Inside Theater: MST’s awesome Utopia. E4

Houston Chronicle |chron.com | Wednesday, February 29,2012 | Section E xxx

le ic n ro h C / is ll E en K

LEAP YEAR Extraday requires no leapoffaith

There’s solid math behind to keep the seasons and the calendar in sync,years By thenumbers calendar in sync.Ayear is thatend in “00” are aleap 1 Thechances of aleap the addition everyfour years, measured by the amount year onlyifthey are divis- birthdayare 1in1,461 —long of time it takes the sunto ible by 400.So2000 odds for getting the short and pop-culture trivia, too return to the spot directly wasaleapyear,but 1900 end of the stick. Imagine above the Earth’s equator. wasnot. waiting four years for your McCLATCHY-TRIBUNE the details about 2012’s extra Althoughitactuallytakes Julius Caesar is said to real birthdayand hearing INFORMATION SERVICES day. 365.2422 days,weround be the “father of leapyear” endless jokes about being 3 it to 365for practical pur- because he introduced afix when you’re really12. Whydoweadd 24 hours The whyofit poses. Butthatresults in to the 355-dayRoman calen- 1 Thegap between to our calendar everyfour Aleapyear is ayear in an error of 0.2422 days,or dar with his 365-dayJulian twoleapyears can be eight years?And whydowedo the Gregorian calendar with almost6hours, per year. calendar.His astronomer, years at the turn it in February? What are one extra dayadded to the After 100 years the calendar Sosigenes, addedthe extra of mostcenturies. It your chances of having a end of February, making the would be off by 24 days, daytoevery fourth Febru- happened between 1896 and leap-year baby,and what shortestmonth of the year but aleapday everyfour ary. WhyFebruary? It was 1904 and will happen again famous faces are “younger” 29 days long. years makes up for the inac- the lastmonth of the year in between 2096 and 2104. than they look?Weleapinto Leap daywas established curacy.Tofurther keep the Roman times. Leap continuesonE2

TELEVISION Blue-Eyed Butcher bringsHouston murder to Lifetime

By Lana Berkowitz dling her colleague,who wastied spread-eagle. As farasLifetime cable It is apparentfrom the movies go, Blue-Eyed firstscene in the cable Butcher mayhaveamore film where this storyis lurid title than most, but headed. However, we are the stabbing scenario of taken back to the time an unhappy marriage that Susan (Sara Paxton), in ends in violence seems abikini top and cutoffs, familiar. met shirtless JeffWright What makes this (Justin Bruening)during movie intriguing for abeach volleyball game. Texas audiences is that They are not perfect. She it is based on the 2003 has worked in astripclub. murder of aHouston man He indulges in illegal whowas tied to his bed drugs. and stabbed 193times When Susan says she before being buried in is pregnant, Jeffhesitates the backyard. Hiswife before he says they should wasconvicted and sentto getmarried. Marriage prison. During the trial, is hard, they decide, but Filephoto the prosecutor brought soon another baby is on Blues musician Chris Whitleysuffered forhis art, but left behind abodyofworkand dedicatedfans. Hislife the bloodybed into the the way. will be explored in thedocumentary Dust Radio. courtroom and re-enacted Themovie drags abit the killing while strad- while it is established that Jeffisahard-working party boywho is abullyat DOCUMENTARY home.Susan is depicted as atrapped-at-home wife whocan’t please her Filmmakers hope to shed light on husband. They have two preschool children. Thekilling scene is amazing musician Chris Whitley gruesome.When she drags the bodyoutdoors to plantnear the house, By Andrew Dansby of work thatwas obscure, are often labors of love, amazing guy.” it gets creepy.And if you yetadmired. requiring money for Thefilm is being made remember news reports, Having livedand Now twofilmmak- publishing and produc- througharelatively the familydog plays an suffered for his art in ers —one whocaptured tion, with no promise of newmodel. Borofsky,a importantrole. places as farflung as New Whitley’searly career, profit. Their film is, in this veteran music documen- Jeffismissing for a Yo rk,New Orleans and one whodocumented his sense,not unlikeaChris tarian, says thatyears ago week before Susan aban- Dresden, blues musician final years —havedecided Whitley album: art made Dust Radio would’vebeen dons her cover-up efforts Chris Whitley returned to to unite their independent for the sakeofmaking art. funded by backers who and confesses to afamily Houston in 2005 to die. films about Whitley.They When complete,the could have demanded say member. Fourteen years earlier, hope asingle panoramic film, titled Dust Radio, in the film’s development. At the trial, Susan’s Whitley hadreleased an movie will put adeserv- will likelypresentan Butwithslumping DVD attorney says it was album to widespreadac- ing light on a20th-centu- unflinching portraitofthe sales and diminishing Butcher continuesonE2 claim, but in his lastdays ry iconoclastwho could artistwithout the soft-lit advances, documenta- he wasbroke, owning become the 21stcentury’s redemption of acinematic ries like Dust Radio have onlyabackpack, aspare firstgreatmusical cult biopic.“This one doesn’t become more difficult to set of clothes and twoNa- figure. have ahappy ending,” finance. Jack Zeman BLUE-EYED tional resonator guitars. ThechallengeMichael Borofsky points out. So after several false SaraPaxtonplays Susan BUTCHER He’d chased his muse at B. Borofsky and Jonathan ButMayor promises “a starts, the filmmakers Wright in theLifetime When: 7p.m. Saturday the costofacomfortable Mayorfaceisformidable. thoroughcharacter study united their material and Blue-Eyed Butcher. Channel: Lifetime life and left behind abody Suchdocumentaries about afascinating and Whitley continuesonE2

