Another music option for this rainy Friday night: 100 Damned Guns with the Zapruder Sequence and the Naptime Shake are playing at the Cavern on Lower Greenville. Show starts at 10 p.m. All three are local, alternative country-rock groups. Very fabulous.
Ooh, this is a fun Friday time suck over at the BBC (and it's educational!): Click all the things that don't belong in a 1950s room. I'm loving the Saarinen tulip chair in the kitchen. Very midcentury modern.
Although locals Fair To Midland are now considered a national band, the Sulpur Springs-based group will play two shows for their loyal D/FW fans tonight and tomorrow night at the Curtain Club. Frontman Darroh (formerly Andrew) Sudderth, though, is still the polite young man that still answers questions with “Yes, sir” and “No, sir” and often says “please” and “thank you”.
The band is preparing for their first national tour with avant-garde Japanese band Dir en gray, whose tour stops here at The Palladium on February 19th. Sudderth says of getting out on tour, “I’m definitely excited about it. I love the Dallas crowd, but when you play in front of new people, there are no expectations and not much pressure. I feel when I perform here, I have to perform up to a certain level because people have seen it so many times.”
People magazine is reporting that Julia Roberts, 39, is pregnant again and will give birth this summer. Her twins, Hazel and Finn, were born in 2004. Heaven knows what she'll name this one. You can read all about it at http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20005547,00.html
According to www.boxofficemojo.com, Ben Stiller's Night at the Museum (a great show for all you bored kids at home) is still No. 1 going into the weekend. But Dreamgirls, which is showing at 3,000 fewer theaters than Museum, is winning the per-screen-average battle, pulling down $4,720 per theater vs. $3,328 for Museum. Overall, Dreamgirls is No. 4 and had earned $19 million through Wednesday.
Our friends at the Arizona Republic Web site have a fun interactive game involving Steve Nash's new haircut. It lets you style Nash's hair your way (including the classic greased-back look he first made famous while a Maverick). You can play it at http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/06preview/nashhair.html ... My personal favorite is the Afro.
If you're looking for stuff to do on New Year's Eve, and you're facing a grim fate of watching Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve or any other assorted Rockin' TV specials, check out our special section with loads of tips and helpful info on where to go and what to do.
While you're at it, check out today's special Year in Pictures section for a look back at the big stories and striking images of '06.
Wayne Hodgin, the guy who was my editor at Texas Tech's student-run newspaper just moments ago texted me from DFW International Airport, where he is in the middle of a hellish layover. Apparently Reichen Lehmkuhl and Lance Bass are traveling through the Metroplex today. He said he saw them walking through the terminal attempting to be incognito with baseball caps on.
"I was like, 'Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, that's Lance Bass,'" says Wayne.
Apparently no one else has recognized them as there wasn't a lot of fan fare. Either that, or people did recognize them and just weren't as excited as Wayne. But my old college mate swears he isn't mistaken, hasn't been drinking or smoking anything funky and did eat a well-balanced lunch.
"I'll stake my mother's life on it, you ass" he said.
Enigma — or En?gma, as so cleverly spelled in the logo — opens this Saturday near Valley View Mall. They’re promising three rooms of music (Latin pop, hip-hop, bachata, merengue, salsa and more), a fashion show, and of course, the ever-present VIP seating and bottle service.
The club’s website doesn’t list much info (you could almost say it’s an enigma [groan]), so I’ll go ahead and give you the address: 5818 LBJ Freeway. More info available here.
Gee, you think Marvel is happy with Civil War? The most recent issue sold almost twice as many copies as the second-place comic book on November's sales chart.
If I could have been a contestant on today's episode of Jeopardy!, no other eggheads would have stood a chance of winning.
Double Jeopardy was dedicated to my favorite filmmakers, the Coen Brothers. One category was named for them and included questions -- excuse me, answers -- about their lives and movies.
The other categories were named for five of their films: Fargo (answers about the North Dakota city), Miller's Crossing (answers about people named Miller), The Man Who Wasn't There (answers about compound words including the syllable "man"), The Ladykillers (answers about authors who kill off female characters) and Blood Simple (answers about that red liquid in our veins).
As if this episode wasn't already tailor-made for me to clean up, here was the $2,000 answer in the "Miller's Crossing" category: "He revolutionized comic books with Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Sin City."
Frankly, I could be putting a down payment on a house today if Alex Trebek had let me play.
I may just set up a tent at the Granada Theater this weekend. Tomorrow night, the Gourds play with Rodney Parker and the 50 Peso Reward. Saturday, Hayes Carll and Slaid Cleaves rock it together. If you like alternative country-rock and folky goodness, these are sure bets.
You're probably asking yourself, "Shouldn't this post have been here yesterday? Wednesday is new comics day." Well, Christmas delayed the delivery of the new stuff to stores by 24 hours. New Year's Day will do the same thing next week.
Astonishing X-Men No. 19: The end is near for Marvel's blockbuster title. Writer Joss Whedon and artist John Cassaday begin their final six-issue arc today.
Winter Soldier: Winter Kills: They said nobody could successfully bring Bucky back to life. But writer Ed Brubaker did it, and he further explores Captain America's former sidekick in this one-shot.
Immortal Iron Fist No. 2: Speaking of Brubaker, the first issue of his "no ballet slippers" take on Iron Fist sold out. So get this second chapter before it disappears.
Guy Gardner: Collateral Damage No. 2 (of 2): Howard Chaykin concludes his short take on the galaxy's most badass Green Lantern.
Justice League of America No. 5: Didn't the fourth issue come out just two weeks ago? Well, Merry Christmas to us.
I know it's a few days late, but we're still trying to spread some holiday cheer around the Quick office. Have you seen this dandy on YouTube featuring some of the 1986 Dallas Cowboys? Makes you rethink how you felt about Danny White (above) and Herschel Walker, eh?
When talking about keeping up his high-energy performances at 60, Al Green admits, "I called [collaborator] Willie Green and I said, “Man, these shows are kicking my butt” and he said, “Yeah, that what kind of shows you do- butt kickers".
Rad more with The Reverend Al Green in today's Quick.
In related news, co-headliner Etta James will not be performing with Al Green this evening due to illness.
There's a small inside joke near the end of Night at the Museum when Dallas' own Owen Wilson (who doesn't get a screen credit as Wild West leader Jed) and Steve Coogan, playing a Roman centurion, are working on a somewhat perilous situation. Coogan shouts, "Save yourself!" And Wilson replies, "I ain't quittin' you!" I expected to hear the Brokeback Mountain theme cue up.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his family got a scare last night, when a British Airways flight carrying them overshot the runway at Miami International Airport. Here's the part of the Associated Press story that I found most interesting: "The Blairs, among the 343 passengers on the plane, were in Miami for a family vacation and planned to stay with Robin Gibb of the Bee-Gees, officials said."
It's that silly New Year's resolution time for many of us -- when fitness memberships increase and fast-food joints see a few less customers. Maybe for a few weeks, anyway. Mavs coach Avery Johnson told the media his current resolutions include being a better husband, father and coach. He's had his trouble with the fast food, too. “I think it was one of those ones where I was going to stop eating French fries," Johnson said. “I haven’t accomplished that yet.”
The Associated Press reports that Gerald R. Ford has died.
Ford picked up the pieces of Richard Nixon’s scandal-shattered White House as the 38th and only unelected president in America’s history. He was 93.
For those that have now seen the buzz-worthy Jennifer Hudson in the new film Dreamgirls, many may wonder when they'll be able to hear some original music from the budding superstar, a former American Idol contestant. Hudson will start recording her album in January under the wing of music mogul Clive Davis, who hopes to have her album out in June. She says of Davis, “He was the ideal goal to reach. That’s what I’ve been working seventeen years for. To be on a label with Whitney and Aretha Franklin is beyond my dreams". She does, however, hope to return to the screen very soon. While she gets scripts “every day”, she says, “Beyonce told me to take my time and make the right decisions. Check out all of your options before you jump into anything".
Merry Christmas! Celebrate the last few dwindling minutes of the holiday by examining its urban legends courtesy of Snopes. For example, did you know that Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was originally a department-store shill?
I know you're all busy with last-minute Christmas shopping and drinking yourself under the table at holiday parties, but I'd like to remind you to take a moment to recognize Global Orgasm for Peace Day. That's right, it's today.
Why? Well, "To effect positive change in the energy field of the Earth through input of the largest possible surge of human energy a Synchronized Global Orgasm."
Pick up today's Quick for a look back at the best in Dallas music and nightlife in 2006. Hunter Hauk offers his 10 picks for the best local album of the year (Midlake gets the top spot, of course). Skin reveals his DFW mix tape, with his 10 favorite tracks of '06. (Special nod to PPT and Money Waters for making Hunter's and Skin's list.) And Lesley Tellez schools us on all the lessons she's learned after way too many nights in area nightclubs.
