Wondering what else to see this weekend?

In today's Weekend Ticket, I review movies opening this week. But if you're interested in other options, here are my recommendations for previously released films:

In Bruges
3 stars
Ray (Colin Farrell), a hit man hiding out in Belgium, is a richly drawn character. Though he sometimes comes off as brutish or cocky, he’s mostly unsure of himself, hurling insults in an attempt to make himself feel better. Farrell’s performance suggests this insecurity is hard-wired. It didn’t spring up just because he feels bad about a hit that went awry.
Rated R

Juno
3 stars
Jason Bateman brings an intriguing ambiguity to his character, a prospective adoptive father. His interactions with the pregnant, teenage Juno (Ellen Page) at times seem paternal and at others just feed his perpetual adolescent streak.
Rated PG-13

No Country for Old Men
3 stars
The Coen brothers’ level of craft is so high that it’s difficult to isolate elements to praise. Sound, cinematography, setting and performances work in concert and to hypnotic effect. Catch this best picture Oscar winner, scheduled to come out on DVD in a few weeks, in its full glory on the big screen.
Rated R

With the Academy Awards over, those great films from last year won't last much longer in theaters. That leaves us with the mediocre movies that Hollywood chooses to release early in the year.

Thank goodness there are so many interesting things afoot on the Sacramento film-festival scene.

For instance, there's still time to catch the Davis Feminist Film Festival
at Veterans' Memorial Center Theatre.

Tonight's lineup contains several shorts and the feature "I Was a Teenage Feminist," which traces a few incarnations of the feminist movement. For information, click here.

A few local film events are going the participatory route. Results of the 48 Hours Sacramento film competition, which gave participants two days to make a movie, will be displayed March 29 at the Crest Theatre as part of the Sacramento Film Festival.

The 48 Hours entries already have been shot, but there's still time to wax cinematic about our town at the A Place Called Sacramento event in October. Scripts for locally themed films are due by April 16.

And if music is more your bag, the Sacramento Film & Music Festival, which takes place in August, is seeking music submissings for its Sac Music Seen program. Sac Music Seen pairs musicians with filmmakers who make music videos for their songs. For information, click here.

It's Friday - so, what are you doing tonight? You could stay home and watch "The Best Week Ever" - but isn't that why you're paying for TiVo?

Instead, head over to the CoolCat Gallery (918 24th St.) and help a venue out, already.

Tonight at 9 p.m., it's a CoolCat fundraiser show with local bands the Ancient Sons and Two Sheds (pictured). Your $5 (plus $3 annual membership fee, if you haven't already ponied up for that) gets you some great live music, plus chow from cooks Burgess and Kate Alaimo.

In case you missed my story on the CoolCat, this is a unique midtown spot that does everything from live music and art to classes, yoga and film. Plus, they have a cute storefront boutique that sells recycled clothes, local designer picks, jewelry, sketchbooks, stuffed animals and more.

And oh yeah, the CoolCat is normally an all-ages venue, but tonight - sorry kids - it's 21-and-over only.

For more information, visit myspace.com/coolcatgallery.

Fox

Let's rename "American Idol's" results show "The Crying Game."

I can't recall a season when so many tears were shed as the Top 24 were whittled to the Top 16. What are the contestants going to do when there's only six or seven of them left and someone has to go?

Hope there's a therapist on call.

Anyway, almost 31 million votes were cast after Tuesday and Wednesday night's performances. I predicted two of the four contestants going home. I still maintain that I should have been four for four because I totally disagreed with the two gals who left.

But guys first. Jason Yeager was a no-brainer, even though he said he was surprised by the criticism from the judges on Tuesday. "I agree it was about song choice," he said. "I just wasn't able to find the perfect song."

Simon Cowell said Jason didn't "stand out in the crowd. But you're not a bad singer."

And poor Danny Noriega. The show set it up to be between him and Jason. When he found out he was safe, I thought Danny was going to pass out!

Anyway, no surprise with Robbie Carrico, either. He, too, admitted making a bad song choice ("Hot Blooded"). "I could have done it better." And the whole rocker thing "never, ever" felt real for any of the judges.

Now, on to the gals.

First up, Alexandrea Lushington or Amanda Overmyer. Are you kidding? I know the Chicago song ("If You Leave Me Now") was risky, but Alexandrea is a better singer than Amanda. Besides, Amanda, you're scaring the children!

It was Alex's departure that got the tears flowing, especially from teen favorite David Archuleta. They're both 17, so I'm assuming they've become buds. After Alexandrea sang her finale, she went and gave David A. a big hug.

And then it came down to Alaina Whitaker and Kady Malloy, the two contestants whose performances Wednesday I completely erased from my memory bank.

It looked to me like Kady was all set to return to Houston, Texas, when Ryan Seacrest stunned her and a shocked Alaina with the results: "Alaina, it's the end of the road for you."

To say she took the news badly is an understatement. And don't blame it on her age. Yes, she's only 16, but most of the other kicked-off contestants have been teens and they managed to keep it together.

Alaina started sobbing and said, "I can't sing. It's so embarrassing." Ryan, knowing he's got airtime to fill, launched in with his "someone's-got-to-go" speech, telling her she should be very proud. Paula Abdul chimed in with words like "gifted, bright, a young talent."

Finally, the other girls joined Alaina on stage and helped her get through "Hopelessly Devoted."

Kleenex definitely needs to sign on as an "Idol" sponsor.

Meanwhile, Ryan had news to report - BIG news.

First, the Top 12 will perform on Tuesday, March 11. There will be a new set and a new exit song, from Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard. My favorite part? Sony finally released the John Lennon/Paul McCartney songbook, which obviously is going to play a big part in the Top 12 competition.

Also, mark your calendars for April 9. That's the night of the second "Idol Gives Back" performance. Some of the celebs scheduled to appear include Brad Pitt, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood..

I'm assuming, in the spirit of giving, that none of the contestants will be kicked off that week.

I'm also assuming that next week will be an '80s week as the show finally reaches the Top 12. Can anyone say Flock of Seagulls?

Yes, it's true. We can't make this stuff up.

National Public Radio's erudite host of "Fresh Air," Terry Gross, will appear Sunday night as a guest voice on "The Simpsons" (at 8 p.m. on Channel 40). Gross will be guest-starring with actor Topher Grace. (Now, there's a pairing we never thought we'd see.)

In the episode, Gross' dulcet tones and brainy banter will be heard on a car radio by the Simpson clan.

Says Gross in an NPR press release: “When I'm hosting Fresh Air, I try to sound as natural as possible. But when I was recording 'The Simpsons,' the director kept suggesting I sound ‘more cartoonish.’ So I had to channel my inner cartoon self.”

Local Angle Alert: Gross will be speaking - seriously, not cartoonishly - at the Mondavi Center in Davis on April 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $29-$40.

Well, the February sweeps period is mercifully over, which means we'll no longer be subjected to reports such as Channel 3's man-boobs reduction story (see video above) or Channel 13's latest we're-all-going-to-die scare story.

Which station racked up the big victories?

No surprises here.

Channel 3, as always, dominated at 5 and 6 p.m. - no station even comes close. In the morning, Channel 31's "Good Day Sacramento" beat Channel 3 in the 5-5:30 a.m. segment, but Channel 3 rebounded in other morning time slots.

