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The Zocalo Today
Welcome and thank you for dropping by. Take your shoes off, get comfortable and stay a while.
There is a LOT of information here and you won't want to miss any of it.
The Zocalo Today is an interactive newsletter, encouraging readers to join a discussion topic or to send
along letters that can be shared with other readers.
The Zocalo Today is a newsletter for Babylon 5 and science fiction fans everywhere. It is as much YOUR
newsletter as it is mine! I'm just pulling together things for you!
Join our discussion topic. It is just one way you can share with other Z readers. If you see Babylon 5 cast
and crew in other roles, let us know. We enjoy convention reports, photos, etc. Don't miss our back issues.
I hope this will become more than just a newsletter. It's a community of people that enjoy sharing their
experiences and interests. Babylon 5 brought many of us together -- and it remains with us, despite the
fact that is no longer in production. Don't be shy. Join us today!
If you have questions, drop me a line at sgbruckner@aol.com. If
you would like to join the mailing list for our newsletter, send me a note and I'll include you on the list. Or you
can use the subscription block at the left.
Again, WELCOME!
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2009
CHARLES SCHNEER DIES
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Charles Schneer, a producer who collaborated
with special-effects wizard Ray Harryhausen to make such film fantasy classics
as "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" and "Jason and the Argonauts," died Jan. 21 at a
hospice in Boca Raton, Fla. He was 88. Also among Schneer's 25 films as producer
was "Hellcats of the Navy" (1957), in which former President Ronald Reagan and
former first lady Nancy Reagan made their only screen appearance together.
Schneer and Harryhausen also teamed on "The 3 Worlds of Gulliver" (1960), two other
films about the mythical nautical adventurer Sinbad, "It Came from Beneath the Sea"
(1955) and their last film together, "Clash of the Titans" (1981). "The 7th Voyage
of Sinbad" (1958) was the duo's first film in "Dynamation," the name they had given
to the stop-motion process.
FARSCAPE COMICS COMING
A new batch of FARSCAPE comics are on the way. See the comic section for more
information.
MEDICAL SERIES PILOTS
With the end of ER close at hand, NBC is serious about finding a new medical drama,
picking up the pilot TRAUMA. Variety writes that Dario Scardapane wrote TRAUMA,
which revolves around the high-energy world of medical emergencies out in the field.
Pickup of TRAUMA is contingent on finding a director.
This greenlight comes a day after NBC picked up another medical-themed pilot, MERCY,
described as is a drama with comedic elements that revolves around three nurses bound
together in friendship by the highs and lows of their personal and professional lives.
HARRY POTTER TRAILERS
A new trailer for HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE has shown up in Japan.
http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/harry-potter-and-half-blood-prince/japanese-trailer
is excellent! Another trailer can be found at the Warner Bros. site,
http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthehalf-bloodprince/. The
film is set for release on July 17.
Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts
is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie
within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final
battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to
unlock Voldemort's defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend
and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace
Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students
are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across
the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean
Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she
hadn't counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simpering
with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one
student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love
is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.
CORALINE
Borders has just released a new trailer for the upcoming film, Coraline, which
is set for release on February 6. Author Neil Gaiman appears in the video as well,
discussing Koumpounophobia - the fear of buttons. Use this link to see the trailer.
http://www.bordersmedia.com/backlot/coraline.asp.
Based on Neil Gaiman's international best-selling book, Coraline is the story of
a young girl (voiced by Dakota Fanning) who unlocks a mysterious door in her new
home, and enters into an adventure in a parallel reality. On the surface, this
other world eerily mimics her own life - though much more fantastical. In it,
Coraline encounters such off-kilter inhabitants as the morbidly funny Miss Forcible
and Miss Spink (French and Ms. Saunders, respectively), and a counterfeit mother
(Terry Hatcher) - who attempts to keep her. Ultimately, Coraline must count on
her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home.
WEBSITE WEIRDNESS
For those of you on-line early yesterday, you noticed the website didn't look like
itself. Our jolly-on-the-spot webmaster David, got it fixed up fairly quickly and
back in good working order. Sorry for the inconvenience -- and thanks to David
for working fast to restore the site.
