In the presence of Saints

Well I skipped town without you guys knowing. I'm at Saints Training Camp in Jackson, Miss., working on an upcoming Preview story. Check back Friday for the next update and enjoy the week.

A new day, a new Preview

Tomorrow is the day of change. Your Friday Preview section beefs up with additional content and your Friday Living favorites. Games, horoscopes, comics, TV grid, advice columns will all move inside Preview.

Another addition to the weekly entertainment section is Click -- a full-page of color photos submitted by you. So, take the chance to show Shreveport what you've been up to and send your photos to preview@gannett.com. Make sure to identify those photographed and tell us where you are.

I've got the blues and I'm wearing them

I attended a networking, wine and cheese mixer last week for young professionals at artspace. As I walked in, I noticed I was the only not-so-professional professional wearing blue jeans. Maybe this should have taught me a lesson, but instead I just thought to myself, "I'm so glad I don't have to wear a pant suit every day."

But the event and cheese were better than I expected. Sure, business cards were flying and I talked about things I'd never really talk about, such as neurosurgery and the fate of the newspaper industry. But I consider these YP events good for some.

If you like talking about work, go. If you are new to the area, you should go too. If you like cheese, don't miss the next event. You can read more about YP events in Friday's Preview.

Also, while at artspace I listened to Buddy Flett play for a bit. Last week, the Shreveport musician's album, "Mississippi Sea," reached No. 2 on XM's Bluesville channel. After playing, Flett passed on one of his CDs to me. The album is nothing like what Flett does with The Bluebirds. It's laid back, warm-hearted and rich with stories about life in the South. Nine of the 12 acoustic blues songs were written or co-written by Flett. The album is available at iTunes and CD Baby.

Bragging rights

I have to take a moment to say I'm so proud of this guy.

My little brother, Taylor, played one of his best rounds of golf Tuesday to win the city junior amateur. After a rough round and posting a 79 on his first day, Taylor returned yesterday ready to play.

Taylor, a sophomore at Byrd, posted a 66 to win. I'd like to say I taught him some of what he knows, but if you've ever seen me swing a club you'd know this couldn't be true. In fact, it would probably serve me well to take some lessons from him.

So, rather than exaggerate the facts, I'll just say today I'm a very proud big sis.

Flannagan's closes doors on Kings Highway

Flannagan's has shut its doors, at least for now.

The popular music spot near the corner of Youree Drive and Kings Highway has closed for reasons owner Robbie Buhl won't share. But there is hope for those who have been faithful concertgoers and drinkers at the Shreveport venue. Buhl promises the shut down is only temporary while he looks to relocate somewhere downtown.

Upcoming concerts will be postponed, but Buhl says the new location should be open in about two weeks. Hopefully the new location will have better air conditioning.

Stay in with prime entertainment

The Nielsen ratings are in for July 9-15, and I have a bone to pick with America. Surely there has been a mistake.

How is it possible that the most entertaining television program of the summer is not listed? How do reruns of "CSI" and other crime dramas beat out my favorite show? America, why aren't you watching "Big Brother 8?"

Joey Fatone's "The Singing Bee" earned the top spot for last week with 13.31 million viewers. I didn't choose Fatone to win "Dancing with the Stars." Frankly I found his funny-guy behavior a little over the top and obnoxious. I don't care if 13.31 million people disagree with me, it's not really "Tearin' Up My Heart" to say so.

Each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday night, my friend Kate and I religiously watch "Big Brother." During commercial breaks we chat about whether or not the sparks between Nick and Danielle are legitimate. We debate if Jen could be any more self-centered and joke about what her T-shirt will read next. So far we've seen "Jensa Member" and "I'm a Jenius." We are planning to send her a shirt that reads "Jenocide." It's a like a domestic version of "Survivor," I love it and so should you.

It's not too late to get in on the action. Check out the show on CBS:

Tuesday, 8 p.m.

Thursday, 7 p.m.

Sunday, 7 p.m.

Join the network

Networking -- the word makes me cringe. If you look it up in the dictionary it should read, "Friendships with a motive."

The idea seems cold and detached to me. Mixing, mingling, discussing life goals and my five-year plan just doesn't sound like much fun. In five years, the only thing I can hope for is that my car will be paid off and my dog will be fully house trained. For many of my peers, this probably isn't the case. I'm sure some attend these type events to meet like-minded people and other up-and-coming professionals in their area.

But, I can't knock it until I try it. So, I'm going to network. I'm taking a friend with me and inviting you to come along. The notice says the event is a "wine and cheese networking/social hour." Since my friends and I gather weekly for wine and cheese nights, I'm feeling at ease knowing my friends Swiss, Munster and Gouda will be in attendance. The event is Thursday night and reservations are a must. Here are the details.