KCRA also came out ahead in the noon hour, which is becoming a battleground between channels 3 and 13 - Walt Gray and Co. ekked out a 3.2 to 2.7 edge over Stefanie Cruz and CBS13.

In the always contentious late news, where advertisers really take notice, the winner depends on which station's spin you believe. Channel 13 has long maintained that its 10 p.m. news should be compared evenly with Channel 3's at 11 p.m., but the KCRA suits say only head-to-head competition should count.

In any case ...

CBS13 came in with a 5.4 rating at 10 p.m., Channel 3 with 4.7 at 11. News10, meanwhile, is nipping at the heels of KCRA at 11, finishing only .4 behind.

Meanwhile, here's a trend that no local TV suit will like: Viewership is either down or relatively flat in all time slots compared to previous sweeps periods. Could it be lingering effects from the writers' strike? Or are people just getting their news from other sources?

UPDATE (Feb. 29, 8:30 a.m.): An alert reader asks why we left out KCRA's 6:30 p.m. news - which has no competition from other local news outlets. "Don't Dave and Lois deserve a little respect for their hard work?" the reader asks. OK, so here goes: At 6:30, Channel 3 had a 6.4 rating, beating out "Jeopardy!" on News10 (5.8) and "Entertainment Tonight" on Channel 13 (4.5).

The numbers:

5 a.m.
Good Day Sacramento: 2.1
KCRA Reports: 2.0
News10 Good Morning: 1.3
CBS13.com: 0.8

6 a.m.
KCRA Reports: 4.1
Good Day Sacramento: 2.7
News10 Good Morning: 2.6
CBS13.com: 1.3
KUVS (Univision): 0.9
Fox40: 0.6

7 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Today (KCRA): 4.4
Good Morning America (News10): 2.9
Good Day Sacramento: 3.0 (7 a.m. hour). 2.4 (8 a.m.)
My58TV (KCRA sister station): 1.0 (7 a.m.), 0.8 (8 a.m.)
Fox40: 0.6

Midday news
KCRA: 3.2 (noon)
News10: 2.8 (11 a.m.)
CBS13: 2.7 (noon)

5 p.m.
KCRA: 9.4
CBS13: 3.4
News10: 3.0

6 p.m.
KCRA: 8.8
News10: 4.0
CBS13: 3.0
KUVS (Univision): 2.1

Late news
10 p.m.
CBS13: 5.4
Fox40: 3.8
My58TV (half hour only): 2.2

11 p.m.
KCRA: 4.7
News10: 4.3
KUVS: 1.3

Dreyer's Slow Churned

So Becky Pricer, 30, of Citrus Heights has a new friend - and five gallons of ice cream in her freezer!

Becky was the winner of the Dreyer's ice cream/"American Idol" private concert with Melinda Doolittle. Melinda performed Wednesday night for Becky and 25 of her best buds at a friend's home in Granite Bay.

"I own a condo, so we could never fit 25 people in there," Becky says in a phone conversation today. "It was fantastic. And I wouldn't have even cared if there was ice cream or not."

(Melinda did dish a bowl for herself before she performed. And she dished afterward for the attendees.)

Her song choices?

"She let us pick," says Becky, an office manager for a local construction company. "I chose 'I'm a Woman' because I love the energy in the song, and I love the words. They're so powerful."

One of her friends selected "My Funny Valentine," which will appear on Melinda's upcoming CD. The third song was "I've Got Rhythm," a classic jazz take.

Becky got some one-on-one time with the "Idol" finalist (Season 6), too, before introducing her to the gathering.

"I've read how she's a people person, and it's true," Becky says. "She wants to be your friend and, talking to her, it's like chatting with one of your best friends."

Melinda also posed for pictures and signed autographs. The whole gig lasted about an hour, just in time for fans to catch the Top 10 gals performing in Wednesday night's show (see my roundup below).

Not surprisingly, Becky says Melinda remains one of her favorite "Idol" contestants, and "probably the only one whose CD I'll buy," she says, adding that she thinks Season 7 has some strong performers.

"I like David Archuleta and Syesha (Mercado) so far," she says.

Meanwhile, Becky has enough ice cream to get her through, well, at least a week's worth of songs. Her favorite flavor? Mint Karaoke Cookie - just like Melinda.

Fox

Best I can tell, er, count, the judges liked only four out of the six songs chosen by the Top 10 gals on Wednesday night's "American Idol."

At this rate, it could be an all-male finale, which hasn't happened since Season 2 with Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken.

The contestants who were sick last week - Carly Smithson and Kristy Lee Cook - redeemed themselves with the judges, though. Apparently, Carly has been waiting her entire life to sing Heart's "Crazy On You" in front of 30 million people. Simon Cowell said it was much better than last week, but he's still waiting for her to have an "absolute moment" (whatever that means). I think she's still recovering from whatever she had because she was totally out of breath at song's end.

Kristy did a cover of Linda Ronstadt's "You're No Good," and, while no one could recall what she sang last week, Randy Jackson thought this was a "100 percent improvement." Either that, or Kristy picked the right outfit. Let's just say it was fitted.

Alaina Whitaker's "Hopelessly Devoted" from "Grease" bored me to tears. (I kept seeing Olivia Newton-John out by a swing), but Simon thinks she's a dark horse in the competition, though he did say he thought her look (hair, dress, jewelry) looked as if her grandmother prepped her. ("Too pageanty for me.")

As for the other six, it was either a mixed bag or a mess.

For example, there were two odd gender issues. No one liked Syesha Mercado taking "Me and Mrs. Jones" and turning the song/affair into "Me and Mr. Jones." I think she's definitely one of the better singers, but Simon said the trickery was indulgent and silly. "It (the song) was not written for a girl, and it wasn't designed for your voice."

Then there was teen Alexandrea Lushington, oddly dressed in boots and cargo shorts, singing Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now." Paula said she had never heard a female sing that song. Simon said it was "boring." "You were in tune, out of tune and now you're struggling."

So too is Kady Malloy, who continues in the "Idol" let's-get-to-know-the-contestants blurbs to show she can do everything from opera to impersonations of Britney Spears. But when it comes to plain old singing .... another Heart song, "Magic Man," which left Randy in the lurch: "You never found a pitch, never found the notes." Never should have sung this song.

Two of the judges' favorites slipped with their song choices. Asia'h Epperson sang the 1975 Eric Carmen sad-sack song "All By Myself," which Celine Dion later blasted the daylights out of. So it's the Celine version everyone seems to remember, and poor Asia'h just doesn't have the pipes to pull it off. Simon called it one of the diva songs of all time, and "you're not that good." Ouch.

Ramiele Malubay did disco, "Don't Leave Me This Way," which I didn't think was as bad as Randy did; he said it was "a little rough for me." Meanwhile, Paula's got this new catchphrase (I think it's new), something about "powering through," sort of like an 18-wheeler. Simon put the whole performance in perspective. "I've heard (the song) so many times at ghastly weddings."

My favorite performance? Brooke White's "You're So Vain" (with guitar accompaniment) - a great, great song choice. And that she directed most of the lyrics at Simon was priceless. (He even whispered to Paula that she was singing to him.) "I absolutely loved it. It was the perfect song for you," Simon said. "You connected with it, and it didn't sound old-fashioned."

