writing is my exposure to the evolution of the Archie characters gained through my experiences as company archivist when I worked on Archie staff in the ‘90s, as well as my continuing duties researching and editing the “Archie Americana Series.”

You've said in interviews that when the TV show hit the airwaves, you campaigned to get the job doing the comic version. Why was that?

I have always been a fan of the “horror-comedy” genre from Hollywood’s golden age. This was a very popular genre from the 1930s through the 1950s in both shorts and feature films. So popular that several of the classic comedians tried the genre more than once - Laurel & Hardy, the Three Stooges, the Little Rascals, the Bowery Boys and most famously Abbott & Costello each made several horror-comedies (and incidentally, I have a book on the topic in the works).

I also appreciated all the “legitimate” horror movies from the ‘30s through the 1980s that incorporated comedic elements. And I was a HUGE fan of the “Kolchak the Night Stalker” TV movies and short-lived series (about an intrepid reporter investigating the supernatural). When I heard what the concept for the animated “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” TV series was, I knew I had to write the comic book version of it – it would be my opportunity to write Archie meets “Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein” meets “Kolchak the Night Stalker” meets “Night of the Creeps” (a great 1980s movie which is practically an Archie comic book come to life … if Archie and Jughead ever had to fight zombies, that is)!

How did your comic version differ from the TV show? Were there any concessions you had to make for those fans who just love all the comics but had never seen the TV show?

Based on the original “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” format established in the TV series, Riverdale was a universe where anything could happen – Riverdale had become a “weirdness magnet” attracting all sorts of monsters, aliens and paranormal creatures and the story possibilities seemed limitless. But this actually became a limitation, because although anything could happen, it often happened without any explanation. That, plus the show tended to keep its “weird” focused in the realm of the “spooky.” To offer some thrills and chills the regular readers of Archie Comics could appreciate, I made an effort to incorporate some of the more familiar elements of the comics mythology – like the love triangle. This manifested itself in stories where Archie had duplicate clones to make his life easier (which of course it didn’t) as well as a story where Archie’s “perfect girl” was actually a robot. When I adopted the teenage vampire girl Scarlet from the TV series for a story, I tried to keep the dating complications intact even though the bigger picture of that story was heading toward cataclysmic circumstances. Beyond that, I tried to retain as much of the archetype personalities as possible – Jughead always hungry, Reggie always a pest, etc. Sometimes I just aimed for “silly” weird stories (like the intergalactic baseball saga) while the show’s tone was often more “serious,” with tense adventures. Maintaining these “Archieverse” elements in the comics helped make the comic accessible to those who had never seen the cartoon show.

The comic lasted longer than the show, which only ran about a year. In fact, the comic even survived a name change. Why the drop of "Weird" in the title?

The comic series was a moderate success. It was most successful as a subscription and mail order item. The publishers and editor wanted to keep it going, but felt that too much time had passed without the show being on the air. They suggested that I take a “Scooby Doo” approach where the mysteries all turned out to be hoaxes. Contrary to a popular misconception, “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” was NOT a “Scooby Doo” knockoff because the supernatural menaces Archie and his friends encountered were real in the stories. I pointed out to Archie management that because we had already been compared to Scooby Doo in this fashion, we should probably try something else. They were open to suggestions. My girlfriend at the time (now my wife) Barbara Jarvie was big into forensics. She used to watch all the Bill Curtis-produced and other forensic documentaries on TV. It was also the time when "C.S.I." was starting to take off, as well. She suggested shifting the focus to forensics on a G-rated level – solving non-grisly crimes. I brought her on-board as co-writer to ensure that all the forensics information was accurate. Ironically, not long after the name and format change, the cartoon series returned to the airwaves in many cities via syndication!

Any chance of the title reviving? It seems the closest thing to it in the Archie line right now is Tales From Riverdale. And if you look around the web, fans still remember and like Archie's Weird Mysteries.

