August 2007 Archives

August 31, 2007 2:15 PM

You know the deal by now. Post No Bills is the biggest collection of Fresno show fliers anywhere on the Web.

Each Friday, right here at The Beehive, we give you a look at what's happening in Fresno and the Valley this weekend, next week and into the future.

Nothing to do in Fresno? Wrong. There's plenty. Just take a look below.

If you have a flier to contribute, e-mail it to me at mosegueda@fresnobee.com. Enjoy!

Mike Oz

August 31, 2007 11:03 AM

thompsonhope.jpgIt's been a whirlwind week for Republicans. After sobering up from Alberto Gonzales' resignation announcement, GOPers got hit with the surprisingly delayed news of Idaho Sen. Larry Craig's arrest. To top it off, today is Karl Rove's official last day.

UPDATE: Tony Snow says he's gone, too. Man, they're dropping like it's hot.

But don't fret, because there's always Fred. I say "always" because the former senator and syndicated TV actor has been on the presidential campaign trail for months. But now there's news that he will make his White House bid official next Thursday.

This moment couldn't come soon enough for a party that has been plagued with scandals and low poll numbers since before they lost control of the legislature last year. Fred will turn it around! Or, at least, that's the hope.

Forget Barack Obama. Thompson is now the candidate of hope. With McCain in the tank, and Rudy not feeling the love, Republicans have been taking a second look at the prettiest candidate in decades: Mitt Romney.

Will

August 31, 2007 10:12 AM

Check out today's issue of 7 for a look at touring shows coming our way in the next week - everything from Peter Frampton to John Vanderslice.

Looking further down the calendar, there are a lot of cool/interesting shows coming our way in coming months. Here are a few you should know about right now.

  • Get this: Thurston Moore - frontman of Sonic Youth - decided he wanted to play at the pizza place in Visalia he'd heard so much about. Yep, Howie & Son's. The place has quite a rep. What Mr. Moore wanted, he got. He's playing a special Halloween party on Oct. 31. It's with Pocahaunted. Tickets are more than the usual $5, but still very manageable at $10.
  • Cool last-minute show for Crossroads: Yellowman - regarded as Jamaica's first dancehall superstar - will be there on this coming Thursday night.

Mike Oz

August 30, 2007 7:53 PM

***Update*** Ohmigod! I forgot to mention that, starting 10 p.m. Sept. 11th, TBS is going to be running "The Office" reruns on Tuesday nights.

Jim Halpert two times a week?! I. May. Die.

Much like my friends at the Best Week Ever blog, I haven't been talking too much about "The Office" this summer.

But with the release of season 3 on DVD next week, and new episodes airing in less than a month, I'm back on "The Office" train, people. All aboard!

Excitement and the humidity have clearly addled my brain. Just watch this video on how Jim, Pam, Dwight, et al spent their summer vacations. And - OHMIGOD - pay special attention to how Karen spent her summer vacay. And Ryan! Check out Ryan's the temp new look.

Seriously. I'm on exclamation point overload. This is what "The Office" does to me. Less than a month!

Heather

August 30, 2007 5:24 PM

Call it the good, the bad and the ugly. Kanye West's new album "Graduation" and two new Britney Spears tracks hit the Internet today. Kanye being the good in the earlier statement, with Brit being both the bad and the ugly.

Kanye West - "Graduation"
Just a quick review, since I'm only on my second listen, but Kanye trimmed the fat and cut the skits from his previous albums, making "Graduation" a lean 12 songs.

On the whole, the album is very, very good, with "Champion," "Big Brother" and "Everything I Am" being immediate stand-out tracks. Even the song with T-Pain ("Good Life") is nice -- any time T-Pain is listenable, well, that's quite the achievement.

Mike Oz

August 30, 2007 4:23 PM

vanhalen.jpgPollstar is listing a Van Halen date at Save Mart Center -- Nov. 29.

The show is not currently on the tour itinerary that was recently announced by this David Lee Roth-led incarnation of Van Halen., but Pollstar is usually accurate and ahead of the curve. I trust it and I promise more details as they emerge.

On a totally unrelated note: Is Cabo Wabo supposed to open by then?

UPDATE:
Reader Ernie points out the date is now listed on Live Nation's Web site -- that's pretty much a guarantee, folks.

Mike Oz

August 30, 2007 12:58 PM

Come and get this week's helping of Fresno music from the Beehive's local music podcast.

DOWNLOAD

In this episode we:
- Talk to jazz pianist Armen Nalbandian about the future of his Rhythms of Art concert series at Fresno Art Museum.
- Get a preview of indie hero John Vanderslice, who is performing Wednesday at Tokyo Garden.
- Sample tunes from local bands Poplord, HateFX and 40 Watt Hype.
- Rundown some cool upcoming shows, including Sunday's concert to fight leukemia with MoFo Party Band.
- Check out a track from rapper Fashawn's new mixtape and tell you where to get it free (hint: click those highlighted words you just read).

Podcast fans, don't miss the new prep sports podcast, which debuted on FresnoBee.com today.

Mike Oz

August 30, 2007 8:39 AM

Wanted to share some of the videos I've been checking out on YouTube this week.No Miss Teen USA clips here -- just various music clips that should be of interest to our local scene.

Hot from the editing reel, here's the new video from Planet Asia and Fashawn, "Come On Baby." Oh, and you can download Fashawn's new mixtape for free at his MySpace. Warning: Some language NSFW.

Mike Oz

August 29, 2007 2:55 PM

mydad.jpgI am so tracking down this dude's father to give him a ribbing.

OK, OK, here's what I'm talking about ...

I'm from Tampa, Fla., where my parents still live and my dad is a season-ticket holder for Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball games. This ESPN writer guy has a friend who lives in Tampa, and they went to a game. He photo-blogged about his trip, and my dad ended up in one of the photos (top photo, he's on the right, with the back of his bald head facing the camera).

And what's wrong with Hawaiian shirts? My dad loves those things, and I don't think this particular one is that horrendous.

Will

August 29, 2007 10:54 AM

I guess I've been missing it, because just taking a look at today's section fronts has blown me away. Striking photos lead the way for some solid designs, coming from each section. Go out and spend 50 cents to see what I'm talking about:

front.jpg local.jpg

Will

August 29, 2007 1:01 AM

beyoncesolo.jpgBeyonce pranced onto the Save Mart Center stage Tuesday night and ran through her solo catalog and her Destiny's Child hits in a slickly choreographed, high-energy show that attracted what looked to be close to 10,000 people.

So what did you think? Was she awesome or average? Did you love the theatrical elements of the show or did she go through too many costume changes? Was is it a good mix of songs or did she leave something out?

And Robin Thicke: Did he steal the show or did he spend too much time behind his keyboard?

Sound off.

Got pics or vids to share? Hit me up and I'll post 'em.

Mike Oz

August 29, 2007 12:52 AM

beyoncrick.jpgWhen we last checked in with concert promoter Rick Mirigian, he was headed to bed two nights before tonight's Beyonce concert at the Save Mart Center.

Now that it's the day of the concert, we'll be chronicling Mirigian's activities (and the progress of the concert) throughout the day.

8:57 a.m. - Rick Mirigian pulls his light brown Mercedes down a ramp into the loading area of the Save Mart Center. He parks next to three of the 13 trucks responsible for bringing Beyonce's tour to Fresno. Those started unloading around 6 a.m.

Mike Oz

August 28, 2007 1:48 PM

***UPDATE #2*** CNN.com is reporting that Owen Wilson did, indeed, attempt suicide, as indicated by the police log for Sunday. "Extra TV" reports that it was his brother, Luke, who found him.

Wilson issued the following statement yesterday: "I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time."

I continue to be bummed about this entire event, and still wish Owen well.

***UPDATE***Star magazine is reporting that Owen Wilson tried to commit suicide by slitting his wrist and taking an "indeterminate" number of pills. According to Star, Wilson was discovered by a family member, who called 911. Police arrived on the scene, as did a criminal defense attorney who Star believes is working for Wilson.

This is coming from Star - a publication notorious for publishing untruths, so I'm going to hold onto the hope that none of the above is true.

Original post: Today is turning out to be a really bad day for Owen Wilson and Nick Hogan, who have each been hospitalized for separate incidents.

TMZ is reporting that Owen Wilson has been hospitalized for unknown reasons after a 911 call was placed this afternoon in Santa Monica. There's no word yet on what happened to Wilson, and I sincerely hope he is okay. I can't imagine any future Wes Anderson films without him.

On the opposite side of the country, Nick Bollea, son of Hulk Hogan (real name: Bollea), was seriously injured when a car he was driving in Clearwater, Florida, hit a median, flipped around, then slammed into a tree. Apparently the car was totaled and both passengers were flown by Medivac helicopter to the hospital. Nick is in serious condition, while the passenger in his car is in critical condition. Those of you who watch "Hogan Knows Best" know that Nick likes to race cars; today's accident occurred while he was speeding down a public street.

Here's hoping both men are okay.

Heather

August 28, 2007 8:59 AM

Giving money away is always a lot more fun than taking it. Maria Franco of the Fresno Arts Council has announced this year's Community Enrichment Program (CEP) grants for non-profit arts and cultural organizations in the City of Fresno totalling approximately $250,000. The top recipients:

JazzFresno: $14,000
Fresno Art Museum: $12,500
Sierra Chamber Opera: $12,000
San Joaquin River Parkway: $12,000
Valley Public Television: $12,000
Spectrum Art Gallery: $12,000

The complete list:

Donald Munro

August 28, 2007 6:20 AM

bb3banner-1.jpgBaby Spears: Mommy, who are those people in the Kohl's suit separates and cheap shoes sitting in our cabana and writing stuff down every time you drink your mommy medicine or teach doggie his lessons?

