Tuesday, February 25, 2014

"Dallas" takes viewers back in time -- in more ways than one

TNT pulled out all the stops to trumpet last night's Season 3 premiere of "Dallas." In Manhattan, drivers were treated to $1.98-a-gallon gas from Ewing Energies. See the story on Good Morning America / Yahoo.

It's certainly a tribute to the original "Dallas" episode where J.R. Ewing undercut the competition with low gas prices at his own stations. "Some might call it predatory pricing," the GMA story said of yesterday's gas stunt. "I just call it good business," the fictional oil baron John Ross Ewing said in a news release. Gotta love it.

Meanwhile, as you celebrate the return of the series, you can catch Entertainment Weekly, Chron, the Examiner and Zap 2 It all weighing in on what this season will hold. We're seeing our little John Ross coming along nicely as the replacement J.R. (Of course, we were in his corner from the beginning, just loving the casting choice for both the boys.)

Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day from BRBTV!



In honor of Valentine's Day, and as a follow-up to our Halloween and Christmas posts, the Doos of BRBTV headquarters have convened once again for a photo. And you can see the Doo family continues to grow! An unnamed crane game crusader has been very busy rescuing these pooches from crane games all over Michigan.

Front and center, it's Apple-Doo and Sweety-Doo, the latter of which is a special Valentine Doo released just this year. They're joined by Justice-Doo, the latest arrival, who was rescued from a truck stop in Dexter, along with Dottie-Doo. In the back row, from left: Rudy-Doo, Candy-Doo, Santa-Doo,  Blue-Doo, with Pinky-Doo in front of him, then Scooby-Boo, Squirty-Doo, My Big Boy, Smiley-Doo, with Grampa-Doo in front, then Limey-Doo, Santa-Too, Candy-Too, and Antler-Doo.


Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Monday, February 10, 2014

Spotted: Andrew Stevens, Mary Crosby, Joanna Cassidy, Steve Forrest, K Callan!

OK, sooooo .....picture yourself as a television miniseries at the height of the popularity of the television miniseries, the 1980s. You're based on a book by the sister of a "Dynasty" star. You're produced by the producers of "Dynasty." Your costumes are even designed by the costume designer of "Dynasty." So naturally, your cast features no less than five stars from ... "Dallas"?

Yea, we were a little thrown off by that, too, as we gleefully viewed 1985's "Hollywood Wives," a juicy, glittery tale of life inside Tinseltown. Whether it just be fun happenstance or some kind of subvergent casting sabotage, here's what it is ...

  • Andrew Stevens, who we know as young, rather cocky Casey Denault on "Dallas," takes center stage in the miniseries, and in a dual role. He's Buddy, an aspiring, struggling actor, but he's also (with scruffy hair and long beard) the off-kilter Deke. Deke sets off on a long arduous journey across the country to L.A., with his long, lumbering, bow-legged sort of limp (no, he doesn't walk the whole way, but it's almost that bad, spanning across several hours of the miniseries). And we won't reveal any more than that!
  • Mary Crosby, who frankly shot J.R., is the young, vivacious, incorrigible Karen Lancaster. Karen's not really into acting; she just likes speeding around town in her sportscar and spending her award-winning-actor-father's cash. And she wears slinky dresses and lets her wavy locks flow long, much like Kristin.
  • Joanna Cassidy, who was the put-upon Sally Bullock in early "Dallas," is the even more put-upon ex-wife of a successful movie producer played by Anthony Hopkins. She insecurely moons over her ex and wonders what she did wrong. Yea, yea, blah-blah-blah, adds nothing to the plot, let's move on ...
  • Steve Forrest, who was Wes Parmalee and Ben Stivers on "Dallas" (which includes the idea that he was the possible non-dead Jock Ewing!), is one of the lead characters here, a philandering, aging actor trying to regain his youth. He, of course, sleeps with a younger woman, namely Mary Crosby's character.
  • K Callan, who was Amy Stevens on "Dallas," shows up rather briefly as Catherine, a woman involved in the shady "adoption" of Andrew Stevens' character(s).
  • And we'll even mention Vernon Weddle, who was John Carter on "Dallas" and actually had a couple bit parts on "Dynasty." He shows up here, too.
OK! Well, apparently members of the "Dynasty" cast were booked at the time! Nevertheless, the miniseries is lots of fun!

