Traveling all that way to hug the Hoff? Sure!

A year ago on this very news blog we brought you coverage of the first-ever Knight Rider Festival in Las Vegas. It was a fun time, as BRBTV journeyed with buds Krista and Mike across the country in a rental car, from Detroit to Sin City (no, that's not one sin city to another -- shut yo mouth) on a quest to nab some cast autographs on a KITT car dashboard and windshield visor. A trip full of adventure, for sure. But that's another story.

Well, there's one particular sig we missed -- David Hasselhoff, who ended up canceling his appearance at the weekend event celebrating the classic '80s TV show. Oh, the humanity. (And "Santa Barbara" fans may recall Hasselhoff fondly from that cameo spin in a phone booth in one episode, toward the tail-end of his "Knight Rider" gig.)

Fast-forward one year, to the second ever Knight Rider Fest, returning to the delightfully vintage Fremont Street area of Vegas for another March weekend, and what'dya have? The Hoff! Not only that, but you've got our altogether insane friend Krista (it's alright -- she said it first) flying out from Philly early Friday and heading back later that night, just to secure that elusive sig on her visor.

"I hugged the Hoff!" she reported later in her Facebook. Yea, girl. And somehow we suspect it might have been worth it, if for no other reason than her visor, and her KITT car, just got a whole lot more valuable.

Photo courtesy of Krista; please do not copy

Archie Comics takes marriage storyline a step (or two) further with new titles

From Archie Comics

New York, NY -- This July, Archie Comics—home to world-famous characters Archie, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Josie and the Pussycats and more—will release the first issues of two completely brand new titles: "The Married Life: Archie Loves Betty" and "The Married Life: Archie Loves Veronica." Each title is an entirely new ongoing series with endless possibilities in its creative evolution, both in terms of its visual aesthetics and its more literary approach to storytelling.

Inspired by the overwhelming popularity and demand for the recent Archie wedding story, each title covers the detailed legacy of what might be in Archie’s most passionately debated futures, one married to the haughty debutante, Veronica Lodge, in “Archie Loves Veronica” and the other married to the compassionate girl-next-door, Betty Cooper, in “Archie Loves Betty.”

“Everything about 'The Married Life' series for both titles has exceeded our exceptionally high expectations,” says Archie Comics Co-CEO, Jon Goldwater. “The new direction of Archie Comics will be defined with the introduction of these two new titles, ‘Archie Loves Betty’ and ‘Archie Loves Veronica,’ and we couldn’t be more thrilled.”

The titles join other new projects being initiated at Archie Comics this year—including Stan Lee’s Super Seven, the popularity of Archie comics on iTunes and Archie’s Red Circle superheroes at DC, and new partnerships with Random House, IDW, and Dark Horse.

Archie artist Bill Galvan makes Utah appearance

From Archie Comics

Archie Comics artist and writer Bill Galvan (of "Archie: Freshman Year") will be at Dragon's Keep in Provo, Utah, this Saturday, March 27. He'll be signing comics and drawing sketches beginning at 11 a.m.

Go early to talk to the artist of the number one series on iTunes, Archie: Freshman Year! Catch up on the complete series of the original smash sensation “Archie: Freshman Year,” now available in one graphic novel!
Return to the mysteries from Archie’s past with Galvan in an expansion of the original “Archie: Freshman Year” saga with the follow-up five-part series, "Freshman Year: The Missing Chapters." The first two missing chapters, Archie & Friends #140 and #141, are in stores now!

And don't miss out on the upcoming Galvan-illustrated two-part romance between The Archies’ front man, Archie himself, and Josie and The Pussycats’ bassist Valerie, starting with part one in Archie #608—in stores April 21!

DRAGON'S KEEP
260 N. University Ave.
Provo, Utah 84601
(801) 373-3482
www.dragonskeep.com

Amid his typically busy schedule, John Schneider issues a special thanks

Anyone who's a fan of our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard" knows this year is a special year. This is the year he turns the big 5-0. That particular day is a week or two away, still, but that didn't stop a group of fans from giving Schneider a truly unique birthday gift.

The idea was hatched about a year ago, spearheaded by avid fan Phyllis Hinkle, and many folks joined in, supplying reminiscing essays and photos for John's reading enjoyment to mark the big day. What "The Dukes" have meant to them, and in particular, what John has meant to them, were popular topics in the highly personal and quite touching letters submitted for the project. The result? The 145-page, oversized, paperback, glossy-cover and full-color book "Dear John."

This is an item you won't see for sale in your favorite bookstore, as it was designed purely to be this once-in-a-lifetime gift (though those who participated were offered an opportunity to purchase a copy). Photos of General Lees and fans posing with Schneider abound throughout the pages. BRB also participated, supplying a couple photos of herself in her dazyduks at age 13, a big-time fan of the show back then.

