in Shreveport

In Shreveport moves to The Times

2008-04-22T12:01:00.003-05:00

The In Shreveport blog has found a new home at www.shreveporttimes.com.

You can now find me here.

Come say hello!

Meet my newest newsroom neighbor

2008-04-17T11:45:00.004-05:00

This arrangement, standing at 4 feet, arrived at the office for me yesterday and my first thought was, "Surely there has been a mistake." The delivery arrived mid-morning. When Peaches called my name and pointed at the gigantic arrangement, the only thing I could do was point to myself and say, "me?"

To my surprise, she nodded yes.

I haven't received flowers in a long time, and I had no idea who they could be from. The only reasonable answer was that some florist had made a mistake. I walked over to Peaches' desk and checked the card. Sure enough, they were for me and photographer Val Horvath.

Everyone in the office wanted to know who they were from, and there was some shock when I said, "a biker bar." Val and I recently did a story on steak night at Coyote's Bar and owner Leslie Conger sent flowers to say thanks.

They currently sit to the left of my desk, towering over me, and they've been a conversation starter for our newsroom. Here are some of the comments from myself and fellow Times staffers:

"I think Rod's going to offer it a position on the copy desk."

"It's like you're sitting underneath your own personal shade tree."

"Those flowers were in my dream last night."

"I keep thinking they're going to lean over and start pecking me on the head."

"I'm not sure who's taller, you or the flowers."

"You never know what to expect during the day. But you never plan to come to work and see something like that."

(Almost) every golfer has his day

2008-04-15T11:52:00.003-05:00

I've played golf since I was in elementary school. I remember my first bag of clubs, my first pair of golf shoes, lessons with my dad and local pros and many terrible rounds of learning.

My family loves golf so much that many, many years ago they put their construction skills to good use and built their own golf course. Nine of the 18 holes are topped off with tall lights, similar to those used at the old Baptist Ballpark, allowing people to play long after the sun sets. Back then it was one of the first courses in the country to do such a thing and to this day you won't find many other night courses around.

The course design is simple, mostly Par 3s, and it yields itself to an easy hole-in-one. Well, as easy as a hole-in-one ever comes to a player. Even with a home field advantage, I've never had a hole-in-one. My brothers have. The last time I counted, my 16-year-old brother had made 13. His hole-in-ones are equal to his years playing the game.

I've come close, but close doesn't cut it or get your name printed in the agate. I've played and payed my dues, why no hole-in-one? The game continues to prove none of us are worthy. Golf seems to choose your time and victories. That shot you nailed yesterday on the right hole with that magic club, well, in the golf world all of that could land you OB the very next day. It's merciless.

This is my only explanation for a story I read today. How does an 85-year-old blind guy make a hole-in-one, but I can't seem to make it happen? I've sacrificed many white orbs to the Golf Gods over the years, but my time has yet to come. No doubt I'll continue to pay my dues, and pray, and maybe one day the game will shine on me too.

Legally Blind Golfer, 85, Gets Ace

GREEN VALLEY, Ariz. (AP) -- An 85-year-old legally blind golfer from southern Arizona made a hole-in-one this week on a par-3 course. Robert Dunham accomplished the feat on the third hole at Tortuga in Green Valley.

Playing with a group of fellow blind veterans enrolled in a Veterans Affairs health care system program, Dunham's volunteer assistant lined him up with the ball, handed him a 9-iron and stepped back.

Dunham swung through the ball, hit it squarely and it landed softly on the green, taking one hop before nestling into the bottom of the cup.

Dunham's group erupted into a cacophony of cheers and high-fives.

The World War II vet's first reaction?

"I thought they were kidding me," Dunham said. "I told them, 'You guys better not be pulling my leg.'"

The retired Honeywell manager began losing his vision about 10 years ago, but has been in the VA program for only three weeks.

Augusta's forever in my heart

2008-04-10T13:41:00.003-05:00

At this time last year I was eating a turkey sandwich in Amen Corner with my best friend. Today, I'm at work with the first round of the Masters in full swing at Augusta.

I'm trying to not complain too much about it, but I'd be lying if I said my heart wasn't hurting a little bit today. I know how lucky I am. Most people don't get to walk onto Augusta National. And even fewer people get to witness the Sunday round of golf's most prestigious major. I was fortunate enough to do both.

My friend, LJ, who went to the Masters with me last year, feels a similar pain. This morning, just after the first round began we fired off a string of text messages reminiscing about our day in the gallery.

LJ: I know you are probably just getting up but I had to share my emotions with someone. I just watched Arno tee off. I'm a little misty eyed now.
STEPH: I know. We did not consider the after effects of Augusta.
LJ: I'm going to need counseling. I mean, I'm not in Augusta. What do I have to live for?
STEPH: Nothing. I miss the sandwiches.
LJ: I miss the old men.
STEPH: I miss that little Asian woman who slept on your feet at 18.
LJ: I do not miss that one.
STEPH: Just checking. I was planning medical attention if you miss that one.
LJ: I don't miss the roach that was on your bed either.
STEPH: Oh me either! I would have slept better if you actually killed it.
LJ: Ha! I totally forgot about that! Swing and a miss.
STEPH: And you didn't even trade beds with me.
LJ: Hell no! There was a killer roach on the loose.

As you can tell, our accommodations weren't five star, but it was still the trip of my life.

Favorite "Cosby" kid to perform at CenturyTel Center

2008-04-09T11:10:00.007-05:00

It's a tough call when trying to decide who's the cutest from their early days on "The Cosby Show."

Rudy or Olivia? The world may never know.

My original answer is Rudy. She set the bar high in her early days. She was the original kiddo holding her own against heavyweight comedian Bill Cosby.

But then there is Olivia ... oh, how she could make me laugh. Even in the final years, when the show was a little less interesting than it had been years before, Olivia was the highlight.

But when we consider post-"Cosby Show" success, there really is no contest. Keshia Knight Pulliam's (Rudy) greatest accomplishment was a season of "The Mole." And she didn't even win the game.

Raven-Symone has created an empire, with a little help from the Disney Channel. She's built film and TV credits and is one of the kids pulling in big bucks for the Disney network. Symone is hitting the road in promotion of her new album, and her tour includes a June 24 date at the CenturyTel Center.

Symone will perform with special guests Mitchel Musso, B5 and Clique Girlz. Fans are invited to wear their favorite pajamas and come early for pj party activities.

Tickets are $29.50 to $49.50 and go on sale Saturday. Purchase tickets for the show at the CenturyTel Center box office, by phone at (318) 741-9700 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

A benefit for Buddy

2008-04-08T14:37:00.003-05:00

If you've ever met local musician Buddy Flett then you know his name says it all. He's a warm and friendly person. He's always quick to offer praise to others, and he's slow to accept it in return. He's a good musician. In fact, he's one of our area's best, but he's humble and that's one of the biggest factors to his charm.

In February, Buddy was diagnosed with viral encephalitis. His memory has suffered as well as his craft. He hasn't been able to play since the diagnosis and, as you can imagine for a professional musician, the pain is hitting his pocketbook as well.

Longtime friend Kenny Wayne Shepherd will make a special appearance April 27 at the Strand with Hubert Sumlin to headline a benefit concert to help Buddy financially. Here's more of the story.

A Benefit for Buddy Flett

WHEN: 7 p.m. April 27.
WHERE: Strand Theatre, 619 Louisiana Ave., Shreveport.
COST: $25 and $35. $100, VIP tickets, including meet and greet with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Hubert Sumlin and other artists.Tickets are available at the Strand Theatre box office or by calling (318) 226-8555.

Does Pop-A-Lock make house calls?

2008-04-07T14:47:00.002-05:00

I tried to outsmart my dog this afternoon and ended up outsmarting myself.

A few weeks ago, I blogged about my dog's anxiety and how he hates it when I leave. We haven't made great strides since then. Rather, I've just tried to trick him each time I leave the house. I'll bait him by pretending to walk out of the house, he follows and then I snag him and put him in his house. This plan has gotten a little watered down now that he expects me to fake him out each time I leave the house.

I was sure the plan would work on Baxter today. I'd taken a moment to sit outside before returning to work. Baxter was playing on the patio and enjoying the weather just as much as I was and when he least expected it, I snagged him. It was one of my most flawless captures in several weeks.

With Bax in his house, I locked the door, walked out to my car, paused and realized I was keyless. I walked to the back door and peeked through the window and longingly stared at my keys hanging on the key hook. Dang it. Locked out without my keys.

I gave my roommate a call and fortunately discovered her dad had stashed a spare key a few weeks ago when the house was being worked on.

I wasn't keyless for long, but I'm sure Baxter thought I'd gotten what I deserved. If only dogs could talk.

Jump start

2008-04-04T12:34:00.007-05:00

There are many things I think I know how to do, although I've never had to do them.

Most of these things are car related, like changing a tire or jump starting a dead battery. I've also never gardened, but I think I could plant some flowers if necessary. No promises on keeping them alive.

I'm good for some things. Mostly picking out clothing, shoes and good music. But I also can keep a house immaculate. I get it honest. Growing up, my family referred to my dad as "Mr. Clean," and it wasn't because he wore a giant, gold hoop earring.

I can cook too. Chicken Marsala, cheese tortellini with homemade alfredo sauce ... and I'm not even Italian.

But back to the things I can't do ... which I learned a lot about this week when my car battery died. I was supposed to go to my friend's house for dinner. I was on the phone with Laura, who I never call Laura so from here on I'll refer to her as LJ, to tell her I was leaving my house. I cranked my car and instead of the rumble of a strong engine, it just sort of puttered and died.

"Crap, my battery just died. So, you want to come over here for dinner?," I told LJ.

"Do you have jumper cables?," she asked.

"Yeah, never been used, but I'm sure we can figure it out."

"OK, on the way."

While I waited on LJ, I pulled my lifesaving roadside assistance bag out of the way back. I unwrapped my jumper cables and sat them on the hood of the car. Once LJ arrived, the comedy unfolded. We attached the battery to her Jeep, no problem, but under my hood was a mystery.

For some strange reason every part has a cover. Yes, a cover. As if I really care if the engine stuff is decorative. Unlike a sofa slip cover, this seems pointless to me. No one is going to look under my hood and call my engine tacky or outdated. Anyway, after about 10 minutes of uncovering stuff to find fuses and everything else, we uncover the battery and hook up the cables.

"Do we crank it now?," LJ asked.

"Umm ... yeah, I think so."

"OK. I'm going to stand back in case you are wrong."

"Good idea."

I turned the key and nothing exploded or sparked. And as simple as this is to many people, it was miraculous to us. Our rookie at bat was a home run.

The following day, while I was waiting for what felt like hours to have my battery changed, LJ sent a text my way.

"I'm still so damn proud that we were able to jump the car off without a burn injury to either of us."

I agree. I'm scratching "jump starting a car" off my list of things I can't do.

The doctor is in

2008-04-01T12:03:00.005-05:00

I got home last night and immediately got in bed. Not the "oh, I'll lay down for a few minutes, and in 15, I'll get up and be useful." I'm talking under the covers, in my blue jeans, earrings still on, not comfortable but not going anywhere kind of rest. I was a little grumpy and my throat and head hurt. I hate allergies.

However, I did have enough energy to reach over and hit the power button on my TV remote to find a new episode of "How I Met Your Mother." This show is one of my favorites. Very creative, dry, cynical. I love it. But I was still grumpy.

I enjoyed the show. It was one of the best I've seen, and it all centered around the womanizing character, Barney, played by Neil Patrick Harris. The episode was funny, but I wasn't laughing out loud, probably because of my allergy aches and pains.

The entire episode was about Barney apologizing to all the women he'd wronged over the years in hopes of having a breakthrough or moment of self discovery. This is where it got extremely funny. The final scene opened with the theme song to "Doogie Howser," and there sat Neil Patrick Harris typing in his journal about his day.

Harris was making fun of himself and it was flawless. Most actors who are remembered for a character like Harris is for Doogie, would try to carve out a career and ignore the characters of their past. But, Harris used it for humor and it killed. I laughed until my eyes watered and pulled myself out of bed to have dinner with a friend.

Looks like Neil Patrick Harris is still what the doctor ordered, with or without Doogie.

Your first chance to see NKOTB

2008-03-31T15:00:00.002-05:00

In blog's NKOTB beat reporter Ashley Whittington sent me this e-mail a few minutes ago. Looks like it's really happening. I usually watch Good Morning America, but it looks like Friday I'll have to sneak in a few minutes of the Today Show. Set your TiVos.

New Kids on the Block to Appear on Today Show

Looks like the Today Show's got the right stuff: All five original New Kids on the Block members – Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood and brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight – will appear together in the morning show's courtyard on April 4, a source tells PEOPLE.

After months of speculation, PEOPLE confirmed in January that the band is reuniting – just in time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of their mega-hit album Hangin' Tough. The group also recently updated its Web site, nkotb.com. The boy band, which made legions of tweens swoon in the early '90s, selling more than 50 million albums, became a worldwide phenomenon before calling it quits in 1994.

Since then, the oldest "Kid," Jonathan Knight, 39, retreated back to Boston to become a real estate developer. Former members Wahlberg, 38, and McIntyre, 35, have seen acting success, while Wood, 38, has worked as a music producer and Jordan Knight, 37, has continued to record.

Ben Folds plays here Friday

2008-03-31T13:57:00.003-05:00

Ben Folds is coming to town. I haven't seen much advertising for the show beyond the Kings Highway area, so I though I would pass on the word about the concert Friday night.

Ben Folds and Eef Barzelay will play at 8 p.m. Friday night at the Centenary Gold Dome. Tickets are $15 in advance in admissions at the student life office on Centenary's campus and $20 online and at the door. To buy tickets online, go to http://www.centenarytickets.edu/.

I've never seen Ben Folds live, so I'm pretty excited about the concert. Hopefully, he'll play some Ben Folds Five stuff too. I'd hate to go to the concert and not hear my best friend's anthem, "Kate."

Easter Sunday memories

2008-03-27T15:38:00.005-05:00

My column tomorrow will discuss some of my favorite Easter memories like egg hunting and being force fed ham. In an attempt to get us geared up for that, I decided to post this picture from many Easters ago.

That's me and half of my brother on the steps of Nana and Mick's house on Easter morning. It was the traditional holiday photo shoot, but apparently Chris was done since he's exiting to the right. It's hard to tell, but our outfits were color coordinating that year. Pale green was the color of choice. For some reason, my mom took it upon herself to dress us like Jack and Jill for the first five years of our lives.

We weren't twins, but you would have thought she wanted us to be.

Anyway, I don't look completely happy in the pic. Even though I clearly LOVED the stuffed bunny the Easter Bunny had given me. And, if you look closely, I got an awesome toy saxophone that year too. The Bunny had been good to me, but I was disgruntled for one reason. That God-forsaken dress.

My poor mother probably had this dress made for this one day and this one picture, but I hated that dress. We would continue this trend for about four more years. Ridiculous dress after ridiculous dress. I believe the following year I was forced into a similar style dress in pale blue. But that dress was worse. Jingles bells were sewn into the layers of the skirt and everywhere I went my dress jingled like a cat collar.

I didn't learn much about Jesus that year. I was too busy hunting the bells and ripping them out of the dress. I didn't get in too much trouble. After all, I grew up in overalls and boots playing in gigantic piles of dirt at construction sites.

My mom should have known better.

How I remember my Uncle Tilly

2008-03-25T17:02:00.004-05:00

If you based it strictly on proximity, my family must really like each other. My grandpa and his brother have lived one house apart for my entire life. I grew up within walking distance of most of my cousins, five minutes away from more cousins and just 10 minutes away from my grandparents. We're a close group based on location alone.

My great uncle Tilly passed away Saturday and today we all gathered to celebrate his life. Since he and his wife, Ruth, always lived just down the street from Nana and Mick, we would always ended up at their house for a little while on holidays.

In the summer months, it was rare to pass Ruth and Tilly's house without seeing him sitting in the garage in his lawn chair and waving to the cars as they passed. Tilly's eyes weren't the best, but he waved to everyone. We would often stop to run up the driveway and hug his neck, and I can't remember a time that he wasn't thrilled to see us. This is one of my favorite memories of my great uncle, but so many wonderful stories of his life were shared today.

People talked about his years at LSU, where he played football and met Mrs. Ruth. After more than 60 years of marriage, he still described her as the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. He was a smart businessman, a fisherman, a Purple Heart recipient, a devoted husband, father, granddad and great granddad, and most importantly a man of strong faith.

I think my cousin Patrick said it best, "I'm just happy to have known him and shared his name."

See it for yourself

2008-03-19T10:29:00.003-05:00

This morning I received a note from Jill Edwards. I mentioned her in my Keith Urban review, although not by name. Jill was the fan who carried a sign and baby gift to the Keith Urban concert and he actually called her up on stage. Here's her note:

Hi! My name is Jill Edwards... I am the woman that brought the LSU onesie to to the Keith Urban concert on March 2 in Bossier City. I just wanted to write a note of thanks for mentioning the experience in your paper. It was quite a night, wasn't it? I've never been so excited! And someone from the crowd posted a note on his website saying that she had video of the experience! She sent it to me and I've posted it on You Tube for all my friends to see! Anyway... I just wanted to say thanks for the nice review and that I really appreciate it!

If you couldn't attend the concert for yourself, check out this video. It really was an amazing sight.

Thanks to Jill for writing and sending this my way.

The problem with being George Turklebaum

2008-03-13T14:47:00.003-05:00

Ashley, my sister-in-law to be, sent me this story earlier today. You never know if these things or true or not, but it's got a good point.

There's a problem with being George Turklebaum, and it's not just that unfortunate last name. This guy busted his hump, was the first and last guy in the office and look at where it landed him -- dead at his desk for five days without anyone noticing!

I'm sure editing medical manuscripts is a drag. Enough of a drag to make George appear dead-like, but five days without a co-worker noticing this guy had clocked out? Come on!

In the morning, there was no one to say "Hey George!?"

Five days?

