Professional Stuntman Invitational: Other odds and ends

This week's coverage of the Professional Stuntman Invitational rounds out with some bits and pieces from different aspects of the show. Thanks so much to Wayne and Donna Wooten, Tom Sarmento and the Hazzard County Stunt Team for putting a whole lot of work into a great event!



Generals Lee (left) and Longstreet took in the event, and we're guessing the 95-degree heat was considerably more comfortable than the battlefield!


Yea, buddy, you flex that muscle ... Our friend Byron ("Coy Duke") Cherry, right, needs little prodding to ham it up.

You know you've pulled into the right hotel on Friday evening when you see a Lee and a sheriff's car side by side. 'Twas the Sleep Inn off exit 50 of I-95, by the way.


One of the show's features was a chance to "smack an import." Since the BRBTV corporate car (a Ford Taurus) just died a few weeks ago and we were in a rental that was slightly-less-than-American, we won't comment ...

This car is a replica of the very first Lee jumped on "The Dukes." This one made a special commemorative jump at the same site, Oxford College near Covington, Georgia, in 2005.


Fellow author Jon Holland, who was at the track signing his own "Dukes" book, stopped by BRB's signing table to chat. Jon is working on a new "Dukes" book that's sure to be much-talked-about. He's had some great unexplored territory to dig into, as far as "Dukes" history goes, and he's been pounding the pavement for public records. Look for that hot book --a book that will reveal some surprising truths -- later this year!


We mentioned on Monday that there was a "Dukes"-themed engagement at the show -- a real memory-maker. Well, here's the happy couple earlier that day. Little did Rusty's special lady know, at this point ... and when he proposed she was sure shocked! She had no idea that was coming, she told us later.


BRB had a great time at the event, signing not only books, but an occasional car, too! Many thanks to all who stopped by the table to chat. We'll see ya at the next "Dukes" event!

Photos, except the one directly above, by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand!

Professional Stuntman Invitational: Here's a car you probably haven't seen ... at least in person ...

You know, we're always so amazed at the creativity we see when we attend car shows such as this past weekend's Professional Stuntman Invitational in Concord, N.C. Oh sure, we get used to seeing the beautiful blazin'-orange General Lees and the abundance of sheriff's cars from "The Dukes of Hazzard." We also note the occasional Daisy Jeep, or Boss Hogg Caddy. The "Back to the Future" car tends to pop up now and then. But today, our coverage of the Invitational continues as we take a look at a quite unique vehicle making one of its first car-show appearances.

Take a close look, now. Does it remind you of anything? Maybe a movie you saw once ... maybe in your youth ... back in the '80s? Maybe the first of a series of movies ... starring Chevy Chase?



Yes, it's the Family Truckster of National Lampoon's "Vacation." Or a very nice replica of it. Right down to the luggage and the ... er, family member ... on the roof (not a real family member, of course! or even a real person! and take heart -- there was no dog on the leash in the back!).

Gary Schneider, known so well in the "Dukes of Hazzard" community for his General Lee story, brought this attention-getter to the show. He tells BRBTV he's owned the car for about a year, and he just completed it a month ago. He's taken it to a couple other car shows around his local Chicago area, but this is the first bigger show for the Truckster, which also made some laps around the track at the Concord Motorsports Park on Saturday. And this beauty didn't get trailered here like some of the other unique autos -- it made the drive itself, all the way from Chicago.

Designed by George Barris, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster was a fictional car created for the 1983 movie and based on a Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon. Schneider's is actually a 1986 model, which he says is the same body style as 1983. Don Schisler, former transportation director of "The Dukes of Hazzard" who just recently passed away, also served as the process car driver in "Vacation" and inspired Gary to build the car. Schisler provided him with a rarity -- the only known remaining crown emblem from the cars. You can see some construction photos of the Truckster at MyFamilyTruckster.com.

And just so ya know ... it might seem like it, but this is not the only Family Truckster out there. At least one more exists, Schneider says, in Missouri.

Besides the Truckster, there were plenty of other star cars inside the track for the event, such as Herbie, the "Smokey and the Bandit" Trans Am and, of course, lots'o Lees ...

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Professional Stuntman Invitational: Greg Evigan

Since the mid-'70s, Greg Evigan has done everything on TV from starring roles on "B.J. and the Bear" and "My Two Dads" to guest stints on "CSI: Miami," "Touched By an Angel," "Melrose Place" and beyond. And though we were fervent fans of B.J. McKay way back when, there's only thing BRBTV wanted to know when we chatted with Evigan outside the host hotel for this past weekend's Professional Stuntman Invitational.

"What do you remember about your 'Dallas' episode?"

He laughed. "I remember not liking being thrown on the hood of the car at the end of the episode!"

True enough, Bobby Ewing, as played by the hunky Patrick Duffy, was none too fond of Evigan's Willie Gust, who kidnapped Lucy in that episode. By the time Bobby tracked down the hooligan and his semi-reluctant prey, this Ewing uncle was fumin' mad. Evigan, well over 6-foot, also recalls -- with a chuckle -- the difference in height between himself and the diminutive Charlene Tilton. The episode, "Runaway," aired very early in the series, in 1978, not too long before Evigan scored his gig on "B.J. and the Bear."


So what does Evigan (shown above with Will "the Voice Man" Rodgers, emcee of the Invitational) have going on nowadays, besides appearances at events like this one? Producing, actually. He's got a few different projects he's producing now, including a reality show. One particular project, a movie for the Sci Fi Channel called "Phantom Racer," will air this fall and will feature Evigan in front of the camera, as well. He plays J.J. Sawyer in this tale of a racecar driver from beyond the grave. Former "Baywatch" babe Nicole Eggert is also on board.



As you can see, Evigan signed a variety of photos at the Invitational. Directly above, he's chatting with Byron ("Coy Duke") Cherry of "The Dukes of Hazzard," second from left.

One special feature of the event was the presence of another star from "B.J. and the Bear," that is, an actual rig used in the show's filming. The truck was reportedly lost for a couple decades then purchased and fixed up. Its owner, a truck driver himself, keeps it in pristine condition, even taking it out now and then. Below, BRBTV caught it just coming off the racetrack after a few laps.