Arkansas has been one of the best stories in college football this season, and part of the reason is the play of quarterback Casey Dick (above) from Allen. He has been alternating with highly touted Mitch Mustain. When Hogs coach Houston Nutt chose his starting quarterback for the Capital One Bowl on New Year's Day, this is the headline that rolled off the Associated Press wire:
Go see Texas Ballet Theater's production of Nutcracker! I saw it last night, and it was UH-MAY-ZING. The dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince (above) got its fair share of applause, but the Arabian dancers nearly stole the show.
Motley Crue lead singer Vince Neil has partnered with Carnival Cruise lines to bring you Vince Neil's Motley Cruise. Oh yes, this 4 day, 3 night cruise is Jan. 12-15. It leaves from Miami and goes to Nassau, Bahamas. The package includes, among other things, Vince Neil live in concert (woo-hoo), Neil's Tres Rios Tequila Beach Party, a Hooters Girls Girls Girls Bikini Contest and an exclusive Motley Cruise survival kit. Proceeds from some of the activities will benefit Neil's charity, The Skylar Neil Memorial Foundation. Reserve your spot now because space is limited.
Oh, this is just sick. But "sick" means "awesome" now, right?
In an episode of SNL's "Saturday TV Funhouse" a Smurfy spoof lampoons (or is it harpoons?) Anna Nicole Smith and her E! TV show from awhile back. Her whining, kitty-cat impressions and teeter-tottering on high heels are one of the smurfing funniest things I've seen on YouTube in a long time.
The parody brings back Gargamel, Azrael and Vanity Smurf, who, in this version is a fabulous interior decorator. I didn't put that one together when I was 8, but it makes total sense now.
I was browsing the web like I normally do and ran across an intersting site, skinit.com. It's a site where you can get skins for your iPod, phone and even your laptop. I wanted to make my own piece of artwork. I have skills in that department. I called the helpline but they were not a lot of help. Outsourcing rocks! I sent an e-mail in which they didn't understand the question. I sent a second and haven't heard back yet. I'll let you know if I order one or not. They're cool though.
Our local comic-creator friends send us this breaking news! Archie Comics' Sabrina title went anime a few years back. Now, they're revamping Betty and Veronica, giving them a more "realistic" look. About time or sacrilege? You gotta give the publishers credit for trying something new. Comics aren't what they used to be even 10 years ago. But will it work? Depends on whether older teen readers this is obviously aimed at can relate. Generally, tho, I get the feeling it's like changing Superman's or Spider-Man's costume. It may work for a while, but the old look always comes back. The realistic teens debut in May.
According to a piece in Women's Wear Daily, when Skeletor shows up for a photo shoot, "...a good stylist can pose her so that the reader doesn't have as much of a sense of it," said Lucky editor-in-chief Kim France. "There are angles at which a girl's arm can look haunting."
Um, wouldn't the point be to actually get women who don't look like Karen Carpenter as opposed to faking it and artificially making the sickly look healthy?
France goes on to say, "When the film comes to me, I realize I don't want to see hip bones and ribs in the magazine."
Welcome to what the rest of us have been thinking for years.
SI.com counts down the Top 20 Best-looking Male Athletes, including tennis hottie James Blake (above). I do take issue with a few pretty boys on the list. For instance, Dwayne Wade should be much, much higher, and Rafal Nadal should be an alternate at best. I've also reached a consensus that soccers guys are where it's at ... unless you count hockey guys and football guys ...
Oh yeah, the Top 20 Best-Loking Female Atheletes are also included, in case you're interested.
There are a lot of things that amaze me in this world we live in. Here are two: Chia Pet, after 25 years, is still being sold. Honest. They make the Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Alarm Clock now. I guess so you don't forget to water the thing!?
And who knew there would be an 11th Kidz Bop CD? Ugh.
Great conversation by the gentle Musers this a.m. on The Ticket, discussing good and bad Christmas songs. It inspired me to make a list here of the ones I always enjoy. Comment away, as this is always debatable.
"The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole: All-time classic.
"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby: The second-best all-time classic, even if it does make me a little sleepy.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas": Coldplay did a nice take on this a few years back.
"Silver Bells": Try the Stevie Wonder version.
"Let It Snow" by Dean Martin: Only Dean-o does it right.
"The Little Drummer Boy" by Bing Crosby and David Bowie: Only because it's so amazingly awkward.
And of course, "Christmas in Hollis" by Run-DMC: "My name is DMC with a mic in my hand, and I'm chillin' and coolin' just like a snowman."
Stallone on the idea to use a computer-genertated fight as a plot point in Rocky Balboa: "That’s not some hook to bring in younger people. That actually happened. In 1970, this computer impossibly had Rocky Marciano knock out Muhammad Ali. I said, “Come on, who made this computer, The Klan?” There’s always a tendency for people to pit their generation’s heroes against another and they get argumentative about it. I said, “Boy, this will get people’s blood boiling”, so I went with it."
Shady's back. Oh yes, Mr. Marshall Mathers is a bachelor once again. The Detroit Free Press reports that Eminem's second divorce between him and Kim is final, finito, finished. Can someone say third time's a charm?
As I start my Christmas shopping, I'm looking for some serious distractions from the pain of last-minute crowds.
This weekend, I'm definitely headed to the show Saturday at Club Dada. Featured are my two favorite local bands, the Happy Bullets and Ashburne Glen, along with Prayer for Animals, Cartright, Tame...Tame and Quiet and the Naptime Shake. Members of the Tah-Dahs will DJ between sets. Fabulous!
Wow, Natalie, have you been working out? The background at the premiere of Rocky Balboa on Dec. 13 in L.A. was getting everybody pumped up. It made every celebrity posing for pics look like they were ready for a few rounds. There also were plenty of aging action stars in attendance -- Sylvester Stallone himself, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Patrick Swayze (if you consider Dirty Dancing action, and we do).
Obviously, I'm in the minority on this subject. But it looks like Spider-Man 3 is gonna be another lovey-dovey weepy relationship movie. Director Sam Raimi is already telling everybody the film is an "intimate drama" about a "love triangle." Essentially, Hollywood is turning superhero movies (even this summer's drippy Superman) into relationship-oriented "date movies." Gack! What about us action people? Fair play, right? If I'm gonna be dragged to the next Cameron Diaz romantic comedy, it better co-star Vin Diesel blowing up a few things.
You remember comic Cristela Alonzo. The Texas native was a regular at local comedy clubs, including West End Comedy Theatre and Backdoor Comedy. Then she left town, hit it big and landed a writing job on Mind of Mencia. She opened for Carlos when his Punisher tour came to Nokia. Cristela's back in Dallas this weekend, headlining -- of course! -- shows at the Addison Improv. Expect a lot of jokes about the '80s. "Why," she writes on her MySpace page, "did I never know that George Michael was gay?" Tell us Cristela, tell us!
Everybody's favorite quarterback, Super Tony Romo, is a Pro Bowler after only eight career NFL starts. Other Cowboys who made the NFC team are safety Roy Williams, punter Mat McBriar and linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
The holiday season, when most of the good shows are in repeats, plays havoc with the Nielsens. Which explain this week's list, with NCIS at No. 1, according to zap2it.com. NCIS is a show that skews older. I'm guessing many members of the 18-34 demographic were out at parties all week. The rest of the top five, in order: CSI: Miami, CSI:NY, Monday's Deal or No Deal and Criminal Minds. The Survivor finale clocked in at No. 11.
Apple has added two new games to the iTunes Music Store: the wildly popular Sudoku and Royal Solitaire. They sell for $4.99. I haven't played them, but they sport the EA logo, so they must be good. The Texas Hold 'em game is pretty fun. Nice tournament play.
There's a lot to like about PPT's Tres Monos In Love CD and its accompanying videos. Personal favorite: the fun-loving "Jealousy." Could it be because a certain newspaper is featured throughout the clip? Naw, couldn't be.
Check out the posthumously released video for Dilla’s “Won’t Do” from the blog on his Myspace page. The highly influential artist/producer passed away last February after a four-year struggle with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Lupus.
If you don’t consider him to be one of Rap’s biggest names, peep the résumé and get back to me.
Also look for the Gemini Disco Soul Party’s PodQast with Dilla collaborator Waajeed this Friday.
I was listening to the Jennifer Hudson's track, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," from the Dreamgirls soundtrack. The funniest thing happens. At the end of the song when she's about to bring it home, she gasps for air. One big inhale, for that last great exhale. Oh, the song is great. But couldn't they edit that out?
Little Miss Sunshine comes out on DVD tomorrow, and a big selling point seems to be the four alternate story endings (hopefully not terribly craptastic). In a year full of clunkers and Borat, this was my favorite flick all year, so I'll be seeing this one again.
Steve Carell and Toni Collette are fantastic, but the energy that Abigail Breslin, who plays Olive, brings to the screen is mesmerizing. You can't help but smile when Olive bubbles over at the news she's been accepted into the "Little Miss Sunshine" pageant.
