Miss Ross, Indeed

Although I've never met her, the reports that she expects people to treat her as royalty... that she demands that people not look her in the eye and that they must ALWAYS refer to her as MISS ROSS has never set well with me. MISS ROSS, indeed.

Well, this came over the news wire just seven minutes ago: TUCSON, Ariz. - Singer DIANA ROSS was arrested early Monday on suspicion of drunken driving, police said. A breath test showed the pop diva with a blood-alcohol level of 0.20 percent, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent... Police pulled ROSS over after someone alerted them to a swerving vehicle...

ROSS, 58, received misdemeanor citations for driving under the influence; driving with a blood-alcohol content over 0.08; and extreme DUI, or having a blood-alcohol level greater than 0.15 percent. Her initial court appearance was set for Jan. 13. After arresting ROSS, police gave her a ride to where she was staying, Altieri said.

I guess we should just refer to her now as Miss Demeanor. [Yeah, I know but I couldn't resist.]

New Years Means Twilight Zone

One of my traditions for New Year's Eve [in addition to running movies, having some good food, and setting off fireworks for my sons, nieces, nephews and well, myself] is to catch several episodes from Sci-Fi's Twilight Zone Marathon. I really love the idea of a TZ Marathon -- even though I rarely catch more than a few shows, just knowing that they're available is fun.

The last time the TZ Marathon ran, I recommended "Terror at 20,000 Feet" and "To Serve Man." They're my favorites and if you can only catch two, then they're the two.

If you're looking to expand your horizons, then I suggest "The Invaders" which will start at 9:06 on December 31st. "The Invaders" is the story of an old woman who lives alone, way out where there are no neighbors or electricity. Her life is changed forever when a miniature space ship carrying invaders arrives. How will she survive when they come after her?

Another episode worth your time is "The Shelter" which airs at 10:45 the same night. Several neighbors who are obviously good friends have gotten together to celebrate Dr. Stockton's birthday. Everything is swell until the group hears an emergency announcement that the U.S. is in immediate danger of an attack. The President has warned everyone to seek shelter -- just the kind of shelter that Dr. Stockton has... unfortunately not everyone will fit in the shelter. Just what will friends do to each other in order to get a chance at survival? You'll know if you watch!

Herb Ritts - RIP

HERB RITTS died today. He was only 50 years old... and such a talent. RITTS was best known for his celebrity photographs. The black and white photo that Mr. RITTS took of SLY is one of the most requested on my main site.

Although best known for his black and white celebrity portraits, "unglamorized portraits of glamorous people," as David Fahey, RITTS' gallery representative, once told the Los Angeles Times, he was equally adept with moving pictures. In 1991 RITTS won as MTV's Director of the Year for both the Male Video of the Year [CHRIS ISAAK] and Female Video of the Year [JANET JACKSON]. HERB RITTS photographed just about everyone ranging from MADONNA to the DALAI LAMA.

HERB RITTS is survived by his mother, Shirley Ritts; a brother, Rory; a sister, Christy; and his partner, Erik Hyman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

RIP - Ken Tobey

I really wasn't planning a Zablo Zone update on Christmas, but I just read that KEN TOBEY died on December 22 at the age of 85. Many of you might not recognize the name, but I'm sure you'd recognize his face. Mr. TOBEY appeared in 100 movies and made nearly as many tv show appearances.

He usually played a cop or soldier, as in his most famous role, that of Captain Patrick Hendry in the original "The Thing From Another World." You'll also find KEN TOBEY popping up in movies such as "Beast From 20,000 Fathoms," "Marlowe," "Billy Jack," "Airplane," "Big Top Pee Wee,"... well, you get the idea.

If you'd ask me to list my favorite actors, it 'd have been a while before I got around to listing his name. Reading that he'd passed on though, reminded me of just how many times he has entertained me. Check out his filmography and list of tv appearances and I'm sure that you'll feel the same way.

So that's why I decided to do an update... because what better gift can you get on Christmas, than one filled with fond memories?

Be Careful What You Ask For

What is the old saying? Be careful what you ask for... because you just might get it.

Dick Giordano tells a great story that illustrates just that point. If you don't know who Mr. Giordano is, let me simply say, he's one of the legends of comics. In addition to inking all of the best artists of the last 50 years, Dick was also the head honcho of DC Comics [you know, the folks who publish Superman, and Batman], worked with Neal Adams at Continuity Studios, and currently co-owns, with Bob Layton, Future Comics.

Dick had the assignment of pencilling a cover that featured a sexy female super-hero. He turned in the pencils for final approval and received back a note from the editor who shall remain nameless [ *cough* Jim Shooter *cough*]. The note said, "Make her breasts bigger."

Now Dick is known for drawing well-endowed women. He shook his head and went back and re-drew the breasts larger. He sent the artwork back to the editor.

Once again the page was sent back to Dick and this time with a note that simply stated: "MORE BREASTS."

Dick didn't want to disappoint the editor so he sat back down, drew a third breast on the character and sent the page back in. Needless to say, it wasn't returned again.

Not My Rawhide Kid

One of the comics I enjoyed as a boy was The Rawhide Kid. The Rawhide Kid was young, quick with a gun and thought to be an outlaw but wasn't. He traveled from town to town, stayed long enough to right a wrong and then moved on. He never drew his gun first, was shy and even drank milk. He even had a real cool "costume" that was easily recognizable. Sure, he sounds like a cliché, but don't most kids' comics when you break them down into the essentials? At any rate, he was a great role model for a young 'un like myself.

When the western craze died out, so did The Rawhide Kid.

Now he's returning in a new mini-series called "Slap Leather." I can't recommend it though. See, Marvel has decided to make the Rawhide Kid gay... not that there is anything wrong with being gay. My problem with the series is: 1) They're approaching it as a joke. You know, like NOW we know why he was shy and moved from town to town * wink* *wink*... and 2) If they wanted to create a gay cowboy, why not create a new character instead of one that has been around for nearly 50 years?

And consider this... if the argument is that it will give a role model to young gay kids... how is it going to make them feel when they realize that the "hero" is being treated as the punchline?