Dish-Houston

RARE 1973 PHONE CHAT GIVES INCITE INTO THE BIRTH OF STAR TREK

Former Houston radio and television personality Scott Arthur was spring cleaning recently when he came across a telephone interview he did with the “Father” of Star Trek in 1973.

“It’s 40 years ago almost to the day.”Scott said. “I was a young DJ at WARM radio in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Mr. Roddenberry was scheduled to speak at a local college and I got his phone number and set up an interview to promote the event in advance.” said the Texas Radio Hall of Famer.

To put this in context, the original Star Trek series (Star Trek TOS) ran 79 episodes on NBC from 1966-1969 and then was canceled. The interview took place about the time determined “Trekkies” began a nationwide campaign petitioning the network to bring the series back to TV. It seems the show began to build a cult following after it aired in prime time and was banished to “re-run land”. The network chiefs felt the series and the concept had no future … that was 12 feature films and 5 separate TV series ago. This multi-million dollar franchise also includes Star Trek comics, merchandise, novels and even games.

“Before I began rolling tape ….he told me that the TV set was going to be the center of our lives. He said, your TV will have a typewriter in front of it – and open up the world to you. Just a glimpse of his genius and vision.” said Scott. “With all the hype of the new Trek Movie – this is fun to listen to. He shares how they invented the Spock character and was told to hide him, what the woman’s lib movement forced him to do  … and what inspired the Transporter.”

Listen to the entire interview here: 

PERSONAL EXPERIECE CONTRIBUTED BY MELISSA EDWARDS:

Dennis Quaid and DISH Contributor Melissa EdwardsIt's not every day your alma mater asks you to join the graduation processional and sit front and center on the ceremony platform...much less sit next to a multi-generational heartthrob like Dennis Quaid.  The afternoon 2013 Commencement for the University of Houston's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) may not be remembered for the encouraging words by our illustrious President Khator or the outstanding number of graduates who were recognized for graduating from our Honors College or with academic honors but what will be remembered was the fact that Dennis Quaid shared their momentous day.

Quaid is everything you see on screen, ruggedly handsome, lean and exudes effortless charm and twinkles that "aw shucks" look in his eyes that makes you just want to talk to him all day. His speech to the graduates emulated his style while sharing stories of growing up in Houston, working at Steak & Ale (even donning their famous puffy white sleeved shirts) and stated that it was when he was working as a clown at the beloved and former Astroworld that he enrolled at UH and found what he wanted to do with the rest of us life...act.

Sitting close to a megastar can be intimidating but his charm put everyone at ease and the platform audience enjoyed watching the graduates sneak behind the line of congratulating faculty to shake his hand and even grab a few selfies for their multimedia outlet of choice.  Definitely a day to remember for all!

To watch Dennis Quaid's speech click below!

Although there were 6 Kentucky Derby events in Houston, the annual Holly Rose Ribbon Kentucky Derby party underwritten by Momentum Volvo and Mo’s a Place for Steaks. The restaurant was packed to capacity by beautiful see and be seen crowd there.  The party included a raffle for a pearl and diamond ring donated by United Jewelry which was won by the soon to be married Tracy Orolin and fiance Harry Faulkner, and a silent auction that featured a pink and white diamond ring in rose gold from Rick Antoni of Uptown Diamond. Uptown Diamond also donated a stunning diamond bracelet and 14k gold earrings to the extensive silent auction. The party packed with some of the Who's Who of Houston also had a hat contest for the ladies and best dressed for the gentlemen contest with prizes from Festari for Men, handed out by Rudy and Debbie Festari. Bob Boudeaux took to the microphone while a DJ kept the music tempo up. Phlash Phactory kept a cool photo booth going with lawyer/owner Gregg Harrison on hand snapping all of the happiness and hauteness.  Fabulous lite bites and mint juleps were donated by Johnny V of Mo’s. Nyanza Moore showcased her hand-made hat creations of which both Cindi Rose (founder) and event chair, Chyra Blackaller were wearing.  Paige Camus, who headed up the betting tables, wore a stunning hot pink fascinator that she created herself.

Although the party started at 2:00 p.m. it was going strong at 10 PM, with a lot of the party goers staying for steak dinners. The Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation 501(c)(3) provides help for men, women and children who are under or uninsured with cancer as well as education about cancer prevention.

