Posted on: Tuesday, May 14, 2002

The Left Lane
Hermes to give free scarf-printing demo

Audience members can learn to print scarves the Hermes way this month.

While most textiles in the 21st century are printed using electronic methods, Hermes scarves continue in the time-honored tradition of hand silk-screening. Each scarf requires a minimum of 37 screens to achieve the rich colors and designs for which they are renowned.

This week, Hermes will fly in a craftsman from its silk factories in Lyon, France, along with equipment, to present free scarf-printing demonstrations at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. The audience will have an opportunity to ask questions (in English or French, as the craftsman is bilingual). Demonstrations will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, and 11 a.m. and 2, 4 and 7 p.m. Friday through May 21. Validate your parking at Hermes, and it's $1. 922-5780.

— Paula Rath, Advertiser staff writer

Spidey creator talks

What's Spider-Man creator Stan Lee doing with the billions he's now making? "Please. I was just a writer for hire. My deal with Marvel was strictly salary," he says. "They give me an honorary producing title. All I get is glory. And satisfaction."

Yet he's in papers. On TV. Look for him in cameos in upcoming Marvel movies. Lee also has formed his own company, POW! (for Purveyors of Wonderment) Entertainment.Yet Lee shrugs at his role in the success of the many of his ideas being developed into movies, calling them "high-concept, gimmicky, franchiseable characters that can throw off toys and games. Any could become a comic book or TV series."

— Advertiser staff and news services

'Ally' characters resurrected for finale

Gil Bellows' character on "Ally McBeal" may be dead, but he's still coming back for the series finale Monday. He's one of several former "Ally" stars return-ing to give the show its send-off. In addition to Bellows, who played Ally's (Calista Flockhart) colleague, friend and former lover Billy — the character died during the show's third season — Courtney Thorne-Smith will return as Billy's widow, Georgia, and Lisa Nicole Carson will appear as Ally's former roommate, Renee. While Fox isn't saying much about the plot, it sounds like more of the same.

— Advertiser staff and news services