Musician Bob Dylan Performs onstage during the 37th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Michael Douglas at Sony Pictures on June 11, 2009 in Culver City, Calif.

DULUTH, Minn. — Plans are brewing in Duluth for the Minnesota city’s first DylanFest, a celebration of folk-rock icon Bob Dylan during his 70th birthday.

The Duluth News Tribune reports that locals are saving a seat for the guest of honor himself, though they admit it’s unlikely he’ll show. DylanFest will run May 23 through May 28. Dylan was born at St. Mary’s

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HOUSTON — Couples from all over the Houston area will be racing this weekend for an important symbol of love.

The Amazing Ring Race will be held at Town Green Park at The Woodlands on Saturday at noon.

Love birds from will take part in a high-tech treasure hunt for a $15,000 wedding ring set from Thomas Markle Jewelers.

Markle said, “This is the most gorgeous ring. It’s an art-carved special-edition diamond ring. Full Post…

FROM THE BAR
Louisiana Hurricane: Gosling’s dark rum Bacardi light rum passion fruit juice, lime ($9.00)
Bourbon Street Sweet Tea: Makers Mark, Cointreau, OJ ($9.00)
Abita Purple Haze: New Orleans raspberry wheat beer ($7.00)

STARTERS
Traditional Gumbo: Chicken, andouille sausage, okra, bell peppers, dark roux, green onion, rice ($7.50)
Muffaletta Salad: Dried salamis, shaved Tasso ham, bell peppers, fresh mozzarella, green & black olives, grape tomato, baby arugula, red wine vinegar, olive oil ($9.00)
Fried Oyster “Po Boys”: Apalachicola oysters, green goddess sauce, slider roll ($10.00)

ENTRÉES
Classic New Orleans Jambalaya: Shrimp, chicken, andouille, bell peppers, celery, onion – all cooked with rice ($21.00)
Blackened Bayou Catfish: Collard greens, red beans, rice ($22.00)
Chicken “Etouffee”: Boneless pan-fried chicken smothered in dark gravy, garlic green beans, rice ($22.00)
Grilled Louisiana Strip Steak: Garlic shrimp, collard greens, potato croquet ($30.00)

DESSERTS
King Cake (For Two): Sweet cream cheese filling ($11.00)
Southern Pecan Pie: Southern Comfort ice cream ($7.50)
Banana Beignet Foster: Wild Turkey chantilly

(Menu subject to change.)

For more information, or to make reservations for any size party, please call (908) 234-9055.

Bon Appétit!

TAD

LOS ANGELES — Charlie Sheen is not done talking.

Amid high-profile interviews Monday that managed to upstage post-Oscars buzz, the “Two and a Half Men” star showed no signs of slowing his media blitz against the producers of his top-rated television comedy.

Television crews came and went from the actor’s hilltop home — which he dubbed “Sober Valley Lodge” — the setting for segments scheduled to air on “Extra” and NBC’s “Today” show.

Sheen told The Associated Press he wasn’t satisfied with an agreement by Warner Bros. Television to pay the “Men” crew for only half of the eight episodes canceled when producers tired of their star’s off-screen antics.

He called it “a start” and said his efforts “are paying off,” but declared: “I won’t sleep until I get all eight. I don

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Today George Washington University announced a gift of $5 million and a collection related to the history of Washington, D.C. Small’s collection includes seven hundred rare documents, maps, drawings, and ephemera; a 1790 George Washington letter that outlines the ten square-mile area that would become the capital is one of the many high points. The 85-year-old Small told the Washington Post that he has been building this collection for more than fifty years. As the university’s press release points out, Small is no stranger to collecting or philanthropy:Mr. Small’s donation to George Washington University builds on a long and distinguished personal history of preserving and sharing America’s heritage. Full Post…

Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last surviving founding member of the Four Tops, brought nostalgia to the latter-day Four Tops concert Saturday in Kleinhans Music Hall.

The last time the group was in town, about 10 years ago, three of the original four were there. Now, two more have passed over. It was touching to hear Fakir, alone in the spotlight, describe his dead band-mates: Renaldo “Obie” Benson, with the sunny childlike smile; Levi Stubbs, who with his deep voice was the soul of the group; and Lawrence Payton, the skilled musician who created the Four Tops sound.

His admiration went beyond music: “These men were great fathers, uncles and grandfathers.”

Fakir then sang “My Way,” finessed into “Our Way.” In the song he repeatedly thanked God for the Four Tops’ joy, longevity and success. The last original Top Full Post…