Thursday, February 06, 2014

A "Dallas" pickup and a hot Archie car jump off the toy shelves at us


OK, we knew about the Archie cars from a toy show we recently took in, but we have to admit to doing a little "Whaaaaattttt?????" as we wandered the toy aisle last night. The Hot Wheels / Matchbox section is not one we tend to spend a lot of time in (action figures and Barbs -- that's us), but what delight it was to come across this "Dallas" treasure. This is a 1970 Chevrolet C-10 blue pickup truck with white cab. It's by Greenlight Collectibles Hollywood and is a tribute to the original series, not the more recent TNT one. It says it's part of Series 6.

And the Archie car is a 1940 Ford Coupe by Hot Wheels with the hot gals on the door. You know the ones. C'mon now, Archie, where's the Cheryl car? Make it red, pleeezzzz.

It seems to be part of a recent trend, in the past couple years or so, of tons of TV show-themed toy cars. I mean, when you've got cars from "The Rockford Files" (we love you and your Camaro, James Garner), that's big.



Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Friday, January 31, 2014

Spotted: Pamela Bellwood

This author has booked a cruise for April (no, not on that cruise line, thankfully), so she's celebrating by indulging in the first season of "The Love Boat." And who does she spot?

It was a few years before she stepped onto the "Dynasty" set, in this 1977 episode of "The Love Boat," so no wonder there was that crack about whether or not she's finished high school! She's cute as a button, Ms. Pamela Bellwood, who we know as Claudia Blaisdel Carrington Carrington (and maybe one or two more). And her on-screen boyfriend-then-fiance in the episode is Robert Reed, official "Brady" dad. How fun.

In the action, Bellwood is the "other woman" as a divorced couple comes to terms -- so to speak -- with the tension and passion between them. Reed's counterpart in the mess is Loretta Swit of "M*A*S*H," while Richard Mulligan is Swit's new husband (and former divorce lawyer). Are ya into it? Well, throw in an adorable little Scott Baio and Kristy McNichol -- and we mean little; this was 1977 -- in a horribly awkward kid love story, and you're sure to be into it.

Oh, and we loved seeing Hermione Baddeley, whom we enjoyed immensely in her "Wonder Woman" episode. This was the third episode of the inaugural season of this classic series, and the storylines are sloooooowly improving from the stinky quality of the pilot, so we're avidly on to episode 4!

Friday, January 24, 2014

Spotted: Ray Wise

He's debonair, he's as handsome as ever, and he looks wonderful under that magic soaps lighting. He just popped up yesterday as the much-hyped Ian Ward character on CBS' "The Young and the Restless." We wondered who we would see in that role! With all the build-up for this charismatic and powerful former cult leader, we knew they would have to cast big. So there he was, Mr. Ray Wise, whom we know so fondly from "Twin Peaks" and even as Blair Sullivan on "Dallas" and Spiro Koralis on "The Colbys." We are not disappointed! Don't drink this guy's Kool-Aid!

We've been oh-so intrigued for several months now with "Y&R"'s storyline of Nikki Newman's long-lost child. When her child was revealed to be existing character Dylan McAvoy, it seemed a bit inexpensive, for sure. But Dylan is played by Steve Burton, the former Jason Morgan of "General Hospital," so, um, yum! We're digging that part of it. We got to meet Burton many years ago, at an appearance at a Sears store in Michigan, of all things.

Now, in this new role of Dylan's long-lost father, Wise is commanding, powerful, soooo intimidating. All with his trademark smile. Still ... we relish the potential of a confrontation between this new Ian Ward and Nikki's husband Victor Newman (played by Eric Braeden, whom we saw as a young-un on a couple "Wonder Woman" episodes, and who has seriously owned this "Y&R" role for so many decades). Our ole Victor might just squash Ian like a bug! Smash!

Friday, January 17, 2014

Ben Jones speaks out about new "Party Down South" reality show

Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones of "The Dukes of Hazzard" has never been afraid to speak out on stuff he feels strongly about over the years, such as the 2005 movie treatment of "The Dukes" and Warner Bros.' rumored plans to remove the Confederate flag from "Dukes" merchandise a couple years back. Now, he's got a viewpoint to share about the new reality TV show "Party Down South," currently being promoted by CMT and premiering last night. Here's his statement, reprinted with permission ...

LOOKS LIKE CMT IS INSULTING AMERICA’S FAMILIES

It seems to me that by relentlessly promoting the sleazy “Party Down South” during commercial breaks for the family-friendly “Dukes of Hazzard” that CMT is cynically insulting the sensibilities, the values, and the intelligence of our audience. Any sensible viewer would have to ask “why?” and the answer, unfortunately, lies in the tastes and sensibilities of the folks in Santa Monica, California where CMT program decisions are made, and in New York City, where CMT’s corporate ownership Viacom is located. The idea of these folks making decisions about country music programming, heartland values, and the ways of Southern and rural Americans is ludicrous at best. But their decisions demean our heartland’s culture and debase our traditions.