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Professional Stuntman Invitational: An overview

Did you ever see -- live and in person -- the "A-Team" van leaping through the air, some racing and wrecking, a couple Confederate generals, Boss Hogg proposing marriage, and the rig from "B.J. and the Bear" doing laps? Well, you did if you were at this past weekend's Professional Stuntman Invitational at the Concord Motorsports Park in North Carolina. The Hazzard County Stunt Team, Mr. Wayne Wooten, and a crew of dedicated professionals sure put on a good show, and this week the BRBTV News Blog has four full days of photos and tidbits from the event for your viewing pleasure.

The event celebrated the work of seasoned stuntmen from shows and movies like "Die Hard," "Rush Hour 3," "Twilight," "The Fall Guy," "Knight Rider," "Sliders" and, of course, "The Dukes of Hazzard." Buzz Bundy, Tom Sarmento, Ted Barba, James Smith, Lee Smith, Russell Solberg ... some of the biggest names in the stunt industry put on the thrills and chills for fans at the Invitational, which ran all day Saturday and Sunday in some rather-brutal heat that soared through the 90s. The stuntmen also signed autographs, and they were joined at the event by several big classic TV actors: Greg Evigan, Sonny Shroyer, Don Pedro Colley, Byron Cherry and Rick Hurst, along with Jerry Rushing, the man who inspired "The Dukes of Hazzard."

Emceed by Will ("The Voice Man") Rodgers, the two days at the track featured racing, vending, rides in star cars, a fabulous stunt show (our favorite part, truth be told!) and a display of collectible autos with everything from the General Lee to Herbie the Love Bug and the notorious Christine. And, just to assure that the event would be remembered, avid Boss Hogg fan Rusty, clad in his lily white suit, proposed to his fiancee there in front of the crowd. The box holding the diamond ring was passed along by the various celebs until Rusty finally laid claim to it, then gingerly laid down a white towel so he could descend to one knee. "I was so nervous," he said later that night. "I don't even remember what I said." Well, we were sure glad that white suit wasn't flannel like Sorrell Booke really wore on "The Dukes"!

Tom Sarmento of the Hazzard County Stunt Team was behind the wheel of this "A-Team" replica van for the stunt show on Saturday night. The van's big jump followed a two-wheel ski stunt by James Smith, and preceded a race that culminated in a truly horrific-looking crash. Below, the crew rushes to get Sarmento out of the van -- but don't worry, he was fine! He's done this before!

Here's another van that took a beating, below ... Might know better next time not to be in the way when the No. 32 car goes a little out of control after a big race ...




Sonny Shroyer, our beloved Enos Strate of "The Dukes," hams it up for a young fan at the beginning of his signing on Sunday. Strate had a variety of memorabilia and photos with him ...

Rick Hurst, who was Cletus Hogg on the show, chats with fans, as well.

Tune in tomorrow as our coverage continues with a classic star we got to meet for the first time ...

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Vincent Irizarry joins third Soap Cruise

Hey, "Santa Barbara" fans, ever wonder what it would be like to go on a cruise with Dr. Scott Clark? Well, he's not Scott Clark these days -- he's Dr. David Hayward on ABC's "All My Children," but the sentiment is there nonetheless! Irizarry is part of a yummy slate of soap stars embarking on the third voyage of the Soap Cruise.

Leaving Miami on Thursday, January 28, 2010, and returning on the following Monday, February 1, Soap Cruise is one long weekend we're betting you'd never forget. (BRBTV is tempted to go, just to hang with "GH's" Spinelli!) You've gotta book now, though, because the first 150 people get a special VIP breakfast with the stars.

Catch all the details at SoapCruise.com.

That's not the only appearance on Irizarry's schedule for the coming months. He'll also be at the Connecticut Women's Expo in Hartford, on Saturday, September 12 from noon to 4 p.m. Get the details at http://www.ctexpos.com/cwe.

Terri Garber: Plum soap roles, on top of a great career

Our BRBTV interviews with stars of the classic '80s soap "Santa Barbara" continue, and this time we've got a double-shot: The lovely Terri Garber was not only Suzanne Collier in the latter days of "SB," she also was the incredibly memorable Leslie Carrington on our beloved "Dynasty."

Years before that, however, Garber had what many would consider her kingpin role, that of the feisty Ashton Main on the wildly popular "North and South" miniseries of the '80s. It's that role, a role she seemed downright born to play, that most fans remember her by. We had to ask her, when we spoke with her earlier this month, if she had any concerns about being forever labeled a "bad girl."

"I wasn’t concerned about being typecast," she replied. “'Bad girls' are the most fun to play."

Well, on "Dynasty," she was a mixture of good and bad, truth be told. Though Leslie initially played a bit wicked, there were elements of her character that showed a softer side. Take her daughter-like relationship with her Uncle Blake, for instance.

"I never really think of any of my characters as 'bad girls,'" she says. "I try to think of legitimate reasons why they do the things they do. I don’t think a person that does bad things ever really thinks of themselves as a bad person. They feel justified in what they are doing. I think the wavering was because the writers couldn’t decide how they wanted to portray Leslie. At the time I had just completed 'North and South,' and Ashton wasn’t the sweet girl next door (ha-ha) and that’s what the audience liked about my acting ... So the writers were having some issues on how to bring that into a character that started out sweet and searching for her father. Leslie did soften with Blake. How could you not? What a wonderful actor to work with. He brought the vulnerability out of Leslie where no one else could. I guess the father figure she was searching for was in Blake."

Perhaps a bigger challenge for the writers, however, was in Garber's entrance onto daytime soap "SB." It was 1991, and fan-fave Marcy Walker, as Eden Capwell, had just left the show. Eden was suspected to be dead, then was really alive and disguised as her friend Suzanne Collier, then she up and left the love of her life, Cruz Castillo, and her family! How much trauma can a fan endure? Enter Garber as (gasp!) the real Suzanne Collier ...

"Yes, it was very difficult to step into that show, and the character was never accepted, so off she went," Garber says. "The fans were rabid for Cruz and Eden and didn’t want anyone else coming in there. I got some vicious fan mail."

(BRBTV has no trouble believing that!) But the work on "SB" was not all drudgery, thankfully.

"I loved working with A Martinez," she says. "He was a joy. He really worked hard, came prepared and was a complete professional. I like that from someone I’m working with because I try to do the same. Everyone was really nice on that show. There really wasn’t anyone that I didn’t enjoy working with."