One of the great movies or our time — well, to some of us — is playing at the Lakewood Theater at 7:30 Tuesday night. Have yourself a fun, old-fashion family Christmas with the Griswolds — and help Clark dig his Christmas tree out of the ground — during a showing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation for $5. It's at 1825 Abrams Parkway.
The man behind cartoons such as The Flintstones, The Jetsons, The Adventures of Jonny Quest, The Smurfs, Harlem Globe Trotters and Scooby-Doo is dead. Joseph Barbera, co-chairman and co-founder of Hanna-Barbera Studios, died today at his Studio City, Calif., home. He was 95 years old. (William Hanna died back in 2001.) It's hard to name someone who's been more influential in the TV cartoon biz than Barbera (check out his credits here). I mean, who didn't grow up on his stuff? A sad day in Toon Town. Have a Scooby snack tonight in his honor.
Lindsay Lohan's Disney career might finally be over. Teen People reports that following in the spike-heeled footsteps of Demi Moore, Lohan is learning stripper moves for her upcoming movie, I Know Who Killed Me. "I've been in pole-dancing lessons ... every day for four hours," Lohan tells People. "I have bruises all over." The New York Post quotes Lohan's rep, Leslie Sloane, as saying Lohan now realizes the job of a stripper isn't easy. Yes, there's a big difference between playing a stripper and playing nasty.
Nowitzki goes to GameWorks, handily beats Special Olympics contestants.
Whatever helps his psyche, man. Dirk's shot has been off lately.
By the way, Dirk's winning pose looks remarkably similar to his victory stance in this 2003 photo. He needs to do this in games. Those long arms are intimidating.
It's Hollywood's first attempt to capture the reality of the Iraq war. ASAP's Chelsea J. Carter poses questions from soldiers to those who star in the movie, including 50 Cent. Watch the video report.
Now that punishment has been handed down for Saturday night's Nuggets/Knicks brawl, we wonder how 'Melo's co-stars in the "Stop Snitching" video feel about his rather punkish performance. Sucker punching a dude and then moonwalking at an amazing clip doesn't scream "underground thug video."
Not that we endorse this type of activity, but if JR Smith and 'lil Nate Robinson square off in Thunderdome, you can bet the 5-9 dude emerges without breaking a sweat. Nate go hard.
NBC's promos for the big Cowboys-Eagles game on Christmas Day curiously feature clips of Drew Bledsoe and Donovan McNabb. Does NBC know something about the quarterbacks that we don't?
Will Donovan's knee injury heal in a Christmas Day miracle?
Will Tony Romo get a bad case of food poisoning from some expired egg nog, therefore opening the door to a Bledsoe return?
Or is someone in their editing room just a little lazy?
If you missed Saturday Night Live, you missed another great digital short starring host Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg. It's a fake R&B video that explains a certain kind of gift in a box. It's the gift that ... keeps on giving.
OK, I know it's last week's news, but I'm still fuming about the Golden Globe nominations. Leo DiCaprio gets nominated for two roles with really bad accents, but HBO's The Wire gets snubbed. (Those child actors are amazing, c'mon.) And Bill Paxton (notoriously m-o-n-o-t-o-n-e) gets nominated for his role as the mack daddy in Big Love, but his three wives get nothing. Chloe Sevigny, Jeanne Tripplehorn and Ginnifer Goodwin all out-act Paxton by a mile. What's the matter, could they not just pick one?
Most minor-league baseball teams have never met a promotion that they didn't like. So the Fullerton Flyers of the Golden Baseball League are trying to drum up some attention by offering up a trade for Allen Iverson. Yes, he's not a baseball player. The Los Angeles Times reported that the Flyers, through a tongue-and-cheek news release, will send league MVP Peanut Williams and the rights to Nigel Thatch (from the "Leon" Budweiser commercials) to the Sixers.
"Once he finds out that from June 1 until the end of the season we never practice, and only play games, I think he will want to come here in a heartbeat!" Flyers GM Ed Hart said in the release.
This just in: In what may have been the best final episode ever of Survivor, our fave Yul Kwon has won the million bucks in a 5-4 vote over Ozzy, who dominated the physical challenges like no one ever has. (Not even firefighter Tom.) In a first for the series, the jury voted on the final three instead of the final two. Unfortunately, Becky -- who was in the final three -- didn't get any votes at all.
Interesting that in this season of the racially segregated tribes, the final four were two Asians (Yul and Becky), a Latino (Ozzy) and an African-American (Sundra). The white tribe, which just four weeks ago had a majority, got slowly picked off after some terrible strategic moves.
I didn't see the brawl until Sunday. But this puts a strain on my fantasy team. I have Carmelo Anthony, the NBA's current leading scorer. He's one of my best fantasy players. Do they think of the fantasy owners when they're acting a fool? He'll be out for weeks. I just got Paul Gasolback.I can't lose Melo. Dang Carmelo. I hate the Knicks. Trade them in for a bag of Fritos and a honeybun.
It's a good thing most of the country can't see NFL Network's broadcast of the Cowboys-Falcons game. That spares most of the country from listening to Dick Vermeil, who sounds like he's talking out of a cancer kazoo.
Former Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter was arrested for marijuana possession Friday. The real interesting aspect of this, though, is who posted his $500 bail.
What not to do if you're an underage Miss USA: Get drunk in NYC nightclubs and let boss-man Donald Trump find out. Gossipers are saying that 20-year-old Miss USA Tara Conner is likely to get dethroned because of some "behavioral and personal issues."
Man, she was soooo close to legal: She turns 21 on Monday. The Donald will make a decision sometime in the next week.
Rolling Stone has unveiled its top 100 songs of the year. As with most lists, it's highly debatable.
Scratch that. Any list that includes the Pussycat Dolls for something good is extremely debatable.
The top spot is a good call, Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy." Rap is represented well in the top 10 with Chamillionaire, T.I. and Clipse. But it's hard to get excited about Bob Dylan at No. 6.
Odd or funny titles apparently helped songs get in, judging from these three:
61. "Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above" by CSS
84. "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide Is Press Coverage" by Panic! At the Disco
99. "Baby Let's Have a Baby Before Bush Do Somethin' Crazy" by The Coup
Dave Chappelle is joining Erykah Badu on Jan. 20 at the Naomi Bruton Theatre for a show benefiting St. Philip's School and Community Center. See the details and ticket info here.
Prices range from $100 to $250, but if you've ever seen Dave live, you know it's worth it.
This weekend, the missus and I will make our third attempt to get our little rugrat photographed with Santa Claus at NorthPark Center. The first time we tried, on a Saturday, the length of the line was laughable. The second time, on Wednesday, we were told our number (45) would probably come up around 12:30. But when we showed up at that time, Santa was serving No. 29.
A co-worker told me she saw a very lonely Santa at a bookstore on Northwest Highway, not far from the mall. But the Santa at NorthPark is one high-quality Christmas icon. He even has the endorsement of K104 personality Chris Arnold.
Maybe "endorsement" is too strong a word. But as I was standing there Wednesday, contemplating whether I wanted to wait through 15 more visits, Arnold grabbed his wife on the way out of the restroom, pointed at Santa and said, "Look at that face. That is a Santa face."
Now that I think about it, I'm just assuming it was Arnold's wife. It could have been his sister or a friend. Come to think of it, as excited as he was to talk about Santa, she could have been a complete stranger.
It's been 15 years since fans in the U.S. have seen George Michael shake those Levi's live. PEOPLE reports that the "Faith" singer will tour this spring. He seems to like performing again. And fans are loving it. His European tour sold out.
Singer Rocco Deluca will be in town tonight performing at the Mix 102.9 Christmas show at the Hard Rock Cafe. For those that don't watch VH1, Rocco and his band are the subject of a documentary airing now called I Trust You To Kill Me. To the uninitiated, it also stars Kiefer Sutherland, who runs the band's record label, Ironworks Music. In the film, he travels with the band as road manager, figuring things out as he goes along. Highlights include Kiefer handing out tickets to people walking by the venues at their shows and, in a drunken stupor, tackling a Christmas tree in a hotel lobby. Deluca tells us, "I kid around with him a bit now how horrible and inexperienced he was, but the truth is that he was great. He perfected his own way of doing it. I was wondering how he was going to setup shows and things like that but he arranged everything. He’s a really smart guy and he makes it happen. He has a really strong will that’s hilarious, really. It’s no wonder he is who he is. He’s absolutely fearless when he dives into something." Although it's unlikely the 24 star will be in Dallas tonight, Deluca wouldn't mind having him back out on the road "as a friend, as a label owner, but that’s it.", he jokes. "No, he’s always welcome. There’s an energy around him that’s always a hoot. For the most part, there’s never a dull moment."