Britney: No one, Baby. Just some [expletives deleted] your son of a bitch daddy hired to take away mommy's precious boys from her. Remember what we always say? Say it with me: Daddy doesn't love you like Mommy does --

Baby Spears:
because he wants to make me work in sweat shop in Fresno all day with no soda or candy or swimming, like Mommy gives me. Mommy, can I have another sip of your medicine?

Britney Spears:
No, Baby. You know that's just for nap time, and only when Mommy has her special friends over.

Baby Spears: Oh yeah. I can't wait for nap time! Mommy, where are my pants?

Heather

August 27, 2007 12:56 PM

vickalberto.jpgMichael Vick is sorry. Alberto Gonzales is proud. Either way, both are on their way out of their high-profile positions. Both made speeches today discussing their situations, but neither of them said what they really felt. So, in the interest of performing the pure definition of blogging -- spouting off without really knowing anything -- allow me to interpret:

Michael Vick: "For most of my life, I've been a football player, not a public speaker, so, you know, I really don't know, you know, how to say what I really want to say."

My Translation: "I love dog fighting. I'm aware most normal, sane and humane people don't love dog fighting. So I don't know what to say."

Alberto Gonzales: "Thirteen years ago I entered public service to make a positive difference in the lives of others. And during this time I have traveled a remarkable journey, from my home state of Texas to Washington, D.C., supported by the unwavering love and encouragement of my wife Rebecca and our sons Jared, Graham and Gabriel."

My Translation: "I love President Bush. I'd do anything for him. I'm Jack to his Ennis. I thought I didn't know how to quit him. I guess I found a way today. Oh, yeah, and my wife and kids and all that. Uh, I love them, too."

Will

August 26, 2007 8:32 AM

fidel_castro.JPGPerez Hilton is claiming that Fidel Castro has died.

Who is Perez Hilton? Probably the most successful gossip blogger on the Internet, simultaneously revered and hated for his "calls it as he sees it" approach to blogging about celebrities (which generally means saying that everyone is gay and/or drawing cocaine trails on their photos).

Somehow, this jerk has weaseled his way into some fairly impressive celebrity circles. Celebs from Paris Hilton to Victoria Beckham claim to love Perez, although I believe it has less to do with love and more to do with staying on the good side of someone who gets 3 million hits a day, plus appears on various television and radio shows to talk about their personal lives, which he sees up close. He's gross, and generally I refuse to link to his site.

However, for the last week, Perez has been claiming that he has exclusive information about the death of Fidel Castro, and now the story is making the rounds across the web. Does Perez really know something that has not yet been picked up by credible news sources? God, I hope not.

I'd hate to think this bloated, irresponsible fool has scooped the nation's top journalistic endeavors. On the other hand, if Perez is wrong, it could open gossip bloggers in general up to a whole lot of criticism and negative attention.

Stick to the code, people. We take down entitled heiresses, popstars past their prime, and addict ingenues. Leave the political stuff to The Drudge Report CNN.

Heather

August 25, 2007 1:02 PM

boondocksHuey500.jpgIn my column this week, I introduced the Oz List, my own list of pop culture recommendations. I big-upped Superbad, Clark and Michael, Common, the new Harold & Kumar teaser, and Dexter, among other totally awesome things.

There were many totally awesome things I wasn't able to mention, but still deserve a shout-out, such as ...

  • "The Boondocks" season two trailer -- Hella funny. Hella NSFW. Watch, if you dare.
  • A Fine Frenzy -- The guy who introduced hella people to Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen -- go ask around -- is now recommending you check out 22-year-old singer/pianist Alison Sudol, who goes by A Fine Frenzy. Listen at MySpace.
  • "Ace of Cakes" -- I generally try to avoid the Food Network -- unless Giada De Laurentiis is showing off her goods food -- but I can't front on "Ace of Cakes." It's such a simple treat in the world of crazy reality TV -- no competition, no manufactured drama, just fun.

Mike Oz

August 25, 2007 10:48 AM

I have no idea what is happening in this Japanese commercial starring the British Orlando Bloom, who is shilling a hair product that goes by the Spanish word "Uno".

All I know is, Orlando's hair looks amazing. Stuff is crashing around him, people are trying to kill him, there is some sort of incident with a car, at one point he finds himself falling out of a high-rise building - and yet, he always has the time to make sure not a wisp of hair is out of place.

If ABC ran Japanese commercials every 6 minutes during episodes of "Lost," I might have continued to watch that show.

Bonus: Watch for the part where Orlando rips off that sad little porn 'stache he's been rocking attempting lately. Another reason to thank the Japanese.

Heather

August 25, 2007 10:08 AM

zombieprom.JPGOnce again, an Abels puts a mark on Children's Musical Theaterworks. Only this time, it isn't founding artistic director Joel Abels, who built up the company through the years only to relinquish day-to-day oversight to pursue a career as a professional actor. The Abels who shines this time around, in the new production of "Zombie Prom," is Joel's daughter, Taylor (alternating with Caitlin Stevenson, herself a dynamo of a performer), who belts her way through the role of the uptight principal with the poise and presence of someone far beyond her years.

Abels is just one of many high points in this cheery musical romp set in the hallways of Enrico Fermi High School (yet another silly nuclear-age allusions in this gentle '50s-era satire.) Though the show is not as crisply directed or innovatively staged as many of the CMT productions I saw under the direction of Joel Abels, it boasts the strongest overall vocals of any CMT show I've seen.

Donald Munro

August 24, 2007 4:18 PM

Bad news for fans of the Bard: The Woodward Shakespeare Festival performance of "The Taming of the Shrew" is cancelled for Friday night. It's the second night in a row the show hasn't been able to go on.

The show will go dark because the city, which is converting the road through the park from one-way to two-way, isn't finished with the project. The asphalt is still wet.

Director Daniel Moore told me just a few minutes ago that the show is still scheduled for Saturday, but he's keeping his fingers crossed.

My question: Could the city parks department look any more incompetent?

Donald Munro

August 24, 2007 2:36 PM

You know the deal by now. Post No Bills is the biggest collection of Fresno show fliers anywhere on the Web. Each Friday, right here at The Beehive, we give you a look at what's happening in Fresno and the Valley this weekend, next week and into the future.

Nothing to do in Fresno? Wrong. There's plenty. Just take a look below.

If you have a flier to contribute, e-mail it to me at mosegueda@fresnobee.com. Enjoy!

Mike Oz

August 24, 2007 12:59 PM

1. Go ahead, date a Zombie. Children's Musical Theaterworks opens the goofy "Zombie Prom" 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium for a three-wekeend run. You can read about the production in my cover story that appears in today's issue of 7. And, as a bonus, you can check out this gallery of photos from past CMT productions. I saw the final preview performance last night, and I'll be posting my review online this afternoon.

Donald Munro

August 24, 2007 8:05 AM

greicofug1.jpgSweet Georgia Brown, what has happened to Richard Grieco?

Remember him? He was on the cops-posing-as-high-school-kids gem "21 Jump Street" for a spell, then had his own short-lived spinoff, "Booker". At the time, he was very easy on the eyes - major man candy (at least, to my 13-year old eyes).

And now he looks like the oily spawn of Gene Simmons and a Doberman Pinscher.

Note to Richard: Your face skin shouldn't be pulled back so tightly your lips will no longer close. Just a thought. Seriously. How do you chew?

Heather

August 23, 2007 10:17 PM

amyblake2308_468x438.jpgI haven't really been keeping up with the status of Amy Winehouse's revolving door rehab trips. She was in, then she wasn't, then she was. Tuesday it was announced that her tour dates for September were postponed. And now today comes this: the Daily Mail has an account of Amy's recent fight with her husband in a hotel, complete with pictures of the bloody and bruised-up couple. Amy claims that she was cutting herself, about to do drugs with a call girl, and her husband came in and "saved" her, thus starting the brawl.

This goes beyond even my capacity for enjoying the antics of celebrities. I mean, WTF?

I can't make a joke about this. This girl does not seem likely to live to her 25th birthday, and the day she dies, it's going to be pretty creepy knowing that millions of people watched her slowly kill herself while eating their morning bagels and glancing at their favorite gossip sites.

Heather

August 23, 2007 7:45 PM

nicole_richie2.jpgWealthy celebutante Nicole Richie served a whopping 82 minutes of her 4-day sentence for D.U.I. this afternoon in a Lynwood, California, jail.

According to People.com, Richie checked herself into the Lynwood jail (the same jail in which Paris Hilton served her time) at 3:15 p.m. and was released at 4:37 p.m. due to overcrowding.

Richie, who is five months pregnant, was recorded as weighing 105 pounds. She should have been kept in the jail 10 minutes longer and force-fed one good prison meal. That might have been a little closer to justice served.

Things are looking even better for Lindsay Lohan now, aren't they? Having been sentenced to 1 day in jail, I'm fairly certain she'll get credit for time served just because she spent time thinking about jail. God bless overcrowding, hunh, girls?

Somebody get me a bottle of Grey Goose, an eight ball and my car keys. Let's see if we can make Vegas by midnight.

Heather

August 23, 2007 5:08 PM

jody_headpiece.jpgEsteemed Colleague Mike Osegueda says there were 7,000 and change at Wednesday's Selland waffle griddle parking lot. As one among the dehydrating masses, I can verify that estimate. And here's a guess of my own: Not counting the people running the booths and tents, there were roughly 27 people at the Warped Tour's Fresno stop who were 45 or older.

And I was one of them.

By and large, I was there to escort my son, a high school freshman. But I had fun. Really. How many times can you earn, with one ticket, the honor of listening to industrial Irish-reel rock (Flogging Molly!) and watching a six-piece all-girl Japanese ska combo (Oreskaband!), six Mexican wrestlers and countless flying elbows.

