Coming up in Archie Comics

ARCHIE #582
"A Calculated Risk": The timely topics of feeling pressured to excel academically and cheating to do so are addressed in this issue-length epic, filled with drama, intrigue, and of course the warmth and humor Archie Comics fans have come to expect. Which students will succumb to temptation? Will honesty and integrity triumph? There’s a lesson to be learned for everyone in this important yet entertaining tale.
SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale on newsstands: March 4, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #116
"Teen Paparazzi": When a big-budget movie shoots on location in Riverdale, Reggie, ever seeing dollar signs, is determined to be the prince of paparazzi photographers. His big break comes when Veronica reveals her mansion is being used for the movie. Little does he know he has competition from Archie! Who will win this battle of the shutterbugs?
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Back on Track": Get set for more racing action as Riverdale’s #1 female racecar driver, Betty Cooper, gets behind the wheel once more!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale on newsstands: February 26, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE’S DOUBLE DIGEST #186
"Bird Brainer": Archie installs a birdbath near his bedroom window so he can hear their delightful singing – until a viewing of a vintage horror film casting his feathered friends as fiends leads to a nightmare most "fowl!"
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Pat Kennedy.
"Company Picnic": Archie and Betty finally have a picnic all to themselves… or do they?
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Henry Scarpelli.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
PLUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: March 4, 2008
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

BETTY #172
"The Green Scene": The girls decide to give a trophy to the boy who does the most to help reduce global warming, in this amusing tale filled with useful environmental tips.
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Let Them Eat Cake": Betty has the perfect recipe to cheer everyone up on a gloomy day – bake a cake!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"A Friend Indeed": When Betty demos a robo-dog, Carmel the cat does everything she can to remind her owner she’s "the cat’s meow!"
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Idiomatic Expression": You’ll "bust a gut" reading this "mad as a March hare" tale where ridiculous thoughts are used to express everyone’s feelings!
SCRIPT: Barbara Slate. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale on newsstands: March 11, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #234
"A Battle Royal": This time, it really looks like the damage is irreparable and Betty and Veronica’s friendship is over for good. But then again, appearances can be deceiving! Is this really the end?
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Jeff Shultz.
"On the Trail of the Scent": It’s the return of Cricket O’Dell, the girl who can sniff out money – and just in time! Veronica has lost her first-ever $100 bill. With Cricket on the trail, it literally has "scent"-imental value!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Ads That Add Up": And now, let’s pause for a word from Riverdale’s teens, as the girls enter a homemade commercial contest!
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale on newsstands: March 18, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #81
"How Green Can You Go?": Led by Tomoko and her brother Akira, the kids at Riverdale High decide to "go green" in a big way, by having an eco-friendly winter dance. But the only "green" Veronica is willing to commit to is money! Will she change her mind when her father offers to host the dance in the new solar-powered wing of his estate? Or will it take one hunky enviro-boy to make her see the light? Don’t miss this exciting story loaded with off-the-grid environmental tips and off-the-chart laughs!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale on newsstands: February 26, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #182
"Love Is Nasty, part 3: How’s Tricks?" Riverdale’s newest couple, Cheryl Blossom and Reggie, are drawing more and more attention as Archie and company wonder if the two lovebirds sappy for each other, or if they’re just playing everybody else for saps!
"That’s News to Me": Taking a job at the Riverdale Gazette as a second-string reporter, Betty’s friend Tomoko makes her bid for first string by searching for the human stories behind thrilling headlines. SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
On sale on newsstands: March 18, 2008
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #27
"A Sign of the Times": Fresh from subbing for Archie as a sign twirler (back in JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #24), Jughead gives a new "spin" to the business by becoming a recruiter. But how long will Riverdale High’s cheerleaders stand for the school’s star athletes being too busy twirling signs to date them?
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Bill Galvan.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
PLUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: March 11, 2008
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #138
It’s another walk down memory lane, only this time it’s Jughead doing the walking! In 2007, fans were thrilled to read the entire first issue of ARCHIE COMICS from 1942, reprinted in its entirety in ARCHIE DIGEST #236. That issue was augmented by Archie’s first appearance from PEP COMICS #22, as well as a brand-new tale where the Archie of today met the Archie of yesteryear. Now, history repeats itself all over again as we present 1949’s JUGHEAD #1 in its entirety… along with a brand-new tale of Jughead meeting his own earlier incarnation! Enjoy the crowned one’s antics in hysterical tales as he gets mixed up with weird science experiments, football foul-ups, and his cousin, Souphead! All this, plus the first-ever appearance of Moose, too!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
PLUS: "When Jughead Meets Jughead ": When Jughead accidentally wanders down "Memory Lane", the same street that Archie found himself meeting himself on in ARCHIE DIGEST #236, well it’s déjà vu all over again! The Jug of the past is fascinated by the modern Jug’s gadgets, while the Jug of today can’t believe how many hours of entertainment a quarter could buy in a 1940s movie theater! And that’s just the start of their crazy comparisons and contrasts. Don’t miss the double trouble fun – order your copy today!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
On sale on newsstands: March 18, 2008
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #119
"Filmmaking Frenzy": To show his parents that his interest in filmmaking is a positive thing, Raj offers to film the school play and sell the DVD’s as a school fund raiser. With Archie and his friends involved, there are sure to be enough bloopers and outtakes for a special edition!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
PLUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: March 11, 2008
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #92
"The Turning – The Finale": Sabrina has turned evil and is running wild! Llandra is so desperate to find a way to get Sabrina back to normal, she's even asked Sabrina's magical tutor Bartholomew for help. Will embracing the dark side of magic be Sabrina's final choice, and if so, can the magic realm and mortal realm combined possibly be strong enough to deal with this new dark power?
SCRIPT: Tania Del Rio. ART: Tania Del Rio & Jim Amash.
Spellbinding cover by Tania Del Rio & Jim Amash!
On sale on newsstands: March 18, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #27
"Hair Raising!": When Mr. Weatherbee’s niece lets one of her critters loose in school, her uncle gives her detention… where she learns all about how her father and uncle – twin brothers – were two very different sides of the same coin!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
PLUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: February 26, 2008
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

