I can't let this Saturday go by without saying "Happy Birthday" to one of my fave actors, the enigmatic and brilliant Kevin Spacey.

He's turning 49 today, and I'll be the first to admit I doubt he can match his impressive heyday film stretch in the 1990s when the man won two Academy Awards within five years. How do you top films like "The Usual Suspects" and "American Beauty"?

And, yes, he's had some embarrassing misses in the years since (why make drivel such as "K-PAX"?)

But, so far in 2008, Kevin's enjoying a respectable year. His commitment to live theatre, as artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London, continues strongly. His film, "21," was a modest hit. And he just earned an Emmy nomination for a best actor role in HBO's "Recount."

My favorite Spacey role and movie still is his turn as Verbal Kint in "The Usual Suspects," the first film in which Spacey caught my attention. I give an honorable mention to his role as Buddy Ackerman in "Swimming with Sharks."

Anyone out there have a favorite Spacey role or movie?

In April, ABC-TV's Diane Sawyer spent a whole hour in prime time with Randy Pausch. I had no idea who he was, or why he warranted such coverage. But the title was intriguing: "The Last Lecture: A Love Story for Your Life." It became abundantly clear why she wanted to talk to him: It was an uplifting look into his fight against pancreatic cancer and his refusal to stop living life to its fullest. Warm and engaging, Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon professor, was the teacher we all wish we had had.

By then, he had become a huge YouTube phenomenon, with his "Last Lecture." It has generated more than 3.2 million hits.

Today, July 25, is a sad one for those who knew this day was coming but hoped for the impossible: Pausch lost his battle with cancer. He was only 47 and leaves behind his wife, Jai, and three children. Commentaries and remembrances have already started to pour in, such as this one on TIME's Web site.

Dylan Thomas once famously wrote, "do not go gentle into that good night" ... and Pausch certainly did not.

RoseMary Shell thought she had found the man of her dreams in Wayne Gibbs. And, gosh darn it, she thought he loved her, too. After all, he proposed in October 2006. So she quits her $81,000 job in Pensacola, Fla. to be with him in Gainesville.

Well, guess what Gibbs did ... and guess who sued for breach of contract.

And guess who won a $150,000 judgment.

Now, the national media is all over this story, and Shell did an exclusive interview this morning on the Today show. She's still got the engagement ring and plans to sell it. Judging by the size of that rock (not the one seen here), she'll be snagging some cool cash from any transaction.

There's a lot of lessons here for those who propose and for those who accept: What is a promise? What is a commitment? What is real love? And, unfortunately here, what's the name of a good lawyer?

We don't know all the details about this love affair gone sour. But do you agree with the jury's decision?

Here's the silly and not-so-silly stuff that's caught my eye and ear this week:

• I've never been one to indulge in pedicures and now, because of this idea, I know I won't.
• Who says the WNBA is boring? (Make sure you watch the video on this one.)
• The hoopla-meisters for the "Twilight" series repeatedly make comparisons to the superb "Harry Potter" books. Well, that's a bit much, but it gives me an opening to let you know this piece of HP news.
• The Screen Actors Guild, hitting the wall on contract negotiations with producers and studios, has a new foe. And it comes from within.
• Tom O'Neil, in his Gold Derby blog, raises the possibility of Academy Award nominations not just for Heath Ledger but for other parts of the super-duper-mega-hit "The Dark Knight." I wonder about it for a different reason: Will Oscar voters, worried about the shrinking audience for the annual TV show, consider multiple nods for the blockbuster because most people don't see the movies nominated. (OK, how many of you actually saw "No Country For Old Men"?)

It had to happen, but it's still sad. The weekly movie review show that Roger Ebert launched with the late Gene Siskel in 1975 is kaput.

Sure, Disney has tapped two guys who you probably never heard of to take over the "At the Movies" duties of Ebert (who's been off the show for about two years battling health issues) and Siskel's lightweight replacement, Richard Roeper, who couldn't reach a contract extension.

But, really, the show hasn't been the same since Siskel's death in 1999 (he's pictured here with Ebert). The show, born at a PBS station in Chicago, paired outspoken Sun-Times' film critic (Ebert) with his equally outspoken counterpart at The Tribune (Siskel). Their passion for film and depth of knowledge, combined with their spirited exchanges, was wonderful television as the show's title evolved from "Sneak Previews" to "Siskel & Ebert," reflecting their growing status with their famous thumbs-up or thumbs-down pronouncements. I loved watching them verbally spar over films or effusively praise them. I respected their opinions and couldn't wait to hear what they thought of the latest releases.

