Locally based composer Gregg Coffin ("Convenience" and "Five Course Love" at the Sacramento Theatre Company and "rightnextto me" at the B Street") is on fire.

Actually, the modest, hard-working tunesmith is having a nice year, especially in Korea. Gregg reports that after a very successful two-month run at the Chung Mu Art Hall in Seoul, his musical comedy "Five Course Love" continues its Korean sojourn with an open-ended run at a new theater. So basically as long as people continue to come the show will play.

Coffin says the show has moved from its original home in Seoul to the new location in a kind of "theater row."

"The producers of the show have sent me lobby posters, playbills and placards as well as a DVD with about 15 minutes of the show to see," Coffin says. "It's a truly mind-bending experience to hear my music and not understand a word anyone is saying up there."

Gregg says the Korean Web site for the show - www.fcl.co.kr - is also a real treat.

"You'll find three hearts on the graphic, besides the logo. The two on the right are to purchase tickets from different online venues; the one on the left is a fan page from an online club called CYWORLD. Select it, and there's a navigational bar on the left of that page and you can click on photos and movies of the production over there."

There's also a Facebook group page at www.facebook.co. Type "FIVE COURSE LOVE" in the search block and you'll find the fan site with pictures from all the productions and videos of the Korean version. Oh, and Gregg adds, "I'm not making this up - the Korean production has figurines. There's a picture of them up on the Facebook fan site."

High school graduates are making a fashion statement this year - and it's not with just their caps and gowns. (You'll never wear those again!)

Out and about the other day, I spotted a student at Sac High in Oak Park. They wear a variety of sweatshirts and other outerwear as part of their school uniforms. Mostly in the school's colors of purple and black, of course.

But senior Carlos Roa's (pictured) gray sweatshirt with purple lettering had something interesting on the front. Nothing about the school's mascot, the "Dragons," or anything like that.

It read: high school ... been there done THAT!!!. On the back? East Wing, '08 Seniors. That in reference to the division of the charter school that houses the School of Law & Public Service and the School of Math Engineering & Health Services.

Carlos will graduate Saturday. He plans to attend Sac City, with a goal of transferring to the University of the Pacific in Stockton.

You rock, Carlos, and so does your sweatshirt! Question is: Am I too old for one, circa 1976? I was there, did that in Horsepasture, Va.

Arden Park represent! Here's a band that's so proud of its roots that it's named, well, Arden Park Roots. The group has a strong Sublime sound, with a mix of rock and reggae that's filtered through Sacramento instead of the "LBC" (Long Beach, Calif., that is). So check out "Sunday Single" and the Arden Park Roots song called "The Hard Way."

ARDEN PARK ROOTS
Song: "The Hard Way"
Style: Rootsy rock and blue-eyed reggae
Influences: Sublime, 311, Slightly Stoopid, Pepper
Members: Tyler Campbell (vocals/guitar), Matt Seidel (lead guitar), Ben Jones (bass), Justin Higdon (drums)
Behind the song: "I had this girlfriend and it was a work relationship, which is always, you know, not a good idea," says Campbell. "All of my friends were saying get rid of her, and she had a lot of negative outlooks on life. People always say everything happens for a reason, and I didn't understand that concept at that time in my life. So learning the hard way is what I was feeling at the time about that girl."
See them: 8 p.m. June 7 at the Underground (2401 Olympus Drive, Roseville)

Here's the player to hear "The Hard Way":

On the Web: www.myspace.com/aproots

May sweeps came to a close last week and, judging by some of the comments left here at 21Q (and similar e-mails in my in-box), a few of you are dying (dying!) to see the results in print.

Everyone take a deep breath now - the world is still spinning on its axis, with just a slight tweak of degrees.

Anyway, yes, folks, the rumors are true: For the first time since the dawn of time, Channel 3 (KCRA) did not take the 11 p.m. news time slot.

And, if we're looking at just the 11 p.m. slot, that win went to News10 (KXTV), with a 4.6 rating over Channel 3's 4.3 rating.

(Ratings chart the percentage of all homes with television; shares measure the number of TV sets turned on at a particular time.)

However, if you want to include the 10 p.m. news when talking about "late night" (and whether you do depends on whom you ask. Or which way the wind is blowing - take your pick), then Channel 13 (KOVR) actually nabbed the win, with a 5.5 rating.

(Oh yeah, and Fox40 (KTXL) also showed up to the party with a 3.7 rating for its 10 p.m. newscast, while Channel 19 (Univision) brought in a 1.0 rating for its 11 p.m. broadcast.)

Still, any way you slice it or dice it, it's a noticeable slip for Channel 3 from its February numbers in the same time slot (5.7).

Channel 3 news director Anzio Williams blames his station's notable dip on its parent network.

NBC's shown a decline in ratings across the board, Williams says.

"When prime-time viewership is down, then we have a harder time," Williams says. "Sometimes, we're the victims of what our networks give us, but I believe we're still in a solid position."

Certainly, there's no reason to cry them a river (yet). Channel 3 easily nabbed the midday news market, with a 3.3 rating over Channel 13's 2.8 and Channel 10's 2.7.

They also owned the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts, with 8.1 and 7.1 ratings, respectively, compared to Channel 13's 3.2 and 2.6 and Channel 10's 2.4 and 3.5.

The real story here, though, is just how poorly most of the stations are doing in the morning news race. While Channel 3 posted a gain at 5 a.m., eeking out a 2.2 rating over February's 1.8, it dipped ever-so-slightly at 6 a.m. (4.1, down from 4.2).

Channel 10 relatively stayed the course at 5 a.m. with a 1.1 rating but slipped at 6 a.m.with a 2.1 rating, down from February's 2.3.