How is it that we're surrounded by people, but we never really notice them?

What's that smell?

2008-03-12T14:31:00.003-05:00

When my editor started talking about this story, I couldn't help but laugh.

MSNBC's Top 5 stinky Hollywood men. Well, they may not actually smell bad, but they sure do look like they've ditched the rules of hygiene.

I'll probably never get close enough to have the pleasure of smelling these stinkers, but Kate Hudson won't stand downwind of Matthew McConaughey again. As the story goes, during the filming of "Fool's Gold" she tried to tell him he stunk, but he wouldn't listen. Just like a man, huh?

So let's make a list of Top 5 stinky-looking female celebs. I'll start with the obvious: Amy Winehouse. After all, didn't she recently get some sort of rash because of her poor bathing habits?

This circus was so much more fun than mine

2008-03-11T17:28:00.003-05:00

Goodness, life has felt like a circus lately.

I helped host a baby shower Saturday morning, attended a rehearsal dinner Friday night, my house is under repair, my dog's been ill and I've been working on this major prom story that will run Sunday. Oh, and in my spare time I've helped critique some senior projects at my Alma Mater, the City of Byrd. I'm tired just thinking about all that junk.

But this weekend I attended a circus that was much more fun than the mess I'm currently juggling. Cirque du Soleil's "Saltimbanco" stopped for three performances at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City. It was such a fantastic show. It was funny, colorful and imaginative.

Here's a link to my review from the show and also glance through the photo gallery by Doug Collier.

Sweet 16

2008-03-07T11:38:00.003-06:00

The golf birthday cake is a tradition in my family. It doesn't matter how old you are, or if you even play golf, when birthday time rolls around you better expect a golf scene atop your birthday cake.

Only two members of my family are excused from the golf cake -- my cousins Michael and Donna. They're both in the military and have served in war. My grandparents pay tribute to their hard service with a dessert desert war scene, complete with tanks and troops. Yeah, it's a little crazy.

Last night, Taylor's birthday was all we expected. A nice family dinner, followed by Guitar Hero, the golf cake, a few cards, a little cash, another year passes, right? But there was more in store for my younger bro. After blowing out the candles on his cake, my stepmom asked him to take out the trash. He walked out the door, trash in hand, and sitting in the garage was his first car.

It didn't take long for Taylor to get behind the wheel. We loaded up in the car and backed out of the driveway -- going a little faster than I was comfortable with. We were still in reverse, and we'd almost hit my stepmom's car and the shed. That's when Chris and I buckled up in the backseat. With my dad in the front seat, they fumbled to turn on the headlights and to figure out the windshield wipers. My dad reached to flick on the dome light and instead opened the sunroof.

"Man, this car is getting the best of you guys," Chris joked from the backseat.

Once we got rolling forward, the ride was fairly smooth. I'm sure Taylor went to bed excited. However, judging by today's weather, I doubt he'll get to test his new wheels out on the road.

I can't believe he's driving

2008-03-06T15:13:00.003-06:00

I knew this day would come. My stepmom has talked about it for years, "It's hard to believe in 10 years my little boy will be driving."

At that point, it was hard to believe. Today, not so much.

My brother, Taylor, turned 16 today, checked out of school and got his license. I've let Taylor drive my car a couple of times. It's terrifying. Not because he's a bad driver, but he's my little brother. It seems like just a few years ago he was learning to walk, and we were watching Barney tapes. And now it feels unnatural for him to be big enough to drive me around town. Or for him to drive around town on his own.

I think this story will run in the police briefs. You know, just to encourage people to use extreme caution. It could be a rocky couple of weeks on the road. I'm taking a page out of my own book with this one. I totaled my first car, a sweet Acura, on Christmas Day on my neighbor's car parked across the street on the small circular Joe Mae Lane. I was going 25 mph.

Good luck Taylor. Buckle up. That driveway can be tricky!

Funny Bone makes move to Boardwalk

2008-03-04T11:49:00.004-06:00

The last joke was told Sunday night at the Funny Bone in downtown Shreveport. The comedy club, an original tenant in the Red River District, closed its doors Sunday and started its move Monday across the river to Louisiana Boardwalk.

Unable to expand in its small spot in the district, the owners decided to move to the former King Pinz in the Boardwalk. But more than good jokes are in store. The new Funny Bone will also be home to a dueling piano bar.

Here's the full story.

Tell me what you guys think. I'm actually surprised the move didn't come sooner. Is the move a good idea? After all, two other businesses have flopped in the exact same location. Are dueling pianos enough to draw in a crowd each weekend?

My girlfriends and I visited a dueling piano bar two summers ago in Las Vegas. Of all the sights and excitement Vegas has to offer, this was my favorite spot. Hopefully, Shreveport ... oops, I mean Bossier City ... will have the same opinion.

Keith Urban connects with the crowd

2008-03-03T17:55:00.003-06:00

I'm a little slow to blog today. Sorry, I was up late with Keith Urban. Don't worry Nicole, I'm just talking about last night's four hour long concert at the CenturyTel Center. Carrie Underwood was there too.

I'm not normally a huge fan of huge concerts. I like my struggling artist -- their desperation to make it big usually means they work harder to entertain. Plus, most artists fail to connect with arena audiences, but Keith Urban changed my mind. It was a priceless show. He was funny, charming and flipped his exceptional good looking hair with finesse. Oh, the music was good too.

Here's my serious opinion on the show. There's also a link to a photo gallery.

Puddle of Mudd tour brings Tyler Read back home

2008-02-28T15:07:00.006-06:00

Local boys Tyler Read will be back in town soon to perform March 6 at Horseshoe's Riverdome. Even though the guys are one of two openers for Puddle of Mudd, the show should be good stuff. Tyler Read has toured with other notable bands, but this is their most mainstream tour yet.

Puddle of Mudd emerged in 2001 with "Come Clean." The album sold over 5 million copies and spawned four radio hits, including "Blurry" and "She Hates Me." Their next album, "Life on Display," didn't celebrate the same success as "Come Clean." But the album still earned gold certification.

The group's third album released in October and the first single "Famous" made it on the rock charts.

The sounds of Tyler Read and Puddle of Mudd aren't similar, yet they're compatible. Both appeal to rock fans. Who ever you follow, make it out to the Riverdome to cheer on Tyler Read -- Shreveport's own local group on the rise.

WHO: Puddle of Mudd with special guests Neurosonic and Tyler Read.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. March 6.

WHERE: Riverdome at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, 711 Horseshoe Blvd., Bossier City.
COST: $20.

Bob Zany lives up to his name

2008-02-26T17:59:00.003-06:00

Funny Bone in downtown Shreveport will host one of its biggest weekends of comedy starting Wednesday night. Bob Zany will perform Wednesday through Saturday at the local comedy club with fellow comedian Theo Von.

Zany's resume boasts TV appearances, radio spots and commentary roles. He's been a featured commentator on the History Channel's "History of The Joke"; made panel appearances on "Comics Unleashed"; took a turn on CMT's "Comedy Stage"; appeared on "Last Comic Standing"; and took the show-closing spot on Comedy Central's Bob & Tom Radio: The Comedy Tour.

He's performed on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno and co-starred with David Spade in "Joe Dirt."

You also can hear Zany each Tuesday morning during "The Zany Report," a nationally syndicated show on The Bob and Tom Radio Network.

Check out Zany's jokes at: www.bobzany.com.

Relax and watch your SUV get smoked

2008-02-25T12:00:00.002-06:00

After working on this story for a month, all I wanted was a bar-free weekend. No smoky smelling hair at the end of the night. No sleeping late because I'd stayed out so late.

I planned to take it easy and relax all weekend. And that's what I did, with the exception of a crawfish boil Saturday afternoon. It was a wonderful change of pace. I'm sure the party crowd had loads of fun without me, but I don't feel like I missed out one bit!

My pal Kate and I went to the Boardwalk yesterday to eat lunch at Sushiko, the only sushi place we could find serving on Sunday. I'd just turned off the exit ramp at I-20. Kate and I were sitting at the red light waiting to turn left, when I saw a giant 18-wheeler signal that he was about to turn left.

"Oh no," I said to Kate, before the truck even started spinning its wheels in my direction. It was a tight fit, and I was fearful that the trucker was going to swipe the front end of my car.

I tried to exhibit some faith in the trained professional, however all that was gone when he came within two inches of smacking the front left corner of my SUV. I laid on my horn and braced myself for the impact. He stopped. I backed up a bit, still panicking. I tried to get out of the truck's way but there was no where to go. A burgundy Tahoe blocked me in on the right and flipped me off when I tried to move out of the 18-wheeler's path.

I'm not the happiest driver you'll ever meet, but I was rattled by the lack of compassion on both sides of my vehicle.

The truck made the turn. He inched past me, just barely missing the entire left side of my car. Kate didn't say a word. Having ridden in my car more than anyone else, she knew better.

"Oh my gosh, you didn't think that was scary? I mean, the guy nearly took off the front of my car!," I asked her, searching for support.

"No, it was definitely scary," she said in agreement, possibly just to pacify me.

I've been pretty nervous on the road lately. I made a defensive driving joke once we pulled into the Boardwalk. Kate giggled, but maybe next weekend I won't drive at all.

Mr. Baxter has anxiety

2008-02-22T11:06:00.004-06:00

First, I wanted to let you guys know that Jayson Bales has cancelled tonight's concert at Sharpie's. He's got the flu and an ill drummer. We wish Jayson a quick recovery and hopefully the date will be rescheduled soon.

On to the story.

Baxter knows when I'm about to leave the house in the morning. The sound of the television being turned off, the clicking off of my bedside lamp and the sight of me putting on my shoes all indicate that momma is about to leave for the day. He darts downstairs and hides under the coffee table until I pull him out by his back legs while he lays submissively on his back.

But this week, he tried to outsmart me.

I went through my typical routine before walking out the door, and Baxter ran downstairs and underneath the coffee table. When I bent down to pull him out from his hiding spot, he ran behind the couch. When I'd get near him, he'd run to the other side of the couch. This game of cat and mouse continued for about three minutes before I tried negotiating with him, "Bax, come on buddy. Come see me."

He wasn't budging, so I pulled out my last resort -- the car keys. He knows the jingle. The familiar sound that means we're going for a ride. It was enough to sucker him into running toward the back door, where I scooped him up and put him in his house.

All of this activity made me wonder what my dog was thinking. Is he sad because I'm leaving? Does he hate staying in his house while I'm gone? Why is it a challenge each day I leave my house?

I called the dog doc and Monday pet columnist Gregg Flowers to get an idea of what my pooch was thinking.

"Separation anxiety."

I guess if you're going to have a pet problem, the best one to have would be a dog that loves you too much. Gregg gave me some techniques to work on with Baxter and hopefully we'll work through our problems soon.

Must be 21 and up

2008-02-21T10:48:00.003-06:00

A few months ago I learned a few bars and clubs in Bossier City were letting in 18 to 21 year olds. I thought, "What a terrible idea."

No one my age wants to go to a bar where people younger than 21 are allowed to enter. It gives the place a completely different vibe. If I want to go out with my friends, I don't want the underage crowd hanging around asking me to buy them drinks. And that's exactly what happens. I'm not sure how closely the underage crowd is policed, since I refuse to attend these places. But I know a simple arm band or a mark on the hand doesn't keep the younger crowd from getting their hands on alcohol.

I also don't understand how any bar or club makes money by letting in underage patrons. If you can't sell them drinks, are you really bringing in enough revenue on cover charges alone? Plus, imagine all the bar tabs driven away by the underage crowd. Cover charges help, but it doesn't take much business sense to realize the real money is made at the bar.

With that said, the City Council unanimously approved four laws Tuesday to keep the underage crowd from drinking in Bossier City bars and nightclubs.

So, who wants to go to the Rodeo?

Eeehhh .... I still don't know if I'm up for that!

A crash, smile and good insurance plan

2008-02-20T22:30:00.003-06:00

It was just after midnight on Saturday when I pulled into my cozy neighborhood ready to tuck into bed. I hopped out of the car to hear a loud crash that sounded close enough to investigate.

Surely, the noise didn't come from my neighborhood. It's a tiny gated community, a small horseshoe of townhouses. No, impossible. A crash of this magnitude had to have come from the world beyond Snugglins Love (a nickname mistakenly given to my hood by the guy filling out my paperwork at the oil change place).

I walked to the fence to look out on the main street that my neighborhood backs. Nothing there. Thinking the loud noise wasn't my concern ... I went inside, let my dog out and gave in to my curiosity. I wasn't being a nosey neighbor if my dog needed to take a late night walk before going to bed. Right?

So I put my four-legged excuse on his leash and set out to investigate. I'm not a very good detective, but you wouldn't have to be Sherlock Holmes to uncover this mystery. At the end of my street someone had backed their giant white Tahoe SUV into my neighbor's 4-door car. A damaged bumper would have been pleasant; however my neighbor awoke to find her car had been banged in all the way to her back windshield. Her mate's white truck had been swiped too. And, possible the worst of all, the car had been hurled forward into the townhouse's outdoor storage building.

I couldn't imagine. One car in serious need of repair, another destroyed beyond repair and part of the house ready to topple over -- all while they slept comfortably in their bed.

I imagined how frustrated I would be in their situation. That is if all the noise had the ability to wake me at all. But I was surprised at my neighbor's reaction. As I pulled out of Snugglins on my way to work Monday morning, I checked out the crime scene. The couple had placed a note on their car.

"Out of Order -- Mgmt"

I laughed and thought "good for them." To me, having the ability to find humor in such a desperate situation is admirable. I'm sure good insurance helps too.

A mouse in the house

2008-02-15T15:13:00.002-06:00

My grandpa's name is Mickey.

My mom is a Mickie, too.

And Mickey Mouse was my main man growing up, even though most other kids liked Goofy and my cousin preferred Figment.

But with the exception of those three things, I don't like real life Mickeys. Especially not the little guy who visited my desk last week. This newsroom saga started at the desk of Velda Hunter, who sat directly across from me until she moved desks Monday. The plastic rim on her can of mixed nuts had been gnawed. The mouse never broke through the seal, but he worked hard on it for a while.

The next day I realized the bottom drawer of my filing cabinet had been hit. Two or three packets of half-eaten crackers were left behind, along with remnants revealing the mouse left with a full stomach. Yuck.

My editor Kathie Rowell, who sits to my right, became a victim the following day. A piece of Dove dark chocolate sat in her top drawer, unwrapped and almost completely gone.

We'd been hit hard and this little mouse didn't discriminate -- salty, sweet, whatever would fill his tummy. Or at least that's what we thought. A pack of cereal bars in my bottom drawer have never been disturbed. I guess even mice don't like to eat healthy.

There have been no signs of our Office Mickey for almost a week now. I keep waiting for something crawl across the top of my foot.

Practical romance?

2008-02-13T15:41:00.006-06:00

Most women don't find anything romantic about practicality. Especially on Valentine's Day. Don't believe me? Guys, just try giving your lady a car wash, or a clean house and an empty clothes hamper and see how she reacts. Tomorrow women all over the country will expect roses on their desks, chocolates, fancy dinners, candle light, dancing, etc.

In college, my beau was a dream when it came to special occasions. I'd get six dozen roses on our anniversaries, elaborate dinners each birthday and gifts he knew I'd love for Christmas. However, on the days in between he'd rather be at the intramural center and running around with his boys. This was the time I began to appreciate the goodness in day-to-day basic romantic gestures. A car wash, a clean load of laundry, lunch dropped off at the office.

And this is why Angela Manfredi is my Valentine's Day hero. Here's a girl who thinks like me. Her story is documented on You Tube. Angie put a group of bachelors through her Marital Obstacle Course of jar-opening, laundry-folding, car negotiations and building the perfect brownie sundae.

Rather than finding a mate through the typical dinner and drinks scenario, Angie set out to see the practical side to romance.

Check it out and share your thoughts.

Sometimes you want to go ...

2008-02-11T14:08:00.000-06:00

For about a month, photographer Val Horvath and I have been working on a Preview story about bars beyond Shreveport's city limits. We've always had the impression that these hole-in-the-wall places were where you could find the friendliest people and the most fun. However, our first night on the outskirts proved us wrong.

We'd stopped at a little place just beyond south Bossier. There were no windows in the rectangular shack and few parking spots left when we arrived there at about 8 p.m. We sat down at the bar, and to make a long story short, we were kicked out not too long after. I guess people are always suspicious when new faces walk into a place filled with regulars. We were given the "it's best you gals get to moving, now." It sort of freaked me out and nearly turned me off to doing the story altogether.

But this weekend, we hit the jackpot in Vivian. The place was called Clark's Bar and Drive-Thru Liquor. A two-in-one deal. There was a DJ called the "Master Blaster." It wasn't your typical karaoke scene, but if you felt inspired to sing Master Blaster would pass you a wireless mic and invite you to sing. Which is exactly what I did for "Love Shack." Master Blaster told me to get the party started so I took the microphone out to the dance floor and sang as everyone danced. Val took this picture and as my cousin Patrick described it, I looked like the Coors Light Idol.

Val had her fun too. In between snapping pictures she danced the Cupid Shuffle and the Chicken Dance with the locals. My friend Drake tagged along and after a few hours the shock had not completely set in.

"We just did the Cupid Shuffle in Vivian," Drake said.

Yes, we did. And maybe I'll make a point of driving out of town to go to Clark's.

NOTE: Some bloggers have mentioned they're submitting comments but never seeing them post. I think there's some sort of error with my account because I haven't received any comments since last week. If you've had a problem posting comments on here, let me know. Send me an e-mail at snetherton@gannett.com.

Kid Rock on politics, performing and Pam

2008-02-07T17:57:00.000-06:00

Kid Rock's cockiness makes him one of the most quotable guys in music today. I didn't realize this until I really started reading up on him. His PR people sent me a press kit and as I read through the clippings his bluntness made me laugh out loud several times. He may not be the most likeable guy, but he's always honest.