The gift made its way to Schneider earlier this week.

"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!" he enthused in his email newsletter. "To everyone who participated in my wonderful, moving birthday book, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will read every word, look fondly at every picture and relish in the memories they bring. Thank you!"

Meanwhile, it's full-speed ahead on various other projects in Schneider's life. Some tidbits from the man himself ...

- "Back 9" is finished, funny and hopefully going to take the airwaves by storm. I warn you that everything about it is raunchy. I warned you!
- "Hot in Cleveland" was a blast and has been picked up. I'm just a guest star on the pilot but may come back in the future.
- "WWJD" is great I hear. Ask about it in your church or look online.
- "Wildthings 4" - What can I say. I had a great time and I think you'll like my part!
- "Demolition Men" (was "Crash Dummies" ) will air on Spike the evening of April 27. Please get as many people as you possibly can to watch this!!! I am not on it but am and executive producer/creator on the show and I need it to be picked up! It's stunt based and fantastic!

Spotted: Joan Collins

She begins the film in a conservative school-marm's attire, but boy, does that change! And if you could think of a Biblical role for our former Alexis Carrington Colby of "Dynasty," wouldn't Potiphar's wife come to mind? After all, the saucy Scriptural vixen saw the handsome Joseph and did what she could to tempt him and generally throw him off track.

And that's just what Joan Collins does in the 2000 film adaptation of the London Palladium stage production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, with rich lyrics by Tim Rice, gives Collins a whole new stage presence.

"She was beautiful but eeee-vil," the singers chime along in a scene awash in black and fuchsia as the black-sequin-clad Collins is introduced as Mrs. Potiphar. Aided by her entourage, she slinkily disrobes Donny Osmond's Joseph in front of what must have been stunned audiences. When the brou-ha-ha is discovered by the enraged Potiphar, his wife simply turns up her nose and poses her significant cigarette holder to her lips dismissively. Soooooo Alexis.

And alas, poor Joseph has to pay for her sins. (And the singerific Osmond really outlungs himself in this one, for sure. Doesn't look too bad in his desert briefs, either.)

Coming up in Archie Comics

ARCHIE #607
“Garden Variety Goofs”: Believing the quality of Archie’s work is proportionate to one’s expectations of Archie, Mr. Lodge gives him a major landscaping job. Will Mr. Lodge’s newfound confidence in Archie flourish and grow, or wither and die?
“Wappa! Wappa!”: The gang learns there’s nothing more novel than a fun-filled novelty when they become obsessed with a tethered paddle ball!
“Here’s a Thought”: Inspired by Dilton’s brilliance, Archie is determined to think until he has a profound thought… or until the fire department responds to all the smoke coming out of his head!
SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic shops: March 24, 2010
Newsstands: April 6, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE IN WILL YOU MARRY ME
This is it – the Archie story of the century, now compiled in one collectible volume! For nearly 70 years, the eternal love triangle has been the bane of Archie’s existence. Not to mention fans, who have forever wondered, “Who will Archie choose, Betty or Veronica?” This year, the fans received an answer… not once, but twice! First came the announcement that Archie would marry Veronica… and the reaction was deafening! While some fans rejoiced, others were stunned, and one even sold his rare first issue of Archie! But just as it seemed Archie would forever settle into a life of wedded and parental bliss, a new twist was revealed, as the New York Times announced that Archie’s life with Veronica was merely one of two possible paths he could take… and for an encore, he decided to walk down the aisle with Betty! Relive the entire saga from beginning to end with every chapter under one cover. Includes all six installments from ARCHIE #600 through #605, plus the follow-up epilogue in ARCHIE #606. The landmark tale was written by acclaimed superhero movie producer Michael Uslan and rendered by legendary Archie Comics artist Stan Goldberg. Reserve your copy today!
SCRIPT: Michael Uslan
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic shops: March 10, 2010
Newsstands: March 23, 2010
168-page, full-color trade paperback
$14.95 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #141
“Freshman Year – the Missing Chapters: Betty & Veronica”: For years, fans of Archie Comics have wondered what happened in the years before the fabled teens of Riverdale entered high school. How did everyone meet? Were the teachers always at the high school? Did all of Archie’s friends always live in Riverdale? Just when did the “eternal love triangle” first start? In the “Freshman Year” saga, originally presented in the pages of ARCHIE #587-591, readers finally learned the back-story behind Riverdale’s fabled cast of characters. But that wasn’t the whole story! Starting the previous issue and running through four consecutive issues, writer Batton Lash fills in the blanks, giving readers an even bigger glimpse of what went on with Jughead, Betty & Veronica, Reggie, Chuck, and Pencilneck G. In this issue, we follow Betty and Veronica through their freshman year, solidifying their friendship as they bond over their love of the Young Broz boy band. Just wait until they bond—or NOT—over their love for Archie!
SCRIPT: Batton Lash
ART: Bill Galvan
On sale at comic shops: March 10, 2010
Newsstands: March 23, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #142
“Freshman Year – the Missing Chapters: Reggie”: The backstories of everyone’s favorite Archie characters continue to be unveiled in this special series of follow-up tales to the acclaimed Freshman Year saga. This time, Reggie’s first year of high school is revealed… and you won’t believe just how far he’ll go to win the attention of the “cool upperclassmen.” But are they really Reggie’s friends, or just using him? Is the trouble Reggie faces worth hanging out with the “cool kids?” Will he realize who his true friends are? The answers await in this intriguing issue!
SCRIPT: Batton Lash
ART: Bill Galvan
On sale at comic shops: March 7, 2010
Newsstands: April 20, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #262
“The Ultra Cool School”: When school budget cuts hit, Archie is forced to home school via computer. Will he be late for class in his own home?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
“Dressing Downer”: A snow day brings out the adventurous side of Archie… and the warm side of his wardrobe!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPTS AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: March 10, 2010
Newsstands: March 23, 2010
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