When the unacceptable becomes acceptable, when the bar is continually being lowered, what then is unacceptable? Unfortunately, we already have the answer: not much.

I am offended that CMT is insensitive to their obvious and blatant insult. I guess these folks are just too immersed in their own lifestyles to understand their audience. And according to their press releases, the network has bought a number of these so-called “reality” series. They are counting on shows like “Party Down South” (previously named “The Dirty South”) to pay the freight for what was once a great Country Music and Americana network. Hopefully, this foul and dreadful show will meet an early demise, and be replaced by upbeat, positive Nashville entertainment.


 Anyhow, I am always amazed at the good hearts and moral tenacity of our fans. I guess we all learned a little bit about right and wrong somewhere along the way. Thanks for your clear message to CMT. They really need to hear it. Spread the word, y’all.
 

Personally, I am sick and tired of having my native Southland portrayed in the national media by shows like “Party Down South” aka “The Dirty South”. Shame on these people. "Dukes Of Hazzard" fans can leave comments for CMT on this page: https://www.facebook.com/cmt

 Ben Jones aka “Cooter”

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Russell Johnson gone at age 89

Condolences to the family and friends of Russell Johnson, who we remember fondly as Sheriff Wyatt Mansfield on "Dallas," Earl Thompson on "Dynasty," and Roger Wainwright on "Santa Barbara." He even starred on an episode of "Wonder Woman" -- "Disco Devil." Oh yes, and then there was "Gilligan's Island," where this author always considered him the hot one. (See, geekiness could be hot, even way back then.) He was handsome, and he was good at what he did.

Johnson was an accomplished actor whose career did not stop when the castaways got rescued. He kept doing great roles for years and years. And even before he made his name on "Gilligan's Island," his resume was robust and varied. He was on a lot of our favorites: "The Outer Limits," "Twilight Zone," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and so much more. He started this whole thing back in 1950.

Read more about Johnson's career at the IMDb and Hollywood Reporter.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Artist takes his love of "Dynasty" to the canvas

Wow, we sure talk to some creative folks in the process of writing about the classic TV shows we love. Just in the past few months, we've talked to a couple "Dukes" fans who've created wonderful art inspired by the show, and we've talked to a "Dynasty" fan who has a splendid collection of costumes and other items from the show. Now we're talking to a talented artist who creates works inspired by "Dynasty" ...

Meet Jeffrey Trull, who has created the simply lovely paintings below, which you can purchase prints of at Society6.



"I first saw 'Dynasty' as a very young child in 1981," he tells BRBTV. "I was up past my bedtime when I went into the living room to find a great commotion on the TV screen. There, in a courtroom full of shocked faces, sat Nancy Drew, Audra Barkley from 'The Big Valley,' and Charlie himself from 'Charlie’s Angels.' But who was this mysterious, veiled woman sweeping melodramatically onto the scene? We would have to wait an entire summer to find out. I was officially hooked on a glamorous rollercoaster that would not only run for a decade, but would shape the very future of television history."



He continues: "Flash forward to 2000 when I created the fan site 'Dynasty: The Collection,' basing it on my own personal collection of 'Dynasty' memorabilia. Running through 2004, it featured a popular forum which I named The Carrington Colby Boardroom, where I was blessed to meet countless 'Dynasty' fans from all over the world. I made some close friendships, many of which continue today."



But Jeffrey hasn't just gotten the chance to meet fans of the show. He's met cast members, too!

"I was beyond thrilled to meet both Linda Evans and Joan Collins in 2007 during the tour of their play 'Legends.' Our encounters remain some of the most cherished highlights of my life and I am proud to say that my two original paintings that I presented them with, 'Heavenly Evans' and 'La Collins' respectively, are now housed in each of the ladies’ private collections. Prints of these are available in my online store via my website www.jeffreytrull.com. The signed ones are, of course, displayed lovingly in my home. I am currently at work on my 'Dynasty' art book, full of my illustrations, paintings and graphic design inspired by the most fabulous TV show of all time."



That's a shot of Jeffrey meeting Ms. Evans directly above. And above that, of course, are the "Heavenly Evans" and "La Collins" works he mentions. Beautiful! Learn more about Jeffrey and his work at JeffreyTrull.com. He's available for commission!