TOP SCIENCE FICTION NEWS STORIES:
To catch up on the latest news from around the world of science fiction, go to
News Page. You'll find
the highlights this week and this month here.
8:00pm on ABC
Lost - Destiny Calls
Exploring the mysteries of the island and its inhabitants; Oceanic 6; Charles Widmore;
questions that have been answered, and those that remain.
8:00pm on NBC - NEW
Crusoe - Hour 12 - The Traveler
A ship's rocket explodes above Friday and Crusoe as they search for food; Crusoe
saves a man from a small capsized boat, only to find he has rescued Mr. Blackthorn;
Friday has trouble trusting Mr. Blackthorn.
8:00pm on BBC America
Doctor Who - Midnight
The Doctor is trapped, powerless and terrified, on the planet Midnight, as a knocking
on the wall begins.
8:00pm on SciFi
Merlin's Apprentice(2006)
Merlin and a young thief embark on a dangerous quest to find the Holy Grail and
save Camelot.
9:00pm on ABC
Lost - Because You Left; The Lie
Despite the discord among them, Jack and Ben urge the rest of the Oceanic 6 to
return to the island to save those left behind; the survivors left behind on the
island come under attack by unknown forces; an old friend has shocking advice for
Kate.
9:00pm on BBC America
Doctor Who - Turn Left
Donna gets help from a mysterious blond woman.
JMS CANCELS APPEARANCE AT NEW YORK COMIC CON
New York Comic Con (NYCC) today announced that Guest of Honor J. Michael Straczynski
will no longer be able to participate in its 2009 event. Straczynski, a writer
noted for creating the television series Babylon 5 and writing the recent feature
film Changeling, had to cancel his New York Comic Con appearance due to CHANGELING's
script's nomination for a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award
and his need to be in England during the entirety of the convention for BAFTA events.
New York Comic Con takes place February 6-8 in the Jacob Javits Center in New York,
NY. Guests of Honor include Brian Michael Bendis, Carmine Infantino, Geoff Johns,
Takashi Miike, Grant Morrison, and Bruce Timm and Special Guests include Seth Green,
Jackson Publick, J.J. Sedelmaier, and Art Spiegelman.
"I never in a million years imagined that I might be nominated for a British Academy
Award for Best Original Screenplay for Changeling," Straczynski said. "It simply was
never on my radar screen. I'm devastated at not being able to be at the con, and I
send my deepest regrets and apologies to everybody who was looking forward to seeing
me. With massive, massive amounts of apologies and bowing and scraping and forelock-
tugging, I have no choice but to say that I can't be there for the convention."
DISCUSSION TOPIC - TOP 10 SCI FI FILMS
It will soon be Oscar time and I started thinking about the best movies I have enjoyed
from the science fiction genre. What are your favorites? Would it start with STAR
WARS, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS, BLADERUNNER and go on? Or would it be different?
Send in your comments to sgbruckner@aol.com. I'll post your selections our
discussion page for all readers to share.
I'll post some of my comments in my blog -- see below. I don't get to watch much
TV during the week, but thanks to hulu.com and some of the networks, I don't miss
a lot.
ISN BLOG
I have just created ISN News Blog at
http://isnnews.blogspot.com. This is an experiment for me -- and I hope
you’ll join me by entering news you have to share. I’ll put in stuff that I think
is interesting for others to read about and we’ll see how it goes. Join me.
KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW
Ranger Michael conducted an interview with Julie Caitlin Brown on December 28.
Here is a link to the interview -- in German and English:
Julie Caitlin Brown interview. PS: It's Julie's birthday on January 27!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE!
While you are there, don't miss the other Babylon 5 interviews with Claudia Christian
and Bill Mumy.
While Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar), Rick (Biggs) and Tim (Choate) are no longer with us,
we will not forget their wonderful personalities and talent -- as well as their
significant contributions to the BABYLON 5 universe. Be sure to visit
In Memory Of for more
information about memorial efforts. Until we met again, in a place where no
shadows fall.
BABYLON 5 BIRTHDAYS
January 9 - David Allen Brooks
January 24 - Peter Woodward
January 27 - Julie Caitlin Brown
January 27 - Tamilyn Tomita
Have I missed anyone? If you know the birthday of someone connected with Babylon 5,
pass the information along. We want to include everyone in our Happy Birthday Wishes.