And just because I was surrounded by kids who think Springsteen is an nostalgia tour doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the procession of thrash metal. I did, though I enjoyed the moshing even more. Once I figured out I outweighed most of the moshers by 20 pounds or more, it was easy.

Jody Murray

August 23, 2007 4:38 PM

mtd%20cjp%20two-headed%20cow.JPGThe two-headed cow (Note: This is not another Britney Spears post) that was born in Tulare on Tuesday has been euthanized.

The calf -- named Blinky by Hamstra Dairy owner Greg Hamstra because, "all four eyes blink at the same time" -- had been getting attentionaround the globe.

Pour out a little milk for Blinky, y'all.

Mike Oz

August 23, 2007 4:01 PM

brit_blog_60.jpgSo we know Britney Spears is a crappy mom, isn't cute anymore and will cozy up with just about anybody in a hot tub. But at least she's still got her music!

Brit's new single -- the one she's rumored to be performing at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards -- leaked onto the internet today. And let me just to tell you, at least Britney is keeping it consistent when it comes to her music.

It sucks.

Note to whichever worthless hack of a producer and unoriginal record executive are responsible for this: A good voice is required before one should attempt to sing a ballad such as this one. I don't want to hear Britney screechin' it up while she tries to do her best Amy Winehouse impression.

Go listen, courtesy of Perez Hilton.

Mike Oz

August 23, 2007 3:34 PM

lindsaylohanok_rehab.jpg***UPDATE*** Lindsay Lohan has plea bargained her way down to one day in jail, 10 days community service and 36 months probation.

*Related* Overheard from Nicole Richie ten seconds after Lohan's deal was reached: "Betch."

Apparently, being young and a drug addict has worked to Lindsay Lohan's advantage.

Lohan, who is currently in Utah doing photoshoots for OK! magazine for her third attempt at rehab, was charged with 2 misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence this morning in Los Angeles. If convicted, she could face four whole days in jail; however, as a plea bargain is set to happen this afternoon, I wouldn't count on the four days happening.

If you'll recall, cocaine was found in the car at Lindsay's first D.U.I. arrest, and she was busted for bringing a narcotic into a custodial facility during the second. So why wasn't Lohan charged with any felony charges?

According to TMZ, Lohan had less than the .05 grams of cocaine required for felony charges in her system during her first arrest. During the second arrest, the manner in which the drug was seized from Lohan was "questionable," whatever the hell that means, and the amount seized "didn't meet the threshold for filing."

Also helping Lindsay are her age (barely 21), and the frequency of her busts. Apparently, the D.A. takes these things into consideration when considering felony charges. Since it's clear Lindsay has a serious problem, and since she pops into rehab every time she's busted, she has managed to skate by with a severely reduced punishment.

Oh, plus she's famous. Really, really famous. And this is Los Angeles we're talking about. Right, Foxy Brown?

So, good for Lindsay. How about a couple of beers to celebrate? Oops. Looks like she beat me to it. I'll just start working on those "Third times a D.U.I. charm for Lindsay Blowhan" posts now, shall I?

Heather

August 23, 2007 12:20 PM

putin.jpgRussian President Vladimir Putin shows us what he's got.

When's the last time we saw a sitting world leader show us this much skin?

Will

August 23, 2007 10:58 AM

pitt.jpgBecause I'm confused. I mean, Brad Pitt is so hot.

He even makes walking through the construction site of his New Orleans home look good.

But is it because he's Brad Pitt, so I'm predisposed to thinking he's delicious in whatever he wears? Granted, not many can pull off the all-white on their best day -- I know I can't. But it's still a pretty simple ensem, if you ask me.

I know Heather is our celeb watcher, but with shots like these floating around, who can keep their eyes off Brad?

Will

August 22, 2007 5:04 PM

pitbull.jpgJeez. What is the world coming to? First, you get on Michael Vick for killing dogs. Then you put him in jail. Now you're taking his dogs from him.

But ...

If nobody claims the dogs, YOU'RE gonna kill them?

(Note: The "you" in this blog entry is The Man.)

*** UPDATE: I saw "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" on my TiVo last night, and he had a correspondent do a dogfighting story. It was some pretty gross stuff. And they even showed one dog get euthanized by a vet. So, sure, I guess that's a better way to go, but the whole situation is just sad. You'd think someone with as many resources at his disposal as Mike Vick had, he'd spend his free time on a slightly more tasteful hobby ... like high-priced hookers in Vegas, or something. ***

Will

August 22, 2007 4:32 PM

oldfootball.jpgOK, so my dad turns 60 next month, and he'll be lucky to pick up his nine iron without releasing a yelp from pain his back. Or his knees. Or whatever else most 59-year-olds yelp about.

Not Mike Flynt. While my dad takes a breather to get through all his birthday candles, this other dude's gonna spend his Saturdays playing for the Sul Ross State Division 3 football team.

Yeah, just like Scott Bakula in "Necessary Roughness." But older, and probably funnier.

What is it about Texas and old farts suiting up for football? I get that the sport is big in that state (the Houston NFL franchise's mascot is the native citizen), but there must be something in the water there.

Hey, maybe Pat Hill can amend his "anytime, anywhere" mantra to "any age, any state of mental competence."

Will

August 22, 2007 3:16 PM

A warning for those planning to trek out to Woodward Park Thursday for the regularly scheduled performance of "The Taming of the Shrew": You won't find anyone there.

The park is closed for the conversion of the park's one-way road into a two-way thoroughfare. Woodward Shakespeare Festival officials say that the parks department has promised them that everything will be fine in time for the Friday and Saturday performances.

As for the production itself: It has enough energy to cover the West Coast power grid. You can read my review here.

Donald Munro

August 22, 2007 2:11 PM

austenfan.jpgYou've gotta love those Jane Austen fans: They're organized. One of them from Australia spotted my Sunday column soon after it published and posted it on a blog devoted to the movie "Becoming Jane." Icha (who runs the blog along with a friend from the U.K.) writes:

I'm very impressed with your review of "Becoming Jane." Not every male reviewer I know would see the movie in such a way. They would either be bored, or would just bash the movie for the historical inaccuracy :-D
Anyway, I wrote a bit of your review in the Becoming Jane Fansite that I manage with my friends, and I also give the link to the full article. Please drop by sometimes in the BJ Fansite to read some of our research re: Jane and Tom. We try to reference our sources whenever possible, and one of our article was adopted by the Jane Austen Centre in Bath, UK.

First of all, ladies, I'm glad to dash some of your male-reviewer stereotypes. I highly recommend "Becoming Jane." If you're an Austen fan and haven't yet seen the movie, you owe it to yourself. (Good news as of Wednesday: It will be playing for a second week in Fresno and Clovis.) And check out this wonderful blog. It's chock full of fascinating tidbits. There's a fascinating entry from a woman who took an impromptu pilgramage through Austen country and posted some of her photos.

Donald Munro

August 22, 2007 10:13 AM

dirtydancing.jpgThere, I said it. What are ya gonna do about it, Lionsgate? Apparently, sue me. Along with anyone else caught using the line for marketing purposes.

If we can't go around quoting "Dirty Dancing," then how can we get enjoyment out of life? What's next? No more ... "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn"; "Here's lookin' at you, kid"; "May the Force be with you"; "Houston, we have a problem"; or "I'll be back"?

Will Tom Cruise try to convert me if I utter "You can't handle the truth!" or "Show me the money!"?

Well, I only have one thing to say: "Yippee-ki-yay, motherf

Will

August 21, 2007 10:39 PM

robinthicke.jpgStart swooning, ladies, Robin Thicke is almost here. The soul heartthrob and son of Alan Thicke is in Fresno on Tuesday night, opening up for Beyonce at the Save Mart Center. [ tickets ]

In today's paper, I had a Q & A with Thicke, who I talked to last week, as he was getting back into the U.S. after a few dates in Canada. Since I know Thicke's fans are a rabid bunch, I'm offering up the audio of the interview for your downloading happiness. (Warning: Some language NSFW).

DOWNLOAD: Robin Thicke interview // LISTEN: Thicke @ MySpace

Mike Oz

August 21, 2007 3:58 PM

blackhair-a.jpgOK, here's my story: I dyed my hair last night. You can see the results at the photo to the right.

So I'm at Rite Aid, waiting for my wife to find something, and I get the urge to dye my hair ... blond. Now I don't dye my hair. I'm not a "hair dyer." But I thought it'd be fun, a little different. I usually have medium-brown hair, and I figured the blond would just lighten it a little.

This is a story of irony, because, as you can see, my hair color is not lighter. It seems some joker thought it'd be hilarious to pull a switcheroo with the contents of the package.

So, I'm dyeing my hair -- with gloves and gunk on my hands-- and I ask my wife for a damp wash cloth to get some of the blue liquid off my face. She comes in the bathroom, and she asks whether I looked at bottles inside the box. Not only did the suspect in this case of willfoolery switch colors, apparently the black dye products come from a cheaper brand.

Again, not being a regular at this, I didn't think to check the color listed on the bottles or the brand name -- never entered my mind. So, here I am with black hair.

Sigh.

Will

August 21, 2007 1:51 PM

the-office-fun-run-promo-pics-01.jpgJust Jared has posted a couple of behind-the scenes pictures from the one-hour season premiere of "The Office," scheduled for Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. The post also includes some spoilers about the episode (not the ones you really want to read, though), including one unfortunate Dunder Mifflinite's experience with bleeding nipples. Nice.

I had some fun watching "Arrested Development" on DVD this summer, but I am starting to get excited about "The Office" again. Season Three comes out on DVD September 4 and I'm fairly certain I will watch the whole thing in one sitting. I'm ready to resume my crush on Jim Halpert and willing to forget that stupid movie with Mandy Moore.