Images courtesy of Jeffrey Trull; please do not copy without permission.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Spotted: Howard Keel

Howard Keel as Farrah Fawcett's dad? Yep, it happened, on a now-quite-obscure '90s sitcom called "Good Sports." Remember that one? Fawcett's obvious showcase with her honey Ryan O'Neal? Co-anchors on the all-sports channel of a cable network to rival Ted Turner's empire (and Turner is certainly referenced during the series, which only lasted a season)? Farrah and Ryan come dancing into the musical intro, all flirty and funlike, her little black dress so trademark '90s and matched to his tux? Yea, that one.

The episode we're talking here is "Bobby and Gayle Go on a Date" from June 1991. Keel, known to us "Dallas" fans as Clayton Farlow, guest-stars as Sonny Gordon, the rather commanding but kind father to Fawcett's Gayle. He observes the unrequited affection O'Neal's Bobby has for his daughter and convinces Gayle to go out with the poor schmuck. Well, OK, he doesn't't say it like that; he's in Bobby 's court, for sure.

Keel shows up in another episode of the series, the following month when Gayle's ex-boyfriend Nick -- played by William Katt of "The Greatest American Hero" --turns all demented and returns for revenge for their breakup.

Are we glad we watched the complete series on DVD (thanks, Tracy)? Well, yea, we really can't turn down Farrah any day of the week, even if the series doesn't age well. But Farrah sure did. Gayle is 40, and Fawcett is stunning at about that same age. And we loved that in one ep she is shown reading the book, "The Burning Bed," a nod to one of her biggest roles.

Tuesday, January 07, 2014

An update on Tom Wopat's 2014 schedule

It's the latest from Tom (Luke Duke ) Wopat's website crew ...

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and that the new year is starting off right!

In 2014, Tom is going to be focusing a lot on making more music and playing as many shows as possible! Check out the list of shows below and stay tuned for many more updates.

AND - we've been posting a few performances from his show with John Schneider in Niagara Falls last year. You can watch them on Youtube by clicking the song titles below, and you might just see some more collaborations between the two of them this year... Enjoy!

"Let It Roll"
"Luckenbach, Texas"
"Johnny It's Cold Outside"

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
Jan 7 - 54 Below - New York, NY
Jan 9 - Feinstein's at Hotel Nikko - San Francisco, CA
Jan 10 - Rockwell Table & Stage - Los Angeles, CA - NEW SHOW!
Jan 17 - Charlotte Performing Arts Center - Charlotte, MI
Jan 18 - River Raisin Centre - Monroe, MI
Mar 18 - Mar 22 - The Colony at Palm Beach - Palm Beach, FL
Apr 12 - Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts - Orange Park, FL
Apr 19 - Curtis Theatre - Brea, CA
May 17 - Ram's Head On Stage - Annapolis, MD - NEW SHOW

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Spotlight on: "The Atlanta Child Murders"

The cast is simply dynamite: Morgan Freeman, James Earl Jones, Rip Torn, Jason Robards, Ruby Dee, Martin Sheen, Gary Graham, Bill Paxton, and more. It's "The Atlanta Child Murders" we're talking about, and we enjoyed it the other night, courtesy of our bud Tracy and that fab box of DVDs she mailed us this Christmas!

The 1985 miniseries did not disappoint for serving up some of our favorite classic TV stars. It, of course, chronicled the real-life case in Atlanta in the late 1970s, a serial killing of children and even a few adults. We love the true-life crime stories; it's why we have "48 Hours" and "Dateline" DVR'd right now. In this one, we delighted to see the aforementioned Graham (who we remember so fondly from "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "Alien Nation") take the stand in the trial against Wayne Williams as a character named Ken Lawson, with a real fine Southern accent. Seriously, we would never have recognized his voice. Came so natural to him. Then there was Mark Arnold, in the midst of his role as the second Joe Perkins in "Santa Barbara," playing David Dingle here.

Kenneth Kimmins of "Dynasty" and "Dallas" (Thornton McLeish) was there, as well as Michael Alldredge of "The Dukes of Hazzard."

Arnold has a 2014 project going on, by the way, "The Gunrunner Billy Kane."

Saturday, December 28, 2013

John Schneider set for second season of "The Haves and the Have Nots"

Thanks again to Phyllis for the heads-up that John ("Bo Duke") Schneider of "The Dukes of Hazzard" will again star as Judge Jim Cryer in the new season of Tyler Perry's "The Haves and the Have Nots." This new season premieres on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) on Tuesday, January 7 at 9 p.m. Eastern. If you missed part of the first season or just want to watch it again, there is going to be a marathon of Season 1 episodes on OWN on December 30 and December 31 beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern.

