From left: Channel 3's Lois Hart and Dave Walker, Channel 13's Sam Shane, News10's Cristina Mendonsa, Fox40's Thomas Drayton

There were no big surprises in the local TV news November sweeps, the much-hyped period when stations gauge audience to set advertising rates.

It was another dominating ratings book for Channel 3, especially on the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts. But the late news, considered the "signature" broadcast for stations, has become quite competitive, with channels 3 and 13 battling it out.

(Quick refresher for below: Ratings chart the percentage of all homes with television; shares measure the number of TV sets turned on at a particular time. Remember, people, this will be on the quiz.)

At 5 and 6 p.m., there's no contest: KCRA pulled in a 9.7 rating and a 20 share at 5 p.m., more than tripling the rating of its nearest competitor. (Channel 13 had a 3.0 rating and 6 share; News10 had a 2.9 rating and 6 share.) Then, at 6 p.m., Channel 3 had an 8.6 rating and 15 share, while News10 was a distant second at 3.5 and 6.

For the late news, Channel 13 had the highest rating, with 5.8 (10 share) for its hour-long 10 p.m. broadcast. That figure edged Channel 3, which had a 5.7 rating (13 share) for its half-hour newscast at 11 p.m.

(It is at this point that, as inevitably as Punxsutawney Phil will pop out to check his shadow on Groundhog Day, Channel 3 suits will say you can't compare late newscasts at different hours, and Channel 13 honchos will counter that, oh, yes you can.)

Anyway, at 10 p.m., Channel 13's number easily beat head-to-head rivals Fox40 (3.3 and 6) and My58TV (1.9 and 3). At 11 p.m., News10 (5.2 rating, 12 share) is catching up to Channel 3.

Not much change in the morning news, as Channel 3's local progam and the "Today" show beat Channel 31's "Good Day Sacramento" in nearly all the hours.

The results were not as good for My58TV's new 7 to 9 a.m. morning show, using Channel 3 talent. It garnered only a 0.5 rating and 2 share in the 7 a.m. hour and 0.7 and 2 at 8 a.m. Those numbers are about the same as those of deposed radio talkers "Armstrong & Getty" when they broadcast a simulcast of their radio show.

Fox40's two-hour morning newscast failed to break the 1.0 rating mark, even thought it has significantly beefed up its newscast.

And, finally, Sacramentans still like Dave & Lois more than Alex Trebek: Channel 3's 6:30 p.m. news (6.9 rating, 12 share) with Walker and Hart beat "Jeopardy!" (5.5, 9).

Associated Press

OK, before everyone starts with the who-gives-a-flying-fig comments, as a frequent follower of beauty and fashion trends here at 21Q, I just have to ask the question:

Is Katie Holmes under some sort of weird hair spell?

At first, I thought she was trying to channel her inner Victoria Beckham. Now, based on the photo above, where she's shown on the red carpet Thursday in Duesseldorf, Germany, with husband Tom Cruise, I think she's trying to channel her toddler, little Suri.

What do you think?

Actually, Katie has hair-morphed quite a bit since her engagement to Tom. At that happy event, back in 2005 in Paris, she still had that "Dawson's Creek" look to her. But then, the Cruises and the Beckhams became celeb pals and, next thing you know, Katie was wearing cropped hair much like the signature Victoria "bob."

Hey, I'm all for changing one's hairstyle. I myself do it on a regular basis. There are some people at work who don't recognize me because I keep messing with it.

Anyway, props to Katie for at least smiling through her photo ops. Photos of Victoria B., a.k.a. "Posh Spice," show a woman who never cracks a smile.

Every week in the Weekend Ticket section, I review new movies and I recommend previously released ones. Here are my picks among recently released movies:

Beowulf
3 stars
Director Robert Zemeckis' "performance capture" process, which puts sensors on actors for digital enhancement on screen, probably wouldn't work in an adaptation of a David Mamet play. But it suits this tall tale of a Viking hero (Ray Winstone – at least, kind of) who slays sea monsters and battles demons who disrupt mead-and-wench hour at the communal hall.
Rated PG-13

Enchanted
3 stars
Amy Adams is delightful as Giselle, a princess who leaves animated form for the bright lights of live-action New York City. Adams' performance is unironically wide-eyed, even as this Disney film gently spoofs the kind of fairy-tale love that the studio helped establish.
Rated PG

No Country for Old Men
4 stars
As in other Coen brothers movies, some of the most effective moments come from juxtaposing the extraordinary and the banal, the horrifyingly criminal and the workaday polite. But even though it evokes "Fargo" at moments, "No Country for Old Men" establishes itself as something all its own, from the starkness of its violence and Texas landscape to its singular characters.
Rated R

Lezlie Sterling/lsterling@sacbee.com

Sometimes I interview people who give me much more material than I can use in a story. I’d like to think it’s because I ask such good questions, but it’s probably more that these people have a lot to say or they’re just great talkers.

Actor David Silberman is a great talker who has a lot to say. (Check out my story on him - in today's issue of Weekend Ticket - and see a great video on him by The Bee's Andy Alfaro, by clicking here.

On working steadily in a very tough business, Silberman says he’s gotten a few breaks.

“I’ve been able to go from job to job and situation to situation,” Silberman says.
“There’ve been some fallow times in there, which all actors experience, but I’ve been really lucky in a profession where, at any point in time, 90 percent of the union members are unemployed.

"I consider myself really lucky that I’ve been able to carve out a living over a number of decades, doing what I really love doing.”

Other people also had a lot to say about Silberman, including former Sacramento Theatre Company artistic director Mark Cuddy.

“He’s wonderful to have in a production because he not only plays his character in a role, but the role his character plays in the whole thing. He understands that,” Cuddy explains.

“Craft-wise, he has a sensational sense of timing and he’s a very empathic character. He has a big heart. He really shows love for other characters when that’s appropriate on stage. That’s a hard one and he does it without being sentimental, too.”

Hector Amezcua/hamezcua@sacbee.com

The other day on "Insight," KXJZ's daily public-affairs radio show, host Jeffrey Callison interviewed playwright Richard Hellesen (above), who in 1987 wrote the script for Sacramento Theatre Company's now-annual production of "A Christmas Carol."

Hellesen's take on the Dickens classic has been widely performed at theaters throughout the country in the past 20 years. In talking with KXJZ, Hellesen recalled that Channel 3 shadowed the Sac Theatre Co. for weeks and aired a one-hour documentary about the production.

That nugget of information got Callison thinking. And he e-mailed his thoughts to 21Q: "I can't figure out if I think that's quaint (because an hour-long documentary was surely overkill), inspiring (because KCRA was dedicating so much time and money to in-depth local coverage) or sad (because it's hard to imagine anything like that getting made nowadays). All three, I guess."

'Tis the season for religion in local TV news.

Here we bring you two recent items of interest involving local media, one serious and one silly.