So, I've compiled a list of my favorite, most humorous Kid Rock quotes to share with you guys. Here goes:

"I'm making a record and from what I hear she has her swimsuit on and is telling people to sign up for DirecTV." -- regarding ex-wife Pam Anderson, Maxim magazine

"I hope somebody tells me if I become embarrassing. I don't want to be touring with four other bands that were big in my era for $10 a ticket. I don't want to be doing infomercials like, 'You may remember me from such rock 'n' roll hits as "Bawitdaba' ...'" -- when asked how long he planned to tour, Maxim magazine

"Probably the long hair. And I wish I could learn that water-t0-wine trick. ..." -- when asked what he and the Son of God have in common, Maxim magazine

"I'm not really gonna talk about it, but I will tell you this: Getting married is a ball. Getting married is the most fun you can have in life. Being married sucks." -- about his three separate wedding ceremonies with Pam Anderson, Blender magazine

"Antiquing. When I'm in different towns, I like to go to antique stores. I love to find old brass lamps with bald eagles on 'em -- they're impossible to get. So maybe if you print this, someone will bring some lamps to the backstage door when we go on tour, and we can work something out." -- about his hobby of antiquing, Blender magazine

"That wasn't my tape; that was his tape -- which I haven't seen, but it's gotta be funny. Who's got it? Send it to me! I haven't seen it! I do want to apologize publicly for that tape, though. Not for the tape ... just for hanging out with Scott Stapp." -- about his sex tape, Blender magazine

"Gretchen Wilson's pretty good. One time she had a drinking party at her place in Nashville -- a hot-tub party. The next day, she says, 'You know, I woke up this morning and your Confederate-flag boxer were hanging on my Grammy.'" -- when asked which famous friends were the best drinkers, Blender magazine

"I was at the White House drinking Beam and Coke, shooting the shit with Rumsfeld, when Bush came by and gave me a five like we were on Seven Mile and Van Dyke in Detroit. I don't care if people like Bush or not. I got some (expletive) dap from the president." -- about hanging out with Donald Rumsfeld, Penthouse magazine

You too can see, hear, feel and experience the excitement

2008-02-05T16:49:00.000-06:00

It's been my longtime dream to attend a U2 concert. I've tried to get tickets, but they sell out instantly. In music, these are some of the hardest tickets to get, and I've always been out of luck when the band has made stops in Dallas.

But I've done what I could to be as close as possible without going inside the arena. I own and have read both "U2 Show" and "U2 By U2." I have U2's "Live From Chicago" DVD and all this has done for me is make me crave that concert experience even more.

I've had several friends snag tickets and they've all described the experience as almost spiritual. Thousands of people, singing their hearts out, knowing each and every word -- it's the perfect concert in my mind.

I may get one step closer to knowing what a true U2 concert is like. "U2 3D," the first live-action movie shot in digital 3D, is scheduled to make it to Tinseltown USA on Feb. 15. The concert was filmed in South America during U2's "Vertigo" tour and is being presented by National Geographic and Best Buy. The 3D effects are said to be so good that some have even called it "historic."

I'm not sure if watching a concert in a movie theater will be satisfactory, but I'm willing to take the chance.

Check out the trailer at www.u23dmovie.com.

Calling all Kid Rock fans

2008-02-05T16:30:00.000-06:00

If you're planning to attend the Kid Rock concert at the CenturyTel Center, have been to a Kid Rock concert before or you're just an outright Kid Rock fan, I want to talk to you.

I'm working on a Preview cover story for the concert and would like to capture the perspective of some local fans.

You can call my desk (318) 459-3260 or send me an e-mail at snetherton@gannett.com and let me know the best time to reach you.

A record day for golf ... did anyone notice?

2008-02-04T15:13:00.000-06:00

While the rest of the sports world talks about last night's Super Bowl upset, I want to talk about the FBR Open that played out in Scottsdale, Ariz., this weekend.

I was over at my parents' house Saturday afternoon, hanging out with my stepmom in the back of the house when my Dad busted into the room, grabbed the remote and said, “Are you guys watching this show?"

Before we had time to object to him switching from our Lifetime drama (sad, I'll admit), my dad changed the channel and began telling us to pay attention to what was going on at the other sporting event in Arizona last weekend. And more specifically, the 16th hole.

For a minute I had to question if I was even watching golf. There was constant chatter on the course. If a player hit a bad shot, he was booed. The crowd was ferocious, showing no mercy or etiquette. Even Arizona favorite Phil Mickelson was booed after he knocked his ball in the rough Saturday.

Part of me couldn't help but be appalled at the sight and sounds coming from the 16th hole. I learned from an early age how to properly play and watch golf. You don't boo. You clap if the player deserves praise. You don't heckle and you remain perfectly quiet when a player approaches their ball.

But at the FBR Open, there's little etiquette in the green rafters. It reminds me of this guy I stood beside at the Masters. As Tiger Woods walked down the first fairway the guy beside me hollered, "Tiger, I'm a doctor. I know the sex of your baby. Boy or girl? Don't you want to know?" I moved my sunglasses over my eyes to hide. When Mickelson passed us by, he advised Phil to shed a few pounds and to get a bra for his "man boobs." I ducked my head into the collar of my jacket like a turtle hiding in its shell. I was mortified, but watching this weekend's play I thought the crowd made my annoying Masters neighbor seem like a perfect gentleman.

However, there seems to be a good side to all this mayhem. Saturday's play yielded the largest gallery in golf history with more than 170,802 onlookers. I think the game will stay the same -- if not better. But the sport is drawing new fans. Should golf traditionalists be upset if these newfound fans tend to be a bit rowdy?

I'm torn. Which is probably why when I watched Saturday, I simultaneously shook my head and laughed.

Long weekend ahead

2008-01-31T16:50:00.000-06:00

I'm taking off for a long weekend so this is my final post until Monday. Originally, I had plans to skip town and visit my good friend who moved to Austin, Texas, last fall. However, my plans have shifted and I'll just relax at home this weekend.

I'll miss the weekend in Austin. It's easily my favorite southern city. With good music every night, beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, what's not to love?

Enjoy your weekend and check back here Monday.

The latest addition to our family

2008-01-31T10:48:00.000-06:00

Since I was a little girl, I've always wanted a sister. But against all my wishes, I landed smack in the middle of two brothers -- Chris, who is approaching 28 and 15-year-old Taylor.

Taylor is my guy. He's the one I play Guitar Hero with for hours (he always takes it easy on me). If I want to play golf, he's always up for a round. If I want to watch a movie, he always lets me pick. He's always willing to goof off with me, but on the other hand he lets me lend him sisterly advice from time to time.

Chris often gives me a hard time, but he's also the first to defend me. He's my big brother and has always done a good job of looking after me. When I was sick with a migraine, Chris drove across town to my parents' house late at night to pick up medicine, drove back over to my house, gave it to me and waited until the meds kicked in and I'd fallen asleep before going home.

The picture above was taken on our vacation last summer. My stepmom, Amy, just wanted a nice picture of her three kids, and we couldn't stop clowning around long enough to give her anything suitable. This picture is all she got from our photos shoot. I'm not sure what I'm doing. Possibly illustrating how I could ring my brothers' necks sometimes. The three of us fight, bicker and tease each other to pieces, but our relationship is strong.

Last night, over dinner we added to the fold. My brother proposed to his girlfriend, Ashley Whittington, which means I'm finally getting the sister I've always wanted. No longer will the boys team up on me. No longer will I be teased on vacation about how long it takes me to straighten my hair and put on makeup. Now, I have an ally in Ashley.

She's hilarious, warm, caring and the perfect addition to our family.

More NKOTB news

2008-01-30T10:53:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Ashley for sending me the latest news on the New Kids on the Block reunion first thing this morning. Get out your crimping irons and prepare to sling your neck-less T-shirts over one shoulder -- the rumors appear to be true! This story posted on People.com:

There's a new ballad on the block. Nearly 14 years after breaking up, the '90s boy band New Kids On The Block are back with a new ballad on their official Web site. The song (its name isn't revealed) plays over a promotional video for the band that says the Kids once had it all – a $1 billion in album sales, millions of fans, with music that "influenced a generation" – but then "walked away from it all." The video next teases the a comeback, asking: "Are you ready?" The song, a source says, was recorded by all five Kids last November in Orlando.

I'm thrilled at the news. I can see my girlfriends piling up in the car for a trip to Dallas to see this show (assuming it doesn't come to Bossier City). The last time we traveled to Dallas for a concert was for Gwen Stefani and the Black Eyed Peas. It wasn't a concert I would have been dying to see, but it was a blast with a few of the girls.

Anyway, check out the Web site. Tell me what you think of the new song/promo video. I don't think it really matters how good or bad the new material may be, nostalgia is what's going to sell these concert tickets. Just look at the Spice Girls. They didn't even record new music and their tour is selling out at each stop.

In addition to the new promo video, you can check out old videos from NKOTB. One video even features Donnie cruising around on his motorcycle! Eat your hearts out ladies! And please note, in the photo posted above Donnie's acid-washed jeans are tight rolled. Honestly, what's not to love.

I think if this concert comes here, we'll have to have a contest: The tightest tight-roller wins two free tickets to the show!

Jazz Fest returns for full seven days

2008-01-29T12:02:00.000-06:00

For the first time since 2005, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is returning for a full seven days of programming. Eleven stages will host a mix of rhythm & blues, rock, jazz, country, blues, gospel, world beat and more. The festival is scheduled for two weekends -- April 25-27 and May 1-4.

This will be the first year the festival has been fully rejuvenated since Hurricane Katrina. Jazz Fest will draw tens of thousands of fans each day and have an estimated $300 million economic impact on Louisiana. Quint Davis, producer/director of the event, said this year's festival will hold special meaning.

“In New Orleans, culture is a beacon for the rest of the community. When a trumpeter blows the right notes, we come together and dance. When a grand marshal steps, we step with him. Jazz Fest is trying to help lead the way in guiding New Orleans to complete recovery—culturally, economically and spiritually,” Davis said in a news release.

The festival be held from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. each day at the Fair Grounds Race Course.
A listing of hotels offering special Jazz Fest rates is posted at http://www.nojazzfest.com/. Tickets also are available at the site.

Check out the lineup. Take your time, it's a lot to digest.

Weekend One Music Lineup (April 25 - 27)

Friday, April 25

Buckwheat Zydeco, Sheryl Crow, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Burning Spear, Ozomatli with Chali 2na, Lizz Wright, Tab Benoit, Anders Osborne, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Terence Simien & Zydeco Experience, Leo Nocentelli’s “Rare Gathering” feat. Bernie Worrell, Doug Wimbish & Will Calhoun, Doyle Bramhall with C.C. Adcock & the Louisiana Marquis, Ellis Marsalis, Paul Porter of the Legendary Christianaires, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, Barbara Lynn, Theresa Andersson Group, Banu Gibson & New Orleans Hot Jazz, The Iguanas, The New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Twangorama, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Zydepunks, Vivaz!, Shamarr Allen, Zion Trinity, Otra, Kim Carson, Moov of Martinique, Kustbandet of Sweden, Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Leah Chase, Kumbuka African Drum and Dance Collective, Rosalie “Lady Tambourine” Washington, Jesse McBride, Bonsoir Catin, J. Monque’D Blues Band, Bamboula 2000, Paky Saavedra’s Bandido, Jamil Sharif’s New Orleans Jazz Professors, Voices of Distinction, Pastor Sean T. Elder & the Mt. Hermon BC Mass Choir, Creole Wild West and Semolian Warriors Mardi Gras Indians, Joe Hall, Rufus “Rip” Wimberly & the Dreamers, Brice Kapel of the Togo, Amina Figarova Group of The Netherlands, Jonno & Bayou Deville, Andrew Hall’s Society Brass Band, Real Untouchables Brass Band, June Gardner, Val & Love Alive Fellowship Choir with the Dimensions of Faith, Teatro Alpargata of Argentina, Family Ties and Big Nine SAPCs, Hazel & the Delta Ramblers, Smitty Dee’s Brass Band, McDonogh #35 Gospel Choir, Gregg Martinez, Keep N it Real and Single Ladies SAPCs…

Saturday, April 26

Dr. John, Billy Joel, Keyshia Cole, O.A.R., The Count Basie Orchestra feat. Patti Austin, Cowboy Mouth, Cupid, James Cotton, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Trinitee 5:7, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters, Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, The Imagination Movers, Ponderossa Stomp Revue feat. Tammy Lynn, Archie Bell, Roy Head, and Dennis Binder, Big Jay McNeely, Warren Storm w/ Willie Tee & the Cypress Band, NewBirth Brass Band, Astral Project, Davell Crawford Singers, Rosie Ledet & the Zydeco Playboys, DJ Bomshell, Eddie Bo, Benjy Davis Project, Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show, Tricia "Teedy" Boutté & Ytre Suløens Jass-Ensemble of Norway, Mahogany Brass Band, Germaine Bazzle, Bobby Lounge, Tribute to George Lewis feat. Dr. Michael White and Tommy Sancton, Tribute to Wilson “Willie Tee” and Earl Turbinton, Big Chief Peppy & the Golden Arrows, Sonny Bourg, Big Blue Marble, PJ Morton Band, Hadley Castille, Jeremy & the Zydeco Hot Boyz, Po’ Henry & Tookie, Rockie Charles & the Stax of Love, Carol Fran, 101 Runners, The Original Last Straws, Tyronne Foster & the Arc Singers, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Berklee College of Music Jazz Ensemble, Nine Times and Single Men SAPCs, The Electrifying Crown Seekers, Golden Comanche and Chief Iron Horse & the Black Seminole Mardi Gras Indians, Xavier Jazz Ensemble, Connie Jones’ Crescent City Jazz Band, Kayla Woodson with Louisiana Lightning, NORD Crescent City Lights Youth Theater, First Emmanuel BC Choir, The Worship Squad, Unstoppable Gospel Creators, NOCCA Jazz Ensemble, The RRAAMS Drum and Dance, Lady Jetsetters, Dumaine Gang and Divine Ladies SAPCs, Red White & Blue Mardi Gras Indians…

Sunday, April 27

Irma Thomas, Tim McGraw, Al Green, Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, Cassandra Wilson, Delbert McClinton, Del McCoury, Pete Fountain, Byron Cage with Kim Burrell, Voices of the Wetlands Allstars, Jeremy Davenport, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Hot 8 Brass Band, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, Roy Young, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Nicholas Payton, Davell Crawford’s New Orleans R & B Orchestra, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone's Harmonica Revue, The Throw Back Jamm feat. Joe Blakk, UNLV, MC T. Tucker, Dolemite, BustDown, and Cheeky Blakk, Rob Wagner and Hamid Drake, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, Tim Laughlin, Jo “Cool” Davis, Mamadou Diabate of Mali, Little Freddie King, Jambalaya, Leroy Jones, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, Wilberforce University Choir, Kenny Bill Stinson, Paulette Wright, Golden Star Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Egg Yolk Jubilee, Midnite Disturbers, David Egan, Lars Edegran’s New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, Furious Five, Untouchables and Big Steppers SAPCs, UNO Jazz Ensemble, Shades of Praise, Michael Ward, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band, Carrollton Hunters and Flaming Arrows Mardi Gras Indians, Gregg Stafford’s Jazz Hounds, Nineveh BC Choir, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, AsheSon, VisionQuest Chorale feat. Maurette Brown Clark, N’Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, Percussion Inc., Patrice Fisher & Arpa feat. Angel Rios of Honduras, Craig Adams & Higher Dimensions of Praise, Olympia Aid, New Look and The First Division SAPCs, Kilts of Many Colours, Percussion Inc., Ninth Ward Navajo and Cherokee Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Colleen Salley…

Weekend Two Music Lineup (May 1 - 4)

Thursday, May 1

Randy Newman, Widespread Panic, Tower of Power, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Bettye LaVette, Gene “Duke of Earl” Chandler, Deacon John, Donald Harrison, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Ruby Wilson, Luther Kent & Trickbag, Porter, Batiste, & Stoltz, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, The Lee Boys, Fredy Omar con su Banda, Maurice Brown, Lafayette Rhythm Devils, Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove, Creole Zydeco Farmers, Walter Payton & Filé Gumbo, Music Makers’ Relief Foundation’s Blues Review featuring Boo Hanks, Macavine Hayes and Eddie Kirkland, Hot Club of New Orleans, Topsy Chapman’s Tribute to Dinah Washington, John Ellis feat. Jason Marsalis, New Orleans Rhythm Conspiracy, Philip Manuel's tribute to Nat King Cole, Dukes of Dixieland, Dillard University Jazz Ensemble, Ernie Vincent & the Top Notes, Panorama Jazz Band, Mighty Chariots of Fire, Kerry Grombacher, Codac, Dizzy, Betsy McGovern & the Poor Clares, John Lee & the Heralds of Christ, Mark Braud, Joe Torregano, God’s House Westbank Cathedral Choir, Billy Iuso & the Restless Natives, The Melody Clouds, TBC Brass Band, Tony Bazley, Heritage School of Music, Small Souljas Brass Band, The Golden Wings, Red Hawk and Geronimo Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance Company, Charles Jackson & the Jackson Travelers, Bon Temp Roulez and VIP Ladies SAPCs, Olayella Daste, David & Roselyn, Second Mt. Carmel Gospel Choir, Basin Street Sheiks…