Channel 31 (KMAX)'s numbers were down at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. (slipping from 2.1 and 2.7 ratings to 1.9 and 2.4, respectively), but up at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. (3.1 and 2.6 vs. February's 2.4 and 1.9).

As for Channel 13 (KOVR): That station showed no signs of life, dropping to a .7 rating at 5 a.m. - down from 1.0) and to a .99 at 6 a.m., down from 1.4.

Ouch.

Erik Daniells' feisty Artistic Differences production company made quite a splash last summer with its production of "Hair." The legendary "tribal love-rock" musical had a perfect mix of scruffy panache and top-flight musicianship, and audiences flocked to The Space at 25th and R streets to see the twice-extended show.

AD has kept a low profile since then, but will re-surface this weekend with a benefit show, at 7 P.M. Sunday at the Benvenuti Performing Arts Center, 4600 Blackrock Drive, Sacramento. It will also be a preview of the upcoming production of "bare" by Jon Hartmere Jr.and Damon Intrabartolo (opening July 25 at The Space).

"We've regrouped and have been restructuring the business side of the theater, trying to get that in order," Daniells reports. He's putting together a board of directors and hopes the company can reach a point where they're doing about three shows a year.

"Our goal is to do smaller, lesser-known works - things you don't typically see," Daniells says. He expects to announce the upcoming season at the benefit.

Daniells - who is currently working with the Willows Theatre Company in Martinez as well, teaching the songs of "Evil Dead: The Musical" (a campy horror movie spoof) to the cast - says he hopes the benefit also will introduce AD to a wider audience. (There will be songs from the company's two previous shows "Falsettos" and "Hair," along some tunes from the new show opening in July.)

And Daniells is bringing in a couple ringers for the benefit. His sister, Kelly (pictured above, in the middle), who starred in the Las Vegas production of "Mamma Mia!" for a year and half, will sing "An Old Fashioned Love Story" from "Wild Party" (the Andrew Lippa version). Kelly brings along Ian Cullity from the Vegas "Mamma Mia!" cast and he'll sing "Pity the Child" from the musical "Chess" (lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson).

Besides the entertainment, the AD benefit will feature a raffle prize of two tickets and air fare to Las Vegas to see "Mamma Mia!"

For more information for for tickets - $10 in advance, $15 at the door - call (916) 708-3449.

I just want to be the first to say that I'm all for alternative modes of transportation to and from work, to and from other routine trips. Heck, between the meltdowns we all feel at the gas pump and what's coming with the I-5 construction, I'm loving how Sac companies are coming up with ways to allow folks to either work from home or installing bike racks so they can pedal to their desks.

Just one teensy piece of fashion advice. Riding a bike in work clothes does your apparel no favors. On Wednesday, I spotted a woman in a dress, and part of her hem was caught in the rear spokes. Then there was the guy motoring along in dress socks and leather shoes!

Bad fashion statements, yes. But, even though I'm not a cyclist, I figure it's probably not safe, either. Invest in a messenger bag or backpack to carry your work wardrobe essentials.

And, helmet hair can be fixed with a quick trip to the bathroom. Gals: Throw your hair over your head, brush and spritz with a touch of hairspray. Guys - or anyone with shorter hair: Throw a little styling gel in your briefcase.

Meanwhile, if you're walking, I can attest to what happens when you attempt a mile-plus hike home in pointy-toed pumps. You'll be wearing flip-flops for days to come!

Channel 3 (KCRA) will temporarily extend its morning newscast by a half hour, Mondays-Fridays. The goal, says news director Anzio Williams, is to offer a guide for those trying to make sense of any I-5 closure-related commuter headaches.

So, starting Monday, anchors Deirdre Fitzpatrick and Walt Gray will take their places behind the news desk at 4:30 a.m. instead of the usual 5 a.m. start time.

"We'll have helicopters out there navigating at 4:30 a.m. so no matter where you're coming from, you'll be able to figure (your route) out," Williams says.

The freeway closure is expected to run through July; the extended newscast will run through at least June 20.

Or, of course, you also could check out The Bee's up-to-the-minute 1-5 site to sign up for mobile alerts and track traffic conditions and routes. Just sayin'.

(Associated Press/StarPix, Dave Allocca)

The "Sex and the City" premiere finally made its way to the Big Apple on Tuesday night. After opening stints in London, Austria and Berlin, Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha walked the pink carpet at Radio City Music Hall - strewn, appropriately, with thousands of Swarovski crystals.

Plus, the four stars (Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall, pictured left to right) were all a-glitter with jeweler Fred Leighton's fabulous gems.

There probably were more "diamond" guards sticking close by than any Oscar parade!

I got an e-mail from New York Tuesday detailing the dresses and jewels. For example:

Parker wore a Nina Ricci gown highlighted by three antique necklaces, including a 19th-century diamond riviere necklace, a 19th-century diamond and pearl fringe necklace and a 19th-century gold diamond snake necklace. Hubby Matthew Broderick probably had to prop her head up to keep her from tipping over!

I loved Cattrall's beaded Vivienne Westwood cocktail dress. It was sooo "Samantha." No shock, the stars have been showing up this week on morning shows like "Today" and "Live With Regis & Kelly." On Tuesday, Cattrall said she was excited to see the film for the first time.

"Even though it debuted in Europe, I wanted to wait until the New York premiere to actually see it," she said.

(Closer to home, or at least your television set at home: Fashionista Meghan Cleary of Missmeghan.com - and a lover of shoes beyond even Carrie Bradshaw - will dish on the premiere and what everyone wore on "Extra" tonight. The show airs later (at 8:30 p.m.) than usual on Channel 3 because of an NHL game. And Cleary is set to hand out the first ever "Sex and the City" shoe award!)