THE SERIOUS:

Channel 3 reporter Adrienne Bankert spoke about her belief in God in front of the International Students Christian Fellowship at Sac State recently.

Avi Ehrlich, reporter for the school newspaper, the State Hornet, wrote about a mini-controversy stemming from Bankert's remarks:

Others took issue with parts of Bankert's message...One part of Bankert's presentation that (Sac State ethnic studies major Marc) Sorensen was uncomfortable with dealt with religious stereotypes.

As part of her presentation, Bankert asked: "Have you ever met a poor Jewish person?"

"I have never met a poor Jewish person ever in my life! Every Jewish person I went to school with had money, and if they didn't have money literally ... they knew how to get some. The Jewish people founded Hollywood, Jewish people were in banking, lawyers."

Bankert said she, herself, is a Jew in Jesus' name.

"I'm a Jewish person, because I'm saved by the blood of Jesus. He is Jewish, and I want what he's got for me."

Here's the link to Ehrlich's full story on Bankert.

And now, for THE SILLY:

News10's Dan Adams found a woman in Natomas who has seen the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus on the bottom of her muffin pan.

Arrrgh! Add this to the litany of Jesus sightings that our local TV stations have uncovered - Jesus on a fence post, Jesus and Mary in a pancake, Jesus in a tree stump, etc. ...

Only this time, Adams punctuated his report by doing a stand-up outside The Bee's building, good-naturedly chiding your own 21Q/Media Savvy correspondent for poking fun at the true believers.

My only comment: Maybe the woman should wash out the bottom of the muffin pan before using it again.

Check out Adams' report here.

If you're out and about Friday (in particular, at the Downtown Plaza), the Lancome counter at Macy's will be abuzz. That's because national makeup artist Darias (just Darias, pictured) will be in the store for a huge holiday makeup event.

He and his makeup gurus will be doing makeovers, featuring colors from Lancome's holiday collection, Precious Light.

Now, to get up close and personal with Darius - or a member of his makeup team - you'll need an appointment. I spoke with a Lancome sales associate today, and there are still spots available, especially after lunch. Just call (916) 444-3333, ext. 2358 to set it up.

The Precious Light collection is very, very pretty. And, of course, it features one of the hottest shades of the season, red, as in lipstick. (In fact, I just wrote about red lipstick in Wednesday's Scene section. To check out some buying and applying tips, click here.)

Anyway, Lancome, like many cosmetics lines, also has beaucoup gift sets for the season, featuring everything from skin care to fragrance. This year, for the first time, Lancome is offering something called the "Beauty Box," which is filled with a variety of makeup goodies. It sells for $48.50.

This just in: Syndicated liberal talking head Ed Schultz will be doing his show live (9 a.m.-noon) Thursday and Friday from the studios of KSAC (1240 AM).

Plus: If any listeners want to meet Schultz, belly up to the bar at the Blue Gecko (1379 Garden Highway) on Friday between 5-8 p.m.

My guess is Helio Castroneves was drinking champagne instead of a gallon of milk Tuesday night after winning Season 5 of "Dancing With the Stars" along with partner Julianne Hough (shown in an Associated Press photo). The IndyCar champ hoisted the impressive - albeit cheesy - mirror ball trophy and admitted he was "shocked" he had won.

A couple of weeks ago, I chatted over the phone with Helio, who was ever the gentleman. And he was upbeat even then: "I never thought it would be this much fun. I'm becoming good friends with the other celebrities. The staff is nice. But it's a lot of hard work. However, I've made a commitment to the show for as long as it takes."

(To read the entire interview, click here.)

It was clear that Spice Girl Mel. B. had made a commitment to learning the dances, too. "Me and Maks have come so far. We are not prepared to throw it all away," she said Tuesday night. "We have to win it for all those people that have been voting for us."

But alas, she and her professional partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, came in second. Hunky Maks has been on most of the "Dancing" competitions, and can't seem to get a break. This was as close to winning as he's come.

The talent was definitely there. Mel B. and Maksim narrowly won on judges' points, but apparently lost out on audience votes after their two dances Monday night. (No word from "Dancing" on how the viewer voting broke down.)

One thing's for sure: Marie Osmond's run on the 10-week competition ended quickly Tuesday after she and partner Jonathan Roberts were eliminated at the start of the two-hour show.

No shock there. Even Marie's huge fan base - including her doll collectors - probably couldn't get past that creepy, "Dolly Dearest," "Bride of Chucky"-type performance on Monday. I know I had nightmares about it.

However, Marie was grateful for the experience, saying, "I'm so pleased to be here at my age. It's been like a Cinderella story, with all the hair and makeup and the stepsisters over there (pointing to Mel B. and Julianne).

"I don't care what you say, I am a dancer!"

Then she and Jonathan peformed their last tango in L.A.

I can't remember if the Season 4 finale was a full-blown two hours, but somehow, ABC managed to fill the time Tuesday night with trips down memory lane: We saw fainting, food poisoning, personal tragedies, shocking departures and lots of Kodak smiles.

The nine dancing pairs who were previously eliminated returned for a final twirl on the dance floor. Two of the "stars" - Wayne Newton and Floyd Mayweather - opted out of performing; Wayne because of a medical condition and Floyd because he's worn out from training for an upcoming boxing match. (I just don't think Floyd enjoys dancing.)

And guest singer Celine Dion just had to perform that sappy "My Heart Will Go On." Sorry, not one of my favorites, but the professional dancers did a lovely job "interpreting" it.

Soap star Cameron Mathison did his Superman dance and, as a final gesture, completely took off his shirt. Real-life lovebirds/dancers Sabrina Bryan and Mark Ballas demonstrated chemistry can take on a whole new meaning when you samba.

But, in the end, at about 10:55 p.m., it was just the diva vs. the driver.

Helio's charm and personality appeared to win over the audience. It also helped that partner Julianne won last season's competition with speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno. And she's one incredible choreographer.

Now, I can be honest: Helio was my pick to win, even though it seemed from the start that it was a female star's season to come out on top.

Certainly, Mel B. has nothing to grouse about. "Dancing With the Stars" has brought her and her Spice gal pals a ton of attention.

So too for the entire Osmond family. In fact, I think brother Donny should consider tripping the light fantastic on Season 6.

Because, with the ratings Season 5 pulled in (the show was consistently in the Nielsen top 10), the dancing can't help but go on - complete with spray tans and flimsy costumes!

My story on Monday about the 50th anniversary of community radio station KAHI (950 AM) in Auburn prompted several readers to share their memories.

This one, from retired history professor Bob McCallum of Earp (south of Lake Havasu):

My friend Jeff March and another friend, Dave Darin, and I worked at KAHI in the early '70s. We were young radio jocks and thought we were God's gift. But KAHI gave us a dose of humility. During a morning newscast, an elderly lady, who was hired to give the news of El Dorado County, was on the phone doing the live newscast to the Auburn station. Suddenly, all of her poodles started barking loudly. She simply covered the receiver with her hand and yelled at her front door, "Come on in, I'll be done with the newscast in a minute." And nobody thought it was funny but me. I was laughing so hard, I had to leave the control room.