Together, they became arguably the two most famous film critics in the country. You can still watch their reviews by checking out the archives at this Web site ... for now, at least.

Yes, it's a wistful good-bye. As Siskel or Ebert use to say: "The balcony is closed."

Fans of the hit sitcom "The Golden Girls" are saddened by the passing Tuesday of Estelle Getty, the tiny actress who played Bea Arthur's acerbic but caring mother. I remember watching the show on Saturday nights and always looking forward to Getty's scenes as Sophia Petrillo. You never knew what she was going to let fly out of her mouth.

Most people will remember Getty, who would have turned 85 on Friday, for that Emmy Award-winning role (she's pictured here with the trophy in 1998). Even though she was about the same age as Arthur, Getty transformed into Sophia through a white wig, huge eyeglasses, frumpy clothes, an ever-present purse and wonderful comedic timing.

But here's a few other things you should know about Getty:

• She played Harvey Fierstein's mother in the original run of the Broadway hit and Tony Award-winning play"Torch Song Trilogy."
• She also played Cher's mother in the film "Mask."
• She started her career in Yiddish theater.
• She wrote a 1988 autobiography, "If I Knew Then What I Know Now ... So What."
• In a landmark for show biz lives, she was married for 57 years to businessman Arthur Gettleman, who died in 2004.
• There is an official Estelle Getty Web site.

You're No. 1 in your late night time slot for about a dozen years. You bring in millions of dollars in revenue to NBC. You're an amiable guy, not sharp-witted like your late night rival, but likable and consistently funny. You occasionally break real news, like when your buddy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, announced he was running for governor.

Yet it seems NBC can't wait, Jay Leno, to shove you out the door to make room for a younger, hipper model to host The Tonight Show. Worse, a lot of people don't seem to care that you're leaving.

I'll admit I'm more a fan of your rival, David Letterman. He's caustic but can be so deeply-in-the-moment, as in the days after 9-11. A lot of us thought he was the rightful heir to the Tonight job in 1992. Heck, even legendary Tonight host Johnny Carson (who's impending departure was bemoaned for months before it happened) clearly favored Letterman, appeared on his show and even secretly wrote jokes for Letterman monologues. Carson never once shared the Tonight stage with you.

I do, however, feel sorry for you. The NBC bosses finally announce that Conan O'Brien starts June 1 with nary an accolade tossed your way. I guess it's downsizing Hollywood style. But, I suspect you're already lining up your next TV gig. And, let's face it, you are a millionaire so-many-times over.

But let's see if we can drum up some love for you here.

Folks, who's the better late night host? Leno, Letterman or O'Brien? And why?

I'd been feeling some admiring regard for Sarah Jessica Parker. I totally backed her film version of "Sex and the City." I think she's an appealing actress and always seems like a genuine person in her media interviews.

I'm ready, however, to toss all that out the window now that I'm reading about her next idea. She thinks a "Project Runway" type of competition show centered on art will be a winner. We'll see if this really becomes a series on Bravo.

But what is she thinking? That art must be a shallow, I-know-what-I-like-when-I-see-it concoction requiring nothing more than a weekly premise and deadline pressure? That you can just label anything art and think the viewing public will buy it? That art is about as complicated as throwing together the ingredients of a Big Mac?

I know, I know. There will be people out there, for example, who think a lot of abstract art is a joke and over-rated and will applaud this type of endeavor. But that detracts from artists who seriously are trying to reflect the human experience or provide social commentary or just flat out mystify and amaze us through their artistic talent. This rant isn't about being snobby. It's about decrying another dumbing-down move that veils itself as educational but promises little in substance.

I can't wait to see how they describe Vincent Van Gogh: "Some Dutch guy who went cuckoo and cut off his ear. Oh, and yeah, he painted some sunflowers before he killed himself. They're mostly yellow and kinda cool."

I've no clue what the winner is supposed to get, but I bet it has more to do with "Sex and the City's" beloved Manolo Blahnik shoes than a trip to The Louvre.

The Gary Sinise lecture was bound to be a hit at the California State University Summer Arts program. He's a laudable stage actor, of character actor working roots, who's co-founder of one of the country's most prestigious theatre companies. He's also carved out a successful niche in the dog-eat-dog world of Hollywood and worked with some of the biggest names in the business, from Tom Hanks to Mel Gibson to Ron Howard.

If he's in Fresno, how could you not want to hear him talk about his experiences? The answer was obvious Sunday evening at Fresno State's John Wright Theatre. The venue was packed. The buzz was palpable. When Sinise walked on stage, he got a standing O (and at the end, too). The guy in front of me leaned forward in his seat and never sat back.