Two more "S&TC" references and I'm done: If you're not a Vogue subscriber but want to see some amazing photography (courtesy of Annie Leibovitz) of Parker and her on-screen love (Chris Noth, a.k.a. "Mr. Big"), grab a copy of the June issue. The fashions and the settings are amazing. And it won't irritate Miley Cyrus fans.

Then, on Friday, grab a Ticket section to read Bee movie critic Carla Meyer's review of the movie. I might sneak out early and catch a screening myself before all the women in Sacramento drag their husbands kicking and screaming!

Fox40 (KTXL) general manager Bob Ramsey just confirmed the obvious: Not only was Brandon Mercer just named the station's new news directorbut Tom Burke, the guy who previously held that title has left the building.

Ramsey, calling from his office, declined to discuss the specifics of the shake-up, saying only that Burke is no longer with Fox40. Instead, Ramsey focused on Mercer's qualifications - Mercer's last gig was with Channel 13 (KOVR), where he worked as executive producer.

"We're looking to expand our news offerings in the morning and Brandon brings a ton of experience in that area," Ramsey says. "He has an incredible wealth of knowledge of the news market in Sacramento and incredible knowledge of successful news programming."

No word yet, however, on when viewers may expect to see more a.m. offerings.

"Stay tuned," Ramsey says.

Tom Burke has been replaced by Brandon Mercer as Fox40 (KTXL)'s news director. Mercer station-hopped over from Channel 13 (KOVR), where he was executive producer.

No word yet on the hows and whys of the change, and a spokesperson for the station has yet to return calls. Stay tuned.

A while back we told you about Sactown magazine's three Maggie awards. As it turns out, another Sacramento-based publication also won one of the coveted Western Publication Association awards.

California Builder, the California Building Industry Association's bimonthly membership magazine, earned recognition as Best Association publication for its May/June 2007 issue.

Click here for more information on the magazine.

And congratulations..

When was the last time you had a tarot card reading?

Not lately, I'm thinking. I don't really wanna know!

Anyway, there will be a lot more going on this Friday night in addition to looking into your future at the "ROCC Your Body Mystique" benefit at The Spa Simply Skin (across from Loehmann's Plaza, 2625 Fair Oaks Blvd.).

Money raised from the event will go to the River Oak Center for Children, an agency that provides treatment for abused children in the Sacramento area. Last year, ROCC raised more than $75,000.

Besides the tarot card readings, host J.J. Fox Diepenbrock says there will be M.A.C makeup artists, hairstylists, massage therapists, facialists, manicurists, waxing specialists, yoga demonstrations and, get this, astrologists and psychics! More predictions!

An art auction and a fashion show round out the evening and, of course, those fab swag bags!

Paragary's will host the bar; Raley's will donate food from Mama Kim's.

If you've got any energy left, dancing and a basketball hoop are optional.

"ROCC Your Body Mystique" is from 6 to 11 p.m., and tickets are $150 per person. You can order online at www.riveroak.org or call (916) 609-5129.

"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" isn't the only movie game in town this weekend. Here are some of my other recommendations:

Forgetting Sarah Marshall
3 stars
In a series of touching montage-flashbacks in this decidedly naughty but big-hearted film, we see how Peter (Jason Segel), a composer for a TV crime drama starring Sarah (Kristen Bell), gladly took a back seat to his actress girlfriend. He happily wore the hideous shirts she bought him and generally thought everything was great until the moment she left.
Rated R

Iron Man
3 stars
Scenes set in Tony Stark's (Robert Downey Jr.) workshop highlight his playful relationship with his assistant, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Downey locks his eyes with Paltrow's in a way that tells us that Pepper might be the one to change Stark's playboy ways. Paltrow looks terrific here, playing her character with a constant hint of a smile that says Pepper is wise to Stark's ways but adores him anyway. Though it's odd to see Paltrow in a supporting role in a comic-book film, she does a lot with it.
Rated PG-13

The Visitor
4 stars
Director and screenwriter Tom McCarthy 's exceptional way with actors doesn't surprise: He recently played the fabulist newspaper reporter on HBO's "The Wire." But he's a marvelous storyteller altogether, injecting humor into his film while exploring the serious topic of the treatment of illegal immigrants.
Rated PG-13

Fox

I think the two "Davids" should form their own group called, appropriately, the "Two Davids."

A day and a half after David Cook (shown right) won "American Idol" Season 7, he and fellow "Idol" contestant David Archuleta each squeezed in a half hour for phone interviews with reporters.

(FYI: The two will join Larry King and take calls - along with the other eight finalists - at 6 and 9 tonight on CNN.)

Anyway, here's some of what they had to say during the phone conference about the season, the upcoming tour and, of course, moving forward.

Up first? Winner David C.

Q: Have you recovered, and how did you celebrate?
A: I had an hour nap yesterday. After the show, I met up with my family and we went to a party. Then I went straight home and called it a night.

Q: From the beginning, Simon Cowell had you pegged as cocky and pompous. Now he thinks you're sincere. Did "Idol" change you?
A: I didn't really change much of anything. I went into this with a different perspective than the others. There were no expectations of what the show could do for me or me for the show. My confidence didn't waver. Maybe Simon saw the work I was putting in, which helped create a positive working environment for everyone.

Q: How did you deal with having to learn three new songs for Tuesday's final competition since you chose to do something new for the last song?
A: It was just a matter of focusing on each song one at a time. There was a teleprompter for us. But, at the end of the day, you can get the words but you have to get the performance. Arch (David A.) did a great job. Based on Tuesday, I felt he deserved to win.

Q: There's been a theory that you would have done better not winning - a la Chris Daughtry. Any thoughts on that?
A: It did cross my mind as an objective point. But it would have been a slap in the face to the other contestants and the thousands who auditioned to say you don't want to win. Daughtry's success is amazing, but I'm not trying to be him.