Also, Schneider's production company is putting the final touches on the new movie "John Schneider's Smothered," a horror/comedy which will be in theaters in early 2014. Note that this is a horror movie and is not for the squeamish or for children. You can sign up to be kept updated on this movie here, and see the trailer here.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Me-TV brings on "Wonder Woman"

If you're one of the lucky ones who has Me-TV (we don't --wah!), you've got reason to celebrate this weekend. The cable network is rolling out the classic "Wonder Woman" episodes starring Lynda Carter, beginning with the pilot tomorrow night. The show will be part of its Sci-Fi Saturday Night lineup.

Read more about it at the channel's website, and see the complete Me-TV schedule there, too (it's classic TV nirvana). And thanks to Brian for the heads-up!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas from BRBTV!


BRBTV would like to wish you a wonderful Christmas and all the best in the new year!

From our entire Scooby family to yours (from left): Candy-Doo, Rudy-Doo, Santa-Doo, Santa-Too, (above) Candy-Too, (in back) Dottie-Doo and Scooby-Boo, then Pinky-Doo, Apple-Doo, with Squirty-Doo and My Big Boy against the window, and finally Grampa-Doo on the far right. Not pictured: Antler-Doo, just rescued from a crane game and not quite arrived home yet!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

CMT rolls out "The Dukes of Hazzard" in January

Some fans of "The Dukes of Hazzard" have been petitioning to get our beloved show back on the air on CMT in regular-like fashion, and the good news is that CMT is rolling out some "Dukes." See the schedule for January 5 and onward. Thanks to our buddy Jim in the Great White North for the heads-up!

Friday, December 20, 2013

Spotted: Ernie Hudson

He goes from one extreme to another in the two roles we saw him inadvertently on the same day (yesterday!). In his 1982 "Dukes of Hazzard" episode "Dear Diary," Ernie Hudson is a bad guy named Avery, irked because he's been double-crossed by Boss Hogg and drivin' up a storm after stealing Rosco P. Coltrane's diary with his cohort. He's lean and fairly mean.

In the new movie "Dear Secret Santa," airing last night on Lifetime, he's also Avery -- but Pastor Avery. Seems he's reformed after three decades! Pastor Avery encourages the lead character Jennifer, played by Tatyana Ali, because he knew her deceased mom and knows her ailing father well, too. He's a fatherly figure himself to Jennifer.

We tuned into the movie because we've joyfully been knee-deep in Christmas movies this season, taking basically whatever Lifetime or Hallmark will dole out! So we were delighted to see Ernie Hudson again, after reviewing said "Dukes" episode earlier in the evening for our update of the "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" guide to the show. Does he make a habit of playing characters named Avery? Well, no, that's just the way it worked out!

Ernie Hudson's resume is a mile long, and he has lots of new projects slated for 2014. We hope to talk to him in person sometime soon at one of the many comic cons he does.

Saturday, December 07, 2013

Tom Wopat has a busy performance schedule for December through April

The latest from the Web crew of Tom Wopat of "The Dukes of Hazzard" ....

Tom has a lot to be thankful for this year! You may have heard that he recently underwent vocal chord surgery, and we're happy to report that his singing voice is back and stronger than ever! He's having a blast singing again, and is excited to record more music and schedule even more shows around the country next year. Please make sure to check out the list of upcoming shows below, and spread the word! 

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:

Dec. 11 - World Cafe Live - Wilmington, DE
Dec. 29 - The Rrazz Room - New Hope, PA
Jan. 7 - 54 Below - New York, NY (ticket link will be posted soon!)
Jan. 9 - Feinstein's at Hotel Nikko - San Francisco, CA
Jan. 17 - Charlotte Performing Arts Center - Charlotte, MI
Jan. 18 - River Raisin Centre - Monroe, MI
Mar. 8 - Mar 22 - The Colony at Palm Beach - Palm Beach, FL
Apr. 12 - Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts - Orange Park, FL
Apr. 19 - Curtis Theatre - Brea, CA 

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Meet Bo Hopkins at the Fleetwood Country Cruize-In

Because that's what we plan to do, frankly. We've spoken to Mr. Hopkins through email before, when we interviewed him for the "Dynasty High" guide. But heck, we'd like to meet him, too. We loved him as Matthew Blaisdel. Well, the Fleetwood Country Cruize-In, an event in Ontario, Canada, is going to afford all of us that opportunity.

