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May 1, 2012 3:35 PM

bachelorette_pre.jpg Here we go again.

The Central San Joaquin Valley has become a pipeline to ABC as another local is scheduled to be part of the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette."

A press release announcing the names of the 25 bachelors who will try to win the heart of single mom Emily Maynard lists "Brent, 41, a technology salesman from Fresno."

The new season of "The Bachelorette" begins May 14.

Brent follows former California State University, Fresno athlete Lindzi Cox who made it to the final two of the most recent season of "The Bachelor." Locals Kasey Kahl and Ryan Park were both contestants on previous editions of "The Bachelorette."

There must be something in the water.

Rick Bentley

May 1, 2012 9:55 AM

As we move into May, we want you to make the most of the month ahead. So take a look at our monthly "Don't Miss It" guide, which lists local events and pop culture happenings throughout the month. Click below for the entire PDF.

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PDF: The Bee's "Don't Miss It" entertainment guide for May

Mike Oz

April 30, 2012 3:23 PM

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Here's a bummer of a news update from fresnobee.com:

Cedar Lanes Bowling Center will close and the building will be torn down, the business' general manager confirmed today.


The bowling house at Cedar and Shields avenues has operated since 1959. The last day of business will be June 3.

General manager Joann Christian said the building had been sold, but said she didn't know who bought it. The family that owns the bowling house is expected to release more information later, she said.

Read the entire story and see reaction from commenters -- many of whom are recounting how they practically "grew up there." Another piece of Fresno's history, soon to be gone.

PREVIOUSLY: Vintage Fresno: Pro bowling circa 1979

[photo: Craig Kohlruss / The Fresno Bee]

Mike Oz

April 19, 2012 9:53 AM

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UPDATE: A few interesting follow-up links to share on this story, that's really become more of a silly non-story.

The L.A. Times has written about it. Meanwhile, The Collegian at Fresno State put together the most comprehensive story on this that I've seen -- getting the teacher to talk and clarifying that the whole thing was more of an "lol" moment for the anonymous student, who has since apologized to the teacher. Another student in the class had a letter published in The Bee today defending the teacher as well.

So just to recap: It sounds like the only person actually upset about this is conservative blogger/activist Oliver Darcy, who isn't in the class, doesn't attend Fresno State, isn't even in the state and is jumping on his moral high-horse based on an "lol" tweet and an online synopsis. Way to go, Oliver. *eyeroll*

ORIGINAL POST, 4/17: The human sexuality class at Fresno State has ruffled the feathers of some conservative activists because of a video shown in class last week. The story went national, getting some words on The Huffington Post and the Glenn Beck-started website The Blaze. It was recently covered locally by The Bee's Alex Tavilan.

Mike Oz

April 18, 2012 12:26 PM

Dick Clark.JPG Most of the coverage of the passing of Dick Clark will focus on his place as a TV and music pioneer. That's because there are few people who've had as much influence on those two worlds as Clark.

In the time before MTV and endless cable channels, it was Clark who introduced a long list of musical acts to the public via his "American Bandstand" show. And he's responsible for producing more than 7,500 hours of television programming through his production company.

There are many of you who have never celebrated a New Year's Eve without seeing Clark counting down the final seconds. No matter how bad the previous year, there always was something about seeing his familiar face that sparked optimism for the upcoming year.

I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to talk with Clark on several occasions about everything from one of his many TV shows to real estate deals he was considering. It was a real gift to talk with him and that's what I think about now that he's gone.

In a sea of celebrity interviews, Clark is memorable because of the way he treated me. Most interviews are a professional give-and-take designed for me to get the information I need and for the interview subject to promote whatever they are trying to promote.

Clark was different.

Rick Bentley

April 17, 2012 4:45 PM

For the last couple years, I've heard varying accounts from varying sources about the future of Fresno Magazine. A handful of times, I was told the magazine was folding or going online-only. It was like a celebrity on Twitter -- people kept reporting its death, but it wasn't actually dying.

