Here is a video from tomorrow's episode of "60 Minutes" that features Anderson Cooper (the whitest man in America) racing Michael Phelps. Phelps wears his traditional tiny blue Speedo, Cooper is wearing your grandpa's swim trunks.
Try to enjoy this anyway.
On "Psych" last night, they totally just said Fresno. And yeah, it was crime-related (as usual) ...
Since it's the day after Thanksgiving, I can't be all negative and do a Worst Flier of the Week post today. Instead, I'll show you what I believe is the Best Flier of the Week.
Just a note: There's no Post No Bills today, but you can check out last week's. It still has plenty of options for this weekend and the coming week.
And now for my favorite flier.
Chilly weather usually drives people indoors and, that being the case, you might want to check out the different installations at the Fresno Art Museum.
I wrote about the latest shows in a story in today's Bee. But I thought I'd give you a visual sample of what's gracing the galleries these days. This oil painting is by Bruce McGaw, and it's called "Children on a Hill" (1995).
Here's what caught my eyes and ears this Thanksgiving week:
Britney Spears is getting set to release her new CD next week here in America, so she tested the waters yesterday in Germany, doing her first live performance since she embarrassed herself at MTV's Video Music Awards in 2007. People are already calling it a comeback, but I frankly see only a slight difference between this lackluster performance and the one from last year. Are we all forgetting that she just really, really sucks, and always has?
Listen carefully to the introduction -- I don't speak German, but I swear I can hear the presenter comparing Britney's music to Auschwitz:
Now watch her performance from last year's VMAs:
Now that the holiday season is underway, you might think about some (RED).
Even when times are tough, a lot of people still look for ways to give to others in need. Here's one idea. If you're a Starbucks fan, here's a pretty simple and fast way to help others this holiday season: The coffee company is donating a nickel, from participating stores, for every exclusive beverage it's crafted to help (RED), the
organization co-founded by Bono that raises money and awareness for AIDS programs in Africa.
The program will run through Jan. 2. The special beverages are Peppermint Mocha Twist, Gingersnap Latte and Espresso Truffle. Mmmmm. I'm not a coffee drinker, but those do sound yummy.
And, on Dec. 1 -- the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day -- Starbucks will broaden the 5-cent contribution to every hand-crafted beverage at participating stores.
Beehive friend and commenter Marcel Nunis put together this little video yesterday. (I found it on MySpace; he has no idea I'm posting it on The Beehive.)
My wife says I shouldn't call other people's videos disturbing. But I can't help myself with this one.
Um, enjoy:
Cooking in a Pith from Marcel Nunis on Vimeo.
Marcel? You may make an opening statement below.
I feel compelled to blog this only because I, like other folks, fell for this ploy ... but I don't feel as bad as the people at US Weekly, who allegedly paid for the "exclusive" on the nuptials of Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt.
Apparently, the marriage is an invention of their money-grubbing imagination. The union won't be recognized in the U.S. unless they actually get married here. How convenient.
Oh, and naturally a camera crew from MTV's "The Hills" just happened to be following the couple as this unfolded in Mexico. Man, Speidi sure knows how to make money in a slumping economy.
Heidi's poor family had no idea what was going on. But, if I were them, I'd be more mortified by the fact that the talentless Heidi continues to let freaky Spencer run her life ... I wonder how much money Speidi thinks it can make by having a Baby Speidi? 'Cause, for them, it seems to be all about the ka-ching.
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE
- Oh no, she didn't
OK, we can do this without setting off the corny alarm, right? On this Thanksgiving weekend, here's a chance for you to tell us one thing you're thankful for. It doesn't have to be what you're MOST thankful for, so don't worry about dissing your sweetheart, or the Big Guy Who Lives in the Sky, or the numbing effects of alcohol. Just one, good, solid thanks.
So what am I thankful for?
Antibiotics.
You?
There's a lot of scrambling going on -- among businesses and shoppers alike -- in getting ready for Black Friday. Stores are putting tons of sales out there in the hopes of salvaging reasonable holiday revenues from a slumping economy.
But this is the one ad that totally caught my eye.
Is Apple really having a sale? As this story on cnet says, the company's popular tech products are rarely discounted. And one analyst in this story thinks there could be discounts up to 15 percent.
I know I'm tempted to check this out. My nearly 3-year-old Nano and its lithium battery are starting to show their age ... I just wonder if there's any possibility that so many people overrrun the site on Friday that it crashes.
Well, Rick Bentley and I had a jolly time today bashing two of the big Thanksgiving movie releases. I gave the mediocre "Four Christmases" a C, and Rick really tore into "Australia" with a D+. (Rounding out the three major releases today on the pages of The Bee, Orlando Sentinel critic Roger Moore trashed "Transporter 3," giving it a D.)
As this never-ending food-movie-more food-maybe-another-movie weekend progresses, let us know your thoughts about what's playing. (We already have posts up where you can sound off about "Bolt" and "Twilight.") Or did you just stay inside with the crummy weather and watch DVDs?
Tonight, Rosie O'Donnell headlines a live variety show on NBC. I'm not sure why the network thinks this is a good idea. Rosie stopped being funny years ago. And how convenient that she chose this time to pick the carcass of her old feud with Barbara Walters from her days on "The View." It was an obvious ploy to pump up attention for this special ... And then she apologizes.
Yeah, Rosie's hilarious.
The show's scheduled guests include Liza Minnelli, Gloria Estefan, Alanis Morissette and Alec Baldwin. It's not a shabby guest list, but it also doesn't have anyone that makes me say, "Wow, I need to check this out!"
(By the way, Walters landed an interview with Barack and Michelle Obama that airs tonight on ABC at 10 p.m. Rosie's show is at 8 p.m. ... I wonder who will pull in the better ratings for a Thanksgiving Eve?)
Anyway, Rosie's show is called "Rosie Live." If you don't have something more interesting to do (like washing your laundry or watching the rain hit your windowpane), you could check it out. Otherwise, no viewers means the show will be re-named "Rosie Flatlined."
Here is a picture of Tom Cruise on the cover of Details' 40 Most Influential Men under 47 issue (Cruise is 46, hence the ridiculous cut-off age):
And here he is on the cover of Hello! Canada:
It pains me to post this, because, and I stand by this, George Clooney is the Most Attractive Man Who Has Ever Lived™.
Not so much in this photo, I'm afraid:
You know I love a good pornstache, but the wig/'stache combo seen here is less RDJ and more Schneider from "One Day at a Time" (Read: the basketball is sexier than Clooney in this photo).
[Source] Thanks to MsJoey for making me post this against my will.
Apparently, Thanksgiving Eve is "the biggest drinking night of the year." Makes sense, I guess -- lots of people have an extended weekend coming up or are coming home for the holidays.
Fittingly, there are a lot of pre-Thanksgiving parties tonight. Here's a rundown, as well as some stuff to do after you get your fill of turkey on Thursday.
It's just a regular Tuesday, but there's something about today's Bee that really pulled me in as a reader. Here are the stories I found intriguing:
If you did not watch last night's episode of "How I Met Your Mother" titled "The Naked Man," you missed a fairly humorous episode and probably the best scene I've ever seen on the show: namely, a scene in which Ted Mosby and Barney Stinson plan to surprise their respective first dates with full-frontal nudity. The humorous part is when they call each other to discuss what poses they should strike while sans clothing. The awesome part is when this happens:
UPDATE: OK, Brooke Burke and her partner, Derek Hough, won the title Tuesday. Warren Sapp and his partner came in second. It would have been more exciting if Warren had pulled this off. As it is, ho hum.
________________________________
The three judges on "Dancing with the Stars" made it clear last night they want Brooke Burke to win. She's the best technical dancer. But I'm favoring Lance Bass and his partner, Lacey. (I also really like Warren Sapp, but he's not good enough to finish first.) At least L & L exhibit real personality. And, come on, last night they did this hip-hop routine to "It's Tricky." Give 'em props for a fun change of pace on this "ballroom" show.
Network officials keep complaining about lower ratings. They really have no one to blame but themselves. Each move they make looks like some bizarre form of a self-fulfilling prophecy.
NBC has just announced the Monday night shows "Chuck" and "Heroes" will be bumped in January to make way for two reality shows. "Superstars of Dance," a lame attempt to find some of the ratings success of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," and "Momma's Boys" will fill Mondays starting Jan. 4. "Superstars" is two hours long.
"Momma's Boys" has guys trying to find the right girl. The twist is they will eventually have to make their own choice or go with their mom's selection. Don't wait for your mom to tell you this sounds like television's answer to a public flogging.
I admit neither "Heroes" not "Chuck" has been perfect this year. And they will be back in February. But when did originality stop mattering? Even a rerun of these shows through January sounds better than the new programs.
Fans of Superman comics know that there is a Bizarro World. In that world everything is backwards. We are facing a Bizarro NBC these days. "Heroes" and "Chuck" get pulled off the schedule. "Crusoe" and "Kath & Kim" remain. The network had major disasters over the years with "Supertrain" and "Manimal." Maybe they will come back.
UPDATE 4 p.m. 11/25: Looks like we have a winner: Blake Jones! Thanks, all, for playing.
Yes, Beehive readers, we're giving away coveted tickets to the sold-out last performance (7 p.m. Sunday Nov. 30) of Artists' Repertory Theatre's "The Rocky Horror Show" at the Severance Building. As I mentioned yesterday in my contest-tease post, we're mixing things up a little with this giveaway:
Instead of giving away the tickets to the first commenter with a valid e-mail address, we're giving them away to the TENTH commenter with a valid e-mail address. There's a catch, though: You can only enter one time (we'll be checking I.P. addresses) to keep people from flooding our inbox. So when I declare the contest open, you'll have to guess how long to wait to comment in order to be the tenth entry. I won't be posting any comments until a winner is determined.
Well, this is it. The contest is open NOW. Rules are on the jump.
By the way, I've had lots of "Rocky" fans ask me about ART's upcoming productions.
Is it too early to get excited about the new season of "Lost," which comes back to television January 21, or is it too late -- as in, three years too late?
I stopped watching the show in the third season, but after the writers stopped scanning "Lost" fan forums for plot ideas, and the network stopped dicking around with reruns, long stretches with no episodes at all, and changing what time the show is on, I became a regular viewer again.
The SciFi channel now shows four episodes of "Lost" every Monday night, which I have been DVRing. Last week when I saw the following trailer for the upcoming fifth season of the show, I actually got that little tingle of excited anticipation usually reserved for "The Office."
So, what's the consensus? Are we still on board the "Lost" train, or has that ship sailed? Should I have tried for an airplane metaphor instead?
Season 5 preview after the jump, possible spoilers:
No more excuses not to exercise. I saw this on the "Today" show this morning. Scientists put shrimp on treadmills to assess their health in an ever-changing marine environment. YouTube users found the footage and have been gleefully setting it to music like "Chariots of Fire" and the theme from "Rocky."
But my fave is the one set to theme from "The Benny Hill Show" ... It beats being a shrimp on a barbie.
It must suck to be famous sometimes. I mean, you finally get to a point in your life where you have the complete freedom to engage in all manner of debauchery, but then you have to contend with people making every effort to catch you on tape enjoying that debauchery.
Take Lindsay Lohan, for example. The girl just wants to enjoy a vodka and Red Bull while making out with her girlfriend. No big deal, right? Except she's been to rehab a few times and shouldn't be drinking, and, oh yeah, apparently she's gay now, which makes the following security tape footage big, big news to those who track the lives of 22-year old movies stars (i.e. you, me and whoever still watches "Inside Edition").
There's some question about whether the video is real or doctored. The consensus right now is: real. Video after the jump:
Remember Horatio Sanz from "Saturday Night Live: the Jimmy Fallon Years"? Let me refresh your memory; he's the one on the right:
He disappeared, lost a little weight (100 pounds), and now looks like this:
Heidi Montag now has confirmed to me that she is an empty, plastic nut job. US Weekly's cover story this week apparently will be all about how she and jerky, manipulative Spencer Pratt eloped to Mexico.
How to explain this?
A) No one else can freakin' stand being around them.
B) Spencer faked the whole ceremony, and Heidi doesn't know.
C) She's just an idiot.
D) She totally enjoys being a doormat. She totally likes lovin' someone whom everyone hates.
E) Spencer thinks Brangelina gets way too much attention just because they have all those kids.
E) Spencer has gotten Heidi in trouble with her bosses at SBE twice, and one incident ended up in her firing. But she got her job back, which means Spencer has to mess her up again. Marriage seemed the best way to go.
F) She's just an idiot.