My least-favorite performance? Amanda Overmyer's (picftured) "Carry on Wayward Son" made me realize I'm not in college or into Kansas anymore. Her scary hair has morphed even more into a Cruella crisis. And my gosh, who went shopping with this young woman? I totally agree with the judges that she looks so much better without the theatrics. Lose some of the goth. Alas, she may be "laying her weary head to rest" after Wednesday's performance. "It felt very contrived and indulgent - the song, the hair, the outfit," Simon said. Paula said the competition needs Amanda, but does America need her?

We'll find out tonight (at 8 on Channel 40), when two guys and two gals get the boot. My prediction? Amanda and Kady.

We have a winner!

I just found out that the winner of the Dreyer's ice cream/"American Idol"in-home concert is Becky Pricer, 30, of Citrus Heights.

Lucky girl. Becky and her "select" friends and family will gather from 7 to 8 tonight at a friend's home in Granite Bay for a private show with Season 6 finalist Melinda Doolittle (pictured, photo courtesy of Fox.)

Oh, and yes, there will be plenty of the five new "Idol" flavors, including Melinda's favorite, Mint Karaoke Cookie. Melinda will be dishing ice cream, signing autographs, posing for photos and, of course, singing.

I venture one of the selections will be "My Funny Valentine," which can be downloaded at iTunes. (Check out my Q&A with Melinda in Tuesday's Scene.)

As for tonight's "American Idol" show, the Top 10 gals will perform (at 8 p.m. on Channel 40). As I said in an earlier blog entry, they'll have their work cut out for them because of an outstanding performance by one - yes, one - of the Top 10 guys. I've already had a sneak peek at their attire for the competition - be sure to check out Amanda Overmyer!

The niche Sacramento-based magazine "California Golf & Lifestyle" has been acquired by Anthony Glover and his burgeoning high-end LuxLife Media, and a big relaunch of the bimonthly print and online publication will come soon, Glover says.

Unlike LuxLife - the lifestyle magazine that has a targeted audience (read: the ultra rich) - "Golf & Lifestyle" (apparently, they're dropping the "California," perhaps to attract a bigger audience) will be a subscription model. Mary Burroughs, who had been publisher, will remain as managing editor and creative director.

Glover, in a prepared statement, apparently couldn't help himself and fell back on sporting cliches: "To borrow from golf-speak, due to the overwhelming positive response, it seems we've 'picked the right club.' The golf world is eager for a magazine devoted to the golf and lifestyle side of the game."

Check out the Web site here.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo

No, not for former news director Steve Charlier, who recently left to run a syndicate of stations in the Midwest.

We're talking about Lori Waldon (pictured), the former assistant news director, who fled the Channel 13 madness after just a year and now is the news director of WISN, an ABC affiliate in Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently published a glowing profile of Waldon.

If, like me, you were charmed by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova's performance and win for "Falling Slowly" (from the Irish indie film "Once") at Sunday's Academy Awards, here's a chance to catch the "Best Song" winners in concert.

The Swell Season, featuring Hansard and Irglova with a band, will perform April 26 at Oakland's Paramount Theatre (2025 Broadway, Oakland).

If you're not already familiar with it, the Paramount is a big, gorgeous theater - I've seen Elvis Costello, Bjork, Wilco and Beck play there over the years. In other words, it's quite a decent bump up from the small clubs Hansard and Irglova were playing when they started promoting "Once" in 2007.

I had the chance to interview the pair, along with "Once" director John Carney, before the film opened in Sacramento last spring. (That's all of them pictured, as photographed by The Bee's Michael A. Jones.)

They were sweet, funny, smart and engaging - I'm guessing you'll get more of the same in a live setting.

And yes, you can expect to hear more of "Once's" beautiful folk-pop songs. Who knows? Maybe Carney - Hansard's bandmate from his other band, the Frames - will pop in for a guest appearance. I'm hoping so.

Tickets ($29.50-$40) go on sale to the general public Monday through TicketMaster.com or you can head over to the San Francisco-based KFOG radio station Web site for info on a pre-sale happening now through Friday. You can also check out Frames site for more information.

Fox

You heard it here first: There's really only one name you need to remember from Tuesday night's "American Idol" show featuring the Top 10 guys: 17-year-old David Archuleta (pictured).

He performed last on a show that featured songs from the '70s, a decade I embraced affectionately - if nothing else for the abundance of polyester.

But, I digress.

David A. basically made the other nine contestants' performances forgettable. I needed the recap at the end of the show just to refresh my memory.

Why all the gushing?

Young David, who is quickly winning the hearts of teen girls (and the "mom" audience) tackled John Lennon's "Imagine," a noble choice that I believe Blake Lewis also performed last season.

But Archuleta's version made me almost forget what Lennon's version sounds like. He, as the judges so like to quip, "made it his own." Here's what they had to say about David's performance:

Randy Jackson: "I keep saying this season is about the young ones. You're singing beyond your years. It was the best vocal of the show. Brilliant!"

Paula Abdul: "You're ridiculous! I'd love to have you hanging from my rearview mirror." (I'm assuming Paula would have David made into a pair of dice.)

Simon Cowell: "It was a very risky (song choice). But it worked. You're definitely the one to beat. And I have a feeling there are 19 other miserable contestants (including the Top 10 gals) after that."

To give just due to the other nine guys, I think Danny Noriega may, may have bought himself another week after singing the Carpenters' "Don't You Remember?" ("It was better, not fantastic," Simon said.) And kudos to Danny for not acting like the little jerk he was last week.

Other improvements? David Hernandez earned much praise for his rendition of the Temptations' "Papa Was a Rolling Stone." ("You're finally showing your personality," Randy said. "Amazing notes," Paula said.)

Chikezie took sound fashion advice and ditched the tangerine suit. David Cook opted to play an instrument (guitar) on Bad Company's "All Right Now." ("I love that you threw your guitar picks into the audience," Randy said. "You're a real rocker. I liked it.")

Dropping a notch - just a notch (I hope) - were Aussie Michael Johns with a Fleetwood Mac song, "Go Your Own Way." ("OK, it was the weakest performance (since the audition). A week song choice," Simon said.) And then, Jason Castro took the stage looking exactly like he did last week: same patterned shirt, same guitar. He sang "I Just Want To Be Your Everything,", probably one of the weakest of the Bee Gees' songs. ("It was too schmaltzy," Simon said. "You did yourself no favors with that.") Both Randy and Paula want Jason to come back next week without stringing so they can hear his singing.

My verdict is still out on contestant Luke Menard. He's easy on the eyes, but "Killer Queen" by Freddie Mercury? Simon thought it was a huge mistake. Randy thought the degree of difficulty was tough, and there were pitch problems. "But I liked you better this week," he said.

And now, my picks for the worst performances of the evening:

First, pseudo rocker Robbie Carrico attempting "Hot Blooded" by Foreigner. UGH! Paula thought he played it safe. Randy is still not sure Robbie is a "rocker." Simon said, "OK."

And, pack your bags Jason Yeager. You're a nice guy who can play three instruments, but singing? Nahhhh. Simon was particularly critical of the ending of Jason's version of "Long Train Runnin,' " a terrible song choice. ("It was horrific. It sounded like you were drunk at a party or something.")