Q: So what about that first album?
A: I think it will be a mixture of my writing and, hopefully, others. The ideal release date is as soon as possible. The type of record? Probably rock. That's a vague generalization, but I want to put out something that will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck.

Q: What was it like performing with ZZ Top?
A: Those guys were so nice! You hear horror stories about established rock bands - that it's all about being them. But they made it so fun and easy. There were 90 million other things going on that day. I would love to work with them again.

Q: Any thoughts you'll take away from this long ride?
A: The show has been great for my diet! I lost 10 to 15 pounds. It was definitely a progression for me. My vocal coach forced me to break down this defense mechanism I had going since the third or fourth week. That's why I started crying near the end. The intensity was building. After eight months of holding my breath, I could finally exhale.

Next up? David Archuleta

Q: How did you hold up under the pressure of the final week?
A: The final week was the busiest of all. It was tough finding time to rehearse and then I had school. There was never any down time for me. But I didn't want to regret anything after Tuesday night, and I didn't. It was the last impression I gave on the show.

Q:What about finishing school and still pursuing music?
A: I'd like to keep doing school while working on music. I have to go to school after this interview. I don't know how long the music thing will last, or if I can make a living on it. Lately, I've been thinking about the ears, nose and throat doctor thing. It really interests me because they help people who have the same problems as me with hearing, conjestion and my voice.

Q: You obviously know you had a huge fan base. What would you like to say to them? And how do you feel about David C.?
A: It means so much that they appreciate the hard work. I'm feeling great. I felt Cook deserved it. Week after week, we both gave it our all. I wouldn't change anything. Not winning won't limit me from making an album. I have no reason to be disappointed.

Q: Much as been said about your relationship with your father, Jeff. Was it hard to hear your dad criticized?
A: He understood I didn't want to hear anything in the news - good or bad. I wanted to stay myself. Normal teenage David. In interviews, I would hear weird things, like he refused to give me water. I'm 17 - I can go get water. Or that he would make me cry. My family kept me grounded, and my dad's a great guy.

Q: Is there any particular artist you would like to work with? What type of album do you think you'll make?
A: (Working with) Alicia Keys would be cool. She gets so into her songs. You feel her emotions when she sings. I'll probably do the pop thing. I'm still a teenager, and I want to relate to kids my age.

Q: On tour, do you think you'll play the piano?
A: I might. I just have to settle on the songs. It's also about finding time to fit practicing into the schdule. I never considered myself a great pianist. It's a risk, trying to play an instrument and still connect to the song.

Q: Not much time for a girlfriend either, huh?
A: I don't think I'm mature enough for that. I hear friends say, 'Oh, we broke up. I can't live!' And, I'm like, you're only 17. You have school. An infatuation won't support you. All the drama. I don't want to deal with it. Now is the time to focus on making an album and writing songs.

Throw up the "w" and check out this week's "Sunday Single." It's a track of pure West Coast hip-hop by Sacramento's own C-Dubb. The song's called "Smashin'" and it rolls low and slow with guest vocals from Keak Da Sneak, one of the originators of the "hyphy" hip-hop movement. Yee!

C-DUBB

Song: "Smashin'"
Style: Hip-hop straight outta Sacramento
Influences: "I grew up on Too $hort, E-40, Ice Cube, N.W.A, everything on the West Coast," says C-Dubb. "I know a lot of hip-hop MCs are like you've got to go back to the roots and the East Coast. That's cool and everything but I grew up on West Coast 'mobb music.'"
Behind the song: "It's just about 'let's have some fun,'" says C-Dubb. "It's like let's collaborate with Keak and make a fun song that people can smash to. It's meant to be played loud. I make a point to do some serious from the heart songs, but this one is just about having fun."
See him: May 29 at Yagers Tap House and Grill (727 Trader Lane, Folsom), with Zigg Zagg, First Degree the D.E., Doey Rock and more.

Here's the player to hear "Smashin'"

On the Web: www.myspace.com/eighty8muzik

I don't know about other "American Idol" watchers - or non-watchers for that matter - but I've got a major Season 7 hangover!

Of course, the results were debated in many workplaces today, including The Bee (between our breaking stories), where the cynics reside comfortably. The talk was that Simon Cowell had to have known the results ahead of time or he wouldn't have done the whole "Boo hoo, I'm sorry thing" Wednesday night to David Cook right before the crowning.

That, and one colleague talked of his 11-year-old daughter being in tears, sobbing at the outcome because David Archuleta didn't win. She might have even thrown something.

And then there's the whole DVR thing. Yes, the show ran over - it always does on the finale. I heard at least five people say they were skipping along, got to the end and heard Ryan Seacrest say, "And the winner of 'American Idol" Season 7 is David ..." and the tape stopped.

Hey, I missed the Quick Fire challenge on "Top Chef" to catch the end.

Anyway, don't cry for runner-up David A.. One thing's for sure: He will do just fine, likely showing up on some Disney hit show. (Gotta get a dance teacher first.) His dad will see to it.

Speaking of which, I bet the "Idol" tour folks (different from the show folks) can't wait to have Jeff Archuleta and his hat collection along for the two-plus-months bus ride!

In any case, I think it was time to have an "old" guy win it. David C., at 25, makes those of us twice his age feel, well, not quite so neanderthal. Besides, dude was lovin' it with the ZZ Top guys Wednesday night.

An interesting stat came in today from AT&T, a major sponsor of the show. The company says it has shattered its "Idol" text messaging record of 64.5 million - with 78 million messages this season. That's the most since texting was introduced as a way to vote waaaay back in Season 2.

I'd hate to see the bills next month. Unless, of course, you've got the unlimited plan.

And to my "Idol" buddy Dana Hess over at KFBK: You've been fun to watch the show with, even through e-mails. Hope you enjoy that stack of books you're about to tackle now that the show is over. You've got eight months to finish them!