Those rumors intensified these past few months. Then the April issue was released digitally and founder/publisher Melanie Warner confirmed in her editor's note that it was Fresno Mag's final issue.

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Warner didn't elaborate much, nor have I seen any sort of formal announcement online anywhere. I sent her a note last week, asking if Fresno Mag would continue online-only and if she wanted to make a statement. She hasn't replied. Likewise, Fresno Bee biz reporter BoNhia Lee went to the launch party last week for Fresno Mag's April issue and asked Warner what was going on. She wouldn't talk.

Mike Oz

April 6, 2012 12:10 PM

legrilledcheese.jpgApril is National Grilled Cheese Month (there's even an invitational), so let's discuss where to find the best grilled cheese sandwich in the Valley. Because, really, is there any better sandwich?

I've actually only come across one I think has the wow factor -- you know the kind of sandwich you dream about. It's the Dusty Buns Bistro's "Le Grilled Cheese" -- made with aged white cheddar and smoked bacon -- topping my list. I'm not the only one in LOVE with this gooey sandwich, there are raves and more raves out there.

Kathy Mahan

April 5, 2012 12:28 PM

For the newest installment of 7Qs, I've managed to nab our biggest celebrity yet: the one, the only -- Kopi.

I was a judge at the Fresno City College talent show recently with Kopi and I must say, I admire the patience and friendliness he shows every single person that approaches him. And they were many. He took pictures, signed autographs, chatted with people, hugged them. He even answered some stupid questions from a dumb blogger who stuck a camera in his face.

PREVIOUSLY IN 7Qs:
Gotta Love Fresno | Rogue Festival | Keith's BoxCar Cafe | Johnny Q | Parker | Fresno Brewing Co. | Fulton 55 | Dead in 60 Years | Travis Sheridan

Mike Oz

April 4, 2012 10:42 AM

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Good news, Fresno eaters. Dusty Buns Bistro -- the oft-embattled (and more-oft-delicious) food truck -- is settling into a brick-and-mortar location in the Tower District. It opens tonight.

Dusty Buns Bistro is at the corner of Echo and Weldon avenues, across from Fresno High and in the same row of shops as P*DE*Q. It'll be open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, serving the same fresh, local and seasonal food that draws big lines to its food truck.

This doesn't mean the bistro bus will stop truckin'. Dusty Buns is still doing the food truck thing -- just for the lunch crowd. It's keeping its usual afternoon stops on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and changing its Thursday night Wishow Row stop to a 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. lunch stop.

So basically, you'll find Dusty Buns out on the streets for lunch Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., then in the restaurant from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. those same days. The entire schedule is here.

The Bee's Bethany Clough explains why all this is great news for Dusty Buns fans:

Mike Oz

March 27, 2012 2:02 PM

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UPDATE: Here are the winners of "The Hunger Games" posters:

Large posters: Kyle, Lauren.

Mini posters: Christian, Dominic, Trisha, Jennifer, Haley P.

UPDATE: Now that more of you have seen the movie, post your reviews in the comments. Deadline is noon Tuesday.

ORIGINAL POST, 3/22: "The Hunger Games" opens at 12:01 tonight and thousands of locals have purchased tickets to be among the first to see the film based on the Suzanne Collins book. There are still tickets available but they are going fast.

My review ran in today's Fresno Bee. Now I want to hear what you have to think about the movie. Send me your review as a comment to this blog item. You don't have to write a novel but tell me why you did -- or did not -- like the film.

From those who submit a review, a random drawing will be made to give away two (2) full size and five (5) mini "The Hunger Games" posters. That means seven winners will get a rare souvenir of the movie starring Jennifer Lawrence.

Post your review no later than noon March 27. Winners will have until 4 p.m. March 30 to pick up their prize. You must come to the Fresno Bee offices, 1626 E St., to pick up the poster. They will not be mailed.

Good luck and let the games begin.

Rick Bentley

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