Bye bye, Jason.

We'll see how the Top 10 gals fare when they perform at 8 on Channel 40.

Stay tuned.

I just got word (OK, an e-mail) that Serendipity Boutique in east Sac is now carrying a chunk of the Ella Moss fashion collection, which many of you familiar with the line might have seen in those super-cool Anthropologie stores.

Ella Moss is the creation of L.A. designer Pamella Protzel, who is known for her use of bright colors and comfy fabrics. Oh, and did I forget to mention that she made bold stripes all the rage after designing a green-and-white striped dress for Sarah Jessica Parker on "Sex and the City"?

Now Pamella is moving on, adding prints and other patterns to her collection.

Serendipity is carrying mostly the super-soft cotton tops and several dresses, all of which are easy to wear, especially with jeans.

"They're girly without being too feminine," says one of the sales associates at the boutique. Translation: They'll be perfect for the warm days ahead.

Prices range from $75 to about $120. Serendipity is at 5362 H St. You also can preview the collection here.

UPDATE (Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.): Channel 3 news director Anzio Williams checks in and gives a fuller explanation about Adrienne Bankert's status. Bankert's traffic career may be over, but she will soon be seen as a regular general assignment reporter and a fill-in anchor.

Inquiring readers want to know...

Where's Adrienne Bankert?

The Channel 3 traffic diva hasn't been on the morning traffic beat for the past two days, sending several readers (hmm...curiously, all male) into an e-mail tizzy.

Here's the deal, according to Channel 3 news director Anzio Williams:

The station has expanded its traffic team, adding Kristin Marshall (the reporter viewers saw Monday and today in the morning). "Adrienne is training her right now," Williams says.

I asked Williams if, as long rumored, the station is grooming Bankert for an anchor or reporter spot. He says it's not in KCRA's immediate plans.

Background on Marshall: She has worked as a traffic reporter at stations in Philadelphia and Baltimore. While in Philly, she finished second in wanderlist.com's "Sexiest Female in Philadelphia TV" competition.

Tsk, tsk. We in Sacramento are much too cultivated to objectify our female TV news personalities. Right?

As much as I admire the choices at Sunday's Academy Awards, I couldn't help but wish that Oscar voters had paid more attention to popular entertainment. You know: pictures that viewers at home are likely to have seen.

For example, "The Bourne Ultimatum," which won for best editing and in the sound categories, has made boatloads more money than any of the best-picture nominees. It's also a beautifully crafted film.

I'm not asking for acting nominations, since a nonstop action film like "Ultimatum" doesn't lend itself to that. But a directing nomination for Paul Greengrass, and even a best-picture nomination, would have been legitimate.

The same goes for "Casino Royale" from the year before.

So come on, academy. Throw the home audience a bone.

Former Sacramento radio host Phil Cowan, who seemingly had been in the business since Marconi, has kept a low profile since the cancellation of his KSTE show two months ago.

This gave Cowan fans hope that the former morning funny man (with Paul Robins)-turned-conservative commentator would land another radio gig. Well, no dice.

Cowan tells us he's giving up on radio. He's accepted a job with Ross Marketing ("One of those full-sevice advertising agencies," Phil says) in Fair Oaks Village.

Says Phil: "I'm excited. It's my first stab at self-employment."

So, I finally received last week's The New Yorker in the mail (thanks for nothin', U.S. Postal Service), and I was struck by the cover drawn by graphic novelist and Sacramento native Adrian Tomine.

Called "Shelf Life," the clever nine-panel cartoon is enough to depress any striving author - or anyone who cares about the decline of reading for enjoyment and has seen the latest dreary reports on literacy.

It's kind of like Kubler-Ross' "stages of death." In panel one, you see the author plugging away at the keyboard, then the somewhat humiliating pitching to the publisher, followed by publication, the act of reading by a book lover, then the inevitable discarding, followed by the burning of the book for warmth by a homeless man.

The longer I gazed at the cover, though, the more heartened I got. In a way, books provide warmth and comfort to people on various levels. So is it better for a book to be remaindered and pulped, or put to use to comfort the homeless?

Tomine's cartoon does what the best graphic stories do - makes us think.

Associated Press

OK, Hilary Swank is wearing Versace. Love Katherine Heigl, also in flaming red. She's amazing. Love the lipstick and the curly do.

So far, I think the TV stars should receive more kudos than the movie stars - at least as far as the fashions go.

Omigosh, where's the Viggo Mortensen I remember? He looks like my grandfather with that ZZ Top beard!

Quick sneak peek at Penelope Cruz. I hope she's presenting; I want a closer look at that incredible gown.

In short, lots of hits and misses (and could have definitely gone with missing Gary Busey) ... Heidi, Anne (pictured), Katherine and Miley - again, all in winning red - are definite dos.

The stars all seemed to survive the inclement weather on the red carpet. I swear, it seems like it was rougher in Sactown than in SoCal.

Check out more images from the red carpet in Monday's Scene. But for now, on with the show!

Associated Press

How do you achieve effortless and glamorous at the same time? Again, Anne Hathaway gets the nod - so far.

E! is echoing what I just blogged: Jennifer Hudson cast aside that goofy bolero from last year and is getting it right this time around.

I think, however, a lot of the stars must have forgotten that this show is being broadcast. They looked a little - shall we say? - undone. I would be rockin' this thing if they let me out there.

And, quit rolling your eyes, Miley Cyrus! Not a good look.

Colin Farrell is with his mother. She looks a gazillion times better than him. I'm surprised she hasn't told him to get a haircut.

Only 10 minutes left: Where's Nicole Kidman?

Last year's best actress winner, Helen Mirren, looks just as fantastic as she did in 2007. We find out she knitted a scarf for her "Naked Man" (read: Oscar).

Back for a sec to Jessica Alba, who looks fabulous. Is that aubergine with feathers? I want to know more about the dress, but Ryan Seacrest asks if she's going to breast-feed? Huh?!!!

They're moving fast on the red carpet now...

* Jennifer Hudson (last year's BSA) is a huge fashion improvement over 2007.

* Cameron Diaz in Dior (couture, no less), definitely did nothing with her hair. And where's the bling? I could've loaned her my pearls.

* Marion Cotillard's "fishy," fantastic gown is by Jean Paul Gaultier. Love the hair - she's sooo French!

* Caught quick glimpses of an unempt Colin Farrell and an old-fashioned Hilary Swank.

* Finally, Tilda Swinton. What can I say? I'm sorry, she's just too minimalist. And she doesn't get that George Clooney is a charmer. OK, I don't like her. She's never watched the Oscars. Never dressed for it - obviously. Moving on....

Associated Press

Finally, someone got Gary Busey out of view of the camera. Ryan Seacrest can't talk away the look of terror on Jennifer Garner's face. Seacrest has apparently never met him, and he looks truly frightened himself. And well he should.

But, back to the red carpet. Young Miley Cyrus is really pretty in Valentino. I see expectant mom, Jessica Alba, in something really purple and pleasing to the eye. Please don't let Gary get anywhere near her!

Overall, a lot of the stars are playing it safe tonight. A lot of black - and not just the tuxes. I think they're just too sick of the rainy weather to put in the effort. (Heck, I'm in jeans!)