And then, there's this from Tony Rohl of Grass Valley:

It's too bad that no one included a brief reference to KAHI's founder, Charles Halstead, whose brother owned a pharmacy in Nevada City a few steps up from the National Hotel. Within months of firing up his radio station, he was at war with Auburn merchants for refusing to buy advertising on his station. He took to saying that he was broadcasting from the Auburn pig farm. As he slowly went broke, he would often leave his station unattended when he went for dinner or to take a nap. He'd put on an LP that in most cases was scratched and would start looping a portion of whatever song the needle got stuck on before he left. All in all, Charles "Charlie" Halstead was one of Auburn's more colorful characters in Auburn in the '50's.

The start of the holiday season means that other vital and life-affirming annual season is just around the corner. I speak, of course, of movie awards season, which kicks off in early- to- mid-December with pronouncements from critics' groups.

It is the season of "for your consideration," and actors hailed as shoo-ins for Academy Awards before their movies even come out. In that same spirit of stumping, I will call attention to performances that might be overlooked in this occasional 21Q feature.

The first is Keri Russell in "Waitress" (pictured in a photo from Fox Searchlight):

Regardless of the role she's playing, Russell always looks as if she's thinking. And she's so good at looking as if she's thinking that she involves the audience in her character's thought process - even if those thoughts aren't particularly complex.

In "Waitress," her unhappily married and pregnant character, Jenna, doesn't want a lot. What she does want - and what Russell imparts in a performance that always carries a low- to- medium-level of anxiety - is to not have to be so weary of her creep of a husband. In other words, she wants a regular life.

Russell plays Jenna as the most mild of malcontents. She is devoted to her job and co-workers but still exists apart, her radiance dimmed by the knowledge that when her shift ends, normal life stops.

Russell delivers plenty of funny lines. But she's not playing comedy. The humor comes from Jenna's directness, and the poignancy of the frustration underlying it.

"Waitress" is a wonderful movie that would have been less wonderful had Russell not played the lead role. The depth of her performance offsets some of the film's Southern-fried quirkiness.

If you haven't seen Russell's performance, please check out "Waitress," out today on DVD.

There are five fairy godmothers running amok over at Sac State - doing good deeds, of course.

The students are participating in a formal dress drive to benefit Cinderella's Closet, an organization that provides free dresses, shoes and accessories to high school girls who otherwise might not be able to afford a fancy frock for a prom or school dance.

According to Sac State, the project originated from an assignment in professor Nick Trujillo's communication studies class. Nick felt it was important that the students do something that will help others.

"I'm very impressed with the students who are working on the dress drive," he says in a statement. "They will make a difference in the lives of many girls who will remember their high school formals fondly."

The drive started Monday and will continue through Saturday. Designated dress collection bins can be found in the Sac State University Union, near Java City, the library circulation desk and the River Front Center. Students also will be collecting gowns in the library breezeway from 4 to 6 p.m. this week and 10 a.m. to noon Thursday.

If you can't make it over to Sac State, but have gowns to give, Second Hand Rose Resale Boutique will accept drop-offs. The store is at 1120 Fulton Ave.

One of the Sac State students, DiAnne Armstrong, says once all the dresses are collected, Second Hand Rose will be the pick-up destination for the girls.

"Gift certificates are given to girls who qualify for financial aid and have at least a 2.5 GPA from 16 area high schools," she says. The dresses, shoes and accessories will be displayed in what's known as the Glass Slipper room.

So don't let midnight strike Saturday without your making a donation. For more info, contact Cinderella's Closet at (916) 487-4500.

Starting a magazine is this market is relatively easy; maintaining it is another matter entirely. (Just ask Prosper magazine, bowing out after the December issue.)

So it is relief that we recently received the second issue of Salute magazine, the brainchild of El Dorado Hills resident Rob DeFeo. The cover boy is Italian blues guitar master Zucchero - so big that he’s apparently at one-name status.

In the past, we’ve reported on the genesis of the publication, which focuses on Italian Americans.

An encouraging sign in the second issue is the ads. Yes, they have more than a few. Most interesting ad: A two-page ad for Lasorda Wine. No joke - former Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda has turned vintner.

And, no, Giant fans, Lasorda didn't use sour grapes.

Check out Salute’s Web site here.

This item about former KSAC (1240 AM) talker Christine Craft , which appeared two weeks ago in the Santa Cruz Sentinel, got our attention.

Turns out that, no, Craft has not bought Santa Cruz's KSCO radio. But she confirms to us that she's taken with the idea of doing just that.

"Michael Zwerling (the owner, pictured with Craft) wants to sell the stations but doesn't want to sell them to a corporate conglomerate," Craft says via e-mail. "It would be my dream to buy them and have a blast for the next twentyplus years programming great radio for the central coast. I've had some interest from investors and am seeking more. Can't hurt to ask?"

Craft would seem to be a natural fit for Santa Cruz, a lefty enclave that makes our own Davis look uptight by comparison.

For those who aren't routine readers of The Bee blog Capitol Alert - and you really should check it out; it's free now, by the way - we pass along a link to reporter Jim Sanders' news that Channel 3's Edie Lambert will be marrying Assemblyman Lloyd Levine.

Courtesy: chinatravelguide.com

Great report this morning by Capital Public Radio (KXJZ, 90.9 FM) reporter Steve Milne on a group of tax collectors from the Hubei Province in China, who have come to Sacramento State to study accounting for a year.

Listen to the story here.

Milne reports that while these accountants enjoy being in our fair city, there is one minor problem.

Laments student Fei Wang: "We are curious about what American people (are) doing in evening (laughs) because we don’t see many people outside. Maybe they are staying at home. You can see people everywhere in China at anytime."

Really? We decided to do a little research, and here's what at least one source tells us:

According to travelchinaguide.com: "If you're in (major city) Wuhan, you'd better try the bar named 'Soho,' which has a very up-to-date music and hot dancing. ... If you prefer the crazy music played by band, go to 'VOX,' where you can watch the live-band shows - although they're not so famous, their music is still pretty good. By the way, the drinks in 'VOX' are also cheaper than many other bars in Wuhan."

We're shocked - shocked! - by the revelation that surfaced this morning. Not since Rosie Ruiz cheated to win the Boston Marathon has such a sporting hoax been perpetrated on the populace.

Kelly Brothers, the KFBK and Channel 3 reporter who participated in Thursday's media challenge in the Run to Feed the Hungry, has admitted to cheating.

Here he is, unburdening himself in his own words:

My time as reported on 21Q ... was a fraud.