Created on Adobe Document Server 2.0 E2 | Wednesday, February 29,2012 | Houston Chronicle | chron.com xxx Howtoreach us STAR Melissa Aguilar,Features Editor, [email protected]|Phone: 713-362-7100 |Fax:713-362-7410 SMILE FORTHE CAMERAS Shoppers celebrateopening of TCH Pavilion

More than 150 ladies as TLC Getinvolved and afew “dragged-there” taped its Volunteer, donate husbands celebrated show The the opening of the Texas Little Cou- or learn moreabout Children’s Pavilion for ple,which today’sfeatured Women at Tootsies. Be- LINDSEY features charities: LOVE tween Tony’s pastries and TCH neona- Avance: www.avance. SkinnyMargaritas, Ra- tologist Jen- org chel McNeill and Laura nifer Arnold.While the Robertson perused the pavilion is officiallyopen, Camp forAll: www. spring fashions while a babies won’tbebirthed campforall.org runway presentation took there until spring. Dave Rossman photos Texas Children’s place.Alittle lights-and- RachelMcNeill, from left,Cris Daskevichand Laura Dr.Jennifer Arnold, left, Pavilion: www.women. camera action took place [email protected] Robertson and Christy Brunton texaschildrens.org Lurid details draw interest KELLYSIEGLER +LIFETIME =GENIUS KellySiegler,the prosecutorplayed Cox, about apublic safety officer Butcher from page E1 by LisaEdelstein in the film Blue- who hired help to kill his wife; and EyedButcher,has not seen the TV Strangler by CoreyMitchell, about self-defense.Prosecutor Kelly movie about SusanLucilleWright, amurderer who called anewsroom Siegler (Lisa Edelstein)says who wasconvictedofmurdering her to reveal whereheleftthe body of a there is amonster hiding be- husband,Jeff Wright. 16-year-old. hind the demure,blond hair She declinedtowatch apreview Thereisalso AWife’sRevenge (St. and blue eyes and does not let copy and shareher thoughtson Martin’s Paperbacks)byEric Francis, the juryforgetthatJeff was the Lifetime cablemovie.However, which is basedonthe Wright case. stabbed 193times. Siegler offered aquote: “I am Therewereplans foraTVseries, Thecourtroom bed scene anxiouslywaiting to seethe movie, Laws of Chance,based on Siegler’s is re-enacted but without alot worriedthatitwon’t accurately life, but the seriesdid not getpast of comment. It will probably portray the murder of Jeff,the the pilot stage. getmore attention in the deceptiveliesSusan concocted In 2008,Siegler left the special Beyond the Headlines: to try and getawaywith what prosecutor’sofficeafter afailed bid The Susan Wright Story,which she did or the true natureoftheir to become electedHarris County will air after the movie.Itwas relationship.” districtattorney. She beganaprivate ProsecutorSiegler worked several practicebased in Houston. not available for preview. Jack Zeman MelissaPhillip /HoustonChronicle In Blue-Eyed Butcher,Susan Lisa Edelstein plays pros- The real KellySiegler has blood-and-sex casesthatwould Thereare moreeye-opening cries alot; Siegler gets in her ecutorKelly Siegler in the tried severalblood-and-sex makeperfectfodder forthe Lifetime Siegler casesfor screenwritersto face.Crime sensationalist newLifetime movie Blue- cases that Lifetime maybe channel. revisit, including the StateofTexas Nancy Grace makes acameo Eyed Butcher. interested in. Her caseshave been featured on vs.Bhogeshwernand Sharma: appearance. TV crime seriessuch as CBS’ 48 Sharma said he wasaHindu Verdict: Guilty.Atthe average cable fare,but it made families are still dealing with HoursMystery.Siegler also worked spiritual guide who couldrid women conclusion, it is noted that me sad. the aftermath of this mess hit on casesfeatured in PinnacleBooks’ of evil spiritswith awomb-cleansing Susan will be eligible for Ihavebeen entertained asorrowful spot. Under the Knife by KarenRoebuck, ritual. He wasconvictedofsexual parole in 2014. by my share of Lifetime about aplastic surgeon who shot assault. his wife; No Safe Place by Bill G. My verdict: Themovie was movies, but knowing thatreal [email protected] Lana Berkowitz Wrotecomplex songsaboutsex, religion and death