This custom car show held each summer at the Plunkett Estate just west of London, Ontario, will also feature longtime TV and film star Candy Clark and car star great George Barris, among others. The dates are June 7-8, 2014.



Keep your eye on the event website and Facebook page for more info as the time gets closer.

Many thanks to our "Dukes" buddy up north, Jim, for sending this info, along with his photo of the newspaper ad! :)

Monday, December 02, 2013

Happy Cyber Monday from BRBTV!


We hope you had a great Thanksgiving and were able to spend some time with family and/or friends before getting out there and keeping the economy alive! BRBTV had a great four-day stretch with a very full and fun Thanksgiving, then three wonderfully geeky days spent with friends that included a huge toy show, plenty of heart-pounding Scattergories (seriously), and the cosplay above. So in honor of Cyber Monday and in honor of the 1960s "Batman" TV series that BRB's fab Batgirl outfit refers to, here's a photo to start off your workweek!


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

"Dukes of Hazzard" history inspires this artist and avid fan

We showed you in our March 29 post the talent of Canadian artist Jim Wilson, who paints up very nice "Dukes of Hazzard"-themed scenes. Well, consider today's post "part 2" of that, as we take a look at another talented artist out of Ontario. His medium is quite a bit more three-dimensional than the painted canvas. He's put together a beautiful diorama that chronicles an important event in "Dukes" history -- the recovery of the very first General Lee used for a jump in the TV series, from a home in Georgia many years after its 1979 debut. What's more, this artist, Jason Darling, is friends with Jim Wilson, and it's really their artistic collaboration that you see in the first photo below, with Jim's painting in the background.

If you recall the story, this famous Dodge Charger was found still wearing its blue, roughed-up "71" paint job from its appearance in the fourth episode of the show, "Repo Men," when it doubled as a Richard Petty car. It changed hands a few times after the recovery and has most recently been fully restored to the way it appeared as blazin'-orange, jumpin' "Lee 1" in the pilot episode.



"The idea for the diorama came when Jim and I were talking about it and he had started painting again," Jason says. "I, of course, had many spare Charger model kits so I started my project! I have always followed the 71 story and I was present when it was unveiled at Oxford College (near Covington, Georgia) at the 25th anniversary event by Mr. Bell and helped push it on and off the trailer."

He continues, "I have about 13-14 hours in building the model and have researched it for years. The gentleman who bought it from Travis even contacted me for facts about it before its restoration. I am strongly against 71 ever being restored; I think that was an atrocity."


"Jim Wilson and I pride ourselves in recreating 'Dukes' facts and pieces for each other's collections such as our HOGGOCO oil cans and my and Jim's gas pumps, to name a couple," Jason says. "If Jim and I put our collections together, we would have a very nice 'Dukes of Hazzard' museum."

As with a lot of "Dukes" fans out there, the show made a big impression on this creative fan that goes way beyond art. "My favorite character on the 'Dukes' while it aired will always be Bo Duke, and then Uncle Jesse. I live my life with Bo Duke in my back pocket, with Uncle Jesse's values."

That's part of Jason's collection below. "My favourite episode," he says, "is a tie with 'Happy Birthday, General Lee' and 'The Ghost of General Lee.' I loved the history behind the birthday episode and the emotion behind the ghost episode."


"Jim and I go every day finding new 'Dukes' things and keeping the show alive and honest; we are 'Dukes' cousins for sure," Jason says. "We have helped one another with our collections, and I've even gotten Jim started on some General Lee parts! LOL."

Jason, of course, has his own General. "I'm in the process of building my own second-unit version General Lee, going on five years now, but I'm proud of it. I have been extremely fortunate to attend many 'Dukes' events, and I've gotten to meet every living cast member, something I never would have thought I'd ever get to do four years ago, being that I live down in Canada. The cast of the show are amazing and friendly people."

Jason continues, "I met Jim through an ad on Kijiji looking for General Lee parts -- now we're best friends. Funny how 'Dukes' fans find each other."

Thanks to Jason for sharing his story and his fabulous art!


Photos courtesy of Jason Darling; please do not copy without permission.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Catch book signings with Gavin MacLeod, Stacy Keach and more

Thanks to James for passing along this listing of upcoming book signings and appearances with the stars, including some TV greats ...

