The taping of this week’s Art Zone with Nancy Guppy was tinged with tragedy, as we said farewell to a steadfast member of the crew, one who rarely complained and only occasionally smoked on set. You will be missed, giant background lava lamp. If it’s any consolation, though, I have a feeling we’ll be remembering you for a long, long time. I mean, honestly, have you ever tried to mop one of those things up? It’s like rubber cement mixed with Flubber.

Unfortunate lessons in chemistry and gravity aside, this was another smooth-sailing show. Resident film expert Robert Horton came in to sing the praises of the latest Clint Eastwood movie, and also to give advance notice of next week’s Year-End Critic’s Panel at the Frye Museum, featuring noted local critics Kathleen Murphy and Jim Emerson. (Okay, he somehow conspicuously failed to mention that I’m going to be on that panel as well, but it’s not like I’m holding a grudge or anything. Really.)

Finally, Cocoa Martini braved our sticky floors to deliver an outstanding set. Performing songs outside of their regular playlist (thanks to some pesky televised copyright laws) they proceeded to absolutely tear it up. Many thanks for coming in, and sorry about the mess. Seriously, that stuff’s like nuclear Crisco.

-Andy