Friday, May 2

Art Neville, Stevie Wonder, John Prine, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Richard Thompson, The John Butler Trio, John Hammond, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave., Marva Wright & the BMWs, Terence Blanchard & the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Papa Grows Funk, Sunpie’s Tribute to Clifton Chenier, Zigaboo Modeliste, The Jackson Southernaires, The Lee Boys, Bonerama, The Bad Plus, John Boutté, Soul Rebels, Ingrid Lucia, Coco Robicheaux & Spiritland, Theryl “Houseman” DeClouet, Chubby Carrier, Bluerunners, Wanda Rouzan, Driskill Mountain Boys, Ann Savoy’s Sleepless Knights, New Orleans Jazz Vipers feat. Sophie Lee, Stoney B & Grampa Elliot, Gina Forsyth & the Malvinas, Clive Wilson & the New Orleans Serenaders feat. Butch Thompson, New Wave Brass Band, Tuba Woodshed feat. Matt Perrine and Kirk Joseph, Belton Richard & the Musical Aces, Eve’s Lucky Planet, Larry Garner with Henry Gray, Ritmo Caribeño, New Orleans Jazz Ramblers, Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, Betty Winn & One A-Chord, Lyle Henderson & Emmanuel, Kid Simmons’ Local International Allstars, Pinettes Brass Band, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, Legacy – the students of Alvin Batiste, Greater Antioch Gospel Choir, New Orleans Mardi Gras Rhythm Indian Section, Ebenezer BC Radio Choir, Loyola University Jazz Ensemble, Casa Samba, The Smooth Family, Eulenspeigel Puppets of Iowa, Original Big Seven and Original Four SAPCs, McMain High School Gospel Choir, Fi Yi Yi & the Mandingo Warriors, New Orleans School of Circus Arts and ISL, Gospel Inspirations of Boutte, Rosedean Choir of South Africa, Scene Boosters and Old N Nu Fellas SAPCs…

Saturday, May 3

Marcia Ball, Jimmy Buffett, Diana Krall, Steel Pulse, The Roots, Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. & the Greater St. Stephens Mass Choir, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Henry Butler, Aaron Neville’s Gospel Soul, John Mooney & Bluesiana, the subdudes, Rockin’ Dopsie & the Zydeco Twisters, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Ruthie Foster, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Charmaine Neville, The Dixie Cups, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, James Andrews, Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark, Lillian Boutté, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Stephanie Jordan, War Chief Juan & Young Fire, Pine Leaf Boys, Bionik Brown, Treme Brass Band, New Orleans Blues Serenaders, Spencer Bohren, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, Lil’ Buck Sinegal feat. Rudy Richard, Feufollet, Pinstripe Brass Band, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Tribute to Max Roach feat. Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis, and Shannon Powell, Tondrae, Chappy, Danza feat. Evan Christopher and Tom McDermott, Beyond Measure, Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers, Rumba Buena, Rocks of Harmony, Guitar Lightnin’ Lee, St. Joseph the Worker Mass Choir, Big Chief Ke Ke & Comanche Hunters and White Cloud Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Leviticus Gospel Singers, Tulane University Jazz Ensemble, Secondline Jammers, New Generation and Undefeated Divas SAPCs, Trouble Nation and Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Hunters, Archdiocese of New Orleans Community Choir, Bester Singers, Donald Lewis, Young Guardians of the Flame, Stephen Foster’s Mid City Workshop Alumni Ensemble, Westbank Steppers, Valley of the Silent Men and Pigeon Town Steppers SAPCs, Golden Blade and Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians…

Sunday, May 4

The Neville Brothers, Santana, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, The Raconteurs, Dianne Reeves, Galactic, The Radiators, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, The Derek Trucks Band, Keb’ Mo’, Rebirth Brass Band, Sonny Landreth, Snooks Eaglin, John P. Kee & the New Life Community Choir, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Tribute to Mahalia Jackson feat. Irma Thomas, Marva Wright and Rachelle Richard, Vernel Bagneris: Jelly Roll & Me, Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys, Ivan Neville & Dumpstaphunk, DJ Captain Charles, Kenny Neal, Sherman Washington & the Zion Harmonizers, Bob French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, Elysian Fieldz, The New Orleans Bingo Show!, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Jonathan Batiste, Rotary Downs, George French, Chris Ardoin & Nu Step, Guitar Slim Jr., Grupo Fantasma, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Ovi-G & the Froggies, The Revealers, Pfister Sisters, Salvador Santana Band, William Smith’s Tribute to Kid Sheik, Eddie Boh Paris aka Chops, SUBR Jazz Ensemble, Chris Clifton, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Ensemble, New Orleans Spiritualettes, Zulu Male Ensemble, The Jazz Jam, Tribute to Tuba Fats, Highsteppers Brass Band, Black Eagles, Hardhead Hunters and Apache Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Lady Rollers and CTC Steppers SAPCs, Guyland Leday with Family & Friends Zydeco Band, Young Traditional New Orleans Brass Band, Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries, Wild Apaches, Young Magnolias and Black Feathers Mardi Gras Indians, Original Prince of Wales and the Original New Orleans Lady Buckjumpers SAPCs, Tornado Brass Band, Judy Stock, Minister Jai Reed…

Do they still have the 'Right Stuff?'

2008-01-28T15:04:00.000-06:00

There's a rumored reunion that will be more exciting than the Spice Girls if it actually happens. Talk of the New Kids on the Block getting back together sends an arrow straight through my heart. I had it all -- the albums, the posters, the dolls, the T-shirts, pillow cases, etc. These are the heartthrobs of my generation!

So, what do you think of a reunion? As the article I've attached (below) mentions, this isn't their first time around the block. They are no longer "new" or "kids," so will their one-time loyal fans be able to embrace those sugar sweet pop anthems that once made us scream and cry?

I'm all in if Donnie promises to wear his signature Homeboy T-shirt ... and if they get Debbie Gibson to open the show. Or better yet, Futuro Boots.

Mardi Gras means fun for all ages

2008-01-28T10:47:00.000-06:00

I love Mardi Gras. Twenty minutes after the parade, the beads I scream my head off to catch have absolutely no value to me but the excitement is trying to nab as many throws as I can.

Last year, I attended the parade with my pal L.J. and her two nephews John Collier and Cayden. The boys are adorable, even though in the picture above they don't look nearly as excited as us to be at the parade. We held them in the air as floats passed and helped them grab as many toys and beads as we could. It was fun watching them have such a great time. It reminded me of when my family used to pack up and head out to the parade when we were kids.

This year, I covered the parade for the paper. I walked along the parade route and chatted with people about why they loved Mardi Gras in northwest Louisiana. After I'd done a lot of my interviews, I decided I would enjoy a bit of the parade with my friends. I met up with my best friend Kate and several others along the parade route and at the end of the parade I looked like Mr. T.

As one parade marcher passed me, dancing with his festive umbrella, he made his way over to our side of the street to put some beads around my neck and give me a kiss on the cheek. My friends went wild. It was a funny moment, only made more amusing by my friend Melissa's comment, "Oh and he gave you pearls."

Our friend Mark Crawford rode on the "M.A.S.H." float and tossed Kate and I tons of beads and two Mardi Gras dolls, which we're pictured with below. I have a great time at Mardi Gras each year. It always brings out the kid in me.

Weekend entertainment warms up

2008-01-25T12:58:00.001-06:00

About once a week someone tells me,"Man, there's nothing to do in this town but go to the same ol' bars and talk to the same ol' people." I can sympathize, even though I happen to like hanging out at the same bars with the same people. But this weekend, there's no room to complain. Shreveporters, you will be entertained. Here's what's going on:

Krewe of Centaur's Wonderful World of Television parade

WHEN: 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

WHERE: corner of Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway and Lake Street, Shreveport.

COST: free.

This weekends biggest event is the Krewe of Centaur parade. It's the first major parade weekend of the year and it should be exciting. Centaur's floats are decorated as favorite TV shows. The float pictured above represents "M.A.S.H."

Krewe of Barkus and Meoux pet parade

WHEN: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

WHERE: Riverview Park, Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway, downtown Shreveport.

COST: free for spectators. $10 per pet for parade marchers.

I refuse to spray paint my little guy, but Mr. Baxter and I are planning to make our first appearance at the pet parade. He'll be dressed down compared to a lot of dogs, I'm sure. But really, what's cuter than a miniature schnauzer in a red polo?

Craig Robinson

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday.

WHERE: Centenary Gold Dome, Centenary College, Shreveport.

COST: $10.

It's unfortunate that this show is scheduled during the Centaur parade because I'm sure a lot of people would love to see Craig Robinson's stand-up routine. A star on the hit show "The Office," Robinson grabs laughs as Darryl Philbin -- bully to Michael Scott(Steve Carell).

Whether you catch some beads or grab some laughs, enjoy the weekend.

Reading and rock 'n' roll

2008-01-24T11:24:00.000-06:00

Finishing a book has got to be one of my favorite feelings. You turn that final page, close the back flap, and for that one split second there is this feeling of completion. This summer, I started my second Chuck Klosterman read, "Killing Yourself to Live." I've always loved Klosterman's odd observations. Only a music writer could compare all of his past relationships to the members of KISS. It's so off the wall that I find his words hard to resist.

Chuck was my summer companion. For one week, I lounged on the beach with this book and read about 3/4 of Chuck's tale in between family fishing trips, jet skiing excursions and putt putt. But until a week or so ago, I'd left the other 1/4 hanging. I finished the book last night.

In "Killing Yourself to Live," Klosterman spends a little over two weeks in a rental car, driving across the country to visit the spots where famous rock stars have died. The concept of the book is that the tragic deaths of these musicians elevated their fame. Klosterman's journey fittingly ends in Seattle -- the location of Kurt Cobain's suicide. The book also reminded me of my visit to the grave of Blind Melon frontman Shannon Hoon.

I was in Lafayette, Ind., on loan to another newspaper for two weeks, when a fellow loaner told me that Hoon's grave was only 15 minutes from where we were staying. We hopped in the car, drove to the cemetery and walked around checking headstones in search of Shannon Hoon.

We'd walked through the upper part of the cemetery before making it to the far back corner, where we found Hoon's grave. Trinkets, notes, flowers, cigarettes, rocks and more were scattered on and around his grave. I'll never forget it.

In the far back corner of a dirt-road cemetery in rural Indiana, I was looking at the grave of one of the most legendary voices of the '90s. He was someone with so much promise and such a unique voice. It didn't feel like he belonged where he now and forever would be.

The headstone reads lyrics from Blind Melon's song "Change": I know we can't all stay here forever so I want to write my words on the face of today and they'll paint it."

This is why I've listened to almost nothing other than Blind Melon for the past week.

Giant Bear returns to our neck of the woods

2008-01-23T15:28:00.000-06:00

Giant Bear will return to Shreveport this Friday for a show at Jackrabbit Lounge. The performance will kick off two months of touring for the Tennessee band. The tour includes dates at South By Southwest, an appearance on My Old Kentucky Blog's Sirius Radio podcast and the International Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis. The show starts at 10 p.m. and there's a $5 cover charge.

Following the tour Giant Bear will return to the Memphis' Sun Studio to record their follow-up to last year's self-titled LP.

Expect to see more national Indie acts in town in the coming months. Several bands are scheduling stops in Shreveport on their way to South By Southwest in Austin, Texas. Here's a previous write up on Giant Bear from when the group played here almost exactly a year ago.

Giant Bear blends genres
When Giant Bear combines rock, folk and funk with classical music they create a sound all their own called "orchestral funkability."
The Memphis, Tenn., band will stop tonight at Lil' Joe's Bottleneck in Shreveport as part of their "New American Wilderness" tour.
"Our music has really rootsy elements to it, but the beat is driven and danceable. I guess that's where the funkability comes in," band member Mike Larrivee said.
Having released its first full-length album in the spring, Giant Bear is in the process of recording a second album. Tonight's live performance will blend fan favorites with a preview of new songs as well.
Giant Bear was named the critic's pick at the Midpoint Music Festival. The band also has been invited to perform a slew of other festivals including the Joshua Tree Music Festival, The Wilderness Fest in Big Sur, Calif., The International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., and the Organic Farm Aid Festival.

Signature sips

2008-01-22T14:54:00.000-06:00

I've got a story idea in my head that I need a little help with. I thought it would be fun to feature some of Shreveport-Bossier City's signature drinks. My list so far includes:

Kon Tiki's Peking Mule (yikes, this one is kicks like a mule)
Superior Steakhouse's Pineapple Fusion
Superior Grill margaritas
Stray Cat's Filthy Martini (my absolute favorite)
Bella Fresca's Apple Martini

Send in your suggestions. What about a beer you can't get anywhere else but Strange Brew? Or a club or bar that serves a crazy shot other than the standard (disgusting) Jager Bomb? Does Tokyo or Shogun have a unique Japanese beverage that goes beyond your typical Mai Tai? Drink up (in moderation) and share your thoughts?

Krewe of Harambee rolls on

2008-01-21T17:51:00.000-06:00

My teeth have yet to stop chattering from this afternoon's Krewe of Harambee parade. There were brief raindrops, however the krewe celebrated one of its best turn outs so far. People were feeling festive and the krewe was overjoyed to not have rain or ice pelting them as it has in past years.

Several bands participated, including Southern University's marching band. More than 100 members marched through downtown and performed a few songs for spectators on the steps of Municipal Auditorium following the parade.

I've never attended the Harambee parade before, but it was an enjoyable event to cover. Here's the video I shot, a photo gallery posted by Shane Bevel and Janelle Rucker's story should post tomorrow.

(photos by Shane Bevel/The Times)

The New Frontiers hit below the surface on "Mending"

2008-01-18T12:31:00.000-06:00

The New Frontiers have created a beautiful disguise with their first full-length release "Mending." Approachable music masks the intensely introspective lyrics, and the two concepts harmonize magically.

This is an album you don't play once and forget. Rather, if you listen to the words, you'll rediscover the album with each listen. A new meaning to each song or a line you may have missed before.

Frontman Nathan Pettijohn is credited for most of the lyrics on the album, and they were likely written from personal moments in his own life, but all can relate to his words. What strikes the listener at a particular time all depends on what they feel at that moment.

Fear, loss, doubt, love and hesitation are captured in the album's 10 tracks. The New Frontiers connect with listeners on the deepest level any musician could hope to achieve. The album pours from the heart and in that vulnerability it makes an intimate connection with those who give in and listen with their hearts too.

On "The Day You Fell Apart," Pettijohn sings, "With your head up high would you try/try to place your feet back on the ground/I've found that it's easier to hide in the cold, alone/Unraveled since the day you fell apart/But honey, I'm alive." It's an admission of pain, but with that comes acceptance that he's doing the best he can. He's making it and encouraging someone else to do the same.

"Mirrors" speaks a similar tale, "They will rob you blind/They will take your peace of mind/And you'll want to run away from here/But I know you can't escape from all of your fears/I made my peace with the world and all that it brings/I'm holding my own."

But possibly my favorite song is the album's final track, "Who Will Give Us Love." It's the only song on the album written by guitarist Jacob Chaney, and it comes from a different perspective than the album's other tracks. "I hope Jesus is the one/But what if we're wrong and he doesn't come/Who will give us love?" I love the honesty in his words. We're all waiting for someone to love us -- a savior -- without thinking much of the love we're asked to give. The lyrics simultaneously discuss faith and doubt.

The album is accurately titled "Mending" because that's what it does for listeners. It painfully digs into our hidden and vulnerable places and through facing life's dark spots comes healing.

New venue announces today

2008-01-17T17:17:00.000-06:00

Soon there will be a new bar in town. Horseshoe and CMT have partnered to bring the first CMT Crossroads Bar to Bossier City. I attended a news conference today detailing the event and here's some info on what's to come.

Horseshoe pairs with CMT to create first CMT Crossroads Bar
Horseshoe Casino & Hotel and CMT have partnered to bring the first CMT Crossroads Bar to Bossier City.
Construction on the $3.3 million project began Thursday, and the venue is expected to open in the spring. The CMT Crossroads Bar will throwback to an authentic roadhouse atmosphere, complete with country decor and Crossroads memorabilia.
“The most exciting thing for us with the CMT Crossroads Lounge at Horseshoe is the fact that our consumers and Horseshoe consumers will be able to touch the CMT brand. And that’s going to be very exciting,” said Lori Megown, vice president of consumer products and radio for CMT.
The venue is 3,300-square-feet with a stage, dance floor and 27-foot circular bar. Local and regional acts will perform at the venue, and national acts are being considered. Seating options allow for flexibility in creating a multi-purpose entertainment venue. Lounge mode capacity is 123, while the bar also can hold up to 276 for live concerts.
“This is a big deal not only for the Horseshoe but for Bossier City and Northwest Louisiana,” said Geno Iafrate, senior vice president and general manager of Horseshoe.
“This is going to be a destination venue for people miles and miles away.”
The CMT Crossroads Bar pays tribute to the hit television series “CMT Crossroads,” which pairs country music stars with artists from other genres to play together and swap stories. Recent episodes included Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers, Bon Jovi and Sugarland, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire and Joss Stone and LeAnn Rimes.

Up-and-comer Nicole Atkins may have arrived

2008-01-17T11:36:00.001-06:00

I was straightening my hair and sipping on some joe this morning when I saw a familiar face pop up in a new American Express commercial. I put my flat iron down and clicked my TiVo into rewind mode to watch the commercial again.

The girl looked just like Nicole Atkins, an up-and-coming singer who performed at Jayne Marie on Cross Lake in September. I couldn't be too sure until her name appeared on screen. It seems Atkins is a pretty fast climber. Anyway, look for the commercial and here's the story that ran a few months ago when Atkins performed here.

Nicole Atkins inspires romance through song

Nicole Atkins has been a woman waiting on a loved one to return home from war. She's been frustrated by long-distance romance and devastated by change. Named one of Rolling Stone's Top 10 Artists to Watch this year, Atkins captures listeners through her stories.
"One day I was watching footage of the war in Iraq on TV. The footage was in black and white so when they fired into the sky it looked like bleeding diamonds. So I started to think about a housewife sitting on her couch, watching the footage, and I sing the song ("Bleeding Diamonds") from her perspective," Atkins said.
"Every song has to have some sort of story or it wouldn't make any sense. Sometimes the story is premeditated or sometimes I'll come up with a line that I have to interpret and figure out what it means."
The Columbia Records artist will perform (Sept. 14) at Jayne Marie on Cross Lake with her band the Sea "” guitarist Dave Hollinghurst, bassist John Flaughter, drummer Dan Mintzer and keyboardist Dan Chen.
"The album is very orchestral, but our live shows are a little more rock 'n' roll. They are very energetic and kind of emotional," Atkins said.
"People also get to slow dance, and a lot of romance has been forged at our shows."
The 26-year-old singer/songwriter's major-label debut, "Neptune City," expected to be released Oct. 30, and her EP already earned her praise from USA Today, Jane, Spin.com and Playback Magazine. However, Atkins feels little pressure from the buzz her EP has created.
"My only expectation is that people will actually get to hear it and like it, and we can tour for a year or two and get to make another one," Atkins said.
"I've already got the next three records written."