J.J. Abrams, director of "Star Trek" and creator of "Lost", signing copies of S: A Novel  
  • 11/23/13 6:00 PM at Symphony Space - Braodway & 95th. New York, NY. 
Buzz Aldrin, 2nd man to walk on the Moon, signing copies of Mission To Mars
  • 12/2/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble – Edinger Avenue. Huntington Beach, CA.
Frank Beamer, head coach at Virgina Tech, signing copies of Let Me Be Frank
  • 11/19/13 7:00 PM at Gourmet Pantry - South Main Street. Blacksburg, VA.
  • 12/8/13 2:00 PM at Barnes & Noble – Conston Avenue. Christianburg, VA.
LeRoy Butler, former Green Bay Packers star, signing copies of Packers Pride
  • 12/5/13 11:00 AM at Shopko - Bay Park Square. Green Bay, WI.
  • 12/12/13 6:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - South Oneida Street. Green Bay, WI. 
Bryan Cranston, Dean Norris, & Bob Odenkirk, stars of "Breaking Bad", will be signing copies of Breaking Bad: The Final Season
  • 11/25/13 9:30 PM at Barnes & Noble - Grove Drive. Los Angeles, CA.
Ken Dryden, former Montreal Canadiens star, signing copies of The Game
  • 12/1/13 3:00 PM at Bookends – East Ridgewood Avenue. Ridgewood, NJ.
David Ellefson, founder of Megadeth, signing copies of My Life With Deth
  • 11/29/13 Noon at Bookends – East Ridgewood Avenue. Ridgewood, NJ.
Julius "Dr. J, Erving, NBA Hall of Famer, signing copies of Dr. J
  • 12/19/13 2:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Grove Drive. Los Angeles, CA. 
Peter Facinelli, star of "Twilight" and "Nurse Jackie", signing copies of Protocol Orphans
Will Ferrell (as Ron Burgandy), signing copies of Let Me Off at the Top! My Classy Life
  • 11/20/13 6:30 PM at Barnes & Noble - Grove Drive. Los Angeles, CA. 
Fannie Flagg, former "Match Game" regular, signing copies of The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion
  • 12/4/13 Noon at Costco - Palomar Airport Road. Carlsbad, CA.
  • 12/5/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Edinger Avenue. Huntington Beach, CA.
Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, signing copies of Breakout
  • 11/30/13 Noon at Barnes & Noble – Tamiami Trail. Naples, FL.
  • 12/17/13 7:00 PM at Book Revue – New York Avenue. Huntington, NY. 
Bud Grant, former Minnesota Vikings head coach, signing copies of I Did It My Way
  • 12/14/13 1:00 PM in the Rotunda - Mall of America. Bloomington, MN.
Dallas Green, former Phillies, Yankees, and Mets manager, signing copies of The Mouth That Roared 
  • 11/23/13 11:00 AM at Barnes & Noble – Christiana Mall. Newark, DE.
  • 11/24/13 Noon at Barnes & Noble – Neshaminy Mall. Bensalem, PA.
  • 11/30/13 Noon at Barnes & Noble – Main Street. Exton, PA. 
Chris Hadfield, shuttle astronaut, signing copies of An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
  • 11/23/13 1:00 PM at Degroots Nurseries Greenhouse - London Line. Sarnia, Ontario.
  • 11/27/13 7:00 PM at Indigo Books - McGill College Avenue. Montreal, Quebec.
  • 11/29/13 7:00 PM at Chapters Books - Chain Lake Drive. Halifax, Nova Scotia. 
John Hannah, NFL Hall of Famer, signing copies of Offensive Conduct
  • 12/7/13 3:30 PM at Barnes & Noble – Providence Highway. Walpole, MA.
Mark Howe, former NHL star, signing copies of Gordie Howe's Son
  • 11/20/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Commerce Blvd. Fairless Hills, PA. 
  • 12/1/13 1:00 PM at Bookends – East Ridgewood Avenue. Ridgewood, NJ.
  • 12/9/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - West Route 70. Marlton, NJ. 
Anjelica Huston, Oscar winning actress, will be signing copies of A Story Lately Told
  • 11/19/13 7:30 PM at Symphony Space - Braodway & 95th. New York, NY.
  • 11/21/13 Noon at the Philadekphia Free Library - Vine Street. Philadelphia, PA.
  • 11/25/13 7:30 at the Nourse Theater - Hayes Street. San Francisco, CA.   
Il Volo, Italian musical trio, signing copies of Buon Natale
  • 11/29/13 2:00 PM in the Rotunda - Mall of America. Bloomington, MN
Stacy Keach, star of "Mike Hammer" and "Up In Smoke", signing copies of All In All
  • 11/22/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Commons Way. Calabasas, CA. 
Artie Lange, fomer Howard Stern sidekick, signing copies of Crash and Burn