Keri Russell, Cameron Diaz and best actress nominee Marion Cotillard (pictured) appear to be taking the biggest fashion chances. We'll see as we continue to make our way down the red carpet, well, via the fine folks at E!, of course.

Jennifer Garner (presenter) chats with Laura Linney, both in strapless gowns. Linney is wearing Michael Kors; Garner is wearing - uh, I can't find out because of an idiot: Read on.

Crazy Gary Busey (I do mean crazy!) physically breaks up Seacrest's interview with Laura and Jennifer, bear-hugging Jennifer (and scaring her) and acting a fool. Who let him in?

Unbelievable!

Associated Press

Yikes! What's up with John Travolta's spray-on hair?

How is he looking? "Fabulous," according to wife Kelly Preston (pictured). "The red carpet is for the missus," Travolta says. He calls Preston's Roberto Cavalli gown orange; I say it's caution-light yellow and yucky. Doesn't work with her hair color or skin tone - or anything else.

But more on George. Apparently, history was made tonight: Clooney's cocktail-waitress girlfriend (she worked at the Maloofs' Palms in Vegas) has been generally kept out of the awards-show limelight up until now. OK, so she appeared on "Fear Factor." So, she eats bugs. Big deal.

Meanwhile, lots of buzz about the upcoming film "Get Smart" (June). It stars Anne Hathaway and Ryan Seacrest's next guest: Steve Carell of "The Office."

What's it like waking up next to Brad Pitt? (A recycled red-carpet question). Carrell says he's real "hormonal" right now, and Seacrest continues to ask stupid questions.

But, back to the fashions: Lots of color, some plunging necklines (odd for the weather), and not as much jewelry as I would have imagined. Maybe there weren't enough bodyguards to go around.

Amy Adams (presenter) is wearing black, strapless Proenza Schouler (double-faced satin) and carrying a very impractical mesh handbag. I couldn't fit a lip gloss in there.

George Clooney finally joins Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet - with The Girlfriend (Sarah Larson). Is she really worthy of him?

So, I'm praying that Seacrest asks as many questions as possible! To wit:

Do you ever have a bad day? "I'm like a robot, and I'm losing my battery!"

And no, he hasn't bought a house in Malibu. But he did spend Valentine's Day in Vegas.

But, at this point, I still don't know who designed his tux.

Meanwhile, actress Anne Hathaway, who is a presenter, is also amazing, wearing red - that's the color of the night - so far. Beautiful roses. She took heat last year for black and white Valentino - with bows. This year, she's got it right. And no faux tanning for Anne. All porcelana.

This just in: Anne is the new face of a Lancome fragrance - she can't tell us which one!

Seacrest admits he doesn't recognize a lot of the faces. Does it really matter? Look at the clothes, Ryan!

Assocatied Press

So, we see best supporting actress nominee Amy Ryan in a one-shoulder, navy Calvin Klein. I would have liked a better hairdo. Needs more hairspray. Ryan Seacrest engaged her in some goofy punching routine - complete with sound effects.

Forget that: George Clooney (pictured) looks incredible. He's finally looking my way! A true Hollywood glam man, Clooney reminds me every bit of Cary Grant -and then some. Perfect tux. Lose the girlfriend!

Weather update: Don't see any umbrellas, but the odd girl on the roof with the forecast sounds eerily like Mark Finan from Channel 3.

None of the stars look wet to me.

Giuliana Rancic's fashion update from the roof? Heidi Klum's dress gets kudos for the high drama. But on second glance, the pink earrings and pink handbag look odd with the bright red gown. To bid on her dress: Be a size 2 and have a ginormous bank account.

Oh look: There's Dr. McDreamy (Patrick Dempsey), who well-represents the male TV entourage. My vote so far: Guys 3, gals, 1.

Associated Press

By the way, Ryan Seacrest's suit (pseudo tux) is from Dolce & Gabbana. Still don't like it.

Is that George Clooney's back I see? Turn around, George! Quit talking to that nobody in the press corps!

One face we won't see? Some E! correspondent named Ken Baker says Angelina Jolie won't be here tonight. But she was seen at another awards show Saturday, and word is, she's visibly, visibly pregnant.

Heidi Klum (in beautiful red Galliano, pictured) and husband Seal (in Christian Dior) just arrived. She admits she's not wearing a bra (natch) and that her couture gown will be auctioned off afterward for research into women's heart disease. Heidi's hair is so very '60s. Giant up-do, and she's sooo elegant.

(Still, I like the new shag cut she's currently sporting on "Project Runway.")

Turn around, George, turn around!

Associated Press

The red carpet looks dry, but shaggy, in Hollywood as Ryan Seacrest, co-host of E!'s pre-Oscars broadcast, told viewers from the get-go: "Put on your jewelry and your Spanx."

(Not sure what it is that Ryan is wearing, by the way. Odd suit with goofy brown stripes. I like his "American Idol" attire much better.)

But, I digress.

The tarps are up (pictured), as the weather forecast in SoCal calls for a line of showers - and some winds (15-20 mph) - with the temperature at 59 degrees as the show starts. The tents will probably hold up. Not so sure about the up-dos.

E! co-host Giuliana Rancic caught up with Oscar show host Jon Stewart, who says he'll be wearing Giorgio Armani for the telecast.

Let's get real. The first arrivals are going to include people I really don't care about. But, guess what? We hear a lot of TV stars will be serving as presenters tonight. Don't tell me George Clooney won't be here!!

Stay tuned; I know I'll keep watching.

Sorry to all you who were excited about that Van Halen show, but I've just been notified by the promoter that tickets are not going on sale March 1, after all.

Indeed, thanks to a couple of East Coast show cancellations, the Sacramento on-sale date has been postponed until further notice.

No, I'm not really sure what one has to do with the other, either, but there you go. The local show is still happening as far as I know - you'll just have to cool your heels a little longer before plunking down all that cold, hard cash.

OK, so we know the standard modus operandi of local TV news - you plug the entertainment shows on your network (especially during a sweeps month, which February is) with "news" stories of dubious merit.

For the gang at Fox40, that means doing nightly "stories" on "American Idol," that ratings juggernaut that the station hopes will keep viewers tuned in to the 10 o'clock news.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Fox40's newshounds did a preview story, a recap of the male singers and a recap of the female singers, respectively. Idol chatter, indeed.

But how were they going to promote "Idol" on Thursday?

In a brilliant stroke of cross-promotion, reporter Rowena Shaddox spent the first 30 seconds of her 2 minute, 9 second report showing clips from "Idol," along with Ryan Seacrest intoning "Even Idols aren't immune to the flu," and Paula Abdul weighing in with sage medical diagnoses such as, "Some of these girls are really sick."

Check out the report by clicking on the "Flu Vaccine" video on the main page.

Associated Press

Rain is in the forecast for L.A. on Sunday. Could that mean a soggy red carpet for the Academy Awards?

Not according to my sources. The (red-carpet) show, as they say, will go on.

Certainly, so says actress Lisa Rinna, who will co-host TV Guide Network's red-carpet coverage. In a call with me earlier this week, Lisa says tents (pictured above) are at the ready to protect those stars and starlets as they make their way from their limos, down the carpet and eventually into the Kodak Theatre for the awards ceremony.

"It is what it is," Lisa says. "We'll make it happen."