I did the race with a few of my young kids and about 10 minutes in I heard those magic words... "Daddy I need to go to the bathroom...." We took an unauthorized turn on 51st St. and suddenly the 5k race was cut to 3.5k!

We worked our way down H St.... to the bathroom at Starbucks... and then (just like Rosie) sprinted for the finish line! And that's why my time is so seemingly impressive....

In all fairness, if you include the walk to/from the car ... we did do at least a 7k... just not in the "timed" portion.

Mea culpa

Upon further review, we'll let Brothers slide for his transgression. After all, he ran for charity ....

Now I ask you: Is this the cutest little boy you've ever seen? Yes, I know. All parents think their babies are darling, but Dylan Barnhart is contest cute.

At only 14 months, Dylan, who lives with his family in El Dorado Hills, is one of five little boys selected as finalists in Gap's search for four new faces for its babyGap and GapKids ad campaigns. The casting call elicited more than 800,000 entries, and Dylan made the judges' cut.

His mother, Nicole Barnhart, chatted with me after receiving the good news. "I’m very excited. It's been pretty crazy, so I really haven’t grasped it yet."

The family received a call the week of Nov. 5 to notify them that Dylan was a finalist in the category of babies ages 4 and under. Last Friday, the Barnharts headed to San Francisco for the Gap photo shoot. That's Dylan (left) in one of the outfits selected for his pictures.

Nicole says he was a little overwhelmed by all the attention.

"There were a lot of people fussing over him," she says. "And there were fans blowing and flashbulbs flashing. But he didn’t cry or fuss. He was looking from person to person. He didn't even mind changing outfits a couple of times. Dylan was a trooper."

Gap's description of Dylan, which obviously came from his mom, reads:

"He's a magician in training. He can turn his face and hair red if you give him a bowl of pasta with tomato sauce."

Says Nicole: "He manages to get all the pasta in his mouth, but there's red sauce in every crevice of his face and head!"

Of course, when asked to describe her youngest child, Nicole says he's the cutest thing in the world.

"I love his bald head and his little cinnamon-roll cowlick. He's got a round face and bright blue eyes, which he got from my husband. He's the happiest baby -as long you feed him."

Nicole was prompted to enter the contest after voting in it last year. When she saw the casting call this year, she entered Dylan.

"It's so easy to submit a photo and the prizes are great. Though I never thought I would get a phone call!"

The Barnharts have another child, Kaitlyn, who is 3. The entire family, plus relatives who live in the Bay Area, went to the photo shoot.

The 20 finalists are pictured on the Gap's Web site. Voting continues until Dec. 15. The four winners will be announced Jan. 28 on the "Rachael Ray Show."

What do they get?

A year's supply of babyGap or GapKids clothing and a Kodak digital camera prize pack. You'll also see their cute faces plastered in store windows nationwide early next year.

Nicole is already getting the word out. "I've gotta tell everyone we know. That's why e-mail is a wonderful thing!"

If you'd like to vote for our local toddler, just
click here.

Mark Williams (at right, yelling with a protester in a past photo), the former KFBK conservative talk show host who is suing his former employer, has landed a new full-time talking-head gig ... but not in Sacramento.

Starting Monday, Williams will be the afternoon guy on WROW, an AM station in Albany, N.Y. According to the industry Web site All Access, Williams will do the first week from his Northern California home before moving to Albany and starting live in upstate New York on Dec. 3.

But Northern California won't be rid of Williams. On his Web site, Williams writes:

"...(I)t is with great pleasure that I announce that as of next Monday, November 26, 2007, I will add to my menu of assignments the duties of afternoon talk show host on AM 590 WROW, which serves New York’s Capital District and Western New England (keeping an eye on Mitt).

That means that MarkTalk.com will be bringing to this life or death election a broad view, from the perspective of each important region. Northern California and the Capital District of New York have much in common but are still two very different places. Having a foot in each offers this site the opportunity to present to you a unique viewpoint, one which you will - I hope - appreciate.

The MarkTalk Podcast will continue ASAP and will have content specific to NorCal and not aired on the New York program."

UPDATE: In an e-mail to 21Q, Williams says: "We'll be splitting time between the cities. Actually a wonderful opportunity to present a unique perspective to listeners in both places during this particular election year. Additionally, Holly (his wife) and I are also both active in the Placer County community and hopefully will have even more to contribute given what will be an expansion of our already broad view.

"I will continue my local column (but will not be able to continue with CBS 13)."

Well, it was all for charity, so race times don't really matter. Right, boss? I mean, you're not gonna make me put our actual times in the (cough) "Celebrity Media Challenge" at this morning's Run to Feed the Hungry.

Uh, turns out, yes.

Editors!

Some of us did better than others.

Bee TV columnist Rick Kushman (left) won his age group (50-55) with a time of 37:15. So much for the TV-critic-as-couch-potato cliche.

Other results for media team members in the 10K:

* Bee political columnist Dan Weintraub: 37:59

* Yours truly, Bee media writer Sam McManis: 40:51

* Y92.5 DJ Paul Robins: 53:29

* Bee staff writer Mary Lynne Villenga: 55:52

* Channel 13/31 anchor Stefanie Cruz: 56:17

And in the 5K:

* Channel 3 and KFBK's Kelly Brothers: 27:08

* Channel 13/31 anchor Michele Kane: 32:12

* Channel 13/31 anchor Lisa Gonzales: 32:40

Other media notables - not on the official team but impressive finishers nonetheless in the 10K:

* Bee political writer Kevin Yamamura: 38:53

* Bee assistant managing editor Scott Lebar: 42:39

* Clear Channel Radio Sacramento General Manager Jeff Holden: 53:56

* Former Channel 3 news director Dan Weiser: 58:32

What now, Chris Burrous? Making fun of prostitutes?

Apparently so.

A few days before he delivered beer to the homeless, the Channel 13 morning anchor asked viewers to weigh in on which of the five women from Folsom arrested on a prostitution charge was the best looking based on their booking mug shots.

Burrous' co-anchor, Stefanie Cruz, was not amused. Here's their exchange (view the entire segment, posted on YouTube, below):

Cruz: "This is your (idea)...I know you wanted to do this segment but (me), not so much."

Burrous: "...I don't really care about the question...I just wanted to look at the picture...."

Cruz: "Honestly, I really find it to be a sad situation for these women...Whatever situation they're in, it's a desperate one. So I don't find it trivial."

Burrous: "I'm not saying it's trivial ...."

Cruz: "Well, you were asking which one was the best looking, so ...You ask, I tell. OK? Don't ask."

As Channel 13 intones in its promos for Burrous: "The future of news is here!"

In honor of the long holiday weekend, here's a special dysfunctional-family edition of my critic's picks.