For your final fix, check back to 21Q Friday to read interviews with both "Davids."

Associated Press/Kevork Djansezian

Once I pulled myself off the floor, I thought, "This is how it felt when the hanging chad decided the 2000 presidential election in Florida."

David Cook, 25 (shown right), in what has to be called a "what the..." moment, took the title of "American Idol" tonight over rival teen idol David Archuleta, 17.

It probably won't sink in for days because Cook, like myself and a gaziillion other "Idol" fans, seemed OK and even upbeat with the possibility of him coming in second.

But, after more than 97.5 million votes were cast, Cook took the title by 12 million. Host Ryan Seacrest clarified the enormity of the record-setting vote by schooling us that it still wouldn't have equaled the combined populations of Canada, Spain, Ireland and Australia.

"It smashed the previous record by 23 million votes," he said.

Wednesday night's show paid homage to this season's Top 12, who reunited for several songs. And then there were performances by current and past musical stars eager to soak up a moment in the spotlight on one of TV's highest-rated reality shows. And, of course, to promote new albums and concerts.

Things got started with a "Get Ready" medley by the Top 12, accompanied by the current stars of their sister series, "So You Think You Can Dance?"

The two Davids did a nice song together, "Watching Us Fly Away."

(Somewhere, in the middle of everything, was a huge promotion for Paramount's new movie, "The Love Guru," starring Mike Myers as a totally new character beyond his Austin Powers personna. Okaaaay.)

But, I digress. Back to the show.

Seal joined No. 3 contestant Syesha Mercado on "Waiting for You"; No. 4 Jason Castro sang one of his best songs, "Hallelujah," and the No. 7 and No. 8 contestants, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns, sang "The Letter."

My highpoints?

The group performances: The Top 6 girls getting it on with a Donna Summer medley, eventually to be joined on stage by the queen of disco herself. The Top 6 guys rocking with Bryan Adams, where Cook was in his element, even putting his arm around the singer at times.

The solos: David C. in hog heaven with ZZ Top; David A. in his element with One Republic.

Loved Brooke White crooning and strumming with Graham Nash on "Teach Your Children Well." Sorry kids, but the only thing missing from the Jonas Brothers is Sanjaya Malakar as a back-up singer. Ugh!

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel took a few more swipes at judge Simon Cowell. And, in the annual homage to the season's really horrendous auditions, we got an onstage performance by Renaldo Lapuz, whose "I Am Your Brother" was accompanied by the entire USC marching band and cheerleaders.

Last season's winner, Jordin Sparks, left me yawning with "One Step at a Time," but hand the stage over to Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, the newly crowned best female artist at the recent Academy of Country Music Association awards. Her "Last Name" performance proves she reigns as the best of the "Idol" winners - so far.

Before the results were announced, singer George Michael delivered a poignant "Prayiing for Time," which left Paula Abdul totally verklempt. Michael, who is about to launch his first tour in 17 years, deserved the platform. It was one of the best performances I've seen from him in oh, 17 years.

Left only with the judges' final remarks, I expected the usual "You guys were great, blah, blah, blah and (a 'heartfelt') nothing to be ashamed of." Instead, Simon fessed up to what he believed was an egregious error on his part on Tuesday night's show. Here's what he said tonight:

"Congratulations both of you. Last night was a terrific show. But, after watching the tape, I don't think it was so clear-cut. I think I was verging on disrespectful of you David (Cook). And for that, I apologize. You're both triers, nice people. And, for the first time, I don't care who wins."

At that point, it was time for the big announcement. And what could David C. say but "Thank you" and blame his brother for getting him into the competition to begin with? Then, he sang the season's winning song, "Time of My Life."

On Wednesday, I said I thought David C. might have held back in order to finish second and get on with it after the tour.

But I will, without hesitation, say that I've liked him from the start. Perhaps because I appreciate a good bartender who can sing. Or maybe because he makes me want to dance and wear jeans and cowboy boots. I've downloaded his songs and mop floors to his music. Folks, he's that good. Even so, I predicted David A. would win.

Heck, I was wrong, and I have no problem admitting it. You rock, David Cook!

I'll be talking to both Davids on Friday as part of a teleconference. Check back to 21Q to see what they have to say.

Capital Stage Artistic Director Stephanie Gularte (pictured above in this year's "Fool For Love") has chosen her company's 2008-09 season and it shakes out like this:

The season opens with "First Person Shooter" by Aaron Loeb (Sept. 20-Nov. 2). The 2007 winner of the Bay Area Critics Award for best new play deals with the connection between a violent video game and a schoolyard shooting.

Then, there's "Every Christmas Story Ever Told" by Michael Carleton, John K. Alvarez and James Fitzgerald (Nov. 20-Dec. 28), a three-ring circus comedy that returns for its third tour of holiday mania.

In 2009, Cap Stage will produce the Sacramento premiere of award-winning playwright Theresa Rebeck's "The Scene" (Jan. 17-Feb. 22), a comedy about dating and popular culture.

And the spring brings a classic from George Bernard Shaw, "Mrs. Warren's Profession" (March 21-April 26). In Shaw's (pictured below) thorny morality play, a conservative ingenue learns that her first-class education was financed by her mother's illegal occupation.

In May, a politically topical black comedy, "Back of the Throat" (May 9-June 21) by Yussef El Guindi is another Sacramento regional premiere.

The season will close with the world premiere of a play (July 11-Aug. 16) from Capital Stage's "Playwright's Revolution" competition.

Those of you who tuned into Tuesday afternoon's Michael Savage show on KSTE (650 AM) were subjected to the conservative talk show host's not-so-charming reaction to the news that Sen. Edward Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.

First, the San Francisco-based Savage, whose show airs from 3-6 p.m. on 650 AM, played some "Kindergarten Cop" audio clips featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger declaring "It's not a tumor."