DISH Crowd Notables: Dr. Franklin Rose, Lil Newman, K.K. Salem, Cullen Kepler, Carolyn St. Clair,  Rick Antoni, April Zubizarreta, Lori Vismara, Nancy Golden, Cheryl Byington, Ted Pound, Jeff Ball,  Mandy Kao, Judy Maynard

Kim Kardashian at Houston's Willowbrook MallHouston was all a buzz over the weekend and the Kardashian sisters descended upon the Willowbrook Mall Sears to promote their fashion lines. There was real excitement upon hearing the news that the middle sister, Kim, who was not schedule to show up ended up gracing Houston with her presence.

Even as her due date fast approaches, Kim Kardashian is still not willing to ditch the sexy outfits in favour of more typical maternity wear. 

On Saturday, while most of the world was putting on their hats and downing mint juleps in honor of the Kentucky Derby, Kim looked ready to pop in her little black dress as she hit the red carpet with her sisters Kourtney and Khloe.

The shift clung (read, begged for mercy) to the 32-year-old's every curve and showed off her burgeoning belly as her bump continues to blossom ahead of the birth of her first child with Kanye West.

Of course, Kim's famous derriere also stood out in the eye-popping ensemble as she posed for the cameras.

To ensure that all focus was on her figure Kim, whose baby is believed to be due in early July, wore her brunette locks in a sleek ponytail.

She also wore a pair of racy high heels in the form of caged black Givenchy ankle boots, but they certainly caused the star to suffer. After a long day Kim posted a photo to her Instagram and Twitter pages which showed her foot covered in marks from the shoes along with the words: 'Swollen feet or a new Givenchy tattoo?'

Khloe, 28, also went for a sexy look in a slinky black camisole tucked into a leopard print pencil skirt, which she wore along with a black cropped cardigan and matching patent court shoes.

Meanwhile Kourtney covered up and looked chic in her black and rose pink top which was tucked into a pair of soft black trousers rolled up at the ankles.

The 34-year-old completed her look with a pair of black sandals that had white straps and chunky buckles, and she swept her fringed chestnut brown hair into an elegant updo.

The trio clearly had a great time meeting and greeting thousands of fans who showed up to get some face time with their idols and Kim tweeted afterwards:

'Thank you Houston for the amazing love!!!!'

Khloe also gushed about how much she enjoyed the visit and wrote:

'Magical day at Willowbrook Mall in Houston!!! Thank you to everyone who continues to make our dreams come true!!'

There was no rest for the girls as they quickly jetted to New York after the meet and greet and were spotted at the airport.

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR SCOTT ARTHUR

She can go from the elegant class of Radio City Music Hall to the fun filled crass of Spamalot and not miss a beat. Because Alissa LaVergne is living the dream …literally.

“From the moment I saw them I knew that’s what I wanted to do – it was my ultimate dream.” - LaVergneAs a child in Groves, (a tiny Texas town nudged in between Port Arthur and Port Neches,) she would sit in front of the television staring starry eyed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and marvel at the iconic Rockettes.

“From the moment I saw them I knew that’s what I wanted to do – it was my ultimate dream.” she said. 

Not too many years later, after studying Musical Theater and Dance at Sam Houston, the leggy, twenty-something brunette can now say her fantasy has come true. Alissa is enjoying her third year with the world famous synchronized dancing troupe.

So why does she make the transition from Kickalot to Spamalot?

“The Radio City Christmas Spectacular runs for three months with another few months of rehearsals before the extravaganza. The rest of the year dancers can work elsewhere. I’m proud to say that this is my fifth appearance with TUTS. I’m very excited. It will be fun. I’m in the Ensemble. It’s a male dominated show so it will be quite different from working with 35 other women onstage in New York City,” Alissa said.

Any advice to the young girls now looking at YOU wide eyed with dancer dreams in their head?

“Be committed. To do it right is hard work. Even now I take dance class three times a week along with acting and voice coaching. Be versatile and well rounded.Most of all believe in yourself” 

Spamalot is a TUTS / Kansas City Starlight Theater’s production running May 14 - 26 at the Hobby Center for The Performing Arts. The wacky show is lovingly ripped off from the classic film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” This three-time Tony Award winning presentation spoofs the Arthurian legend amidst a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, flying cows, killer rabbits and one legless knight.  The show features music and lyrics by the Grammy Award winning team of Eric Idle and John Du Prez and book by Eric Idle.

Tickets (starting at only $24) are available on-line at TUTS.com, by phone at (713) 558-TUTS (8887), outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882, or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office, located at 800 Bagby at Walker, Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.  An audio described performance is available Sunday, May 26 at 2 p.m.; open captioning is available Sunday, May 26 at 7:30 p.m. The Hobby Center is wheelchair accessible.  Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.  Group tickets may be purchased by calling (713) 558-8888 or via email at groupsales@tuts.com.