Babylon 5 ISN News: The Zocalo Today [an error occurred while processing this directive]
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The Zocalo Today

Welcome and thank you for dropping by. Babylon 5 brought many of us together -- and it remains with us, despite the fact that is no longer in production. The good thing is that the internet gives a LOT of ways to stay in touch. Don't be shy. Join in the discussion today or drop by my blog! You can also find me on FaceBook and Twitter.

If you have questions or items for the news, drop me a line at sgbruckner@aol.com.

Again, WELCOME!

Glitter News




SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2010

Heroes HEROES MINISERIES?
TV Guide reports that HEROES creator Tim Kring is talking to NBC about doing a wrap-up miniseries that would take place a year after the events in the show's final episode.
"Should the axed series return with a wrap-up miniseries--that's creator Tim Kring's hope, and he says he's meeting with NBC this month to discuss it -- the plot will skip ahead a year or so to see the effect of Claire's revelation.
'There will be a huge cultural and social change in the world," says Kring. "Some [of our characters] will be hiding, some struggling, some basking in the glory.'
Claire, who desperately wanted a normal life, will become a reluctant spokesperson for the abnormals. Sylar (Zachary Quinto) will again struggle with his dark side. And Adrian Pasdar will likely return, though not as Nathan, who died."
Kring said the entire cast is willing to return for the project, though TV Guide could not get NBC to comment on how realistic the idea is.

Get Him to the Greek WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Universal's R-rated comedy "Get Him to the Greek" may have slain Lionsgate's ambitions of opening action comedy "Killers" ahead of three other wide openers at the domestic boxoffice this weekend. "Greek" grossed $6.2 million in its first day in release, compared to $5.7 million for "Killers," with both pics on track to ring up teen millions through Sunday. Saturday date-movie business could be key in deciding the two film's head-to-head competition.
British actor and comedian Russell Brand stars in "Greek," with Jonah Hill ("Funny People") and Sean Combs also prominently featured. Nick Stoller -- who directed Brand in the same glam-guy role in 2008's "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" -- helmed "Greek," with comedy king Judd Apatow numbering among "Greek" producers.
Rated PG-13, "Killers" stars Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl, with Robert Luketic ("The Ugly Truth") directing.
DreamWorks Animation's "Shrek Forever After" should three-peat at No. 1 on the weekend, after the Paramount-distributed 3D comedy fetched $6.5 million in the lead position on Friday for $164.6 million in cumulative coin.
As for the other openers, Fox's live-action family comedy "Marmaduke" chewed up $3.4 million in sixth place on Friday in a tug of war for family moviegoers with the "Shrek" four-quel. And Warner Bros.-distributed "Splice" patched together $2.7 million in seventh place in the sci-fi thriller's first day.
Warners' "Sex and the City 2" wooed $4.4 million in fourth place in its ninth day in theaters, dropping 66% from its first Friday tally. That gives New Line-produced "Sex 2" $65.2 million in cumulative U.S. and Canadian coin.

CATCH .44
According to Variety, Forest Whitaker, Bruce Willis and Malin Akerman will star in independent drama CATCH .44, to be helmed by first-time director Aaron Harvey from his own script.
Variety says the "story focuses on three women -- led by Akerman's character -- being thrust into an extraordinary situation involving a psychopathic hitman, played by Whitaker, a grizzled trucker and a delusional line cook. Willis will play the head crime boss, the mastermind behind everything that happens."
Shooting will begin in Shreveport, Louisiana on July 11. Kate Mara also stars in the film.
Randall Emmett, Megan Ellison and Jonah M. Hirsch are producing. George Furla, Ted Schipper, Curtis Jackson and Jimmy Pressimono executive produce.