That would depend upon the publishers, and would be a decision based on several factors. Naturally, it would have to make good business sense for them. I certainly would love to do it again if given the opportunity.

Who's your favorite Archie character?

Wow, that’s a tough one – I like them all to varying degrees. If I have to key in on one from each gender, I’d say Betty Cooper and Jughead Jones. Probably because of their individuality.

Who's the easiest Archie character to write?

I’m not sure. Archie stories are very situation-driven. You start with the situation, and then you have a core group of characters who would all react differently to that situation. But even within that, the characters can throw you curve balls and react in unexpected ways. That adds conflict to the story. I’d say the most difficult characters to write are probably Jughead and Reggie, because it’s difficult to maintain the integrity of those personalities – it’s very tempting to compromise their personalities in favor of moving the plot forward. It goes back to what I said about “interchangeable dialogue.” I’ve seen stories where Reggie’s word balloons might as well have come out of Archie’s mouth, and that’s just not staying true to Reggie’s character in my opinion.

Which character in Archie's Weird Mysteries are you most like?

If I take the time to figure that out, you’ll never have a complete interview to post!

What's the craziest thing you made an Archie character do in Archie's Weird Mysteries?

To adequately answer that, I’d have to go back and reread the comics, which I haven’t done in quite some time. But I think the craziest thing I ever made artist Fernando Ruiz draw were giant lobsters and Pokemon-like characters. I consider those two stories among the weakest I ever wrote. It goes back to what I said about the limitations. It wasn’t too much later we dropped the “Weird” and gave the series a new lease on life creatively.

I told myself, at the time the show was airing, that if they ever brought Cheryl Blossom into it I was going to just about have a glee-induced coronary. As far as I recall, she wasn't in the comic title, either? Was that ever a possibility?

Cheryl made it into at least one issue, in the story “Archie Squared” from AWM #4. That was the story where Archie had multiple clones wrecking havoc everywhere.

What was the fan mail like for this particular comic title?

Fan mail was pretty consistent on this. Readers really enjoyed it. And there were of course the two opposing camps: those who loved the “Weird” and those who preferred the forensic approach. The third camp appreciated both incarnations of the comic.

I very much appreciate the fact that you are a professional working in the comics industry who is a Christian. How do you think your Christian beliefs have translated -- either directly or indirectly -- into your comics writing?

It’s hard to pinpoint for me. It’s actually easier for me to spot some stories I wrote in the past when I was in a “backsliding phase” that show a lot of the confusion I went through when I wasn’t being active in my Christian life. But those stories written once I got back on track spiritually tend to have inherent moralistic and ethical underpinnings.

What did you picture yourself doing as an adult, when you were a little kid?

Oh, I knew I was going to be involved in animation and/or comic books. Originally I thought it would be as an artist and not as a writer/editor. As He so often does, God had other plans!

Tell us a little about Mecha Manga Bible Heroes.

Mecha Manga Bible Heroes is a new comic series that I co-created and edit for JMG Comics. We’re taking Old Testament Bible stories, leaving the characters, themes and plots intact, but transporting them to a future world of robots, aliens and advanced technology, with mech and manga-styled art. So far we’ve released issue #1, which recounts the tale of David vs. Goliath.

We’re currently working on the second issue, which will be the first installment of a three-part story arc called “The Rise of David.” It is scheduled for March release.

Mecha Manga Bible Heroes comics are available at Christian bookstores and some comic shops (check out our blog for details on both – http://mechamangabibleblog.blogspot.com/) and is most easily available to order directly from DeeperShopping.com. (http://www.deepershopping.com/item/grob.john.marc/comic.bk.mecha.manga.bible.heroes.david.vs.goliath/171476.html)

What's beyond Mecha Manga Bible Heroes for you?

I hope to continue conceiving, promoting and editing projects for JMG Comics, and there are several Archie projects in the works that I can’t reveal yet that I will be a part of.