Tyler Read goes on tour with Puddle of Mudd

2008-01-16T12:07:00.000-06:00

Local boys Tyler Read are gearing up for their upcoming tour. The band will hit the road Jan. 29 in San Francisco as the opening act for Puddle of Mudd. The band's album released last April and they've toured steadily ever since.

I'm extremely proud of Tyler Read, mostly because I've known Brent Skinner (guitar and keys) since my college days at Louisiana Tech. Before Brent was playing rock 'n' roll, he'd play an acoustic set with me and our friend FJ (Fun Jacob) about once a week in Ruston. We weren't very good. Let me take that back, I wasn't very good. I ended up leaving the guys to play with my roommate in a group called Lilies of the Field. Since then I've sold my guitar and I don't sing except for my occasional performance of "Somethin' to Talk About" at Tiki Tavern. However, Brent hasn't let me live down my choice to leave our group -- even seven years later.

Anyway, let's wish these guys the best as they hit the road. There's one local date on the tour schedule that you guys should check out.

Jan 29: Slim's in San Francisco, Calif.
Jan 3: Roseland Theater, Portland, Ore.
Feb 1: Big Easy, Spokane, Wash.
Feb 2: El Corazon, Seattle, Wash.
Feb 3: Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Feb 5: Rock City, Grand Prairie, Alberta.
Feb 7: The Backalley, Calgary, Alberta.
Feb 8: Jet, Edmonton, Alberta.
Feb 9: The Drink (The Wolf), Regina, Saskatchewan.
Feb 11: My Bar, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Feb 12: Playmaker's, Fargo, N.D.
Feb 14: Majestic Theater, Madison, Wisc.
Feb 15: Emerald Theater, Detroit, Mich.
Feb 16: Machine Shop, Flint, Mich.
Feb 17: Mr. Small's Theater, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Feb 19 : Phoenix Concert Theater, Toronto, Ontario.
Feb 20: Magic City Music Hall, Johnson City, N.Y.
Feb 21: The Station, Portland, Maine.
Feb 22: Webster Theater, Hartford, Conn.
Feb 23: House of Blues, Atlantic City, N.J.
Feb 25: 9:39 Club, Washington, D.C.
Feb 26: The National, Richmond, Va.
Feb 27: The Norva, Norfolk, Va.
Feb 29: Hooligan's, Jacksonville, N.C.
March 1: Jester's Pub, Fayetteville, N.C.
March 2: Tremont Music Hall, Charlotte, N.C.
March 4: Club La Vela, Panama City Beach, Fla.
March 6: Riverdome at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, Bossier City, La.
March 7: House of Blues, Dallas, Texas.
March 8: Diamond Ballroom, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Christian Simeon puts on solo show before tour starts

2008-01-15T13:42:00.000-06:00

Christian Simeon of Outlaw Nation will perform a solo set Wednesday at Noble Savage. This will be one of Simeon's last performances in Shreveport before the band heads out on tour with Slightly Stoopid.

The tour begins Feb. 14 in San Francisco and ends at March 8 in Townson, Md. Dates in Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, Nebraska, Indiana and Colorado are sandwiched in between.

Simeon goes on at 8 p.m. You can listen to Outlaw Nation at www.myspace.com/outlawnation.

Golf highlights busy weekend

2008-01-14T12:39:00.000-06:00

When I checked my voicemail and heard Ty say, "9:02 tee time on Saturday," I had to press one to repeat the message. Surely, he didn't mean a.m. For goodness sakes, it's Saturday. But that's what he said and that's what we did, which meant I was up at 7:30 a.m. on my best sleep-in day of the week to make a 9:02 tee time at Crooked Hollow in Greenwood.

The first few holes were a little rocky. It had been a year since I swatted at that little white ball and there were plenty of kinks to work out. However, but the fifth hole I'd found a decent rhythm. My tee shots were right up the middle, my approach shots usually got me where I wanted to be and well, my putting left something to be desired.

But, ultimately, I had a wonderful time -- even at 9:02 a.m. Now I'm craving a few more rounds.

My weekends are typically busy, but this weekend I never stopped. Friday night I went to Jayne Marie on Cross Lake to watch Quiet Company and The New Frontiers. Both bands were amazing. They're worth checking out and definitely worth a download. I'll review their albums later this week.

After golf Saturday, I celebrated my friend Suzanna's birthday, which landed me at an unlikely location before we made it to our usual spot Stray Cat. I took it easy Sunday by accompanying my pals Bevin and Kate to see "Juno." It's hard to categorize the movie. On one hand it's an off the wall comedy, much like "Napoleon Dynamite," but it's also warm and sensitive at other points. Our gang loved it. Bevin, who said she never laughs out loud at movies, loved it and laughed her head off.

I did a little bit of everything this weekend, maybe next weekend will slow down a bit.

CenturyTel Center brings big shows in coming months

2008-01-10T17:20:00.000-06:00

The CenturyTel Center has announced so many concerts lately that I'm having trouble keeping up with who is playing when. I know Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban are playing soon. Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire even sooner. Somewhere in the mix there's Kid Rock. And didn't I hear something about Cirque du' Soleil coming back to CTC? I figured some of you may be sharing in my confusion. Here's a list of what's on the schedule for the upcoming months.

Jan. 11 and 12: Professional Bull Riders
Jan. 18 and 19: AMP Live Monster Trucks
Jan. 24: Harlem Globetrotters

Feb. 2: Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson
Feb. 3: Lipizzaner Stallions
Feb. 10: Shreveport Blues Festival
Feb. 14: Xtreme International Ice Racing
Feb. 16: Celtic Woman
Feb. 19: Kid Rock
Feb. 26 and 27: Sesame Street Live "When Elmo Grows Up"
Feb. 29: Michael Buble

March 1: Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Seether
March 2: Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood
March 8 and 9: Cirque du' Soleil: Saltimbanco

April 16: Disney On Ice High School Musical

For tickets, or more information on any show visit the CenturyTel Center's Web site at www.centurytelcenter.com.

Homemade halftime show

2008-01-08T10:46:00.000-06:00

When I agreed to watch the game last night at my parents' house, I didn't know I was scheduled to be the halftime entertainment. Oh, but sadly I was.

Sometime, in the midst of a commercial break, my older brother, Chris, and I started talking about our elementary school experience. While some schools may have offered football, cheerleading and other team sports, our little outskirts school offered one extra-curricular activity -- jump rope.

We didn't just Jump Rope for Heart. We jumped rope for everything. Pep rallies. School assemblies. A jump rope routine was as common as saying the pledge. And my membership to the Jumping Jacks remains the reason why I know every word to the Pointer Sisters' "Jump (For My Love)."

Chris and I could once do some pretty awesome tricks. Crossing our arms and jumping through the rope, jumping with the rope under one leg and double jumps. So, naturally, when we started talking about this I chimed in that I could still do it all.

"Oh really! It just so happens I have a jump rope," my step mom said.

I thought, "you've got to be kidding me."

The next thing I know, I'm on the back patio surrounded by five other people and the pressure is on to jump -- for my love and my dignity. I started swinging the rope. Hop. Hop. Hop.

No problem. I crossed my arms and jumped through the rope. Impressive.

I kicked my leg over my left arm and kept on jumping. I still got it.

Everyone laughed, a little surprised that I could still do it. After all, fifth grade wasn't just yesterday. Chris cowered down to my stellar performance, and I shocked myself.

Geaux Tigers

2008-01-07T11:29:00.000-06:00

Hey gang, I'm back from my blog hiatus. It wasn't intentional, but after several comments asking where the heck I'd been I figured it was time to kick this thing in to high gear once again.

First, allow me to say Happy New Year. I hope you all toasted to 2008 among friends. I spent the evening rolling around town on a trolley with about 20 of my closest friends. It was quite hysterical. Turns out it's not easy to "Macarena" in a moving vehicle. Oh yeah, I said it. We did the "Macarena." The song may have been released in '95, but I still got it!

Anyway, I'm happy about this day and that's why I've posed some of my favorite pictures from this year's football season. I traveled to Baton Rouge for most of the games. Even Baxter (my dog) made the trip with me several times. I met up with fellow Times staffers Adam Causey and Janelle Rucker for a game (top picture).

I learned how to play washers, and found my fiercest competitor to be this kid pictured to the right. Since I clearly had a height advantage and once upon a time I was an intramural softball pitcher (intimidating, I know), I let the little guy stand closer to the target. However, he took the liberty of just dropping his washers in the hole. Then he'd mock me with a victory break dance. Kids, what are you gonna do?

For away games, I'd hang out in Shreveport with some other local Tiger fans. The bottom right picture was taken during my favorite away game to watch at home with friends. It was the Alabama game and Moss Duvall invited everyone over for tons of food and good football. The game ended up being a nail biter, but you can't tell in this picture.

Anyway, it was a great season and I couldn't have watched it with better people. Tonight, I'll gather with my family to watch the Tigers hopefully win it all. I'm almost just as excited about the Herby K's gumbo we're having as I am about the game itself. ... Almost.

Enjoy the game. For me, it's making Monday go down a little easier.

A holiday treat for all

2007-12-19T16:43:00.000-06:00

It's 8 feet long, 8 feet wide and 13 feet tall and the best part -- it's edible! Harrah's Louisiana Downs created this sweet treat under the guidance of executive chef Ryan Gillespie. The team poured more than 100 hours into the project.

It took more than 600 pounds of gingerbread to create the house. Marshmallow snowmen, gumdrops, peppermint candies, Reese's Pieces, Hershey's Chocolate Bars and candy canes are cemented together with about 400 pounds of icing. It's enough to make my tummy ache.

This past weekend, I told my friend Kate we were going to top off our Sunday with a festive activity. Ornament making? Nope. Tree decorating? Done that already. Baking cookies? Getting warmer.

I picked up two gingerbread house kits from World Market. I was expecting excitement, but instead I got, "Oh dear." The kit includes everything you need to make a cute little gingerbread house. The walls are pre-baked and the concrete icing powder mixes into the perfect sugary cement with just six tablespoons of water.

However, I didn't anticipate Kate's inability to abide by the rules and the well mapped out directions. During the early construction stages, I was in deep concentration (even though I mistook my roof for my walls at first) and didn't pay much attention to Kate's craftsmanship. When I looked up, her house looked like a gingerbread house Frank Lloyd Wright would build. It was chaos!

On the other hand, I, the ultimate perfectionist, secured gumdrops in perfect rows along my roof. I lined windows and doorways with tiny candy pieces and tossed rainbow sprinkles across my roof line. I shook my head and Kate's creativity continued. When all gumdrops were in place, Kate looked at me and asked, "Are you mad at me?"

Sure, she hadn't taken our holiday project seriously. But she had fun making her house ... or tepee ... OK, I'm not exactly sure what to call it. Neither of our projects were flawless by any means. Within 30 minutes of completing my house, half of my roof had slid off the top.

It was a fun project, but likely not one Kate and I will repeat. I'll post pictures of our gingerbread houses soon.

Ian Moore talks about music making

2007-12-13T18:11:00.000-06:00

Singer/songwriter Ian Moore is performing tonight at Sharpie's. I recently interviewed Moore and really enjoyed his views on music and performing. Here's some of what we talked about, and if you're free tonight check him out. I think this will be a really good show.

S.N.: You approached your latest album, “To Be Loved,” from a different angle. You really experimented with sound and recording. How much different was recording this album from your previous work?

MOORE: My last record, "Luminaria" was a lot quieter. Stylistically, I was listening to different stuff. I incorporated some of my favorite sounds on this album, and I think it was more ambitious.

S.N.: You built some of the recording equipment yourself. So, how long did it take you to complete this album?

MOORE: I'm a really active musician. Most people put out a record and then they go on tour. But I tour constantly. So the time I spent making the album reflects that. I wasn’t sitting there recording non-stop. I recorded it myself over a period of several months.

S.N.: Were the results satisfying for you?

MOORE: Of course, part of me is very satisfied and another part of me is never satisfied with anything in life. But, ultimately it's got its own identity that's different than what anyone else is doing right now. I'm really proud with the sounds and vocal recordings. It's an art form just like painting or writing a novel.

S.N.: Do you think fans can easily follow the changes you make from album to album?

MOORE: That really depends on the people. Most artists aren’t changing as much because they're scared of losing their fan base. But things change all time, I may have lost some fans because of it but it's who I am. The one thing that is consistent is change. Every record I've done is different from the last, and I plan to keep it that way.

S.N.: Most artists find something they do well and they really dig into that one thing. Why is change necessary for you?

MOORE: Change and art are synonymous. If I'm making records and from record to record I'm not growing or covering any different territory then why am I doing it? I don’t know, I may be at odds with some people on this, but some musicians say, "I do this because I want people to have a good time." Well, I want people to have a good time at my shows, and I want to make people happy. But it's also part of my job as pop musician to pull in different things and to open people's ears to different stuff. And in a small subtle way, I think it makes the world better. I'm idealistic. I know that.

S.N.: You were well established in Austin and you chose to move. How did that shake things up for you?

MOORE: It shook things up quite a bit. The backdrop was much different. It took away the crutches. When I left Austin, I was at the height of my success there, and I moved to a town where I didn’t really have all those things going on. I wasn’t the cornerstone of Seattle's music scene, it wasn’t my town and that made me work harder and made me really look inside myself. It helped with writing. My songs got better and better and the end product is that I'm better at my craft.

S.N.: Your music has been compared to everything from The Beatles to The Flaming Lips. Does any pressure come with these comparisons?

MOORE: Just because you're being compared doesn’t mean you're as good. It just means there are elements of my music that make people think of certain groups. I think comparisons are just a frame of reference. That’s how people think. If you come out to show and you want to tell someone else what to expect, that how most people describe music.

Give love a chance

2007-12-11T19:29:00.000-06:00

I don't know many people these days who enjoy being set up on dates. I refuse. I'd rather be a crazy cat lady than to sit through a terrible, forced date and wonder if he's going to drop me in a ditch somewhere at the end of the night. If you can't tell, I'm a hopeless romantic. And if you can't tell, that was me being sarcastic.

But if you believe in love at first sight or simply would like to meet someone new, here's an event you can attend Wednesday night.

Ronald Hayes Productions
presents
Holiday Love Jones Match up

The selections have been made and it's time to meet.
Come see who will be chosen as they meet for the 1st time.

Come join us for a fun filled evening as we try to "hook-up"
singles in this dating game style venue.
Please be our guest

Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 8-10:30 pm
Party after the event
ADAMS LOUNGE-2015 Old Minden Rd., Bossier City
Special Performance by MOSLEY'S MOVEMENTS
Musical Guest- Marc Scroggins

Tickets $5 in advance, $7 at the door

Drowning Pool show cancelled

2007-12-10T18:42:00.000-06:00

I've got some bad news for those of you who were looking forward to Saturday's Drowning Pool show at the Warehouse. The show's been cancelled. Here are the details I received in a news release.

DROWNING POOL BASSIST RUSHED TO HOSPITAL, DIAGNOSED WITH BELL’S PALSY

Band Forced To Cancel Tour Dates

DALLAS (December 6, 2007) – Drowning Pool bassist Stevie Benton was rushed to the hospital early this morning suffering from paralysis. Benton began to feel ill during last night’s performance at Stone’s Throw in Eau Claire, WI, and after the show was rushed to the Luther Midelfort Hospital where Christian F. Peterson MD, ED Physician diagnosed him with a neurological disorder called Bell’s Palsy which causes paralysis of the face and sometimes sensitivity to sound.

George Clooney, Pierce Brosnan and Ralph Nader have also been afflicted with this illness. In most cases the disease is temporary and, with proper rest, resolves on its own. Consequently, doctors have ordered Benton off the road for a minimum of six weeks.

“I’m really bummed that because of this, we can’t perform this last string of shows,” says Benton, “I want to thank the fans for their continued support and believe me when I say we can’t wait to come back and rock out with you all again soon.”

As a result, the following remaining dates on Drowning Pool’s This Is For The Soldiers Tour, which has been donating money to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and the USO, have been cancelled.

12.06.07 Green Bay, WI The Woods

12.07.07 Peoria, IL Exposition Gardens Youth Center

12.08.07 Flint, MI The Machine Shop

12.09.07 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall

12.11.07 Chicago, IL House of Blues

12.12.07 Clarksville, TN Kickers

12.13.07 Dallas, TX Palladium Ballroom

12.14.07 Shreveport, LA The Warehouse

12.15.07 Beaumont, TX Antone’s

Meeting the other me

2007-12-05T11:04:00.000-06:00

I don't have a common name. In fact, if you live in Shreveport and know a Netherton, go ahead and figure that I'm related to them. I have never really thought about the other Nethertons out there. And I definitely never thought I'd meet another Stephanie Netherton. After all, most of my family lives within five miles of each other.

But through the wonders of Facebook, I've met the other me. Over the past few weeks we've joked about how long it takes for us to sign our names, Stephanie (not me) celebrated a birthday and it has been funny, and somewhat confusing, to read about what Stephanie Netherton has been up to. So, I thought it would be fun to compare our lives. Here are a few questions I sent to Stephanie along with each of our responses.

1. Where are you from?

Stephanie: Louisville, Ky.

Me: Shreveport, La.

2. When were you born?

Stephanie: Nov. 29, 1986

Me: May 9, 1981

3. What are your parents' names?

Stephanie: Eric and Vicki

Me: David and Amy

4. Are you named after anyone?

Stephanie: My grandma claims my dad named me after Stevie Lynn Nicks, but i think she made that up. we just happen to have the same initials... SLN

Me: My mom wanted to actually name me Stevie! My dad wouldn't have it and they settled on Stephanie after my mom's brother Steve.

