Edward Speleers

Actor

ERAGON, the epic action-adventure based on the best-selling novel by Christopher Paolini, opens in theatres on Friday, December 15th.

                       Two of the industry's top visual effects houses - ILM (the six Star Wars pictures) and WETA ("Lord of the Rings" trilogy) - are creating the film's visual effects - including the dragon Saphira.  Just as Jurassic Park established incredible, photo-realistic dinosaurs, ILM and WETA are creating the most dynamic, expressive dragon in motion picture history.

                       Following a worldwide casting search, which rivalled the hunt for a cinematic "Harry Potter," and included hundreds of auditions and dozens of screen tests, newcomer Ed Speleers has landed the title role - a young man whose destiny is revealed when he learns he is part of an elite troop of Dragon Riders.  Eragon is swept into a world of magic and power, discovering that he can save - or destroy - an empire. 

                       The film also stars Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons ("Reversal of Fortune"), Oscar nominees John Malkovich ("In The Line of Fire," "Places in the Heart") and Djimon Hounsou ("In America") and BAFTA Award winner Robert Carlyle ("The Full Monty").  The female lead is Sienna Guillory, the London-born daughter of Cuban guitarist Isaac Guillory.  She had the title role in the television production of "Helen of Troy" and a leading role in "Resident Evil: Apocalypse."

                       Jeremy Irons plays the role of Brom, a one-time Dragon Rider who befriends Eragon and teaches him secret magic spells.  John Malkovich plays the evil King Galbatorix, who rules Alagaesia with a cruel fist of iron, served by his army and aided by the loathsome Urgals, strong and brutish, faces grotesquely patterned with scars.  Djimon Hounsou is Ajihad, a commander of fighting men determined to defeat Galbatorix.  Robert Carlyle portrays Durza, envoy of the king, and the most evil of all.  Durza is a Shade, a sorcerer possessed by dark spirits and aided by the Ra'zac, demonic mercenaries from countless atrocities.

                       Garrett Hedlund plays Murtagh, Australian actor Chris Egan plays Eragon's cousin Roran, Alun Armstrong plays Uncle Garrow, Gary Lewis plays Hrothgar, Tasmin Egerton plays Katrina, and 18-year-old English singing sensation Joss Stone plays Angela.

                       ERAGON is directed by Stefen Fangmeier, one of the industry's true visual effects genius'.  During his tenure at the renowned effects house Industrial Light & Magic, Fangmeier supervised films such as "Saving Private Ryan," "Twister," "The Perfect Storm" and "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World."  He is a three-time BAFTA Award winner, and has been Oscar-nominated four times. 

                       The novel Eragon is a publishing sensation, selling over one million copies in only six months in 2003.  Eragon spent 87 consecutive weeks on The New York Times Bestseller List, and 21 consecutive months on Publisher's Weekly Young Adult Fiction Bestseller List, including nine months at #1.  The novel came out in paperback in May and again shot to the top of both The New York Times and Publisher's Weekly charts and has been published in 37 countries.  In total over two million copies are in print. 

           Eragon is the first novel of a trilogy.  The second book, Eldest, was published in the U.S. and Canada on August 23, 2005, and quickly became the number-    one selling book in the United States.  Paolini's own story is a fantasy in itself.  The first edition of Eragon was self- published by his family.  The following   year, Alfred A. Knopf published the novel worldwide, to huge acclaim.  Christopher Paolini, now 21, grew up in Paradise Valley, Montana - his own real-life "middle earth," and a location which inspired much of the story's fantastic environments. 

Kyle Howard

Actor Kyle Howard, stars in TBS’ original cable comedy series "MY BOYS". Kyle Howard’s film credits include such movies as Baby Geniuses , Orange County, Easy Six, Skeletons, Robo Warriors , Address Unknown, Paper Brigade and House Arrest. He has also starred in several television series, including True, Run of the House, Class of ’06, Grosse Pointe, The Opposite Sex and The New Love Boat, and has had recurring roles in such series as Related, The Drew Carey Show, Providence and Boston Public. His guest appearances include roles on C.S.I., nip/tuck, 8 Simple Rules, What I Like about You, Friends, Home Improvement and Chicago Hope. Howard also played a leading role in the CBS made-for-television movie Yesterday’s Children. "MY BOYS" premieres on TBS on November 28 at 9:00 pm.