Nice.

But, wait, there's more. Unfortunately. Declaring that he was showing respect for the senator, Savage played "California Uber Alles."

Yes, that would be a song by the Dead Kennedys.

Never mind that DK singer Jello Biafra has said that the band's name isn't actually (as many people believe) a reference to the senator's assassinated brothers, John and Bobby Kennedy. After reading lyrics from the song, Savage went on to say: "No gloating today, no laughter, all serious. You don't joke about a man's cancer."

Except, he just did.

Contrast this to local KSTE hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty, who also took on the subject during their radio show this morning but with - and I never thought I'd say this - a million times more tact and respect.

While the duo didn't shy away from discussing Kennedy's 1969 Chappaquiddick scandal, in noting the differences in media coverage then and now, Armstrong and Getty managed to avoid any cheap jokes.

Actually, they didn't make any jokes at all - even so-called jokes dressed up as "tributes."

And to that, I'm not afraid to say, good job.

Charr Crail

The day after his - and certainly, his song's - big "moment" on "American Idol," Ryan Gillmor is sitting in Pollock Pines, having just wrapped a couple radio shows and still basking in the glow of having his tune performed on national television by one of the "American Idol" finalists. (For my take on the show, see my blog item below.)

Ryan, whose band, Gilmoor, has made the rounds in Sacramento and throughout Northern California, entered this season's "Idol" songwriting competition. It paid off. David Archuleta, who seems primed to take the title tonight, sang Ryan's "In This Moment."

When asked if he knew ahead of time that David A. would be singing it, Ryan says he had heard from the "Idol" folks at the end of last week and told that his song had made it into the songwriting competition's Top 10; he also learned that there was a possibility it would be performed Tuesday night.

"But I had no clue (that it actually was being performed) until I got a text message from my cousin in Florida, who watched the show on East Coast time," Ryan says. "He said 'David Archuleta is singing your song, and Andrew Lloyd Webber is talking about you!' "

Cool.

Family and friends quickly assembled to watch the show during its West Coast airing and, after listening to it about 10 times since, Ryan says he thinks David A. did a fantastic job.

"I've never had anyone else sing my songs other than me," Ryan says. "But to have it sung on 'American Idol' - David has a phenomenal voice. And I was so excited that they gave me a plug. Thirty million people heard my name on the air!"

Ryan admits he was nervous about how they would whittle down his four-and-half-minute song. But he appreciated the arrangement and that it was performed in the same key as the original. "I thought the vocal changes David made were great."

He doesn't know what happens next - did his song win? But, no matter - Tuesday night was a big coup for this local songwriter, who could shoot right out of the "Pines" if he gets a track on an "Idol" album.

"It could be my big break."

When asked what he thought of the judges' critiques after David A. sang, Ryan says he's grown used to hearing Randy Jackson saying that "Arch" can sing the phone book. But he thought Simon Cowell's comments were great.

"The part about the 'egotistical lyric' and that David (A.) picked a better song than Cook - that's perfect," Ryan says. "But to be honest, it wasn't written as a pompous lyric, but more self-empowering."

So what was the lyric that so moved Simon?

Staring through windows at my own reflection;
How can a window encompass perfection.

Ryan says he wrote the song about his first experience in New York. He was walking down Fifth Avenue and looking at his reflection in all the store fronts.

Ryan says he'll be in contact with his manager and lawyer soon, and hopes to talk to David A. personally. "In This Moment" already is on one of Ryan's CDs, but he says he would relinquish the song and not perform it anymore if David A. picks it up.

"It would become David Archuleta's song. I would get credit, but it would mean bigger things for it to be on his album than my own," Ryan says.

As for tonight's live, two-hour results show (beginning at 8 p.m. on Fox40), Ryan says he's bailing on a dinner party to watch. And he'll keep 21Q posted on the aftermath.

Let's hope good things happen to those who can write songs!

Fox

Where is Laila Ali when you need her?

Oops, wrong reality show. (This boxer/cha-cha gal was on "Dancing With the Stars.")

Still, Laila would have fit right in with the theme of tonight's "American Idol" finale at the Nokia Theatre. The goal? To pit two heavyweight singers against one another in a singing three-rounder.

Dum, dum, dum, dum.

I could have done without the whole boxing set-up and the "Rocky" theme song. Then there was David Archuleta (pictured at right above, weighing in at 100 pounds soaking wet) and David Cook (weighing in at 180 pounds) opening the show in Vegas bout attire. And then the announcement: "Let's get ready to rumble!!!"

I would have preferred Ryan Seacrest belting out, "THIS is 'American Idol' "!

But, I digress.

The finale was, for me, a bit of a letdown. The "Battle of the Davids" turned into what to me was a thrown contest by David Cook. I have no proof. It's just his song selection hinted at a very talented singer who, after the summer tour, will just break away on his own. (Remember, neither of the two Davids has been in the bottom 3. He's already a winner.) Before the first song, David C. even said he thought the competition was already over. "Tonight, it's just for fun."

Can you croon Chris Daughtry?

The two Davids sang three songs each: One chosen by uber-music exec Clive Davis, one from the Top 10 songwriting contestant entries - Note: local angle; more on this below - and one of their own choice, which could be new or something either guy already had performed this season.

Both Davis and Andrew Lloyd Webber sort of mentored the guys for the final round.

Said Lloyd Webber: "It will come down to which one is prepared to dare a little bit more."

Well, David Cook dared. I'm not sure the audience cared.

First up, Davis' selections:
* David C. sang U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," a noble pick.
The judges said:
Randy Jackson: "It was a great way to start ... but I'm not sure you did everything with it."
Simon Cowell: "I could see at the top of the show you were tense and emotional. It's understandable.Taken all together, I thought it was phenomenal."