THE REEF
During principal photography, the team behind THE REEF had cut together a sales trailer that was nothing more than a teaser with some second unit underwater photography. A new trailer has been cobbled together with actual footage from director Andrew (Black Water) Traucki's latest.
Damian Walshe-Howling, Zoe Naylor, Gyton Grantley, Adrienne Pickering and Kieran Darcy-Smith star in the film as four friends who are forced to swim ashore when their boat capsizes in the Great Barrier Reef. There, they are stalked by a 15-foot great white shark.
Traucki tried to keep everything practical so that shark you see...that's the real deal.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2010

Batman BATMAN 3 - NO JOKER
Director Christopher Nolan has confirmed that the Joker will not return in Batman 3 in a new interview with the U.K.'s Empire magazine just hitting stands now. This comes via Obsessed With Film, which reprinted Nolan's comments from the published interview.
Here's the excerpt when Nolan is asked about the Joker coming back: "'No,' says Nolan emphatically and unhesitatingly. He resists elaborating simply because, quite understandably, he says, 'I just don't feel comfortable talking about it.'"
There's been speculation almost since THE DARK KNIGHT came out in 2008 that Nolan might consider recasting the role, which was played to perfection by the late Heath Ledger. One name even floated as a possible replacement was Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who resembles Ledger and appears in Nolan's upcoming INCEPTION. The thinking was that the Joker would act more as a puppetmaster from inside Arkham Asylum, pulling the strings for a new villain or villains. But Ledger's Oscar-winning performance was so iconic, and Nolan was reportedly hit so hard by Ledger's untimely death in January 2008, that the idea of putting another actor in the role seemed far-fetched at best.
With the Joker off the table, rumors continue to circulate about which villains Nolan will use in the movie, which is due for release in July 2012. The director himself has kept quiet about his intentions, only telling the Los Angeles Times that he had ruled out Mr. Freeze. Fan favorites include the Riddler, Catwoman and possibly Black Mask.
Also in the article, Nolan discusses the Superman reboot that he's producing and Batman collaborator David Goyer is writing. While Nolan says that "you can't move too far away" from the character's roots, he calls Goyer's approach "really tremendous. It was the first time I've been able to conceive of how you'd address Superman in a modern context. I thought it was a really exciting idea."
We're sure there's more nuggets to come, and we'll be poring over the rest of the interview as soon as we can. But for now, we repeat: No Joker in Batman 3.

Green Lantern GREEN LANTERN PROMO
SuperHeroHype has your first look at promo art for Warner Bros.' Green Lantern, opening in 3D and 2D theaters on June 17, 2011. Directed by Martin Campbell, the comic book adaptation stars Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Tim Robbins, Mark Strong, Taika Waititi, Temuera Morrison, Angela Bassett, Jay O. Sanders and Jon Tenney.

WANDERLUST
Justin Theroux, who wrote IRON MAN 2 and is co-writing/directing ZOOLANDER 2, will also co-star with Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston in WANDERLUST.
David Wain is directing the Universal release produced by Judd Apatow. The film centers on a couple who, after losing all of their money, take refuge at a commune.
Theroux also co-wrote TOPIC THUNDER and can next be seen in YOUR HIGHNESS.

Fangland FANGLAND
Sriram Das and Blumhouse Productions have brought on horror king John Carpenter to direct a film adaptation of John Marks' 2008 novel FANGLAND.
The project has been in development for two-time Oscar-winner Hilary Swank to star as Evangeline Harker, a producer of a TV news magazine eerily similar to "60 Minutes."
In the book, Harker is an employee of the legendary TV news magazine "The Hour." Sent on assignment to Transylvania, she delivers more than a story when mysterious e-mails, coffins, and a creepy guy named Torgu descend on the New York office.
Swank fans will recall her early role in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and it marks a return as well for Carpenter, director of Halloween, The Fog, Vampires, and Stephen King's Christine, coming after his first film in nearly a decade, this summer's forthcoming THE WARD.

Gary Oldman TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY
According to an article in The Daily Mail, John le Carre's George Smiley is about to have a go at cinematic success with a rather stellar sounding cast joining the new film adaptation of the famous literary character's first outing in TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY for Working Title.
The book, and it's looking likely the film as well, will be set in the mid-70's during the height of the Cold War. Gary Oldman will play Smiley, a judicious, reserved, middle-aged intelligence expert who is recalled out of forced retirement. His task? To hunt down a Soviet mole in the "Circus", the highest echelons of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6).
Smiley himself is a skilled spymaster with impressive perceptive skills, prodigious memory and is a master of bureaucratic maneuvering and manipulation. On the other hand he's also very plain looking, quiet, not particularly rich and his wife routinely cheats on him.
Colin Firth, Michael Fassbender and David Thewlis are in discussions to play roles as various intelligence heads and bureaucrats whom are suspected of being potential moles.
Considered one of le Carre's best works alongside "The Spy Who Came In From the Cold" and "The Constant Gardener", 'Tinker' scored acclaim for its more realistic portrayal of the spy world and has only been adapted once before as a 1979 limited TV series starring Sir Alec Guinness.
Peter Morgan ("The Queen," "Frost/Nixon," "The Last King of Scotland") is adapting the script while acclaimed Swedish director Tomas Alfredson ("Let the Right One In") will direct. Shooting kicks off in September.