Betty or Veronica??????? Or Cheryl????????!!!!!!!

Betty of course!

My brother and his wife named their daughter Veronica for (yes!) Veronica Lodge. Any advice for them, since Ronnie will be a teenager soon?!!?

If there’s an Archie in her high school, transfer her to another school!

Happy New Year!!!!

Happy New Year from BRBTV!

I'm looking forward to seeing how 2009 unfolds, as I've had several professional and personal goals on my mind for the new year.

For the past three years, I've been producing the BRBTV News Blog as a way to offer fun little tidbits to the fans of the classic '80s TV shows I love. It's been fab, because even though during this whole time I've been working in the ministry setting by day, I have felt like I've been able to maintain some sort of journalistic "practice" with this blog. I've still been able to think like a newsgirl, in some way!

In the past three or four months, though, I have felt the Lord leading me in a new direction. I am feeling led to dial down a few of my projects, such as this blog. That's why I am transitioning it to an occasional blog (weekly or biweekly), rather than a Monday-through-Friday one, as it's been these past three years.

The BRBTV News Blog will still feature the monthly celeb birthdays, and the Archie Comics releases (frankly, because Rik just makes that so easy for me!), as well as a few other posts now and then. I have two book-signings planned for this year, so I'm sure I'll have some photos and news to share from those. Plus, coming up very soon, on the 11th of this month, will be a rare post on "Archie's Weird Mysteries" -- a fresh BRBTV interview with writer Paul Castilglia.

The blog's current content, dating back to January 2006, will remain online (Blogger.com permitting, of course!). We've had some fun times, this blog and I, and I want to leave available the original content I've posted here from interviews and events.

As far as other BRBTV stuff, look for a fourth electronic edition of the reference guide "Send Me to Santa Barbara," most likely in the next few months. There may be more updates to the other three BRBTV e-books, but it will be a while.

There's been a brand-new BRBTV Report in Amazon's hopper for about a year now; it's been on hold for their determination of the direction of their Amazon Shorts program. If the Shorts program doesn't publish the Report, it will be published via BRBTV.com. And the show it references, you ask???? Well, how about a clue: "Rut-raw, Shaggy!!!!"

There are at least two more BRBTV Reports planned for 2009 and beyond: I have been collaborating with talented "voice man" Will Rodgers of Tennessee on guides to the animated series "Superman" and "Justice League" / "Justice League Unlimited." Basically, this collaboration means Will's writing the stuff, and I'm doing the editing and graphic design. (Will's a highly capable uber-geek! ... Sorry, Will -- to me, that's a compliment!)

I've had a terrific amount of fun with this whole silly BRBTV thing; I don't know that I would ever give it up, and I don't believe the Big Guy would ask me to. Time is finite, however, and we must spend it in the best way we can.

Outside the BRBTV realm, the big project I'm focusing on right now is my third novel, "Enie," which I'm hoping will surprise you just a bit. It's nearly ready for release. See BillieRae.com to read more.

I've loved the My Mother's Clothing project very much. I've loved the weekly format, and the elements of raw photography and sociological study. I've decided to continue that yearlong photo essay format with a new 2009 project, "The Inexplicable Lives of Dolls," which launched yesterday.

There are other projects in my brain, and I dare say they will see the light of day. I often joke with people that writer's block is a very foreign term to me. I've always had way more writing ideas than I've had time for.

So ... that's that! Thank-you for your comments on this blog, for your emails to me, and for encouraging me in these past 10 years of BRBTV ...