Beyond "SB," Garber took roles here and there on various TV shows, then landed another soap role, Iris Dumbrowski on "As the World Turns," from 2005-2007. New York-based these days, Garber enjoys volunteer work and a whole lotta baking -- she graduated recently from what she calls an "intensive pastry class."

You can read the complete BRBTV interview with Ms. Garber in the next edition of the reference guide "Send Me to Santa Barbara," as well as in the next e-book version of "Dynasty High."

Photo courtesy of Terri Garber; copy at your own risk

Create your own classic '80s TV scene -- and win some cash

We've got to admit, it sounded like an intriguing concept, when we got the email for the '80s Mania Video Contest. Create a scene from your favorite 1980s TV show or film. Our imagination ran wild. A catfight between Alexis and Krystle on "Dynasty"? (And which one? There were so many!) Luke Duke skidding across the hood in "The Dukes of Hazzard," and the boys speeding off, pursued by Rosco? J.R. Ewing pushing Cliff Barnes into the Southfork deal, or cutting that deal behind his daddy or bro's back, on "Dallas"? Mason and C.C. Capwell trapped in the wine cellar, drunkenly singing and joking together, on "Santa Barbara"?

The choices are endless, and GotCast.com has your opportunity:
http://www.gotcast.com/casting-calls/80s-Mania-Video-Contest/54282

After you and your costars have filmed this great treasure, you upload your video to YouTube and tag it with the word "GotCast." Then you link the video to your GotCast account and assign it to the '80s Mania Contest.

So hey ... let us know how you do!

Coming up in Archie Comics

ARCHIE #598
"The Volunteer": Archie volunteers to spend time with an elderly man at the seniors' home, and learns he's not the only one caught in the middle of an eternal love triangle!
SCRIPT: Barbara Slate
SCRIPTS: Stan Goldberg
"Tree's Company": Archie enjoys the tree in his backyard... until Reggie reminds him how much work it will bring come fall!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 24, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 7, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #132
"One Nation, Under Archie, Part 1 of 2": Archie and his friends head for Washington, D.C. to take part in a living history festival - where everyone dons costumes of their favorite historical figures! Does Archie have what it takes to portray a Revolutionary War hero? Will Betty and Veronica fight over who will wear the Medieval Princess gown? Can Jughead rustle up some grub as a wild west cowboy? What kind of scoundrel will Reggie dress as? It's a trip through history filled with laughter and learning, as only the Archie gang can deliver!
SCRIPT: Arie Kaplan
ART: Pat Kennedy
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 10, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 23, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #255
"Double ‘W' Date": When Mr. Weatherbee's away, the boys will play...and their game of choice is "who will ask Wendy Weatherbee out first?!"
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz
"Wave Rave": Archie rides the waves on a surftastic day...but will he keep his eyes on the foamy waves or wavy forms of the bikini babes watching?
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: June 24, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 7, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #242
"Fashion Detectives": When big-name designers seek someone to help them expose counterfeit merchandise in stores, they turn to a true expert: Veronica! She's recruited both Betty and Nancy to help her, but what they uncover is more than faux fashion! Don't miss the high-fashion fun and intrigue!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Scenery": The story that proves one person's (Mr. Lodge's) idea of a private, peaceful beach is another's (Veronica's) idea of an isolated, boring beach!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Pets Rule": The beach has gone to the dogs - literally - as the girls convince the town to reserve a special area of the beach for people's pooches!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 17, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 30, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #195
"Betty in Wonderland": Betty reads "Alice in Wonderland" to the kids she's babysitting and realizes the characters are just like her friends in Riverdale. Deciding to tell the story from her point of view, she casts Veronica as "The Queen of Hearts" and offers Archie readers a chance to watch the whole Archie gang "through the looking glass!"
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
"Growing Pains": Betty and Veronica reminisce about how Veronica just had to have all the best, most expensive toys as a child...so what's changed?! Features "Little Archie" flashbacks from fan-favorite Bob Bolling.
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
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: June 17, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 30, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #172
"My Father's Betrayal, Part 3": The latest "New Look" saga has rocked Riverdale, with Veronica and her friends facing off against Mr. Lodge and his constituents as the teens try to keep a beloved nature preserve from becoming an industrial park! This issue, the debate rages on. Factory or forest? New jobs and low taxes or clear streams and tall trees? Now the protest hits the pavement as both sides hit the streets to march and counter-march. What will happen when both sides meet in front of Lodge industries? It's the story you just can't afford to miss, served up in the "realistic" art style that made Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble," Jughead's "Matchmakers," and Moose and Midge's "Breakup Blues" some of the most talked-about Archie stories in recent years! Famous superhero art team and Eisner Award nominees Rick Burchett and Terry Austin lend their formidable penciling and inking talents to this intriguing tale, brought to you by "New Look" scribe Melanie J. Morgan.
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
ART: Rick Burchett and Terry Austin
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 8, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 14, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #33
"The Screen Test": Bow wows mean big box office, so when a film crew scouts Riverdale for pooches with personality, Jughead and Hot Dog make the "scene"...and plan to stay as long as craft services keeps dishing out yummy chow!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
"A Reel Pain": When a "reality" show crew comes to Riverdale, the gang learns that things aren't always as "real" as they look!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
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: July 8, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 14, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #151
"The Big Meltdown": Jughead pretends to date Ethel to keep himself stuffed with her delicious homemade cookies, but he's mortified when photos of Ethel feeding him spread across the internet. Will his pride lead to a "breakup," or are his cravings for sweets too strong?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
"The Flip is a Flop": When Archie asks Jughead how to choose between Betty and Veronica, Jughead suggests he flip a coin...and flip some burgers in exchange for the advice!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Bob Bolling
"Fish Food": Jughead and his dad go on a fishing trip, and manage to catch a lot of snack food along the way!
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: June 17, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 30, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #132
"The Collectors": Dust off that knick-knack shelf - the gang is "collecting" their thoughts on the things they like to collect!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Test of Characters": Chuck and Nancy set out on a nice, peaceful stroll where they can be all alone...if only their friends didn't turn up around every corner!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Pop Goes the Ringtone": Frankie, Maria and Brigitte record a catchy jingle for Pop's Chocklit Shoppe...and the burger biz has never been better!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 10, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 23, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #103
"Finders Keepers, Part Three": THE SALEM SAGA CONTINUES! Things have gone from bad to worse for young Salem and his scruffy Uncle Mort. The wizard Todicus has been restored, but that spells even more trouble for our heroes! It's a race against time as Salem and Mort try to escape the Lizarmyn army. The question is - does everyone make it out? The answer may surprise you!
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn
ART: Chad Thomas
Massively magical cover by Chad Thomas!
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 17, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 30, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