HOUSE AT THE END OF THE STREET
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Jennifer Lawrence and Max Thieriot have joined the horror thriller HOUSE AT THE END OF THE STREET for FilmNation and A Bigger Boat.
The story follows a teenage girl (Lawrence) who moves to a new town and learns that a double murder took place in the house across the street. Things get complicated when she befriends the massacre's sole surviving son (Thieriot).
David Loucka wrote the script from a story by Jonathan Mostow while Mark Tonderai is directing. Filming kicks off mid-July in Ottawa.

SCIENCE FICTION NEWS STORIES:
News from yesterday and the last couple of months can be found in the News Archive. Check it out to catch up on all that has been going on in the world of science fiction.


On The Tube




6:30 on ABC Family
The Incredibles (2004)
Now fighting boredom in suburbia, a former superhero and his family get a chance to save the world. Animated. Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, Wallace Shawn

8:00pm on CBS
Medium-Episode: Will the Real Fred Rovick Please Stand Up? (First Aired: February 05, 2010)
Perplexed Allison must figure out why she keeps seeing the face of one man in others' faces in her daily life; Ariel makes an interesting acquaintance while baby-sitting for a challenging boy.

8:00pm on BBC America
Blade Runner (1982)
A specialized detective in 2019 Los Angeles receives an order to terminate obsolete android slaves. Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmet Walsh

8:00pm on TNT
Sahara (2005)
A treasure hunter and his sidekick join forces with a doctor to search for a Confederate ship in Africa. Based on the novel by Clive Cussler. Matthew McConaughey, Steve Zahn, Penélope Cruz, Lambert Wilson, Glynn Turman

9:00pm on ABC Family
Toy Story 2 (1999)
When a toy collector kidnaps Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the other toys band together to bring him home. Animated. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles

ON SYFY TONIGHT

9:00pm
Underworld (2003)
A female vampire tries to protect a medical student from werewolves intent on creating a hybrid species. Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Michael Sheen, Shane Brolly, Bill Nighy

Pen

ISN BLOG

Join me on the ISN News Blog at http://isnnews.blogspot.com. I’ll put in stuff that I think is interesting for others to read about and I hope you will join in to discuss of the issues -- related to science fiction or not!

KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW

J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Over at the Babylon 5 newsgroup, Craig has posted a report of the event JMS participated in on Saturday. Here's something for all BABYLON 5 fans. Let's hope that it works out:
One B5 item of interest that Joe did address, is that with 2013 coming up (the 20th anniversary of B5) it would be a good time to do a movie. He has a story in mind, and apparently WB is willing to put the money out to do a feature film right (approx 100 million). But as he did say he would have to have a script ready by 2011, shoot in 2012 for a 2013 release so he is already behind schedule.

For more on the event, go to http://scriptwrecked.com/2010/05/23/q-a-with-j-michael-straczynski-part-1/

http://scriptwrecked.com/2010/05/25/q-a-with-j-michael-straczynski-part-2/

Pat Tallman BABYLON 5 PRESENCE ON FACEBOOK
I know a lot of you are already on FaceBook. However, I don't know if you knew how many other Babylon 5 folks have taken the plunge and opened FaceBook accounts. In fact, Pat Tallman has reopened her Fan Club using FaceBook at the site. For a peek, go to http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45593318387. Claudia Christian has been really active -- sharing pictures of her recent trips and letting us know about upcoming convention activities. J. Michael Straczynski has a FaceBook presence as well. So check it out!