Dr Pete Stavinoha

Dealing with relatives during the holidays:

-Treat difficult situations as a problem that can be tackled with foresight and planning.  Consider past experiences with relatives, and look for patterns.  Are there certain people you dread seeing?  Are there certain situations in which conflict always seems to happen?  Anticipate the difficult situations and plan for these.  This might include rehearsing humorous responses to the same difficult question you get every year, or it might include planning an escape if things get too difficult.  This is especially important when you have kids along your conflict with relatives is one thing, but subjecting your children to the conflict and stress this creates is something more altogether.  Plan for ways to cope with anticipated conflict situations.

-Expect that your relatives will behave similarly to how they always have don’t expect them to change.  Expecting different behavior from them sets you up to feel frustrated, disappointed, or even angry when they seem to fall into the same old routines.  Often our frustration is self-induced why should we expect them to change??  Energy toward change should be directed toward ourselves, not our relatives.

-Old conflicts will die hard, and these will not be solved over a once-a-year gathering.  If you really want things to be different, make the effort the other 364 days of the year.

-Avoid bringing up old conflicts or old wounds.  Because it is likely that nothing will really get completely resolved, leave the heavy baggage out of the holidays.  If things get brought up, try to change the direction of the conversation or at least do not engage in the discussion (this is a good time to plan some diversionary tactics!).

-Realize that you are not alone in your stress understand that all the stress you feel is probably present in everyone around you.  This can give you greater sensitivity in interactions, whether you are the visitor or the host.

-Consider alternating holidays with different branches of the family. You can’t be in two places at once, so charting out what days you’ll spend where should save you some grief from those vying for your limited time.

-Change a long-held tradition if need be. Spend the day or weekend before or after a holiday with one set of relatives so the time will be more relaxed and you won’t be packing up just when everyone seems to have settled in.

-Be flexible in how you celebrate. Don’t be afraid to change traditions sometimes our behavior reverts back to old, less functional patterns simply because that is what we associate with that setting (e.g., it seems like an argument always breaks out when we are) Try new, neutral locations, begin new rituals and let go of old ones, especially if they tend to be associated with conflict.

-Explain the arrangements you plan to follow clearly and early to everyone involved, devise a realistic, comfortable schedule, inform your parents and relatives and stick to it.

-Take breaks with your children when visiting family or having guests over. Holidays should include special time for just your little group as well.

-Decline some invitations if you can’t fit in everybody and everything. Plan another, less-pressured time to visit.

-Lower your expectations, particularly if you are hosting the festivities; the purpose is to be together and have fun. The holidays should not be Martha Stewart entertaining contests.

-Tell family members ahead of time what children might like as holiday gifts to avoid both child and giver disappointment.

-Exercise your rights to protect your time, your marriage and your children. Holiday stress usually comes from trying to fulfill the obligations and hopes of others. You have every right to put your health and the comfort of your spouse and children at the top of your list by not accepting added responsibilities.

Chris Byrne, "The Toy Guy"

Chris Byrne of "Toy Wishes" magazine tells us about some of the hottest toys of the holiday season.  Here's a recap:

BARBIE I KNOW YOU SMART PHONE

Kids can program and personalize a real working phone so they know which friends are calling, and it remembers their birthdays, favorite colors and foods, their family pets, and more. Girls can talk to Barbie on it too. KIDdesigns, $39.99; for ages 3+

CRANIUM POP 5

Movies, music, sports, TV shows, and more – Cranium’s new game tests four or more players’ love of pop culture. Pick a topic and try to have your teammates guess it by drawing it, acting it out, sculpting it, or any other way possible. Cranium, $34.99; ages 12+

CRAYOLA CUTTE

It’s completely effective and totally safe. This versatile, powered paper cutter is a creative essential for kids and crafters. The Cutter can cut through magazines and posterboard, and comes with plenty of craft materials. Binney & Smith, $19.99; ages 6+

FAIRY WISHES DORA

Dora can make dreams come true. Just make a wish and watch this fairy raise her wand and close her eyes, just like a real fairy granting a wish. Fisher-Price, $39.99; ages 3+