The setup was simple. Two chairs were placed toward the front of the stage. John Mayer, who teaches at CSU Stanislaus and has known Sinise for nearly 40 years, served as James Lipton for the evening. A short video offered highlights from Sinise's career, including clips from his Oscar-nominated turn as Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump" (which, naturally, got the biggest cheers from the audience) and "Apollo 13." But it also showed scenes from Steppenwolf Theatre Company's landmark 1982 stage production of "True West," which Sinise also directed and co-starred in with John Malkovich, and from the company's adaptation of "The Grapes of Wrath" (which won a 1990 Tony Award for Best Play).

The video was a reminder of what an intense, compelling actor Sinise can be. And yet, the man who chatted for about an hour Sunday came across as modest and grateful for the career that he has enjoyed.

Continue reading "Summer Arts: Gary Sinise" »

The fascinating thing about well-known glass artist Therman Statom is the sheer boundary-pushing, escape-what's-traditional aspects of his work.

I've been intrigued with glass art since I attended and wrote a story about a Randy Strong workshop at Fresno State this spring, admiring the stamina, beauty and and awe-striking nature of blown glass. I've since dropped in at places such as The Sanders Gallery in Fig Garden Village, where glass art takes a prominent role, and Gallery 25, where Fresno State instructor Joseph Morel has displayed some of his pieces.

So I looked forward to Statom's lecture Thursday evening, as part of the California State University Summer Arts program in Fresno. About 70 people showed up at the Conley Lecture Hall, where Statom was going to use a huge screen to show photos of his art.

It's too bad we couldn't see an actual Statom piece but totally understandable. He can work on a gloriously large scale that combines glass and paint. While renowned Dale Chihuly creates fantastical and huge curvy explosions of glass, Statom's are linear and edgy and carry a sense of heft, an approach more in tune with abstract art.

We could only stare at the photos and hope to see his work in person some day, somewhere.

Continue reading "Summer Arts: Therman Statom" »

We at The Hive prefer not to slink into the messy world of politics. You know, the hot air/rhetoric galore/I'll promise you anything/flip flop/gotcha atmosphere we've been living with in this lively election year. But when JibJab releases a new video? That's an exception to the rule.

The Venice-based digital entertainment studio put itself on the viral map in 2004 with its humorous spoof of then presidential candidates George Bush and John Kerry vying for the highest office in the land by singing "This Land is Your Land." Since then, creators Evan and Gregg Spiridellis have conjured up some doozy animated fare that reminds politicians that they better have a sense of humor.

So, without further ado, the latest from the folks at JibJab:

Now that the glittery hoopla over "Sex and the City" has subsided, it was time for me, a 40-plus woman, to see the film.

A longtime gal pal and I finally caught it last week. Both of us were not diehard fans of the HBO series but familiar enough to know about the four main female characters and some generalities about the TV story. (I also couldn't help but notice that there were only four men in our theater audience, out of about 30 people, and that the guy closest to me was letting out some heavy "when is this going to be over" sighs about 90 minutes in.)

I had read some of the reviews, including Donald Munro's critique. Many were not complimentary, or were downright scathing, like this one from Manohla Dargis of The New York Times. (If you check rottentomatoes.com, it averaged a mediocre 51% approval rating among the nation's critics.) I sensed resentment that star Sarah Jessica Parker (aka Carrie Bradshaw) would dare revisit these characters since the series ended in 2004.

Now, having seen it, I question all the spite but understand it: This is a chick flick in the purest sense of the genre. I'm convinced only women, especially women of my age, will thoroughly enjoy it. And get it.

Continue reading ""Sex and the City: The Movie" from a female 40-plus perspective" »

If you're going to watch this evening's MLB Home Run Derby, keep an eye out for the viral "Grizzlies Ball Girl" shagging flies in the Yankee Stadium outfield.

It's true. She's the ball girl featured in the never-televised Gatorade ad that's so far snagged millions of Internet views and includes a tie-in to the Fresno Grizzlies.

My intrepid colleague Mike Oz was all over this one way before national shows like "Good Morning America" caught on, helping to push the "wow" video that shows the ball girl making an incredible Bruce Lee-like move to catch a fly. (For those who haven't seen it, it's a matter of is it real? Not real?)

And The Bee's Daniel Lyght wrote a story on how Fresno Grizzlies' pitcher Victor Santos is part of the commercial. Even The Los Angeles Times couldn't resist writing a story.