For more of these fabulous cartoons, go to
http://cartoons.sev.com.au/Sev-Space/Sevylon-5/.
YOU'RE A GOOD SPORT CHARLIE BROWN
Available on DVD: January 27, 2009
Official Site URL: www.kidswb.com
Start your engines! Its Motocross season and competing against the likes of Peppermint
Patty and the Masked Marvel – aka a certain daredevil beagle named Snoopy – can
intimidate anyone. But if Charlie Brown – tagged with unlucky number 13 – can keep
the pace slow and steady (as well as hold onto his helmet), he might just win the
race! It’s fast and furious fun right up through the finish line of this wonderful
Emmy Award® winner as Outstanding Children’s Special, rolling out in a spit-shined
re-mastered deluxe edition with improved picture and audio.
DVD Special Features Include:
You're the Greatest, Charlie Brown - A new-to-DVD bonus episode. Hard work and team
spirit are what Charlie Brown needs for decathlon victory but this junior Olympian
had better keep his eye on the track to win.
Dust Yourself Off and Pick Yourself Up, Charlie Brown - An original featurette that
tells the story of how Charles Schulz' son Craig and his life-long passion for dirt
biking, served as an inspiration for his dad to include it in his famous comic strip.
MOONLIGHT
Release Date: January 20, 2009
Website: www.moonlightondvd.com
Synopsis:
Any private eye knows a lot about other people?s secrets. L.A. private eye Mick St.
John (Alex O'Loughlin) has a secret of his own. He's a vampire, dwelling in a covert
netherworld complicated by friendship with an undead finance honcho (Jason Dohring),
memories of the alluring ex- wife (Shannyn Sossamon) who turned him into a vampire,
and a relationship with a human (Sophia Myles) he feels drawn to protect -- and
maybe to love. But no matter how tempting, Mick knows a vampire-human romance is
eternally dangerous. This 16-episode, 4-disc set of the series voted the 2008
People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Drama is a sure entertainment bet for all
who like their vampire stories sleek, intense and passionate.
Dark Knight
Release date: November 25, 2008
Official website: thedarkknight.com
Synopsis:
The follow-up to BATMAN BEGINS, THE DARK KNIGHT reunites director Christopher Nolan
and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in his continuing
war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman
sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves effective,
but soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker, who
thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces Batman closer to crossing the fine line between
hero and vigilante. Heath Ledger stars as archvillain The Joker, and Aaron Eckhart
plays Dent. Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the cast as Rachel Dawes. Returning from BATMAN BEGINS
are Gary Oldman as Gordon, Michael Caine as Alfred and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox.
Some clips from the WB
Business Deal put on hold (1:02)
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/darkknight/exclips/dkexfc_businessdealputonhold_300.asx
Die hero live long enough become villan (1:10)
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/darkknight/exclips/dkexfc_dieherolivelongenoughbecomevillian_300.asx
Do you know who you are stelling from (1:03)
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/darkknight/exclips/dkexfc_doyouknowwhoyouarestealingfrom_300.asx
We're tonight's sent entertainment (1:00)
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/darkknight/exclips/dkexfc_weretonightsentertainment_300.asx
REVIEW
If ever there was a movie made for the BIG screen, it is THE DARK KNIGHT. If you thought
you had seen some fantastic visual effects in BATMAN BEGINS, just wait until you see
what they do in this movie!!!! It is awesome.
I have loved Batman since I was a kid. The thought of a regular guy fighting crime is
very appealing. Unlike Superman, he has no special powers, only his intelligence and wit.
That usually is enough to outsmart or outwit his adversaries. The Joker (masterfully played
by the late Heath Ledger) is a different kind of criminal. He wants to control everything
and everyone.
There are many characters to absolutely love in this series. Gary Oldman is perfect
as Lt. Gordon, but I absolutely adore Michael Caine as Alfred and Morgan Freeman as
Lucas Fox. They steal every scene they are in.
There is no doubt this saga will continue. As long as there are criminals that need
to be brought to justice, there needs to be a Batman somewhere out there to help the
police force.