More celebs are getting all cartoony. Of course, André Benjamin of OutKast is doing the Cartoon Network's Class of 3000. This week, it was announced that Saturday Night Live's Amy Poehler will be the voice of her creation Bessie Higgenbottom in Mighty B (above), set to air on Nickelodeon in 2008. Comedy Central didn't want to be left out, so the network scrounged around and today announced that Larry the Cable Guy is creating a cartoon in which he plays a co-owner of a cable TV station. Our hopes are riding on Poehler. Go Amy!
This story is mostly about North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il's fascination with the NBA. But buried inside is a tale about how the Mavericks almost landed a 7-foot-9-inch basketball player named Ri Myung Hun, a.k.a. Michael Ri. It was back in 1998, back when Don Nelson had just begun his tenure as the Mavs' head coach. Nellie always did have a taste for international players.
Korn did a taping for MTV: Unplugged on Saturday. The 15-song CD, MTV Unplugged: Korn, will be released on Feb. 20, 2007. The segment will air online on Feb. 10 and on TV on Feb. 17. Highlights from the taping include collaborations with The Cure and Evanescence lead singer Amy Lee. Yay Robert Smith. Boo Amy Lee.
"Diana Ross' first new studio album in more than seven years, I Love You, will arrive Jan. 16 in the United States. ... Ross worked with collaborators such as producers Marylata E. Jacob, Peter Asher and Steve Tyrell on I Love You, which opens and closes with Harry Nilsson's 'Remember.' Says Ross, 'These songs, these singers, these musicians and all my fans are a gift of love to me.' "
I'm surprised she hasn't talked a superproducer like Rick Rubin into helping her out. Or even that annoying Black Eyed Peas dude who's working with Michael Jackson...
Williams was arrested Nov. 6 after a gun was found in his briefcase. The story says he was booked then allowed to go host the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta.
Pretty funny commercial for the Super Bowl halftime show, with marketing folk trying to entice Prince into doing really dumb things for his performance. He says nothing, of course. Because he's Prince.
In other purple news, he got a Golden Globe nomination today for "The Song of the Heart," from Happy Feet.
The Golden Globe nominations are out and the movie Babel leads with seven nods. Leonardo DiCaprio is up against himself for best dramatic actor for his work in Blood Diamond and The Departed. Clint Eastwood’s competing with himself, too, for the directing statue for Flags of our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima.
Helen Mirren was nominated for her work playing both Elizabeth I and II. She’s up for best dramatic film actress for The Queen (which was excellent, btw) and best television movie or mini-series actress for HBO’s Elizabeth I.
Annette Bening and Meryl Streep are competing for best comedic or musical film actress.
If Streep is nominated for an Oscar for The Devil Wears Prada it’ll be her 3,293rd nod from the academy. Give or take.
What I think is interesting is both Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce Knowles got nominated for Dreamgirls. They’re not in the same category (Hudson is in supporting, Knowles in lead) but it’ll be interesting if one of them wins and the other doesn’t considering those reports about Knowles’ jealousy over all that attention Hudson got for her work in the film.
If you're free Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (before church), hit up J's Lounge and tell me what it's like. It's apparently a post-after-hours spot, and the party don't stop until.... noon, I'm guessing? (Quick note for people who don't know what I'm talking about here: This means that, after partying from midnight to 4 a.m. at the regular bars and clubs, and then partying from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the after-hours spots -- with maybe a stop for breakfast -- you end up at J's as the LAST STOP OF THE NIGHT.)
I heard rumors about this place when I was reporting the after-hours story, but I couldn't find anything about it on the web. Guess the MySpace presence must be new. Or maybe I don't know anything about Googling.
It's too bad NFL icon Lamar Hunt passed away last night of complications from cancer at age 74. He gave the Super Bowl its name way back when after watching his daughter Sharron play with a SuperBall. Which brings us to today. There are new shoes out for kids made with SuperBall "technology" on the bottom. When does the adult version come out? That would be super.
Check out The Strange Fruit Project’s new video for “Pinball.” It’s directed by none other than PPT’s Tahiti and he gave it a crispy clean shine. You can spy some of your favorite DFW rap folks displaying their finest causal boogie moves. I’m most feelin’ the white dude in the head band.
In other SFP news, their CD The Healing was named as one of the Best of 2006 by those wacky kids over at iTunes. If you ain’t got it yet, what you waitin’ for?
NY Times reports that Yoko Ono's chauffeur was arrested yesterday, accused of threatening to release photos of Ono in her pajamas and tapes of her talking about "her personal opinions on people and events. Oh, yeah -- he also reportedly threatened to kill her and son Sean Lennon, then himself. The man, Koral Karsan, says the charges are trumped up to stop a sexual harrassment lawsuit.
Pantera drummer and owner of Big Vin Records, Vinnie Paul, joins the Quick staff as a guest selector for football picks in today's paper. Vinnie went above and beyond the call of duty and gave final scores. We appreciate the extra effort, and couldn't let it go to waste. Winners are in bold.
College TCU vs. Northern Illinois, 37-20
NFL
49ers at Seahawks, 31-10 Cowboys at Falcons, 24-20
Browns at Ravens, 28-7
Lions at Packers, 28-21
Texans at Patriots, 31-10
Jaguars at Titans, 21-20 Dolphins at Bills, 28-27 Jets at Vikings, 17-14 Steelers at Panthers, 21-17
Buccaneers at Bears, 37-17
Redskins at Saints, 21-20
Broncos at Cardinals, 27-20 Eagles at Giants, 24-21
Rams at Raiders, 13-10
Chiefs at Chargers, 27-21
Bengals at Colts, 38-35
Our correspondent in the field (my husband Steve) stopped by the Borders at Royal and Preston on his way home.
His goal? To catch a glimpse of cooking mogul Rachael Ray, who was signing copies of her new cookbook, 2, 4, 6, 8: Great Meals for Couples or Crowds (Clarkson Potter, $19.95).
Was the experience earth-shattering?
"She looks ... like a regular person," he said in an observation that may win him a Pulitzer Prize.
He also noted that the line to get her autograph "winds, like, all around the building."
Yesterday, after just 14 performances, the Broadway producers of High Fidelity announced the show based on Nick Hornby's novel (the 2000 movie starred John Cusack and Jack Black) was closing. Critics said it was dull. It's the latest in a string of pop-inspired flops. In the past year or so, musicals based on the works of Bob Dylan, John Lennon, the Beach Boys and Elvis Presley have all failed. But the shows must go on, people! Yesterday, members of the old rock band Queen held a news conference in Toronto to promote the new musical We Will Rock You (Fat Bottomed Girls would have been better). It features 32 Queen hits. It opens in Canada next year and will mostly likely head to Broadway if successful. Uh-huh.
Four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordonannounced today that his new wife, Ingrid Vandebosch, is expecting. “Christmas came early for us this year,” Gordon said in a statement. The little racer is estimated to arrive in July, which might make it hard for Gordon to defend his win at Chicagoland Speedway.
If you broke down and purchased one of the new NBA microfiber composite basketballs -- and, like the NBA players, decided you don't like it -- there is good news. Spalding, which has made the official NBA balls since 1983, will offer $115 refunds to consumers. Here's how to do it. The offer is valid through Jan. 31, 2007.
A Florida judge sentenced Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis to community service for his company's guilty plea to federal charges of failing to monitor the ages of the women in its videos.
Francis also has to pay $1.6 mil in fines, which is only 12 percent of his 2005 earning. According to the report, Francis makes $40 mil a year.
Raise your hand if you're in the wrong line of work. Better yet, raise your shirt.
The Dallas Morning Newsreports that the Dallas-based Army and Air Force Exchange Service has teamed up for a fourth time with Marvel Comics to create a comic book exclusively for members of the military.
This is a noble effort, but something seems fishy about the cast of The New Avengers: Letters Home. Captain America's teammates are "away for the holidays," so he's joined by Ghost Rider, the Silver Surfer and the Punisher.
Hmm ... Ghost Rider is the title character of a movie hitting theaters in February. The Silver Surfer is mentioned in the title of another movie coming to the big screen next summer. And an "extended cut" DVD of the Punisher's 2004 movie arrived in stores last month.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out Apocalypto yet, Thursday night at the Mockingbird Station Angelika sounds like the best opportunity to see it and get your learn on at the same time.
Immediately following the 7:00 showing, Dr. David Freidel and the SMU Anthropology Department will be on hand to give you their take and explain the true aspects of Mayan culture. The National Society for Mullets may or may not be there to wonder aloud why Mel Gibson has turned his back on them.
Jay Bakker, son of Jim and Tammy Faye, has followed in his father's footsteps and founded a ministry, Revolution, which meets in an Atlanta bar.
Read more here or watch the premiere of his reality series, One Punk Under God: The Prodigal Son of Jim & Tammy Faye tonight at 8 p.m. on the Sundance Channel.
Wonder Man No. 1: Marvel's re-launch of Iron Fist was a huge success, so they're trying it with another C-list character.
DCU Infinite Christmas Special: Since DC is getting so multicultural this year with minority heroes, can we look forward to Infinite Kwanzaa in a few weeks?