The folks at the Fresno Grizzlies today issued a release saying the young woman will be catching balls once the Home Run Derby starts at 4 o'clock today our time on ESPN. They also say the Gatorade ad now is expected to debut during the All-Star Game broadcast, on FOX (KMPH Channel 26), which starts at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

Hey, it's cool that a Fresno-related pop culture moment continues but, since this is a grand slam-like big deal, can someone identify the young woman so that she gets some proper recognition?

Those of you lining up for the new Apple iPhone today may want to read this story posted just this morning by the Associated Press. Is it just a glitch, or a sign of iPhone Armegeddon?

OK, that's me exaggerating. Let's face it, people are going to gorge on these gadgets, no matter up. But say you bristle at being part of any gotta-have-it trend, yet still want something like the iPhone. This story from ABC News outlines four options.

Meanwhile, you can read about the local run-up to iPhone mania on my colleague Will Albritton's recent blogs.

One of Kerry Yo Nakagawa's proudest projects, the film "American Pastime," continues to draw attention. The 2007 film is mentioned as part of a PRI The World audio slide show about Nisei Baseball.

The four-minute segment, called "American Pastime: Baseball Behind Barbed Wire" on The World news radio network, includes comments by Fresnan Nakagawa, the associate producer of the 2007 movie. Nakagawa, who's been an actor, also is an author, filmmaker, historian and director of the Nisei Baseball Research Project.

Reporter Clark Boyd's story is about the role of baseball in the lives of Japanese Americans, particularly during their internment in relocation camps during World War II. But it also talks about the Japanese-Americans who served during the war, such as the of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in U.S. military history.

As we approach the All-Star break for Major League Baseball, this segment is a reminder of players and events in baseball's history that have yet to be fully known or appreciated.

Look, I'm not a big fan of ABC's "The Bachelor" or its spin-off, "The Bachelorette." They throw an object of desire in front of 25 contenders, expect love to bloom with somebody and hope a marriage proposal neatly wraps up the series in a matter of weeks. It perpetuates the shallow fantasy that lasting love is easily attained and, worse, puts it in the context of a competition.

But I tuned in for Monday's "Bachelorette" finale because DeAnna Pappas, so cruelly rejected by Brad Womack last year on "The Bachelor," gamely gave it another go. At times, she was like a CEO conducting job interviews, all serious and intense. But she also wore her heart on her sleeve, teared up a lot and, too often, kept saying she wasn't going to be like Brad and lead people on (which, inevitably, she did).

So I cheer her selection of Jesse the professional snowboarder. (OK, he doesn't have a great job, but they can sign up for another reality show.) Jesse is fun. He made sure they were friends first (as much as you can do that in a few weeks). And, then he really fell for her. I loved that he was all nervous and nearly heaved on the sidewalk on the way to get the ring.

Let's face it. You knew she wasn't going to pick account executive Jason, who was like "Mr. Safe," after she dumped real estate attorney Jeremy, "Mr. Perfect," just days before.

On the after-show, the cute couple announced they will wed next May ... Of course, given this show's history of failed relationships, what are the odds that really happens?

It's a combination that probably seemed irresistible for this season of the California State University Summer Arts program in Fresno: The words of of Fresno native son William Saroyan, in this centennial year celebrating his birth, and the acting talents of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, one of the country's most respected thespian groups.

Whoever thought of it had a pretty nifty idea.

Five fine actors, most with Steppenwolf ties, took center stage Saturday night to a packed house at the John Wright Theatre at Fresno State. The quintet -- Alexandra Billings, Evelyn Case, David Razowsky, Rick Snyder and Alan Wilder -- sat on high stools, their only "props" tall music easels to hold their scripts. Behind them was a large screen and, soon into the performance, it became clear a sixth "actor" would be participating -- Saroyan himself through his voice and black-and-white photographs of the writer projected on the screen. The only other connective element in this show was music from the era when Saroyan was at his most robust, the 1930s and 1940s (plus the obvious inclusion of the Rosemary Clooney's 1951 hit, co-written by Saroyan, "Come On-a My House.")

This kind of presentation breaks down words to their core. There is no eye-popping set, no dramatic lighting or special effects, no magnificent costumes to bolster the actors' performances. This was all about the actors' ability to bring Saroyan's ideas to life.

More than that, it was an opportunity to introduce Saroyan to those who have not read his stories or seen his plays or other works. You left the evening with a greater appreciation for his humor and insight, especially in intimate matters of everyday lives.