VERONICA #195
"Archie or Archie": Veronica jets off to Paris on a month-long trip and is reunited with Lady Smitty, a family friend who accompanied Veronica on several trips over the years. It isn't long before Veronica meets Lady Smitty's nephew who just happens to be a hunk named Archie! The French Archie shows Veronica all the sights - the shops along the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Moulin Rouge, the Louvre museum and more! But what will happen when the Archie back in the U.S. finds out about Veronica's new friend? It's a tale of international love and adventure as only Veronica can get into, and the perfect lead-in to this month's VERONICA'S PASSPORT trade paperback collection spotlighting Veronica's most famous trips with her friend Lady Smitty!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 8, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 14, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

VERONICA'S PASSPORT VOLUME ONE
Pack your bags and renew your passport - it's time to take a trip with Veronica! Several, in fact! Traveling is a way of life for this jet-setting rich girl, and now you can relive some of Veronica's most memorable journeys in this trade paperback collection. Just make sure you're ready for anything - in addition to seeing all the great historical sites and tourist attractions, Veronica's been known to get involved with mysteries and adventures...not to mention a local boy or two! It's worldwide romance and intrigue with Veronica, Mr. Lodge, family friend Lady Smitty and special guest stars. Thrill to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum in France! Marvel at the Pantheon and Colosseum in Rome! Tour a Bollywood studio and the city of Bombay in India! Scale the heights of the Empire State Building and cross the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City! These are just a few of the marvelous landmarks you'll learn about as you share hilarious travels with Veronica! Includes fabulous pin-ups of fashions from each destination!
SCRIPTS: Hal Smith, George Gladir, Kathleen Webb, Chris Allan and Mark Waid
ART: Dan Parent.
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 24, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 7, 2009
96-page, full-color trade paperback
$9.95 U.S.

Lane Davies' next Shakespearean role opens soon in Tennessee

We've mentioned the Tennessee Shakespeare Festival before on this blog, and this year BRBTV will have the pleasure of attending the festival and seeing firsthand the performance of Lane Davies, our own (original) Mason Capwell of "Santa Barbara." (Look for a photo or two in latter July!)

If you're considering going to the show yourself, and even if you're not, you might enjoy the overview by The Murfreesboro Post on "The Bard in Bell Buckle." The first show, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," gets underway in just over a week. Thanks to Tracy for passing along this link!

This month, relive history with Archie and his friends

From Archie Comics

Archie and his friends are reliving history … and little do they know that reenacting history has a long history itself! Over the centuries, many historical events have been recreated by people acting out roles with faithful costumes and language. Such reenactments have included:

• The Roman restaging of famous battles as public spectacle
• Middle Age tournaments with historical themes from ancient cultures
• 19th century reenactments in Britain.
• 20th century commemorations of famous Russian military conquests
• Pageants celebrating great American events like the founding of St. Louis

To this day, historical reenactments, or “living history,” live on. Whether it’s a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, a Renaissance Faire, or one of many Civil War reenactments that occur each year, history is more alive than ever, thanks to the faithful role-players who don the costumes and mannerisms of their predecessors.

Now, Archie and his friends are making history too…but you won’t find it in a textbook. You’ll have to turn to ARCHIE & FRIENDS #132 to learn all about it. In the story “One Nation, Under Archie, Part 1,” Archie and his friends head for Washington, D.C. to take part in a living history festival – where everyone dons costumes of their favorite historical figures! Does Archie have what it takes to portray a Revolutionary War hero? Will Betty and Veronica fight over who will wear the Medieval Princess gown? Can Jughead rustle up some grub as a wild west cowboy? What kind of scoundrel will Reggie dress as? It’s a trip through history filled with laughter and learning, as only the Archie gang can deliver! Don’t miss the first part of this historical…and hysterical…two-part tale!

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #132
"One Nation, Under Archie, Part 1 of 2": Archie and his friends head for Washington, D.C. to take part in a living history festival -- where everyone dons costumes of their favorite historical figures! Does Archie have what it takes to portray a Revolutionary War hero? Will Betty and Veronica fight over who will wear the Medieval Princess gown? Can Jughead rustle up some grub as a wild west cowboy? What kind of scoundrel will Reggie dress as? It's a trip through history filled with laughter and learning, as only the Archie gang can deliver!
SCRIPT: Arie Kaplan
ART: Pat Kennedy
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 10, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 23, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

Archie creators hit the road again

Archie Comics creators (from top) Teresa Davidson, Joe Staton, Jim Amash, John Workman and Ian Flynn, will be at the Heroes Convention the weekend of June 19-21. They will be signing books, doing sketches, talking on panels.

HEROES CONVENTION
1957 E. Seventh St.
Charlotte, NC 28204
704-375-7462
http://www.heroesonline.com/heroescon.html

Friday, June 19, 2009 : 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 20, 2009 : 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 21, 2009 : 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

ADMISSION:
1-day Pass: $15 per person
3-day Pass: $30 per person
Kids 12 & Under get in FREE!

Erin Moore: A Capwell kid who's all grown up

She has some memories of interesting things from the set of our beloved "Santa Barbara," such as being chased around the room by Robin Mattson's Gina! You might only barely recognize her now, but you certainly will remember her antics as a young girl. She's Erin Moore, and with her twin sister Caitlin she shared the role of Samantha Wainwright Capwell, the baby we got to see become a little girl in the latter part of the series. BRBTV had the pleasure of chatting with Erin Moore about "SB" and what she's been up to since her days as the baby-contract kid of Julia and Mason.

Born Erin Elisabeth Moore in Glendale, California, in May 1987, this sweet gal is still into acting, for one thing. She's about to graduate from UCLA with a major of English and a minor in theater.
"I have been active in theatre for the last several years, actually," she tells BRBTV, "and I would love to get back into film and television. Now that I'm about done with school, I'm planning to devote more time to that. I really love what I've been doing with theatre, though, and honestly I'd be happy just doing Shakespeare and musicals!"