- Billie Rae Bates

BRBTV birthdays for January

- Rick Hurst, Cletus Hogg of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turned 63 on January 1.
- Rawley Valverde, Amado Gonzalez on "Santa Barbara," turned 43 on January 1.
- John Considine, a BRBTV quadruple-shot as the commanding Grant Capwell on "SB," David Prescott on "Dynasty," Lt. Braden on "The Colbys" and Investigator Hackle on the "P.O.V." episode of "Batman: The Animated Series," turned 74 on January 2.
- Victoria Principal, Pamela Ewing of "Dallas," turned 59 on January 3.
- Sorrell Booke, the unforgettable Boss J.D. Hogg of "The Dukes," was born January 4, 1930, and passed on February 11, 1994.
- Pamela Sue Martin, the supercool 'n' sassy original Fallon Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 55 on January 5.
- Michael Wilding Jr., that handsome son of Elizabeth Taylor who showed up on "Dallas" as Alex Barton, turns 56 on January 6.
- Fern Fitzgerald, our lovely and biting Marilee Stone of "Dallas," turns 62 on January 7.
- Kristen Meadows, Victoria Lane of "SB," turns 52 on January 7.
- Tony Wike, who voiced Mr. Weatherbee on "Archie's Weird Mysteries," turns 54 on January 7.
- K Callan, who portrayed not only Superman's mom in the '90s "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," but also April Stevens' mom Amy on "Dallas," turns 67 on January 9.
- Krista Tesreau, the psycho Andi Klein of "SB," turns 45 on January 10.
- Richard Moll, who did a few wonderful turns as the skanky Milo Beaudry on "The Dukes," and who voiced Harvey Dent / Two-Face on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 66 on January 13.
- Sherill Lynn Rettino, the faithful secretary Jackie Dugan on "Dallas," was born on January 13, 1956 and died July 3, 1995.
- Barry Jenner, who sought to woo Sue Ellen Ewing as Jerry Kenderson on "Dallas," is 68 on January 14.
- Arte Johnson, also a notable guest as Irving in the "The Dukes" episode "Double Sting," turns 79 on January 20.
- Joe Marinelli, the mobster cross-dresser with a heart of gold, Bunny, on "SB," turns 52 on January 21.
- Leigh Taylor-Young, Kimberly Cryder on "Dallas," turns 57 on January 25.
- Cathy Podewell, country-bumpkin Cally Harper on "Dallas," and Paul Johansson, long-lost Capwell son Greg Hughes on "SB," both turn a young 45 on January 26.
- Donna Reed, the Miss Ellie replacement on "Dallas," was born on January 27, 1921, and passed on January 14, 1986.
- Carrington Garland, a very lovely Kelly Capwell (we liked her every bit as much as Robin Wright) on "SB," turns 45 on January 27.
- James Cromwell, who was the duplicitous Gerald Kane on "Dallas," turns 69 on January 27.
- John Beck , a BRBTV double-shot with a stint as Mark Graison on "Dallas" and a turn as David Raymond on "SB," turns 66 on January 28.
- Susan Howard, longtime Donna Krebbs on "Dallas," turns 63 on January 28.
- Harley Jane Kozak, the wonderful Mary Duvall on "SB" and one of our favorites, turns 52 on January 28.
- Marc Singer , a little spooky as Matt Cantrell on "Dallas," and who voiced Dr. Kirk Langstrom on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 61 on January 29.
- John Forsythe, the amazing Blake Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 91 on January 29.
- Katharine Ross, the much-put-upon Francesca Colby on "Dynasty" spinoff "The Colbys," turns 67 on January 29.
- David Wayne, who was one of the Digger Barneses on "Dallas," was born on January 30, 1914 and died February 9, 1995.
- Justin Gocke, a most memorable Brandon DeMott on "SB," turns a most-young 31 on January 31.

Happy birthday to all!!!!