Continue reading "Summer Arts: Steppenwolf and Saroyan" »

July 4th, the big American holiday. Lots of traditional fireworks glittering around the city in the evening, setting off colorful sparkles and booms and shrill whistles. On such an evening as this, why would anyone be indoors?

Just ask those who caught the Friday concert of gospel music performed by James Hall and choir as part of the California State University Summer Arts program in Fresno.

Why go? Two words: Vocal fireworks.

Gospel music, of course, has the power to reach into the depths of a soul and wring strength from struggle or rev ecstasy from glory. Its rhythms and harmonies, especially through a choir, remind us of the potency of unity. Gospel may be an expressive, spiritual search for God and goodness and answers to life's low moments, but -- musically -- it's also an art form of its own.

The concert, staged in the Fresno State Music Building's Concert Hall, was facilitated by CSUF professor Thomas Whit Ellis. Organizers said it was a "first of its kind" for the Summer Arts program, one that took two years to pull together. It was well worth the effort.

Continue reading "Summer Arts: Concert with James Hall and company" »

Yes, Idol lovers, winner David Cook is as nice and modestly grateful and earnest as he seems on television.

Cook and the rest of the "American Idol" Top 10 are in Fresno today for just the third concert on their long, jam-packed summer tour. Just hours before the 7 p.m. show, five of them meet with the local media at the Save Mart Center: Cook, Brooke White, Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay.

All five are friendly and talkative, trying to explain this chaotic Idol bubble they live in as they do one-on-one interviews with different media members. As you might expect, White is the effervescent presence here: Big smile. Engaging and charming. She leans in, looks you directly in the eye and chats as if you two have been chums for years.

And Cook, of course, is this season's king who wears the crown (though, today, it's a porkpie hat). With these kind of media events, you never know which of the 10 will be made available. But my Fresno group is lucky: We each get a few minutes with the rocker dude.

All five regularly use the words "fun" and "exciting" to describe the tour and the concerts. They readily admit they're not getting much sleep ... but who can sleep when there are about 50 more shows to do and so many people who adore you right now?

If you're going to tonight's concert, tell me what you thought and send me a review.

In the meantime, here's some insight from these five Idol performers before they took the stage Thursday:

Continue reading "American Idol: Pre-show chatter; send us your reviews of tonight's show" »

Here's what caught my eyes and ears this week:

• Rush Limbaugh fans can keep calling their idol for eight more years.
• Peter Cook is learning the hard way what it's like when a nasty celeb divorce airs in public.
• The Sun in the UK is reporting that twins were born ... to a 70-year-old woman. That's right. 70!
• Anyone who enjoys magazines should note the passing of editor extraordinaire Clay Felker.
• USA Today has an update on the much-anticipated film "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." However, it somehow missed the "Trainspotting" reference from this story in The Telegraph in the U.K. Hmm, not sure what to make of this. I just hope it doesn't involve Severus Snape.

Happy July 4th everyone!

I had no idea that Jason Castro had his share of "Dreadheads" around here until I wrote a story about him and fellow "American Idol" finalist Brooke White. Some folks out there just love this guy.

To help AI fans wait out the hours until the Top 10 finalists perform Thursday at the Save Mart Center, I'm sharing some AI news:

• Auditions soon will be underway for Season 8, including a July 17 stop in San Francisco.
• We know Ruben Studdard just got married, but did you know this about Season 5's Paris Bennett?
• Want to know how the AI female finalists are doing right before tour time? Check out Richard Rushfield's story in The Los Angeles Times.
• Beatboxer and Season 6 runner-up Blake Lewis is out of luck.
• Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks, with no hit records, takes a stab at Broadway.

My story on new art exhibits for July was already in The Bee this morning, when Donald Munro gave me another show that you can catch on Thursday, ArtHop night for downtown Fresno and the Tower District.

A rep for Corridor 2122, at 2122 Mono St., gave Donald some info on an eight-member show called "Liberty." The details say that it examines the idea and reality of liberty in today's society: "Some of the work explores Liberty from the personal level and some from the political, but all the work tries to ask questions about an idea that is fundamental to our society and is most often taken for granted."

Sounds like an intriguing show and right in time for the Fourth of July. The gallery also is open noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

ArtHop receptions typically run 5-8 p.m. ... and don't forget that the third Thursday of each month is ArtHop for venues in Clovis and other areas of Fresno.

I know. If you're like me, you're thinking "Didn't they learn anything from the writers' strike? The one that dragged on for 100 days and cost jobs and millions and millions of dollars? The one that totally messed up the TV season?"