VERONICA #187
"Story of My Life": When even Cheryl Blossom takes Veronica to task for being rotten to her, Veronica demands a makeover from the writers and editor. From now on, she wants to be nice … but the editor has something else in mind! Can the writer stall Veronica long enough for her to come back to her senses, or has she exited her own tale halfway through? This story doesn’t just break the fourth wall, it obliterates it!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
"Over the Top": Break out the props and costumes, there’s a new trend in town: theatrical prom proposals!
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Dan Parent.
"The Make-Over": Veronica thinks a change in style is just what Smithers needs to win the girl of his dreams. But true love doesn’t always come with a designer logo attached!
SCRIPT: Barbara and Samantha Slate. ART: Dan Parent.
On sale on newsstands: March 4, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Ask John Schneider, really!

Thanks to Renee at the All-John blog once again for the tipoff on this one ... Fans of John Schneider, our buddy Bo Duke, have an additional way to meet 'n' greet, so to speak. Schneider is being featured on Broadway.com's Ask a Star feature for his new role in "Chicago."

Yes, our good ole boy of "The Dukes of Hazzard" seems to be following in the footsteps of his on-screen cuz, taking on the stage role of Billy Flynn, noted "city-slicker." (And the photo of him on Broadway.com is slick, to say the least! It may even be a few others things that we won't go into! Sorry, this is a chick talkin'!)

Your deadline for sending your own question on to Schneider is Friday, February 8:
http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=559496

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Victoria Principal is getting closer and closer to that space journey she's been jockeying for. Our lovely "Dallas" star has ponied up, quite frankly, putting up some cash to get in on one of Richard Branson's galactic jaunts. Test flights of the Virgin Records mogul's new spaceship begin later this year, Reuters reports. Principal will be paying an out-of-this-world $200,000 for her trip.

"Santa Barbara" actress survives a troubled life -- and tells her story

In the early days of "Santa Barbara," she played Sally Taylor, the high-school friend of Joe Perkins who got him a job after he was released from prison. She's been married for a couple decades to "Eight is Enough" star Willie Aames (and has even starred with him in his highly fun and engaging "Bible Man"). She's also led a very interesting life.

She's Maylo McCaslin, and her story, along with Aames' story, is told in the new memoir "Grace Is Enough." Published by B&H Books, a Nashville-based Christian publisher, the book tells the story of McCaslin's escape from poverty, rape and drugs.

You might have had no idea, when you saw Sally Taylor on screen, that the actress playing her was a former runaway drug addict, in her young 20s, just meeting the love of her life in 1985 (thankfully, the man who would help her turn her life around).

Read more about the Aameses and their book at the Los Angeles Times:
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-aames22jan22,1,637257.story?coll=la-entnews-tv-topstories

As the Times observes, McCaslin and her husband represent "the self-reliant vanguard of an emerging critique of born-again Christianity." They have some interesting things to say about traditional, conservative churches.

Tom Wopat gets honors, Linda Gray continues to dazzle 'em in Ireland

Sheri, the web gal of Wopat.com, reports some exciting news in the world of our own Luke Duke:

"On January 21, the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle honored 'A Catered Affair,' the show Tom opened there last fall," Sheri says. "The show, itself, received the award for Outstanding New Musical. Faith Prince, performing with Tom in the show, was honored with Lead Performance in a Musical (female), and Tom received the award for Lead Male in a Musical!"

So cool! "In addition to his jazz shows across the country," Sheri continues, "Tom will be appearing in 'A Catered Affair' when it opens on Broadway this spring. Be sure to keep an eye on Tom's website for new tour dates and other exciting news."

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Linda Gray's trip to Ireland has generated some more ink, along with a lovely full-color, full-page photo. Read more about it at the Independent.

Subtract one General Lee, add a little cash and a commercial or two

It certainly was John Schneider's weekend. Not only did our own Bo Duke unload his beloved General Lee for a cool near-half-mil at the Barrett-Jackson auto auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, his new Zaxby's TV commercials launched. There he was on one channel, jumping on the trunk lid and singing the "Dukes of Hazzard" theme song. There he was on another channel, on our break from "Disclosure" starring Michael Douglas and Demi Moore (do ya get Peachtree TV? probably not, but it's kinda fun), smiling his million-dollar smile and saying "Hi, I'm John Schneider and I'm an actor!" Yea, John-John, as if we didn't know!

If you haven't seen the Zaxby's ads, you can watch them online (special nod to the All-John blog for the tip-off):
http://www.zaxbys.com/zaxtv.html

And of course, as per usual, Schneider's not the only "Dukes" cast member out and about. Special thanks to Dustin Edsall of Michigan, who sent us this shot of himself and Mr. Ben Jones, known as that ole Cooter, at the World of Wheels event in Grand Rapids a little over a week ago. Fun!

Christopher Coffey just has teaching in his genes, evidently

You may recall, in the early years of "Dallas," that our little gal Lucy Ewing attended college. Her granddaddy Jock's alma mater, it was -- Southern Methodist University. And at that fine institution of higher learning, Lucy developed a fascination with her professor, Greg Forrester.