Or, willing to try to forget it, as the case may be. Jim + Pam 4eva!

Related: Mandy Moore looks like a drag queen. I'm just saying.

Heather

August 21, 2007 1:48 PM

Our Warped Tour: Backstage video series ends today with punk rockers Revolution Mother. Tomorrow, the Vans Warped Tour makes its stop at Selland Arena. Want a list of things to check out? Don't miss my top 10.

Revolution Mother has one of the most interesting scenarios on the tour. The band -- which is fronted by pro skater Mike V. -- has its own stage with a skate ramp on the side of it, so Mike V. can sing and skate. In the video, the band talks about that and more. (Warning: Some language NSFW)

Previously in the Warped Tour: Backstage series ...
Pepper | The Matches | Circa Survive | Paramore | Big D and the Kids Table | Anberlin |

Mike Oz

August 21, 2007 10:59 AM

fringe.jpgThe Edinburgh Fringe festival, which has shared acts with Fresno's Rogue Festival in years past, made news today when one performer ended up in a hospital ... for getting his, um, member stuck in a vacuum.

I could try to get cute with this story, what with all the possibilities that come with members and vacuums, along with the fact that the performer is a dwarf. Instead, I called Rogue founder Marcel Nunis for comment.

While Nunis maintains that the Rogue "is not about censorship" but "freedom of expression," he said: "I don't think anything as crazy or drastic as that would come to the Rogue." Of course, he says he'd feel horrible if anything happened to any performer during Fresno's festival "no matter what they're doing."

Especially since he's currently conceiving an act involving a "terrorist chef." "We're going to set it up as a cooking show," Nunis says. "Let's hope there are no kitchen malfunctions."

Yes, let's hope.

Will

August 20, 2007 9:10 PM

LIF%20SPCL%20MEZCAL.JPGUPDATE: Mezcal advanced out of the weekend auditions and will be auditioning for a spot on the show this week in Las Vegas. The band is looking for local support in the form of comments on its MySpace page and the show's MySpace.

Popular Visalia band Mezcal is headed to Los Angeles this weekend -- but not for the type of performance you might think.

The Latin/rock band got a call from the producers of "The Next Great American Band," the coming-in-October-"American Idol" spin-off, and are hopping on a plane today to go audition. They'll perform tomorrow and, if producers like them, again on Sunday, according to frontman Carlos Rodriguez.

Unlike "Idol," this is not a cattle-call audition. This is more of a call back. The band already submitted a video and they're part of a select number of bands who are auditioning in front of producers. Rodriguez says he's not sure how many bands they're up against, but that it's less than 75. According to Rolling Stone, 10 bands will be semi-finalists when the show starts airing in October. "The cool thing is they really want to see us," Rodriguez says. "It's not like 'Idol,' where everybody and their mom gets to try out."

For a little more Mezcal, check them out in last week's FresnoBeehive.com local music podcast.

Mike Oz

August 20, 2007 5:29 PM

The bells have been rocked. The back of my neck has been blistered by the sun. The hip-hop hangover has finally whittled away. And here I am, back in Fresno, ready to talk about Saturday's Rock the Bells concert at the McCovey Cove Parking Lot in San Francisco.

THE BASICS
Like its previous incarnations in New York and Los Angeles, the San Francisco Rock the Bells date was headlined by uber-pissed-off rockers Rage Against the Machine, who played another stop on their (kinda) summer reunion tour to a crowd of more than 45,000.

The day-long festival was also a mix of throwback and upcoming rappers -- ranging from EPMD to Murs. The main stage was mostly older hip-hop acts like Cypress Hill and Public Enemy (yes, Flava Flav was there), while there was a second stage (the Paid Dues stage) with indie rappers such as Sage Francis and MF Doom. In the middle were established, but not quite nostalgia, acts like Wu-Tang Clan, Mos Def and Blackalicious.

Mike Oz

August 20, 2007 4:37 PM

Alexa DePasquale and Carly Oliver, as the legendary Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, give fine individual performances in the new production of "The Miracle Worker" at the 2nd Space Theatre. As Helen, DePasquale is an inspired handful, with her wild hair and vacant look giving her a scroungy, feral quality during the play's earlier scenes. Oliver's Annie is robust and inspiring: a fiery Irish lass willing to stand up for the benefit of her charge.

But together, something is missing in their relationship. Director Patrick Allan Tromborg doesn't allow them time and space to truly make a connection. The result is a nice history piece that remains surface level.

Donald Munro

August 20, 2007 1:59 PM

john_mayer.jpgApparently newly-hot John Mayer and Cameron Diaz were spotted looking all canoodle-y over the weekend in New York.

History suggests that I'd have something negative to say about this, but you know what? I think they'd make a great pair. Physically, they look like they'd make a cute couple (looks like John finally outgrew that boob obsession), and although she may have her mid-breakup freak-outs, Cameron, who likes to surf, ski and save the environment, seems like a chill enough girlfriend for the clever, environmentally-aware John. His last attempt, of course, was Jessica Simpson, who looks like she spends her time alternately whining about being bored and chewing on her hair.

Yep. Definitely a good match. Well played, John Mayer.

I don't know why, but I am in a generous mood today. If you're a celebrity, do something dumb today because it appears I may just let it go. Britney Spears, I am looking solely in your direction.

Heather

August 20, 2007 1:39 PM

The Beehive is getting you ready for Wednesday's Vans Warped Tour stop at Selland Arena with Warped Tour: Backstage, a series of video interviews gathered at last month's Bay Area Warped show. Today, we're talking to Stephen Christian of Anberlin.

Sorry to bring you guys another band that's not playing the Fresno date (like Paramore) -- but when I interviewed Christian, his band was supposed to be playing the Fresno date. Now they're off touring with Paramore, coincidentally. Regardless, enjoy this backstage peek at the Warped Tour.

Previously in the Warped Tour: Backstage series:
Pepper | The Matches | Circa Survive | Paramore | Big D and the Kids Table |

Mike Oz

August 20, 2007 1:06 PM

programcover3.pngWe've heard a lot these past days about a certain storm named Dean hurling through the Caribbean. There's a powerful phenomenon closer to home, however. Let's call him Hurricane Jay. He's a Category 5 in terms of comedic turbulence, and he's whipping through Woodward Park in the new production of "The Taming of the Shrew."

As Petruchio, the "tamer" of the title, Jay Felix is a blast of such vigorous theatrical energy that he nearly bowls you over. From the moment he bounds on stage -- and make no mistake, EVERYONE bounds onto stage in this whiplash-inducing romp -- you can sense that you're in for blustery times ahead. At times shouting his lines like a drill sergeant and at others retreating into a maniacal grin that suggests Johnny Depp on a mind-altering substance, Felix whips between bellowing lunatic and smooth-tongued confidence man. Clad in a shockingly fluorescent vest -- when, that is, he's clad in much of anything at all -- he's like a cross between a pirate and a Cal Trans worker on an acid trip.

Donald Munro

August 19, 2007 10:32 AM

johnhancock.jpgI recently got into the show "Arrested Development" (a year after it was canceled, natch), so it pleases me to no end to see photos of my TV boyfriend, Jim Halpert Michael Bluth on the gossip sites.

These pictures are of Jason Bateman and Charlize Theron (Rita on "Arrested") on the set of their film Hancock, and they make me believe that this is how happy Michael and Rita could have been together. You know - minus that whole "M.R.F." thing.

And if you've never seen "Arrested Development," go to Target right now and buy all three seasons on DVD - they're about $20 each and you can burn through them before Season 3 of "The Office" comes out on DVD September 4. TV rules!

Heather

August 19, 2007 10:30 AM

The Beehive is getting you ready for Wednesday's Vans Warped Tour stop at Selland Arena with Warped Tour: Backstage, a series of video interviews gathered at last month's Bay Area Warped show. Today, we're talking to Steve Foote and Ryan O'Connor of ska band Big D and the Kids Table. For more Warped goodness, don't miss my list of 10 things to see on this year's tour.

Previously:
- Warped Tour: Backstage with Pepper.
- Warped Tour: Backstage with The Matches.
- Warped Tour: Backstage with Circa Survive.
- Warped Tour: Backstage with Paramore.

Mike Oz

August 19, 2007 9:51 AM

BSpearsFIRST081707_001.jpgThough it's the acting like a mom she can't seem to suss out.

Here is a photo taken by X17 of Britney riding around in her convertible, natural hair a-blowin' in the breeze. If you'll recall, the last time we saw Brit without a ratty wig or a rattier weave was shortly after she went all Mary Poppins Captain Crazypants on that paparazzo's car with an umbrella or, as Britney put it, researched a "roll" (with extra butter, no doubt).

I'm sure Britney's hair would look a little less Carol Brady-like if she ditched the silly sunglasses, so I'm going to give her a pass on this one and just say that she looks better than she has (sans Photoshop) in a good long while. Good job, Criss Angel. You may not be dating Britney, but your magic powers managed to remove the dead cat from her head. I'll give you a pass, also - but just until the day you inevitably start dating Kimberly Stewart.

Heather

August 18, 2007 10:24 AM

The Beehive is getting you ready for Wednesday's Vans Warped Tour stop at Selland Arena with Warped Tour: Backstage, a series of video interviews gathered at last month's Bay Area Warped show. Today, we're talking to Hayley Williams and Josh Farro of current MTV darlings Paramore. For more Warped goodness, don't miss my list of 10 things to see on this year's tour.

Just a note: Paramore isn't playing the Fresno Warped date because it was only on the front end of the tour.

Previously:
- Warped Tour: Backstage with Pepper.
- Warped Tour: Backstage with The Matches.
- Warped Tour: Backstage with Circa Survive.