For those who thrive on entertainment, you should know that the actors' contracts expire at midnight -- with no resolution in sight. It could mean the "S" word re-enters the La-La Land lexicon for another go-around. Before you start criticizing big-cashed stars and studio heads for being greedy (and, yes, there's plenty of that) don't forget that crippled productions throw barely-making-it actors and other industry workers out of jobs, too.

It also means that you can expect more dreadful reality sludge, like "I Survived a Japanese Game Show" and "Wipeout."

I won't regurgitate all the details, but, if you want to know what's happening, read these links: Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily (in fact, if you really want to keep up on this ugly fight, bookmark this blog), a Los Angeles Times' story on the Tom Hanks vs. Jack Nicholson factions, this one from the Associated Press and this one from Variety.

And, if you don't want to know, I don't blame you. Why not read a good book instead?

My husband and I were not going to miss the FSU Bulldog baseball team's go-for-broke game Wednesday. We managed to squeeze into the World Sports Cafe, where fans were screaming and cheering their lungs out. It was a beautiful moment of unity.

The team's historic 6-1 victory over those other Bulldogs from Georgia was uplifting for a university that needed some good news instead of dismal developments, the aspects of which my colleague Bill McEwen excellently covered in his column this morning.

And you just had to watch in awe as these young men -- exuding the joy of boys playing the best sport of all on a summer's evening -- were relentless but handled the pressure with a fun-loving approach. One of my favorite moments had to be after Georgia player Matt Cerione lost his bat swinging for a pitch. It flew into the Fresno State dugout. What do the FSU guys do during this super-tense contest? They duck each time Cerione takes the next three pitches. Hilarious.

Before the game, I raised the topic of just how historic this College World Series win would be. I threw in a comparison to other underdog-to-champion moments, like the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey squad's "Miracle On Ice" win over the Russian team.

A moment of hubris? Check out what they're saying across the country:

Continue reading "Fresno State Bulldogs Baseball: The wonder of it all" »

That's a point that will be debated if the Fresno State Bulldogs baseball team wins the College World Series today in Omaha. Seriously. If unranked FSU pulls this off, you could compare this to other stellar moments in underdog history. How about the U.S. Olympic hockey team's "Miracle on Ice" defeat of the Russians in 1980? Am I over the top? We'll see.

At least this might catch the attention of my colleague Donald Munro, who blogged about how not everyone is enamored or following the team's exploits. (Come on, Donald, can you now give them a little bit of love?) Even if you're not a baseball fan, you have to appreciate just how huge this kind of effort is, in any kind of competition or event.

To get you ready for today's big game, you can read The Bee's excellent coverage. But what's the rest of the country saying? Check out these stories on ESPN.com and SportsIllustrated.com and and MLB.com. And here's what The Atlanta-Constitution Journal, covering its Georgia Bulldogs, wrote about the Fresno Bulldogs' romp Tuesday over their home team.

The game starts at 4 p.m. on ESPN TV and local radio stations KMJ-580, KCBL-1340 and KEZL-1400.

Go Dogs!

When my husband and I saw George Carlin at the Saroyan Theatre in January, I was struck by how physically frail he seemed -- but then he revved into his wonderfully lacerating and hilarious commentary. He was still angry, fired up and passionate about the state of life in America, his famous fast-paced riffs washing over us.

Now word comes that his heart gave out. He died Sunday at 71. How many comedians can say they left a legacy? He was one of the most influential funny men of his generation. And Carlin's most famous routine -- about seven words you can't say on television -- led to a 1978 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the government's authority to sanction stations for airing offensive language.

Above all, Carlin was an insightful, literate humorist. His use of word play was unparalleled, cutting through phrases with the precision of a surgeon. You know, I'm wrong about Carlin being a comedian. He was an artist.

I've posted a video of my favorite Carlin routine, the classic one in which he compares baseball and football. I hope you enjoy it.

Catching up on something that caught my eye -- oh, that's a bad pun and you'll see why in a sec -- from this week's news:

A woman in Los Angeles is suing Victoria's Secret over a thong mishap. That's right. A thong mishap.

I won't go into the details. (Which also means I won't post a salacious photo of a woman wearing a thong. You're stuck with this generic Victoria's Secret store photo.) You can read the story for yourself. But it involves either a pendant or a metal fastener and the poor 52-year-old woman's eye.

There are so many kinds of comments and rhymes you can make about a situation like this. But I'm not going there. Definitely not going there.

One of the pluses of writing about art is getting out of the office and seeing what's out there. I recently had the chance to catch a panel discussion presented by some of the area's most distinguished watercolor artists at the Fresno Art Museum.