Of course, with tents (and umbrellas and the like), our at-home views might be a tad obscured because the TV platforms won't have their usual clear vantage points.

(A virtual monsoon is predicted on Sunday for Sacramento, while the L.A. (Hollywood/Beverly Hills) forecast, according to The Bee, Weather.com and USA Today, calls for rain and a high of 61. That's downright BRRRR! for those starlets who plan to arrive scantily clad.)

Whatever the view, however, I'm not seeing any Burberry raincoats covering up thousand-dollar gowns. The stars will just have to grin (and answer the same questions over and over) and bear it.

A note from one fashionista to another: Want to dish about the red carpet? Join me here at 21Q from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday as I blog in real time about my take on the fashions - and/or the abundant outerwear. See you then!

If you didn't get enough Van Halen when the band powered through Sacramento last November, buck up - the boys will be back in town April 25 at Arco Arena.

And yes, they're all apparently still getting along, which means David Lee Roth is still the singer - for now, anyway.

Eddie Van Halen, his son Wolfgang Van Halen and Eddie's bro, Alex Van Halen, make up the rest of the band.

Tickets (oh-so-not-cheap at $49.50, $79.50 and $149.50) go on sale at 10 a.m. March 1 through LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com.

We've got another local model search in the works. Macy's is gearing up for its Prom 2008 fashion show, which is at 2 p.m. on March 8.

Here's the plan: The department store is looking for teens (both male and female) ages 14 to 19 with lots of energy and the proper 'tude to model at this prom show, which will be co-hosted by Seventeen magazine.

If you're interested, swing by the juniors' department at Macy's Arden Fair from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Reps from the store as well as from Ford Modeling Agency will answer questions and give you the once-over. (Note to prospective models: Fresh-faced is always better than overly made up!)

Models who make the cut will be notified by next Thursday. For more info, call (916) 444-3333, ext. 4234.

If you're just interested in getting prom-fashion tips, check out the show on March 8. Afterward, there will be mini-makeovers at the BeneFit counter as well as free samples of Roxy Love fragrance.

Wondering what to see this weekend?

In today's Weekend Ticket, I review movies opening this week. But if you're interested in other options, here are my recommendations for previously released films:

In Bruges
3 stars
The six or seven people who saw "Cassandra's Dream" will note the eerie similarities between Colin Farrell's remorseful criminal in this film and the one he played in that Woody Allen film. But you also see why Farrell would take such similar roles -- the chance to work with Allen, and with Martin McDonagh, the talented writer and director of the ultraviolent but witty "In Bruges."
Rated R

Persepolis
3 1/2 stars
When the story starts in 1978, Marjane (given sprightly voice by Gabrielle Lopes) is an energetic kid who loves Bruce Lee, talks to Allah and tries to understand her well-off parents' conversations about Iranian politics. She supports anti-shah rioters, partly because she appreciates the theatricality of their process.
Rated PG-13

The Spiderwick Chronicles
3 stars
The Patty-Duke-and-her-cousin conceit of Freddie Highmore playing twins might set off alarm bells for viewers raised on obvious split screens. But Highmore and the film's effects squad pull it off. The twins seem like distinct people. Whereas Simon is bookish and peaceable, Jared is alternately mischievous and dour.
Rated PG

Fox

I can't argue too much with America's choices for elimination Thursday night on "American Idol," though I'm sure Joanne Borgella (pictured) would love to get a re-do.

More than 28 million votes were cast to kick off two of the guys and two of the gals. But first: The Top 24 were forced to croon a medley of '60s songs.

The "Idol" wardrobe and hair departments went wild with black and white pleather and hair extensions. Heck, I didn't recognize some of the contestants!

The first guy eliminated was Garrett Haley. No surprise there, though I admit Ryan Seacrest pretty much asked him to step forward and told him, "I have to say goodbye." Brutal? Kind of. But even more so was having the kicked-off contestants' family members and friends perched overhead as they performed for the last time. The loved ones looked awkward and uncomfortable and very unhappy.

Kristy Lee Cook, who suffered bronchitis earlier, was spared. (I said the sympathy vote would save her.) Not so for Amy Davis, who left the show with "lots of memories." I know it will be a while before any of us forget her take of "Where the Boys Are."

Next up? Viewers got a sneak peek at judge Paula Abdul's upcoming music vicdeo (due out March 11), "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow." I was impressed. She seems waaay more comfortable performing than judging. Her cohort Randy Jackson is producing the album. He even performs on it.

Anyway, Joanne and rocker Amanda Overmyer were the next female contestants to face the ax, and Amanda is safe - with a lot more hair than she had a couple days ago.

I have a hunch Joanne was one of the flu-bitten among the gals. Her parting song had a lot more going for it than when she sang for votes. Too bad, because she does have a pretty good voice.

The last to go? Teen Colton Berry, who was encouraged to go for a singing career by Randy and Paula. Simon Cowell's parting shot, though: "Get a good job and enjoy singing." In other words, don't count on performing as a permanent gig.

The Top 10 guys get another crack at it next Tuesday (at 8 p.m. on Channel 40).

Oh, and we already know Season 7's parting song, which will mean months of hearing "Best Days" by Graham Colton.

FYI: Let me know if anyone out there is downloading the performances from iTunes.

I heard a buzz about this show earlier in the week but couldn't get confirmation on it until today - just in time to tell you about a special presale ticket offer.

So a) Yes, Death Cab for Cutie is playing April 22 at UC Davis' Freeborn Hall. The band, whose new album "Narrow Stairs" will be released May 13, has only announced a few dates so far - so glad we made the cut.

And b) Presale tickets are on sale right now via the band's fan club site. If you're not already a card-carrying member, that will set you back $30. (Heck, the annual fee gets you a fan club exclusive T-shirt, a seven-inch single (featuring previously unreleased material, on colored vinyl no less) and, of course, a card to carry in your wallet.

No word yet on when tickets go on sale to the general public, but I'm guessing it's sooner rather than later, so you might want to keep an eye on the Freeborn Hall site for more information on that one.

Fox

Wednesday night's competition among the "American Idol" Top 12 gals was a mixed bag of so-so '60s songs sprinkled with high-octave performances. Oh, and several of the contestants were (or had been) very ill leading up to the show.

Host Ryan Seacrest told the judges that the sick ones could barely get up on the stage to rehearse, yet alone sing.

Add to that, some really frayed nerves, and you get two hours that, for me, were pretty forgettable. But, a wrap-up is in order.

* Kristy Lee Cook (24, Selma, Ore.): I could tell right away that Kristy was one of the sicker contestants (bronchitis bit her), and I wanted to rescue her from her "Rescue Me" rendition before she passed out. The judges were a little less sympathetic. Simon Cowell even pointed out he could have done better if he was sick himself. "I didn't get a lot from that performance. It was very robotic and the wrong song choice." Prediction: A lot of sympathy votes because she's sick.

* Joanne Borgella (25, Hoboken, N.J.): Her "Say a Little Prayer" was more of a sermon - in terms of length. I'm betting she was another performer bitten by the bug. Joanne clearly looked uncomfortable - for whatever reason. Paula Abdul was almost as tough as Simon, telling her she needed to "pull it together." Prediction: Improve, or no Top 12.