Christopher Coffey was appropriately cast as Forrester, because now, years later, guess what he's doing? He's teaching! BRBTV connected with Coffey while researching the print edition of "Destination: Dallas," and you can read our interview with him there (see last Friday's post). But we also like to keep up with what he's doing from time to time, in his role as a successful behavioral coach and workshop leader.

Coming up on Coffey's agenda are some March workshops on the UCLA campus. Specifically, he's teaching "Leadership Styles for Influencing Others" and "Coaching: Help Successful People Get Better." You can learn more about Coffey and his UCLA courses here:
http://www.christophercoffey.com/html/leadership.htm
http://www.uclaextension.edu/index.cfm?href=/departmentalpages/index.cfm&department=/shortcourses/management/index.cfm

Pretty good stuff. We wish him well.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," will do some promotional work for the Athens, Georgia-based Zaxby's restaurant chain. You can read more about it at FastCasual.com. Ironically, one of the other celebrities who'll be doing the Zaxby's campaign, "American Idol" Season Three runner-up Diana DeGarmo, is from Snellville, Georgia, the city Schneider originally claimed he was from ("Snail-ville," he said with a drawl) when he auditioned for the role of Bo as a young'un.

Ian Abercrombie in "Bentley and Max"

We reported last July that our faithful Capwell butler, Phillip, of "Santa Barbara," had defected to the Dark Side -- to the "Star Wars" realm. Well, it looks like Ian Abercrombie's new series has been postponed to this coming fall or the next fall. In the meantime, though, Abercrombie has been working on another project.

Now, you've gotta love "Bentley and Max," not only because it features Abercrombie, but also because it's set in the comic-book convention circuit. Could anything be funner? It also will feature Deborah Van Valkenburgh of the old "Too Close for Comfort" sitcom (when's the last time you've seen her? BRBTV did have the opportunity to meet her on-screen sis, the very gracious Lydia Cornell, at the Motor City Comic Con; see our May 26, 2006 post).

Written and directed by Michael Allen Angel, "Bentley and Max" is a comedy that's filming in Las Vegas. The plotline, from the IMDb: "Set against the world of comic book conventions and traveling from West Hollywood to Sin City to the Big Apple and back again, BENTLEY AND MAX follows that rocky road to romance where insecurities become tall buildings, faith becomes more powerful than any locomotive, and love is the ultimate speeding bullet."

The movie is scheduled for release this year.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Warner Bros. has issued the official word on the next DVD installment in the "Dallas" series. TVShowsonDVD has the goods.

"Dukes" items abound on eBay

Need to find the perfect gift for that "Dukes of Hazzard" fan in your life? Have we got a deal for you! (At least, the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club has a deal for you!) Occasionally we're happy to highlight items for sale on eBay related to the shows covered by BRBTV. Today, we turn our attention to a bevy of goodies listed under the seller name canadian--dukes ...

- Catherine Bach, aka DAISY DUKE, on a DAISY PRINT 11" by 17" laminated signed by Catherine Bach and also signed by the artist, Matt Busch (go, Matt! he's so talented, and he's a friend of BRB!).

- Jerry Rushing, aka ACE PARKER, on a Dukes of Hazzard watch.

- Jack Gordon, aka HONEST JOHN LEDBETTER, on a Dukes of Hazzard watch.

- Ben Jones, aka COOTER DAVENPORT, signed Sperryville, Virginia, DukesFest 2001 VW Matchbox van.

To see all of this seller's items:
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZcanadian--dukes

Plus, the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club also has a few other autographed items that are not on eBay:

-Don Pedro Colley, aka SHERIFF LITTLE, on a Hair Dare Dukes Weekend Car Show & Swap Meet 2007 for cancer research event T-shirt

- Paul Casey, the ELVIS impersonator in Las Vegas on a Hair Dare Dukes Weekend Car Show & Swap Meet 2007 for cancer research event T-shirt

- Billie Rae Bates (who's that? oh, author of THEM DUKES! THEM DUKES!) on a few of her books that she signed for during Hair Dare Dukes Weekend Car Show & Swap Meet 2007 for Cancer research.

To contact the seller directly for the non-eBay items, email cdndukes@mnsi.net.

Meanwhile, elsewhere on eBay ... we just had to mention this cute little T-shirt, in honor of our beloved "Dynasty." You don't see 'em too often. This auction ends in a few days:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dynasty-80s-tv-soap-opera-retro-t-shirt_W0QQitemZ300190055849QQcmdZViewItem?IMSfp=TL0801130938a14623

If you've got some fun eBay stuff celebrating these classic TV shows that you'd like to let folks know about, we welcome your email.

"Batman: Gotham Knight" follows Warner Bros.' animated feature trend

Bruce Timm and Alan Burnett, two of the creative forces behind our beloved "Batman: The Animated Series" and its varous offshoots, have done it again. "Batman: Gotham Knight" is an anthology of anime-inspired shorts revolving around our Caped Crusader, coming straight to DVD. Burnett is writing, and Timm is directing.

ComicBookMovie.com has more:
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/news/articles/4198.asp

And there's a discussion about the DVD on Forumopolis:
http://www.forumopolis.com/showthread.php?t=66177

The DVD is scheduled for 2008 release, according to its IMDb page.

Also in the world of animation for DC / Warner Bros., the straight-to-DVD feature "Wonder Woman" could be close to securing its star voice. TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reports that Keri Russell is in advanced talks for the title role. Well, we did enjoy "Felicity" (we were always partial to buddy Amy Jo Johnson -- Pink Ranger rocks!!!!). The "WW" feature is said to be, of course, in the same vein as not only the aforementioned "Batman: Gotham Knight" but also the "Justice League: New Frontier" and "Superman: Doomsday" feature movies mentioned in earlier posts of this blog.