The chat helped mark the debut of "Six by Six: Tuesday by Tuesday," an exhibit of watercolors from the central San Joaquin Valley. The artists are Marie Bickford, Peggy Jelmini, Elaine Lynn, Robin Gay McCline, Milli Pepper, and Ara "Corky" Normart, whom my colleague Donald Munro recently did a story on regarding Normart's magnificent stained glass projects.

The exhibit runs through Aug. 17 at the museum, 2233 N. First St. You can read this story for a little more about the show, its origins and other exhibits at the venue this summer.

The six artists, except for Pepper, still live in the Fresno area and proved delightful company for their hour talk. Jacquelin Pilar, the museum's curator, described them as "all people of strong conviction who have devoted many years of their lives to watercolor."

Their work unfolds into sublime ranges, from McCline's architecturally influenced landscapes to Lynn's wonderful undulating abstracts. All have a mastery of color and light that is a pleasure to behold.

Continue reading "Art musings: Six by Six and exquisite glass" »

I no sooner praise Coldplay's new CD than some other band accuses the quartet of plagiarizing one of their songs.

A U.S. group named Creaky Boards says the British lads in Coldplay lifted the song "Viva La Vida" from a tune of their's called "The Songs I Didn't Write," according to a story in The Independent.

The article includes a YouTube video that Creaky Boards has posted to point out the similarities, and it's apparently going viral. A Coldplay spokesman says the band vehemently denies any copycatting.

You can judge for yourself. There does seem to be a teeny bit of similarity in melody, but I still love the Coldplay song and am playing it constantly. And its way better than the lame Creaky Boards tune. So "Viva La Vida" that!

I don't know how long it will take folks to realize there are two ArtHops each month, but here's a friendly reminder. ArtHop The first Thursday is held in venues in downtown Fresno and the Tower District. On the third Thursday, locations elsewhere in Fresno and in Clovis hold their happenings. Times both days typically is 5-8 p.m.

So here's a sample of what's out there on June 19:

• MaryAnn Nyberg's "Windows of Vision" exhibit is at the Margaret Hudson Gallery, 1936 E. Swift Ave. The gallery asks: "Have you ever wondered what blind folks 'see'?" It says Nyberg began painting in watercolors before she lost her sight, and she continues her art. The gallery also is featuring recycled metal art by Nyberg's husband, BeeBob Nyberg, and jewelry by Camille Cole. Receptions are June 19 and 20, 5-8 p.m.
• A new ArtHop participant is Vanity Boutique, 7845 N. Palm Ave. (at Nees Avenue in the Palm & Nees shopping center. Featured artist is Clifton Carrera, Fresno Magazine Artist of the Month in April 2006.
• Another new participant is North Pointe Center at Palm and Herndon avenues. Several artists will be presented, as well as music by jazz band Scats on the Sly.
• A "June Jazz" event, 5:30-7:30 p.m, will be staged next to Sycamore Framing & Art Gallery in the Save Mart Shopping Center at Marks and Herndon avenues. There will be music, and artists will include Rex Williams of the Sycamore gallery.

I rarely look forward to new music these days -- I wonder how my colleague Mike Oz endures so much banality -- but when I heard the first two tracks in recent weeks off Coldplay's new CD, I was raring to hear the rest of it.

The British band is sometimes regarded as a shallow version of U2. Or slammed that their fame surpasses their talent. Or just labeled banal.

But "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends," which dropped today, is a reach for finer form. It helps that one of the producers, Brian Eno, is a chief U2 collaborator.

Some reviewers, like this one in Rolling Stone, are not entirely impressed. But I'm not looking for a masterpiece. I appreciate that they've tried a different course -- little of Chris Martin's trademark falsettos, more attempts beyond mid-tempo pacing, more experimental sounds. They haven't made a total departure here, but they have stretched outside their normal boundaries.

Continue reading "Coldplay in better form with "Viva La Vida"" »

Here's what's caught my eye so far this week:

• Is it just me, or do you agree that "The Bachelorette" DeAnna Pappas isn't really over "The Bachelor" Brad Womack, who cruelly rejected her last year? Now that she's the chooser, she's ultra-tense and repeatedly says she doesn't want to lead on any of the guys the way that she was led on. Sounds like a setup for failure.
• Film buffs will enjoy the American Film Institute's latest list offering: "AFI's 10 Top 10" tonight on CBS. As much as I love AFI's annual show, I'm wondering if they're running out of ideas. Last year, it was a 10th anniversary update of the 100 best American films. Now they're concocting a list of top 10 in 10 different genres. I dread what's next: "The Top 10 By Zodiac Sign"?
• Special effects master Stan Winston passed away Sunday. And now comes word that MGM dance queen Cyd Charisse died today.
• And, finally, San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square, now revitalized, is revving up for a celebratory unveiling this weekend. The revamp includes more high-end shops to entice you ... unless you spent all your money on gas just to get there.