To: Ms. Felicia Cousart Matlosz, The Beehive
From: Roxanne "Copacabana" Smith, executive director, MADL
RE: request for retraction
Ms. Matlosz, it has come to our attention through our diligent network of Internet spies (we call them the Mandy Nation) that you have disparaged the greatest living songwriter and romantic crooner of the century. It's bad enough that you report to your readers the unacceptable conduct of the obviously disturbed judge who "sentenced" criminal offenders to listen to the creator of such world-changing songs as "Looks Like We Made It." (How, we ask, can it be a "sentence" to be required to engage in such a pleasurable activity?) But to include your own snarky opinion of the musical talents of this great man -- to go so far as to claim NAUSEA when listening to him -- ranks as a journalistic travesty. We, the members of the MADL, are shocked, hurt and can't smile without demanding amends from you.
We request not only an apology but a sincere commitment, Ms. Matlosz, that you attend our intensive Manilow Appreciation Training series of seminars. At their conclusion you will not only understand how his brilliance shines through every dominant seventh chord inversion but also have a deeper regard for the creative uses of white Spandex. We also ask that you download at least twenty (20) of the master's songs onto your iPod, including "Bandstand Boogie" and "Daybreak." It is time to make the musical world safe again for sunny music everywhere.
Lots of new music this week. What has you prowling iTunes or running out to the music store? Take our nifty little poll.
AND ... Tell us what you think about the music of the week in the comments!
What's the hottest ticket in town? "The Rocky Horror Show," presented by Artists' Repertory Theater, which has its last two performances this coming weekend, and both are sold out. But here on the Beehive, we have a pair of tickets to the last performance (7 p.m. Sunday) to give away.
We're going to mix things up a little this time, however. Instead of giving away the tickets to the first commenter with a valid e-mail address, we're going to give them away to the TENTH commenter with a valid e-mail address. There's a catch, though: You can only enter one time (we'll be checking I.P. addresses) to keep people from flooding our inbox. So when I declare the contest open, you'll have to guess how long to wait to comment in order to be the tenth entry. Make sense?
And here's some advance warning: I'll be announcing the start of the contest sometime between11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.
You can't make this stuff up. A Fort Lupton municipal judge in Colorado has his own unique way of sentencing folks who violate noise ordinances: You have to listen to Barry Manilow for at least an hour.
And, apparently, it's working. The number of repeat offenders has dropped. Which makes sense to me. If I was forced to spend any time listening to "Mandy" or "I Write the Songs" or "This One's for You" ... gulp, I'm getting nauseous already. (Don't even get me started on his new CD, "The Greatest Songs of the Eighties." According to him, the "greatest" songs of that decade include "Islands in the Stream" and "Against All Odds." Oh, really?)
Of course, this judge makes violators listen to other non-Manilow songs they can't stand. But Manilow would be the worst for me.
What singer or song would be hell for you?
Every time I see Suri Cruise I get this mental image of her at home screaming at Katie Holmes about how she wants a new dress to go with her new dolly, while Tom Cruise laughs and claps his hands together in glee at the little diva he created using his cousin's sperm.
Whoops! Better cool it on the Cruise hate, lest I get shot down by rogue Scientologist guards.
[Source]
The benefit for Café Corazón was at Audie's Olympic last night, and the Beehive was there. Here are some photos
from the event, as well as video featuring The Loveseats, Roger Perry, Blake Jones, Rademacher, poet Stephen Mayu
and It'll Grow Back (warning: language NSFW).
Props to all of the performers for donating their time, and to everyone who showed up to give their support and their cash.
Here's one more skit from "Saturday Night Live" this weekend. It's called "Turkey Day," right before a lot of us gorge on these birds this Thursday (no guilty feelings intended).
As if we don't have enough bad news: Now comes word that leaders of the Screen Actors Guild
will ask their 120,000 members to approve a strike authorization.
Great timing. I realize they've been without a contract since June 30. I know most members don't make the astronomical dollars of their superstar colleagues and that negotiations with studios and producers have gone nowhere on issues like Internet residuals.
But is this a good time to be pursuing this tactic as the nation's economy is tanking? Maybe a last-minute agreement still can be worked out. But if it isn't, we're in for "Season Two" of all this. Last November, the Writers Guild of America walked out for three months, and the fallout fatally damaged shows like "Pushing Daisies." And remember what a fiasco the Golden Globes were last year?
Who really wants to watch more cycles of "Big Brother" or any other reality show? But, wait! I've got the local newspaper to read as well as 10 books sitting on a table at home, Internet sites like hulu.com that I can sift through for clips and movies, and updates on all the latest developments about President-elect Obama ... This may not be so hard, after all.
Sure, "Saturday Night Live" isn't as funny as it was pre-election, especially with Tina Fey's flawless take on Sarah Palin. But you can always count on Darrell Hammond to do his spot-on impersonation of former President Bill Clinton. And now that Hillary Clinton is most certainly going to be named secretary of state -- and so many Clinton folks are being appointed into Barack Obama's administration -- the Clintons are back. You can count on more appearances on SNL.
Here's Bill Clinton's happy acceptance this Saturday to be officially named "Husband to the Secretary of State."
Jack Bauer saved African children, one-man gang'd a crew of militants and, in the end, sacrificed himself for the good of others. So basically: Jack Bauer is The Man and "24" is back.
Last night's two-hour "Redemption" movie was a good-enough taste that now has me salivating for Season 7, which begins Jan. 11. What did you think of last night's "24" dose? January can't come quick enough, right?
Dateline: C.A.F.E (Collective for Art, Freedom & Ecology) Infoshop, Chinatown, downtown Fresno
Roque Rodriguez of The Dumb ... Drum, organizer of Swede Fest The Second, welcomes everyone and says "if you have any questions, all the filmmakers are here," which draws a chuckle. Ha, we're "filmmakers" now. He then introduces the first film, a swede of "Seabiscuit."
What he should have added: The following video is totally awesome, if a little disturbing and somewhat R-Rated (aka NSFW) at the 2:00 mark.
NOTE: I'm not embedding the film here at this time due to the possibly graphic nature. You can see the swede here on Vimeo.com.
Vince, who directed the film, stood up and said "shooting took three days because filming with children and animals can be difficult." Hilarious. I give his son the award for best actor, hands down.
I'm happy to announce that virtuoso violinist Patrick Contreras and his band will headline The Beehive's Birthday Party on Dec. 5 at Club Fred.
I'll tell you this straight out: This will not be a typical performance from Contreras & Co. He will bring his usual showmanship, of course, and his band will rock the house like they always do -- but from some of the conversations Patrick and I have had, expect some pretty cool stuff!
A NOTE ABOUT THE PARTY:
Our goal in organizing The Beehive Birthday Party is to bring to life the community that exists on this site day in and day out -- just with a bar.
So we're turning to the people who contribute to our community to help us celebrate. As we announce more performers and attractions, expect to see the very people you converse with and read about on a daily basis.
The event will be free. And we hope to see all of you there -- even the lurkers.
It's time for another week of everybody's favorite new Beehive feature: Worst Flier of the Week.
Please note, promoters -- this is not a diss to your event (not by me, anyway). Rather it's my way of protecting the Fresno Internets from bad graphic design. And now, on with the show ...
For the past two weeks, I have written thousands of words about "Twilight." The stories have included everything from an interview with "Twilight" author, Stephenie Meyer, to the review that published in today's Fresno Bee.
Now it is your turn. It is time to make your voice heard.
Did you like the movie? Did it do justice to the book? How soon are you going to send a wedding proposal to Robert Pattinson or Kristen Sewart?
Make your opinions known. Take it away "Twilight" fans.
For more on "Twilight":
Here's what caught my eyes and ears in recent days:
After my alma mater *crosses fingers* beats Fresno State tonight ...
1. SWEDE! We've already wrote about this, but I since I think Saturday's Swede Fest is so cool and different and because we might be able to get another 50 comments out of it, I'll shout it out again.
So there's this fancy-schmancy hotel called "Atlantis" in Dubai, and this is what they did for the opening:
And though there are no reports just yet about those fireworks being fake, I still don't think I can support a company that throws this pretentious of a party for a freaking hotel, man. That's right: my boycott has nothing to do with the $30,000-a-night room (journalists in Fresno make a lot more money than you might think).
But if the obnoxious opening won't keep you away, maybe this will ...
Welcome to another week of Post No Bills -- a weekly look at what's going on in Fresno brought to you exclusively by FresnoBeehive.com.
Post No Bills is the largest collection of fliers for clubs, concerts and various other events around Fresno and the Valley. So sit back, give your browser a minute to load and take a look at various happenings.
Programming note: I'm on vacation next week, so no Post No Bills. This one is super packed with stuff to do, though.
As always, we welcome contributions bands, artists, venues, promoters and regular joes. Send flier links to mosegueda@fresnobee.com.
Here is Sarah Palin giving an interview to a local news team immediately after pardoning a turkey for Thanksgiving. The interview itself is not so interesting (why would it be?), but check out the man standing behind Sarah who is trying to do his job, which is killing turkeys.
You can practically see the "STFU, lady" thought bubble over the guy's head.
[Source]
OK, "Twilight" is getting a lot of attention. And it makes sense: The young girls who read Stephenie Meyer's book have been swooning for months in anticipation of the movie.
But now, I say, it's time to show some love to the dog -- "Bolt," the animated feature from Disney Studios is racking up some solid reviews and has a genuine star. No, not Bolt, who's voiced by John Travolta. It's the hamster named Rhino (voiced by Mark Walton). According to reviews I've seen, Rhino steals the show.
So you could wait in line with some screaming girls to see the story of Bella and Edward in "Twilight." Or you can go for the funny and see a story about a dog trying to get home.
Take a look at the reviews: "Bolt" scored this very respectable mark at rottentomatoes.com. And "Twilight"? Let's call it a splat.
Here's a sampling of what critics are saying about both films:
UPDATE: Oh, thank Zeus. Ashlee Simpson was able to safely birth a masculine child, which she and her equally douchetastic boyfriend (husband? who cares?) named:
Bronx Mowgli Wentz.
If you're not entirely convinced these two deserve a beatdown every day for the rest of their lives, say "Bronx Wentz" out loud a couple of times.
Original: Jessica Simpson said recently on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" that pregnant sister Ashlee may induce labor because "they're going to have to. It's already developing really quick."
According to People, the spawn of Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz was due a couple of weeks ago. Being an expert on child-birthing (I have read about many, many babies being born to celebrities), I have some ideas on why this particular baby hasn't yet chosen to make its way into the world:
1. Because its mother is Ashlee Simpson:
Congratulations to Bob Specht of Fresno. On Nov. 21, you took a giant step toward going into the Bad Letters to the Editor Hall of Fame* with these confusing and downright ignorant 181 words:
All challenge to gamers
Congratulations to the computer video gamers of the United States of America. On Nov. 4, you took a giant step toward leading the country, for the first time, by electing Barack Obama president of our country.You are now responsible for the job that our forefathers, patriots and soldiers of this nation's past so diligently handled, to prevent the United States from moving toward a socialist republic.
If you have not learned, paid attention or possibly never been taught this nation's true history lessons in school, it is now up to you to find these truths, by becoming political watchdogs. The "I'd rather be playing video games" attitude will be the ruination of the country, if you don't pay close attention to the real national and world politics.
Just knowing how to turn on a computer and playing electronic games is not educational literacy within itself. You must now use and apply your brains for far greater things. God help us if you don't figure it out before it is too late for all of us.
Bob Specht
Fresno
Wow, Bob. So are you saying that everybody who voted for Obama plays video games? Or are you saying there are now two parties -- the computer gamers and the bridge players? Or are you just one of the those out-of-touch dudes who thinks any electronic device that's not a TV and a VCR is a "computer video game." Do you say things like "You dang kids, with your dang MTV and your dang video games! Get off my lawn!"? I'm thinking you do.
*Shout out to Beehive reader Adam whose blog is the Bad Letter to the Editor hall of fame. He already let Bob have it too.
Dear Car Selly People: Want to know why you're not selling as many cars and your industry is in trouble? It's because you're not doing more advertising like this:
A shootout > A bailout
Are you a dance fan? Don't forget the semi-annual University Dance Theatre production this weekend at Fresno State. Student choreography and performance will be showcased in this completely student-produced show running Thursday through Saturday.
According to the department:
With only twelve weeks to prepare, the group designs everything from the choreography and performance to costumes, lights and sound. This fall, twenty-two individuals have interwoven the diversity of their personal backgrounds and dance experience to create an evening of variety and entertainment. Twelve student choreographers have created original pieces in modern dance, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, musical Theatre and video for this semester's concert. Special guests this fall also include dancers from the Japanese Student Association.