Justice League of America No. 4: We're supposed to find out the identity of the mastermind behind the plot against the League. Maybe we'll also find out why cover girl Vixen is on this team.
The Spirit No. 1: Will Eisner's classic hero gets a new series written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke, whose Absolute DC: The New Frontier is on every fanboy's Christmas list.
I'll admit to getting sucked in by Gwen Stefani's ode to the Sound of Music, "Wind It Up." The yodel-ay-hee-hooing is silly, but the sampling and production on the track are fun as hell. And there are worse ways you can spend four minutes than listening to (or watching) Gwen.
Here's the problem: She can't do it live. She's performed it three times in the past few weeks, at the American Music Awards, Saturday Night Live and last night on Letterman. The song is so production-heavy that it doesn't translate onstage, no matter what her dancing Harajuka girls do behind her.
The worst part is when she looks to the crowd and chants "Get it girl, get it get it girl," and you hear no response. It's like she's been left hanging on a high five.
ABC aired Dr. Seuss' classic cartoon How the Grinch Stole Christmas last night, and then a half-hour of "special edition" material.
Except it wasn't special. It was footage and interviews from TNT's old making-of show starring the late, great Phil Hartman. In his place was spare-of-the-year Tom Bergeron, the cheeseball host of Dancing With the Stars and America's Funniest Home Videos.
It's not just Tom doing some new narration of pencil tests and animation techniques. It's Phil's same bits from back in the '90s, like putting other celebrity voices in place of Boris Karloff's distinctive Grinch.
Phil doing John Wayne is good. Tom doing Gilbert Gottfried is beyond bad.
Phil must be groaning in his grave. Along with Dr. Seuss. And Chuck Jones.
Remember what happened on Dec. 20, 2005? Come on, think a little. That was the night Kobe Bryant lit up the Mavericks for 62 points in three quarters. Ah, now you remember. Bryant and the Pacific Division-leading Lakers visit American Airlines Center on Wednesday. The game tips at 8:30 on ESPN and Channel 21. Don't expect Kobe to put up a number like that in this one. He's been getting some help from his friends.
Sex columnist Dan Savage just appeared on The Colbert Report. It was all very awkward and funny, like most Colbert interviews. But the highlight was Colbert revealing what his own gay porn name would be: Tyrone Honeybee.
Britney Spears might have found herself a new man! You know how I know it's serious? There's a shot of them sharing a cigarette. More of this breaking story here.
I wondered across a cool little device on ESPN. The Trade Machine lets you make mock trades and it lets you know if it would work or not. So I traded San Antonio Spurs, Eric Williams, Tony Parker and Brent Barry for the Sixers Allen Iverson. Give it a try. What Mav's player would you have to get rid of? Who is untouchable?
You may have heard that Martin Nodell, creator of the Green Lantern, died over the weekend at age 91. I didn't know until I read his obituary that Nodell also had a hand in creating the Pillsbury Doughboy.
From the which of these things does not belong file ... a video on youtube shows Burleson's Kelly Clarkson with adult filmmaker Matt Zane vandalizing the home of Evanescence lead singer Amy Lee. The clip is a promo of a reality show called The Studio. The toilet paper party comes about when the Evanescence platinum plaque arrives with ex-Evanescence songwriter and guitarist Ben Moody omitted. Moody asks Clarkson, who is in the studio recording her new single, if she wants to come along. It ends with the guys singing along to Clarkson's "A Moment Like This." Enjoy!
I love stories that bust Texas stereotypes. Pauly Shore was punched in the face over the weekend by a cowboy during a comedy show in Odessa. Check out the heeeelarious video here.
Ever heard of MC Frontalot or MC++? They're the top rappers of the Nerdcore movement, which is pretty close to what you think it is: Nerds and geeks rapping about computer science, theorems, Star Wars,Lord of the Rings and some other traditionally uncool topics. Honestly, it's not half bad.
Any comics out there? I have a crazy idea. I want to do an amatuer night. If you're a true comic, not just a funny guy or gal, e-mail me. I have some questions. I've been wondering if I'm funny enough or if it was just my sexy smile that had people laughing. LOL.
If you go, I highly recommend the gambas al ajillo. (Sizzling garlic shrimp in spicy olive oil.) Just don't let your inexperienced waiter take away the sauce before you get a chance to dunk the bread in it. Crusty, spicy, oil-soaked bread is seriously among the best food experiences ever.
If you just didn't get enough Ricky Bobby the first time around, the Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby DVD comes out Tuesday. Lots of deleted scenes, unused lines, extra racing footage, interviews with the stars in character and more. And best of all, you don't have to think whatsoever when you watch.
The Associated Press reported Saturday that two rock fans who witnessed the killing of Dallas native heavy metal guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott in a nightclub shooting spree that left five dead are suing the club’s owners, saying the club provided inadequate security.
Jerry and Karen Wessler claim in their lawsuit that they still suffer severe and permanent emotional injuries from seeing deranged fan Nathan Gale rush the stage at the Alrosa Villa nightclub Dec. 8, 2004.
I just read that Fox is developing a comedy series based on The Devil Wears Prada. Um, I think that already exists and is called Ugly Betty. Besides, who would want to try and recreate the role that Meryl Streep played to perfection in the film? Watch the DVD (it comes out tomorrow) and you'll see what I'm talkin' about. That's all.
The Glendale, Calif., Police Department has just released this booking mug shot of Nicole Richie. She was arrested early today for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol. We're sure to have more details in tomorrow's Quick.
So Prince will be the halftime entertainer at the Super Bowl. Don't worry, parents, he doesn't do the dirty stuff anymore. No "Darling Nikki" or "Gett Off" will be sung, no assless pants will be worn. Matter of fact, his latest tune is "Song of the Heart" from Happy Feet.
It's a terrific choice for the NFL, actually. Anyone who has seen him live knows he puts on a helluva show. If you don't believe me, go watch his Sign o' the Times concert movie, or his 2004 Grammy performance with Beyonce.
If you still don't believe me, perhaps you should purify yourself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka.
Interesting that Saturday Night Live switched its President Bush spoofers this season. Will Forte (above left, in happier presidential times) is out, even though he's still on the show. The equally inept Jason Sudekis is in. Both pale in comparison to the strategery of Will Ferrell's presidential routine.
Big Tuck’s major label debut Tha Absolute Truth drops tomorrow and the hype machine has got some nice mo going. He'll be all over the Dub this week, meaning you'll have ample opportunities to see, hear or meet him.
In case you were wondering, Allen Me, Myself and I-verson won't be in a Mavericks uniform anytime soon. The disgruntled 76ers guard wants to be traded, and the Sixers plans to fulfill his wish. It just won't be to Dallas. "We can knock that rumor down right now," Mavs owner Mark Cuban said Saturday night.
He floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee, no one can rap like Muhammad Ali. Many contemporary hip-hop artists say that the king of the ring was a rap pioneer, and you can still catch the documentary celebrating his rhyming ways, or pick up the book that inspired it.
Ali Rap: Muhammad Ali, The First Heavyweight Champion of Rap(Taschen, $24.95) contains more than 300 Ali soundbites (a.k.a. serious trash talking). Chuck D also hosts a documentary of the same name that airs again on ESPN2 tonight at 7:30. Click here for more information and more showtimes. You can also download Chuck D's single "ALI RAP (Get Used to Me)" on iTunes.
Saw Apocalypto this weekend. It's an excellent action film. But don't spend too much time trying to figure out whether or not it's accurate. Mel Gibson plays fast and loose with history, mixing Maya and Aztec cultures (Mayaztecs?) and jumping around a 500-year time period. Argh! If you think about it too much, it gets confusing. So just enjoy the movie and if it sparks interest in pre-Columbian civilizations (cool jewelry, dudes), great. There are tons of books out there on the subject.
An interview with Terrell Owens (conducted by Michael Irvin) just aired on ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown. Here are a few highlights.
He quotes Martin Luther King about "times of challenge." He says, "It was very befitting for what I've been going through."
He says Bill Parcells didn't say anything to him after the infamous accidental overdose: "I found it very odd that he wouldn't be concerned. ... I just let it go, but it did cross my mind."
He says all the hubbub surrounding his every move (like his hamstring injury, his broken hand, the accidental overdose, falling asleep in meetings, leaks about in-house fines) "baffles" him. And he felt "betrayed." It affected his play, he says. "I just felt like I wasn't wanted."
BUT, he says with a smile, "I love being a Cowboy."
Merriam-Webster has declared "truthiness" the word of 2006. You've probably heard it spill from the mouth of Stephen Colbert, who defined it as “truth that comes from the gut, not books.”
Colbert was pleased with the dictionary publisher's decision. “Though I’m no fan of reference books and their fact-based agendas, I am a fan of anyone who chooses to honor me,” he said in an e-mail to the Associated Press.