* Alaina Whitaker (17, Tulsa, Okla.): Today is Alaina's birthday, and you know what she wants: to make it through to the next round. If I'm granting wishes, she will. Alaina was one of two female contestants who performed the same song as two of the guys on Tuesday - "More Today Than Yesterday." Hers was much more relevant (new buzzword on "Idol") than Chikezie's. "It's the year of the young ones," Randy says. "You sung it with conviction and confidence." Prediction: Is Alaina the next Carrie Underwood?

* Amanda Overmyer (23, Mulberry, Ind.): If Amanda's 23, I'm 33! OK, so I guess I'm not progressive enough - her over-the-top rocker look (Lily Munster hair, 100 clanking bracelets, mucho makeup) was distracting to me. It didn't help that I (like Simon) had no idea what she sang. Oh, it was Big Joe Williams' "Baby Please Don't Go," she said. Uh-huh. Paula and Randy gushed; Simon wants Amanda to come back and "prove what a great singer you are." Prediction: She'll move on, but there will be a battle with the "AI" hairstylist.

* Amy Davis (25, Lowell, Ind.): A lack of confidence could be Amy's undoing. And I'm not sure "Where the Boys Are" can switch gears and go country, which is what Amy attempted. Simon said, "It was what it was - a boring song that sounded like it went on for 10 minutes." Prediction: The camera might like Amy, but the voters won't.

* Brooke White (24, Mesa, Ariz.): The professed "good girl" had a little darker look to her. The big blond curls were there, but Brooke opted for darker eye makeup for her version of "Happy Together." (David Cook sang this Tuesday.) Randy said that, in the end, she "slayed it." Translation? Killed the song, but in a good way. Simon said something about Brooke looking like someone in a '60s commercial in the UK for "washing-up liquid." Translation? Dish soap. Prediction: I'm putting Brooke into the Top 12 because I'm running out of options.

* Alexandrea Lushington (17, Douglasville, Ga.): There was blood, sweat and even tears for me when Alexandrea descended the stairs singing "Spinnin' Wheel." I agree with Simon, who "didn't get it." But Randy and Paula loved Alexandrea (don't mispronounce her name!). Said Randy: "You blew the doors off that." Prediction: Top 12, not Top 10.

* Kady Malloy (18, Houston, Texas): Kady does better Britney Spears impersonations - and other impersonations, too - than she does when singing on her own. Her "A Groovy Kind of Love" was compared by Simon to the zombie-inspired flick "Night of the Living Dead." "If someone did an impersonation of you, it would be a pencil," he said. Prediction: She could be one of the first two gals to go.

* Asia'h Epperson (19, Joplin, Mo.): I was hoping there would be no Janis Joplin (sorry, it's tooo loud), but here comes "A Piece of My Heart," which I think has been performed ad nauseum by female contestants. But, my bad. All three judges loved Asia'h's version. At least it kept me awake. Prediction: Memorize Asia'h's face. She'll be sticking around.

* Ramiele Malubay (20, Miramar, Fla.): No one was more excited about hair, makeup and new shoes than Ramiele, who sort of had her coif done a la Christian on "Project Runway." Her rendition of Dusty Springfield's "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" showed that a big voice can live inside a little body. Paula said she was a "force to be reckoned with." Simon had Ramiele outsinging the other gals - so far. Prediction: Definite Top 10.

* Syesha Mercado (21, Sarasota, Fla.): Fortunately, Syesha (pictured) didn't suffer another bout of laryngitis like she did during Hollywood Week. Her trip down "Tobacco Road" had a ton of attitude. It might not have been her best effort, but Randy labeled Syesha one of the most "consistent" performers. Prediction: Unless she stumbles, a for-sure Top 12.

* Carly Smithson (24, San Diego): There's been so much buzz about Carly because of her previous recording contract, but it all came down to Wednesday night, and she definitely was one of the sickest contestants. It was evident from the first bar of "The Shadow of Your Smile," which, in my opinion, was too "old" for Carly. OK, so I'm wrong, according to Randy, who thought it was the best vocal of the Top 24! Prediction: Give her some antibiotics, and she'll sail through to the next round.

After the two-night competition, Simon said he thought there were three "hot" guys and three or four "hotter" gals. That doesn't give us a Top 12, but it's a start.

Tonight (at 8 on Channel 40), two guys and two gals will be eliminated during the live results show. My guess is that both the younger voters and the older voters will be weighing in heavily on who stays and who goes.

Stay tuned!

Associated Press

Lisa Rinna (pictured with Joey Fatone) is still undecided about which dress she'll be wearing to co-host the TV Guide Network's red-carpet show this Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. (She has two to pick from.)

It's an important choice because, this year, the Academy Awards will be providing pretty much the only opportunity for big-name designers to showcase their frocks. With the writers' strike, there were no Golden Globes, and did we really care about the SAG Awards - at least from a fashion perspective?

So, designers will be falling over their tape measures to get next season's (even this season's) gowns on celebrities. After all, it's free publicity with very handsome rewards.

“People are dying to dress up in this town,” says Lisa, speaking on the phone from Los Angeles. “The nominees and presenters in particular will have their pick of whatever they want. They can call up any designer and say, ‘I want to wear one of your dresses.’

“I think we’ll see a lot of couture, perhaps on (best actress) nominee Marion Cotillard,” Lisa adds. “Penelope Cruz loves couture, and we’ll probably see Renee Zellweger in Carolina Herrera.”

As for the men, Lisa says they usually get it “right.”

“I love them!,” she says. “They know how to wear Tom Ford and Prada. (Best actor) nominee Javier Bardem is sooo stunning. I think the men will really be strong.”

She's equally effusive about her co-host.

"Joey is a guy's guy," Lisa says. "He can bring a husband, watching at home, into our audience because he's refreshing. You can't fake that."

A note from one fashionista to another: Want to dish about the red carpet yourself? Join me here at 21Q from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday as I blog in real time about my take on the fashions.

Chris ("Give Beer to the Homeless") Burrous, Channel 13's wildly unpredictable morning news anchor, will expand his media reach in town to radio - for one night, at least.

Burrous will be filling in for news-talk KFBK (1530 AM) evening host (7 to 10 p.m.) Bruce Maiman on Tuesday.

Radio is not exactly foreign territory to Burrous, since his TV morning show often takes viewer phone calls.

And, for good or ill (mostly ill, lately), Burrous is never at a loss for words.

It may be interesting to tune in for a night, if for nothing else than to hear what outrageous things he'll say.

Might Sacramento soon be without a "progressive" talk radio station?

That's what syndicated radio host Peter B. Collins (pictured) has said on the air and on his Web site. Collins, whose show airs on KSAC (1240 AM) from 3 to 6 p.m., wrote, in part, that "the station just notified me and other program producers that it will change format in May if business does not improve."

Today, Paula Nelson, owner and general manager of KSAC, acknowledges that she's "had some offers from other formats."

But, she quickly adds, "I'd like to support Democratic and progressive radio in Sacramento. But, hey, if the progressive people can't come through for us and give us more advertising through our door, we're going to have to make a change."

A quick check of KSAC's Web site speaks to the uncertainty of the station. A graphic reads: "This site under construction."

"We're just trying to be honest and light a fire under our listeners," Nelson says.