Mike Oz

August 18, 2007 10:19 AM

I don't want to hear any more rumors about Clay Aiken being gay. It's just not true, okay? I think this video of him doing justice to Justin Timberlake's "Sexyback" clears things up quite nicely.

Heather

August 17, 2007 2:14 PM

I've taken a look into the future, America, and it is bleak.

Luckily, I think I can pinpoint where exactly we went wrong as a society:
paris-hilton-clothing-line.jpg

Anything I can say about parents who let their children dress in Paris Hilton-designed clothing is already addressed by this picture. Take heed, people. Take heed.

Heather

August 17, 2007 1:28 PM


This has no choice but to be completely awesome.

Mike Oz

August 17, 2007 12:37 PM

pickfordpic21. A trip to Louisiana. If you haven't yet seen Joel Pickford's wonderful photography show at the Fresno Art Museum, you have one more weekend. I wrote in a July article:

In Joel Pickford's gorgeous new exhibition of photos at the Fresno Art Museum, we see some of these structures: most a little weathered, some decayed, but all still hanging on.
Pickford's show is more than just buildings, however. It's about a way of life. The Fresno photographer spent more than 10 years, off and on, worming into the nooks and crannies of the Creole culture. He evolved from tourist into something else: a trusted observer.
And in doing so, he gives us an entry into a place and a way of life that most of us will never see.

The exhibit continues through Sunday. It's also your last chance to see Lita Albuquerque's interesting exhibit about the installation piece she did in Antarctica.

Donald Munro

August 17, 2007 11:12 AM

bounceaug07copygk2.jpgYou know the deal by now. Post No Bills is the biggest collection of Fresno show fliers anywhere on the Web.

Each Friday, right here at The Beehive, we give you a look at what's happening in Fresno and the Valley this weekend, next week and into the future.

Nothing to do in Fresno? Wrong. There's plenty. Just take a look below.

If you have a flier to contribute, e-mail it to me at mosegueda@fresnobee.com. Enjoy!

Mike Oz

August 17, 2007 10:24 AM

death-at-a-funeral-big.jpgMy review of the new film "Death at a Funeral," which you can find in today's issue of 7, did NOT amuse a reader who left this message on my phone mail:

I just want to tell you I read your write-up on this casket thing today. I'm going to a funeral today. And it's also the 10th anniversary of my husband's death. I don't know what kind of a person you are and I can't think you're much of a person. There's nothing -- nothing! -- funny about death, and nothing funny about a casket. One of these days you're going to know that. I feel sorry for you that you can laugh and get fun out of some kind of weird sense of humor about dying and a casket. Come over to some of the mortuaries and go to some of the funerals and see the grieving. It's not funny.

Um, excuse me, but ... It's a f-a-r-c-e. A silly British one at that. Besides, it's a time-honored tradition in literature -- from the ancient Greeks to Shakespeare to Hugh Grant (well, I'm not sure you'd classify "Four Weddings and a Funeral" as literature, but you know what I mean) -- to poke fun at the human response to mortality. And last time I looked, my name wasn't listed on "Death at a Funeral" as an executive producer. I didn't make the film; I just laughed at it.

Other interesting (but not kill-the-messenger) reader tidbits after the jump.

Donald Munro

August 17, 2007 12:41 AM

The Beehive is getting you ready for Wednesday's Vans Warped Tour stop at Selland Arena with Warped Tour: Backstage, a series of video interviews gathered at last month's Bay Area Warped show.

Today, we're talking to Anthony Green, Colin Frangicetto and Brendan Ekstrom of Circa Survive, who are playing the main stage of this year's Warped Tour and were one my 10 things to see on this year's tour -- and not just because they like Nintendo and "The Karate Kid." Warning: Language NSFW.

Previously:
- Warped Tour: Backstage with Pepper.
- Warped Tour: Backstage with The Matches.

Mike Oz

August 16, 2007 2:42 PM

shrewIn Friday's 7 section I talk with "Taming of the Shrew" director Daniel Moore. Here's a continuation of that interview. Also, here's a link to "Shrew" star Vanessa Pereda's exclusive fresnobee.com video in which she performs a monologue from the show.

Question: Tell me more about your cast.

Answer: When casting the show it was important that the actors be both fun to watch and work with. It's an ensemble cast, so getting actors who could work together and support each other was a high priority. Another thing I looked for was whether or not they were willing to be bold and generous enough to sacrifice themselves on the altar of dignity. I am very proud of my cast and I think that they'll be marvelous.

Donald Munro

August 16, 2007 1:55 PM

angel_blog.jpg

There are so many things wrong with this picture, it's really difficult to know where to begin.

Should I start with the fact that Britney's hair appears to be sliding down the back of her neck, making her potato of a head look even more spud-like than usual? Or how about that she's wearing a gold pillowcase from the Marilyn McCoo linen collection?

Maybe I can talk about the fact that Criss Angel is wearing a gaudy ring on every finger, Liberace-style, plus a watch, a bracelet and two giant necklaces. Or that he's selfishly wearing a bandanna and a hat - either of which could have been given to Britney to cover up that fore fivehead.

Or perhaps I can marvel at the fact that these two freaks of nature were spotted holding hands and disappearing into a hotel suite together. You know who Criss Angel is, right? The guy who dated Cameron Diaz until his wife complained about it, then hooked up with Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. Occasionally he does magic.

Looky there - he just made my lunch reappear. Mindfreak!

Heather

August 16, 2007 12:28 PM

Come and get this week's helping of Fresno music from the Beehive's local music podcast. DOWNLOAD

In this episode we:
- Sample some good ol' Americana music with Brad "The Dudeboy" Rogers.
- Hear what Rich McCulley has been up since leaving Fresno.
- Preview touring band National Product, who plays at The Exit on Aug. 24.
- Get a Warped Tour preview with Merced band In Times of Distress.
- Give you the scoop on numerous other upcoming shows.
- Swing with Scats on the Sly.
- Discover The Jokes, who will be featured in Tunetown on Friday.

Mike Oz

August 16, 2007 12:05 PM

willrogersvintageI've had a couple of people let me know that it's hard to find the audio interview I did with the actors playing Will and Betty Rogers that accompanied my Sunday Spotlight story on "The Will Rogers Follies." We're trying to do a better job giving you direct links to multimedia pieces rather than just dumping you onto The Bee's home page and letting you fend for yourself. (A tip: If you can't find something, let our Web editor know.)

Anyway, here's the audio link. This was one of my favorite recent stories to work on because it was fun to do something different. I just sort of pretended I was an old-time radio announcer with the chance to interview the very famous Will Rogers and his wife. (Because the actors had just done a photo shoot, they remained in costume in The Bee's studio, which helped the illusion.) The interview is only about five minutes long, and it's a hoot. I was impressed with Eric Estep and Lyndsie June-Garbett's ability to use lyrics and dialogue from the show to improvise answers about their characters.

This is a show whose music is growing on me, by the way. I downloaded the cast album to "Follies" from iTunes and have been listening a lot recently. The song "Never Met a Man I Didn't Like" is really fine, and I like " Give a Man Enough Rope" and "Our Favorite Son" a lot, too.

Donald Munro

August 15, 2007 11:18 PM

Warped week continues on The Beehive with Shawn Harris from the Bay Area rock band The Matches.

We're getting you ready for Wednesday's Vans Warped Tour stop at Selland Arena with Warped Tour: Backstage, a series of video interviews gathered at last month's Bay Area Warped show.

Previously: Warped Tour: Backstage with Pepper.

Mike Oz

August 15, 2007 11:06 PM

realworldfresnonew.jpgOur buddy Trisha continues to be the pride and joy of Fresno on MTV's "Real World: Sydney". Here's a look at the great things she did on this week's episode:

-- Told her boyfriend they should go on a break after he didn't call or e-mail her for two days. Tsk, tsk boyfriend Jarrod -- nobody ignores Trisha for two whole days!

-- Wasted little time in calling and setting up with a date with Aussie Alex, who she had met (and possibly groped) at a nightclub a couple nights earlier. Funny how that worked out, huh? She already had another guy lined up. It's like she knew.

-- Uttered the phrase, "Is your friend boning my friend?"

-- Got in spats twice with roommate Parisa, who was too judgmental toward poor ol' Trisha and wasn't understanding of Trisha's fragile state of mind. So Trisha told Parisa she had only five friends and a lame personality -- before proclaiming that only God can judge her.

Trish, you wish. Beehivers: Ready, set, JUDGE!

Mike Oz

August 15, 2007 3:16 PM

I have spiders in my livingroom.

At least two that I know of, although I'm certain there are countless other things crawling around that I refuse to see. I've had my apartment sprayed before, but as it was not a pleasant experience - for me or the spiders - I've decided to just deal with the little freeloaders.

Until two days ago, the two spiders in my livingroom lived in opposite corners of the room. Monday I noticed that the bigger spider in the east corner had relocated to the west corner of the room. "How nice," I thought. "They'll totally be BFFs now." As it turns out, not so much.

Heather

August 15, 2007 1:26 PM

mattdamon.pngHey, so guess what's happening in celebrity land? Big fat Britney nothing.

Another one of Britney Spears' assistants got subpoenaed. US Weekly has decided to devote yet another cover to her sad life, thanks to a blabbermouth nanny who spilled the beans ("Drunk with the babies! Bizarre nudity!"). Also blabbing? Britney's former assistant who tells OK! magazine about Britney's love for the ladies.

In non-Britney news, umm..... Jimmy Fallon got engaged. Oh, and there's a new rumor about Amy Winehouse going to rehab. And Matt Damon is going to appear as a cartoon version of himself on an episode of the kids' show "Arthur" - that's kinda cool, I guess. Hmmm... Shiloh Jolie-Pitt has her own page on IMDB now thanks to an appearance in one of Brad Pitt's movies. Oh! Did I mention Jimmy Fallon is engaged?