Be sure to get your tickets in advance--during the past 12 semesters, every UDT show has sold out! Tickets are on sale now for $5 and can be purchased either online at www.csufresno.edu/theatrearts or at the box office in the Speech Arts Building, 5201 North Maple Avenue.
Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday.
On the jump: "La Virgin de Guadalupe y Juan Diego" tickets go on sale; Heather Parish is named artistic director of Woodward Shakespeare Festival; Chuck Erven at City College gets an award.
A little more info on the Café Corazón benefit concert we told you about earlier in the week. Indie band Rademacher and poet Chicago have been added to the lineup Sunday at Club Fred.
It's nice to see that even though the doors are closed, people don't see Café Corazón as a lost cause. Here's hoping the coffeehouse rebounds, opens back up and ends up on a Best of Fresno list or something.
The hair, the makeup, the clothes: don't change a thing, sweetheart.
What's the opposite of "sex symbol"?
[Source]
After I saw Mike Oz's post today about a local gas price, I wonder if you knew that there's been a sales spike in Spam because people are looking for less expensive food.
That's right, Spam. I'm not talking about unwanted e-mail but that weird meat product that comes in a can. My mom used to feed it to my brother and I as kids. She fried it and would serve it whole in a sandwich, or cut it up and serve it with fried rice, or other variations that I've blocked out of my memory. When she wasn't looking, I'd try to dump it in the garbage can underneath the kitchen sink. (Sorry, Mom.)
But now, as the economy staggers and a dollar doesn't go as far as it used to, maybe I should take a second look at Spam. Who knew that Monty Python's Flying Circus' "Spam Song" would be so relevant now?
I don't cook, but I could force myself to do it. Anyone got any suggestions on how to make it more appetizing? Or should I just skip this idea?
Here's some validation to Robert Pattinson being on the "sexiest man" list (take that Heather!).
Moviefone sent along results from a poll of movie fans on who is the hottest vampire. "Twilight's" Robert Pattinson wins and even beat out Bratt Pitt in "Interview with a Vampire."
Pattinson has chicks screaming from him -- and apparently freaking him out -- everywhere he goes. I'm definitely into "Twilight", but some of these women are really pathetic -- they can't even explain why they like him or his character Edward. Just look at how these women/girls acted on the Today Show this morning.
Tadow.
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE
Dear Heather: So who needs a People magazine cover?
Michael Phelps crush over in three, two, one...
[Source]
-thumb-275x192.jpg)
So I'd never seen Trans-Siberian Orchestra before last night. When I interviewed the show's creator it was such an odd talk -- he asked if I had seen the show, then talked about it, without a single question from me, for 25 minutes straight -- that I had to make the trek out to Save Mart Center.
Twelve hours later, I'm a bit torn on how I feel about TSO. So I figured a good way to look at this is a list of the pluses and minuses:
WHAT I LIKED
- The TSO band is versatile enough to go from a Christmas favorite to the clap-along energy of Van Halen. One song might just be keyboards with an opera singer. The next, the guitarists and violinists are running around the stage.
Was there ever any doubt?
McKey Sullivan has won Cycle 11 of "America's Next Top Model." The series finale was Wednesday, but there wasn't much suspense. It seemed apparent a few weeks ago that the 19-year-old boxing enthusiast was headed for glory after she produced this long-legged photo aboard a ship. All she had to do was keep it together and sail to the finish line.
I'd say her closest competition wasn't even in the Top 3 last night: Marjorie Conrad, she of the slouched back and broken doll poses, was ousted last week. She was an interesting figure but had way too many insecurity issues. Even when the judges gave her compliments, she looked like she was going to have a nervous breakdown.
So Sullivan takes the title. With legs that go on forever, she may have a real shot at being an employed model.
Dear Heather,
I know your fave Jon Hamm wasn't named "Sexiest Man Alive" by People, but I hope this helps make up for it.
Hamm is one of four men sharing the latest cover for GQ. He's earned "Men of the Year" honors with Barack Obama, Michael Phelps and Leonardi DiCaprio. I'd say Hamm's in pretty nifty company.
(Unfortunately, my hubby subscribes to Esquire, so I'll be Hamm-less at home.)
Hope you enjoy the view,
Felicia
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE
- Hugh Jackman is People's Sexiest Man Alive
Say goodbye to the six adorable Shiba Inu puppies who have been filling your long workdays and your cold, cold heart with joy and sunshine.
The pups, now six weeks old, will be going to their new homes soon, so say your goodbyes now:
Last night's "Ghost Hunters" showed us the investigation of Clovis' Wolfe Manor (or, for the sake of the show, The Clovis Sanitarium). In the end, TAPS' Jason and Grant said there were definitely some active spirits in the house.
Just take a look at this scene, which will hereby be known as "I like the one in the hat." If I ever go back there, I'm totally wearing a hat.
So what did you think? Did "Ghost Hunters" spook you? Would you ever set foot in Wolfe Manor? Or do you still not believe?
While you ponder that, hit the jump for pictures from last night's watch party at BC's Pizza & Beer in Clovis.
A couple of weeks ago, I made the claim that Gwyneth Paltrow owned the ugliest dress I have ever seen. Leave it to Madonna, the ultimate one-upping attention whore, to answer back with the new ugliest dress that has ever existed:
Boy, is she going to be disappointed to hear that she didn't get that part in "Where the Wild Things Are."
[Source]
Producers Chris Campbell and Julie Ann Keller report that they've added one performance of Artists Repertory Theatre's production of "The Rocky Horror Show" at the Severance Building. The encore show will be 7 p.m. Nov. 30. The rest of the run is sold out. "Rocky" has become one of the hottest tickets in town, so if you want to nab a coveted seat at this added final performance, I'd do the time warp over to the show's site at brownpapertickets.com just as quickly as you can.
Fresno Magazine put out its annual Best of Fresno issue this month and tonight is its accompanying Best of Fresno party over at the Convention Center.
I'll start by admitting that all of these types of lists are totally subjective and they're never going to please anybody -- that said, there are some stinkers on this supposed "Best of" list. I call shenanigans on the following:
LATE-NIGHT HOT SPOT: Really guys, Roe? I've heard a lot of people say a lot of things about Roe, but best has never entered into that conversation.
ANNUAL EVENT: I guess Sudz in the City is a respectable choice (probably because it's one of the few times the Fresno Mag crowd comes downtown), but I think we all know the right answer to this: The Rogue Festival.
BAR-N-GRILL: I love Dog House Grill ... but I'm curious how Applebee's makes it onto that list. Did they survey only Grandmas?
With Swede Fest The Second coming up in just a few days -- it's about time all the Swedsters out there finish up their Sweding. That's what our Swedish Will Albritton did, putting the final touches on his "The Princess Swede" yesterday.
His bit of Swedeness features Josh Tehee (aka Famous Whitewater), Beehive commenter Travis Sheridan and Jaime Holt, who has nothing to do with blogging or this site. They put a Swediptious spin on "The Princess Bride."
This video is from the Britney Spears documentary that will air November 30 on MTV.
It is supposed to be serious. I repeat: not a joke.
Also, apparently she married for the wrong reasons, which begs the question: is there a right reason to marry Kevin Federline?
UPDATE 3:46 pm: And our winner is ... Amy Hance. Congratulations!
UPDATE 2:46 pm: We do have a winner, but I'm still waiting on the confirmation email back from that person.
UPDATE 2:04 pm: OK, folks, the ticket contest is on. Rules are on the jump. A pair of tickets will go to the first commenter with a valid email address to this post.
PREVIOUSLY: I'm going to be giving away a pair of tickets sometime between 2 and 2:30 p.m. today to the Fresno Philharmonic's children's concert, "Beethoveen Lives Upstairs." The concert is 3 p.m. Saturday and features actors from Classical Kids Live!, the same company that came for last year's Mozart children's concert with the Phil. It's designed for children ages 6 and up. So keep watching the Hive. When I give the word, the tickets will go to the first person with a valid email address who posts a comment.
Speaking of local photography ...
This photo was apparently shot by Life Magazine in 1961 at Fresno's Sunnyside Bowl-Bowling Alley (more Life images of Fresno here).
For some reason, it's quite the popular image over on reddit.com.
There are 163 comments so far. A sampling:
Alcohol, archery and slippery shoes... I wonder why this isn't around anymoreAre you saying that "whites only" bowling/archery allies need to be brought back? Tha's f---ed up bro.
I've said it before, but I think this holds up: I am willing to place bets on Suri Cruise not being Tom Cruise's biological child.
The older she gets, the more and more she looks like Tom's cousin, William Mapother, who also is an actor (he played evil Ethan on "Lost").
Seriously. See for yourself:
Right? Tom can send the flying Scientology monkeys to get me, but I'm holding firm on this one.
And this, kids, is why women wear bras:
Hey, at least no one is paying the least bit of attention to her messed up lips, right?
[Source]
Which makes sense, I guess. I've never been a fan, but I can objectively look at Hugh Jackman and say, "Yes. That is a very attractive man."
It's the rest of the list that worries me.
I'm sure People, unable to accept just how silly and irrelevant the annual "hot" man parade has become, had grown tired of the Brads and the Georges and the Matthews taking up space on the cover, and was looking for new blood. Therein
lies the problem -- the rest of their choices are sad, sad, sad, and even a little perplexing, with one major exception.
I think we all know who the rightful owner of the "Sexiest" title is:
Donald and I caught Saturday's performance of ART's "Rocky Horror Show" at Cal Arts-Severance. It was the second time for each of us. Here we are after the show with Frank (as played by the wonderful Daniel Chavez Jr.):
Anyway, I was a regular "Rocky" fan, and I'm not sure my appreciation for it will ever be over. Which is why I was thrilled that Artists' Repertory Theatre decided to produce the stage production for Fresno audiences this year. I caught the stage show in London nine years ago, and I had been to a handful of midnight showings back in Tampa during high school and college, and, of course, "Rocky Horror" was a staple among us drama geeks at regional and state festivals.
With that background out of the way, I'm by no means the guy who knows all the lines by heart or ever dressed up and performed in the "cast" during a film showing (although I think I'd make one hell of a Rocky). So, I wanted to run my mild peeve by Donald about the audience participation aspect of the stage production.
Below is our discussion about that issue:
Let's say you're a promoter for Cabo Wabo Fresno. You want people to come through the doors. You can't play the Sammy Hagar card anymore, since he distanced himself from all the Fresno drama.
What do you do? Enlist Cousin Larry Ray Appleton, conservative talk show host, and urge people to come party with him. Even better: You, Joe Fresno, can win the opportunity to do tequila shots with Ray. I swear I'm not making this up.
I got this comment on MySpace last night:
Tomorrow is a big day at Cabo Wabo. With the help of Jack-FM 105.9 and Ray Appleton of KMJ-580, we are kicking off Taco Tuesdays, featuring $1.50 Tacos, $2 Dos XX Drafts, margarita specials, prize giveaways and a chance to win fine Tequila Tasting with Ray himself! Stick around for a live performance from Shotgunn Mary, an awesome local cover band.
So join us, the wild Jack-FM crew and the one and only Ray Appleton for a time you won't (or maybe will) forget! What else are you gonna do on a Tuesday?!
I saw Ray Appleton hangin' around Cabo Wabo the day Sammy Hagar was there, wearing those ripped jeans people used to wear.
Yep, it's gonna be that kind of party. I hope they bring out Rush Limbaugh next week!
Rachelle Lefevre's portrayal of Victoria in "Twilight" is the best screen female vampire since Darla (Julie Benz) first popped up on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Granted, Lefevre does not get a lot of screen time in the feature film that opens Friday. But she proves in those few minutes she's deserving of the bigger role that would come if a sequel gets made.
Lefevre's not waiting for the movie to get released to attract some attention. She shows up at the small room in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel dressed in a black jacket and black hot pants. The outfit is a stark contrast to her pale skin. It is just as big a contrast to her long red hair that hangs past her shoulders.
This is a far different look than she had back in her own high school days.
Mike Oz and myself both think we've found the make-your-day video on YouTube. Neither of us will admit defeat. There's one option: YouTube battle! You watch our finds and tell us which amuses you more.
Mike Oz: You know how police dogs are supposed to be highly intelligent, quick and able to track people down by scent? Apparently not all police dogs are so keen:
I can't recommend "Something's Afoot." This very slight 1976 musical, pitched as a murder mystery spoof, is more plodding than madcap. Though it's given an adequate staging at Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater and includes in its cast several top-notch comic veterans of Good Company Players, this production remains flimsy in terms of music, narrative and laughs.