Nigel Lythgoe is one of the brains behind "American Idol," but I think his FOX show on the air now -- "So You Think You Can Dance" -- is the superior series.

Why? Look, I just slogged my way, with Donald Munro, through a subpar AI season. SYTYCD is a show I've watched in previous years, and I've been impressed with the talent and heart of the contestants. Unlike AI, you can't fake and warble your way through just on personality. SYTYCD, in highlighting a range of dance styles, is all physicality, nuance, guts, leaps and moves that make your jaw drop in disbelief. (Lythgoe, by the way, is a former dancer and a judge on this show with Simon Cowell-like frankness.)

This season is off to a dynamic start. The Top 20, performing as couples Wednesday to demanding choreography from the likes of the inimitable Mia Michaels and others, kicked off the competition with winning energy and grace. But, like AI, people will be eliminated.

It's early, but the dazzlers on Wednesday were Katee and Joshua (with their dance about a soldier going off to war) and Chelsea T., who's a force of nature. Tune in tonight to see who goes home.

After reading my colleague Donald Munro's rundown on the new Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco and upcoming must-see exhibits in that city, I just had to add one more suggestion to your summer art romp:

The Huntington in Southern California has re-opened its art gallery after a two-year, $20 million renovation. Classic masterworks, such as Thomas Gainsborough's "The Blue Boy," have a statelier, stellar and more impressive home.

You can get an idea of the "new" art gallery experience from a story by Christopher Knight, The Los Angeles Times' art critic.

I know gas is heading toward $5 territory but consider a visit to The Huntington, its refurbished mansion and its glorious European art collection as a personal investment in art education.

Anyone who a year ago forked over $400 to $600 for the new Apple iPhone must right now be A) gagging, B) feeling foolish, C) e-mailing an angry note to Steve Jobs, or D) couldn't care less because it's all about bragging rights.

The spiffy, beefed up iPhone is on its way for about half the cost. Apple even boasts about it on its Web site: "Twice as fast. Half the price."

The news about the the revamped iPhone is enticing: The gadget is based in 3G technology to speed up its network, and it has GPS technology and a bunch of other new applications. The new version will be available, starting July 11.

And yet I'm looking at that price tag. For full disclosure, I don't have the iPhone (only an iPod nano), so this doesn't dent my pocketbook. But, say I had bought an 8 gigabyte original model last year. It would have cost me $599 in those heady first days (a 4-gigabyte was $499). Apple later dropped the $599 to $399 and began phasing out the 4-gig.

The new, flashier 8-gigabyte is $199. If I want the 16-gigabyte, it's $299.

Was it worth it, iPhoners, to be first on the block last year? Do you feel like guinea pigs? Should we all just wait and see what Jobs and Co. come out with next year, instead of plunking down more cash for this model?

I'll give Jobs points for one thing: He's timed this just as Americans are getting those government stimulus checks.

That was the winning word for the 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee champ David Scott Pilarski Tidmarsh. Talk about intimidating. A lot of us wouldn't have gotten past the fourth letter.

Tonight, the 2008 championship finals will air at 8 p.m. on ABC (KFSN, Channel 30 locally) and I, for one, will be watching. I know Coarsegold's Tia Natasha-Elizabeth Thomas this morning earned a spot in the round. She's featured in a story in today's Bee written by colleague Michael Doyle. You can see how she got there by reading today's update.

Why watch a spelling bee? Not only is it an educational event, but it packs just as much dramatic punch as any sporting competition. No wonder ESPN started broadcasting it a few years ago. Look what you've got: Gut-wrenching suspense. Nail-biting nervousness. Brief smiles of relief. Failure. Triumph. Heck, one year a boy even fainted.

And these are all earnest, hard-working kids. You wish they could all win. But, tonight, let's all cheer on Tia!

The new Holiday Inn on Van Ness Avenue in downtown Fresno means the top floor Sky Room soon re-opens for a glamorous return.

Those of us who have lived in the city for a while remember the room with its striking, nearly panoramic view from its days as the Hilton Hotel (its last incarnation was as a Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, closing in November 2002). Bee business reporter Sanford Nax