Here is a quote from J. Michael Straczynski about emotions.
I had this theory that the more important and intimate the emotion, the fewer words are required to express it.

First it's in dating: "Will you go out with me?" Six words.
"Honey, I care for you." Five words.
"You matter to me." Four words.
"I love you." Three words.
"Marry me." Two words.
But what's left? What's the one most important and intimate word you can ever say to somebody? It's "goodbye."

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

Theodore Bikel - May 2
Michael O'Hare - May 6
Stephen Furst - May 8
Melissa Gilbert-Boxleitner - May 8
Bruce Boxleitner - May 12
Andreas Katsulas - May 18
Andrea Thompson - May 22
Doug Wise - May 21
Douglas Netter - May 23
Paul Winfield - May 22
Roy Dotrice - May 26
Harlan Ellison - May 27

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.

BILL MUMY RADIO

Bill Mumy is inviting you to check out his brand new weekly radio show, "THE REAL GOOD RADIO HOUR with your host Bill Mumy".

We'll be listening to many different styles of music and learning about those who pioneered them.
"The Real Good Radio Hour" will air every Wednesday and Friday at 7 PM both Pacific and Eastern time and can be heard weekly on KSAV.org.

Bill has a new place on FaceBook as well http://www.myspace.com/billmumy



Babylon 5 Podcast

BABYLON PODCAST

Welcome to Show #200!

Here it is a major milestone episode, and we were so excited to get to the daydreaming that I totally forgot what show number we were on.
Laura from the League of Non-Aligned Knitters and Sandy Bruckner from ISNNews.net join Summer in chatting about the male eye candy (or lack thereof) on Babylon 5.
Tonight’s definitely Ladies’ Night, but we’re still not sure if Bret was more interested in exploring his boundaries, or learning some new things about what women really want from a man.
Girl Talk: Summer, Laura and Sandy go into deep detail about which men they’d go for and why, which features or traits attract our attentions and desires, and which ones turn us off fast.
And the discussion’s not limited to the human men… some of the aliens are given serious consideration, and Bret weighs in on a number of characters he could seriously consider entertaining.
And we just can’t stop thinking about the possibilities when you’ve got six.
Lurker’s Guide 2.0: Summer is starting a push to get Lurker’s Guide 2.0 completed and finished, including missing collectibles, photos of magazine covers and toys, and all sorts of other B5 goodies that didn’t get included in the original guide during the years after Crusade. Let her know if you want to lend a hand.
Submitting your own Feedback: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! Call 206-338-2259, or just email us a comment you’ve recorded yourself!
More Parody/Filk Songs Wanted: If you know of any more B5-related fan songs out there, definitely let us know, so we can let other B5 fans know where to buy them! And if those CDs are out of print, let’s brainstorm on ways to get those songs back out there for fans!
Live Video Stream: Yes, the technology has progressed to the point where we can now play video voicemails into the video live stream. Check out the video stream of our live feed at our FarPoint Media Page (and leave a review for our show while you’re there!).
Second Life Info: FarPoint Media’s Second Life space can be found on the Third Life Books island in the Wind River Territory. Find the island here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22
Babylon 5 Information Gathering: If you know of a dead or abandoned B5 related website that may be in need of a new home, let Summer know! Maybe we can mirror it here or house it on a sister site.
If you can, Please Donate to the show!

To catch up on all the previous Babylon 5 podcasts, go to www.babylonpodcast.com

NEW RELEASES FROM THE WARNER ARCHIVE

Strange New World STRANGE NEW WORLD
Release date: May 18, 2010

Synopsis:
Cult icon John Saxon (Enter the Dragon) battles clones, barbarians, beasts and more in this startling sci-fi adventure based on concepts developed by Gene Roddenberry, the visionary creator of Star Trek. After 180 years in a cryogenic freeze, a trio of astronauts returns to Earth, only to find giant asteroids have devastated the planet. Roaming across America’s vast wastelands, they encounter weird new cities, strange civilizations and bizarre descendants of Earth’s distant past. Co-written by Academy Award® winner* Walon Green (The Wild Bunch), Strange New World features foxy film femmes Martine Beswick (Thunderball), Catherine Bach (The Dukes of Hazzard) and 1974 Playmate of the Year Cynthia Wood (Apocalypse Now) in an otherworldly thriller where Earth itself is the final frontier.