* David A. sang Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," a predictable pick.
The judges said:
Paula Abdul: "I have chills up and down my arms. The sun won't go down on you!"
Simon: "Last week you were OK. Tonight's performance was arguably the best you've done so far."

Round 1: David Archuleta

Second song: The contestants picked from the Top 10 songwriting contest entries. Bear in mind, these are songs no one has heard unless you voted at americanidol.com.

* David C.: He sang "Dream Big."
The judges said:
Randy: "The song was just OK for me. But you were singing your face off!"
Simon: "It was a bit of a lightweight, I thought. it didn't feel like a winning moment for me.The good news is, you get a third song."

* David A.: Pick me up off the floor! David A. chooses the song by Sacramento/Pollock Pines songwriter Ryan Gillmor, "In This Moment." Stoked is not even the right word. I love this song.
The judges said:
Paula: "It was just another heartfelt performance. You're on fire tonight."
Simon: "I loved the egotistical lyric. Fantastically self-centered. You definitely chose the better song. It was in keeping with the night."

Round 2: David A.

The final song - contestant choice.

* David C.: Honestly, I think this is where I really came to the conclusion that this David was in it to not win. He sang "The World I Know" by Collective Soul. Beautiful song, but so off the beaten path for voters.
The judges said:
Randy: "One of the cool things about you is that there's a lot of different sides of David Cook.This is the kind of record you could definitely make." (Without the yearlong "Idol" contract.)
Simon: "You're one of the nicest, most sincere contestants we've had. But it was completely and utterly the wrong song choice. You should have sung 'Billie Jean' or 'Hello,' " (two songs David rocked earlier in the competition).
(Afterward, David said the show was a progression, so "why sing something I've already done. But I understand.")

* David A: He sang "Imagine," which he performed early in the competition. Well, who isn't going to vote for cute-young-guy-almost-in-tears singing John Lennon? I ask you?
The judges said:
Paula: "You've left me speechless. This is what it's all about."
Simon: "In my opinion, you came out here tonight to win. What we have witnessed is a knockout."

The show ended with David C. winking and nodding to David A. He knows.

OK, so I agree with Simon: it's David Archuleta. You can take off the boxing gloves now. Wednesday night's two-hour season finale will reunite the Top 12, with numerous other appearances, show-stoppers and, of course, the mandatory confetti drop. It starts at 8 p.m. on Fox40.

And, take note: Come back to 21Q on Wednesday for my interview with Ryan Gillmor to get his reaction on having his song sung by the possible winner of Season 7.

Members of the print media (including myself), who have been covering "American Idol" since January (nuts!), were scheduled to have a quick phoner with the two finalists - David Archuleta and David Cook - Monday, before tonight's competition (at 8 p.m. on Fox40).

It didn't happen.

However, Fox apparently snagged them between rehearsals (and maybe throwing up), so here's what the two "Davids" had to say:

Q: Is it going to be different singing on the stage at the Nokia Theater compared to singing on the "American Idol" stage?
David A.: I don't think it'll be too different because the audience is still going to be big on the other side of the camera, watching on TV, so while there's more people live, I don't know. I guess I'll have to see once I go and rehearse and stuff.
David C.: You know, it's interesting. I've always been really kind of confused by the idea, like the smaller the crowd for me, the more nervous I tend to get. Having the Nokia full should be great. But you know, win or lose, I think we both win, so for me now, it's just kind of enjoying the moment.

Q: Are you getting a lot of advice? Does the experience match what you expected?
David A.: Every single person always has something good to say, from (David) Cook to the people helping us out, to family, to friends, to just people you meet and fan mail.
David C.: It's busier than I thought it was going to be. And so for me, the learning process has just been kind of like watching the stuff that takes place that people never get to see - more than anything, just kind of the relationships that form. I remember at the beginning of the season, I always wondered why we all cried when people went home, and it's like, you know, some of these people we've known almost a year now, so it's definitely been an experience for sure.

Q: Is being an "American Idol" finalist anything like you thought it was going to be?
David A.: No it's not, because I didn't even think I would be a finalist so that's already the difference right there. And then, just how crazy and busy it is. And tiring. I thought I'd have time to prepare for the finale, and this is the week where we've gotten the least amount of time to really prepare and it's like the most tiring on your voice. Hopefully it will all pull together.
David C.: You know, to be where I was at before, now to be standing on the finale stage and have a 50 percent chance of my name being called, is pretty heavy. So for me, it's just, either way, I'm content.

Meanwhile, Fox also alerted me this afternoon about tonight's song lineup: It will be a song of each finalist's choice, a song picked by record producer Clive Davis (who's probably itching to sign one or more of the Top 10), and one picked by online votes. Don't know where that leaves the winner of the songwriting contest.

Just FYI: A completely unofficial survey of Bee employees picked David Cook to win. Not that the paper has any inside track or anything. Just sayin'.

Of course, it will collapse back into its original shape. This makes it perfect for tossing in your handbag and using for quick trips to the supermarket or drugstore.

The tote is made of metallic brushed linen and features a cityscape illustration by artist Ruben Toledo.

It's available at Nordstrom stores (Arden Fair and the Galleria at Roseville) and online. Just click here. Each tote costs $21.95.

It's come to our attention that the pro-Hillary Clinton/anti-NBC protest we told you about Monday is actually happening today.

Protest organizer Tanya Clarke blames the wrong date on crossed wires but assures us they'll be out at 3 Television Circle at 5:30 p.m.

And, judging by the number of comments the last post generated, I'm guessing there's high interest in this demonstration - which is also happening at other NBC affiliates nationwide. Stay tuned.

Jennifer Smith, News10 anchor, e-mailed me after my recent post on Broadway actress Faith Prince. Prince, who has been living occasionally in Sacramento with husband Larry Lunetta and their son Henry, was nominated for a Tony Award for her work in the new musical "A Catered Affair." The production already has won the Drama League Award for Distinguished Production of a Musical.