(Hmmm ... sounds a bit like her TV daddy, eh?)

Erin's actually been in a different kind of spotlight lately, too, in the recent news about actor James Franco's decision to pull out of his speaking engagement at this week's UCLA commencement ceremonies. Erin started the group that protested Franco's engagement, and she was included in the L.A. Times' coverage of the story. What began as a humble move on her part, simply to make the point that fellow student Franco was a peer, not a role model suitable for the speaking honor, sure got some ink.

Erin's twin Caitlin, meanwhile, just graduated from the University of Rochester with a dual major in Japanese and linguistics. She'll be pursuing a career as an elementary school teacher.

The two girls joined "SB" as babies in 1988, though Erin stayed on a year longer, until the very end of the series in 1993. So from those highly formative years, what exactly does Erin recall?

"There are so many scenes that I vividly remember!" she says. "One in particular was an episode in which I was in the hospital and Mason (Gordon Thomson) got into a fight with a male nurse, who was actually played by my real dad! I was pretty confused as to what to think of my real daddy fighting with my TV daddy. Another scene that stands out is from an episode close to the end of the series, when I fingerpainted on Lilly's wedding dress and Gina chased me around the living room. I was genuinely terrified!"

Indeed. Little Samantha not only sabotaged the dress for Lilly's nuptials to Ted Capwell, a blessed event so highly tended by Lilly's mom Gina, the girl also tucked away the invitations that were supposed to get mailed!

Ahhh ... the joy of youth. ... Youth on a popular soap opera, that is.

You can catch BRBTV's whole interview with Erin Moore in the next edition of the reference guide "Send Me to Santa Barbara." And look for an excerpt from another "SB" cast interview on this very blog in the next week or two ...

Photo courtesy of Erin Moore; copy at your own risk.

Archie Comics go digital with apps for iPhone

From Archie Comics

For the past 65 years you’ve only been able to read Archie Comics one way – on paper. Now that's changed. Archie Comics and iVerse Media have announced that Archie has gone digital and the first Archie Comics iPhone Apps are now available for download.

Experience Archie Andrews’ very first day of school at Riverdale High as he deals with bullies, best friends, and a love triangle that even 10th-grade geometry can’t solve! Now you can download the first issue of ARCHIE Freshman Year through the iTunes App Store — for free!

“Archie is one of the characters that define comics. When people think of comic books they typically think of superheroes and Archie. We’re very excited to bring such a great, family-friendly line of comics to the iPhone,” iVerse Media CEO Michael Murphey said. “What has impressed us the most is how forward-thinking the team at Archie Comics have been. The Digital Age of Comics is here, and Archie is leading the way.”

Originally published in Archie #587, FRESHMAN YEAR #1 is the first in a five-issue story arc and is a good starting point for new Archie fans. Also available is ARCHIE FRESHMAN YEAR #2 (Archie #588) for a 99-cent download to iPhone or iPod Touch. And keep your eyes peeled for the next three issues of ARCHIE Freshman Year coming soon!

"This is a great opportunity for getting our comics out to the millions of Archie fans worldwide. Michael Murphey and his team at iVerse are doing a tremendous job. iVerse is the perfect partner to bring Archie into the digital age," Jon Goldwater, CEO of Archie Comics, said. "We feel that with iVerse, Archie will attract new readers like never before, while offering a new and exciting way for our longtime fans to enjoy our comics. So whether you roll up your Archie comic in your back pocket or take it with you on your iPod, everything's Archie!"

More downloads will follow of Archie books like Little Archie, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Young Salem, and Katy Keene. Find out more at www.iversecomics.com/archie

BRBTV birthdays for June

- Robin Mattson, the second and perhaps liveliest Gina DeMott-Capwell-And-On-And-On on "Santa Barbara," turns 53 on June 1.
- David Haskell, the long-suffering Nick Hartley on "SB," was born on June 4, 1948 and died on August 30, 2000.
- Colleen Camp, the original Kristin Shepard on "Dallas," who also turned up as Bonnie Lane in the "Dukes of Hazzard" episode "Trouble at Cooter's," turns 56 on June 7.
- Alexis Smith, such a scene-eater as Lady Jessica Montford on "Dallas," was born on June 8, 1921 and died on the day after her birthday, 1993.
- Andrew Stevens, that young upstart Casey Denault on "Dallas," turns 54 on June 10.
- Sherman Howard, who was the voice of villain Derek Powers on "Batman Beyond," turns 60 on June 11.
- Adrienne Barbeau, the sultry voice of Catwoman on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 64 on June 11.
- Jenilee Harrison, the slightly ditzy Jamie Ewing on "Dallas," turns 50 on June 12.
- Waylon Jennings, our "Dukes of Hazzard" balladeer, was born on June 15, 1937 and died on February 13, 2002.
- Eileen Davidson, the last Kelly Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 50 on June 15.
- Aron Kincaid, the creepy Killer Croc on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 69 on June 15.
- Joan Van Ark, Lucy's mom Valene Ewing on "Dallas" and its spinoff "Knots Landing," turns 66 on June 16.
- Nedra Volz, our bright and feisty Miz Tisdale on "Dukes," was born on June 18, 1908 and died on January 20, 2003.
- Leigh McCloskey, who is a BRBTV triple-shot as Mitch Cooper on "Dallas" and both Zack Kelton and Ethan Asher on "Santa Barbara," turns 54 on June 21.
- Monte Markham, who played Clint Ogden on "Dallas," turns 74 on June 21.
- Paula Irvine, who played the second Lilly Light Blake on "SB," was born the same year as BRB and turns a neat 41 on June 22.
- Ted Shackelford, who was Gary Ewing on "Dallas" and its spinoff, "Knots Landing," turns 63 on June 23.
- John McIntire, who was Sen. Sam Culver on "Dallas," was born on June 27, 1907 and died January 30, 1991.
- Pamela Bellwood, whom we saw flip that lightswitch on "Dynasty" more times than we care to count, turns 58 on June 26.

Happy birthday to all!!

Archie's getting married? Betty or Veronica? (or Cheryl?) The lucky girl is ...

We generally hang on to the Archie Comics PR items until the release dates of the issues draw closer, but this is such a hot item, we just had to get it up on the blog right away ... History is about to be made, folks ...