Director: Robert Butler
Cast: Ford Rainey, James Olson, John Saxon, Kathleen Miller, Keene Curtis, Martine Beswick, Reb Brown
Important Note: This film has been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available and has not been remastered or restored specifically for this DVD and Digital Download release.

LOUIE L'AMOUR COLLECTION
Release Date: May 19, 2010

Western lovers! Have I got a deal for you. Warner Bros. has three classics to fill out your Western collection. The Louis L'Amour Collection: THE SACKETTS, CONAGHER and CATLOW. Featuring Acclaimed Actors Including Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott, and Yul Brynner.

"Known as 'America's Storyteller,' Louis L'Amour brought the American Frontier to life through his novels and we are proud to share his work through these terrific films," said Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV and Special Interest Marketing. "Following our successful Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott Western collections and just in time for Father's Day, The Louis L'Amour Collection is one we are confident Western fans will treasure and enjoy."

THE SACKETTS - Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott and Jeff Osterhage play brothers who migrate west to make their fortunes in cattle-herding and gold prospecting. Each aims to make it on his own - but each also stands up for the other when the going gets tough. And their guns blaze a name for themselves in untamed New Mexico territory.

CONAGHER - He conquered the range. She conquered his heart. Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross star as a cowhand and a widowed ranch owner who are drawn to each other when ruthless rustlers threaten his livelihood and her homestead.

CATLOW - A renegade outlaw wants to pull off a gold heist but finds it hard because he's such a wanted man - by the Mexican Army, his hellcat girlfriend, an Indian war party, a vengeful killer and several hotheaded cowpokes from his former gang. Yul Brynner, Richard Crenna and Leonard Nimoy star.

REVIEW
I love a good Western and here you have a number of them. Babylon 5 fans will recognize the name of Doug Netter on the production side of the Sackett videos. These videos harken back to another time when Westerns were all over the TV. THe stories were rich and full; the scenery was marvelous and rustic. It was easy to identify to good guys -- they didn't necessarily wear white hats, but they talked and shot straight. Having grown up with Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, The VIrginian and others, these movies brought back good memories and a yearning for something similar today. Where have all the westerns gone?

DOCTOR ZHIVAGO - 45th Anniversary Edition

Release Date: May 4, 2010
Official Site URL: http://www.DoctorZhivagoMovie.com

Synopsis:
The 1965 film captures the essence of Boris Pasternak’s Russian novel of remarkable passion and sweeping grandeur, presenting an intimate and deeply emotional story against the enormous backdrop of the Russian Bolshevik Revolution.

Omar Sharif stars in the title role of Doctor Zhivago, portraying the surgeon-poet over a half-century period. Zhivago, who is married to Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin), an aristocratic girl with whom he raises a family, is also in love with Lara (Julie Christie), a nurse whose life has been destroyed by tragedy. Repeatedly brought together and separated from each woman by war and revolution, Zhivago is torn apart by conflict. He loves Tonya deeply but his poetic soul belongs to Lara. Much like his beloved country, Zhivago’s spirit becomes battered by the devastation of war as he struggles to maintain his individualism in the face of overwhelming odds.
Special Features:
Doctor Zhivago: A Celebration Part 1 & 2 (all-new production)
Additional Special Features:
Commentary by Omar Sharif, Rod Steiger and Lady Sandra Lean Iwife of David Lean) Part 1 & 2
Introduction by Omar Sharif
Doctor Zhivago: The Making of a Russian Epic
11 Vintage Featurettes
Zhivago: Behind the Camera with David Lean
David Lean's Film of Doctor Zhivago
Chaplin in New York

The 40th Anniversary release of Doctor Zhivago on DVD/Blu-ray and will also be made available On Demand and For Download (via iTunes) starting next Tuesday May 4th.
The official Doctor Zhivago Movie homepage is found at http://bit.ly/ADS_DrZhivago where you can obtain more information on the release and where to purchase the film on their preferred format (Blu-Ray, DVD, On Demand and For Download).
See a clip from the classic film, here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/warnerbrosonline?blend=1&ob=4#p/search/0/thzpB6FyR6M