Whitley from page E1 feel we’vebeen chargedto cludedbluesyrecordings, the attention afforded with addictions and was sort of gave up on where do in their eyes.” darkrockalbums, others him in life.John Mayeris ousted from apartments. my stuff fits in,” he told the turned to Kickstarter,a Adds Mayor, “Wewant made with turntables and perhaps the mostfamous Surrounded by family Chronicle three months Web-based program in to trytodosomething electronics, and some with studentofhis work.After and lovedones, Whitley before he died. “I’mjust whichartists seek dona- aestheticallythatdeals ajazzier bent. Whitley’sdeath Mayer died of lung cancer at the trying to do what’s natural tions, whichare rewarded with some of Chris’ values “Hewas reallysing- wrote in Esquire,“it reg- Houston home of afriend for me and pushing myself throughatiered system and the wayhesaw things ing to almostaspiritual isters as one of the most and managerwho paid for abit.Evolving. of gifts, favors, creditor as an artist.” underclass,” says rock underappreciated losses part of his hospice care. “I don’thavethe merchandise.Their fund- Whitley wasborn in and jazz guitaristVernon in all of music.” Dave Mat- He left behind amessy money,but Idohavemore raising program ends Houston on Aug. 31, 1960, Reid, afriend of Whitley’s. thews,another admirer, discographythatincluded freedom. …Some people Fridayatdustradiomovie. to twoartists. Hisyouth “So manyofuswalk away once said, “I feel more 12 albums on at leastsix should be making pop mu- com. wasnomadic; he spent hidden within ourselves. passion for his music than labels, some of whichhave sic.Idon’t makemusic for “There’s neverbeen a time in Dallas, Oklahoma He wasavoice for that, in Idofor my own.” fallen out of print. thatreason. Ican’t write a time likethis,” Borofsky and Mexico,among other terms of this electric kind Whitley’slife mirrored Hismusic brought him pop song if Ihaveto.” says.“To not give up on a places. He was31when of Americana. …People the restless sensibility of little financial success, project likethis and have he released Living With took potshots at Chris all his muse.Hestruggled almostbydesign. “I just [email protected] akind of life preserver the Law,abracing roots the time; he wasanartist tossed to it,it’sincom- album that—withits whowas put in that‘failed parable.Itused to be ghostlyvocals and furi- potential’category, which youhad apatron or you ous, yetcontrolled guitar is unfair.The people who hadbacking.Now you playing —sounded like felt connected to him felt have laymen, people no little else released in 1991. it in adeeper waythan differentthan youand I, As awriter,Whitley cre- other artists whojusthave but whowanttolove and ated surrealistic,cryptic fans wholiketheir music. preserve and extend this songsabout sex, religion Ithink he’s one of the most story. It’s not onlygratify- and death. Hiswas a thoroughlymisunder- ing to have them reach quicksilverinspiration stood musicians ever.” into their wallets, but it’s thatinformed adiversified Whitley’sposthumous givenusfaith in what we discography, whichin- renown is likelytoexceed ?29?29DHDH/DEG/DEG'' Year is good and bad ?1?1E*(1-A-AE/E//B/B for those born leaplings "!