As featured in today's gift guide, here's my favorite item of the year: a Notorious B.I.G. action figure, made by Mezco. I love it so much that I'm considering getting it for all my loved ones, despite the curious stares it would inspire.
You've probably read all about Body Worlds, the exhibit of real life human bodies opening tomorrow at The Museum of Nature & Science in Fair Park. I was fortunate enough to attend a media preview of the show this morning. Following the jump is my take on it.
Damn - I can't rock all 30 of these, can I? I've known Adidas was going to do this because it was revealed on Bobbito Garcia’s great ESPN 2 show “It’s The Shoes” last season. But the sales blast showed up in my inbox this morning and I’m fittin’ to buy a gang of new dawgs.
I’m kind of obligated to rock the Maverick Superstars, but the Hornets joints got me feelin’ like my allegiance is up in the air (plus Chris Paul is absolutely sick with it).
No guilt on getting the Knicks kicks. I was jockin’ when Nard was unstoppable with the lightning quick release during my Jr. High days so that’s flashback flavor for me.
Think about how dope the Blazer joints would be if they’d dropped the “Trail” on the heel and stitched on a lil’ bong or summin’ like that. I suggest you make it happen and go that extra mile with the exclusive custom flavor for the burnout in your family.
Our man Skin stiff-arms audio in favor of video this week. Insted of his GDSP PodQast, we have his highly entertaining report from the Double Wide, at the benefit for PPT's Picnic.
Make sure you pick up a copy of today's Quick, with our gigantic gift guide inside. Gordon Keith plays the role of Santa Claus, and he offers his own gift tips throughout.
Example: "If your loved one is just dying for a PS3, let them die. It's cheaper."
We had a meeting earlier this week. Topic: The hottest entertainers of 2006. My favorite is T.I. But what does the public think? Shakira? Beyoncé? Justin Timberlake. PPT? Let us know.
Reuters is reporting that indigenous activists in Guatemala say Apocalypto is racist and that scenes of scary-looking Mayans with bone piercings and scarred faces hurling spears and sacrificing humans promote stereotypes about their culture. I haven't seen the movie (and neither have the activists), but c'mon! Stereotypes? That's like saying that the new movie on Loiustians from the plant Loius is full of stereotypes. But wait, there's NEVER BEEN A MOVIE ABOUT LOIUSTIANS BEFORE! Let's talk about Apocalypto opening doors. Let's talk about more storytelling based on Maya culture coming out of this, more Maya legends coming out of this. Where's a stage play? The great novel? That's what I wanna see. There are tons of stories yet to be told. Those activists should be collecting these stories and sharing them with the world, not griping about Mel Gibson bringing world attention to their ancestors.
A lot of us are probably too young to appreciate the true greatness of Muhammad Ali -- and he would tell us that. Besides being one of the greatest athletes ever, he was a master at running his mouth.
"This guy is done. I'll stop him in one."
"It's just a job. Grass grows. Birds fly. Waves pound the sand. I beat people up."
And of course: "Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee. Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see."
ESPN's Ali Rap (8 p.m. Saturday) is a collection of his greatest quips. It's on right after the Heisman is awarded.
Sevendust yesterday announced that its record label will team up with Asylum Records for its sixth album, Alpha, which is due to hit the streets on March 6, 2007. The band has also scheduled a 57-date tour that kicks off Feb. 8, 2007. No cities have been announced yet. But you can listen to the release track, "Deathstar," which is streaming on the band's Web site.
Do you love TV? Then you'll love By Ken Levine, the eponymous blog by the former Cheers writer and Frazier co-creater. (Find it at http://www.kenlevine.blogspot.com.) Lots of behind-the-scenes breaking news and classic stories. (Did you know the Daphne character was created with Rosie Perez in mind?) And everything's seasoned with snark. Example: "Matthew Perry’s new post-Friends show, Studio 60, retained just 54% of its lead-in audience. Matt LeBlanc can now feel better about Joey."
Grammy nominations came out, and I tried to stifle my groans (James Blunt?) long enough to look for nominees of local and regional interest:
-- The Dixie Chicks are up for Record of the Year and Country Performance by a Duo or Group for “Not Ready to Make Nice.” Their Taking the Long Way will compete for the Country Album award with Willie Nelson’s You Don’t Know Me: The Songs of Cindy Walker. Taking is also up for the top Grammy, Album of the Year.
-- Houston gal Beyoncé got a few nods, for Female R&B Vocal (“Ring the Alarm”), R&B Song (“Déjà vu”), and Contemporary R&B Album (B’Day).
-- Terrell native Jamie Foxx (left) picked up an R&B album nomination for Unpredictable.
-- Fort Worth’s Kirk Franklin is up for Gospel Song (“Imagine Me”) and Contemporary R&B Gospel Album (Hero).
-- Texas legend George Strait is in the Male Country Vocal Performance field with “The Seashores of Old Mexico.”
-- Lindale’s Miranda Lambert (“Kerosene”) and Garland’s LeeAnn Rimes (“Something’s Gotta Give”) will duke it out for Female Country Vocal Performance
-- And we can always count on our girl Erykah Badu. Her collabo with Sergio Mendes, “That Heat” is up for Urban/Alternative Performance (whatever the hell that is).
--Irving's Juan and Oscar Salinas, who are rappers in their own right in Play N Skillz, got a rap song nomination for co-writing Chamillionaire’s “Ridin’.”
I'm sure I missed some folks. You'll no doubt tell me about it.
As first reported here, Black Images Book Bazaar — the oldest African-American bookstore in Texas — is closing Dec. 31. They’ve been in Wynnewood Village since 1986 and a mail-order business since 1977.
Co-owner Emma Rodgers told us that the store simply couldn't compete with big-box bookstores and the Internet.
“We’re just real thankful for the customers who have been faithful with us over the years," she said. "We’ve had some who’ve been with us since day one.”
She did say they'll keep doing book events around town, and to keep checking their website for details.
I won't say anything about her dream of motherhood having anything to do with why she goes out sans undies. But I will say she might want to think about hooking up with Baby-Maker Extraordinaire, Kevin Federline.
(Did I mention Paris thinks she'd make a good mom because she looks after animals?)
In the wake of the Michael Richards tirade, leaders like Jesse Jackson called for everyone to stop using the N-word. It's an interesting idea, but will it work? ASAP went to Brooklyn for a podcast on whether this campaign has a chance to catch on. Listen to the podcast and let us know what you think.
An update on the Alka-Seltzer battle of the bands contest originally scheduled for today, courtesy of its P.R. folks:
"The local Battle of the Bands event is being postponed to a date before Dec 22. We have heard from local musicians interested in entering their take on the Alka-Seltzer Plop Plop Fizz Fizz jingle that they cannot get out of work during the day to perform. Therefore, we are rescheduling the event for an evening in the next two weeks."
Wow, don't these artists' bosses understand that rewriting a jingle is more important than the bottom line? Sheesh.
Somehow a television in my house got left on some show called America's Next Top Model, or something like that, for an entire season. I just happened to be walking through the room last night when I glanced up and noticed that they crowned some girl named Caridee the winner of a contest they were doing. I think. I'm not sure because I wasn't paying attention every Wednesday night for the last couple of months.
Dallas sports fans will probably be repulsed by the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated. The magazine has declared Dwyane Wade its Sportsman of the Year, largely for how he humiliated the Mavericks in the NBA Finals.
But there are two big reasons for Dallasites to pick up the issue: a feature on Tony Romo's rise to stardom, and another that makes the case for Mike Modano being the greatest U.S.-born hockey player ever.
Oh, the issue also includes a poll of NFL players on who the most annoying guy in their league is. The winner, with 39 percent of the vote, celebrated his 33rd birthday this week.
Rumor has it Jenna Bush is exploring all that Argentina has to offer, including a tango or two with a 25-year-old marketing guy named Ramiro González Palazzo.
You know what they say. They come in threes. First, Aaron McGruder quit The Boondocks. Now it's being reported that Bill Amend is quitting FoxTrot (story here). Which leads to the question: Who'll be next? Or ... who should be next to go?
You can make an auction bid -- right now -- for a dance lesson with Emmitt Smith and his Dancing with the Stars partner Cheryl Burke. The lesson (for you, your partner and four other couples) includes dinner at The Mansion and use of a Maserati Quattroporte (for a week!) The auction's sponsored by Park Place Maserati and Emmitt Smith Charities (which gets the money). Go ahead, e-mail your bid to rsvp@parkplacetexas.com. First five to do so between now and noon Dec. 12 are guaranteed a space in the live auction the night of the 12th.
We should mention: The opening bid is $10,000, and an immediate hold for that amount will be placed on your credit card. Good luck. We think.
Went to Biscuits in Grapevine this weekend and had the best strawberry jam I’ve ever had in my life. It’s called Freezerves, and it apparently gets its insanely fruity taste from the berries being frozen, not boiled, thus sealing in all the farm-fresh goodness.
“Eh,” you’re probably scoffing. “Who gets all worked up over strawberry jam?”