ARCHIE’S DOUBLE DIGEST #207
“Feathered Friends”: Archie learns that trying to catch a lost parrot just to get an award is for the birds!
SCRIPT: John Rose
ART: Stan Goldberg
“Party On”: Mrs. Andrews is quite pleased with her freshly spotless home… but with Archie holding a party, could it possibly stay that way?
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Randy Elliott
“Great Expert-tations”: To get a job at a local stationery store, Archie sells himself as a school supply expert, but can he actually sell the school supplies?
SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare
ART: Henry Scarpelli
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPTS AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: March 24, 2010
Newsstands: April 6, 2010
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

BETTY #185
“Dancin’ in the Rain”: Archie hopes to win Betty’s heart by being her partner in a dance competition. Will Riverdale’s resident klutz trip the light fantastic, or merely trip up?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
“Tough Times”: The local paper sponsors a contest awarding a thousand dollars to the most frugal teen. Guess which master of the “cheap date” enters the contest?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
“Deli Meet”: When she gets a job making submarine sandwiches, Betty learns that special orders are more than
“meats” the eye!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale at comic shops: March 31, 2010
Newsstands: April 13, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #203
“A Hearty Party”: Veronica’s latest masquerade party is sure to make history – literally, as the theme is coming dressed as a historical figure!
“The Nerd Word”: Betty becomes a “nerdette” and teaches Veronica that in today’s world, it’s chic to be a geek!
SCRIPTS: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPTS AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: March 7, 2010
Newsstands: April 20, 2010
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #179
“The Big Exam!”: The “nerdettes” strike again, as they set out to help the entire high school improve their aptitudes in science, math, technology and more.
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
“Bear-ly Skating”: Betty and Veronica are going around in circles… no, they’re not arguing over Archie again – they’re skating for charity!
SCRIPT: John Rose
ART: Jeff Shultz
“Magic Mishap!”: It’s abra-catastrophe when the magician the kids hired for a charity magic show does a disappearing act, and Archie must step into his magic hat and shoes!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher
ART: Jeff Shultz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPTS AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: March 17, 2010
Newsstands: March 30, 2010
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

JUGHEAD #200
THE MILESTONE 200th ISSUE OF JUGHEAD FEATURING AN ISSUE-LENGTH EPIC WRITTEN BY ROBOT CHICKEN’S CO-HEAD WRITER AND CO-PRODUCER TOM ROOT!
“Something Ventured, Something Gained”: Riverdale High’s fabled teens embark on their wildest ride ever, as Jughead trades his metabolism to a witch in exchange for a mega cheeseburger… and all goes bonkers from there with a chain reaction of cataclysmic proportions! Before you know it, Archie is offering his pure heart to get Juggy’s metabolism back, and Betty and Veronica make offers of their own to get the old Archie back! Meanwhile, Jughead’s waistline is growing larger than Lodge Mansion! Needless to say, the kids are plenty disenchanted with being enchanted. Can they go from status woe to status quo? Tom Root, co-head writer and co-producer of the Emmy Award-winning Robot Chicken on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim—and co-creator/executive producer of the network’s upcoming Titan Maximum—brings his patented irreverent humor to the milestone 200th issue of JUGHEAD!
SCRIPT: Tom Root
ART: Rex Lindsey
COVER: Dan Parent
On sale at comic shops: March 17, 2010
Newsstands: March 30, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #159
MOVE OVER BETTY & VERONICA – ETHEL GRABS THE SPOTLIGHT IN THREE NEW TALES!
“The Green Scene”: Ethel nominates Jughead to be the first male member of The Green Girls… but can she convince him to eat her green veggie burgers? SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
“Where There’s a Will”: When Ethel gets a job at a movie theater, she anonymously sends Jughead free passes as a romantic gesture… but with Jughead involved, it’s more like a romantic comedy!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Tim Kennedy
“To Have and Have Not”: Ethel laments that her friends have it all while she has nothing… but just wait until she hears what those friends have to say about that!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPTS AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: March 7, 2010
Newsstands: April 20, 2010
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