From Archie Comics

The eternal love triangle is the cornerstone of Archie Comics for over 65 years — and the bane of Archie Andrews' existence! In fact, over the years it has not only defined the Betty / Archie / Veronica relationship, but has even threatened to dismantle it a time or 20.

Never was this more evident than in the landmark “Love Showdown” storyline from 1994 and ’95. When Archie Comics announced that Archie Andrews may finally choose between Betty and Veronica once and for all, the response from the media, fans and retailers alike was unprecedented — and with good reason! The landmark "Love Showdown" storyline threatened the certainty of the love triangle and all it stood for, nearly bringing an end to the friendships of all three characters as Archie chose old flame Cheryl Blossom at story’s end!

Readers had nothing to fear, as ultimately Cheryl wore out her welcome in Riverdale. While she’s been an occasional presence (and to Betty and Veronica, an occasional nuisance) in the past 15 years, life has returned to normal for Archie and his friends. And that includes his seemingly never-ending inability to choose between Betty and Veronica, no matter how many times he takes them out.

Without question, the “Love Showdown” was the most talked-about, most publicized and most popular Archie Comics story ever … until now! The past 15 years’ worth of love triangle status quo really could be facing extinction in a story that will rock the world of everyone in Riverdale and be sure to keep people talking for months on end!

In fact, we’ll even go so far as to call it the Archie Story of the Century. With a title like “Archie Marries Veronica Part 1: The Proposal,” how could we call it anything else?!

Could it be true? Has Archie finally decided to take the plunge and propose to comics’ favorite rich girl? It sure looks that way! Earlier this year readers got a chance to relive “Freshman Year” with the famous teens of Riverdale High. Now make way for this special story that takes a look at Archie and his friends after they graduate college! What careers will they seek? Will the friends stay in Riverdale or disperse? What would lead Archie to have marriage on his mind? And why would he choose Veronica over Betty? How will Betty react? Can Archie shake off his klutzy past and hold down a steady job… for more than a month? Two things are certain: with the Lodges as hosts, this will be the biggest wedding Riverdale has ever seen … and the biggest Archie Comics story since the famous “Love Showdown!”

Acclaimed superhero movie producer Michael Uslan draws upon his lifelong love of Archie comic books to write this very special tale, rendered by legendary Archie Comics artist Stan Goldberg! The Archie story of the century begins here… don’t miss it!

ARCHIE #600
Shipping: August 12, 2009
On sale at comic specialty shops: August 19, 2009
On sale on newsstands: September 1, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

Spotted: James Farentino

A cocky young kid in white high-waisted pants. That's our boy Nick Toscanni of "Dynasty," known to the rest of the world as James Farentino. At least that was our boy back in 1962, when this episode of "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" originally aired.

A couple decades before his character fell for Krystle Carrington, Farentino played Bernie, the son of the owner of a boarding house in the Sydney Pollack-directed episode, called "The Black Curtain." Bernie notices something strange about one of the boarders, discovering he's secretly a mobster accused of murder. Bernie decides to cash in on this fact, in-between verbally harassing unsuspecting young ladies. And Farentino is pretty handsome as a young street-smart guy.

Watch the episode courtesy of Hulu and MSN TV here:
http://beta.video.msn.com/play/?pid=om_S9FOCZ4_nQFh1Jo2D4Dzxzx3C6qNG&v=hulu

John Schneider sells TV shows to 2 cable networks

Our own Bo Duke, Mr. John Schneider of "The Dukes of Hazzard," updated fans via email today, noting how he's been workin' some interesting angles on future TV lineups.

"I managed to sell two shows last month based on stunts!" he says. "A reality show, 'Crash Test Dummies,' and a drama, 'The Dead Ringer.' One is to Spike and the other to USA. Right now I am pitching a show about finding the next world-class jockey and also a half-hour sitcom called 'Johnny Black.' 'Johnny Black' is one meeting away from being purchased by CMT! It centers on a world-famous bad-boy singer who is actually quite subdued at home. Me."

OK, well ... further testament to the fact that our John-John's not slowing down anytime soon. And pursuant to that, another note on what's coming up on Schneider's agenda:

Lightning Fest
August 7-8
Dyersville, Iowa
http://collector.johnnylightning.com/?xcid=jlhome

Joining Schneider will be BRBTV's bud Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club, along with his vast "Dukes of Hazzard" museum and car display.

Coming up in Archie Comics

ARCHIE #597
"A Typical Day": In this issue-length epic, a documentary film crew follows Archie and his friends through a "typical" day. But will the kids really act "typical" when they know they're being filmed? Will their true colors come out, or will the crafty film crew conspire to conceive contrivances for the "candid" kids? Don't miss this anything-but-typical issue!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic specialty shops: May 27, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 9, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #254
"The Last Day of School": The last day of school has arrived, and the teens may be surprised to find that the faculty is looking forward to their "vacation" as much as the kids are!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Tim Kennedy
"Swing Time": Archie, Reggie and Jughead reminisce about how they used to swing from and through the trees as little kids, but when they attempt to try it again, they learn just to "leaf" some memories alone!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
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: May 20, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 2, 2009
88-page, full color digest
$2.69 U.S.

ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #199
"Thinking of Sinking": Archie is given a boat that's a real fixer-upper, but will this rickety-raft be enough to float Betty and Veronica's boats?
SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Old Fashioned Guy": Tired of a world addicted to high-tech gadgets, Archie "takes a hike" – literally – to get away from it all!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Pat Kennedy
"The Report": The local newspaper sends its newest interns, Archie and Jughead, to cover girls' sports and safety, but the only ones out of the safety zone are Archie and Jughead!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