5. What is your favorite color?

Stephanie: green... any shade.

Me: green, too.

6. Your favorite food?

Stephanie: hmmm.. everything, but if i had to pick one I'd say chocolate.

Me: The simple potato. It's so versatile and so good ... especially if we're talking Cub potatoes.

7. Favorite TV show?

Stephanie: "Scrubs."

Me: I love my "Grey's Anatomy."

8. Hobbies?

Stephanie: family, friends, reading, movies, music, art, working out, eating.

Me: Hanging out with friends and family, playing with my dog (Baxter), golf (if it's warm enough and I have someone to play with), swimming (this actually means laying on a raft in the pool), taking trips with friends, LSU football.

9. What do you do for a living?

Stephanie: Full-time student, and I work part time at a cafe at a gym.

Me: Entertainment editor.

10. What was the worst date you've ever been on?

Stephanie: haha.. um... had to have been a blind date when i was about 14.

Me: My senior year of high school football banquet. My date picked me up with a dip in his mouth. As we were driving down interstate he kept opening his door to spit. This was the only time in my life that I would have been happy to see a spit cup.

11. What did you do last weekend?

Stephanie: Went to my brother's football game (their in the state championship game this weekend) and did homework.

Me: Put up my Christmas tree and attended a friend's wedding.

12. Is there anything you are afraid of?

Stephanie: dying.

Me: roller coasters and large spiders. OK, small spiders too.

13. What is your favorite family memory?

Stephanie: Holidays! My family is so funny, and I love when everyone gets together for the holidays. It's good times.

Me: Christmas Eve at my grandparents' house. There's always some small blunder that gets the group laughing and the night rolls on from there.

14. What is your family like?

Stephanie: Everyone's usually coming and going, but we're really close.

Me: Everyone's funny and sarcastic. When we get together it's non-stop laughter. Although, when my older brother is making a joke, it's usually at my expense.

15. Do you have any brothers or sisters? If so, what are their names?

Stephanie: Twin sister, Christa, and younger brother, Eric

Me: Older brother, Chris, and younger brother, Taylor.

16. What do you want for Christmas?

Stephanie: Well I don't really feel like there's much I need this year, but I'd love an easel! I won't have one and it'd come in handy.

Me: I don't need much either, but you can't go wrong by buying me clothes. Or even better SHOES!

17. Did you go on vacation this year? If so, where?

Stephanie: Yep, I went to the Cayman Islands with my friend Nicki and her family.

Me: It was a crazy year and I actually got to take several trips. The first to Augusta, Ga., for the Masters, then Orange Beach for a week with my family and finally a weekend in Destin with about 10 of my best girlfriends.

18. What is your favorite band?

Stephanie: Jack's Mannequin.

Me: Rilo Kiley

19. How did you celebrate your birthday this year?

Stephanie: It was actually my 21st birthday last Thursday, and I went to the Louisville/Rutgers game with my sister and a bunch of friends.

Me: I went to dinner at Bella Fresca with three of my closest friends.

20. How many other Stephanie Netherton's do you know?

Stephanie: Just you! :)

Me: That makes two of us!

Off for a long weekend

2007-11-29T17:19:00.000-06:00

OK gang, I'm calling it an early week. With a spare vacation day in my pocket, I'm taking tomorrow off to put up my Christmas tree and take some extra time off to enjoy the wedding of my friends Carie and Travis.

Tune in Monday. More good stories to come.

Oh, and in the meantime, send your party pictures to preview@gannett.com.

Google some giggles

2007-11-28T14:11:00.000-06:00

This week's edition of Entertainment Weekly has given me 10 perfectly good reasons to waste an hour or so of my day. The magazine features "the 10 viral videos that kept our focus off work."

I spent some time "researching" and found some of these videos funny, some slow, some strange. Check it out:

1. The Landlord - A young Pearl threatens to put Will Ferrell on the streets if he doesn't pay his rent. Hearing young children say bad words makes me nervous, but lots of people have found this one funny.

2. Alanis Morissette's "My Humps" - Alanis answers the question first posed by the Black Eyed Peas. "What you gonna do with all that junk? All that junk inside your trunk?"

3. Miss South Carolina Teen USA - Pageant girl fumbles through her take on, like, geography.

4. Filipino prisoners perform "Thriller" - Now we really know what goes on in the yard.

5. Backstreet Bird - Snowball the cockatoo is coo coo for "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)."

6. Dramatic Prairie Dog - Someone get this prairie dog an Oscar for drama.

7. Keepon Keepin' On - I have no idea on this one. But people get some joy out of watching a yellow squishy thing dance around.

8. Clark and Michael - a mockumentary series starring Clark Duke ("Greek") and Michael Cera ("Superbad"). The pair makes nerdiness look cool.

9. Gilbert and Sullivan's "Baby Got Back" - Rear-themed video makes its second visit to the countdown with this Sir-Mix-A-Lot remix. Oh and it's performed by the '80s TV adaptation cast of "The Pirates of Penzance."

10. "Star Wars" trumpet solo - Another bad pageant moment makes the list with this '93 contestant ducking invisible lasers, in a leotard, between instrumental solos.

All I want for Christmas is shoes

2007-11-28T10:38:00.000-06:00

I was flipping through my J.Crew catalog last night when this little insert jumped off the page at me. I thought, "There is a Santa Clause and he knows I wear a size 7. "

Shoe obsessed? Absolutely. Just ask former Times staffer Dan Turner. Each day I'd walk into the office and he'd check to see what pair I'd put on my feet. And after each weekend I'd report my addiction to him.

"How many pair this week, kiddo?"

"I just bought two pair. They were on sale. ... Well, maybe they weren't but aren't these cute?!"

He'd laugh and shake his head and we'd move on to discussing his equally bad golf addiction. But when I saw this ad, I stopped dead in my tracks. A brand new pair of shoes will arrive on my doorstep each month? Really? You mean it? Oh golly!

Sadly, the reality is that no matter how much I beg I'm not getting an $1800 gift from anyone I know. And even if some giving soul decides to make this extravagant purchase for me, where would all the shoes go? My closet is at capacity. Shoe boxes are stacked four high, eight across at the top of my closet. The boxes that won't fit there tower waist high on the side walls of my closet. Hey, but a space problem is something I can easily resolve.

I know $150 each month could buy me several pair of shoes. But there is something special about coming home each month, on any given day, and finding a shoebox on your doorstep with a beautiful pair of shoes that you've never seen picked out just for you.

My heart flutters at the thought!

Frankly, I'm disappointed

2007-11-27T12:53:00.000-06:00

Since the debut of "Frank TV" last Tuesday, Frank Caliendo has proven one thing -- a faux show is about as good as faux fur. It ain't real and it ain't pretty.

Caliendo is the cream of the crop when it comes to impressions, but the jokes on "Frank TV" fall short. His Michael Richards is tops, but the sketch was lame. Another sketch features Caliendo as President Bush talking to his daughter Jenna on her wedding day. Great concept until Bush sends in Dick Cheney to have the father/daughter talk. I'm not all that familiar with Cheney's speech and mannerisms, so when Bush walks out the door so do the funnies.

It was 30 minutes of not-so-funny jokes that most people didn't stick with for the entire 30 minutes. And the show's format is all wrong. Caliendo opens as himself for a show that's about him pretending to be other people. He sits in a living room, invites an audience member on stage and bores the heck out of them.

If anyone wanted this show to thrive it was me. While watching the first episode, I caught myself giving Caliendo pity laughs. I didn't think it was funny, but I laughed to try to make myself think it was funny. Talk about disappointed. Remember this post?

A month or so ago, I was introduced to Frank Caliendo during a commercial break from post-season baseball on TBS. Endless tears of laughter followed the commercial. This guy does the best impressions I've ever seen. DeNiro, Madden, Dr. Phil, Robin Williams, President Bush -- he nails them all. It's not just the voice, but his facial expressions (especially President Bush) are dead on. The show will debut Nov. 20 and I'm counting down the minutes.Every now and then I'll go to You Tube to watch the Frank TV commercials. My reaction is always the same -- tears and uncontrollable laughter.

As much as I hoped this show would be good, it's just not and it saddens me to say so. I really feel sorry for Caliendo. He's the best, but unfortunately his show is the worst.

See yourself in print

2007-11-26T12:59:00.000-06:00

Shreveport, I'm asking you to show your face.

A few months ago we started a photo feature page in Preview called Click. All we want is to see your faces, know who you are and find out a little bit about what you and your friends do in Shreveport.

With the holiday season here, I'm sure you guys are attending holiday parties and spending time out mingling with friends. Maybe you've taken a trip, attending a football game, had some friends over for a game night. Take a few photos and send them to us at preview@gannett.com.

We'd love to see you!

So many reasons to say thanks

2007-11-21T16:27:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd share some parting words before I pack it up for a long weekend of overeating and college football.

My anticipation is building for tomorrow's family feast. As usual, I'll gather with aunts, uncles, parents, brothers and more at my grandparents' house for Thanksgiving. You can't beat my Nana's dressing, but you really can't beat the moments spent around our Thanksgiving table.

A lot of things have changed in the years we have gathered around my grandparent's dining room table. My cousin Casey has gotten married. My other cousins Michael and Donna are both enlisted in the Army and won't be able to join us this year. And we've added the most perfect great-grand baby to the mix. But when we get together our current surroundings melt away, and we easily drift back to the funny stories of our family's past. For those few moments each year, I can count my blessings because they're all around me.

Honestly, it's been a tough year for our group and tomorrow will carry more weight than usual with me. My granddad, my Big Mick, was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year. And as bad as that was, it wasn't even the worst news to come. During a CT scan, doctors discovered an aneurysm that had to be fixed immediately. Following that surgery, Mick faced more than 40 days of radiation treatment for his cancer. And as soon as that ended, just a few weeks ago, the area around his stint had to be patched because of a leak.

My cousin Michael was wounded in Iraq. The communication between military and family back home is sometimes patchy, so we didn't even know of his injuries until he was back in Baghdad. He was awarded a Purple Heart, but goodness, it's scary to get news like that even after the fact.

My point is that this Thanksgiving, I've got so many reasons to say "thank you." As people, we don't just overlook the small blessings we've been given, but we can miss valuing big things like family and friends. I'm thankful to have such a strong granddad -- we don't call him Big Mick for nothing! And I'm thankful that my cousin is back in the States even though he's not sitting at our table tomorrow.

I hope tomorrow finds you with many reasons to say thanks.

Give me s'more camping

2007-11-21T09:17:00.000-06:00

If you know me, or even know a little bit about me, something about this photo may seem off. "Is that Stephanie, surrounded by wilderness and smiling?"

Yep, sure is.

Don't let the North Face vest fool you, I'm no wilderness girl. And if I'm going to be honest, I originally bought my vest to wear "outdooring" at Augusta National for the Masters last spring. Not exactly roughing it. And if I'm going to be really honest my cell phone was zipped up in the front pocket of my vest when this picture was taken. If this was Survivor: Central Arkansas, my little tiki torch would have been snuffed out for sure.

This past weekend I camped out at Lake Catherine, Ark., and really had a good time. I heard there was a waterfall, so after hiking over some rocky terrain, I stumbled upon one of the world's smallest waterfalls. No big deal. Dinky waterfall for a dinky camper. I still found it impressive. It was the perfect place to park for a mid-day turkey sandwich and a few minutes of rock skipping.

This picture just goes to show that sometimes it is good to try new things. Even something that may be completely out of character could end up being something you really enjoy.

Takes one teeny bopper to know one

2007-11-19T18:05:00.000-06:00

Wow, what a week it has been on the entertainment beat in Shreveport and it all boils down to one thing -- Hannah Montana. When the concert first announced several months ago, I couldn't tell you a thing about Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus. Even if you follow entertainment news closely, she seemed to be a phenomenon that captivated only younger audiences and their parents. You didn't see Cyrus in entertainment magazines or see her picture in popular tabloids and unless you were a Disney Channel viewer there's a good chance you didn't even know she existed.

But all that changed when her tour announced, Shreveporters found themselves caught up in the Hannah mania. It didn't take long for us all to know exactly who the young Disney star was, even though we may not know a single song she performs. The question soon became, "Did you get tickets?" Even if you couldn't name a single song, you knew this was the hottest ticket in town.

Thursday night, it all paid off for local fans. The CenturyTel Center was packed with youngsters who have likely counted down the days until this event. A huge preparty greeted those who arrived early. And as I stood there in the midst of young girls, whose hearts were likely beating out of their chests in excitement, I can't say I understood the mania.

I was sent to cover the story for the paper and all day fellow reporters expressed their sympathy, knowing the madness I would soon encounter. It was no less hectic than what everyone had foreseen. But I felt like some of the excitement was wasted on me. Before the concert, I set up my computer in the CenturyTel offices. As I walked down the hallway to exit the arena, my escort said, "Hey, that's Miley right behind you." I turned around and there she was. She looked like your everyday 14-year-old girl, which I must say is refreshing.

I couldn't help but think about the thousands of girls waiting outside the arena who would give anything for that moment and all of that excitement was wasted on me. At that point, I started to get it. I started to understand what the young star meant to the adoring fans ready to pound down the doors for this concert. It all boiled down to one simple thought for me -- New Kids on the Block.

My dad can tell you a similar horror story about camping out at the Fair Grounds to get me tickets to that concert. It meant the world to me -- and everyone else I knew. I sat among thousands of fans in Independence Stadium when NKOTB played Shreveport. The five members weren't much bigger than my pinkie nail, but the concert was so thrilling my dad had to take me to the medical tent for a few minutes to cool down. That's the embarrassing truth about being a teeny bopper -- something about it consumes you.

One parent at Thursday's concert said something along these lines too. Her teen favorite was The Osmonds. I guess every generation has a similar story to tell.

Self-defense class has much to offer women

2007-11-12T15:49:00.000-06:00

It may look like I'm playing mercy with one of the biggest guys in the Shreveport Police Department, but rather he's teaching me how to escape the grip of an attacker. He bruised my wrist during the training session, but I still managed to get away. He also tore the sleeve of my hoodie a little bit, but no real harm was done.

Times staffer Janelle Rucker and I attended the self-defense class at the training academy last week. We had a good time and each learned some serious self-defense tactics. It was fun even though we had to choke each other and pretend to hit each other. At some point, Janelle stopped pretending and actually popped me in the face -- on accident.

Women of all ages participated, and the techniques were extremely helpful. We didn't learn as much about fighting as we thought, but we learned some easy to remember skills to help defend ourselves. The officer explained that trying to fight a male attacker isn't always the best strategy. If a woman tries to fight back, her chances of winning are less than one percent. But escaping is much more likely and can be done if you know how. Another class will be offered in December.

Are you funnier than a fifth grader?

2007-11-05T10:52:00.001-06:00

Kids are funny without even meaning to be. How many adults do you know can do that?

Friday afternoon I went to University Elementary School to speak to Mrs. Roberts fifth grade class. The students have been learning about newspapers so I visited the class to talk a little bit about what I do every day at The Times. I showed them different parts of the paper. We talked about the difference in breaking news, editorials, columns and more.

Mrs. Roberts had a surprise in store for me. A few weeks ago, I'd used the word "swanky" in a restaurant review on Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro. The word is one of Mrs. Roberts' favorites and so she decided to make it one of the vocabulary words for the week. The students each wrote their definition of "swanky" and used it in a sentence. Here are some of my favorites.

Someone who thinks they are funky. "A group of kids were acting swanky and weird." -- Kali Knighton
"My mom is swanky." -- Jon Falardeaux
"I ate a swanky for lunch." -- Breante' Love
"He is really swanky when he dances." -- Hunter Bryant
A baseball person that swings. -- Christine Mays
When you're happy or messy. "He is a very swanky person." -- Annie Brittain
Means horrible. "You are a swanky baseball player." -- Bryce Tolliver
Means crazy. "That swanky person almost got his hand cut off from a lawnmower." -- Stephen Rizzo
I think swanky is a type of something like a smell ... a very different, unusual smell. -- Katie Payzant
Music, jazz, hip, exciting and jumpy music. "That is some swanky music." -- Danielle A. Arnold

More to Preview

2007-11-02T12:26:00.000-05:00

Whether you're an early bird or a night owl there are a few upcoming events to suit your schedule. In addition to events featured in today's Preview, check out the Coffee and Beignet Benefit for Martin Luther King Health Center at Courtyard Coffee, 7436 Youree Drive. The event is 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday and there's a $20 donation at the door. And did I mention there's an unlimited supply of coffee beverages and beignets?

The LSU Jazz Band will provide live music and locals like Sen. Sherry Cheek, Sen. Lydia Jackson, Barksdale Senior Airman Jermaine Miles and news anchor Sherri Allen will create artwork for silent auction. Proceeds from the event will go to the health center.

For you night owls, Phoenix Underground is hosting a celebration Thursday to honor its 10,000 Myspace friends. The event will feature several local DJs spinning in a custom lit DJ booth sent over from Dallas by Red Bull.

'You can't start unless you clack it'

2007-11-01T11:42:00.000-05:00

This is the busiest time of year. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Nov. 20. You may be asking, "What's the significance of Nov. 20?"

A month or so ago, I was introduced to Frank Caliendo during a commercial break from post-season baseball on TBS. Endless tears of laughter followed the commercial. This guy does the best impressions I've ever seen. DeNiro, Madden, Dr. Phil, Robin Williams, President Bush -- he nails them all. It's not just the voice, but his facial expressions (especially President Bush) are dead on. The show will debut Nov. 20 and I'm counting down the minutes.

Every now and then I'll go to You Tube to watch the Frank TV commercials. My reaction is always the same -- tears and uncontrollable laughter. My favorite is this DeNiro clip, but here are some others to check out.