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead
3 1/2 stars
When a film’s title derives from an Irish toast that goes, in part, “May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead,” one can assume a certain level of cynicism about human nature. Such cynicism pervades this picture, with duplicity present, to some degree, in nearly every character. Most duplicitous, hands down, are two brothers (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke) planning a robbery of their parents’ jewelry store.
Rated R

Beowulf
3 stars
Mom (Angelina Jolie) is devoted but a tad promiscuous. Dad thinks you’re a monster. Everybody drinks too much honey wine. Typical holiday.
Rated PG-13

Dan in Real Life
3 stars
Widower Dan (Steve Carell) meets the woman of his dreams (Juliette Binoche), only to discover she is the girlfriend of his brother (Dane Cook). Talk about awkward. This beats having to comment on the cranberry sauce still shaped like a can.
Rated PG-13

The Darjeeling Limited
3 stars
No matter how small your mother’s house begins to feel this weekend, just think: You could be sharing a cramped sleeping car with two neurotic siblings.
Rated R

Well, here it is, the video of "Good Day Sacramento" reporter Chris Burrous' now-infamous stunt on Monday, giving beer to a homeless woman.

Note, at the end, that Rich Wetzel, the CHP officer who gives traffic updates, did not approve. "A soft drink or water would've been great," says Wetzel, obviously embarrassed.

"The Oprah Show"

Oh to be from Macon, Ga., when Oprah Winfrey decides to bestow some of her favorite things on some of its luckiest, happiest citizens!

I caught Oprah's annual "My Favorite Things" show Tuesday. And, as usual, she tricked her audience into thinking she was in Macon as part of a "tour." As she put it, "I was lying my tail off!"

Macon was selected because the city has had the highest viewer ratings since the show went national in 1986. According to Oprah, about 45 percent of the city's populace is glued to her show every day! It also helps that Macon is the birthplace of the kazoo.

Anyway, the lucky Macon fans attending the show were honored with no less than 20 of the most incredible gifts - ranging in price from less than $30 to $4,000! I couldn't help but take note that Oprah always manages to include some great beauty and fashion gifts. But, then again, that's why I'm paid to watch.

Here were some of my favorite things:

* The super-warm, super-cute UGG sweater boots for all the gals in the audience. Love those! And Oprah told them not to wear socks with their UGGs.

* The ToyWatch, which Oprah says both Al Gore and Madonna strap on their wrists.

* And it's not fashion, not beauty, but, oh, how I would have loved to bite into one of chef Sam Godfrey's Perfect Endings cupcakes from Williams-Sonoma, especially the red velvet with white icing, a traditional Southern favorite.

*Next: As Oprah puts it, "Bathing is an art form and nobody enjoys it more than I do." So bring on the incredibly scented Kai body butter and body buffer (pictured). I've smelled the Kai fragrance oil and it's to die for, so I know the butter is worth slathering on.

* And what a treat: Oprah handed out the outrageously expensive Clarisonic Skin Care System, valued at almost $200.

* If you can't get to Portugal from Macon, don't worry. Oprah gave everyone a hefty supply of Claus Porto giant soaps, handmade for 117 years abroad.

* And finally, OK, I admit I hadn't heard of designer Rachel Pally, but when Oprah changed outfits and she and her staff modeled these uber-comfy, stretchy tops and bottoms (pictured above) in great colors I had to look them up on the Internet. And hey - guess what? - Nordstrom carries the line!

The show featured FedEx "elves" delivering the goodies to audience members and, yes, a lot of appreciative tears.

But the audience was also treated to something that didn't come in a box: a special holiday performance by Josh Groban, who has a new holiday CD out, "Noel."

Macon, Ga., is one happy city today. Now, if we can only get Oprah to fall in love with Sactown. It's gotta be one of her favorite things!

Reader Richard Bell of Grass Valley, apparently inspired by today's story in The Bee listing 10 reasons why local TV news doesn't stink, made his own list.

We'll share it and invite readers to add their own lists. Just click on the comment section below.

"Five More Reasons to Watch the Local News," By Richard Bell

1. The Sarah Gardner Show, AKA Channel 3 Reports at 6. This show has special appeal to anyone in my demographic category (i.e., males from age 16 to age 95, or from any guy who just got a driver's license to one who may lose his soon). Her reading of the news is top-rate as is that of others on her show whose names escape me at present.

2. Channel 13's own Not Ready for Prime-time Players. The newscast where comedy - unintended though it may be - rules the day. From Sam Shane, whose voice bears an uncanny resemblance to Al Franken's Stuart Smalley, to Kurtis Ming's Chevy Chase consumer segment (I'm Kurtis Ming and You're Not), this show can mesmerize. Both Pallas and Brandi can shake their heads in disgust and "Titch, titch" with the best in town. Rumor has it the station will seek to expand its Latino audience with a series of special reports concluding with a blockbuster spring segment: Los Doce Daves de Cinco de Mayo.

3. Danny Pommell's Metaphors. He's like the kid in junior English who discovers metaphors for the first time. His teacher encouraged him, and he's been at it ever since. He drops occasional pearls of wisdom like " Daunte Culpepper's now slower than your grandmother's '83 Buick goin' north on I-5."

4. Mark Finan in the Severe Weather Center. There's something eerie involved here. Hard not to imagine Finan proceeding to a special elevator and heading down to a combination underground silo/wine cellar. Like the proverbial mail carrier of old, neither rain, sleet nor MikeTeSelle burying himself in a snowbank can stop Finan from firing up Doppler and allowing it to do whatever Doppler does to create all those colors on a weather map.

5. The New Guy: Damany Lewis. Channel 3 just had to get a reporter who bears a resemblance to Cuba Gooding Jr., both in voice and appearance. So, I have no guilt or remorse in saying to Channel 3, "Show me DaMany!"

Bruno Cohen (left), president of channels 13 and 31, has released a statement about reporter Chris Burrous' "Good Day Sacramento" stunt of giving a homeless woman a case of beer:

"We have reviewed the situation and discussed it with Chris. He has a good heart, but clearly made a mistake and we sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by his actions.”

For two of the remaining four couples on "Dancing With the Stars," last night was a perfect night out on the dance floor.

Of course, I'm speaking of Spice Girl Mel B. and her professional partner, the devilish Maksim Chmerkovskiy (pictured left in an ABC photo), and the always-smiling Helio Castroneves and his bubbly partner (and the show's best choreographer) Julianne Hough.

Both couples earned 30 points for each of their two dances and would appear destined for next week's "Dancing" finale.

But hold your quicksteps: Reality TV has been anything but predictable this fall. (I'll get to "The Bachelor" in a moment.)

Marie Osmond pretty much had most of the Osmond brothers she could manage to get front-row seats for sitting in the front row for her mambo with partner Jonathan Roberts. Marie pulled out all the stops on this dance, paring down her overly ruffled skirt to pretty much fringe at the end and concluding the dance in her brothers' laps!

At night's end, Marie and Jonathan are only four points (56) from the two couples with perfect scores! Jennie Garth and partner Derek Hough wound up in the middle with a combined 58 points.