Yeah. I'm out.

Heather

August 14, 2007 8:50 PM

It's Warped week on The Beehive. To get you ready for the upcoming Vans Warped Tour, The Beehive and I are bringing you Warped Tour: Backstage, a series of video interviews gathered at last month's Bay Area Warped show.

We'll start things off today with Yesod Williams from the band Pepper, who you'll find on the main stage when the tour hits Selland Arena on Aug. 22

Mike Oz

August 14, 2007 12:09 PM

Seriously, who likes this Sean Kingston guy? How has his song been No. 1 on the Billboard charts for two weeks in a row? Why is pop music so messed up that a guy who can't sing, who is biting Akon's steeze and who looks like Gary Coleman's cousin has the most popular song in the country?

Oh, and get this: A reader called me racist last week after I wrote in my column that Kingston -- like fellow summertime hitmakers Huey and Hurricane Chris -- will be nothing but a one-hit wonder. "How do you know?" she asked me. I listened to his song. It's putrid. And Ini Kamoze told me.

Mike Oz

August 14, 2007 7:43 AM

Because Tuesday mornings seem to feel a bit more down than Monday mornings, partake in some cheer.

i-iz-blogginz-leef-i-alonze.jpg

Heather

August 13, 2007 6:57 PM

Grizzlies/Falcons ownership + an ice rink + apartments + restaurants = a good idea for downtown Fresno?

We'll have to see how this story develops.

Snap judgment: Cool! How about a sports bar?

UPDATE: Here's the full story from today's newspaper.

UPDATE II: Since there's some really good discussion on this topic, I thought I'd just throw a couple new links out there. There's a bigger-picture story in this morning's paper about downtown growth. Also, there's a short story about some of the displacement the proposed ice rink would cause.

Mike Oz

August 13, 2007 1:32 PM

avenue%20q%20musical.jpgIt took three years, a lot longer than everyone expected, for "Avenue Q" to make it to San Francisco. Why? Because the producers of this brilliantly scandalous puppet send-up of "Sesame Street" -- whose jovial score includes such gems as "The Internet Is For Porn" and "Everyone's A LIttle Bit Racist" -- thought it'd be a perfect fit for Las Vegas. Instead of going the traditional route and touring a newish musical around the country, they figured they'd make fans come to Vegas. Broadway fans shuddered, thinking that other shows would follow suit and that the country's most garish city could become the Broadway of the West.

Well, that didn't happen. "Avenue Q" limped along in Las Vegas. It seems that gamblers are too impatient for a Broadway show, even one with a relatively short running time of two hours and 10 minutes. They just wanted to get out of the theater quickly and get back to the business of losing their money. The producers even cut some songs and the intermission, but no dice. No doubt thinking that "It Sucks To Be Me" (another of the show's pithy little tunes), they decided to open the show's national tour in the traditional place it should have all along: San Francisco.

Donald Munro

August 13, 2007 8:09 AM

dream18a.jpgMaybe one day Tiger will make history in our neck of the woods. But the central San Joaquin Valley currently doesn't have a PGA-quality course, according to the pro golf big wigs looking for tournament locales. So, until Running Horse gets up and, well, running, The Bee's sports staff thought it'd be fun to create a "dream" course comprising 18 different holes throughout the Valley.

On Sunday, The Bee launched print and online presentations of its "Dream 18," which include holes on both public and private courses. As part of the, ahem, research, Bee golf reporter Ken Robison played each hole over a three-day span. He brought along a different foursome each day, as well as a photographer and videographer in tow.

Will

August 13, 2007 8:00 AM

200708111435321.jpgAmy Winehouse had a sit-down over the weekend with News of the World to reveal that yes, she did O.D. last week, but no, she is not in rehab. She is sorting herself out in an expensive hotel, instead, which many of you who read celebrity gossip will recognize as the Spears Method.

In the interview, Amy explains (sort of):

"It was just crazy--one of the most terrifying moments of my life... I don't know how to explain what happened. I don't really know myself. I can't remember what I looked like. I couldn't recognise myself. It was terrifying--I was terrified. I was so out of control. It just happened. It shocked me. I'm sorry--I just don't know what got into me."

Apparently, what got into Amy was a mix of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and horse tranquillizer ketamine, washed down with whiskey and vodka. Horse tranquillizer? Seriously?

Amy is hoping to get well by talking it out with her parents, and going cold turkey. I'm reserving judgment on this one. After all, we've seen what a trendy, expensive rehab does for people like Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears. Maybe a good chat and a hot cup of tea is enough to -

Nope. Horse tranquillizer says relapse will happen in less than a week, if it hasn't happened already. Get help, sister.

Heather

August 13, 2007 7:21 AM

Last Wednesday Kevin Federline filed for primary physical custody of his and Britney Spears' two sons. This comes just two weeks after the ex-couple finalized their divorce, which granted 50-50 custody. Apparently that arrangement isn't good enough for K-Fed anymore.

Early Sunday morning, Britney's cousin/friend/assistant, Alli Sims, was served with a deposition subpoena while she was exiting a club. The papers indicate that she will most likely be called upon to testify about Britney's parenting skills.

I'm sure Alli, who is trying to start her own singing career using Britney's fame, and who has recently called Britney a "wonderful" and "hands-on" mom, will give a fair and impartial account. Still, if Kevin's lawyer is any kind of smart, he'll subpoena TMZ, US Weekly and People, too.


seanfalling.jpg britneyplayskids09.jpg cover_blog_23.jpg


Heather

August 12, 2007 9:51 PM

1.jpgSunday afternoons I typically find myself with little to do, so I usually pass the time with whatever "reality" marathon is on VH1 (hello, "Rock of Love") and a glass of vodka wine Diet Coke.

Today I decided to do something different and brave the brown air for some good old fashioned Fresno fun. I collected a bottle of water, my camera and one of those 100-calorie snack packs (call me crazy, but 3 Doritos does not a snack pack make) and headed over to Woodward Park. I wanted to visit the Shinzen Friendship Garden - a destination I've been meaning to get to for at least a decade. Laziness truly is a crippling affliction.

I decided to walk into Woodward Park. Is it just me, or is it nearly impossible to walk around that park? I had to alternate between walking in the rough, duck poo-littered grass and braving the pedestrian-unfriendly road. Where are the sidewalks? I know there are paths around the circumference, but trying to walk straight through a park that was clearly meant for auto traffic seems awfully difficult.

Heather

August 12, 2007 11:31 AM

tv092.jpgMerv Griffin has died at the age of 82 from a battle with prostate cancer.

I'll be honest, I've heard of Merv Griffin, of course, but his heyday in the spotlight was a little before my time. Reading the numerous bios that are popping up all over the 'Net today, though, I am struck by the ridiculous number of achievements he had in his lifetime.

He was a singer, then an actor, then host of his own talk show, "The Merv Griffin Show," which lasted 20 years. He invented "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune." Invented them.

Eventually, he sold off his shows for mind-blowing amounts of money and then entered the real estate game. Before he was hospitalized last month with prostate cancer, he had been developing yet another game show, "Merv Griffin's Crosswords."

There are a lot of people who are famous or considered successful for contributing absolutely nothing. Merv Griffin seemed to have lived five lifetimes in his 82 years, and his drive and commitment to providing real, lasting entertainment is impressive and will be sorely missed.

Heather

August 12, 2007 11:02 AM

Am I the only one who is completely terrified by commercials that have aired lately for Cold Stone Creamery?

You know what I'm talking about - the ones where a poor, innocent Cold Stone customer in the mood for some ice cream comes across his worst fears just inside the door and is forced to swallow his blinding terror for some sprinkles and a waffle cone.

I am completely paralyzed with nervousness whenever one of these commercials comes on and yet I cannot look away. So, a big thanks to Cold Stone - I now associate ice cream with abject terror, which will hopefully spare me from gaining a good 6 or 7 more pounds in my lifetime.

Heather

August 11, 2007 3:45 PM

MICKEY.jpgThe sun never sets on the Disney Empire. That doesn't mean that there aren't dark days. The company's profit specter casts a heavy shadow around the globe. That shadow even reaches to the mountain community of Oakhurst.

The city played host to Disney Daze today. It is an annual celebration of everything Disney held by people who love the Disney Company. These are people who have either spent their lives in service to the company or spent lots of money to scoop up merchandise.

And the Disney Company wants to make sure it gets every single penny.

Rick Bentley

August 11, 2007 2:54 PM

justin-timberlake-boston.jpgIt's a well-known fact that Justin Timberlake, seen here leaving a Boston hotel, really doesn't like having his picture taken by the paparazzi.

I guess I can understand that. What I don't understand is how Corporal CrabbyPants managed to teach his dog to frown at the paparazzi. I know dogs and their owners begin to look alike, but this is ridiculous.

Heather

August 11, 2007 12:03 PM

Angelina Jolie. Born of Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, as reported? Maybe.

Or maybe the lovechild of Sally and Jack Skellington from "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Dunh dunh DUNHHHH.
jolie2big1008_228x648.jpg 2006_nightmare_before_christmas_in_disney_001.jpg

Heather

August 11, 2007 11:28 AM

The latest in the River Park curfew saga: It's being delayed indefinitely.

Developer Ed Kashian and the PR firm he hired, The Rios Co., are going forward with community meetings to discuss what will be the ultimate fate of the curfew. He told The Bee, "If it takes 60 days or six months or whatever it takes, I'm going to do it."

He also told ABC 30, "I really didn't really view it from the standpoint of the young people, you know ... Sometimes you get old and crotchety, like I am. You are sitting in your office and you don't see the big picture ..." Ya think, Ed?