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game"
Faux Movie Trailer
Frank TV promos

I ain't afraid of no ghosts

2007-10-31T10:41:00.000-05:00

I spent last Halloween sandwiched on the couch with my two best friends Sass and Kate. I'd planned a spooky celebration complete with candy, food and scary movies. The deal was each of us had to pick a scary flick the others hadn't seen before. When I heard neither of the girls had seen "The Exorcist," I knew it was going to be my movie of choice. But I had no idea my friends were such scaredy cats -- they were freaked out just by the music in the opening credits. By the movie's end, Kate's fingernails were permanently dug into my arm.

So there we sat. The three of us smashed together on a love seat. Kate insisted on sitting in the middle for safety purposes. You know, in case Linda Blair suddenly walked in the back door. Sass kept looking behind her to make sure nothing was there. All in all it was the perfect way to spend Halloween.

Moviefone released their picks for the 31 best horror movies:

31. The Ring
30. Hellraiser
29. Nosferatu
28. The Descent
27. The Omen
26. The Fly (Cronenberg)
25. Wicker Man (the original)
24. Carnival of Souls
23. The Eye
22. Scream
21. Friday the 13th
20. Dracula (1931)
19. Evil Dead 2
18. Carrie
17. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
16. Night of the Living Dead (original)
15. The Blair Witch Project
14. Bride of Frankenstein
13. A Nightmare on Elm Street
12. Rosemary's Baby
11. Frailty
10. 28 Days Later
9. The Haunting (1963)
8. Dawn of the Dead (original)
7. The Thing
6. The Sixth Sense
5. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (original)
4. The Shining
3. Psycho (original)
2. The Exorcist
1. Halloween (original)

I wasn't so pleased with "Halloween" getting the No. 1 spot, but the three runner ups are definite favorites.

So what movie keeps you from sleeping at night?

Fans pull out my hair for Black Crowes

2007-10-30T10:39:00.000-05:00

There's a big difference in being a reporter and a photographer. Reporters mingle in and out of the crowd. We talk to people and it's all very low key. Photographers, on the other hand, have to get front and center to get the shots they need.

Saturday night, I got a glimpse of life as a photojournalist at the Black Crowes concert. I was given photo clearance to shoot the band's first three songs and about five minutes before the concert I was allowed in front of the barricade.

As you can imagine, the crowd was enthusiastic about the show starting. Unfortunately, I was standing alone in front of the rowdy group.

They yelled at me. Fine, I've got no problem with that. Some people threw stuff. Whatever, no one hit me. And then someone pulled my hair. Honestly, it sent chills up my spine. I'm sure our photographers have to put up with some crazy stuff, but I'd like to see someone get away with pulling Jim Hudelson's hair!

Here are a some shots from the concert.

The tricks and treats of fall

2007-10-23T14:27:00.000-05:00

When Baxter and I stepped outside this morning for his usual walk through the neighborhood, I was happy to feel the cold air blowing around me. I was a little upset I'd left my sweatshirt on the chair upstairs so needless to say our walk was brief.

For about two weeks, I'm excited about the arrival of cooler weather. It's nice when the seats in my car no longer burn my legs and stick to my skin.

But in just a few months, my attitude will fly south for the winter. The new season will sink in and I'll complain about my joint aches, how the seats in my car are always freezing cold and how difficult it is to get a fire started.

But I'm not griping yet. I woke up this morning, took in the cool breeze, enjoyed the lack of frizz in my hair and put on my first long-sleeved shirt of the season. Heck, I wasn't even irritated by the little hanger humps on each sleeve.

There's a lot to do this time of the year. Haunted houses, hayrides, corn mazes, trick-or-treating, bon fires, etc. On Sunday, my family took a trip to the corn maze. You can read more about that and other events in Friday's Preview.

Dirtfoot revolution

2007-10-16T22:55:00.000-05:00

Exactly what is grumble boogie and how do you describe the sound to new ears? I haven't quite figured out how to sum up local band Dirtfoot, but they tell me, "Just call it grumble boogie." Perhaps the best way to describe grumble boogie is to give you an idea of the power it has over people.

At any local Dirtfoot concert, the area around the stage is surrounded by uninhibited adults. Earlier that day these people may have been bankers, realtors, city officials. But when Dirtfoot takes the stage and fans get a hold of cans filled with dried beans and held together by duct tape, the professional crowd looks more like kindergartners during music class.

Shreveport loves grumble boogie, but Dirtfoot is hoping to broaden its audience -- and they need your help. The band is a top 10 finalist in the Artist Revolution/Voodoo Music Experience Play Voodoo Contest. Visitors can go on the Artist Revolution Web site, cast a vote each day and the winning band earns a Saturday spot at Voodoo in New Orleans.

To vote, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the voting link. Photos of the 10 finalists will appear, click on Dirtfoot and then on the little red check mark and your vote will be cast.

The last day for voting is Thursday, so be sure to visit the site and support this Shreveport band.

Here's where you get started: www.theartistrevolution.com.

Rated T for Terrifying

2007-10-15T13:34:00.001-05:00

When this time of year rolls around, there is nothing I look forward to more than a good haunted house. Unfortunately, in recent years Shreveport's been a little slow to offer this sort of entertainment. Small town Calhoun has pulled in thousands each weekend with their over-the-top scare tactics, but not Shreveport -- until now.

Dark's Horror can be found south on Mansfield Road. The haunted house is filled with the quality scares you'd hope for. The haunted house officially opens its doors today and will frighten until Nov. 3.

The house will take people on a tour through some of the most horrifying scenes captured by Hollywood. Expect to be scared by scenes from "Alien," "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "Scream," "Dracula" and more.

Check out http://www.darkshorror.com/ for hours and admission, and read Friday's Preview for more details on the house.

A flat attitude

2007-10-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

"Stuff happens. It is your response that counts."

I was eating sushi with my friends a few months ago when I got this token of advice in my fortune cookie. Even though it isn't really a fortune, I held on to the cookie-wrapped words of wisdom because I knew they would serve as a good reminder to me one day.

For many of us, it isn't easy to be optimistic when difficult times arise, and I'm no different. I explained to a friend that my life is very much like a game of Jenga. I live by a day planner, and I'm overly organized so when one piece is pulled out it feels like everything could come tumbling down.

I left my house for work Monday morning and just a few miles down the road my tire was completely flat. After getting my spare tire put on, I was two hours behind schedule and in a pretty foul mood. At that moment, it was hard to think about how fortunate I was that my day started off this way. I'd driven back from Baton Rouge late Sunday night and if my tire had gone flat any sooner I would have been stranded in the dark on the side of I-49.

I went to get my tire the next morning and the report wasn't good -- the tire was not fixable. Immediately, I was frustrated about having to buy a new tire since I'd gotten a new set less than a year ago. But left with no choice, I went to the tire store and braced myself for the unexpected expense. The guy helping me wanted to try to repair the tire before he replaced it, so I agreed to let him give it a shot. Less than an hour later, my tire was patched free of charge and I was happy to keep my $150.

Sometimes it's hard to look at the sunny side of life. In fact, it's human nature to react negatively. But after two days of tire woes, I realized all my worry and frustration got me nowhere. Life isn't always going to come up roses, but you still have a choice in how you respond. Plus, isn't it a lot more fun to live life believing things are going to work out?

Music to my ears

2007-10-04T11:11:00.000-05:00

Mother Nature has favored Revel 32. Every day has been beautiful. Although it's a little warmer than usual, the heat beats the rain any day. In recent years, I can't remember revelers enjoying such sunny skies. Financially, it's a sunny situation for the festival too. A soggy day can be a major setback.

Tonight the entertainment will continue at 8:30 p.m. at the Eldorado RiverView Stage with Losing Anna. The band is no longer together, however they occasionally resurface for special performances.

The weekend promise amazing performances too. Blues legend Humbert Sumlin will play with the Bluebirds and Miki Honeycutt at 9:30 p.m. Friday at the Chase Stage. Local band Dirtfoot will go on at 7:30 p.m. at the Eldorado RiverView Stage and will be followed by New Orleans favorite Cowboy Mouth at 9:30 p.m.

Revelers will be treated to a funk-filled performance by George Clinton at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Eldorado RiverView Stage. Industry newcomer Carter's Chord will perform at 9:30 p.m. on the Chase Stage. The group is new to Toby Keith's record label and their album is due out at the first of next year. While their sound falls under the country music genre, the sisters season their sound with a dash of the blues and a helping of three-part harmony.

However, if you've had your fill of festival food and fare, Orlando-based Band Marino will perform at 9 p.m. tonight at Jackrabbit Lounge. The band is big among hometown fans and stopped at Sully's Tavern in Shreveport a few months ago.

My first go at video storytelling

2007-10-03T13:19:00.000-05:00

In the past year, The Times has proven we're no longer your grandmother's newspaper. Our industry is becoming more Web driven and in doing so we've added photo galleries, constant online updates and video presentations.

When I signed on to be a journalist I thought that meant I was going to be a writer. I never pictured myself picking up a video camera and editing footage for a newspaper. While writing is my first love, this week I've started dabbling in a new form of storytelling.

The Revel has been an ideal place to learn the how tos of making a good video. The past two days, fellow reporter and experienced videographer Alexandyr Kent has taken me under his wing to teach me how it's done.

The first day, we did a video on some of the best dishes offered at the Revel. I stopped by seven booths for lunch and feasted on muffaletta pizza, a gyro, a deep-fried jambalaya wrap, blackened catfish, a turkey leg, bread pudding and a smoothie. I wasn't feeling so hot when all was said and done, but the video turned out to be pretty entertaining.

Alex and I returned to the Revel last night to tape the Port City Big Band's performance. The crowd couldn't sit still for long. Pretty soon people started to spring from the seats to show off their dance moves for the crowd.

All in all it was a fun experience, and you guys can expect more to come.

A long weekend to celebrate

2007-10-02T14:34:00.001-05:00

How relaxing. A long weekend at the beach with my girls. In five days we managed to drive nearly 18 hours, eat massive amounts of seafood, get tans and sunburns, read every gossip magazine printed this month and dance until our stilettos gave in.

I returned yesterday from a long weekend in Destin, Fla., with some of my best gals. We drove to the beach to celebrate our friend Carie Cotter's upcoming wedding to Travis Hart. It was the perfect way to celebrate and came at the perfect time -- Friday was also Carie's birthday.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend. As for Carie, Melissa, Bevin, Kate, Casey, Amanda, Kaysie, Jenna and Kristen: you guys make life worth living.

TOP: The bachelorette party lined up our chairs along the water's edge to take in some sun while staying cool. The chairs had each of our names on them and were given to us by the bride's mom.

CENTER: That's me with Carie on the balcony of our condo just before we sang "Happy Birthday" and headed out for dinner.

BOTTOM: The group poses for a picture following dinner at ACME Oyster House. Pictured clockwise from top left: Stephanie, Kristen, Kate, Kaysie, Melissa, Bevin, Jenna, Carie, Amanda and Casey.

Off to the beach

2007-09-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

Well guys, I'm headed to the beach for a few days of R&R with my best girlfriends (pictured above). We're making the trip in honor of bride-to-be Carie Cotter (far left), who will say "I do" to Travis Hart in December.

Good stories to come on Monday.

Paisley a good pick for CenturyTel

2007-09-25T15:56:00.000-05:00

I'm a little hesitant to mention ticket sales considering the recent Hannah Montana fiasco, but CenturyTel has another major concert coming up and tickets will go on sale Saturday.

Country star Brad Paisley will stop by the Bossier City venue Nov. 1 with special guests Rodney Atkins and Taylor Swift. I'm not a country music listener, but this concert should be well received with local audiences. Paisley is one of the hottest artists in country music right now and Taylor Swift has been a fast riser this year.

The only Brad Paisley song I'm really familiar with says something about loving a woman but loving to fish more. Probably not the best way to earn female fans, Brad. But after making a comment about this to a Paisley fans, I was soon set straight about the fishing song. Actually, Paisley is quite the gifted guitarist, backed up by local legend James Burton. And while I'd dread being stuck with a man who'd rather go fishing, I can appreciate what my friend was saying.

CenturyTel sticks with what it knows: Country and children's concerts are sure to sell in this market. Now, I've accepted the fact that I'll never see the White Stripes at CTC, but I'd like to see a broader variety in shows.

Events like Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group added diversity to the arena's offerings last year and hopefully we'll see more of that in the future. Let's just hope we can get tickets.

High in the sky

2007-09-17T22:45:00.000-05:00

I didn't tell many people when I signed up to go on a hot air balloon ride last Friday. I'm not one for adventure. So if anyone expressed hesitation about me taking the flight, I would have been more likely to chicken out.

Sunday when I was having my weekly lunch with the grandparents, I told them that I'd actually gone up in a hot air balloon and my grandmother's jaw nearly dropped.

"Oh I can just see you as a kid looking at that thing and saying, 'I'm not doing that.'"

Facing the fear was one of the best experiences of my life. Climbing into the balloon may have been one of the most difficult things to convince myself to do. But I managed to put one foot in front of the other, and I was air born before I could change my mind.

The sights were breathtaking, and I thought it only fair to share some of the beautiful pictures I took that morning.

Interviewing Pete Yorn

2007-09-13T14:58:00.000-05:00

As you all know, I'm the music person here at The Times. I write about local artists trying to make it, touring artists passing through town and everything in between. Each week I talk to some pretty interesting people. Musicians can be an odd bunch. But very rarely do I get the chance to interview an artist whose music I love personally.

I talked to Martina McBride a few months ago. I admire her as a musician, and she was kind, warm and personable during our interview. But I don't rock out to Martina McBride when I'm in the car. My interview with Phil Collen, guitarist and vocalist for Def Leppard, also was interesting. When I brought up difficult topics, such as the death of his fellow band member, Collen's answers were sincere and heartfelt. I went to this concert, but Def Leppard still isn't one of my favorites.

Finally, after a year in this job, I got to talk to a musician I consider one of my favorites, Pete Yorn. It was hard not to seem like a super fan during the interview, although I did tell Yorn I liked his work.

The interview flowed. It was light and conversational because I'm more familiar with his music than most artists. It was like getting to sit down with a favorite musician and picking their brain. In 2006, Yorn released "Nightcrawler," the third album of his trilogy chronicling morning, day and night. Yorn said when he started the project in 2001 with "musicforthemorningafter" he had no idea it would develop that way.

Each album in the trilogy is a reflection of what music Yorn was into at the time. When working on "Nightcrawler," Yorn said he listened to a lot of David Bowie and Frank Sinatra, which you can actually hear on the album. He's a fascinating musician. Nothing Yorn records is by happenstance. He's thoughtful about they lyrics, music and order in which the tracks on his albums are composed.

So here are some excerpts from my interview with Yorn:

SN: "Nightcrawler" is the completion of your morning, day, night trilogy. Is there one of the three albums that is your favorite?

YORN: I love them all for different reasons. Looking back, there's really something about that first record that is very much like your first love. It was a magical time, and I have a soft spot for that and those songs. But I loved a lot of elements about the other records as well.

SN: You've said that "Nightcrawler" wasn't so much an album about the night, but for a later period in your life. How has your life changed since "musicforthemorningafter" debuted?

YORN: I've grown up a little bit, which is inevitable. It's a good thing. You kind of have a different view about how things play out. With all the traveling and relationships you have, you take that with you in forms of songwriting and the person you become. I feel I've evolved a lot in many ways as a person since then. I want to take that into the next piece of work that I do.

SN: You worked with several artists on this album like Dave Grohl and Natalie Maines. What would you say they contributed to "Nightcrawler?"

YORN: I always loved to hear Natalie sing. I love her voice so much. It's a real treat to be able to sing a song with her. She brought a beauty to that record that's very different and you haven't seen before on my other records. Dave brought the rock. I reached out to him and he came into the studio and just nailed it. He gave the album that punch that it needed.

SN: I hear you write each song completely before moving on to another song. How do you end up tying all those songs together to complete an album?

YORN: Sometimes I purposefully won't finish a song. I just let it simmer because there is a magic in the studio that you can't really predict. Uncertainty is to be celebrated. The magic that happens in the studio is part of the process that I really love.

SN: "Nightcrawler" starts off pretty soft and bare and builds as the album goes on. Why did you choose to start the album that way?

YORN: I'd worked up in my mind at that time that I wanted the album to start that way. "Vampyre" is one of my favorite songs, and it's not your typical upbeat way to start a record. But it just had a real atmosphere to it and sounded dark and creaky. It was a cinematic way to open the album.

SN: You recently wrapped an acoustic tour. What was that like for you as a performer?

YORN: It was a good challenge for me. I get nervous and it's hard not having a band out there to protect me. It was hard to make myself get out there after not performing publicly for a while. I forced myself to do it and it will do me good in the long run. The tour took some it's toll on me, and I wore myself out in the end. But I became a better performer and I'm more comfortable from all that.

SN: These albums are all tied together and have consumed your attention since 2001. What's next for you and does it feel like a clean slate?

YORN: The records are tied together so much in my life that I felt like a big change was coming and has come in a lot of ways. I've been forced to grow up and I feel like the next record is sort of a rebirth, a clean slate and an opportunity to move into the next phase of my life and my career.

Yorn will perform tonight at the Riverdome at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.

Riverdome is giving city what it wants to hear

2007-09-12T16:44:00.000-05:00

Since kicking off its summer concert series, Horseshoe hasn't stopped offering our area good entertainment. They've brought in a little something for everyone: Better Than Ezra, Blues Traveler, Beach Boys, Buddy Guy, Sister Hazel and Cowboy Mouth. Upcoming concerts include Pete Yorn, Lucinda Williams, Wynonna, Los Lonely Boys, Greg Allman and the Black Crowes.

The CenturyTel Center is supposed to be the premier entertainment venue in these parts, but the summer has been slow and the concerts have been kid focused. Horseshoe's Riverdome has continually updated its schedule to give the CenturyTel some stiff competition. Although it's a smaller venue, the concerts are more along the lines of what young people in this area want to see and hear.