It makes every bit of sense that now is the time Warner Bros. would be doing an animated feature on the fabbo Amazon princess -- they are planning a live-action feature, after all. Of course, they've been planning that live-action feature for quite a while, and this is a role that could really make a budding actress' career. Let's at least hope this animated feature signals that the awaited live-action one is getting closer to the big screen.

Boy, oh, boy, we'll tell ya one thang ... we are ALL OVER that merchandise, when it hits! Target and Wal-Mart workers, steer clear ...

Linda Gray and Charlene Tilton take Dublin by storm

Run, don't walk, over to:
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/you-can-take-the-girls-out-of-dallas-1265138.html
There you'll find some fresh photos of two of our lovely ladies of "Dallas." Linda Gray (Sue Ellen Ewing) and Charlene Tilton (Lucy Ewing) are profiled by the Dublin Independent, in town to celebrate the six-month anniversary of the opening of Newbridge Silverware's Museum of Style Icons.

"It was a magical time," Gray says of her time on our beloved show. "I wasn't a young starlet, though, so I got to see it as an adult."

"I was quite focused back then, to be honest," Tilton says of her "Dallas" days. "In fact, if anything I'm wilder now. And I have to tell you, it's not so pretty."

Also in the "Dallas" realm, the Minneapolis / St. Paul City Pages offers an interesting commentary on the upcoming "Dallas" big-screen treatment:
http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2008/01/breakfast_of_ch_47.php

Announcing the print edition of "Destination: Dallas"

Ahhhh, what a long, wonderful road it's been, developing the BRBTV realm of classic '80s TV show websites into a set of reference books and shortie reports ... "Destination: Dallas," celebrating all that is Ewing, was actually the first of the websites to be built within BRBTV, and now it's the third BRBTV fact book to hit the hot presses.

Brand-new on Amazon, BookSurge, Target.com and other e-tailers:

The new print edition of Book 2 of the BRBTV fact book series

Destination: Dallas

"Destination: Dallas" is the largest of the three print books of the BRBTV series, with 314 whopping pages. Its detailed cast list, character guide, episode guide and all sorts of "fun and useless" information about the show and its stars make it a must for anyone who can't get enough of J.R. Ewing. Plus, "Destination: Dallas" includes an expanded celeb interview section. You'll read about how Sasha Mitchell, Audrey Landers and other cast members have lived in the "Dallas" lore since the show went off the air and what they're doing now.

"Destination: Dallas" is available for $18.99 retail at:
Amazon
Target.com
BookSurge.com
And other e-tailers ...

You can also order a signed copy directly from BRB on the BRBTV 10th Anniversary page.

Learn more about "Destination: Dallas" at BRBTV's official press release:

http://www.pressbox.co.uk/detailed/Entertainment/Author_releases_reference_guide_to_TV_s_Dallas__165221.html
http://www.prlog.org/10044676-author-releases-reference-guide-to-tv-dallas.html

Michael Praed, Simon MacCorkindale take to the stage in Windsor

So where on earth has that Michael Praed been, anyway? Our own Prince Michael of Moldavia of "Dynasty" does have something new brewing. He's performing in the play "Sleuth" in Windsor, Ontario, later this month.

Praed's role is Milo Tindle, the lover of the main character's life (you may recall the movie version of "Sleuth" with Michael Caine in this role).

"TV opened a lot of doors for me," says Praed in the Bucks Free Press. "I really do look back on those years with fondness."

The play also stars Simon MacCorkindale (he's the guy at odds with Praed's character!), known to us "Dynasty" fans as Billy Dawson and us "Dukes of Hazzard" fans as Gaylord Duke in the episode "The Duke of Duke."

Find out more about this production of "Sleuth" at the Theatre Royal Windsor's site.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: "The Dukes of Hazzard" makes a showing in a quiz on '80s television at Honolulu's KITV.com. Test your knowledge and take the quiz (the "Dukes" question is easy, of course, but what about the others?): http://www.kitv.com/sh/quizine/833403/index.html

"Dukes" museum gets its floor joists

The "Dukes of Hazzard" museum in Ontario, Canada, continues to take shape. And winter weather is sure not a deterrent for this fine project ...

"We now have 12' feet of floor joists up, and another 8' to go to complete only half of the 40' feet for the overall floor space," says Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club, who owns the property. "This section is 20' by 24' ."

Paul jokes that in the photo below, he's having his "first cup of tea up in the 'Dukes' room, lol, almost 14' off the ground."

He continues, "Each board is 24' long , and these are a true 9 1/2" by 2" boards, very heavy, and very hard to pull them up. We ended up using a boat winch on the ground with a pulley on a bar in the rafters, 20' in the air."

All in a day's work. Well, we're sure it was more than a day. "It is taking shape," Paul says, "with the help of Lance, and Tonya, and Cheryl making teas for us, and a great supper."

Photos courtesy of Paul Harrington

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Speaking of "The Dukes," Tom Wopat, our own Luke Duke, will fill in for Robert Cuccioli for the Cabaret Pittsburgh Riverview Series show at the Renaissance Hotel on February 15. Read more about it at Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Archie launches blogs for all of its titles

MAMARONECK , NY -- Archie Comics is starting the new year with a bang: 18 brand-new comic title-specific blogs. Archie has a reputation for being interactive with its fans, for years receiving mail by the ton telling what fans think about what they were doing.

Since the launch of www.archiecomics.com, Archie has been receiving millions of emails and fan art from readers. The site receives 16-18 million hits a month, Archie's corporate office says.

