CHICKEN SOUP MUSIC
NEWS FOR THE SOUL
For almost 50 years, Mad magazine has delivered edgy humor and comics with absolutely no advertising. But with the advent of publishing in full-color, the mag is accepting advertising—real ads, not those hysterical Madverts. Though we pattern ourselves on this great institution of pop culture, and shed a tear of pride, a lot of Mad fans are a bit, well, mad at this blatant nod to commercialism. Mad editors (they're not actually mad) defend the move, saying it's a matter of finances. With aesthetic improvements to the mag, there was a need for more revenue. Not to mention the fact that subscriptions have dwindled. Comic collector Michael Gallagher commented to the AP, "It's a shame. I'm really surprised, but hey, everyone's doing it. Mad used to be cool and hip, but now they're going mainstream." Gallagher then went back to finishing his Mr. Sulu Fan Club newsletter.
EMINEM, HE'S SUCH A DOLL
Eminem dolls, er, we mean action figures, are scheduled to hit stores this July. Art Asylum, which is producing the dolls, will release three different versions of the fake Slim Shady—one as hockey mask-wearing, chainsaw-toting Slim Shady; one as the more conservative Marshall Mathers III (Em's real name); and the third model is still yet to be designed. The dolls will retail at $9.99 or $12.99 with stand and will be available at Tower Records and specialty stores. Toys ‘R' Us, which banned the rapper's poster from all its stores recently, is offering its own version, the G.I. Eminem.
H.O.B. CALLING CITY OFFICIALS S.O.B.s
The concert arm of The House of Blues has filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and the Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners, alleging that the Board violated laws when it rejected HOB Concerts' winning bid to operate the Greek Theater. HOB, which offered a contract of over $23 million to operate the famed L.A. venue, says the city did not comply with city codes and policies and instead "engaged in political favoritism" in opening up the bidding. Nederlander had been the longtime promoter for shows at the venue.
TRIO CHANNEL'S JAM "SESSIONS"
USA Network Inc.'s USA Cable through its cable channel TRIO, will introduce new programming, including original specials and the cable TV premiere of the award-winning PBS music and interview series, "Sessions At West 54th." TRIO has acquired the first three seasons of the series, featuring performances and appearances by Fiona Apple, the Dixie Chicks, the Afro-Cuban Allstars, Taj Mahal and many more. "Sessions" will begin airing on the arts and entertainment channel beginning April 30 at 5:00 p.m. (PST).
PNEUMONIA AILS COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER
Country legend Loretta Lynn has been hospitalized for treatment of pneumonia. The singer will miss her upcoming appearances scheduled for this week, including a Johnny Russell tribute and an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry radio show. Lynn is reportedly in good condition.