That’s the thing! I never thought about jam either, until I tried this stuff. Now I already have plans to make biscuits, just so I can douse them in Freezerves. Yummy yummy. If you wanna try it, might be best to go to Biscuits the restaurant directly. Online they only sell 2-lb. packs — and that’s a lot of jam.
Can't wait until Christmas for Beyonce, Jennifer and the rest of the cinematic Dreamgirls? iTunes to the rescue. Starting today, the soundtrack -- both a standard ($10.99) and "deluxe" ($16.99) version -- are available at the iTunes store. Plus, you can buy individual songs for the standard 99 cents and watch a special movie preview available nowhere else.
Our homie Ben Rogers will jump on the Dunham and Miller show Thursday morning to chop it up with the boys about his Coffee Nods project. It's going down at 9:10, which means that once again the Great Gordo is mailing in another corner by having someone else provide the content.
There's a free download on iTunes of a clip from Scrubs' upcoming musical episode. I can't speak for Zach Braff's singing talent (let's just say he's better at compiling music than making it), but he and Donald Faison show why they compose one of the best comedic teams on TV. They sing a song called "Guy Love" that's about ... just that.
Sample lyrics:
Braff: You're the only man who's ever been inside of me
Faison: Whoa, whoa, I took out his appendix
There's a lot wrong here. First, where did Eddie Murphy find Mel B? Other than Mrs. Becks, I think the last known Spice Girl sighting was by Steve Nash, who dated Geri Halliwell Spice. Second, maybe it's just me, but don't you always think of the Spice Girls as platform-wearing, 17-year-olds? They aren't real grown-ups capable of dating stars.
Third, Scary is with child and Eddie Murphy says he's not sure know who baby daddy is. At least not without a blood test. Hmm. Maybe she should be Kicked to the Curb Spice.
HBO is turning one of my favorite comic books, Preacher, into a TV series. Published from 1995 to 2000, Preacher was about a lapsed East Texas minister searching for God, with help from his pistol-packing girlfriend and his best friend, an Irish vampire. You can read the first issue for free here.
While the DSR camp prepares for the national blast of Big Tuck's new CD next Tuesday, we're still vibing on Tum Tum's minimal 808 masterpiece "Caprice Muzik." It's definitely one of the nicest joints to come out of the South this year and now it's getting shine on the MTVs.
It's not something you'd expect to see sticking out of your stocking at Christmas, but it IS one hell of a gift.
Get your own "unique, ultra, real life-sized wax figure" from a wax company based in the Netherlands, which has posted the offer on eBay. They've done Tupac, Jabba the Hutt, Bono, Albert Einstein, among others.
I know if I had $20,000, I'd follow at least one of these ideas suggested by the seller: "This is your chance to leave your double at work and hope no one notices the difference!" or "Wake up with your favourite actor in your bedroom."
Last week we told you the sad tale of Twisted Black, the Fort Worth rapper who'll be doing life in prison for cocaine possession with intent to distribute. A spokesman at TVT Records confirmed today that Black's as-yet-untitled new album is still scheduled for release on Feb. 27.
We all thought Aaron McGruder stopped doing The Boondocks comic strip because he was working 20 hours a day on his hit cable cartoon show. Not true. He says he simply got sick of the strip, which used to run in Quick. Read the Editor & Publisher story here. And see what he has to say about President Bush.
We’re pretty sure it won’t have roach burn marks on it. George Michael and his Dallas partner Kenny Goss today open their exhibit of John Lennon’s piano — on which he composed “Imagine” in 1971 — at Goss Gallery. They say it’s the first time the piano has left the United Kingdom. George bought it at an auction in 2000 for $2.1 million. Goss Gallery is at 2500 Cedar Springs (at Fairmont). Check their Web site for times.
OK, I get way too many press releases, but this one is too good to "file away." Alka-Seltzer is giving indie bands a chance to win a wad of cash and some (possibly detrimental) exposure by fashioning new interpretations of the "plop, plop, fizz, fizz" jingle. Local musicians, you can upload entries online here or head out to Champps Sports at 4951 Belt Line Rd. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 7 for a live battle-of-the-bands contest. A victory at the event can win you $1,000 right away, and you'll have a chance at a $10,000 prize and the use of your song on a high-profile (can you say "Super Bowl"?) commercial. More details on the Kiss-FM-sponsored event here. You've only got two days to write your masterpiece -- maybe take a couple of Alka-Seltzer for inspiration. Plop, plop ... er, I mean ... chop, chop!
I went to the last Urban Bazaar in Dallas and it was super good times--handmade crafts, indie art, vintage clothing, and funky stuff from local folks. Quite affordable, too. Lots of pieces are under $20 and almost everything I saw was under $75. I bought the coolest cloth cuff bracelet evah and it lives strapped to my wrist.
Anyway, there are individual booths, auctions, and 15 local bands playing Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the plaza at the Dallas Farmers Market, 1010 S. Pearl Expy. Featured artists include Dallas Craft Mania, Madison Mae Bags, SuperChica, and Undercover Couture, among others (there are more than 60). More info is here.
My family celebrated my 32nd birthday over the weekend at the Magic Time Machine, the Addison restaurant where the servers all wear costumes. I hadn't been there since my 12th birthday. I'm pretty sure none of the staff dressed as Napoleon Dynamite back in the day.
Our server, by the way, was dressed as Waldo, as in "Where are our drinks?" Pretty smart idea, if you think about it. The guy dressed as Napoleon is probably expected to act like him throughout the meal. But our guy only had to wear the red-and-white-striped shirt and red hat, because who really knows how Waldo acts?
Well, the talk's already starting. Jessica has pulled an Ashlee. At Sunday’s ceremony for John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts honorees, Simpson was singing “Nine to Five” as part of the tribute to Dolly Parton when Jess suddenly stopped and ran off the stage. She said something like, "So nervous" before she sprinted. The Associated Press reports the audience was too stunned to applaud and that she was in tears when she later came back on stage. Reminds me of Ashlee's Saturday Night Live mess. Except this thing was taped and it'll probably be edited out when it airs on CBS later this month.
A new exhibit at The Rock and Roll Hall of Famewill feature The Vans Warped Tour. It was just announcedthat a party will kick off opening night with performances by Used and Pennywise. Tickets are only $20, minus the airfare to Cleveland, and are availalbe through Ticketmaster. The exhibit, Warped: 12 Years of Music, Mayhem and More, will run through Sept. 3, 2007. And this is the really cool part, everything in the exhibit will be packed into a time capsule to be opened 25 years later in 2031. Nothing like a little Dropkick Murphys to kickstart 2031.
I know Rob recently posted about Dallas’ own Bowling for Soup, but their single “High School Never Ends” is equally as entertaining. It’s an innovative commentary on a society obsessed with celebrities.
And the part about Reese Witherspoon being the prom queen and Brad Pitt being the quarterback was priceless. But what does that make Paris? Or do I even want to know?
I watched 1 vs. 100 the other day. They have celebrity guests. I'm not sure if K-Fed is a celebrity though. He got bounced from the show with this question:
"In the nursery rhyme Hey Diddle, Diddle, who did the dish run away with: a) the China b) the flatware, or c) the glassware?" He got it wrong. Let's see if you can get it right. From the pool of correct responses, I will pick someone to receive a custom Quick cover with their picture on it. Of course, you have to e-mail me a photo. Please be tasteful. A winner will be chosen tomorrow.
Brandon, I couldn't find the Perez Hilton (aka Mario Lavandeira) story on the GQ site, but the LA Times had a pretty good feature on him a couple weeks ago.
My only question: How do you get fired by Star? Yeah -- Perez managed to do it. And now the guy says he earns six figures. Hmmm.....
Gossip extraordinaire Perez Hilton is reporting that Lance Bass and Reichen Lehmkuhl have split. How ironic, considering the break comes so soon after winning the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award.
As a side note, there's a great article on Perez Hilton in this month's GQ. One interesting thing about said subject is how much bank the guy brings in through blogging.
Maybe something we can talk about at the next meeting, Rob?
All media relations folks need to step it up (dreaded cliche), and help their players and coaches get rid of these things:
From Bill Parcells, referring to Giants Stadium: "This is a very important place in Bill Parcells' life, this stadium here."
From Kevin Garnett, on the Timberwolves' struggles: "People feel sorry for me? I don't go out and scout players. I don't do any of the front-office stuff. This thing's bigger than Kevin Garnett."
If you were one of the lucky 80 or so folks who caught Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings at The Gypsy last year, then no doubt you remember rhythm guitarist and emcee Binky Griptite heatin’ the joint up before Miss Jones tore it down. Or maybe that was the year before. Things run together, but we digress.
Daptone has finally gotten around to letting Binky work his solo magic and I swear he’s created a bona fide new X-Mas classic. Dig this!