With the new system of blogs, Archie will get information to the fans title by title. For example, if you read Tales From Riverdale each month, you can find out the latest news about that title without having to read through what is happening in every title.

If you are a fan of Josie & the Pussycats, you will be able to read about our plans for them in our digests. The digests also regularly feature That Wilkin Boy, Dilton, Captain Sprocket, and even Reggie. Characters that are not featured in their own title often have a regular home in some of Archie's digests.

"The blog format will allow us to interact with our fans and protect our younger fans," Archie's official release says. "All posts will be read by a member of the Archie Comics staff prior to posting so that parents will be able to feel safe when their children are visiting the Archie Comics site."

The new blogs will also feature content not found anywhere else, from interviews with the writers, artists and staff to sketches and other art.

"As the world of communication grows, we have looked for more ways to communicate with our fans," Archie Comics says. "We want to let them know what we have planned, and we want to hear from them if they think we are doing a good job. We will have immediate dialog with our fans on every title we publish."

To find these new title-specific blogs, go to www.archiecomics.com and click on the word "COMICS" on the upper banner.

Or, you can find each separate blog at...
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archiecomic
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archiedigest
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archiedoubledigest
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archieandfriends
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/palsngalsdoubledigest
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/talesfromriverdaldigest
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/bettyandveronica
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/bettyandveronicadigest
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/bettyandveronicadoubledigest
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/bettycomic
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/veronicacomic
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/bettyandveronicaspectacular
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/jugheadcomic
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/jugheaddigest
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/jugheaddoubledigest
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/sabrina
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/sonic
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/sonicx

Bits 'n' Pieces: "Dukes" and O'Hurley

If it weren't for that zany John O'Hurley guy, it'd be all-"Dukes", all-the-time, in today's edition of our occasional Bits 'n' Pieces From Around the Web feature ...

- He was so dashing as the almost-winner on "Dancing With the Stars" a couple years back, and we just saw him on a "Seinfeld" episode the other day as the quirky J. Peterman (boy, he sure was a heckuva a lot taller than Julia Louis-Dreyfus!). But us "Santa Barbara" fans remember John O'Hurley best as one of the Stephen Slades, a quite serious role. Now, O'Hurley has a new instructional dancing DVD, based on his time on the ABC hit show:
http://imtsinghua.com.cn/2008/01/05/dancing-with-the-stars-former-runners-up-release-instructional-dvd/

- Didya miss the Lee 1 appearance on Spike TV this past weekend? All is not lost:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFbr6HhXYts

- What do you do when the sale of your high-end classic car falls through in a widely publicized eBay auction? You take it to the famous Barrett-Jackson auto auction, of course! That's what John Schneider is doing with the beautiful General Lee he built himself:
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/search/carlist_Details.aspx?&In_LotNumber=1321
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/eventschedule/

- And did you know that Schneider appeared at the World of Wheels in Atlanta this past Friday? The WOW sure is ripe with "Dukes" stars, on a regular basis. Ben ("Cooter") Jones, for instance, will be appearing at the World of Wheels in Grand Rapids this coming weekend ...
http://www.autorama.com/casi/grandrapids.htm
And in Indianapolis next month ...
http://www.autorama.com/casi/indianapolis.htm

- Sonny Shroyer, meanwhile, hits the road for a monster truck event in Lexington, Kentucky, later this month:
http://www.rupparena.com/events/2008/20080118_hotRodtruck.php

Author and children's advocate writes for Archie & Friends

From Archie Comics

MAMARONECK , NY – Archie Comics announces acclaimed writer and children’s art advocate Alex Simmons’ first story for the Archie & Friends title. Simmons' work has been seen throughout other comics like Blackjack, Batman, Tarzan, Superman, Race Against Time and Scooby-Doo.

Over the past 11 years, he's written stories that have spanned the genres of high adventure, sci-fi and mystery. Now he's taking a walk down the streets of Riverdale as he pens his first Archie story in an adventurous tale that spans four issues.

"This is a real kick for me," Simmons says. "In my career I have been fortunate enough to write stories for several of the fictional characters I grew up with, including a modern play and two books involving Sherlock Holmes. Writing for Archie just raised the enjoyment bar another level."

In a career spanning 20 years, Simmons has written juvenile mystery novels, stage plays, documentaries, biographies and more. He also travels the country as a speaker and a teaching artist, conducting creative writing workshops. He is the educational outreach director for New York City’s Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. He also works as a voiceover artist for commercials and podcasts and runs a family-friendly kids comic convention each year.

On his first Archie story, Simmons says, "Rex Lindsey is the man!!! His artwork on 'Double-A Seven' is fantastic! I especially love the view from the London Eye observation wheel. What a shot. Rex's art will definitely pull our readers into the exotic settings of our story, and that's a big part of this wild ride."

Simmons’ “Archie World Tour” will begin its globetrotting tale in Archie & Friends #117 and continue through Archie & Friends #120. "Archie & Friends #117 will be available at the March 29th Kids' Comic Con, where I will be happy to sign free copies for the first 300 fans at the Archie booth," Simmons says.



ARCHIE & FRIENDS #117
"Archie World Tour Part 1 of 4: Double-A Seven": When Archie and friends embark on a whirlwind world tour, their first stop is London , where they soon find themselves embroiled in an international spy mystery!
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons. ART: Rex Lindsey.
On sale at comic specialty shops: March 12, 2008
On sale on newsstands: March 25, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

"Justice League" film looks like a winner

We reported in the July 25 post of this blog about the new straight-to-DVD "Justice League" movie, "The New Frontier," featuring some of the talents from our beloved "Batman: The Animated Series" and its various spinoffs. Warner Bros. is releasing the movie on February 26 on DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray and on-demand:
http://whv.warnerbros.com/WHVPORTAL/Portal/product.jsp?OID=31232&S=JLNFEml

Warner Bros. is also offering a special treat to one lucky person, the chance to voice a character in an upcoming DC Universe movie:
http://www.centric.com/sweepstakes/jla/

There's a snazzo official site for the DVD film:
http://www.warnervideo.com/jlnewfrontier/

It's enough to make our geeky teeth chatter. We'll be there!