NEW FAMILY DVDS
Looking for movies you can watch with your children? I have moved many of the
family-oriented DVDs to a
Family DVDs page. Here you will find wonderful DVDs you can enjoy with your entire
family -- no matter the age. You will find background information about the DVD, but there
are clips as well from Warner Bros. Enjoy!
For more information on other DVDs that have just been released and reviewed, go to
New DVDs
FARSCAPE: D'ARGO'S LAMENT #1>br>
Written by Keith R.A. DeCandido, art by Tommy Patterson, covers by Michael DiPascale
and Will Sliney.
Ka D'argo lives on -- only in this Farscape mini-series set in continuity during
Season 3 between episodes "Revenging Angel" and "Fractures!" Follow the adventures
of John Crichton's best friend D'argo as he's forced to not only save the day and
end planetary war, he's got to do it all with mouthy "princess" Jool along for the
ride. And that means trouble!
FARSCAPE: STRANGE DETRACTORS #2
Written by Rockne S. O'Bannon and Keith R.A. DeCandido, art by Will Sliney, covers
by Joe Corroney and Dennis Calero.
Farscape creator Rockne O'Bannon is back! Television's science fiction masterpiece
Farscape continues with the same hit writing team from the first sold out mini-series!
Crichton and crew are all here as it's friend vs. friend and ally vs. ally as a
mysterious wave of violence sweeps through the crew of Moya. And worse, an entire
planet!
Flash Gordon Volume 1: The Mercy Wars HC
by Brendan Deneen & Paul Green
Discover what all the buzz is about! This beautiful hardcover collects issues #1-6
of Ardden Entertainment’s critically acclaimed new Flash Gordon monthly series, and
includes the almost-impossible-to-find issue #0. In this first arc of the new series,
Flash, CIA Agent Dale Arden, and mad scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov rocket off to the planet
Mongo and find themselves in the middle of a deadly civil war with none other than Ming
the “Merciful” at the center of the conflict! Available in Regular and Remarked Signed
editions.
Torchwood: Rift War GN
by Williamson, Furman, Edginton, Grist, & D'Israeli
Torchwood is an action-packed sci-fi series spinning out of the BBC hit Doctor Who,
following the adventures of a secret team of investigators who use scavenged alien
technology to solve present day crimes — both alien and human. When Torchwood comes
under fire in an all-out attack by extra-dimensional shock troopers, the team is torn
in all directions. And with a deadly rift bleeding through into their own reality,
time itself could be destroyed if the Torchwood team can't stop it! Featuring story
and artwork by a whole host of top British comic creators, including Paul Grist
(Jack Staff), Ian Edginton and D'Israeli (Scarlet Traces), and Simon Furman
(Transformers), Torchwood: Rift War collects the comic strips from Titan
Publishing's best-selling Torchwood: The Official Magazine, based on BBC
America's highest-rated series ever.
Battlestar Galactica: The Manga
by Salzfass, Wellman, Hatch, Wu, Delk, & Schons
Culled from storylines that didn’t make it past the cutting room floor, the Battlestar
Galactica manga takes place in Season 3 of the popular television series. In "Teacher’s
Pet," teacher Laura Roslin struggles to educate and inspire her young students with a
"human-centric" curriculum on New Caprica, until she begins to suspect one of her own
students may be a Cylon informer. Back on board the Galactica after Adama’s daring
rescue of the human population in "Shelf Life," President Tom Zarek is determined to
root out and punish any human traitor suspected of collaborating with the Cylons
during the occupation by death. But will he be able to follow through when a long-
lost friend is on top of the target list? And in "Visitation," Starbuck is stunned
when she discovers the young girl Kacey living in squalor in the shantytown, so
stunned that in her attempt to help, she crosses a line that shocks even those
closest to her.
Battlestar Galactica: The Final Five #1
by Seamus Fahey, David Reed & Nigel Raynor
While the critically acclaimed series may be coming to an end, Dynamite Entertainment
enters 2009 with a series of new and exciting Battlestar Galactica comic book events
Beginning with The Final Five, a three-issue event tying directly into the events of
the final episodes of the series, Dynamite will continue to provide a home for great
Galactica stories in 2009 and beyond! The Final Five #1 (of 4) is overseen By Seamus
Kevin (Origins) Fahey and David Reed with the complete authorization of Sci Fi and
the producers and features the back story of the Cylons, man and their current
struggle against one another! Joining the writers is Galactica veteran Nigel
Raynor, who also provide one of the two incredible covers! And to top it all
off, Red Sonja and Super Zombies artist Mel Rubi is also providing an incredible
cover!