Just a hunch, but I'd say within 60 days, we'll get an announcement that there will be no curfew. And six months from now the PR firm will have done its job and nobody will ever remember this debacle.

Mike Oz

August 10, 2007 1:08 PM

Love_Pollutioncopy.jpgYou know the deal by now. Post No Bills is the biggest collection of Fresno show fliers anywhere on the Web.

Each Friday, right here at The Beehive, we give you a look at what's happening in Fresno and the Valley this weekend, next week and into the future.

Nothing to do in Fresno? Wrong. There's plenty. Just take a look below.

If you have a flier to contribute, e-mail it to me at mosegueda@fresnobee.com. Enjoy!

Mike Oz

August 10, 2007 11:02 AM

rockyhorror.jpg1. Do the Time Warp. If it's been years since you've done the whole "Rocky Horror" movie thing, now's your chance to revisit the old days. The folks at Engelmann Cellars are hosting a free screening of the movie 8:30 p.m. tonight that includes the traditional toast, squirt guns, newspapers and -- of course -- the Time Warp. (Wow. I remember doing the Time Warp for the sophomore class homecoming skit many moons ago, and I can still recall trying to get all those dance moves right.) This is one of a series of Friday night films sponsored by Engelmann, and this time the winery is trying to attract a younger crowd. (Does the younger crowd even KNOW about "Rocky Horror" these days? Or will the turnout be closer to that of a Rick Springfield concert?) Whatever the demographic, it sounds like a lot of fun. The winery opens at 7:30 p.m. for tastings.

Donald Munro

August 10, 2007 7:59 AM

winehouse3WENN0808_468x677.jpgAccording to the Daily Mail, Amy Winehouse has checked into rehab after a 3-day drug bender that left her hospitalized earlier this week.

Hmm. Although I wish Amy well, I wonder what a completely sober Amy Winehouse is like. Her professional persona is totally wrapped up in the idea that she's drunk and out of her mind most of the time. I imagine it would be like if someone had taken away Janis Joplin's bottle of Jack Daniels, handed her a puppy and pushed her on stage.

Is it too much to hope Amy gets a decent meal, a shower and a haircut while in rehab? Okay, okay. One day at a time.

***CORRECTION*** Apparently Janis Joplin drank Southern Comfort, not Jack D., according to a self-proclaimed old hippie who told me he shared a drink with the old gal at Selland Arena once. Thanks for the tip, homie!

Heather

August 10, 2007 7:25 AM

Remember when Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston split, and the world had high hopes for a Whitney comeback? I think this picture speaks to those hopes. Loudly.

0809_whitney_bobby_tmz_bug.jpg

It's funny that Bobby would be seen in public with Whitney after proclaiming that Osama bin Laden, in his insane love for Whitney, has targeted Brown.

Yeah, you read that right. And yeah, I too wish "Being Bobby Brown" was still on TV.

Heather

August 9, 2007 7:34 PM

This is the ad for Britney Spears' new fragrance, "Believe." Allegedly, the photo was taken earlier this summer.
34880.jpgbrit_blog_60.jpg
Do I believe this is Britney's body? No. No, I don't. But I'm too busy trying to recall the last time I heard someone tell me that they sure wished they smelled like Britney Spears to examine it closely.

Seriously. Who is putting money in this girl??


Heather

August 9, 2007 5:20 PM

realworldfresno.jpgThe Beehive's Mike and Heather break down Wednesday night's season premiere of MTV's "Real World: Sydney," which features Fresnan Trisha Cummings.

Mike: Our dear Trisha is the first of this season's seven Real Worlders we see. She's shown walking through an Australian airport, then she announces she's from Fresno, Calif., and by the second half of the two-episode premiere, she's showing the world some of that good ol' Fresno intolerance. Fresno represent!

Heather: Let's see, where to begin. In the first half of the episode, Trisha was barely seen, thrown over for the inevitable first-night sexcapades provided by her cast mate, KellyAnne - your typical exhibitionist with no self-esteem and - no doubt - a truckload of daddy issues. Watching the second half of the episode, when Trisha began to make her personality very clear, I yearned for the good old days of a Trisha-free existence.

Heather

August 9, 2007 12:38 PM

The podcast is back! Sorry about the two-week break -- I was on vacation. But we're back and better than ever. Bet on it.

In this episode we ...
- Talk to Visalia band Mezcal, who performs Friday night at Arte Americas.
- Showcase tunes from The Jay Rossette Project, Julia Dawn and The Nancies.
- Chat with Fresno's Love Pollution -- and confuse them with Sound Pollution.
- Experience Uni and Her Ukelele.
- Rundown a bunch of upcoming Fresno shows.
- Get the scoop on Jamaica My Weekend.
- Exude awesomeness!

Listen above or DOWNLOAD.

Mike Oz

August 8, 2007 10:00 PM

brit_blog_60.jpgI've been pretty quiet about Britney Spears lately. Mostly I've just been waiting for the s**t storm to pass. As this looks like an impossibility, I'll give you the lowdown.

So, what's new with Britney? Hit and run, for one thing. Oh yes, she hit someone else's car, got out to inspect the damage to her own car, showed the paparazzi her overexposed mommy bits, and then drove away, not once checking to make sure that the other car suffered no damages.

How about some topless photos with a music video extra who sold his story of a gropefest with the mother of two to US Weekly? Check. (sorta NSFW)

Accusing Mama of sleeping with the ex? Of course. How it took this long, only Zeus knows.

And today comes word that Kevin has filed for full custody of the Federspawn. Here's hoping he gets custody, places both children on a sidewalk somewhere in Malibu, and then quietly walks away. They'd be much better off fending for themselves at this point.

All in all it's been a full week for Britney and, as you know (but Britney has no idea, I'm certain), it's just Wednesday. Look for that new puppy of hers to be dragging behind her Mercedes down Robertson Blvd. on an afternoon shopping excursion by the end of the week. I'd say one of the kids instead of the dog, but of course that would never happen. We all know she doesn't take those kids out if she can help it.

Heather

August 8, 2007 3:46 PM

Mike: Because we love you, we love Fresno and we love trainwrecks, my cohort H-Mac and I have signed on to blog about the new season of MTV's "Real World," which starts tonight, is based in Sydney, Australia and features a 20-year-old Fresnan by the name of Trisha Cummings (far right).

Heather: Let me make one thing clear: I hate "The Real World." I used to love it back in my younger days, but I haven't watched the most recent seasons - mostly because the show seems to be populated with the same shallow, borderline psychotic idiots season after season. (I defy anyone to tell the difference between the Austin cast and the Denver cast.)

Mike Oz

August 8, 2007 1:37 PM

714.jpgFresno's MoFo Party Band just concluded a three-week European tour and along the way, drummer Daniel Burt was sending e-mails home to with details and pictures from the group's journey.

I collected them all to share with Beehive readers. It's a bit of a read, but a very interesting one. You can also see videos from the the MoFo's travels on YouTube.

The band is back in California to play Saturday's Sonora Blues Festival, then will head to Texas later this month and back to Europe in September. No hometown dates on their schedule right now, but keep your eyes and ears out.

Mike Oz

August 8, 2007 1:36 PM

amy.jpg Singer Amy Winehouse was rushed to a London hospital this morning and treated for exhaustion. According to her rep, she was released and is recuperating at home. All of her upcoming shows have been canceled.

Look, we all know about Amy. Right? Do we have to go through the whole "exhaustion" song and dance? I mean, she pretty much puts it right out there, doesn't she?

Sigh. Still, I wish her the best. Get better and try not to die. Maybe try ingesting something other than cigarette smoke and um... cigarette smoke.

Heather

August 7, 2007 9:46 PM

Bon2.jpgYawn.

Can we get back to our regular lives now? Can I watch ESPN again without having to hear updates every 10 minutes about Barry Lamar Bonds' every movement? Can A-Rod hit at least 257 more home runs?

I'd be happy with any one of the three.

Mike Oz

August 7, 2007 4:03 PM

Did it shock you that I gave an A- grade to "The Bourne Ultimatum"? Combined with my solid review of the first Bourne movie, I hope this puts to rest the idea that I'm some snooty, subtitled-crazy, obsessive hater of action movies and spy thrillers. Yes, it's true that I gave a C- to the second installment in the series, "The Bourne Supremacy." But, Bourne fans, now that you're far removed from that mediocre outing -- and aren't in the heat of the moment -- isn't it time to admit that it just wasn't up to snuff? Especially with this fantastic third film to view in comparison?

Donald Munro

August 7, 2007 2:29 PM

tortilla2You've gotta hand it to tortilla artist Joe Bravo, who recently had a hugely successful show at Arte Americas, for a career trajectory hotter than a frying pan. The Washington Post weighed in on Saturday with a forcibly jaunty (and sort of overwritten) description by William Booth of Bravo's artistic appeal, including an obligatory Taco Bell reference, a couple of cracks about finding the Virgen de Guadalupe in a burrito and more exclamation points than you'd think would be legally allowed in a Post article.

At one point Booth lovingly quotes Bravo:

"You see patterns," he says, "like when you look up at the clouds. Here," he points, "I'm seeing the fur of a jaguar." The correspondent is seeing a No. 3 special with extra onions from Tito's Tacos. "You're working with the environment of the tortilla," Bravo says. "It's almost like a collaborator, the tortilla is."

The Post wasn't the only outlet to pick up on the Bravo bandwagon.

Donald Munro

August 6, 2007 2:46 PM

EARL.JPGThe final box office totals for the weekend show that the live-action version of "Underdog" took in $11.6 million. That didn't make "Underdog" a champion at the box office, but is not too bad considering the film was not shown to any print journalists.