LITTLE LEAPS GROW-WITH-ME LEARNING SYSTEM

Parents help infants and toddlers learn with this electronic educational system that features exciting, immersive software and grow-with-me versatility. Each touch of the big-button controller provides new experiences that teach everything from numbers to animals. When the child is ready, simply flip over the top of the console for joystick and button play. LeapFrog, $39.99; ages 9-36 months

MATCHBOX MEGA RIG SNOW MONSTER MISSION PLAYSET

 With this set from Mattel, kids will be able to create their own adventure. The arctic set includes exploratory vehicles, a snow monster with glowing eyes, and Matchbox action figures. It also uses the match + connect system to hook up other Mega Rig sets. Mattel, $44.99; ages 4+

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN ISLA CRUCES PLAYSET

The second Pirates film has broken all kinds of box office records, and this line of toys makes pirate play more exciting than ever. Land-based playset modeled after the final climactic scenes of the movie is designed for 3 " action figure play. The runaway mill wheel launches off of the playset but lets action figures continue battling while it rolls; The trap door, collapsing ladder, swinging boom and pulley features in the tower all add to the battling action.Zizzle, $29.99; ages 4+

Lawrence Zarian

The Fashion Guy

Lawrence " The Fashion Guy thefashionguy.com " Zarian is busy spreading fashion tips to style hungry masses on shows like "Extra" and "Regis and Kelly". The former model, now fashion guru, sits down with TBF to dish some of top style tips, along with his love of Marshall's and TJ. Maxx.

Do you want to learn more about Lawrence?  Here is an interview he did with thebudgetfashionista.com:

The Fashion Guy Thoughts on Fashion

Everyone knows that New York and LA have great deals on designer goods… However, where can the 98% of America, who do not live in these cities find fabulous designer deals?

Run don't walk to Marshall's and TJ Maxx, a Fashion Guy favorite! I said run don't walk, the more time you spend, the more money you save. If you don't have these gems in your town, find off-price retailers that give you 20-60% off department store prices. These companies buy in bulk and have special agreements with everyone, which is why then can slash those designer price tags.

Most men we know just head to the nearest rack, pick up a shirt, pay for it and are home in time to see Star Trek re-runs on Spike TV. On that note, we think you have to train them on the art of shopping while they're young… I've already started with my 2-year-old nephew, who has a surprisingly good sense of fabrics. What are some guidelines that women (and men) could use to gently guide men into taking a more holistic approach to shopping?

Meditation, and a lot of deep breaths. Men are individual and won't go out of their "safe place". Start with a beer and see where that get's you.

Do you think style is innate or taught?

Style evolves.

You have done a billion makeovers, what are some tips for women who may want a television makeover, without the embarrassment?

Go to your local department store, leave your ego/baggage/insecurities in the car and have a sales associate dress you in what THEY think you will look best in. Buy at least one piece and introduce in to your wardrobe. You MUST wear the new piece within a week or it will get lost in the other closet clutter.

If you could give one Fashion Public Service Announcement- statement regarding a fashion no-no- what would it be?

Wearing clothes too tight! Dress for style, not for size.

What is your number one fashion secret? ( which will not be a secret once we publish this interview).

For women: Body slimmers, no matter what age or size you are (Body by Nancy Ganz rock!) are favorite)

For men: Let your wife do it and have another beer.

For me: Grey goose martini up, very dry, one olive.

Quick Shots

Wal-Mart or Target?

Target! Love my Mossimo & Isaac

Regis in the morning or Regis at night?

Regis 24/7 (The nicest man in the business!)

Armani or Hickey Freeman?

Armani

Atlanta or Chicago?

Chi town

Golden Girls or Girlfriends

Cheese cake with my Golden Girls.

Matt Mortimer

Matt Mortimer of Big Shucks makes shrimp cocktail.  Big Shucks has opened a new location in Richardson’s DalRich VillageShopping Center -- 103 S. Coit Road (at Beltline).  The dining population of North of LBJ will now be able to enjoy Big Shucks’ classic oyster bar atmosphere and menu without traveling South of LBJ.