BETTY #180
"The Prom Crashers, Part 2": Picking up from VERONICA #194, the prom crashing continues! Betty and Veronica have both endured their fair share of memorable proms since Archie's debut in the 1940s. A constant source of drama and mayhem, the school prom has long sent the eternal love triangle of Veronica, Archie and Betty to the brink. Now, Betty and Veronica form an alliance to face the source of much of their past prom grief: Cheryl Blossom! They've crashed Pembrooke's prom, and Archie has followed along for damage control – but what if the girls don't want Archie to save them? Do they have designs on Cheryl's date and the other eligible Pembrooke pals? Will Archie take his chances with a Pembrooke gal? And what's happening back at Riverdale's own prom? Grab your tux, gown, cummerbund and corsage and join the fun!
SCRIPT: Dan Parent
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 3, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 16, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #89
GET SET TO WAX UP YOUR BOARD AND RIDE THE WAVES IN THIS SURF-TACULAR ISSUE!
"Surf's Up": When a reality show about a hunky surfer hits Riverdale, guess which rich girl is first in line to be an extra? "Catch the Wave!": Rainy days don't put a damper on Betty and Veronica's surfing – not when they can "surf indoors" with their interactive "Whee" gaming system!
SCRIPTS AND ART: Dan Parent
PLUS: Summer fun fashions and quizzes!
On sale at comic specialty shops: May 13th, 2009
On sale on newsstands: May 26th, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #194
"Class Action!": The girls think summer means a break from education, but little do they realize just how educational their recreational plans are!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
"All at Sea": Veronica is happy to have Archie to herself for the maiden voyage of her dad's new cruise ship, but when circumstances cause Archie to stay behind with Betty, he's cruising for a bruising!
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: May 13, 2009
On sale on newsstands: May 26, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #171
"My Father's Betrayal, Part 2": The latest "New Look" saga has rocked Riverdale, with Veronica and her friends facing off against Mr. Lodge and his constituents as the teens try to keep a beloved nature preserve from becoming an industrial park! Last issue, the problem came to light. This issue, it's time for action! Petitions...posters...publicity...public meetings...it's all part of a multi-tiered strategy by the teens to bring the plight of the forest to the public. They even enlist a botany professor to join their protest! But when people on both sides of the issue debate, the problem is grayer than ever. Who will prevail? Can a compromise be reached before the trees all come down? It's the story you just can't afford to miss, served up in the "realistic" art style that made Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble," Jughead's "Matchmakers," and Moose and Midge's "Breakup Blues" some of the most talked-about Archie stories in recent years! Famous superhero art team and Eisner Award nominees Rick Burchett and Terry Austin lend their formidable penciling and inking talents to this intriguing tale, brought to you by "New Look" scribe Melanie J. Morgan.
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
ART: Rick Burchett and Terry Austin
PLUS: Other new and classic tales
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: May 27, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 9, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

JUGHEAD #195
"The Milkweed Lament": Who is Pop Tate's best and steadiest customer? Everyone would say Jughead, of course, but they've somehow overlooked the mysterious Mr. Milkweed! What lengths will Jug go to in order to ensure that he is number one? "The Sandman": Jug's pals build a sand sculpture worthy of the big award. They just should have looked more closely before building it on top of Jughead! "Appetitement Excitement!": Jughead gets more thrills, chills and spills at the theme park's snack stand than the rest of the gang does from the rides!
SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman
ART: Rex Lindsey
On sale at comic specialty shops: May 20, 2009
On sale on newsstands: June 2, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #150
150th ISSUE SPECTACULAR
"Rip Van Juggie": After gorging himself in a hot dog eating contest, Jughead falls into a deep sleep...and envisions a future that can cause more nightmares than even too many hot dogs!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
"Meat of Champions": Reggie is certain that Jughead's choppers have finally met their match when Jughead accepts the new steakhouse's "eat a 72 ounce steak in 60 seconds" challenge!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Fernando Ruiz
"Family Resemblance": Put on your hazard gear – it's an Andrews family reunion, and clumsiness runs in the family!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
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: May 13, 2009
On sale on newsstands: May 26, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #102
"Finders Keepers, Part Two": The thrills and spills continue as we look back on Salem's life as a young wizard! Salem and his Uncle Mort are deep inside the cavern fortress of the evil Lizarmyn in search of treasure – and nothing is going right! Can Salem change the frog-wizard Todicus back to normal, or will they wind up on a Lizarmyn dinner table?! This dilemma is more than the pair can "digest," but they're determined to be removed from the menu!
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn
PENCILS: Chad Thomas
INKS: Jim Amash
Massively magical cover by Chad Thomas!
On sale at comic specialty shops: May 13, 2009
On sale on newsstands: May 26, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

Bowling champs Chris and Lynda Barnes make an Archies appearance

From Archie Comics

Over the years, Archie Comics has presented many "real people" in its pages. Sometimes they appeared in parody form, with satirical versions of their names and likenesses used. Other times, the actual people lent their names and likenesses. A wide-range of "real" folks, from school librarians to comic shop owners to famous celebrities like Don Kirschner, Glenn Scarpelli and The Veronicas have appeared in Archie Comics-form.

The trend of having real people appear in Archie comics continues this issue. Real-life husband-and-wife team Chris and Lynda Barnes are noted for winning the most prestigious titles in bowling: Chris is the PBA player of the year and Lynda the 2008 USBC Queens champion. Now, bowling’s reigning championship couple thrills Archie Comics readers in the story "7-10 Slip" from PALS 'N GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #131.

It all starts when Pop Tate breaks his arm in a fall. Naturally, the kids want to help, so they rally together to raise money for his medical bills. While their individual efforts to use their talents to raise funds are noble, the gang soon realizes they need some extra-special help. They call in Chris and Lynda Barnes for a special charity bowling event that attracts the attention of the whole town. With Chris and Lynda on board, it’s the most "striking" Archie story yet!

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #131
"7-10 Slip": When Pop Tate breaks his arm in a fall, the kids rally together to raise money for his medical bills. They get some help from real-life bowling champions Chris and Lynda Barnes. This husband-and-wife team is noted for winning the most prestigious titles in bowling: Chris is the PBA player of the year and Lynda the 2008 USBC Queens champion. Now they'll "bowl" you over Archie Comics style, in the most "striking" story yet!
SCRIPT: Stephen Oswald.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
"Music to my Ears": Frankie Valdez decides to cut a singing demo, but when Maria discovers all of Frankie's backup singers are female, their love song hits a sour note!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
"Bypass the Gas": At Miss Grundy's urging, the teens decide to use alternate methods of transportation to save fuel. Will the idea take off, or will it "run out of gas?"
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.
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: May 6, 2009
On sale on newsstands: May 19, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

Bat-Blog does a guest shot in the L.A. Times, and Motor City is the place to be this weekend!