  • 11/19/13 7:00 PM at the Apple Store - Prince Street. New York, NY.
  • 11/21/13 7:00 PM at Book Revue – New York Avenue. Huntington, NY.
  • 11/29/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Eton Chagrin Blvd. Woodmere, PA.
  • 12/7/13 1:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Settlers Ridge Center Drive. Pittsburgh, PA.
Kenny Loggins, rock & roller, signing copies of Frosty the Snowman
  • 11/19/13 6:30 PM at Books & Greetings – Livingston Street. Northvale, NJ.
  • 11/20/13 7:00 PM at Book Revue – New York Avenue. Huntington, NY.
  • 11/25/13 6:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Third Street Promenade. Santa Monica, CA.
Demi Lovato, singer and actress, signing copies of Staying Strong
  • 11/19/13 2:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Grove Drive. Los Angeles, CA.
Gavin MacLeod, star of "The Love Boat", signing copies of This Is Your Captain Speaking
  • 11/22/13 6:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Rosencrans Avenue. Manhattan Beach, CA.
Darren McCarty, former Detroit Red Wings star, signing copies of My Last Fight
  • 12/3/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Fairlane Drive. Allen Park, MI.
  • 12/4/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Washtenaw Avenue. Ann Arbor, MI.
  • 12/5/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Haggerty Road. Northville, MI.
  • 12/14/13 1:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - John R. Road. Troy, MI.
Joe Manganiello, star of "True Blood", signing copies of Evolution
  • 12/2/13 7:00 PM at Book Revue – New York Avenue. Huntington, NY.
  • 12/3/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble – Union Square. New York, NY.
  • 12/6/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble – Old Orchard Center. Skokie, IL.
  • 12/7/13 4:00 PM at Barnes & Noble – Settlers Ridge Center Drive, Pittsburgh, PA.
Peter Max, Pop Art icon, signing copies of The Universe of Peter Max
  • 11/19/13 7:00 PM at Book Revue – New York Avenue. Huntington, NY.
  • 12/3/13 7:00 PM at Bookends – East Ridgewood Avenue. Ridgewood, NJ.
Stevie Nicks, member of Fleetwood Mac, signing copies of In Your Dreams    
  • 12/4/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Grove Drive. Los Angeles, CA.
B.J. Novak, star of "The Office", signing copies of One More Thing
  • 2/7/14 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble – Union Square. New York, NY.
Bobby Orr, hockey legend, signing copies of Orr: My Story
  • 11/20/13 6:00 PM at the Harvard Coop - Massachusetts Avenue. Cambridge, MA.
  • 11/22/13 12:30 PM at Barnes & Noble - Northshore Mall. Peabody, MA.
Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska, signing copies of Good Tidings and Great Joy
  • 11/19/13 10:30 AM at Costco - Dallas Parkway. Plano, TX.
  • 11/20/13 10:00 AM at Sam's Club - SW Loop 323. Tyler, TX.
  • 11/20/13 6:00 PM at Mardel Christian - South Boulevard Street. Edmond, OK.
  • 11/21/13 10:00 AM at Sam's Club - North Highway 112. Fayetteville, AR.
  • 11/21/13 6:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Oak Park Mall. Overland Park, KS.
  • 11/22/13 10:30 AM at Costco - West Dodge Road. Omaha, NE.
  • 11/22/13 6:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Mall of America. Bloomington, MN. 
Jane Pauley, former host of "Today", signing copies of Your Life Calling
  • 1/7/14 7:00 PM at Book Revue – New York Avenue. Huntington, NY.
Jerry Ross, space shuttle astronaut, signing copies of Spacewalker 
  • 12/6/13 11:00 AM at Annette's Emporium - East Main Street. League City, TX.  
John Stockton, NBA Hall of Famer, signing copies of Assisted
Mike Tyson, former heavyweight champion, siging copies of Undisputed Truth
  • 11/26/13 7:30 PM at Barnes & Noble - Grove Drive. Los Angeles, CA.
Jesse Ventura, former wrestler and Governor, signing copies of They Killed Our President
  • 11/22/13 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble - Grove Drive. Los Angeles, CA.
Rob Zombie, rocker and director, signing copies of The Lords of Salem
  • 11/22/13 Noon at Barnes & Noble – Woodland Mall. Grand Rapids, MI.
  • 11/24/13 Noon at Barnes & Noble – Mallory Lane. Brentwood, TN.