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Bativerse, Mark Hamill, who voiced the Joker in "B:TAS," weighs in on Heath Ledger's part in the new Batman flick. CinemaBlend and the MTV Movies Blog have the details.

BRBTV birthdays for January ...

- Rick Hurst, Cletus Hogg of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turned 62 on January 1.
- Rawley Valverde, Amado Gonzalez on "Santa Barbara," turned 42 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 73 today, January 2.
- Victoria Principal, Pamela Ewing of "Dallas," turns 58 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 54 on January 5.
- Michael Wilding Jr., that handsome son of Elizabeth Taylor who showed up on "Dallas" as Alex Barton, turns 55 on January 6.
- Fern Fitzgerald, our lovely and biting Marilee Stone of "Dallas," turns 61 on January 7.
- Kristen Meadows, Victoria Lane of "SB," turns 51 on January 7.
- Tony Wike, who voiced Mr. Weatherbee on "Archie's Weird Mysteries," turns 53 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 66 on January 9.
- Krista Tesreau, the psycho Andi Klein of "SB," turns 44 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 65 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 67 on January 14.
- Arte Johnson, also a notable guest as Irving in the "The Dukes" episode "Double Sting," turns 78 on January 20.
- Joe Marinelli, the mobster cross-dresser with a heart of gold, Bunny, on "SB," turns 51 on January 21.
- Leigh Taylor-Young, Kimberly Cryder on "Dallas," turns 56 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 44 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 44 on January 27.
- James Cromwell, who was the duplicitous Gerald Kane on "Dallas," turns 68 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 65 on January 28.
- Susan Howard, longtime Donna Krebbs on "Dallas," turns 62 on January 28.
- Harley Jane Kozak, the wonderful Mary Duvall on "SB" and one of our favorites, turns 51 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 60 on January 29.
- John Forsythe, the amazing Blake Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 90 on January 29.
- Katharine Ross, the much-put-upon Francesca Colby on "Dynasty" spinoff "The Colbys," turns 66 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 very memorable Brandon DeMott on "SB," turns a most-young 30 on January 31.

Happy birthday to all!!!!

Happy anniversary, BRBTV!!!!!!!

Birthday, anniversary, however you call it, it's 10 big years of BRBTV this year, in 2008! It's 10 years of loving "Dynasty," "Dallas" and "The Dukes of Hazzard" ... 10 years of research, writing, photography, graphic design and much more to express that love ... 10 years of building and maintaining websites on multiple platforms, learning HTML in the evening hours, losing information in computer crashes and nearly sending desktops hurling through the window ... 10 years of embracing this wonderful thing called the Internet! Yea -- 10 years of all that!

It was 1998 when Billie Rae Bates -- in the evening hours from her job at a daily newspaper in downtown Detroit -- first decided to sit down in front of a computer, create a free account on the Geocities site, and start entering information about "Dallas," a show she dearly loved in the '80s. Fan sites for TV shows were all the rage, and BRB took this format and made it more, until reference books, feature stories and reports burst forth. (She is first and foremost a journalist, after all.)

And now, as BRBTV wishes you a fond and happy new year, we also announce that we've got some fun stuff in store to celebrate this milestone. From signed copies of the BRBTV fact books to original press kits from a variety of TV shows and movies both well-known and obscure, you can check out all the quirky stuff at our special BRBTV anniversary page:

http://anniversary.brbtv.com/

Check out the special deals on the page, and help us celebrate the anniversary of BRBTV all year long in 2008!

And you can read more on the BRBTV anniversary in the official press release.

Bits 'n' Pieces: Diahann Carroll, General Lee

We've got a couple from the "Dukes" and a couple from "Dynasty" in today's Bits 'n' Pieces From Around the Web ...

- "Entertainment Tonight" did a countdown of what they consider the top 20 TV stars of all time, unleashing one half of the results this past weekend. Coming in at No. 18 was Diahann Carroll, our lovely Dominique Devereaux of "Dynasty." For her segment, she discussed how she got out of an abusive relationship, she touched on her fight with breast cancer and she fondly remembered "Dynasty" as a fabulous time to enjoy great clothing. "ET" announces the second half of the countdown this coming weekend, and we just bet there are a few other BRBTV stars in the mix ...

- More "Dynasty" DVDs are on the way ... TVShowsonDVD sets the record straight on release dates and contents of the next DVD release of our beloved "Dynasty," which will focus on the third season of the show:
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Dynasty-Correct-Date-Title/8667

- With the new "Knight Rider" movie coming up on NBC in February, TV muscle cars are generating buzz. KETV Channel 7 of Omaha, Nebraska, compiled a list of the top TV cars of all time, and you guessed it, that fabulous blazin' orange beauty, the General Lee, factored in. We won't tell you where in the countdown; you'll have to read it yourself:
http://www.ketv.com/automotive/14926952/detail.html

- And finally, the restored original General Lee, fondly dubbed Lee 1 and so closely watched by "Dukes" fans everywhere, is featured in Spike TV's "PowerBlockTV" show this weekend. Watch a promo video featuring the car on their website:
http://www.powerblocktv.com/sites/
You can also read more about the car and its restoration in this story in one of the hometown papers of Maine native Jim Shine, who helped in the Lee 1 project:
http://www.sunjournal.com/story/244858-3/OxfordHills/Maine_parts_complement_original_General_Lee/


Tune in to the BRBTV News Blog tomorrow, when we'll have a special New Year's Day announcement!