Bits 'n' Pieces: Tom Wopat generates some ink

Boston Herald, Calgary Herald ... our own buddy Luke Duke doesn't have to travel far beyond Hazzard County to get the newspaper reporters' keyboards a-clickin'. Tom Wopat's current role as Billy Flynn in "Chicago" has been making a splash, for sure:

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/entertainment/story.html?id=fe9c47e8-ebf3-4b42-b59a-7d6e21255681

http://news.bostonherald.com/entertainment/arts_culture/view/2008_12_08_Duke_of_%E2%80%98Chicago_:_%E2%80%98Hazzard__made_Tom_Wopat_famous__but_music_was_always_his_driving_passion/srvc=home&position=6

http://www.wickedlocal.com/halifax/fun/entertainment/arts/x1049852478/Tom-Wopat-stars-as-Billy-Flynn-in-latest-Chicago-tour

Over in Denver, our former "Dynasty" diva Dominique Deveraux, known to the rest of the world as Diahann Carroll, got a nice write-up, herself, in the U.K., as she's out and about promoting her new book:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3793410/Diahann-Carroll-viva-la-diva.html

Michael Durrell joins a jam-packed cast in "Barry Munday"

On "Santa Barbara," Michael Durrell was Alex Nikolas, an accomplished scientist who was just a bit of a thorn in the side of the Capwell family. Before that, in 1986, he was Sgt. Landers on "Dynasty." Since "SB," Durrell has been popping up here and there, in stuff like "Matlock," "Beverly Hills, 90210" and more recently, "Without a Trace." Now Durrell has a new project on tap for next year.

"Barry Munday" is classified as in postproduction and features Durrell in the role of Father Walsh. It's a comedy with the title role played by Patrick Wilson, who will be portraying Nite Owl in the "Watchmen" movie coming in March. Written and directed by Chris D'Arienzo, "Barry Munday" also includes Colin Hanks, that son of Tom whom we loved in "Roswell," as well as Malcolm McDowell, Chloë Sevigny, Cybill Shepherd and Emily Procter, whose line delivery we so enjoy on "CSI: Miami."

Billy Dee Williams of our beloved "Dynasty" has the role of Lonnie Green, as we reported last year. It's certainly not the only thing Williams has going on right now: see "This Bitter Earth" and "The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll."

BRBTV News Blog Blip: John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," issued some kind Christmas greetings to fans via email last week, and he also gave a tipoff to what's next on his agenda: directing an episode of ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," in which he also portrays Marshall Bowman. "It's a great episode that will answer lots of the questions you may have had about the show over this last year," he says, then adds teasingly, "Nope ... Can't tell you!"

Harley Jane Kozak makes "A Date You Can't Refuse"

The adventures continue for Wollie Shelley, the protagonist who emerged from the brain of Harley Jane Kozak, our own Mary Duvall of "Santa Barbara." Our favorite novelist is now all set to release the next book in the Shelley series, "A Date You Can't Refuse."

The book's plotline from Amazon:
"Serial dater and greeting-card artist Wollie Shelley goes undercover in a media-training company suspected of video piracy, but when a dead body appears on the company’s property, she’s caught up in a conspiracy that goes way beyond some stolen DVDs. Wollie Shelley isn’t happy about taking the job as a “social coach” at MediaRex, but the FBI makes her an offer she can’t refuse. If she agrees to infiltrate the company, they’ll guarantee that her schizophrenic brother will have a home at the federally subsidized halfway house he’s come to love. So Wollie launches into teaching three foreign celebrities how to cope with the customs of Beverly Hills, improve their English, and become Oprah-ready. And when a coyote-chewed corpse appears in the MediaRex compound, Wollie realizes that her colleagues are concealing some serious secrets of their own."

The book is published by Broadway and releases on March 17, 2009. You can order it now for $16.47 from Amazon.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Isn't it ironic that a talented songstress whose trademark tune was "Santa Baby" would choose Christmas as the day she departs ... Ms. Eartha Kitt, who lived a good full life of 81 years, died of cancer yesterday. As Catwomen go, Kitt had not only the fab last name to recommend her -- she also had a considerable more snarl, a seething sultriness, and the slinkier feline mannerisms we're quite sure future Catwomen such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Adrienne Barbeau and even Halle Berry drew heavily from.