BABYLON 5 MUSIC VIDEOS AND TRIBUTES
I found this message on the Babylon 5 moderated newsgroup this morning and just
had to post it so that others might enjoy the marvelous music videos created by
John Hudgens.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
As some of you may know, I was hired by Joe Straczynski back in the
day to create Babylon 5 music videos for him to use at science fiction
conventions, and later to promote the show to networks. Eight were
produced over the run of the series, not including the memorial videos
I did later for Rick Biggs and Andreas Katsulas.
For the longest time, the only way to see these was if Joe or I showed
them at a convention, but now, after numerous requests from fans over
the years, Joe has given me permission me to post these online.
Danger Zone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYNG0ow0G0k
I Need a Hero:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFo3Lau2Occ
Requiem:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7ckXY6yiVQ
Nobody's Side:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk9LvldiOf0
Welcome to the Third Age:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT5q_ltXiY0
Keep Yourself Alive:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0lRtpWR5lo
The Phantom B5 Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV4GMNjDdYc
Third Age 2K:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqIyY0PWjbI
Richard Biggs memorial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyD4L8yNtsA
Andreas Katsulas memorial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2UQ2l9NPIg
- This is the extended version that I did for Andreas' widow ater the
original cut was released on the net. It's never been seen online
until now.
For those of you who've never seen these, I hope you enjoy them - and
for those that have (and emailed me many times over the years about
releasing them), I hope they're as good as you remember. Working with
Joe on these videos was one of the highlights of my career, and I'll
be forever grateful to him for the doors these have opened for me. I'm
proud to have them on my resume.
John Hudgens
www.zteamproductions.com
BABYLON 5 QUOTE STORE
CafePress has a number of items to offer. TheJoeStore, only now it's the Babylon
5 Quote store -- and everything in it is NEW. Head over to see how your favorite
quote can be that special gift for your favorite B5 fan.
www.b5quotes.com.
January 24, 2009
Naruto Trek Events
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Hosted by Christopher Plummer (General Chang)
Time: 10:00pm - Cinema Paradiso
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
All seats $5
For more information, go to www.fliff.com
February 13-15, 2009
FARPOINT 2009
Place: Crowne Plaza Hotel
City: Timonium, Maryland
Guests: Alan Tudyk (Serenity), Harve Bennett (Star Trek producer), Phil Weyland
(actor, dialogue coach)
For more information, go to http://www.farpointcon.com/.
February 27-March 1, 2009
Megacon 2009
Site: Orange County Convention Center
City: Orlando, Florida
For more information, go to http://www.megaconvention.com.
March 27-29, 2009
Narutotrek 2009
Place: Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek
City: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Guests: Walter Koenig, Denise Crosby and more
For more information, go to http://www.narutotrek.com
April 24-26, 2009
STEEL CITY CON
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Guests: Catherine Bach, Mick Foley, Sandra Taylor
For more information, go to http://www.steelcitycon.com
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Creation Entertainment has a large number of
conventions planned for the next several months. They include stars from STARGATE,
ENTERPRISE, FARSCAPE, XENA, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, etc. Check out their calendar to
see if one will be in your neighborhood soon. Don't miss their
Videos page as well. It is
full of some priceless video from a number of conventions.
Be sure to visit the referenced sites to see if there have been changes in
dates/guests attending. Visit our Convention Calendar
for a full listing of upcoming conventions.
BACK ISSUES OF THE ZOCALO TODAY
The front page of the The Zocalo Today changes daily, so be sure to check the
back issues to make sure that you haven't missed anything IMPORTANT! I don't want the front page getting too
long so I shift information periodically into the archives. So if you aren't a regular visitor to The Zocalo Today, be sure
to check out the back issues. Just use the button above!
Take care and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sandra Bruckner (sgbruckner@aol.com)
Editor/Publisher
ISN News: The Zocalo Today
http://www.isnnews.net
Copyright - SBruckner, 1999-2009
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