Of course, "Something's Afoot" doesn't try to be more than a mere trifle. But I'm not sure that the trifle has aged all that well. Perhaps back in the 1970s, spoofing Agathe Christie -- and in particular her novel "Ten Little Indians" -- might have had a little more cultural oomph. As it stands now, the show's concept has a faraway, low-key, quaint-but-dusty feel.
Set on an English country estate (charming set by David Pierce) on the quintessential dark and stormy night (same for Andrea Henrickson's lighting design), the play opens with the arrival to Lord Rancour's house -- which is conveniently set on its own little island and thus easily isolated in a storm -- of a number of weekend guests. True to form in a madcap musical mystery, they've been invited by the host for fiendishly specific reasons, but we don't know what those reasons are.
You're 80 years old today and don't look much different than when you were a skinny dude driving a steamboat. Sure, you've put on a little weight, but who hasn't? (Well, OK, not counting the usual Hollywood starlets). When it comes to your many looks, I am particularly fond of your appearance in "Fantasia," when you donned the sorcerer's robes and tall, pointy hat. Awesome.
At a time when the economy is slouching and other tough events are happening, people are looking for things that make them smile. So, on your birthday, I offer all props to you. You've always been an optimistic, happy fella. We need more of that these days.
"Who's the leader of the club/ That's made for you and me/
M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E."
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are celebrating their two-year anniversary today. They look just as happy now as they did two years ago, don't they?
Two Years Ago:
Now:
Rats.
Heidi got her job back at SBE on Monday night's episode. At least partner Sam treated her like vapid vapor.
(Yes, this reality show is staged, so she was going to get her "job" back. But, still, if you're fired because you've messed up twice, got drunk on the job and sassed the boss, you should stay fired.)
At least Heidi, in a tiny step of of realization, finally told her controlling boyfriend Spencer: "Maybe you're the problem." It was almost as good as last week's episode in which SBE partner Brent Bolthouse told a then-fired Heidi: "Dude, you're boyfriend's a nightmare."
But not quite.
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE
- "The Hills:" Brent makes Spencer look stupid"
College basketball just started and Fresno State's Paul George is already getting props for Dunk of the Year. Keep in mind that because of the 11 p.m. start time, it was near midnight when George unleashed this. It's already getting some love on 'Net and on the ESPN highlight reels, so here ya go:
If you care about such things: Fresno State lost the game 99-85.
It's all the local news and stuff from the blogosphere that you need to Fres-Know:
AMATEUR HOUR: I really like the idea of Late Update's "Twenty Bars, Twenty Weeks" feature, where they take a look at a different bar every week, but come on, kids. I can knock out those kind of numbers in a single week. [Late Update]
F THIS: Always wanted to try The Basque Hotel on F street in downtown Fresno? Consider reading this tale of cold, bloody meat, dirty utensils, and a physically violent wait staff first. And then go anyway -- it'll make for a great story later. [Fresno Famous]
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE LETTER 'P': Jim Boren and Bill McEwen, (the Bee's Siskel and Ebert, Colbert and Stewart, and Bert and Ernie all rolled into one), talk with Mayor Elect Ashley Swearengin about her transition team on this week's podcast. [Bee Podcast]
MET WRAP-UP: Felicia Matlosz has the final word on the success of the Met's 55-hour reopening party, including the museum's take on what went down with the Metropolis dance party (spoiler: not much). [Fresno Bee]
Some beauty trends blow the mind. Here's one LA craze to pretty up "the hair down there" with a few shapes and colors. Just watch the video:
Ghost Hunters, paranormal prowlers and spirit seekers take note: I had a pretty big story in today's Bee about Clovis' Wolfe Manor. The story talks about its appearance on Sci Fi channel's "Ghost Hunters" on Wednesday, Wolfe Manor's own Web show, private tours of the house and plans to turn Wolfe Manor into a haunted hotel.
All this give me a good opportunity to post some videos that I made, but never put on The Beehive. Like this one, of our own Heather McLane shaking up the spirits inside Wolfe Manor.
"TRL," (or "Total Request Live") had its plug pulled Sunday by its creator, MTV -- but not without a big, starry finale.
But, take heart video fans. MTV isn't broadcasting music videos on television anymore, but the network still has an outlet for them: mtvmusic.com.
It's kind of addictive and easy to use. You just type in the name of the artist, or the song. I spent part of Sunday night on the site finding a lot of oldies but goodies not to mention more recent stuff. It was fun, for instance, watching director Spike Jonze's "Weapon of Choice" (2001) for Fatboy Slim, with actor Christopher Walken dancing through a people-less LA hotel lobby.
The site's presentation is clean, though the viewing screen is small-sized. It's like watching YouTube, but the quality is better (depending on the condition of the video, of course). The site includes different features, such as artist bios.
Here are some other videos I looked up and enjoyed (again):
You might remember back in April when John West was coming through town and needed a show, so The Beehive helped him out, and a bunch of you came to see him. Good times, right?
Circumstances got a little familiar for West recently -- he had an open date between S.F. and L.A. and wanted to stop in Fresno. This time Nicole Giordano, formerly of The CW and now of Peak Broadcasting, hooked up a date for West at Yosemite Ranch, where he'll play Thursday night.
If you saw him last time he was here, you know what's up. If you missed him last time, don't make the same mistake twice.
Remember when I told you last week that CBS47 was doing a story about Fresno bloggers -- here's video proof that it did indeed air and that I didn't make the whole thing up. This features me and Mikey from The Fresnan.
Be sure to watch 'til the end for an extended Beehive shout-out and some love for H-Mac. We like you too, Zara!
There's a second segment with Mike from Queer Fresno that you can watch on the CBS47 site. And since we at The Beehive are all about bloggeraderie, go check out CBS47's newly launched blogs.
It's tough to keep getting it up for these trailers knowing that the movie should have been released this month but is being held until July of next year.
Nevertheless.
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE
Ohmigod: The "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" trailer is out!
The wait for the next Harry Potter film has gotten longer
Another 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' trailer released
[Thanks to brodiemash]
Karolina Kurkova is a Victoria's Secret model. Karolina Kurkova has no belly button. I submit Karolina Kurkova is a robot, or possibly some kind of alien.
The evidence:
Close-up:
The following photo is allegedly the first picture of Johnny Depp starring as The Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's version of "Alice in Wonderland." Is it:
A. Awesome.
B. Lame
C. Willy Wonka
I'm going with answer C. He looks like the illegitimate child of the Night Hob and the dude with the racing snail in "The Neverending Story."
[Source]
Trick question. Who doesn't want to see Justin in a leotard and heels?
Here he is on "SNL" with Beyoncé, Andy Samberg and the new guy:
Things might have been exceedingly mellow on the first night of the Fresno Met's 55-hour grand-opening celebration, but frequent Beehive contributor Stephen Mintz reports that things got out of hand the second night. He writes:
I'm sure they just wanted to get young people into the Met, but the thuglife was prevalent, and the Met had to shut down the dance party at 3am, kicking everyone out ...
... For club-goers, it's all about who one knows and the power of getting in 'first.' Line cutting, desperate actions at the door (but I know so-and-so! but my friend is already inside! how about i slip you $$...I got mad cash on me. DON'T YOU _________ ME! YOU DON'T KNOW WHO I AM!!)
Well, people, obviously you didn't know or respect this jewel of a building. People started dancing ON the display cases, busting through the back doors, and there were scattered fights.
Shame. The show was well put together, the DJs were the best, and three floors were hopping. But the Met bit off more than they could chew with this disrespectful crowd. Once they cleared everyone out and cleaned up, tho, they reopened to actual visitors who wished to see this new centrepiece of Fresno, not to drop E or sell vicodin in the hallways (just $5 dollars a tab!).
I don't think there will be any more club nights at the Met. Ever.
That's troubling to hear, Stephen. Anyone else have a first-hand account they can contribute?
The Fresno Philharmonic and Theodore Kuchar have agreed to hang out together for five more years. Kuchar and the orchestra's board will announce in the next few days that the conductor is extending his contract. I have a column about the jet-setting conductor -- who has crossed the Atlantic Ocean no less than FIVE times the last three weeks -- in Sunday's Spotlight section. How busy is this guy? Here's a link to a list of the more than 90 compact discs he's recorded for the Naxos, Brilliant Classics, Ondine and Marco Polo labels.
A reminder: Superstar violinist Sarah Chang performs in her second concert of the weekend with the Philharmonic 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Saroyan Theatre. The Bee's George Warren offers his review here.
Long before CNN turned human warfare into a live event -- we're all familiar now with the graphics-studded, instant-gratification cable-television extravaganzas that allow audiences to stay glued to their tubes and watch death and mayhem in real time -- people back home agonized with the wait of it all. It would take weeks, even months, for the ancients to learn the results of a far-flung battle. Would the sons of a city return home in a triumphant horde? Or would a few pathetic survivors be all that straggle back to deliver the bad news?
There's something about the ache of that situtation that gives Aeschylus' "The Persians," the oldest surviving play in Western civilization, such a powerful impact. The Experimental Theatre Company at Fresno State has crafted a rousing and deeply affecting version of this ancient play, based on a new translation by Elen McLaughlin, that captures both its timeless quality and its raw, contemporary bristle. Director Yosef Mahmood, who's double majoring in theater arts and political science, has put both of his academic interests to great use. He's crafted a fluid and well-staged meditation on the costs and pervasiveness of war.
The Beehive is four years old today! Many thanks to the now-departed Matt Thompson, who started this whole thing, and the folks at The Bee who keep it running today. Most importantly, thanks go to all you readers who contribute to the site and have made it into not just a blog, but a community.
Now that the speech is out of the way, I got one word for you guys: PARTY!
It's gonna be a blast, y'all. We have plenty of surprises in our stinger and we'll be revealing many of them in the coming weeks. So keep an eye out. For now, you better keep Friday, Dec. 5 open.
There's nothing like hatching a brilliant idea in the light of day that involves a 2 a.m. story idea. It sounds great at the time ... and then you have to actually execute it.
When my Hive colleague Felicia and I heard that the Fresno Metropolitan Museum would be open for 55 straight hours for its reopening, we started thinking: What's it like to be in a museum in the middle of the night? Would anyone be there? Would it be like that movie, "A Night in the Museum," in which Ben Stiller discovers that the exhibits come to life at night? After all, the Met's major opening show is "Feathered Dinosaurs and the Origin of Flight."
Our curiosity got the better of us. We decided to see for ourselves and blog about our experience. We picked 2 a.m. If you make it out to the museum this weekend, let us know what you think.
--------------------------------------------------------
1:55 a.m. Felicia knocks softly at Donald's door. He groans.
--------------------------------------------------------
2 a.m. Pair drives by the Million Elephant and Babylon in the Tower District, both incredibly hopping for such a late hour. Who knew the Tower boasted such nightlife?
-------------------------------------------------------------
2:05 a.m. Arrive at museum. A sleep-deprived Felicia says, "What were we thinking?"
----------------------------------------------------------------
2:10 a.m. After entering the museum at the ground floor, we take a quick elevator trip up to the fourth floor to check in with John English, manager of marketing and communications. In the space of five minutes, we hear two different people remark upon the bright apple green color scheme in the stairwell. (The museum's thematic colors are white, gray and a very vivid apple green.) One man says, "Where in the world did they get this color? At a sale?"
------------------------------------------------------
Photo above: Donald and Felicia get in some shopping at 3 a.m. at The Museum Store.
The Fresno Metropolitan Museum reopened Thursday evening in resplendent fashion. It's brighter, streamlined and definitely carries a contemporary vibe. But design details of the original 1922 building remain, especially in two exterior walls with their red-brick, Italian Renaissance styling.
If you've visited the revamped Met, what do you think of the new look?
The museum's 55-hours-straight, free admission celebration started at noon today. By the way, Donald Munro and I are going to drop in at some point between 2-3 a.m. Saturday morning. We're curious about what it's like to be in a museum in the middle of the night, and we'll be blogging about our experience Saturday.
I wrote a story about the reopening in today's Bee, but here are some other things that I saw and heard from Thursday's festivities:
Today it's too hard to pick just one flier as the worst of the week. Instead, I offer up three finalists and ask you to choose. Or you can go to Post No Bills and pick your own Worst Flier of the Week.
I ate an extra bowl of Wheaties this morning in preparation for my marathon Fresno entertainment weekend. Here's my itinerary:
And then, on Monday, I'm going to sleep.