#"!# Leap from page E1 Whitaker. American rapper and 1 Leap Year Book, by actor. 1 Norway’s Henriksen Barbara Sutton-Smith. 1 1972 —SaulWil- &1-D;29+ siblingsare recognized 1 Leap Year at the Coffee liams, American rap by the Guinness Book of Shop, by MichaelLouis poet and actor. Records. Thethree sib- Eads. 1 1972 —Antonio lingswere born on three Sabato Jr., Italian-born consecutive leapdays— Blessingorcurse? soapstar whose credits Heidi Henriksen, 1960; Being born on leap include The Bold and the Olav Henriksen, 1964; and dayisn’t always fun and Beautiful, Melrose Place Leif-Martin Henriksen, games. In nonleapyears and General Hospital. 1968. certain countries legally 1 1968 —Bryce Eric recognize Feb. 29 birth- Paup,NFL defensive Leap-year plots days on Feb. 28 or March playerofthe year in Aleap-year birthday 1, resulting in hassles with 1995 and afour-time Pro plays an integral part in birth certificates, driver’s Bowl selection. one of Gilbert and Sulli- licenses and entryfields 1 1960 —Motivational van’smostfamous operas on websites. speaker Tony Robbins. — The PiratesofPenzance. Butmanyleap-day 1 1944 —Dennis Fa- As achild, Frederic was babies report benefits rina, ex-Chicago police- indentured to aband to playing the “leapday man turned actor with of pirates until his 21st card,” receiving free memorable roles in Get birthday. Butonce the day meals, free admission and Shorty and Law&Order. arrives, the pirate king discounts. 1 1940 —BillyTurner, 8E/H1. A//7293 C.):I< announces thatFrederic trainer of Seattle Slew, has servedonlyfive birth- Famous leaplings winner of the U.S. Triple days,not the 21 required, Someone born on Crown in 1977. H>4, B-44,$ !L'J)66 D-*" AI$( because his birthdayis leapday maybecalled a 1 1936 —Astronaut Feb. 29. “leapling.” They usually Jack Lousma, acrew =$/EI>.9+DI,/*"//9 A/#E.DEI65*( !@DE)( %*( Other leap-year-related celebrate their birthdays member of the Skylab 3 F-&5#7+9#$ &97+9*"3, =#4(I+@9#K"94 A3$94-&2, I" 7I$"-&-7I"-4. :-8,/-K, stories: on Feb. 28 or March1in flight in 1973 and Colum- 29&I"-94K I4( ,4",$ "9 /-4 G?<< .IK*9$ 94, +,I$;C97#$&3IK, 1 Leopold’s LongAwaited common years. bia Space Shuttle in 1982. Leap Year Birthday, by In 1988, Time magazine 1 1916 —Dinah Shore, 4,&,KKI$+; E-K-" ,,,$&!-%#!0'.-%(*"0./*$+)# *9$I&9872,", 2-K" 9* Dawn Desjardins. proclaimed Superman to American singer,actress 29&I"-94K; >0,$ 1%6 :-8,/-K, &940,4-,4&, K"9$,K -4 "3, .$,I",$ @9#K"94 I4( 1 Leap Day, by Wendy be born on Feb. 29,mak- and television personal- K#$$9#4(-4. I$,IK; Mass. ing the superhero aleap- ity. 1 The Leap Year Girl, by daybaby. Other leaplings: 1 1904 —JimmyDors- Berta Ruck. 1 1980 —Simon Gagne, ey,prominentAmerican )(E194)10F)19*/'*' 1 It’s My Birthday … Canadian hockeyplayer jazz clarinetist, saxo- Finally! ALeapYearStory, and NHL All-Star. phonist, trumpeter and by Michelle Winfrey 1 1976 —JaRule, big band leader. #!(()-&,)-%'$$$#!(()- +,"-*,)-