In the most recent Arbitron ratings period, KSAC finished 21st out of 32 stations, with a 1.4 rating. That is, however, a significant improvement over its 0.4 rating from last year's numbers.

Late last year, KSAC dropped its only local talk show host, Christine Craft, a move widely seen as done for cost-cutting reasons.

Carrie Underwood is in full-blown travel mode, on the road co-headlining with country bud Keith Urban on the Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Carnival Ride Tour.

But she's taking a break in the action this weekend to appear on "Saturday Night Live" (at 11:30 p.m. on Channel 3).

I spoke with Carrie today as she prepared to head into rehearsals for the show, which is back on the air for the first time since the writers' strike ended. When the request for her to perform came through, she says, she made a beeline for the Big Apple.

"It was great because it worked out in our (hers and Keith's) schedule," she says. "We were playing in the area, driving in and out of New York, so it worked out perfectly."

This is Carrie's second time performing on the late-night comedy show. She'll be sharing the stage with former "SNL" performer and writer Tina Fey, who will be scripting a big chunk of the welcome-back episode.

"My band was sooo excited when I told them about the opportunity to be on the show," Carrie says.

Meanwhile, next month (on March 12), the Urban/Underwood entourage (read: buses) pull into Arco Arena for Sacramento's "Crazy Carnival" tour stop. Stay tuned here at 21Q and in The Bee as we get closer to the Arco show for more from Carrie on how the tour's going, as well as all things "American Idol." (She still loves talking about it!)

Kevin German/Sacramento Bee, August 2005

Can you walk the walk? Can you strut your stuff? If modeling is part of your resume, there's a casting call next weekend for both men and women to participate in a show called "Imagine: Where Fashion, Art & Music Unite." The show is being presented by the International Academy of Design & Technology, a less-than-year-old local college for super-creative types, like fashion and interior designers and visual communications majors.

The school's fashion design students will present their spring/summer collections, and they need models for the show. The casting call is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 1 at the school, 2450 Del Paso Road, Suite 250 in Sacramento.

The requirements?

* Men should be 5-foot-11 or taller with a waist of no more than 32 inches.
* Women should be 5-foot-8 or taller and wear a dress size 0 to 6. They should wear or bring heels for the runway walk.

Both men and women should have clean hair and no makeup. The fashion show is March 28, so models will need flexibility in their schedules for fittings and a walk-through prior to the event. For more information, call (916) 285-9468 and ask for Denise Reed, the chair of the school's fashion department.

Fox

Tuesday night, "American Idol's" Top 12 guys performed for the first time in their bid to win America's votes - and loyalty.

No doubt there is some major talent among them. But hey, that's what we were promised: better singers and no Sanjaya! (Two of the contestants will be eliminated on Thursday night's live results show.)

Anyway, it didn't take me long to find some worthy nominees. The judges - Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell - spoke their minds with the usual smattering of "Yos" and "Dawgs" and something about the contestants being "colors." (Simon was not as easy on the guys as the other two.)

Here's my wrap-up of the competition, which featured '60s songs:

* David Hernandez (24, Glendale, Ariz.): His "Midnight Hour" was just OK. I lost interest halfway through, but Randy thought he did a good job. Prediction: David won't be around for the Top 10.

* Chikezie: (22, Inglewood, Calif.): Ugh, Chikezie butchered one of my favorite shag songs from college - the Spiral Staircase classic "More Today Than Yesterday." He sang it so slow that I almost didn't recognize it! Simon thought his tangerine suit was "hideous." Prediction: Chikezie needs a strong comeback if he comes back at all.

* David Cook (25, Blue Springs, Mo.): David rocked the Turtles' "Happy Together." Yes, it was a different take on the classic but, as Simon put it, "it was believeable." Prediction: David C. will definitely make the Top 12 (guys and gals).

* Jason Yeager (28, Grand Prairie, Texas): Jason might pass for a much older contestant, especially with his stodgy version of "Moon River." ZZZZZ! We got our first "cruise ship" reference, and Simon said the performance would leave a lot of young viewers with a question mark about Jason. Prediction: No post-"Idol" tour for this crooner.

* Robbie Carrico (26, Melbourne, Fla.): Loved this rocker (the look, the bandana, everything). Robbie's take on Three Dog Night's "One" won me over, as well as the judges. Paula said he picked the perfect song. Prediction: Definitely a keeper.

* David Archuleta (17, Murray, Utah): Give this teen a big hug! What a performance. I almost forgot who did the original version of "Shop Around" (Smokey Robinson). Simon touted, "When you've got it, you've got it. By a comfortable mile, it was the best performance of the night." Prediction: We might be looking at, listening to, this season's winner.

* Danny Noriega (18, Azusa, Calif.): "Elvaz" needs to leave the building. Danny's rendition of "Jailhouse Rock" was a mess. You know it's not good when Randy says you were "having a good time." Prediction: Danny, quit pouting. It's not working for you.

* Luke Menard (29, Crawfordsville, Ind.): "Everybody's Talking" about how boring this version of the "Midnight Cowboy" theme was. And what was up with Luke's jacket? He looked like he was auditioning for the Jon Voight character in the movie. Randy said it was pitchy the whole way through, and that was kind. Prediction: He's forgettable.

* Colton Berry (18, Staunton, Va.): He didn't get much airtime during the audition process and is making up for it with a lot of preening and prancing and silly comparisions about himself and Ellen DeGeneres. Huh? I'll give Colton a kudo that his version of another Elvis song, "Suspicious Minds," was better than Danny N's. Simon said the performance was more in tune with musical theater. Prediction: Possible Top 12 contestant. Get rid of the mirrors in the dressing room.

* Garrett Haley (17, Elida, Ohio): Garrett didn't do a thing with his sappy take on "Don't Take Your Love Away From Me." I don't especially like this song anyway, but Garrett's eerie likeness to Peter Frampton didn't help. Simon quipped that he "looked like he had been shut up in a bedroom for a month." Prediction: Garrett will be back in Ohio either this week or the next.

* Jason Castro (20, Rockwall, Texas): Jason C. was the only contestant to play an instrument (the guitar) Tuesday night, and there was a lot to love about his version of the Lovin' Spoonful classic "What a Day For a Daydream." Simon said it was one of the top two performances of the night. "You're great with the camera," he added. Prediction: Count on seeing Jason for weeks to come.

* Michael Johns (29, Buckhead, Ga.): With a nod to Kings announcer Grant Napear, "Turn on the sprinklers, this guy is on fire!" Michael (pictured) didn't disappoint with "Light My Fire." Dude was hot! Randy said he threw all caution to the wind. "What a way to end the night. I loved it!" Prediction: Michael and David A. were the cream of the crop.

Tonight (at 8 on Channel 40), the Top 12 women compete, also singing '60s songs. They've got their work cut out for them. Check back here for updates.

Cranky newspaper reporters are forever kvetching about how vapid local TV types steal their stories and present them as their own enterprise work.

My TV news friends (yes, I do have one or two) explain it away three ways:

1. Don't think of it as stealing. It's recycling the story. Everybody wants to be green, you know.

2. It's not news until it's on TV.

3. Imitation is the sincerest form of cliche - or something like that.

I bring this up because there is a scathing column in the Amador Ledger, by Raheem Hosseini