So what are YOU doing this weekend?
A mention of the book "Twilight" often ends up in a conversation about rabid fans. They rival any of the groups that support the likes of "Harry Potter," "Star Trek" or the Oakland Raiders when it comes to loyalty.
Kellan Lutz, who plays Emmett Cullen in the film version of "Twilight" almost got too up close and personal with a couple of loyal readers.
It happened during the filming of the movie. After a long day on the set, Lutz headed back to his hotel. He had only been back at the room a few minutes when he heard a knock at the door. His first thought was that it was fellow cast members.
But it was a strange - and very nervous - female voice on the other side of the door. She said she had a gift.
Other than spending 55 straight hours at The Met, of course ...
1. PARTY LIKE A MOFO: Everybody's favorite blues group, the MoFo Party Band, is back home, headlining tonight at Club Fred. It's been a while for MoFo, who's been busy playing a bunch of out-of-town gigs.
Here's an option if the debt collectors are after you: Break out the Microsoft Paint and do what David Thorne did. Who cares if this is real or not, it's pretty hilarious. Shouts out to Sonic Foundation and Nick Gennock, who both pointed it out.
Trust me, it gets better:
Welcome to another week of Post No Bills -- a weekly look at what's going on in Fresno brought to you exclusively by FresnoBeehive.com.
Post No Bills is the largest collection of fliers for clubs, concerts and various other events around Fresno and the Valley. So sit back, give your browser a minute to load and take a look at various happenings.Take note: Lots of new stuff this week!
As always, we welcome contributions bands, artists, venues, promoters and regular joes. Send flier links to mosegueda@fresnobee.com.
In the following picture, taken with members of Arizona State University's track team, President Bush is
A. Throwing the little-known gang sign reppin' the Southwest
B. Learning how to count on his fingers
C. Advocating -- you know -- that
D. Trying to work out a cramp in his joystick hand
E. None of the above
Here's what caught my eyes and ears in recent days:
Yep, after more than three years of renovations, The Fresno Met re-opened its doors on Thursday. Even cooler is how its celebrating: With a 55-hour straight party.
It would be daunting task, staying at The Met for 55 straight hours. I'm not suggesting you do, but I'd certainly give you props if you did. Heck, it's all free. Should you be looking for some highlights of this 55-hour party, here you go:
1. PREHISTORIC HAPPY HOUR: Get down with the folks from Creative Fresno. Have some drinks. See some dinosaurs. You know, the typical Friday after work ...
How raw is the electorate after the passage of Prop. 8? When it comes to the theater world, the greater Central Valley is making national news. The New York Times reports:
The artistic director of the California Musical Theater, a major nonprofit producing company here in the state's capital, resigned on Wednesday in the face of growing outrage over his support for a ballot measure this month that outlawed same-sex marriage in California.
Scott Eckern had given $1,000 to the Yes-on-8 campaign. He said in a statement that his donation stemmed from his Mormon religious beliefs. Angry online activists demanded his resignation, and some Broadway luminaries had talked about boycotting the theater with their productions. Here's the Sac Bee's take on the story. The Bee asked in an online forum: How do you feel about boycotting businesses to make your feelings known on Prop. 8?
[Photo: Sacramento Bee]
Most of you will spend your first time watching "Twilight" just concentrating on the story and characters. I know some of you will be on your cell phones, but most fans will be there to see the movie. For those fans who decide to see "Twilight" a second, third or 100th time, here are a few little things to look for that will add to your enjoyment.
Pay attention to the sunlight. One of the key elements of the book is that the vampires can't go out in the sun. No, they don't go up in a puff of smoke. The vampires Stephenie Meyer has created twinkle when they are in the sun. Their skin looks like a diamond field.
That made sunlight a mortal enemy of the filmmakers.
That was the thought going through my head during the latest installment of The Fresno Grizzlies' "I Hate The OffSeason" series. Although not as topical as the episodes involving the election, Halloween or fantasy football, it's always funny when a bucket full of baseballs and a gallon of milk are dropped from above -- especially when it's done by a orange, hairy bear mascot.
Previously: Vol. 1 | Vol. 2 | Vol. 3 | Vol. 4 | Vol. 5 | Vol. 6 | Vol. 7 | Vol. 8
Also: Andy Samberg punching people in the face right before eating
And: Will It Blend?
I'm waiting for a really fun and entertaining movie to show up this season. (Sorry, but "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" isn't what I had in mind.) I thought maybe the upcoming Reese Witherspoon/Vince Vaughn comedy, "Four Christmases," might fit the bill.
But I've seen the trailer several times, and it's not making me laugh. Not even a chuckle or a snicker. It looks like Vaughn is playing another version of his fast-talking, smart-alecky roles. Maybe I should take a hint from his last Christmas movie, 2007's "Fred Claus." Critics hated it.
Do you think this movie is going to be funny?
For the second time this week, The Dumb Drum has given The Beehive stuff to post. (And I'm not just giving this prolific local blog some love because I'm on their next podcast.)
BrodieMash has found "Frezno," a new book by photographer Tony Stamolis, who lives in New York but considers Fresno his stomping grounds. To commemorate his affection, he spent six years creating images that reflect what he sees around town: people with guns; people with tattoos; abandoned fields, buildings and sofas; and, oh yeah, naked girls (I should mention this link to a PDF excerpt is most-def NSFW).
Anyway, this looks great. I'm sure we'll be hearing more about this book. (Mike is working on a print interview with this dude.) In the meantime, you can order "Frezno" on Amazon.
And if you're in New York next week, here's the flyer for the publication party:
UPDATE: Congrats to our winner KRISTY PAGE, who has now inspired us to re-write our rules saying people who won in the previous 30 days are ineligible. Congrats, Kristy. The rest of you non-winners will be happy to know that Fresno Famous is giving away tickets next week.
ORIGINAL: Since we at The Beehive love to shower you, our loyal readers, with gifts upon gifts -- today we offer up tickets for Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Save Mart Center on Nov. 19.
TSO annually ranks as one of top concert tours of the year. It's a 60-piece orchestra that includes a rock band, a full symphony and more than a dozen singers. That comes together for a mixture that's equal parts The Who, Jesus Christ Superstar and Charles Dickens.
It has been a busy day in network television. Word was released the long-running Fox late-night comedy show "MADtv" will end in May. And over at NBC, officials announced the cancelation of "My Own Worst Enemy" and "Lipstick Jungle."
There were signs "MADtv" was in trouble. A lower number of episodes had been ordered this year for the comedy that debuted in October 1995. The reason given for the cancelation was that the show cost too much to produce. It is always about the money
The "MADtv" announcement hits close to home. Tulare comedian Johnny Sanchez is in his second season with the show. He was excited in July about the prospects for this year. He felt like he would be able to create some lasting characters this season. But he won't get the chance.
The silver lining for Sanchez is the public exposure he got from the show. It should make it easier for him to land another television role or move to bigger venues with a comedy tour.
You know how it is when you find something you love and instantly you want everyone you know to love it, too? Here is a list of things the Beehive is into at this very moment.
We invite you to share your obsession in the comments.
Donald: I'm obsessed with Artists' Repertory Theater's production of "The Rocky Horror Show" at Severance Building. Can't stop talking it up to people. I wrote my column on Sunday about Daniel Chavez Jr., the talented actor/director/choreographer who plays Frank 'N' Furter, the sweet transvestite from another planet. Add to that a big advance 7 cover story on the show on opening day and a lengthy Beehive review, and I admit it's been a tsunami of coverage. Why such enthusiasm? It's a sharp production, of course, with some great singing, dancing and creative use of the Severance space. The chance to hear a pipin' hot live band is a big plus, too. But more than just the quality of the show, what makes me so pro-"Rocky" is that it truly feels like a community theatrical event. The amount of work that went into this production is obvious -- and the energy that the cast and crew gives is infectious. I know that I'm going back to see it again.
Heather: OMG. So adctd2txt. TTYL. OBTW, Mwah.
UPDATE: My spot on the Mayor's talk show got moved up to 10:20 a.m. this morning -- 'cause I know you hecka care.
A few notes for you Beehive loyals out there:
The "Ghost Hunters" episode filmed at Clovis' Wolfe Manor is now less than a week away. It airs next Wednesday night. Here's the preview that was tacked on to last night's "Ghost Hunters" episode:
There will be a watch party at 6 p.m. Wednesday at BC's Pizza and Beer in Clovis. Also: Watch out for a story in next week's Bee about Wolfe Manor.
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE
- Ghost Hunters: Wolfe Manor to air Nov. 19
- Were "Ghost Hunters" in Clovis last week?
YouTube recently announced it has a deal to start showing full-length MGM movies and television shows. CNET News says we can thank Hulu for the development. That site, formed by NBC Universal and News Corp., already shows films and TV programs, and my husband has been singing Hulu's praises for many weeks.
Sure, I can still stick a DVD in my laptop, but I don't always want to rent a movie. So getting free access to some cool classics or more recent releases suits me just fine. (Though I do hope YouTube improves the visual quality of its site.) I also hope that when they say MGM, it means -- eventually -- I can pull up whenever I want films like "Singin' in the Rain" (I never get tired of that iconic rain sequence with the incomparable Gene Kelly) or "An American in Paris" (another Kelly classic).
And maybe more studios will follow suit, now that YouTube has repaired relations with those companies. Hooray for Hollywood!
UPDATE 4:55 pm: Congrats to our second winner, AMANDA TOUT. Thanks to all for reading and playing.
And keep watching for those free tickets, Beehive readers: Tomorrow, Mike Oz becomes the Grand Ticket Master when he gives away Trans-Siberian Orchestra tickets.
PREVIOUS:
Congratulations to TUDOR STANLEY, the winner of our first pair of tickets to the Sarah Chang concert Saturday.
And now it's time to give away the second pair ... first reader to respond with a comment to this post will win. (Remember, you need a valid email address to win, and you have to check your email to claim your prize.) The rules are on the jump.
Here's an example in which I truly hope that life doesn't imitate art.
Bee reader Ralene Stevens passes along news about a new play called "Eat the Runt" by Robert Riechel Jr. that recently opened at the Hudson Guild Theatre in Santa Monica. According to L.A. Weekly, the play is about a theater critic named The Man who is kidnapped and brutalized for his scathing review in The Fresno Bee of a new work by a blowhard playwright.
Yes, you read that correctly: Unspeakable acts performed on The Fresno Bee's theater critic! Gives you shivers, doesn't it? (Or, at least, it should give ME shivers.) LA Weekly describes the plot:
Mr. Lone [the playwright] may or may not have used a gun in the apprehension of the drama critic from his bed (he shows up in pajamas, blindfolded and gagged). We first see him dragged into Lone's grubby basement apartment punctuated by a poster of Samuel Beckett, who provides the scribe his dark inspiration. The Man is a smart, bitter fellow, an obit writer who takes occasional assignments as the paper's drama critic ... Lone's over-sexed, sadistic girlfriend, Hammer, provides the third link of a triangle that spins almost off the stage in Riechel's hostage drama, because both the rudely portrayed Hammer (a smart, willing "slut") and Lone's self-evident insanity give long-suffering drama critics a power that exists only in the long-suffering hearts of self-absorbed playwrights, who simply haven't caught on yet that critics don't make much difference.
No idea if Riechel (the real playwright) is from Fresno -- he doesn't show up in the Bee's archives -- and I'm wondering if good old Fresno is just performing its semi-regular stand-in role as butt for the joke. Or maybe I should invest in that flak jacket and 24-hour security service after all. What I do know is that I desperately want to go see the play before it closes Dec. 13.
As soon as Edi Gathegi's character of Laurent arrived on screen in "Twilight," I had this strange feeling I had seen him in another role. He's an actor. So the the odds were high I had. But what had I seen him in?
Maybe it was the television show "K-ville." His long dreadlocks would have been perfect for the former Fox series. But that wasn't it. The Fox Network part was right. The show was wrong.
It never came to me while watching the movie. It wasn't until the next day, when Gathegi arrived at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel to talk about the film that it hit me. The dreadlocks were gone. A baseball cap covered his very short hair.
There was no doubt where I had seen him before.
It's Big Love!
UPDATE 4:45 pm: Congratulations to our second winner: AMANDA TOUT. And thanks to all for reading and playing.
This is it, Beehivers: your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Saturday night's Fresno Philharmonic concert featuring violin superstar Sarah Chang. The first Beehive reader with a valid email address to respond with a comment to this post will win. (Remember, you have to check your email to claim your prize.)
I'll announce the winner of the tickets between 4 and 4:30 p.m. today. That announcement will be the giveaway signal for the second pair of tickets. So keep watching.