So, who goes home on tonight's results show (9 p.m. on Channel 10)? Well, like many "Dancing" bloggers, I'm tired of predicting. Honestly, I think Jennie's lack of self-confidence will be her undoing. (Even partnering with Mickey Mouse last week at Disneyland wasn't much help.) And I'm not sure of her fan base.

But hey, the costumes are getting smaller as the finale approaches!

And, speaking of finales, what the heck was up with Brad Womack (pictured right) on "The Bachelor" last stand last night?

Here's one bar owner who probably needed a stiff one after stiffing both of the women he hand-picked as potential brides. Jenni and DeAnna arrived at the oceanside throne hoping for that Chopard diamond Brad snagged earlier that day. Alas, both left in limos - one in tears (Jenni) and one, well, really p.o.ed!

DeAnna had every reason to think she was the chosen one. After all, Brad told her he had already said adios to Jenni. So, that only leaves her, right?

Wrong!

Brad ends up deciding neither woman is right for him. "I'm just not in love with you" - or you. Yikes!

Anyway, he's left sitting on the big hunk of rock, ring in hand. But hey, the show's not over yet. Brad has to return next Monday to face the music, er, wrath of the two rejects. If I were him, I'd let twin brother Chad take the heat.

This all points to the horrific rate of marital success on this show, and its companion reality series, "The Bachelorette." I read on MSNBC.com that, as of last night's finale, there's been only one marriage in 14 - that's 14 - seasons of the two shows.

Can you remember that far back?

It was December 2003, when "Bachelorette" Trista Rehn wed her firefighter Ryan Sutter.

So, all you single girls in Austin, Texas, heads up: Brad Womack is back!

As a lady of a certain age, I still remember Bruce Springsteen's ""Born in the U.S.A." tour and how I couldn't get tickets and then the day after the show all the cool kids in school were wearing their Bruce t-shirts.

So, now, maybe I'll get a chance to fix that high school bummer: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, April 4 at Arco Arena.

Yes, the Boss, who recently released his 23rd album, "Magic" (which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart, thank you very much) just announced a new set of dates. The 27-city jaunt builds on the first tour's first half which covered several North American cities and much of Europe.

And, not surprisingly, the folks over at Rolling Stone and the Washington Post have pretty much done cartwheels over those earlier shows, so you know you're going to get something pretty awesome.

Me? I'm gonna finally get that T-shirt.

Anyway, tickets are currently set to go on sale Jan. 19. Stay tuned for more details.

Jay Henderson, a reader from Folsom, writes to say he was stunned on Monday morning to see "Good Day Sacramento" reporter Chris Burrous (left) give a case of beer and a bag of McDonald's food to a homeless woman during a live segment.

The Bee has confirmed that Burrous made the on-air gesture (beer of choice: Bud Light) while reporting from the homeless camp in Natomas set up by bounty hunter Leonard Padilla.

Is it proper for a TV news anchor to give beer to a homeless resident?

No answer from Channel 13.

Steve Charlier, vice president for news for channels 13 and 31, did not return phone calls. Brent Baader, the Channel 31 executive in charge of daily operation of "Good Day Sacramento," referred all calls to station president Bruno Cohen.

Cohen returned a reporter's phone call but agreed only to an off-the-record conversation.

Burrous also did not return phone calls.

But Henderson, who says he is a fan of "Good Day," says he was shocked by Burrous' actions.

In an email to The Bee, Henderson wrote, "I could not believe what I was watching. Apparently Mr. Burrous is unaware that alcoholism is prevalent in the homeless community, and is also one of the causes of homelessness. He has a record of insensitivity to their plight, but this example was over the line, in my opinion. I am still stunned at his actions."

Henderson says he emailed his concerns to station management and on-air talent. He says the only response he received was from Stefanie Cruz, Burrous' co-anchor on the Channel 13 morning show. Henderson shared Cruz's email response with The Bee.

Cruz wrote:

"Hi Jay,

Thank you for your e-mail and for watching Good Day. I really appreciate your feedback and I understand why you were offended. All of us did have a conversation about the segment. We agreed it was not the best decision. His intent was to have a little fun and not put down or make fun of the homeless people. I assure you we take these issues seriously and the last thing we want to do is offend or insult anyone.

Best wishes.

Sincerely,

Stefanie"

Though Channel 13 personnel would not talk to The Bee about the beer incident, on this morning's Channel 13 news -- co-hosted by Burrous and Cruz -- the anchors referred to the beer incident during a conversation with radio DJs Pat & Tom from KNCI.

Talking about the Thanksgiving parade the radio pair annually host, Tom Mailey said to Burrous: "We understand you're buying McDonald's and beer, so we want to thank you for that."

Partner Pat Still then asked Burrous: "How'd that go?"

Burrous: "Really well."

Cruz: "Not so much."

AP Photo/Disneyland, Paul Hiffmeyer

If her gig on "Dancing With the Stars" doesn't pan out (read: she gets the heave-ho), actress Jennie Garth might push Minnie Mouse out of the house and take up with Mickey.

Last week in Anaheim, Jennie performed with the big mouse for Disneyland guests in front of Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle (pictured). The taped segment is likely to air on tonight's competition show at 8 p.m. on Channel 10.

The dancing fest is down to four couples: three female stars (Jennie, Mel B. and Marie Osmond) and our favorite speed racer on the dance floor, Helio Castroneves.

Now, is it just me, or has the Osmond family resurfaced and reinvented themselves via Marie's success on the show. The loss of the brothers' and sister's father was indeed painful. But, even before that, Marie and Co. started showing up on everything from "Access Hollywood" to "Extra!"

And then, there was the somewhat uncomfortable moment on a recent Larry King interview in which Larry brought up Marie's son's stint in rehab.

"How did you know about that?" she asked, completely befuddled.

Well, you guys (and gal) are back in the limelight again, and things have changed in medialand since the days of "One Bad Apple" and "I'm a Little Bit Country, I'm a Little Bit Rock 'n' Roll." Now, there's TMZ, YouTube and photographers with really impressive lenses.

Hey, just ask Brit and Paris!

But, back to "Dancing." I think Marie has a really good shot at winning because of her ever-widening fan base. Do I think she's the best competitor? Not really, though I probably couldn't have done the rhumba in that ensemble.

Tonight, the four remaining couples get to perform two dances of their own choosing: one Latin, one ballroom. Remember: keep the heels on the floor when they're supposed to be on the floor! Judge Carrie Ann will be watching!

The results show is Tuesday night at 9 p.m. May the best waltz win!

While the contraction of local radio continues with Phil Cowan's departure from KSTE (see posting below), here's some heartening news:

KXJZ (90.9 FM), Sacramento's public-radio station, continues to add reporters. A few months ago, it hired Ben Adler and now news director Joe Barr tells us KXJZ is going to beef up again by hiring an anchor for local portion of NPR's "Morning Edition" as well as a health reporter.