REVIEW
This anniversary edition of DOCTOR ZHIVAGO is truly awesome. The extras features put the story into perspective and illustrates the painstaking care taken to bring this story to film. Author Boris Pasternak witnessed the savagry of Russia's history and while he was admired for telling his story, Russia refused to publish the novel. First published in Italy, it soon was published in many languages and became a true classic.
When I was a kid, I had a crush on Omar Sharif. What a tremendous actor, not only in Doctor Zhivago, but in Lawrence of Arabia and others.
David Lean's concentration to detail is amazing. Listening to the costume director talk about making the costumes and dealing with the tremendous changes throughout the movie, going from winter to summer throughout the course of making the film.
THis movie is a wonderful addition to anyone's movie collection. It not only is a movie classic, but it is a piece of history that everyone should watch.

New DVDs





NIP/TUCK: THE SIXTH AND FINAL SEASON
Release date: June 8, 2010
19 episodes on five discs
Featurette: Tell Me What You Don't Like About Yourself--The Psychology

Sex. Seduction. Liposuction. Find them all in the fearless Nip/Tuck, the award-winning series that's the scalpel's edge of entertainment...and the spark for debate about what cosmetic surgery can or cannot bring to a patient's life. Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon play plastic surgeons/best friends whose glamorous South Beach practice is a revolving door for Season 4's hot-button issues (including a terrifying story arc about an organ-harvest ring) and human foibles (a ventriloquist wants to look like his dummy). Guest stars include Jacqueline Bissett, Larry Hagman, Alanis Morissette, Mo'Nique, Rosie O'Donnell, Brooke Shields and more. Thrills, surprises, shocks, stars abound in this 5-disc set. And all it takes is a little Nip/Tuck.

Robin Hood THE NEW ADVEVTURES OF ROBIN HOOD
Release date: May 31, 2010
Synopsis:
An outlaw of Sherwood Forest and his partners, Marion, Friar Tuck and Little John, use magic, sorcery and courage to fight royal soldiers, evil Knights and whoever else tries to oppress the impoverished people of 12th Century England. Actors: Matthew Porretta, Anna Galvin, Richard Ashton, Martyn Ellis

On Tuesday, Robin Hood comes to the WBShop via the exclusive DVD release of the television series THE NEW ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD Season 1 (Available Online Only at www.WBShop.com). Following the successful release last year of the TV series ELEVENTH HOUR, the WBShop.com will present several exclusive TV releases this summer commencing with TNT’s THE NEW ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD that first aired in 1997.

Life DVD/Book LIFE - GREAT FATHER'S DAY GIFT
About the Blu-ray:
Four years in the making, filmed over 3000 days, across every continent and in every habitat, with a production budget of £14 million ($22 million) Life is the latest wildlife blockbuster from the BBC’s award-winning Natural History Unit, the producers of Planet Earth and The Blue Planet.
Packed with excitement, revelation, entertainment, and stunning screen firsts, this breathtaking ten-part blockbuster presents 130 incredible stories from the frontiers of the natural world. Discover the glorious variety of life on Earth and the spectacular and extraordinary tactics animals and plants have developed to stay alive, individual creatures under extreme pressure to overcome challenges from adversaries and their environment, pushing the boundaries of behavior.

About the Book:
Life, the spectacular companion volume to the new Discovery Channel/BBC series, tells a majestic and compelling story of survival and of the amazing behaviors animals and plants adopt to stay alive and pass their genes to a new generation. Beautifully written and illustrated with more than 300 high-definition color photographs, Life focuses on the most exciting examples of the millions of species to demonstrate the harrowing and very different challenges that all living things must overcome to prevail and to procreate. In 60 concise and captivating vignettes, intriguingly grouped in categories like Extraordinary Sea Creatures, Fabulous Fish, Irrepressible Plants, Hot- blooded Hunters, and Intellectual Primates, the authors provide the most up-to-date science. Each chapter parallels an episode of the television series, making the book a must-have addition to any interested viewer's library. From the familiar to the rare--polar bears, Japanese snow macaques, monarch butterflies, and fish- catching bats, a mega-roost of 10 million fruit bats in Zambia, capuchin monkeys that use stone tools, marine life beneath and upon the ice of Antarctica, and tiny goby fish that climb Hawaiian waterfalls--this sumptuous volume brims with information and unforgettable images of the spectacular, the dangerous, and the bizarre.