Check out the complete rules on the jump.
Following yesterday's unpleasant news of a "Karate Kid" remake, comes bewildering news of a "Monopoly" movie.
According to The Hollywood Reporter:
Ridley Scott, who has been attached as a producer on "Monopoly" and has been mentioned as a possible director, is now officially attached to helm the project, with an eye toward giving it a futuristic sheen along the lines of his iconic "Blade Runner."
I've taken the liberty of picking the three suitable reactions to this development, please choose accordingly:
Sarah Chang is one of the hottest classical music concerts of the year -- and we've got two pairs of tickets to give away to her 8 p.m. Saturday concert with the Fresno Philharmonic! I'll be giving out the first pair of tickets sometime between 1:30 and 3 p.m. today on the Beehive -- so be on the lookout for my contest post. First commenter (with a valid email address) will win the tickets.
The U.S. Secret Service has a tradition of giving code names to the President and his family members. I'm not sure why, since it's not kept a secret and the media has been reporting the names for the Barack Obamas: He's Renegade. Michelle is Renaissance. Daughter Malia is Radiance while daughter Sasha is Rosebud.
As you can see, the Secret Service likes to keep the first letter the same for each code name. (Hmm, I wonder if they even fleetingly thought of Rogue Runner.) You can read this Chicago Tribune story for a list of other code names in history. (I'm not sure why outgoing President Bush's name is Tumbler.)
But if these folks can have code names, why can't we all have code names? Mine would be Rickmanista. (That's after my fave actor Alan Rickman, of course, and it's not an original thought. But I'm taking it.)
What would your's be?
So thousands of New York City subway riders were handed free copies of The New York Times (dated July 4, 2009) today with the headline that you see here:
This was "an elaborate hoax," according the real New York Times, by a group called The Yes Men. There's a Web version of the fake edition that contains such headlines as "Court Indicts Bush on High Treason Charge" and "All Public Universities To Be Free."
It's like The Onion for liberals.
But hey, there's a new president now, and if his election is a sign of anything, it's that anything is possible. Right?
So here's The Beehive's question of the day: What headline would you wish for by next summer?
Here's Best Week Ever's wish:
Today is officially my two-year anniversary blogging for the Fresno Beehive.
Take a moment to let this sink in: someone has been paying me to use the
word "douchebag," post YouTube videos, and track Britney Spears' sanity for
Two. Whole. Years.
On my anniversary last year, I took a self-congratulatory trip down memory lane by posting links to my favorite posts, plus some stats. This year I'm doing the exact same thing, plus adding some pictures. (After two years, I've learned I don't really have to try that hard.)
Robert Downey Jr. Pornstache Watch 2008: Unhappy Update
Jessica Simpson finds a skill
Mitch Winehouse smells a mystery!
Katie Holmes would rather be ...
The Guttenberg goes down: a tragedy in five acts
Sexapus discovered in England
You know who enjoys stupid jokes? Your mom
Fres-Know: Pastry fans in the Tower are still in Lauck
"Guess that airborne virus!" starring Amy Winehouse
Michelle Williams makes a statement
The Stare: HMac answers Mike Oz
Our friend Brodiemash over at The Dumb has alerted us to another Fresno namecheck -- this one from Stephen Colbert, who The Beehive admires very much. This is almost as cool as when Dwight Schrute shouted out Fresno.
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE
- Did They Just Say Fresno? It's in the "Holoflux Universe"
- Did They Just Say Fresno? Tonight Show edition
The last time we checked in with the continuing saga of the "Arrested Development" movie, George Michael Bluth Michael Cera was crushing our collective dreams of seeing Hot Cops, chicken dances and the Big Yellow Joint on the big screen.
This week, Jeffrey Tambor brings those dreams back into reality with a resounding "It's on!" According to Tambor, he spoke recently to AD creator Mitch Hurwitz, who says that the movie is a go.
Still no start time for the filming, but Tambor says that "when the writer/director calls you, it's a pretty good sign," and that AD fans should keep their hopes up.
I remain, as ever, cautiously optimistic, as does the goat I'm about to slaughter in supplication to the movie production gods.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that these promos for "Saturday Night Live" featuring swoontastic Paul Rudd and Andy Samberg are funnier than anything that's been on "SNL" so far this season.
Prove me wrong.
Earlier this year, a woman sued Victoria's Secret because she said one of the company's thongs injured her.
Now, other women contend that some of the company's bras are causing rashes, hives and permanent scarring. One woman has already filed a lawsuit, but it could potentially morph into a class action lawsuit. VS officials acknowledge they've received complaints and are investigating: "Customer safety and satisfaction are always our primary concerns and we take seriously any issues our customers may have with our products."
I hope they get to the bottom of this (and, no, that wasn't meant to be any kind of weak pun). I don't know about other folks out there, but I don't like the idea that underwear can go rogue on people.
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE
- Who knew underwear was dangerous?
It's hard not to like Catherine Hardwicke. The director of such films as "Thirteen," "Lords of Dogtown" and 'The Nativity Story" figures out what she wants to do with a movie and does it.
Lou Grant would hate her. She's got spunk.
That's why it didn't phase Hardwicke that millions of fans were scrutinizing every step she took as director of "Twilight." And those fans made their opinions very clear through the Internet. Shame on a few of you for things you said.
Hardwicke wants the fans to like the movie. But despite all of those Web postings, none of the outside pressure came close to the pressure Hardwicke put on herself to make this movie the best she could.
Hardwicke told me "I want people to get into the film and feel like what the love has come to life on the screen."
I've cheerfully recovered from my high-school-marching-band marathon on Saturday -- sitting through 26 bands and eight hours of shows -- and once again extend a hearty congratulations to Clovis West High School (shown here in a 2006 photo) for winning the big-school sweepstakes award. (Beyer High School from Modesto won the sweepstakes award for smaller schools.) Unfortunately, you wouldn't have known that from reading Sunday's paper, which prompted some readers to express their frustration. A typical call from Sunday:
In the paper today, it lists Beyer High School as the sweepstakes winner. But you left out Clovis West, which won the sweepstakes prize for Class AAAA and Class AAAAA. I thought the live blog was good, and we do appreciate the coverage, but how could you have left out the local high school? It made you guys look not so together.
Alas, mistakes do happen, and on Monday morning, we did run the full list of scores on Page B4. As I posted on the live-blog thread, I offer my apologies for the incomplete print results. We'll get better on this Internet-to-print thing, I promise!
I'm going to run this up the crack pole just to see who salutes it:
Amy Winehouse without the synthetic hair = a better Winehouse.
Discuss.
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE
Amy Winehouse drag queen: upgrade?
Amy Winehouse wax figure: upgrade?
[Photo via Mollygood]
If there's one thing I look forward to every holiday season, it's disappearing into a bottle of wine on Christmas Eve and seeing how many hours of the "A Christmas Story" marathon I can watch before passing out.
But if there are two things I look forward to, it's that and the GAP's holiday ads. Last year, the company was kind enough to put My Boyfriend Jim Halpert™ in a scarf and sweater for their holiday campaign. This year, they lovingly did the same for the sexy beast that is Jon Hamm (aka Don Draper on casual Friday), plus adorable Jason Bateman (with his kid -- only look at the picture if your uterus can handle it), and cute Seth Myers (with SNL cast mate Will Forte).
Happy Holidays, my darlings.
Brent Bolthouse, all props to you. Last week, you fired whiny Heidi Montag because she got intoxicated while working for you at an opening. And, of course, the manipulative and evil Spencer had a role in it, just like he did when he messed with your Las Vegas event by messing with Heidi's head. Why does he keep sabotaging her employment status?
(OK -- reality check here -- Heidi's job probably wasn't a real job, since she and Spencer Pratt make money off their appearances and other deals. But, still, the axing was a great scene. Very much appreciated.)
But then, on last night's show, Brent, you topped yourself. Spencer and Heidi spot you at another event. Spencer thinks he can fake looking earnest and talk you into giving Heidi her job back. You handled him like he was dirt under your shoes. He looked lost and useless. "You're bad news," you told him. Spencer was speechless. Bravo!
And then Heidi, looking even more pathetic than Spencer, tried to apologize and plea for another chance. It produced one of the best lines ever in "The Hills" history. You told Heidi: "Dude, your boyfriend's a nightmare."
We all agree. But Brent, coming from you, it was classic TV.
Horrible news out of Hollywood today: That much-rumored remake of "The Karate Kid" is a go, with Will Smith producing and his son Jaden starring.
Sigh.
As a lifelong fan of "Karate Kid," I can't say I'm particularly excited about seeing this -- but as a lifelong "Karate Kid" fan, I am a little intrigued to see how the cast shapes up.
I'm no Hollywood guy, but I think I know enough about "Karate Kid," Will Smith and nepotism to cast this new version of "The Karate Kid." Here goes my new cast -- it strikes first, strikes hard and shows no mercy:
Bee reporter John Ellis writes in today's newspaper that City Hall officials and downtown leaders have been using their time and children's building blocks -- literally -- to construct a scale-model vision of a future downtown Fresno.
Leave it to Bee columnist Bill McEwen today to point out the obvious: that computer software these days can do a much better job in this area than "a cheesy toy representation."
Or, as they so often text in the Internet age these days: OMG.
But all this got me thinking. Why just stop at Legos, Tinkertoys and K'NEX blocks?
Children's toy giant Fisher-Price manufactures a pretty good set of plastic "Brilliant Basic Baby's First Blocks." Or there's a company called Haba that produces a fab child's "Little Amsterdam" in wooden block pieces.
Or, there's always the old, really inexpensive standby: Popsicle sticks.
What do you suggest?
Count this as another move made for Fresno rapper Fashawn. Here's the video for his new single "Our Way," which features Evidence of Dilated Peoples and is produced by Exile of Blu & Exile fame. It's headed for play on mtvU.
The video is quite slick and major props are in order for director Punit Dhesi. He's a local guy, who also did "F.A.S.H.A.W.N." and Chuck Dimes' "Milk Money" video. Warning: Language NSFW
The video has already landed on the big hip-hop blogs. Fashawn, meanwhile, is doing a show at House of Blues in Los Angeles on Tuesday with Evidence. The two of them are performing in Fresno on Dec. 23 at Starline.
"Hey, little Kingston Rossdale. What are you rebelling against?"
[Photo: Via Just Jared. Movie quote: "The Wild One." Inspiration: ROFLazzi]
Those fans have never been shy about voicing their opinions in regards to the book series. And you can expect even more reaction now that "Twilight" has been made into a feature film. It opens Nov. 21.
I saw it in Los Angeles Friday night under tight security.
The onslaught of holiday shopping ads has started, despite the gloom of a crippled economy. That means we'll be deluged with all kinds of new stuff to entice us to spend, including this thing called The Snuggie.
It costs $19.95. The Snuggie (not to be confused with the Snuggle fabric softener) basically is a blanket with sleeves to keep you warm on chilly, winter days. I'm not a genius, but I find that a simple blanket or a cozy, thick sweater usually does the trick. The company's pitch is this: "Blankets are OK but they can slip and slide, plus your hands are trapped inside. The Snuggie keeps you totally warm and gives you the freedom to use your hands. Work the remote, use your laptop, or do some reading in total warmth and comfort."
I dunno. It reminds me of the outfit that Sir Alec Guinness wore as Obi-Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars." I guess Sir Alec could have ditched his plain brown wrapper for a more fashion chic choice in Snuggie burgundy, royal blue or sage green.... Hmm, I wonder if the Snuggie comes with a light saber.
Get excited, CHiPs fans, it's time for another installment of Degrees of Fresno.
I came across this picture of Erik Estrada today and knew that it had to be posted on the Beehive in some way, shape or form, so here we go.
You know how to handle this: tie Ponch to Fresno using connections made through his acting jobs, personal life, what have you -- just like the Kevin Bacon game, minus the pork. (See links to previous DoF efforts here, here and here if you still don't get it.)
Ready? Go.
It's Erik Estrada vs.
We were on the prowl during Friday night's Creative Fresno mixer at the Sky Room, snapping photos for The Beehive's Society Page.
It was a nice mixture of Fresnans of all sorts: creatives, bloggers, drinkers, to name a few. Plus, we got a nice view of the city via Sky Room, which sits on the ninth floor of the recently renovated Holiday Inn Downtown.
Here's who we saw:
Here we go again. Just when you thought all the Sammy Hagar/Cabo Wabo fuss was over for a while, The Red Rocker issued a statement over the weekend that added a dollop of Gossip Girl-sized drama to the future of Fresno Wabo.