The morning news anchor will augment -- not replace -- morning host Donna Apidone, Barr says.

Sacramento talk radio lost another local voice today when Phil Cowan left the air.

Cowan's conservative talk show (10 a.m. to noon) on KSTE (650 AM) had struggled for ratings. The big problem is that Cowan went against the mighty Rush Limbaugh on sister station KFBK (1530 AM). Cowan had hosted the call-in show for several years. He's best known, of course, as part of the morning duo on Y92.5's Paul and Phil show, which Cowan voluntarily left a year ago.

Replacing Cowan in the 10-noon spot will be syndicated consumer talker Clark Howard.

His departure makes Bruce Maiman (KFBK's evening guy) as the lone local talk-show left. Remember, KFBK's Tom Sullivan has moved to New York and been syndicated.

The past year has seen a procession of departures -- Mark Williams, Eric Hogue, Christine Craft, Enid Goldstein, Scott & Sims. (KSTE's lone local voice now is the morning team of Armstrong & Getty, more variety than overtly political.)

"As we've been working to realign KSTE to counterprogram KFBK, we realized we had to make this move to provide the listeners something different," says Jeff Holden, general manager of Sacramento's Clear Channel stations, which includes KSTE and KFBK. "Rush is such a dominant force that it was hard to break through."

Holden said Cowan's low ratings did play a part in the decision to cancel the show. "If it had shown a dramatic increase (in the last ratings period), it might have made a difference," he said.

But he had nothing but praise for what he termed Cowan's "professionalism." Holden says the station plans to stream Cowan's last 15-minute segment, during which he said goodbye, on the KSTE Web site later today.

The Sacramento Harvest Festival is the place to be this weekend if you're looking for gifts or just to experience a one-of-a-kind shopping venture.

And there's good food, too!

The festival has been going on for 35 years. New to the event this year is an organic skin-care line called Isabella's Dream (pictured).

Lisa Dedmore, a Bay Area mom, was eager to find all-natural products for her newborn daughter, Isabella. So, two years ago, fed up with what she found on store shelves, she opted to create her own line, named, appropriately, after her child.

Isabella's Dream contains no harsh chemicals, no synthetics, no parabens (preservatives) and no sulfates. And, because she's always in a giving mood, Lisa donates 5 percent of her overall profits to organizations in the Bay Area that support young folks, including DoSomething.org.

Be sure to stop by Lisa's booth at Cal Expo and sample her "Dream" products.

The Harvest Festival runs today until 7 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 62 and up, $4 for teens 13 to 17 and kids 12 and under get in free. For more info: click here.

Also, L Wine Lounge & Urban Kitchen, 1801 L St. in midtown, will be the setting for tonight's Red Cross Fashion Rescue, a runway and trunk show plus a silent auction to benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

The show will feature apparel from many of my favorite local boutiques.

Check out the list: Britt Steele Designs, Felicia Strati, Wildflower Boutique, Fuffy J Couture and Four Paws Boutique & Artchestra. And hey, you can even buy right off the racks after the show!

The event is from 7 to 10 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased up until show time for $10 at any of the participating retailers or at www.brittsteele.com. Can't get them sooner? Tickets will be $15 at the door.

Channel 3's Adrienne Bankert will serve as emcee. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a no-host wine bar round out the amenities.

So Fox40 devoted about two minutes last night to the Victoria's Secret models getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

After the requisite cheesecake shots and Mensa-type interviews with the models, including Heidi Klum(left), the segment ended and segued directly into ... Kristina Werner(right) and the weather.

Werner looked sheepishly into the camera and cracked: "I just can't believe how unattractive those girls are."

You could hear laughter on the set, to which Werner was quick to add: "I'm soooo kidding!"

Over at Channel 3 last night, Leticia Ordaz had wrapped up a story on Ripon High School cheerleaders who were suspended from school for writing the school letters -- Indians No. 1" -- on their backsides. Dave Walker slyly looked over to co-anchor Edie Lambert and said, "Probably not the end of this story."

And, finally, a cautionary note about ad-libbing: It's best for reporters doing live stand-ups to rehearse what they will say.

When Channel 3 went live to Damany Lewis for a fan reaction piece on Barry Bonds' perjury indictment, here's the verbatim transcript of Lewis:

"Dave, I can tell you, you know, this debate has been going on for four years. The investigation started four years ago and fans, well, the debate has been going on for that long. If Barry Bonds is innocent or guilty, well, tonight the debate continues."

So, to recap: There's a debate and it's been going on for four years. Got that?

Every week in Friday's Weekend Ticket section, I review new movies and I recommend previously released ones. Can't wait to read it? Well, this feature now appears at 21Q each Thursday afternoon.

My picks among recently released movies:

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
3 1/2 stars
In casting so perfect it almost brings tears to your eyes, Philip Seymour Hoffman plays the older brother and would-be mastermind of a robbery of his parents' jewelry store, and Ethan Hawke the sibling he cajoles into actually pulling off the job. Shots of the two brothers standing nearly nose to nose, one of them burly and bullying, the other lanky and uncertain, underscore the degree to which childhood roles can follow us into adulthood.
Rated R

Dan in Real Life
3 stars
It's one of the rare movies depicted gatherings of extended families in which the interaction seems authentic. Dan (Steve Carell) has some quibbles about his brother (Dane Cook), who happens to be dating the woman Dan loves (Juliette Binoche). But mostly he just loves his sibling and doesn't want to hurt his feelings.
Rated PG-13

Into the Wild
4 stars
Beautifully and breathtakingly photographed by Eric Gautier, "Into the Wild" presents an America just waiting to be explored, from South Dakota farmlands to the Southern California desert to unspoiled Alaskan terrain. Songs by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder accentuate the imagery perfectly.
Rated R

Kevin German/kgerman@sacbee.com

So you shelled out for an expensive video camera. Now what?

This weekend's Aspiring Filmmakers Boot Camp will offer how-to instruction on writing, producing casting and directing films.

Director Joe Carnahan is one of the instructors. Carnahan ("Smokin' Aces"), the Sacramento film community's most visible success story, will offer insights from 1-3 p.m. Saturday.

The boot camp is the brainchild of independent film producer Larry Meistrich ("Sling Blade"), who also will hear pitches for projects.

The boot camp runs from 6-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in room BS-129 at Cosumnes River College, 8401 Center Parkway. Cost is $395 ($150 for college students at Cosumnes and elsewhere). Participants can register here or at the door. For information, call (916) 600-6477.

Brian Baer/bbaer@sacbee.com

If this isn't a perfect metaphor for John McCain's struggling (and financially ailing) presidential campaign, I don't know what is. His black SUV broke down during a campaign stop in Sac, and he was forced to leave the Sheraton in a taxi.

Turns out the "Straight Talk Express" makes a few stops, after all.