Attention all Young Professional Employees, you're invited to join other Young Professionals in attendance on Thursday, July 19th at ArtSpace on Texas Street in downtown Shreveport. The event celebrates the opening of a contemporary computer digital work exhibit by artist Matt DeFord. A wine and cheese networking/social hour with a cash bar and live music by Blues Duo Howell and Caskey will begin at 6 p.m. Art Mobbers will board a trolley at 7 p.m. and visit more than a dozen cultural and historic locations downtown, and learn fascinating facts about Shreveport. Prize tokens will be presented to winners of a trivia contest following the ride. Admission is $7.00 per person. RSVP TODAY, Seating on the trolley is limited!!!! Call FeFe at 318.677.2505 or email your RSVP to info@shreveportchamber.org. This event is sponsored by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council at ArtSpace on Texas Street in Downtown Shreveport.

You be the judge

Everyone is a critic and one entertainment Web site is feasting on that theory. OurStage is conducting a democratic online competition for music and film lovers to voice their opinions.

Fans get to decide who's the best in emerging music and film by watching videos or listening to music and casting their votes. Music categories are divided by genre, so you can judge the type of music you enjoy.

Winners will receive high-profile performances, showcases and prizes, including stage time at Bumbershoot: Seattle's Music & Arts Festival, Virgin Festival by Virgin Mobile, CMJ Music Marathon, Starbucks Music Maker and others.

Log on to www.ourstage.com. Cast your votes and pass some time.

Paula, Straight Up Now Tell Me ...

As part of my lazy weekend activities, I caught an episode of Bravo's "Hey Paula." I was curious about the show due to the swarm of controversy about Paula Abdul's bizarre behavior and accusations that she was drunk during recent interviews.

Abdul probably agreed to the reality show to put herself in positive light, but I think her plan backfired. In fact, I think her show is making the accusations against her worse. I watched the show and even though Abdul kept going on about how tired and hungry she was, I had a hard time believing she wasn't drunk. I've been tired and I can't remember my speech ever slurring because of it. If you haven't been watching, I suggest you tune in. It's possibly one of the strangest TV shows of the summer.

On a related note, "American Idol" auditions are heating up for the show's seventh season. On Aug. 4-7, "Idol" auditions will be held at Texas Stadium in Dallas and I'm looking for a few local contestants to tag along with. I know there is no point in me singing for the judges, but I'd like to see what contestants endure for their shot at stardom.

Superstar singer is really just a country girl at heart

It was 11:20 a.m. and I was starting to believe I was being stood up. I was expecting a call. Actually, that's an understatement -- I was expecting the call.

After weeks of work and hoop jumping, my phone was scheduled to ring at 11 a.m. and Martina McBride was going to be on the line. I had my questions ready to go. Out of respect for the artist, it is my duty to be prepared.

Just before 11:30 a.m., my phone rang. "Hey Stephanie, this is Martina." Well, that was a good start. Usually big-time performers come across as somewhat put out to be on the phone with yet another reporter. Not Martina McBride. She was warm and friendly and chatty. The conversation felt more like a talk with someone I knew rather than an interview with one of the greatest female country singers of our time.

But that's what people love about McBride. She's not famous. In her mind, she's a singer. She's your everyday girl who treats her career as a blessing rather than something she's entitled to --even after millions of record sales.

As a mother of three, her family takes priority. McBride spent equal time talking about her family and her music during our interview. With so much success in an industry centered on selling yourself, it was awesome to chat with a premiere artist who remains so grounded.

You can read the story in tomorrow's Preview or by clicking on entertainment at http://www.shreveporttimes.com/.

Changes in store

Change is good, isn't that what they say? In the coming weeks you'll see some additions and changes to Preview and one of these changes I think you guys will love.

We're adding an out-and-about photo page. I'll snap some pictures when I'm out each weekend, but mostly we want you to send in photos you take. So, if you're out this weekend take some pictures and send them my way at snetherton@gannett.com.

There are a few guidelines. Target age is 20 and 30 year olds and when you send in a photo be sure to include the names of the people photographed and tell us where you are.

There are two sides to family vacations and two sides to every photo taken. The first catches you when you're ready. It reveals a lovely, smiling family perfectly posed in matching white and khaki as though to say, "This vacation was so relaxing. Isn't family time great?" Like so:

The second photo, snapped when you are least expecting says, "Sometimes these people drive me crazy!" Like so:Both pictures tell the truth of my seven day family trip to the Gulf Coast. But regardless of all the teasing with one another, my family had a great time away from the rain-soaked streets of Shreveport.

After returning Friday night, I made sure to stop by the Losing Anna concert Saturday. These reunion shows seem to be just as much fun for the band as they are for the audience. But I suppose some must be wondering, how many reunion shows does it take to reunite a band? Like counting licks to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll pop, the world may never know.

However, the charm of Michael Donner can not go unrecognized. One front-row fan was feeling "Sparks" for the not-single singer. After hiking her leg and revealing her undies to the frontman, the awe struck blondie was quickly escorted out of Flannagan's. I have no pictures to offer from this incident, but a fan and photog, Mindy, was happy to share some of her pics from the night here.