You can read all the damage control after the jump, but here's the part that stuck out of the most:
"Through our licensing agreement, I have granted the use of the Cabo Wabo name and logo, as well as my name and image to Fresno Rock Taco, LLC. If Mr. [Milt] Barbis cannot meet the established guidelines for use of those trademarks, I am well within my rights to cancel the contract with his company. I hope I do not have to take such drastic actions as I would like the community of Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley to enjoy Cabo Wabo, but not at the expense of those who have worked to bring this to the area."
You don't start talking in public about canceling contracts unless it's a legit possibility. So Sammy saying such a thing in a press release can't be good, no matter how much he loved us a few weeks ago.
So The Bee published a special section today with the headline "American Dream." As part of it, I put together this audio slideshow, featuring the first two minutes of Barack Obama's election-night speech (and some music!):
(I originally posted this on the News Blog, but I figured y'all have dug the political stuff thus far, so ... I hope you enjoy this, too.)
There are some folks who think that sitting in a football stadium press box for eight hours watching TWENTY-SIX high school bands perform in a row would be a fate worse than, say, broiling one's limbs in hot oil and having to listen to the new David Archuleta CD.
I'm not one of them.
I'm having a blast here at the Golden State Tournament of Bands, the annual marching-band competition held at Buchanan High School. It's a perfect day: not too warm, a nice cloud cover, no real threat of rain, and it looks like my Alaska-strength parka on loan from Sarah Palin won't be required when the sun dips below the horizon. (I have on occasion frozen my kiester off at Fresno band competitions in November. Let's just say that the ear muffs came in handy.) The crowds are sparse so far, so now's your chance to get that perfect seat on the 50-yard line. As for me, I'm comfy up in the press box -- what a view! -- and am settling in for a marathon of musical talent.
I'll be updating this blog periodically through the afternoon and evening. Feel free to keep me company.
Earlier this year, Black Eyed Peas' leader Will.i.am went viral with his "Yes We Can" video to support then-Presidential contender Barack Obama. Now that Obama's won, the rapper has released "It's a New Day."
Because the ammo is always there and people seem to love it, I'm going to bring you guys more Worst Fliers of Fresno from time to time. Today's offering:
I'm having an election hangover. Here's just a few things, away from the major news, that caught my eyes and ears this week:
[Photo: AFP]
A new month means new art shows. Donald and Felicia set out Thursday evening to indulge in the latest exhibitions. If you saw something that stirred you that they didn't get to -- or you saw the same shows and want to comment -- please share it in The Hive. Donald writes:
Water is never perfectly still. Even when it's in a pond -- no wind, no current, no splash -- it's never static. Whether it's the shift of sunlight on a glassy surface, the descent of a leaf or the tiniest buzz of an aquatic insect, water has a motion all its own if you stare long enough at it. That's what Juliana Harris did at a little, out-of-the-way pond in the Sierra foothills. Her new solo exhibit of oil paintings at Fig Tree Gallery, is inspired by the artist's repeated trips to a special place called "Lucy's Pond" on Finegold Creek, about a half hour's drive from Fresno. Her impressions of the water in different seasons, ranging from thundering white waterways to smooth, quiet pools, give the show a retrospective sweep -- it's like an ethnography of a place. Instead of putting these scenes in perspective, however -- instead of framing the water with earth and sky, say, to immediately signal our brains that this is a pond -- she chooses to simply show us the water itself. You get a sense of its layers: the shimmering surface and the murky depths below. It's like when you're staring at something incredibly intently, and you focus in on it so much that you lose all sense of its surroundings. Instead of just the recreation of water, what you get is the recreation of the feeling of that water, which is a much more transformative experience.
Welcome to another week of Post No Bills -- a weekly look at what's going on in Fresno brought to you exclusively by FresnoBeehive.com.
Post No Bills is the largest collection of fliers for clubs, concerts and various other events around Fresno and the Valley. So sit back, give your browser a minute to load and take a look at various happenings.
As always, we welcome contributions bands, artists, venues, promoters and regular joes. Send flier links to mosegueda@fresnobee.com.
If you've totally given up on that football team around here.
Oh, and you can hear me talking about weekend picks between 11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on the Mayor's radio show on KNYO (AM, 1300).
1. Mingle with the Creatives. Today's is Creative Fresno's monthly blender. Even more cool points: It's at the Sky Room. Don't fall, y'all.
That's what TMZ.com is telling us. They posted this whacky pic today and said it was her.
It doesn't even look like her. She looks like Tron. Or like she's flashbacking to some of those awful 1980s fashions. Wait, it sort of reminds me of what Janet Jackson wore this year before her tour fell apart.
I think this is her Sasha Fierce alter-ego. I think. Who do you think this is?
[Photo: Getty]
Today is the five-year anniversary of concerts at the Save Mart Center.
It was on this date in 2003 that Andrea Bocelli performed the first show at Fresno's arena -- since then we've got a number of A-list stars: The Rolling Stones, Madonna, The Who, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Britney Spears and so forth.
Still, some big tours have passed us by. Including The Police, Paul McCartney, U2 and Coldplay.
All this begs the question: Which act that's never played the Save Mart Center would you most like to see?
For a look at who's been here, what's drawn well and what's made money, check out the lists I compiled to go along with my five-year anniversary story. I found the data fascinating and I bet concertgoers will too.
(Photo illustration: SW Parra / The Fresno Bee)
Parker is trying to be elected Mascot of the Year and wants your vote. The latest episode of "I Hate The Offseason" is his campaign for your vote. Note: Zabka. contained within.
Previously: Vol. 1 | Vol. 2 | Vol. 3 | Vol. 4 | Vol. 5 | Vol. 6 | Vol. 7
Ever since my complete immersion (some would say indoctrination) in the sacred world of marching band in high school and college, I can tell you that you never quite outgrow the thrill of a brisk fall night in a football stadium: the smell of the fresh-cut grass, the slightly slippery way your heel digs into a yardline, the shrill power of the drum major's whistle as the field show begins. Heck, I get a nostalgic whiff back to high school just passing by a big, lumbering yellow school bus idling in a parking lot and smelling the exhaust.
So it's with my annual anticipation that I look forward to the Golden State Tournament of Bands Saturday at the Buchanan High School stadium. This is the biggie: an impressive roster of local high school bands, plus some from out of town, in an eight-hour marathon of competition. To mark the occasion, on Sunday I wrote my column as a slightly bizarre nod to the hard work that student musicians put into these competitions. (Can you imagine an alternate universe in which there's a "band section" in your daily newspaper but no sports section?)
And at the competition itself, I plan to be there and blog the event live here on the Beehive. It starts at 2 p.m. with the smallest bands and continues to 10 p.m. with the behemoths. As a graduate of a small high school, I'm going to make the commitment to blog the little guys along with the big ones. So if you're going to be there in the stadium, bring your iPhones and blog along with me.
Also: We don't have the staff or resources to cover the high-school marching band season extensively, alas. But if you're a band member, parent or director, I'm asking your help in pulling together some information about this year's competitors. Send me photos of your band performing from this past season and give me a brief description of your field show. Fill us in on the juicy gossip or heart-wrenching stories: Do you have a color guard member doing flips on a broken ankle? How'd you raise the money to get to Las Vegas? Tell me what awards you've won this year, too. I'll post the responses here as an advance for this Saturday's event. If you're from out of town and are reading this Saturday morning, feel free to send something then, too.
[At top: Der Yang rehearses with the El Diamante High School Band in 2007. Photo by Heidi Huber/The Fresno Bee]
Here's the second biggest news story of the week connected to American voting. The eighth season of "American Idol" is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Jan. 13. Get your fingers ready to punch in votes for the next batch of singing hopefuls.
The return of "American Idol" is one of several changes on the Fox Network at the beginning of 2009. Here's what else is on tap in January and February:
The next day of "24" begins with a two-night, four-hour season premiere at 8 p.m. Jan. 11 and 12. "House" moves to Monday nights at 8 p.m. starting Jan. 19.
In a move that makes no sense, Fox will air more episodes of the numbing "Hole in the Wall" at 7 and 7:30 p.m. starting Jan. 18. Please. Kill this show.
"Lie To Me," a new drama starring Tim Roth launches at 9 p.m. Jan. 21. Roth plays Dr. Cal Lightman, the world's leading expert on knowing when people are lying.
"Bones" moves to 8 p.m. Thursdays starting Jan. 15. "Hell's Kitchen," starring Chef Gordon Ramsay, returns for a new season at 9 p.m. Jan. 29.
Fox is finally getting around to putting the much anticipated "Dollhouse" on the air. The series from Joss Whedon, the man behind "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer," features Eliza Dushku as a woman who can can take on any personality. The series launches at 9 p.m. Feb. 13. "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" moves to its new time slot of 8 p.m. Fridays that night.
This is not great news for "Dollhouse" and "Terminator." Fridays have not been kind to Fox TV shows. "Sliders," "Milennium," "The X-Files," "The Adventures of Brisco County," "John Doe" and "Firefly" have all died on that night.
The countdown continues to the much anticipated opening of the feature film "Twilight." For those of you who don't have the exact day circled on every calendar in your house, the movie hits theaters Nov. 21.
But of course most of you know when it opens. The Internet has been filled with movie clips, discussion groups, pictures, speculation and all kinds of other material connected to the impending release.
It is really kind of surprising the studio is doing so much publicity for the movie release. If only a portion of the fans see the movie more than once, it could knock "The Dark Knight" off the top of the list of biggest box office hits this year. And "The Dark Knight" is second on the all-time box office list behind "Titanic."
That pre-sold possibility has not stopped the studio from scheduling interviews and planning promotional tours for the cast. Cast members are going to selected cities as part of the Twilight Tour. Robert Pattison, who plays Edward, will be in San Francisco at 6 p.m. Monday.
ArtHop is tonight. There are also some good shows. And there's the usual assortment of nightclub stuff. So where you gonna be? Out about or at home watching "The Office?"
Here's the night in fliers. Consider it a mini Post No Bills. If you've got an ArtHop stop or a show you'd like to promote, shout it out in the comments.
Cast members come and go on TV shows, but Brooke Smith's abrupt departure from "Grey's Anatomy" is raising a ruckus. She played Dr. Erica Hahn on the popular ABC show, and some people believe she's getting the boot because of her lesbian story line.
I stopped watching "Grey's" because it got too exasperating. All these self-involved beautiful (for the most part) doctors and friends flailing and emoting through outlandish plots (the mousy George is a babe magnet?) and over-the-top medical emergencies. When Denny died, my interest went with him.
Smith's ouster is indeed a weird one. It even caught Dr. McDreamy (Patrick Dempsey) by surprise. While some people believe Smith got the boot because she played a lesbian, I wonder if there's also another factor involved: The gifted but decidedly unglam-looking Smith ultimately didn't measure up to "Grey's" Hollywood beauty standards. Did looks trump talent? If she looked like Katharine Heigl or Ellen Pompeo, would she be out of a job?
I'm sure Barack Obama's daughters are happy that their dad just landed the most awesome job on the planet, but I bet they're just as excited to finally get a family puppy.
The media, of course, is all over this angle, offering all kinds of advice and running down the history of dogs and other pets in the White House. (Did you know that Calvin Coolidge and his wife had raccoons?) Of course, if they asked me, I'd be talking up a kitten.
The best news is that the Obamas will be adopting their dog from a rescue agency. I'm sure Malia and Sasha know what they want but, just in case, what kind of dog do you think would be best for them?
You gotta give it up for the folks behind "South Park", who were ready with a presidential parody last night. Quick turnaround when you consider the pulled their material straight from Tuesday night:
The premise of the episode was a take off of the "Ocean's" movies, with the election being used a cover up for Obama and McCain, who were actually diamond thieves planning a heist. Here's a bit that goes into that and includes Sarah Palin:
Update: Take a look at this story about people reacting to the dress.
One of the funniest post-election discussions I've heard today is about Michelle Obama's election-night dress. A lot of people just didn't like it -- or get it. I've had several people -- including two men -- bring up the blue red and black dress. The burning questions? Why the heck would she wear GOP red? Why didn't she wear a solid?
I love looking at clothes, but I didn't even notice the dress last night. So, I went looking for some info on the outfit. AP reports that the dress was designed by "well-regarded, but not-so-mainstream, Narciso Rodriguez." The dress is from Rodriguez's ready-to-wear spring line. Pictured above is the dress on the runway during New York Fashion Week and of Michelle Obama wearing it last night.