PALS ‘N’ GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #140
“Pranks for the Memories”: Can it be so? Is Reggie really throwing the comedic cosmos into chaos by completely abandoning April Fools’ Day Pranks? What is this, some sort of a joke?!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz
“Teen Trauma”: When it comes to his students, Mr. Weatherbee is a real problem-solver… but when they take up all his time, that leaves him with a problem of his own to solve!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
“Poet Tree”: Reggie thinks that he will never see a poem as lovely as a tree… unless it’s about a lovely girl of course!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPTS AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: March 31, 2010
Newsstands: April 13, 2010
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

Come say hello to BRB -- and some good "Dukes" friends -- at the Motor City Comic Con

The Motor City Comic Con is the place to be this mid-May, to find out whether that stern ole Sheriff Little ever did catch them Duke boys -- or at least one of 'em! Byron "Coy Duke" Cherry will be making his first trip to the Novi, Michigan, event, and he'll be joined by Don Pedro Colley, who portrayed the long arm of the law on "The Dukes of Hazzard."

And while you're there, give a holler to Billie Rae Bates, who will be returning to the event (and her highly beloved Detroit!) again this year to sign copies of the BRBTV reference guide, "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!"

Cherry, Colley and Bates will all be a part of Paul Harrington's "Dukes of Hazzard" museum display, a comprehensive trip back in time to the bright-orange hills of Hazzard County. Inside the traveling museum, you'll find all kinds of fab "Dukes" memorabilia, including lotsa props from the filming of the popular '80s CBS series. The display will include a General Lee, a Hazzard County Sheriff's car (maybe two!) and even a very rare Hazzard County Sheriff's boat!

The Motor City Comic con runs Friday, May 14 through Sunday, May 16. The event, jam-packed with comics industry professionals, will also feature a slew of other classic TV stars, such as Mark Goddard, Todd Bridges, Angie Everhart, Jenilee Harrison, Herb Jefferson Jr., Lindsay Wagner and more. Visit the event site for details, and keep your eye on the Events page of BillieRae.com for your guide to BRB's book signings.

See ya in the Motor City!!!! Yeeeee-haaaaa!!!!!!!!!

BRBTV birthdays for March

- Jed Allan, the final and most commanding C.C. Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 73 on March 1.
- Catherine Bach, lovely Daisy Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard," shares an exact birthday with Rick Edwards, hunky Jake Morton on "SB." They both turn 56 on March 1.
- Cassie Yates, who was Sarah Curtis on "Dynasty," turns 59 on March 2.
- Gordon Thomson , a BRBTV double-shot as Adam Carrington of "Dynasty" and the third and final Mason Capwell on "SB," turns 65 on March 3.
- Stacy Edwards, the sweet Hayley Capwell on "SB," turns 45 on March 4.
- Arlen Dean Snyder, who was Texas Energy Commisioner George Hicks on "Dallas" and Lt. Cobb on "Dynasty," turns 77 on March 5.
- Linda Gibboney, who played the first Gina DeMott (and really, the one we preferred for the role), turns 59 on March 7.
- Alice Hirson, who was Mavis Anderson on "Dallas" and was married to "Dallas" castmate Stephen Elliott (Scotty Demarest), turns 81 on March 10.
- Frank Welker, the voice of Isis the cat on "Batman: The Animated Series" and Ace the Bathound on "Batman Beyond," as well as the General Lee and Uncle Jesse's pet raccoon on "The Dukes" cartooon, turns 64 on March 12.
- Julia Campbell, the cute Courtney Caroline Capwell of "SB," turns a young 47 on March 12.
- Steve Kanaly, our own Ray Krebbs of "Dallas," turns 64 on March 14.
- Dennis Patrick, who was Vaughn Leland on "Dallas" and was also married to a castmate, Barbara Cason (Iris Porter), was born on March 14, 1918 and died on October 13, 2002.
- Patrick Duffy, our Bobby Ewing of "Dallas," is one of our St. Patrick's Day (how ironic) birthdays, turning 61.
- Lesley-Anne Down, who played Stephanie Rogers on "Dallas" and Nurse Ellena Corey on "Dynasty," is our other Patty's Day prize, turning 56.
- James L. Brown, that shrewd Det. Harry McSween on "Dallas," was born on March 22, 1920 and died on April 11, 1992.

Happy birthday to all!