He ain't the greatest singer, but the soul is all there. Coolest new Santa vibes since “Christmas in Hollis”
The latest news from Comedy Central: The network has ordered up an animated show originally created for mobile phones. Lil' Bush: Resident of the United States re-imagines President Bush and key execs in his administration as elementary school students, reports the Hollywood Reporter. Some of the show's writers previously worked for The Simpsons. Lil' Bush got its start in September as six five-minute clips offered by Amp'd Mobile. The title character is surrounded by pals such as Lil' Cheney, who grumbles a lot, and Lil' Condi, who does Lil' Bush's homework for him. “I can't do any more of this educational-type stuff,” Lil' Bush complains to her in the Amp'd pilot. “It makes my head hurt.” You can check out the mini episodes here.
Warning about A&E's reality show Intervention, which follows around addicts and films their loved ones' attempts to get them help: It's addictive as hell.
Last night I got sucked into an episode about Sylvia, a mother of four who downs mini-liquor bottles like they're water and then throws fits about having to always put on a show and be the perfect Southern belle. Seeing her elderly aunt and mother talk about her alcoholism while also trying to be prim and proper Southern women themselves was like watching some sort of hybrid of Steel Magnolias and The Real World.
I almost wondered why other people's misery makes such great television, but then an episode with a heroin addict who prostitutes herself seven times a day came on and I got lost for another hour.
You can’t say Bobby is a good movie, but it’s perversely fascinating, like a Very Special Episode of the old series Hotel set on the night RFK was assassinated. There are lots of drive-by guest stars: Is that Sharon Stone? Did Ashton Kutcher just stumble over from the set of That ‘70s Show? There’s that guy from Numb3rs! Paging Helen Hunt: Eat a hamburger. And poor Demi Moore, in another non-comeback performance; even her wig upstages her.
If you’re into wine, you’ve got to check out Bodega Bar. It’s been open for three years in a secluded spot near Samba Room in Knox/Henderson. I never knew it existed until about a week ago, but it’s great — cozy, warm, soft lighting, lots of couches and tables. Plus they’ve got an interesting by-the-glass wine list. We had a yummy Super Tuscan for $12. They also had a high-rated syrah (I think it was a syrah) for only $6.
And — this is awesome — they sell Kronenbourg 1667, which is like my most favorite beer ever.
If you’ve got even more money to spend, you can head next door to Chateau Wine Market, which is filled with all sorts of interesting vinos. Most bottles are pricey — $50 and up — but if it’s a special occasion, that would seem like the place to go.
I was at Northpark this weekend cruising around for a New Years Eve dress, and I saw the cutest one in the window at Intermix. This boutique — based in New York — has gotten tons of local press on how great it is, how fashionable it is, how celebrity it girls go there, etc.
It's not a place I’d normally shop, because it's super trendy and out of my budget. But the dress was WAY cute. I was willing to splurge.
Anyway: I go in, find the dress, but can’t tell what size is on the tags. I ask a salesperson and she says, “They’re all size two. What size are you looking for?”
Me: “Probably an eight.”
Her: “I’m sorry, we don’t go that high. We only carry size 1, 2, 3 and 4.”
Me, cheeks somewhat burning: “Oh. Okay. Thanks!”
What the hell, people? No where was it written that this boutique only carries small sizes. Everyone has been gushing about this place that, really, only serves like two percent of the female population. Grrrr.
Btw, just checked the website, and they offer some size-8 dresses online. Almost all of them don't go higher than that, though.
If you were one of the people scared out of your wits by that Al Gore PowerPoint presentation, chances are you probably won’t feel better until you join the fight against global warming. The former vice president says that as individuals, we need to reduce our carbon emissions and leave a lighter footprint. If you can think of a practical way to do that and demonstrate it on a 1- to 2-minute video, you might save the world, and more importantly, win fabulous prizes. Treehugger.com, Ironweed Films and others are holding Convenient Truths, a contest which allows amateur videographers to demonstrate their kick-ass conservation tips. Entrants have until February to submit vids — find out more here. The judges include political blogger Arianna Huffington, (Larry’s wife) Laurie David and actress Daryl Hannah (who knows all about the environment because she played a mermaid). The grand prize is an Alaskan vacation, and the top 10 videos will be distributed on DVD. Fire up the PowerPoint ...
Apparently Paris and Britney are fighting, and Lindsay Lohan had something to do with it. Wonder what happened? Check out Msnbc.com 's take on what went down.
If you missed out on November's NaNoWriMo, the one-month challenge to write a 50,000 novella, this may be more up your alley. Because it's way shorter.
Smith magazine is sponsoring the Six-Word Memoir Contest, with an iPod Nano as the top prize. A few gems thus far:
"After Harvard, had baby with crackhead." -R. Templeton
"He wore dresses. This caused messes." – Josh Kilmer-Purcell
"My family is overflowing with therapists." – Shaina Feinberg
"Longed for him. Got him. Shit." – Margaret Atwood (yes, the real Margaret Atwood)
The contest ends Christmas day. Get to it! And send me your best ideas.
The Reverend Horton Heat has been sponsoring a racecar team, Jeff Milburn Racing. Milburn is from Dallas and is crew chief of the No. 76 truck in the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks Series. The Rev is asking for support by adding yourself as a friend on Jeff's Myspace page. As his blog entry mentions, "Jeff's team is made up of these young punk/rockabilly looking guys with cool tattoos." What more do you need?
There haven't been too many things about Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo to complain about, but Fox reporter Pam Oliver had one for him after yesterday's victory over the Giants. After Romo returned to the field from the locker room for an interview, Oliver playfully chewed him out for making her wait out in the cold for an extra 10 minutes. Looks like Tony's already having trouble managing his time.
Another random football note: Tennessee's Rob Bironas booted a 60-yard field goal to beat the Colts. Don't know why or how it happened, but now I have The Knack's "My Sharona" in my head. What a convenient rhyme. Ugh.
Her Sweet Escape tour dates were just announced. She's here May 5 at Smirnoff. Looks like tix don't go on sale 'til February, but that'll give me plenty of of time to pick up a few goodies....
If there is a hell, surely it resembles suburban malls on weekends in December. I plan to skip the scariness this weekend and do my ho, ho, hoing in Oak Cliff at Jingle Bells Bishop. Shops, galleries and restaurants in the super charming and pedestrian-friendly Bishops Arts District will be staying open late tonight and tomorrow with live music from the Turtle Creek Chorale, Parrenda and Mauricio Carrera. I also hear there'll be a visit from Santa and a raffle. (No word on if Rudolph’s among the prizes.)
Jingle Bells Bishop runs today from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday from 4-10 p.m.
Next time you're down in too-hip-for-its-own-good Austin, you'll be able to pick up the weekly print edition of The Onion, which was doing that cheeky political satire thing when Jon Stewart was still on MTV. (Don't count on a Dallas edition anytime soon; Austin got its Onion by being a big college town whose citizens go to bars but still read.) Doesn't look like the print edition will be much different than what's available online, except for a section on things to do in Austin. The launch party was last night at Emo's.
It's Ty Macklin, of course. Skinny Skin Skin catches up with the Dallas producer/rapper in this week's edition of the Gemini Disco Soul Party PodQast. Hear it right hurr.
Dallas' merry pranksters Bowling for Soup covers Fergie's "London Bridge" and gets a big splash on Yahoo's music site. Lead singer Jaret Reddick declares: "I want to play this song forever and ever."
One of my favorite past times is checkin’ in with the Vincent Gallo website on occasion and laughing deliriously at the high level of BS this dude is manufacturing. Truly genius stuff.
I mean, what better way to manifest your dislike for someone (filmmaker Harmony Korine) than to cast their on-again-off again girlfriend Chloe Sevigny in a movie in which her only real function is to perform the most graphic depiction of oral sex ever to appear outside of porn. Of course Gallo’s character is the other half of that filmic pairing. Actually, “depiction” may have been the wrong word here. Carry on.
Whether it’s his politically incorrect rants, professing his love for President Bush, or hawking the Hopalong Cassidy Bedspread from his youth (only $3,000 dawg) – there is always some gold to stumble across.
My homie Bill alerted me to a wonderful holiday gift idea from the Gallo site. Why not purchase Gallo as a personal escort? A mere $50,000 gets you one night, but there are stipulations: “Scanning for STD's is required as is bathing and grooming prior to our encounter. Detailed photos of potential clients also required prior.” He's also pretty opposed to dude sex.
You can get the dirty lowdown here, but don’t click this if you are easily offended. Or if you think Korine is a genius.
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You may have heard that Martin Nodell, creator of the Green Lantern, died over the weekend at age 91. I didn't know until I read his obituary that Nodell also had a hand in creating the Pillsbury Doughboy.
-- The Dixie Chicks are up for Record of the Year and Country Performance by a Duo or Group for “Not Ready to Make Nice.” Their Taking the Long Way will compete for the Country Album award with Willie Nelson’s You Don’t Know Me: The Songs of Cindy Walker. Taking is also up for the top Grammy, Album of the Year.