Our buddy Tommy of the Bat-Blog lends his expertise to the Los Angeles Times today, listing the top 10 Batman vintage collectibles! Is that fun or what? Check it out:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2009/05/top-10-vintage-batman-toys-for-your-inner-boy-wonder.html

Meanwhile, now's the time to drop in on the Motor City. At least this weekend's the time, when the annual mind-blowing Motor City Comic Con gets underway once again at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan. Not only will Dan Parent of Archie Comics be there to chat with fans and draw some cool stuff, but you might just be blessed enough to encounter two of the Big Three of "The Dukes of Hazzard." John Schneider (Bo Duke) and Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke) are scheduled to appear! (And speaking of the Big Three, call it one-and-a-half-and-another-half for our beloved "Three's Company": Joyce Dewitt, Priscilla Barnes and Richard Kline!)

And in the "Dallas" corner, the Ultimate Dallas site has a brand-spankin'-new interview up with Mr. Patrick Duffy, our own hunky Bobby Ewing, man of our dreams. (Did we mention he's hot?) Get it while it's hot off the press, so to speak: http://ultimatedallas.com/dallasinterviews/

Archie Comics launches mobile comics program

From Archie Comics

MAY 11, 2009, MAMARONECK, NY—Archie Comics makes the leap into the digital world of mobile content today with the launch of a new app for the iPhone.

Co-President Victor Gorelick explained: “Archie Comics has always worked with legendary creators to create funny stories. Over the years, we have been successful in bringing those stories to each new generations. The new iPhone application allows us to better reach the next generation of Archie fans. We have always provided our readers with the best reading experience possible, and this new endeavor is no exception. People have come to expect high-quality, humorous entrainment, and we always do our very best to deliver that to our fans with every comic.”

Co-President Fred Mausser said, “We are excited about the possibilities of the new iPhone application. This will be another format for our fans to enjoy digital Archie Comics. The iPhone is an evolution for the comics industry and we look forward to bringing our tradition of humor and mirth into this new medium.”

Managing Editor Mike Pellerito said, “iPhone apps an area where Archie Comics foresees significant growth. We are focusing on iTunes with our partner iVerse. Selling our comics directly to fans electronically will expand our ability to get our comics in the hands of our fans in a whole new way. We have been included in the iPhone app with Comicology since their launch earlier this year and comics as a whole are doing very well on iTunes.”

Spotted: George Kennedy

Walker-wielding but still looking good, George Kennedy, our own Carter McKay of "Dallas," was a delight to see in the 2007 flick "Sands of Oblivion" on the Sci Fi Channel. In the movie, Kennedy is John Tevis, a rather exuberant and obsessed older gentlemen searching in the California desert for a piece of the set of Cecil B. DeMille's "Ten Commandments" buried many decades earlier. The item, purported to be an actual Egyptian artifact, is of special significance to him.

Kennedy shares the desert scenes with the hunky Victor Webster of the syndicated "Mutant X," who plays his grandson, as well as Adam Baldwin, the non-Baldwin-Brother megahunk BRBTV just can't get enough of on NBC's "Chuck."

You can't really say that Kennedy is slowing down since his days at Weststar Oil. He has a brand-new project in the works, "Six Days in Paradise."

Morgan Fairchild, Linda Gray featured on celebrity merchandise site

"Your online store for purchasing authentic celebrity memorabilia from some of your favorite stars" ... so says FanSourceCelebritySales.com, which starts out its biz with three classic TV stars. All of them are female, all are liked by BRBTV, and two are part of the BRBTV family!

Morgan Fairchild and Linda Gray of "Dallas" -- the former, one of the Jenna Wades, and the latter, the one and only Sue Ellen Ewing -- are two of the three, and there's an assortment of fun stuff you can buy in their name. Quite literally. Because often they sign the stuff. It's one-of-a-kind stuff, too.

Fairchild's assortment is mostly clothing, but there is a nice little nugget -- an autographed script from her "Dallas" appearance. For Gray, you can snag a Southfork watch, her own flashlight gift to the "Dallas" crew members, and other goodies.

Since the third actress featured on the site is our beloved Lindsay Wagner (and we already own that Bionic Woman doll and board game ... alas ...), let's hope FanSource plans to expand this site to many, many more great classic TV stars.

BRBTV birthdays for May

- Lance LeGault, who is a BRBTV triple-shot as Al Halliday on "Dallas," Ray Bonning on "Dynasty" and Les Sloane on "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 74 on May 2.
- Melissa Gilbert, the "Little House on the Prairie" star who was the original voice of Barbara Gordon and Batgirl on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 45 on May 8.
- Jeanna Michaels, who was Lydia Saunders on "Santa Barbara" and secretary Connie on "Dallas," turns 53 on May 9.
- Denver Pyle, the venerable Uncle Jesse of "The Dukes of Hazzard," was born on May 11, 1920, and died on December 25, 1997.
- Karen Cellini, who took over the role of Amanda Carrington on "Dynasty," celebrates her 51st birthday on May 13.
- Nina Arvesen, "Santa Barbara"'s long-suffering Angela Raymond whom you kinda had to keep your eye on, turns 48 on May 16.
- Priscilla Pointer, who played Pam's mom Rebecca Wentworth on "Dallas," turns 85 on May 18.
- Pointer's castmate on "Dallas," Gail Strickland, who portrayed Veronica Robinson, was also born on May 18, turning 62.
- Richard Hatch, who put temptation in the face of Claudia Blaisdel as Dean Caldwell on "Dynasty," and also was a brief (original) Stephen Slade on "Santa Barbara," turns 64 on May 21.
- Priscilla Presley, the lovely (third and final) Jenna Wade on "Dallas," turns 64 on May 24.
- Barbara Stock, who was Liz Adams on "Dallas," turns 53 on May 26.
- Shannon Kenny, who was the voice of villain Inque on "Batman Beyond," turns a young 38 on May 26.
- Adrian Paul, who was Kolya (Nikolai) Rostov on "The Colbys," turns 50 on May 29.
- Ted McGinley, the handsome Clay Fallmont on "Dynasty," turns 51 on May 30.
- Omri Katz, the bright John Ross Ewing III on "Dallas," turns a young 33 on May 30.
- David Ackroyd, who was the original Gary Ewing on "Dallas," then played Lt. Fred Merrill on "Dynasty," turns 69 on May 30.

Happy birthday to all!