Tom Wopat hits the big and small screen

Tom Wopat is not all Broadway these days; our buddy Luke Duke is returning to his big and small screen credits with a couple new projects for 2008.

"Taking Chance" is a HBO TV movie that is still filming in New Jersey for release next year. The plotline from the IMDb: "Based on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl (Bacon), a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming." The movie also features Kevin Bacon as well as Paige Turco, whom you might recall from the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movies. Wopat portrays Mr. Phelps.

"The Understudy" is classified as completed. Gloria Reuben of "ER" and all kinds of other stuff is also on board. The plotline from the IMDb: "A perennial understudy takes matters into her own hands to achieve fame at any price." Wopat plays Detective Jones.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: It's sad to read on People magazine's site that Robin Wright Penn's marriage is ending. BRBTV offers its fondest wishes for happier times ahead for our original Kelly Capwell of "Santa Barbara."

Coming up in Archie Comics in the next few weeks

ARCHIE #581
"Forget Me Not": Miraculously, Archie remembers the anniversary of his first date with Veronica… but can he remember to get her a gift she doesn’t already have?
"MESS-terpiece": When Mr. Lodge’s favorite artist goes abstract, he suspects Archie of tampering with his paintings!
"Surprise": Betty keeps slipping little surprises into Archie’s back pockets… leading Archie to wonder if he’s absentmindedly taking things he shouldn’t!
"Just Plain Wrong": It’s "business" as usual when Veronica has to break a date with Archie to entertain the son of one of her father’s clients… but in the end, it’s Archie who makes the real power play!
SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman. ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale on newsstands: January 22, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #241
"Interest Rate": Archie’s well-meaning new neighbor can’t help but noticing everything he does… and she isn’t shy about saying so! Now Archie is in hot water with his employer and his girlfriends. Archie must find a way to get himself out of the spotlight, but finding her a new hobby… or better yet a new man!
SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare. ART: Bob Bolling.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: February 12, 2008
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #185
"Freeze Framed": Archie hopes the seasonal photos he submitted to the local newspaper’s "Winter Wonderland" competition don’t meet with a frosty reception!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Randy Elliott.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: January 22, 2008
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

BETTY #171
"Consolation": The winter blues are that much bluer for Betty when Veronica emails photos of her Hawaiian vacation to Betty.
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Hold the Phone": Archie and Betty mix their cell phones up – which spells big trouble for Veronica when she sends text messages to try to ditch a night out with Betty in favor of a date with Archie!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"The Treatment": When stress has Betty utterly exhausted, Veronica introduces her to the pampering pleasures of spa life!
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Clean Sweep": Betty cleans the TV room so she and Archie can watch a movie – but with a scary movie and bowl of popcorn on the agenda, can it stay clean for long?
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale on newsstands: January 29, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #233
"The Wild Twenties": So just what was the relationship between parents and teenagers like in the 1920s? This telling tale is filled with nostalgia for the fads and fashions of yesterday – and parental gripes that still seem strangely familiar!
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Royal Flush": Don’t miss the majestic mayhem when a duke, a prince, a king, a crowned head, some dogs and a duped darling collide in this royal mash-up!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb. ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Second World": When Betty and Veronica get lost in the "virtual reality" of simulated computer worlds, can Archie bring them back to "actual" reality?
SCRIPT: Barbara Slate. ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Enough About Me": Veronica’s not satisfied with just being self-centered – she wants everyone else to be Veronica-centered, too!
SCRIPT: Barbara & Samantha Slate. ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale on newsstands: February 12, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #181
"Be My Valentine …or Else!": In our previous issue, Cheryl and Reggie formed an alliance – she to figure out how to date Archie without competition from Betty and Veronica; he to date Betty and Veronica without competition from Archie. Their scheming continues this issue, or so it seems… could it be possible that Cheryl and Reggie really DO want to attend the Valentine’s Day parade together? Not according to Archie, Betty and Veronica, who are convinced the duo are just using one another. But Cupid may have something else in mind!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales, including the "animated" Sabrina!
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: February 5, 2008
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #158
"Cheering Section": Three cheers for Riverdale’s cheerleading team – they are guaranteed to "cheer" you "up" when you’re feeling "down!"
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Pat Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: February 19, 2008
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

JUGHEAD #187
"Give Me a Sign": Mr. Lodge drives another competitor’s business out of town, but not before Jughead claims its "coming soon" sign. Now as Jughead tries to get the sign home, Mr. Lodge sees it all over town and is convinced his rival is planning a major takeover!
"Advices Times Twice": Archie is always coming to Jughead for advice, but now that he needs advice on winning over a certain girl, Jughead is shocked to find he’s consulting Trula Twyst! Will Trula’s advice on the girl prove successful… or will Jughead’s unheeded warnings about Trula end in disaster?!
"Vocal Yokel": Jughead decides to sing for his supper – and those who hear him are glad to stuff his mouth with food!
"Make Your Own Kind of Music": The Archies have a new "big idea": custom instruments designed to match the personalities of each of the band members!
SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman. ART: Rex Lindsey.
On sale on newsstands: February 12, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #26
"Nut of This Earth": When a local eatery goes out of business and auctions off its wares, Jughead is the first in line. Unfortunately, he lets his taste buds do the bidding instead of his common sense – how else would he end up with 500 pounds of nuts? Jughead has really cracked his shell this time… and there are still 499 to go!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: January 29, 2008
Full-color digest format
$2.49 U.S.

JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #137
"Cold Hard Facts": Normally, a day off due to snow would make Jughead ecstatic, but this time there’s one complication too many and that’s got Jughead… and his stomach… grumbling!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Henry Scarpelli.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale on newsstands: February 5, 2008
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #118
"Dueling Dummies": It’s the battle of the ventriloquists when Reggie and Archie compete to see who can throw their voices… and their insults of one another… further! Lucky for them, Mr. Lodge is throwing a bash just for ventriloquists… and their dummies, too! Unknown to Mr. Lodge, however, a pint-sized pilferer and his hefty henchman are crashing the party – masquerading as a man and his dummy, of course! Can Reggie and Archie stop their feud long enough to stop the tiny terror and his tiny-brained lackey from making off with the Lodge family jewels?!
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Fernando Ruiz.
On sale on newsstands: January 29, 2008
Full-color digest format
$3.69 U.S.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #91
"The Turning": The "Duality Wands" have raised the gauntlet for Sabrina, giving her even more abilities than the considerable powers granted her before. But this substantial new power comes at a steep price. Now that she has the power to set things right and even destroy her enemies, is Sabrina in danger of succumbing to a far more dangerous threat?!
SCRIPT: Tania del Rio. ART: Tania del Rio & Jim Amash.
COVER: Tania del Rio & Jim Amash
On sale on newsstands: February 5, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Robin Wright Penn might be in a Christmas mood

It's only the day after Christmas, and already Robin Wright Penn, our beautiful original Kelly Capwell of "Santa Barbara," is thinking about next Christmas. More specifically, she's thinking about a new version of "A Christmas Carol" starring Jim Carrey as Scrooge and the three Christmas ghosts. At least it's rumored she's thinking about it.

Penn is up for a role in the Robert Zemeckis update of the Charles Dickens classic, according to the IMDb. Rumors have a star-studded array attached: Gary Oldman, Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Bob Hoskins. We'll see how things shake out for this one as the next couple years pass; it's not scheduled for release until November 2009.

Penn, meanwhile, is so busy and quick that she's got other stuff on her rap sheet since we last checked in. With "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee," based on the novel by Rebecca Miller, she portrays the title character. Winona Ryder and Julianne Moore are also in this one. There's a website that tells a little more about this story: http://www.pippalee.co.uk/

Merry Christmas from the BRBTV News Blog

Seasons greetings, and all that jazz. What's better, at Christmastime, than a couple photos of the car from the "Carnival of Thrills" two-part episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard"? Nothing, we say! It's just the perfect accompaniment to holiday cheer ...

The young man behind the wheel here is Lance, son of Mr. Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club and organizer of the annual Hair Dare Dukes Days benefit for cancer research. The sweet-mannered and handsome Lance can often be seen at "Dukes" events with Dad (and often, as you can see, patiently laughing while his "Dukes"-happy parental unit is snapping pictures).



("Go, Bo Duke, go! You can be the star of the show!" Oooops, er, sorry) The car is a replica, by the way, and kids, don't try this trick at home. (Whatever this particular trick is -- we think it's basically just driving, which any "Dukes" fan knows how to do anyway.)

Thanks very much to Paul for sending these two shots along, and make sure you keep an eye on his Hair Dare event, scheduled for August 22-24 in Ruscom Station, Ontario, Canada. BRB is confirmed for the show -- to sign copies of "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" -- and Byron (Coy Duke) Cherry and Don Pedro (Sheriff Little) Colley are planning the trip again, too. It promises to be another wildly fun and safe "Dukes" event.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: If BRB is going to be immersed in an all-day Yahtzee marathon tomorrow with her 11-year-old niece Veronica (named for the Archie Comics character, don't ya know), then she better just post this last little tidbit today, while she's wishing y'all a wonderful, happy and peaceful Christmas ... How could the town of Dallas not be thrilled to pieces to remind folks of J.R. Ewing and the Southfork clan? Evidently, it's all about image. Read on, in this story in the Chicago Tribune.

Well, what's the verdict on the new Joker? Bat-pros weigh in

The new interpretation of Batman's nemesis the Joker by Hollywood heavyweight Heath Ledger is causing quite a stir, and the movie's nowhere near the theaters yet.

"Heath Ledger's Joker seems perfectly suited to the dark Gotham City created by Christopher Nolan," says Paul Dini, writer of our beloved "Batman: The Animated Series" and its various offshoots. "He seems more street than any other version of the Joker, with his clownish visage recalling hastily applied graffiti paint rather than chemically dyed skin."

More "street"! Love that! Because if anything, Cesar Romero's Joker was dapper and somehow strangely mannerly. Jack Nicholson matched a lot of that demeanor. And Mark Hamill? Well, he's wasn't too far off the dapper scale, either. Maybe because this latest film is still prequeling the Batlore we know and love so well, that means Joker grows up -- evolves, if you will -- to have a certain degree of sophistication in his purple pinstripes!

And is this younger Joker a little rougher around the edges in other ways, too? Not the degree of wit and humor, according to our Harley Quinn creator? "This Joker doesn't split sides ... he splits skulls," Dini says.

Read more of the commentary at MTV.com. And watch the extended trailer of the movie there, too. (And man-oh-man, BRBTV's just gotta say that Nolan's interpretation of the Caped Crusader, with all of its tone and fury, is just kickin' the crap out of those '90s Batflicks.)

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Over in "Santa Barbara," meanwhile, an old familiar face is returning to daytime TV. Our latter Kelly Capwell, Eileen Davidson, is reprising her role as Ashley on CBS' "The Young and the Restless" on December 28, January 2 and 3.