PEANUTS 1970’s CCOLLECTION VOLUME 2
Be My Valentine Charlie Brown / You're a Good Sport / It's Arbor Day / What a Nightmare / It's Your First Kiss / You're the Greatest)
Release Date: June 1, 2010

Peanuts specials are timeless classics with wonderful moral lessons and clean/clever humor that you can't find presented the same way nowadays. Peanuts will always have a more adult sense of awareness but still never lose their innocence. This 1970's Volume 2 Collection contains the following six remaining specials from the later half of the 1970's on 2 discs:
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (aired 1/28/1975)
You're A Good Sport Charlie Brown (aired 10/28/1975)
It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown (aired 3/16/1976)
It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown (aired 10/24/1977)
What a Nightmare, Charlie Brown! (aired 2/23/1978)
You're The Greatest, Charlie Brown (3/19/1979)

Invictus INVICTUS
Release date: May 18, 2010
Official website http://invictusmovie.warnerbros.com/dvd/index.html

Synopsis:
What does Nelson Mandela do after becoming president of South Africa? He rejects revenge, forgives oppressors who jailed him 27 years for his fight against apartheid and finds hope of national unity in an unlikely place: the rugby field. Clint Eastwood (named 2009's Best Director by the National Board of Review) directs an uplifting film about a team and a people inspired to greatness. Morgan Freeman (NBR's Best Actor Award winner and Oscar nominee for this role) is Mandela, who asks the national rugby team captain (Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominee Matt Damon) and his squad.

Video clip:
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/invictus/tvspots/wvivc_a2001_consumer_trailer_sd_300.asx

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi216597529/

REVIEW
You have to see this movie!!!! It is truly outstanding.
This film brings together two top-notch actors -- Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. They have been in countless features from Driving Miss Daisy to Robin Hood; from Goodwill Hunting to the Bourne series. How can you make it better? Have Clint Eastwood there to tell the story -- directing the action as no other director can.
Nominated for two Academy Awards -- Best Actor - Morgan Freeman; Best Supporting Actor - Matt Damon.
While this is primarily a sports movie, the over-arching story is about overcoming obstacles within South Africa after apartheid. A rugby team that had been the laughing stock of the country, becomes a winner and has the entire country rooting for it during the World Cup -- both black and white.
This movie is masterfully told, bringing you into the lives of South Africans, showing the apprehension to the new government and obstacles Mandela faced as he took over the government. The pictures of the shanty towns in Cape Town are real (I saw them during my visit there) and you wonder how people can live under those conditions. The message of hope and forgiveness is strong.
Nelson Mandela: I thank whatever gods may be / For my unconquerable soul. / I am the master of my fate / I am the captain of my soul.

Edge of Darkness EDGE OF DARKNESS
Release date: May 11, 2010
Official website: http://www.edge-of-darkness.com

Synopsis:
The bullet that killed his daughter was meant for Boston cop Thomas Craven. That's what police brass and Craven himself think, but that's not what the investigation finds. Clue after clue and witness after witness, the search leads him into a shadowy realm where money and political intrigue intersect. If Craven wasn't a target before, he and anyone linked to his inquiry now is. Mel Gibson stars in his first screen lead in eight years, making Craven's grief palpable and his quest for payback stone-cold and relentless. Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) directs from a screenplay co-written by The Departed's William Monahan. Gibson is back, taking us to the edge and into the sinister darkness.

REVIEW
If you are looking for a tight, suspenseful thriller, EDGE OF DARKNESS may be for you. While there is a good bit of violence, there is also a good story supporting all actions taken. Gibson is right on as the vengeful father seeing justice for his slain daughter. You see him struggle with his desire for vengence while trying to honor the sense of justice he has lived by all his life. You feel his anger, rage, sorrow and you hope that in the end the bad guys get their due.
Director Martin Campbell keeps things moving through the Boston locale, with a nice mix of action and introspective moments between Craven and his daughter. The flashbacks add depth to the drama, and more meaning to the relationship between father and daughter.