And Channel 3 was there to provide the hilarious raw footage on its Web site. The raw video shows McCain fussing -- nay, obsessing -- about his luggage and blaming the media in a jocular fashion for "sabotaging" the car. "It's probably one of those reporter guys," he grouses. Later, while waiting for the taxi, McCain waved to passersby on the street and yelled to them, "Get rid of these jerks" -- meaning reporters and photographers.

Here's a question anchor Walt Gray didn't answer during the noon news: Was McCain planning on taking the taxi all the way to San Francisco, his next campign stop.

If so, no wonder his campaign coffers are empty.

Bravo

Well, I made it to 10 p.m. last night for the debut of "Project Runway Season 4" and, as usual, I wasn't disappointed. Though I didn't see much difference between the 15 designer's old digs (the Atlas) and their new living arrangements at the New Gotham.

It still looks like a dorm to me.

Anyway, personalities abound with both the guys and the girls producing quirky, egotistical, manic behavior. Yeah!!!

From the get go, however, it was Elisa Jimenez, maker of marionettes and a "I'll-do-yoga-in-the-corner" kind of gal, that tells me she will easily becoming either a punching bag for the more self-centered designers - or she'll just return to Jupiter.

The show's first challenge, "Sew Me What You Got," had the 15 contestants racing across Bryant Park in New York toward three tents filled with $50,000 worth of fabric. Host Heidi Klum told them they were to create a frock that demonstrates their personal creativity.

Now, based on my conversation with Heidi and mentor Tim Gunn, I was expecting great things because they called the Season 4 bunch the most talented ever. And, interestingly, they got to work with fabric - expensive, beautiful fabric - not garbage or plastic lawn chairs.

Needless to say, I expected more. There were some winners, including episode winner Rami Kashou, who is truly an experienced designer. (He's worked with Jessica Alba.)

But, it was clear from the get go that Simone LeBlanc (shown above), 32, was not connecting with her fabric. Even Tim thought she was headed for a runway crash and burn.

But it was kooky Elisa's turqoise gown with the train wreck train that I thought would have her packing her yoga mat and granola bars and heading home.

However, when a judge utters the words "dull and poorly constructed" - in Simone's case - I knew it would be her one day in, one day out. Judge Michael Kors described the mismatched mess (shown right) as "dressing in the dark." Yikes!

I liked winner Rami's gray silk georgette gown, but agreed with Michael (Kors) that the budding flower was a little too mother-of-the-bride.

And, because TV ratings are so, so important, Bravo announced today that the fourth season premiere of "Project Runway" was the highest rated premiere in the network's history in the 18 to 49 demographic and among total viewers. More than 2.8 million fashion fanatics tuned in.

That said, I'll keep you posted as the show progresses. If you have your own "Project Runway" comments, post them below!

It's bad enough that News10 and Fox40 both reported last night on the so-called blue ghost that "mysteriously appeared" on a convenience store surveillance tape -- hey, wasn't that a plotline on "The Simpsons"? -- but Fox40 took it a step further.

Later in the newscast, it reported on a woman in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (where else but Florida?) who claims she saw the images of Jesus and Mary on her pancake. Naturally, they sold the pancake on eBay.

Fox40 seems to have an affinity for Jesus images. A couple of months ago, it sent a reporter out to Lodi to do a story on a woman who saw Jesus on her backyard fence.

When I interviewed Nevada City native Mariee Sioux (read my story in Weekend Ticket and listen to a
podcast), I wasn't really surprised to learn that the 22-year-old singer-songwriter doesn't own an iPod.

Sioux's folk-pop music sounds like it comes from another time, so why would she be a part of the digital age?

In fact, Sioux told me she doesn't even really own any CDs - she's more of a vinyl kind of girl.

"I mainly have records," Sioux says. "But sometimes when I'm on the road, I'll listen to a CD or tape."

So, while she couldn't really answer my "what's on your iPod?" question, Sioux did share with me the four albums she's got in current, heavy rotation:

"Saturate Before Using" - Jackson Browne
"After the Gold Rush" - Neil Young
"Ladies of the Canyon" - Joni Mitchell
"Line on the Paper" - Kate Wolfe

In case you hadn't noticed, none of these albums was released before the 21st century.

"Yeah, it's mostly just all of the good, old stuff," she says.

Also on Friday: Check out Sioux's album release show (and yes, you can buy "Faces in the Rocks" on CD) at the Center for the Arts (314 W. Main St., Grass Valley). Show time is 8 p.m. and costs $15 at the door. For more info, visit the venue's Web site.

This sweeps month has seen its share of aggressive local TV news reporting. Course, our local correspondents aren't shrinking violets under normal circumstances, but they appeared to have taken their interview steroids Tuesday night.

First, we go to Channel 13's newest reporter, David Begnaud (left), who had an Abbott and Costello "Who's on First?"-type exchange with John Erickson, a teacher's aide from Alta accused of kissing and fondling students. As Erickson is walking back to his house, Begnaud engages him:

Begnaud: "Did you actually confess to them (neighbors)?"

Erickson: "That was a no comment."

Begnaud: "I know, but can you tell me ...."

Erickson: "Was that a no comment?"

Begnaud: "Did you really touch some girls?"

Erickson: "Was that a no comment? (Then, pointing to the reporter's notebook.) There's my attorney's (phone number) right there."

Begnaud: "So why did you violate the trust of kids?"

Erickson: "There it was right there. No comment."

Begnaud: "What would you tell parents who are watching?"

Erickson: "No comment."

Then, on Fox40, another new reporter, Michelle Liu(right), tangled with the lawyer for the Roseville cop Sacramento County cop Chris Guerrero (21Q stands corrected) accused of getting preferential treatment for a DUI offense.

After the lawyer prattled on about a police video that shows that his client was not impaired, Liu testily asked: "Can we see this video if you say it proves he was not driving drunk?"

To which the lawyer, Joseph Hougnon, responded, snippily: "We're not going to try this case in the public. I'm pointing these facts out to you to bring some fairness to what's been reported."

Yes, it's come to this. Mark S. Allen sets himself on fire this morning on "Good Day Sacramento."

There's nothing to add.

Local TV news stations can be excused for touting their scoops - especially during sweeps month - but News10 went way, way a wee bit overboard Tuesday night when reporting the latest about Kings' center Justin Williams.

Teasing the story at the top of News10's 11 p.m. show, anchor Dale Schornack intoned: "We break the news to the Sacramento Kings' Justin Williams that he will not face criminal charges...."

Then, in introducing sports guy Bryan May with the story, anchor Cristina Mendonsa crowed that News10 broke the story online, on TV and to Williams - as if we forgot what Schornack had said just a few minutes before.

And then, May comes on and talked about breaking the news to Williams: "He was pleasantly surprised is a good way to describe it, when our camera crew showed up. Justin Williams was at his Natomas home tonight when he found out