jan. 30

Links we love today: Analyzing James Franco, sexting lessons, tons of comedynews and more

Assistant Editor Samantha Pitchel reads everything so you don’t have to. Here are the links she (and we) loved today:

CBS is developing a “project center[ed] on an ensemble of young people who are trying to achieve their creative dreams in these tough financial times.” Before you roll your eyes: it’s going to feature an ensemble cast of young comics and OH YEAH, it’s produced and written by Louis CK and Spike Ferensten.

Writer Dean Lorey confirms the full Arrested Development cast will return for new episodes, slated to stream on Netflix in 2013.

Alec Baldwin’s podcast, “Here’s The Thing,” interviews Lorne Michaels (who reveals Justin Bieber, Jonah Hill to host SNL this season).

It’s That Episode with Craig Rowin talks to Onion writer Seth Reiss about Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (the short-lived show whose recent cultural revival comes thanks to Reiss and Jake Fogelnest’s Twitter tribute to the brom-com — that’s “bromantic comedy,” guys).

The latest episode of Comedy Bang Bang features Tim & Eric and James Adomian; The much-hyped Sundance premiere of Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie reportedly walked a third of the crowd.

Jason Zinoman reviews sketch group Harvard Sailing Team; Mindy Kaling leaving The Office for her own FOX show?

Matthew Broderick’s “mysterious” Ferris Bueller reprisal turns out to be for Honda, who released the full-length commercial online.

Buzzfeed goes behind the scenes at this year’s Puppy Bowl Kitten Halftime Show.

Fran Drescher claims she’s been abducted and tagged by aliens.

The New York Times (via Texas Monthly) profiles Austin-based artist Ben Kweller:

“When I look back, I’m not mad at myself for trying to play the kind of music you love listening to,” Mr. Kweller said. “I’m not embarrassed by it anymore. Now I can actually see the artistic value in what we were doing and I’m kind of impressed. I think, ‘Wow, that’s pretty good guitar playing for a 15-year-old.’ ”

Shirley MacLaine to guest on Downton Abbey; Jack White’s debut solo album, Blunderbuss, will be out in April.

Melville House wonders, can James Franco be a bestseller?; A first look at Franco’s Hefner.

I’ve read Carl Sagan’s Contact four times (which is to say, I’m super excited to hear that SETI has restarted and is searching for funding).

Wildlife doc narrator David Attenborough says he “had gibbons at home.”

Bookmark this: 15 ways to tie a scarf.

Arizona dad mass-sexts daughter’s friends to “teach her a lesson.”

Canadian teens launch $400 “Legonaut” into space:

Watch the trailer for Matt Walsh's High Road, starring Zach Woods and Abby Elliot (we saw it at AFF and it is so good):

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ride 'em cowboy

New Texas-sized dance hall and saloon two-steps into Houston mall

Courtesy of Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon

Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon will open this month.

A massive country music dance hall is two-stepping into Houston. Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon will open its third Texas location this month at Plazamericas, the Latin-themed shopping mall and entertainment complex in Southwest Houston.

Similar to its existing locations in Dallas and San Antonio, Cowboys Red River will occupy almost 37,000 square feet, including a 2,500-square-foot “race-track” dance floor that’s designed for two stepping, line dancing, and boot scootin’. With that much space, the dance hall aspires to host as many as 2,000 people per night, according to press materials.

A rendering previews Cowboys Red River.Courtesy of Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon

"We’re fired up to bring Cowboys Red River to Houston," vice president and COO Scott Murphy said in a statement. "For over 30 years, we’ve been the biggest, baddest honky-tonk in Texas — the kind of place where you can hold someone close on the dance floor or raise a little hell with your buddies and feel right at home either way. Now it’s Houston’s turn. With our race-track dance floor, top-tier live acts, and that Southern hospitality we’re known for, we’re bringing a whole lot of romance, energy, and Texas-sized fun to this city. Houston, grab your boots, a couple of friends, and let’s go have a damn good time.”

Honky-tonk band Runnin’ Behind will be featured regularly on the stage. In addition, Cowboys Red River expects to host between 12 and 15 national touring acts in its first year.

Other amenities include 1,700 parking spots, free valet for “unescorted ladies,” pool tables, and a mechanical bull. Cowboys Red River offers special packages for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and other special occasions. It will be open Wednesday-Saturday from 7 pm until 3 am.

The company’s first location opened in Dallas in 1989 and once earned a CMA Award for Nightclub of the Year. San Antonio followed in 2003.

"Building the Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon legacy has been my passion for over six decades," founder and CEO Michael J. Murphy added. "We are here to bring Houston the best dancing and honky-tonk experience in the world, blending our authentic roots with world-class entertainment. This expansion is a testament to our team’s resilience and our commitment to the next generation of Texas country music fans."

openings dance halls nightlife