Anyway, Jennifer wrote: "Faith and I grew up together in the town of Lynchburg, Va. We were both active in the community theater there as kids. In high school, I branched off and started working in television, and Faith starred in all the high school productions at E.C. Glass High School."

Jennifer adds, "I had the pleasure of seeing Faith in her Tony-winning Broadway performance in 'Guys and Dolls' (above). In this photo (below), Faith are I are sitting side by side on the front row as children in a wonderful production of 'The King and I.' (I'm on the end .. she's to my right.) I believe we were in the 6th grade."

Hillary Clinton supporters are set to demonstrate outside the Channel 3 (KCRA) studios (3 Television Circle) at 5:30 today as part of a nationwide protest against NBC.

Members of the HillaryClintonforum.net, allege that NBC displays an "anti-Hillary" bias in its news coverage; protests are planned at NBC affiliates across the country today.

Channel 3 news director Anzio Williams declined to comment on the impending protest other than to say, "We're a television station and we cover (all the politicians) in an equal way."

A representative for the protest could not be reached for comment.

They're not billing it as a debate, per se, but we're certain some political sparks will fly when mayoral candidate Kevin Johnson and Mayor Heather Fargo sit down for an in-depth interview on today's "Insight" radio show.

Hosted by Jeffrey Callison, the show airs from 2-3 p.m. on KXJZ 90.9 and will focus on Johnson and Fargo's visions for Sacramento.

Callison, who covers everything from music and movies to books, current events and politics on his show, is an interesting and provocative interviewer so it should be good one.

For more information, visit the "Insight" Web site.

Fox

Tuesday night's "Battle of the Davids" on "American Idol" should be a humdinger. (To repeat a word used last week by judge Simon Cowell.)

Yes, it's the Season 7 finale, with the contestants singing for viewers' votes for the, whew!, last time. (The show is at 8 p.m. on Fox40.)

And hey, I predicted it would come down to the two Davids back when the judges picked the Top 24. Well, I had a hunch.

Question is, who will appeal to a larger fan base? David Archuleta, 17, definitely has the tweener vote and a good chunk of what Simon calls the "granny" vote. David Cook, 25, is tight with the 20somethings, but I think his strong suit definitely is with rockers and women in their 40s and 50s. (That would include me. No bias, just an opinion.) To me, David C. is certainly more versatile and, perhaps, more marketable.

Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see which song won the songwriting contest. Last season's "This Is My Now" was, well, not one my favorites - mostly because the title would never be something anyone would actually say, let alone sing. So I'm hoping for a song that will challenge both finalists' creativity.

But, what "Idol" honchos will really be thinking about is the future. This season saw viewership drop by as much as 10 percent for some episodes. The Nielsen numbers have been hovering around 22 million or so for each show - a far cry from numbers in past seasons that topped 35 million!

Of course, the show still leads in the ratings each week. It will likely come down to either tweaking parts of the show next year (read: changes you won't notice), or overhauling chunks of it (not showing the auditions, changing judges).

In the meantime, there are two Davids with butterflies in their stomachs, one interfering stage father (Jeff Archuleta) and a gaggle of girls ready to scream.

When fashion gives back, it's always a good thing. And tonight, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., a show titled "Fashion for Autism Charity Show" should be a great event.

Hosted by local designer Michael Lopez, it will be held at the 1801 L (street) Lofts in midtown.

Who will be showing? Among others, M. Lopez Designs, Martini Kisses, Pretty Trashy, Emily Rose, Paola Hernandez and Porkchop.

In an e-mail, Michael says, "We are putting this event together because we feel that fashion needs to be brought into the midtown atmosphere, but most of all, autism needs to be recognized and looked at as something that needs help."

Tickets for the show are available today for $4 at Bows and Arrows boutique, 1712 L St.. Or you can pay $6 at the door tonight. Food will be provided by Urban Kitchen, Buckhorn Grill and Old Soul Coffee Co.

After just a year and pocket change on the job, Matt Coker has been fired as managing editor over at the Sacramento News & Review.

SNR president and CEO Jeff von Kaenel confirms that Coker, who came here from the OC Weekly in April 2007, was dismissed May 7.

von Kaenel also confirms that the paper's arts editor, Jonathan Kiefer, has resigned.

von Kaenel declined to offer additional info, other than to say that longtime SNR editor Melinda Welsh will serve as managing editor until a permanent replacement is found.

"(Melinda and I) have worked together for 20 years and we'll continue to make sure we're putting out a great paper," von Kaenel says.

News10 (KXTV) is laying off eight newsroom employees, Russell Postell, the station's president and general manager, has just confirmed.

Actually, that's not quite how he put it.

"It's a realignment of resources - I don't call these layoffs," Postell says.

Whatever you call it, eight people will be "transitioned" - Postell's words - out of their jobs between now and November.

All of those positions will in the master control and graphics departments, and no on-air talent, reporters or producers are affected, Postell says.

Reason? In a move that echoes Channel 13's layoffs in March, new technology is being blamed.

"We'll be installing new technologies that allow us to produce more efficient newscasts," Postell says. "It's not about finances - it's about the development of technologies that (allow us) to continue to provide quality content."

More specifically, some of News10's graphics will be outsourced to a Denver-based hub that also will provide art for other Gannett-owned stations.

Viewers won't notice any changes, Postell says, other than "except maybe higher-quality graphics."

He declines to discuss severance packages or if the station is planning any future layoffs. Or, for that matter, realigned resources.

Due to illness, the Etta James show scheduled for Friday evening at the Radission Hotel has been canceled.

Ticket refunds are available at the place of purchase.

For more information, go to the Radisson Web site or Ticketmaster.com, or call (916) 920-7310.