HAMLET
Available on DVD: May 4th
Official Site URL: http://www.bbcamericashop.com

Synopsis:
David Tennant and Patrick Stewart star in this critically acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s masterpiece from Britain’s renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. No recent stage production in Britain has attracted the excitement and nearly unanimous critical praise as this Hamlet. Tennant's interpretation was recognized as defining the role for a generation, and Stewart’s complex Claudius won the Olivier award, Britain’s highest stage honor. In this specially-shot screen version, filmed on location rather than in the theater, Tennant and Stewart reprise their roles. Dynamic, exciting and contemporary, it breathes new life into Shakespeare's greatest play.

Featured Actors: David Tennant (Doctor Who), Patrick Stewart (X-Men, Star Trek: The Next Generation), Oliver Ford Davis (Waking the Dead), Penny Downie, Mariah Gale

REVIEW
This is a modern production of the play by Shakespeare. I can't remember if I have ever really sat through the play before, but I did yesterday. THe Royal Shakespeare Company is marvelous, and I kept thinking of what we have done to the English language over the years. Patric Stewart is marvelous as Claudius and the ghost; David Tennant shows tremendous range as he runs the emotional gamut of love, pain, comedy, sorry and shock. While we have seen this plot played out in many different ways over the years, this production has it all. Prince Hamlet of Denmark learns that his father's death was not an accident, but murder so that his uncle could marry his mother and become King. The ghost of his father tells Hamlet of this as he wanders the dark halls of the castle at midnight. Poor Hamlet is torn in his indecision about how to handle the situation.
This is indeed a memorable production. With this cast and modern dress, it could be just the one you will sit through.

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!

Babylon 5

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

Comics Brave/Bold #29 THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #29
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art and cover by Jesus Saiz.

A thing that lives...and fights for its soul! The shambling walking doll that is Brother Power, the Geek has been reborn in Gotham City without a home or purpose! Could destiny have something in store for this seemingly lost relic? And why does his appearance cut into Batman's.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Nov. 18.

RedCircleHangman RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1
Written by J. Michael Straczynski; Art by Tom Derenick and Bill Sienkiewicz; Cover by Jesus Saiz.
J. Michael Straczynski dives into the DC Universe, bringing four of the finest heroes of the Golden and Silver Ages with him! Completely reimagined for the modern world from their original appearances in Archie/MLJ publications, these four heroes will show you a side of the DC Universe you've never seen before! The Civil War claimed many lives…but one of those lives still hasn't ended! Union doctor Robert Dickering found himself on the wrong side of the battle lines, and despite his heroic treatment of a fallen enemy soldier, he also found himself on the wrong end of a noose! But a shadowy power stepped forth in the twilight moments between life and death and offered him a deal he couldn't refuse: to forever roam the Earth, saving the lives of innocents condemned like himself – or hastening the deaths of the guilty! But in taking the seemingly righteous mission of the Hangman, has he accepted God's work? Or has he become the vengeful fist of the Devil himself?

Calendar




WIZARD WORLD'S PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON
Site: Philadelphia Convention Center
Date: June 11-12-13, 2010
Guests: Linda Hamilton, William Shatner, Adam West, Bruce Campbell, James Marsters, Tia Carrere Among Celebrity Guests; Leading Comics Artists, Creative Directors and More than 150 Pop Culture Icons to Attend!
For more information, go to http://www.wizardworld.com/

SHORE LEAVE 32
Place: Baltimore, MD
Time: July 9-11, 2010
Site: Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn
Guests: Edward James Olmos, Katee Sackhoff, Torri Higginson, Kevin Sorbo, Catherine Hicks, Dominic Keating, Bill Dow
For more information, go to http://www.shore-leave.com/

STEEL CITY CON
Place: Monroeville Convention Center (near Pittsburgh, PA)
August 6, 7 and 8, 2010
Guests: Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker), Micky Dolenz (Monkees), David Faustino (Married With Children), more guests to follow
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 TWILIGHT, SUPERNATURAL, STARGATE, FARSCAPE, XENA, SERENITY, STAR TREK, 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, 1999-2010

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