Pete Yorn has been one of my favorite performers for years, but I never thought I would get to see him in Shreveport. In the past, there hasn't been a venue that would risk bringing in the artist because he doesn't get radio play here, and locals are less familiar with his music. But Horseshoe is taking that risk and in return our area is getting quality entertainment. If they keep it up, hopefully we can stop driving to Dallas, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Little Rock to hear the bands we love.

Could it get any worse for Britney?

2007-09-11T17:01:00.001-05:00

Weekly shots and a daily supply of allergy meds couldn't keep the ragweed from making me ill once again this year. I was out of the office yesterday to get a shot and some rest and today I'm back although somewhat lightheaded still. So, I apologize for a few days without words.

This weekend I spent in Baton Rouge and more importantly in Death Valley watching LSU demolish Virginia Tech. It was a perfect game with the perfect company, Michael Roberts and Jarrod Brown.

I returned Sunday afternoon, just in time to crash on the couch for MTV's Video Music Awards. It was the usual, unpredictable MTV generation antics. But even more interesting, it was the night Britney Spears tried to make her big comeback. If you've read any entertainment sites this week, or watched the performance for yourself, you understand why I say tried.

There are a few simple suggestions and thoughts I have on the topic:

Usually a comeback takes some reinvention. For instance, when Christina Aguilera came out of her dirty, X-tina phase she won disgruntled fans over again with a more elegant, polished, softer look. Although, I'm happy Britney has proven she actually DOES know how to put on panties, the performance gave fans nothing more than the same old thing.

If you stage a comeback using the same tired, familiar approach it has to be hands-down better than the first time you did it. Britney has made us gasp by dancing with a python around her neck. She's seduced us in nothing more than a nude-colored, rhinestone clad skin suit. She's even french kissed Madonna. The comeback performance only proved one thing: Britney's not what she used to be.

If she really wanted to impress us maybe she should sing her songs instead of just mouthing them. Oh, it also helps when you know the words.

Maybe Britney could earn more fans back by getting her personal life together and being a good mom to her two boys. I think that would be her greatest comeback of all.

Let's get physical

2007-09-05T16:18:00.001-05:00

I've decided its time to incorporate some good habits into my life.

I tried this once before. At the beginning of the year, I forced myself into becoming a morning person. I woke up by 6:30 each morning, and I was cruising into the office by 8 a.m. each day. Two months later, I was back to the old me that sleeps in a little later. The person who walks directly to the coffee pot upon my feet hitting the floor. And the person who catches most of "Good Morning America" before leaving the house each day.

Yesterday, I started working out with a personal trainer. I've been in an on-again/off-again relationship with fitness for the past few years. A former boyfriend bought me the entire Yoga Booty Ballet DVD series, which I used a couple of times and got bored. I used to run at LSU Shreveport every night after work and that got boring in a week -- even with an iPod.

I'm hoping it will be difficult to get bored with someone there to encourage me and even more importantly, someone to call me if I don't show up.

Fans say Michael W. Smith lives out his message of faith

2007-09-04T16:52:00.000-05:00

Last week I was working on a story to advance the Michael W. Smith concert at Summer Grove this Saturday. Several of the radio stations and the promoter were extremely helpful in putting me in touch with some of Smith's biggest fans locally.

After my story had been written and turned in I received this e-mail from Tim Sanderford, of West Monroe. I didn't get to include Sanderford in my story, but I thought his words were touching. Thanks to Mr. Sanderford for sharing this story.

A couple of years ago, a group of friends and I were having a late night meal at a restaurant in Layfayette. We'd put in a busy day traveling from school to school presenting a program to the students about the positive influence they could have on their classmates. I say we, I mainly tagged along, holding a boom microphone for interviews after the programs.

My new friend Craig began to share a story with us. It was 1999, and as a teenager he had just survived one of the worst school shootings in U.S. history. His sister Rachel had been the first one killed that April day, and Craig had seen two of his friends gunned down right beside him in the school library.

Still in shock from this unbelievable tragedy, Craig's family went home and tried their best to comfort each other. He remembers a numbness, not knowing how to deal with what he had just experienced. Then there was a knock at the door. Craig went to the door, hoping it wasn't another news reporter. The family had been inundated with calls and requests for interviews.

He opened the door and a man stuck out his hand. "I'm Michael W. Smith" he said, "And I'm here to help". These days, a lot of people know the name Craig Scott. He is one of the "Rachel's Challenge" speakers who crisscross this country spreading the message that one person can make a positive difference in the lives of many.

But that day in April 1999, he was just a teenager who needed help. Michael W. Smith didn't pick up a phone and call, and give someone a chance to tell him he wasn't needed. He got on a plane and went in person to where he knew the need was. I'll never forget this story. I'm sure Craig has told it a thousand times by now. I don't think he gets tired of it, either.

'Superbad' is super good

2007-08-30T11:05:00.000-05:00

I've seen more movies this past week than I've probably seen all summer. Last Monday, I saw "Becoming Jane" and Saturday afternoon I saw "Superbad."

"Jane" is an obvious chick flick and "Superbad" is one of those overly popular silly guy movies. Every female I know who was unwillingly taken to "Superbad" by her boyfriend or husband said it was the tackiest, crudest, most idiotic movie they'd seen. So why did I love this movie so much? Maybe it was the shock value that had my eyes welling up with tears of laughter. Or maybe it was just McLovin. Either way, I loved this movie.

As a devoted follower of the chick flick genre, I thought "Becoming Jane" would hit a home run with me. A love story about a writer. Come on it's the perfect girlie movie for a single newspaper reporter!

SPOILER ALERT: Rather than leaving with that warm fuzzy feeling where everything works out, I left seriously down in the dumps. With everyone a little disappointed by the movie's ending, my friend's mom said, "Anyone up for watching 'Old Yeller?'"

Jane finds love but can never have it. She never marries and ends up writing six of the most highly regarded novels still today. On the ride home, I couldn't help but thinking that some of the greatest women writers were some of the saddest people too. Virginia Woolf put rocks in her pockets to drown herself. Sylvia Plath stuck her head in an oven. Jane Austen lived the life of an old maid.

Not that I could ever compare to these women, but I'm considering a career in accounting.

The downfalls of celebrity

2007-08-28T14:50:00.000-05:00

My heart goes out to Owen Wilson. The film star reportedly attempted suicide Sunday. It's hard to imagine what the headlines could have read.

This past year celebs have exhibited some ridiculous behavior. Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, but not Owen Wilson. Every time he's on the red carpet he shines. He's the non-Hollywood superstar. He never seems egotistical. He's always mellow. He's at the top of his career. He always looks like he's having fun.

To me, Wilson's suicide attempt shows the darker side of being a celebrity. Fame is the one thing everyone wants, but many struggle to handle it. Imagine if you walked out of your house tomorrow and people followed your every move. Imagine if a camera caught you looking tired at the end of the day and the next morning every entertainment source said you were in a troubled relationship. Imagine if you couldn't take your trash out or walk out to your car without being photographed and laughed at in magazines.

Of course there are benefits to celebrity. The most prominent being money. But if Owen Wilson shows us anything it's that money doesn't necessarily make you happy.

Simpsonize me

2007-08-22T16:46:00.000-05:00

Does this gal look familiar?

Oh yeah, that's me in "Simpson" form. I haven't watched "The Simpsons" since 8th grade when I slowly began to gain control of the TV remote from my older brother, Chris. Prior to that time, it was all "G.I. Joe," "Transformers" and "He-Man." I don't think I ever watched a complete episode of "Saved by the Bell" until Chris was forced to stay late after school for golf practice. Even if you aren't a fan of the show, you can't help but wonder what you'd look like if the show's creators chose to draw you.

I thought my character was funny and somewhat accurate. When I dropped it into our photo system at the paper, three co-workers saw it and e-mailed me to ask if I'd Simpsonized myself. However, my friend Kate had a good observation. "Stephanie, you'd never wear a shirt that low cut." True Kate, very true. Simpson Stephanie is apparently scandalous!

Well, I'm off to Moe's Tavern.

Simpsonize yourself: http://www.simpsonizeme.com/.

Rilo Kiley offers best album so far this year

2007-08-21T15:45:00.000-05:00

This year has produced a lot of good albums by some of my favorite musicians. "Easy Tiger" by Ryan Adams and "Icky Thump" by the White Stripes to name a few. But today Rilo Kiley released "Under The Blacklight," which could be the most enjoyable album I've heard all year.

The Los Angeles band doesn't get much mainstream exposure, however they've spent time charming the late night television crowds. They've worked with other groups like Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service. They're songs have been heard during episodes of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Weeds." But even considering all that, "Under the Blacklight" will be the main thing to bring Rilo Kiley out of the dark.

Another interesting fact is members Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett are former child actors. Lewis starred in "Troop Beverly Hills" (one of my favorites) and Sennett was cast in TV series "Salute Your Shorts" and "Boy Meets World."

I will be traveling to Dallas on Oct. 6 to shell out $20 and see this band.

A swimmingly good time

2007-08-20T12:08:00.000-05:00

Weather permitting, my stepmom and I try to spend our Sunday afternoons lounging by the pool. The weather was beautiful yesterday and considering our mild break from the extreme heat, we decided it would be a perfect pool day.

We followed our normal routine: lay out towels, order a frozen beverage, grab a noodle and float. As we drifted around the pool we reached the deep end where five young girls splashed in the water and giggled as they played a favorite swimming pool game from my childhood.

Four of the girls line up on one side of the pool, while a lone gal is "it" and must sit on the opposite side of the pool. A category, such as "soft drinks," is chosen and the girls huddle up and each choose the name of a soft drink. The solo girl on the other side of the pool must guess soft drinks until she guesses one of the drinks. When a correct guess is made they race across the pool and the last one to reach the opposite side is "it."

The category was named -- food -- and the girls huddled to choose their items. The guesser was probably the youngest of the group and "food" is a rather broad category.

Her first guess nearly made me laugh off my noodle.

"Flank steak."

I thought about asking her parents if I could come over for dinner. She continued her guesses. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, butter, cheese, meatloaf, basil, tuna steak and cheese sticks more than four times. Her older sister offered a hint.

"What's Dad's favorite food? He eats it at Tokyo every Friday. You don't go to the grill part. You go to the other side to eat ..."

"Smoothies."

All the girls cracked up, and I couldn't help but miss being a kid.

I hear you loud and clear

2007-08-16T12:56:00.000-05:00

There are two things that can always be found in my purse - A notebook and a tape recorder. When I'm out with my friends they always ask me one of two questions.

"Can we do an interview? Come on, just for fun!"
"Are you going to put this in the paper?"

I may be a reporter, but I don't go out just to get a story. My friends who work in real estate don't come to the bar in an attempt to sell me a house. I understand there is a little difference because going out is what I write about. But if my friend acts a fool at Stray Cat it's not like I'm going to take a picture and put it in my column. Complete strangers ... maybe!

But nonetheless having my tape recorder and notepad is a must.

So the other day I was interviewing four girls at Jacquelyn's. I'd pulled out my tape recorder to ask some questions when I saw a friend across the room. I excused myself from the table and walked over to say hello. I talked to my friend briefly and returned to the table to continue the interview. I suppose the girls forgot my tape recorder was on the table and the tape was running because when I reviewed the tape I caught them talking about me!

I won't give the juicy details about what they said (mostly to preserve my self worth), but I was shocked to say the least. And so were the girls! After a few minutes of talking about me, one of the girls realizes my recorder is running and she gasps. Her gasp is followed by a loud thud. I'm assuming she showed the recorder to her friends because the thud was followed by whispering.

Lesson to all, you never know who is listening.

Live music back in the Red River District

2007-08-15T11:47:00.000-05:00

I've seen the Molly Ringwalds perform here three times in the past year. The first concert was amazing. I thought they were the best cover band I'd ever seen. I knew nearly every word to every song. My friends and I danced until we could hardly breathe. We were completely lost in the music and fun the Molly Ringwalds create. And when the band played U2, they solidified a spot in my heart.

But the next two concerts I considered mediocre. It's always a good show and nothing beats the music, but the band only played at Saddle Ridge/Sidekicks - a night spot that didn't really appeal to me.

Tomorrow night the band will return to the area to play in the Red River District. The concert starts at 9:30 p.m. and admission is $12 or $10 if you dress in '80s clothing. The music will be good, and I think the venue is perfect even though we're experiencing the hottest month so far this year. The Red River District could be such a fun spot. It's perfect for live music and there is a stage that goes unused most weekends.

When the district first opened, there was a huge kickoff celebration and Better Than Ezra performed. The place was packed because the district was new, but I also believe the music helped draw a crowd. Wouldn't it be amazing to see this many people in the Red River District again?

I don't know how Thursday's concert will turn out, but I'm hopeful that a crowd will pack the Red River District and prove it to be a unique spot for live entertainment in our area.

Jon Reep returns to Shreveport

2007-08-14T16:25:00.001-05:00

For the most part, I'm completely sick of redneck humor.

Bill Engvall's new sitcom is airing on TBS. The Blue Collar Comedy Tour seems to release a new DVD every three months. Larry the Cable Guy is "gitten-r-dun" in movies and comedy tours nationwide. The comedy world is being taken over by flannel cut-off shirts, trucker hats and catch phrases like "Git-R-Dun" and "Here's Your Sign!"

But there's one guy who manages to keep himself separated from the flock of country comedians. I saw Jon Reep perform at the end of last year at the Funny Bone and my side was hurting by the end of the night. Known to most as "The Hemi Guy," Reep talks of life growing up in Hickory, N.C.

I met the comedian following his show at the Funny Bone, along with Real World/Road Rules cast member Theo Von. Reep was down-to-earth and a naturally funny guy off stage. Even though Reep was wearing a trucker hat and a flannel snap shirt, he's not your typical redneck humorist. When he tells his jokes you believe he's speaking from life experience, which makes his routine even better. Reep will return to the Funny Bone on Aug. 23-26 and his show is worth attending.

He posted this video on his Web site from Hickory's community college beauty pageant. He's not in the video, but it's a glowing example of his sense of humor.

It's getting hot in here

2007-08-13T15:19:00.001-05:00

We're in the midst of summer's hottest days. You go to the pool to relax and instead you feel like a tea bag dropped into a pot of boiling water. You risk heat stroke to play golf, tend to the lawn or even just checking the mail.

I woke up this morning and my thermostat read 80 degrees. That's the indoor thermostat, which indicates a major problem. My friend Kate had mentioned last night that it seemed hot in the house. I blew it off. I mean, it's August in Louisiana. It's hot everywhere.

After Kate left, I went to bed and realized it was significantly warmer upstairs. Unbearable actually. Now, I complained last week about how hot it was at the Saints training camp, but this is a different kind of hot. It's muggy, stagnant heat that makes you wish you were outside.

The A/C man won't be able to fix our problem until tomorrow afternoon. So, tonight Baxter and I will bunk at my parents' house where the thermostat never reaches beyond 70 degrees.

Old habits die hard

2007-08-10T11:02:00.000-05:00

When it comes to cell phone etiquette, I admit I often miss the mark. I don't answer incoming numbers I don't recognize, and I loathe checking my voicemail. Right now, my phone shows I have two voicemails in my inbox. I won't check those until I have about 8 more messages waiting.

I hate typing in security passwords just to hear messages like, "Hey Stephanie, it's _____. Call me back." My theory is if I already have a number stored, I'll see the missed call and return it -- no voicemail needed. And the theory hasn't failed me yet!

Most of my friends are aware of this bad habit. If they don't get me on the phone, they'll shoot me a text message, and I'm always quick to reply. But this bad habit came back to bite me, like most do.

I was at Willis-Knighton a few weeks ago, where my grandfather had just undergone surgery. My family and I had been sitting there for hours. I'd flipped through all the magazine pages I could stand before I resorted to checking my 10-plus voicemails. Waiting in the midst of outdated phone messages was something I wasn't expecting.

"Hello Stephanie, this is Lee Greenwood. ..."

I'd been trying to schedule an interview with Greenwood for weeks. I'd never been notified of a time for the interview and I didn't answer because I didn't know the number. In fact, I didn't even know he had my cell phone number! I missed my shot at an interview, and Greenwood and I were never able to schedule another time.

At this point, I'm not so proud to be a phone screener.

Check out Greenwood at 8 p.m. Saturday at DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City.

Shark bite

2007-08-09T15:33:00.001-05:00

"Did you see 'Air Jaws?'"

I was asked that question by at least three different people last week. So exactly what did we do before Shark Week? And why are we so obsessed?

It's been four days since the Discovery Channel wrapped the 20th year of shark coverage, and I still haven't adjusted. As nerdy as it sounds, last week these shows were the topic of conversation among my circle of friends. Even though I was in Jackson for most of the week, I managed to TiVo as much Shark Week as possible.

I did see "Air Jaw," and I was astonished at how these two-ton Great Whites could perform such elegant air acrobatics. I also learned, contrary to popular belief, Bull sharks are the most dangerous of all because they can adapt and survive 3 to 4 years in fresh water.

You think I'm bad? My roommate confessed she and her sorority sisters would schedule homework, showers and sleep around the sharks when they were in school.

She had to have it

2007-08-08T10:21:00.000-05:00

I don't consider myself a Sarah Jessica Parker fan, but I will say I can appreciate what she does. I like "Sex and the City" and before that I liked "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and "Footloose." I like how Carrie Bradshaw morphed her into a fashion icon and now she can make me love clothing I would otherwise find laughable. I hate how she squeals in nearly every feature film and episode of "Sex in the City," but I still love her work and the characters she portrays. That's just the magic of SJP.

No one knew what would happen to Parker after "Sex and the City" wrapped. She's done some movies, but overall she's made a career of simply being glamorous. With the "Sex and the City" movie set to film this year and the launch of her second perfume, "Covet," Parker is back on top. So tell me, why would she agree to this? Instead of the stylish, glamorous, not-a-hair-out-of-place girl we're used to seeing, we get a deranged looking Parker kicking in glass and pushing her head between the bars of a Paris jailhouse. And even if the fragrance is worth serving time, does she really need a five gallon jug of the stuff?