Jason Lee, who provides the voice of "Underdog," was at the recent Television Critics Association meeting to talk about how his network series, "My Name Is Earl," fits in the NBC Thursday night lineup.

One thing is certain. The actor can not be accused of taking that opportunity to over hype his new film.

Rick Bentley

August 6, 2007 1:55 PM

manband.jpgBetween Scott Baio and his simultaneous self-loving and self-loathing, Bret Michaels and his pack of tramps, the geeks on "The Pick Up Artist" and the ever-entertaining Hulk Hogan -- I've been watching far too much TV trash on VH1 lately.

I bring this up because tonight those evil geniuses are debuting "Mission: Man Band." It features ex-members of boy bands 'N Sync, 98 Degrees, LFO and Color Me Badd trying to reconcile their own obscurity and failure by hanging out together, trying to make it again, realizing nobody cares because they're not Justin (or even Nick) and ultimately crashing and burning, thus becoming a punchline -- again.

At least, that's what I think is going to happen. Isn't that what always happens on VH1? The question is: Should I watch?

- PRO: VH1 has kept me plenty entertained lately with junk food TV -- why not have some more?
- CON: VH1 has kept me plenty entertained lately with junk food TV -- if it keeps up, soon I'll have the brain capacity of Brandi C. from "Rock of Love."

Mike Oz

August 6, 2007 10:00 AM

timmcgraw.jpgAs promised, here's my interview with Tim McGraw. He and wife Faith Hill bring their Soul2Soul tour to Save Mart Center on Tuesday night. Their concert was the biggest to hit Fresno last year, selling out in a snap. Tickets for this year's concert, however, are still available.

One word of apology: I was able to ask a few reader questions, but at the end of the interview I ran out of power on my recorder. It died mid-question, actually. Sorry, y'all -- but there's 11 minutes of Tim for you to listen to and enjoy.

DOWNLOAD


Mike Oz

August 5, 2007 6:25 PM

6:27 p.m. Sunday: So I'm feeling a little spoiled right now: I'm sitting in the press box at the Buchanan High School football stadium, which is basically the best place on the face of the planet you can watch tonight's Drum Corps International Mid Cal Tour of Champions. From the band competition enthusiasts I've talked to this past week, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event for the Central Valley. Never again will so many bands of this caliber be gathered in one place. You can read my primer on this event here. Tonight, nine groups will compete on their way to the world championships this week in Pasadena.

If I had to rank my expertise on drum and bugle competitions compared to the rabid fans sitting in the audience -- not to mention the judges who are sitting up here in the press box with me -- it'd be pretty low, probably. Twentieth percentile at most. I'm used to high-school band competitions in the fall. Those can be fairly spectacular in their own right, especially when Reedley High School floods the field with 400 players, but this "summer league" of drum and bugle competitions is like professional football compared to high school. They're that good.

I'll periodically update through this evening with thoughts and observations, and at the end of the event I'll post the results.

Donald Munro

August 5, 2007 1:28 PM

rod%20avenue%20q.jpgIn my Sunday column I put the final nail in the coffin of the dream of my news-ed prof at Cal Poly who years ago encouraged me to write scathing exposes about politics and cover national security issues. Here's how: I interview a puppet. On the phone. But this isn't just any ordinary puppet: It's Rod from "Avenue Q," the Tony Award-winning musical coming next week to San Francisco. I recorded the interview, and while the sound quality in terms of my questions isn't all that great (learning curve!), you can hear Rod just fine. If you're familiar with the "Avenue Q" songs and lyrics, I think you'll find plenty to smile about. Click here to download the mp3.

Donald Munro

August 3, 2007 1:02 PM

corps.JPGIn case you missed my story in Wednesday's Bee, Clovis is hosting a pretty amazing event Sunday if you're into the drum and bugle corps scene. Because the world championships for Drum Corps International are held in Pasadena this year -- the first time ever in California -- some of the country's best groups will be at Buchanan High School in the final competition of the season before the championships.

This is a big step above the high-school band championships that are held here in the fall. Think of this as professional level. Jason Kuyper, director of percussion at Buchanan, says that just like football, there are different levels of band: first high school, then college, and then finally drum and bugle corps. The nine groups that will be competing Sunday in Clovis are among the best in the nation.

Donald Munro

August 3, 2007 11:45 AM

1. Free opera. Yes, you read that right: The fully-staged "Lucia di Lammermoor," which concludes this year's California Opera arts and education festival, is free. (You do need to make reservations, however, and there's nothing stopping you from kicking in a donation to this worthy organization's coffers.) This production includes both professional and student singers, including California Opera veteran Jamie Bonetto, who starred in last year's "La Traviata." These productions are held in the intimate fellowship hall at San Joaquin Gardens, and although you don't get enormous sets or a glittering lighting design, as an audience member you get the advantage of being way-close to the action. "Lucia" will be performed 7 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Info: the festival's Web site or (559) 225-6737.

Donald Munro

August 2, 2007 3:57 PM

proposalsmall

One thing about actors: They do the BEST marriage proposals. On Sunday afternoon, after the performance of "Shakespeare in Hollywood" at the 2nd Space Theatre, longtime Good Company veteran Paddy Myers popped the question to co-star Christine Barth.

Nancy Barth writes: "She accepted! So cool! Dan Pessano made a DVD of the proposal for them already! Just wanted to pass it on!"

Thanks for the pic, Nancy. Not many people can say they've been proposed to by a guy wearing a crown.

Donald Munro

August 2, 2007 2:51 PM

Did you know you can start your own blog over at centralvalley.com? Here's my fave, posted by Maxsands:

So I don't know what to write in a blog. It feels as I'm writing, its like a diary, or journal cause I'm a guy. Anyways, about me. I have a family, wife, 1 daughter, 1 son. And there the best. I like sports, mainly football and basketball, it goes best with beer. I'm also a big movie fan, and not fond of the Bee reviewer, Munro. He doesn't take movies for what there worth, not everything is gonna win a Oscar. Thats all I got for now. Peace, Marc

But Marc: Will it change things if I tell you that I LOVE "The Bourne Ultimatum"?

Donald Munro

August 2, 2007 8:18 AM

tomkat13_wenn1496997.preview_0.jpgYou know that as soon as she's able to talk, Tom Cruise is going to be pushing his little girl, Suri Cruise, into the spotlight. It's only a matter of time until she makes her first appearance in one of daddy's movies.

But that might not be a bad thing. I can totally see this kid playing Ramona Quimby in a movie. Can't you? Yes, it's true that the movies have already ruined every good thing we remember from childhood (See: Garfield, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Inspector Gadget, Scooby Doo...).

But The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe was okay. Maybe there's hope for Ramona to live on film - and that hope is Suri Cruise.

Uh-oh. Look out Shiloh "The Chosen One" Jolie-Pitt. Little Suri Cruise with the embarrassing parents is stepping up and she's taking your cute crown. You better start producing before US Weekly puts you on their "Where are they now? Toddler edition" cover.

Heather

August 2, 2007 7:04 AM

sir-elton-john.jpgElton John wants the Internet closed, claiming that it, and bloggers, are responsible for the death of music. Funny, I feel the same way about "Candle in the Wind '97."

John says that people don't get "out there" anymore and create music.

"Instead they sit at home and make their own records, which is sometimes OK but it doesn't bode well for long-term artistic vision... It's just a means to an end...We're talking about things that are going to change the world and change the way people listen to music and that's not going to happen with people blogging on the internet."

Ironically, before he became the crazy old man sitting on his porch railing against things he doesn't understand, John tried selling his music through the Internet, live streaming his 60th birthday concert and announcing that his entire catalog would be available for digital downloading.

After the effort, his last album sold just 100,000 copies, about one-fifth as many copies as Paris Hilton's debut CD.

You know what? Elton John may have a point. But if we shut down the Internet there would be no YouTube, and I would no longer have a reason to get up in the morning.

After the jump, enjoy scenes from the "The Lion King" put to My Chemical Romance's "The Black Parade." It's no Elton John-penned "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," but... no, actually, that's a good thing. Enjoy.

Heather

August 1, 2007 11:39 AM

daniel-radcliffe-1.jpgYep. Never enough Harry Potter in my opinion.

Now that you've finally finished the 759-page ending to the Harry Potter series, are you left wondering what celluloid Harry Potter (aka Daniel Radcliffe) thought of the book? Wait - are you wondering if Daniel Radcliffe even read the book?

He did, as a matter of fact. And here are his thoughts on le grande finale. Do I have to say it? SPOILERS, SPOILERS and SPOILERS.

Heather

August 1, 2007 7:52 AM

garycolem_jean_14381604sized.jpgRemember Gary Coleman from "Diff'rent Strokes"? 'Course you do.

Well, remember how Coleman was arrested years ago for assault and battery and forced to take anger management classes after attacking a woman seeking his autograph? The classes didn't work.

Coleman's been busted again for losing his temper, this time in Provo, Utah where cops cited him for disorderly conduct after he got angry, smacked the steering wheel of his car and starting yelling and waving his arms around because his car was blocking other cars trying to get out of a parking lot. Wait - that doesn't make sense.

Anyway, the charge is a misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to three months in jail and a $750 fine.

Now, look. I'm not trying to be insensitive or anything, but I'm starting to wonder if the insane anger coming out of Coleman is due to his size. Perhaps he's not overly angry, as he appears. Perhaps it's the same amount of anger that's in all of us, only housed in a slightly smaller vessel, and thus trickier to keep contained.

No? Too crazy and politically incorrect? Okay. My bad.

For no reason at all, I'm going to post a clip after the jump from the T.V. show "Angel," in which Angel gets turned into a puppet and has to deal with his supersized emotions now that he's smaller. Totally unrelated to the story about Gary Coleman. Totally.

Heather



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