I like that Michelle Obama shuns suits for dresses, but I think the sweater made the dress look strange. What do you think? Hot or not?
Me too. Fortunately, I came across these embeds:
Here are just a few final thoughts about the recent television election coverage before turning attention back to important television programs like 'Prison Break," "Lost" and "24."
The news crew from KFSN, Channel 30 was banned from entering the Tower District restaurant where Henry T. Perea was holding his election night event. The reason for the ban, as explained by KFSN anchor Warren Armstrong, was that the candidate for mayor was not happy with the way the ABC station treated him during the campaign.
Talk about your missed opportunities. The coverage was live. It would have been the right time for Perea to get in front of the cameras and vent his issues. It is always amazing when someone suggests the media is not telling the full story and then elects not to talk to the media.
The ban earned Perea nothing. KFSN still reported on the election. They just had to do the reporting from outside the restaurant.
If you watched CNN on Election night, you probably caught their new gee-whiz wonder: holograms! (Or, at least its version of holograms.)
I guess it's not enough just to give us results or have John King show us what's happening in each state with his Magic Map. Here's Anderson Cooper's interview with Black Eyed Peas leader Will.i.am in hologram. Tell me they didn't steal this from the original "Star Wars."
Yesterday we got to vote. And today we get ... Christmas music?!?
Yes, today Soft Rock 98.9 (that's KSOF, if you care about call letters) switched its tag line from "The Valley's Soft Rock Station" to "Your Christmas Music Station." Yes, on Nov. 5. Nevermind that you've still got Halloween candy to eat. Nevermind that we've still got an election hangover.
I'm grown used to -- even if I don't listen to -- the all Christmas music, all the time radio stations that change over after Thanksgiving. But after Election Day? That's just not OK.
There's only a finite number of Christmas songs. You may not agree with me on this, but I don't think there's 53 days worth. That's like one-seventh of the year. It would be the same as playing all Christmas music every Wednesday throughout the whole year. Am I in the minority for thinking that's a bad idea?
I'm not trying to be all Bah Humbug here -- but I do think we need a little time to take down our campaign lawn signs before we hang the Christmas lights.
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE
- Deck the Halls: Christmas in October
Author Michael Crichton died unexpectedly Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles. According to his family, Crichton had been battling cancer.
Crichton, who is best known for writing Jurassic Park, also was the author of The Andromeda Strain, Sphere, Congo, Rising Sun and Disclosure, and the creator of "ER."
Maybe it's just because I'm in the newspaper industry, but I love to look at front pages of various newspapers the day after a huge event. Yesterday's Presidential election was just that. So I thought I'd share some of the front pages from around the country and the world, starting with ours:
Last night was a historic night for America and a time for celebration, but today it's time to get back to business. We need to fix this country -- all of us -- and I'm starting with Gwyneth Paltrow's wardrobe.
This is, quite literally, the ugliest dress I have ever seen.
Hair, makeup, jewelry: amazing. But the dress -- no. And a big hell no to the shoes, as well. Giant cries for attention are fine for someone like Victoria Beckham -- she's British. But America is on the road to change, and we just don't have time for this kind of s*** anymore. Buckle down, Gwyneth. Yes, you can.
[Source: Just Jared]
I came across these awesome pictures yesterday taken by Time Magazine photographer Callie Shell, who had been following Barack Obama on the campaign trail. Today, they seem that much better.
Obama rides a freight elevator up to his victory rally the night of the last primary. He had just secured enough votes and delegates to win the nomination. St. Paul, Minn., 8/7/2008.
Our good friends over at Opinion Talk will be blogging about election results tonight and want YOUR participation:
The Opinion Talk bloggers -- Russ Minick, Lisa Boyles and Jim Boren -- will be blogging on the election results from about 5 p.m. to midnight or 1 a.m., depending on how late the vote count goes. We'll be giving you results and our analysis, but we also want to hear from you on the election. We'll post your comments as quickly as we get them.In addition, if you want us to run down results in a particular race -- locally or across the nation -- we'll do that, too. We want this to be a very interactive night as the results of this historic election come in.
Be sure to check in with Opinion Talk frequently -- if recent comment threads are any indication, there's sure to be some fireworks as the results come in.
Well, it's finally here: Election Day. Since it's a day for the people to exercise their voice, we're giving you that same liberty here at The Beehive. Take this open Election Day thread and fill it -- like one of those ballot bubbles - with whatever's on your mind.
You can tell us about:
For results and coverage this afternoon and tonight, keep your browser at fresnobee.com.
First, Apple Corp. announces The Beatles are jumping into video games. Now, Charles M. Schulz's family announces "Peanuts" will premiere in 20 3- to 4-minute video Webisodes. In both cases, the families say it's a way of ensuring these icons' legacies strengthen and endure.
Good grief!
Anyway, here's an excerpt from the first webisode. (Wouldn't you know that iTunes is the place to buy these things. Talk about world domination.) At least the sample fits our election day theme on The Hive today: Linus is running for class president.
When you learn that Doris Baizley's comedy "Shiloh Rules" takes aim at the behind-the-scenes world of Civil War reenactments, a logical question is:
Would a hard-core reenactment buff -- one of those plucky citizens who travels the circuit, memorizes the speeches of Robert E. Lee and spends an inordinate amount of time polishing his Confederate Army uniform buttons -- find it a sympathetic portrayal? Or is this the kind of biting satire that could make the 13th Regular New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry want to surround the theater and take no prisoners?
It says something for Baizley's writing, and Terry Miller's nuanced direction in the new production at California State University, Fresno, that there's room for people on both sides of the issue to find common ground in the play. (Full disclosure: It's no secret that I loathe Civil War reenactments, especially in Fresno, which was thousands of miles away from said war.) For me, "Shiloh Rules" isn't so much about the specifics of Civil War reenactments -- although there are plenty of amusing details -- as much as it is a droll commentary on how comfortable it can be for people to obsess about something, especially when it's the past.
Barack Obama is leading 32-16 over John McCain in the first vote totals. That's 32 individual votes to 16. Out of tens of millions.
But over the next few hours, those numbers will rise and this currently all-gray map of the country will turn different shades of blue and red until one of the candidates wins enough states that equal 270 electoral votes.
Click here to see the map, and follow along throughout the night on fresnobee.com.
UPDATE: Here's what it looks like the morning after ...
Since he's a man with a propensity for stealing other people's songs and making them his own, it only seems fitting that Puff Daddy would try to jack the spotlight on this historic day by celebrating his own birth.
Question: How does one create a proposition? And is it possible to use a proposition to ban another human being from existence ... or at least from opening his mouth ever again? If so, I'd like to urge you to VOTE NO ON DIDDY!
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE
- Let's really try to make "P. Doody" happen, okay?
- Puff vs. Palin: I'm so confused, I don't know who to root against
Designer Lucia Lorio of Brazil created GPS lingerie -- with the device tucked in bodice near the waist. It's a new twist that has people talking, some saying it's a modern version of a chastity belt.
Why any woman would want GPS in her underwear is beyond me -- unless you're a Bond girl or Sydney Bristow and need it as part of the spy game. But I find this discussion fascinating. Does anyone really believe tracking the whereabouts of your significant other's undies will prove that person's fidelity?
Interesting campaign strategy. How much do you want to bet she wrote in her own name for President?
(Palin's right to privacy is exercised about a minute in.)
ABC's "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" can now chalk up another failure: This season's "Bachelorette" DeAnna Pappas has split from snowboarder Jesse Csincsak. I applauded her choice at the time because he seemed like a fun, thoughtful guy ... but I also was skeptical that they would ever get married.
Heartbroken Jesse has posted a YouTube video to tell us she dumped him. It even includes that classic line: "I love you but I'm not in love with you." Ouch.
Okay, SNL, you've had your fun. It was a great ride while it lasted, but, as election day is finally upon us, it's time for you to go back to your regularly scheduled, unfunny hour-and-a-half format. Have NBC thank Tina Fey with a giant bonus, and then go gentle into that good night. As last night's "Presidential Bash" proved, the end came not a moment too soon.
Exhibit A:
After what felt like an eternity's wait, Halloween finally fell on a Friday this year, allowing revelers the opportunity to stay out past midnight without worrying about work or school the next day.
Here's how the Beehivers spent their Halloween night (feel free to share Halloween stories and links to your photos in the comments section):
[Photo courtesy of Will]
You'd better get your tickets fast.
The stars align -- at least the ones involving Earth and a distant planet named Transsexual -- for the new production of "The Rocky Horror Show" at the Severance Building. With the limited number of performances and seating capacity, it's the kind of show that could become the hottest ticket in town and sell out an entire run. Boasting a gregarious spirit that captures much of the campy excess of the well-known movie, this live musical version from Artists' Repertory Theatre is innovatively staged, extremely well sung, strikingly choreographed and just salacious enough to provoke a shocked Fresno sermon or two.
And on top of all that, you get to throw toilet paper at the actors. What could top that?
Archuleta rode a wave of pre-teen and teenybopper (and adult female) support to be runner-up in this year's "American Idol." He did it through warm vocals, warbly ballads and an All-American, puppy dog persona (despite a stiff stage presence). Hive colleague Donald Munro at one point blogged about Archuleta's "sacharine blandness" and wrote this: "And, come think of it, why doesn't Archuleta get tagged with the old-fashioned label? He practically comes in a set with Jughead, Betty and Veronica."
Well, take a look at Archuleta's cover for his self-titled debut album (out Nov. 11). Is it just me, or have the 17-year-old's handlers decided to ditch the "Up with People" persona and try to inject some edginess and sex appeal here?
What do you think of this cover?
For the past four presidential elections I've worked election night editing news stories. This year, I'm off election night and I have no idea what to do with myself. I'm used to knowing the latest on election results from the chatter in the newsroom, the wire reports and The Bee's link to election returns. But, this year I can take the election on in a new way. I see Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are planning some election night fun. What else can I do? Is there anywhere worth going to watch returns? If I stay home, what pundit is worth watching?
Dear Middle Town Community College:
I'm sure MySpace is happy with the number of advertisements YOU'RE purchasing on its site and pushing in the direction of people such as myself. I, however, am not happy with YOUR poor knowledge of homonyms.
I'm sorry to inform you I will not be clicking "to learn stuff."
OK, people. I'm giving you a few more reasons to take a few minutes out of your busy day and vote Tuesday:
And, of course, the best reason to vote is that we should all participate in our democracy and have our voices be heard. Voting is a beautiful thing.
This is a true story: A woman in Grosse Pointe, Michigan refused to give Halloween candy to children whose parents support Barack Obama for president. She really, really did this. Proudly.
There are no words. None I can publish here, anyway.
[Source: Towleroad]
Especially when you get to break the rules and eat right there in the stacks! Once again I hosted a table for the annual Dinner in the Library fund raiser, which was held Sunday night at the main downtown branch library. My tablemates and I had a grand time talking about such topics as local theater, opera, classical music and Keanu Reeves. (Did you know that "A Walk in the Clouds" is ridiculously wrong when it comes to the mechanics of a grape harvest? Fresno is not tolerant of such script liberties.) We ate tender filet mignon, drank white library wine, gabbed a lot about the terrific new production of "The Rocky Horror Show" at the Severance Building and lamented that there aren't always enough hours in the weekend to partake in all that Fresno has to offer. I told everyone at my table about the Beehive and promised to post their pic, so here it is:
By the way: We all know that the library loves you. Remember to love it back on election day.
While John McCain was hocking hawking his wares on SNL, Sarah Palin was participating in a funny skit of her own -- without her knowledge. Governor Palin was the victim of a prank phone call by a couple of maverick Canadian radio geeks pretending to be French president Nicolas Sarkozy:
Low blow, Canada. It's like how you grow up beating the crap out of your little sister, but the minute someone else calls her a loser, you want to kick their asses. Right?
Right?
John McCain goes late-night again, this time on SNL alongside a more fit VP candidate Tina Fey, trying to make a last-minute sales pitch to voters:
And here he is on Weekend Update, introducing us to his new campaign strategies. Among them: The Double Maverick.
I like to call this move the "Ashley Todd":
Rehab. It's not just for herped-up, retarded socialites anymore. Look into it, Nature Boy.
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BEEHIVE:
Hey, what happened to Joaquin Phoenix?
We here at The Beehive (and the News Blog, and Opinion Talk, and Central Valley Moms, and Fresno Famous, and The Fresnan) want you all to know that us bloggers can be just as pretentious as those celebrities who say you should vote (and even the ones who say you shouldn't):
Contents of this site are © Copyright The Fresno Bee. All rights reserved.
Recent Comments