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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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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2009
THE EXPENDABLES
According to the Hollywood Reporter, rumors of Sylvester Stallone pursuing Sandra
Bullock to join THE EXPENDABLES is not case. However it was confirmed that Forest
Whitaker is negotiating to join the cast and would play the CIA liaison for a group
of mercenaries (played by Stallone, Jet Li, Randy Couture and Jason Statham) who
are clandestinely sent to South America to overthrow a dictator.
Nu Image/Millennium Films is producing the film. Avi Lerner, John Thompson and
Kevin King Templeton are producing along with executive producers Boaz Davidson,
Trevor Short and Danny Dimbort.
THE EXPENDABLES is the first project in Stallone's two-picture deal with Nu Image/
Millennium. He last wrote and directed RAMBO, which mowed down $155 million in
worldwide grosses. Stallone, who will direct and who wrote the script, has been
scouting locations for a February shoot.
PAT HINGLE, COMMISSIONER GORDON PASSES
Pat Hingle, a veteran actor whose career included a recurring role as Commissioner
James Gordon in BATMAN, BATMAN RETURNS, BATMAN FOREVER and BATMAN & ROBIN, has died
after battling blood cancer. He was 84. Family friend Michele Seidman says Hingle
died at his home in Carolina Beach shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday. Family spokeswoman
Lynn Heritage says Hingle was diagnosed with myelodysplasia in November 2006.
His career in movies and television spanned six decades, and he was also nominated
for a Tony Award in 1958. Hingle's many film credits include "Brewster's Millions"
(1983), "Baby Boom" (1987), "The Grifters" (1990) and "The Quick and the Dead" (1995).
Hingle's last movie was TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY, which was released
in 2006.
SMALLVILLE
When SMALLVILLE returns to the line up on The CW, January 15, you will get your
first look at a live-action version of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Don't miss the
episode on The CW at 8/7c! Use this link for the clip:
SMALLVILLE.
THE BEAUTIFUL AND THE DAMNED
Variety reports that John Curran will direct THE BEAUTIFUL AND THE DAMNED, a period
drama starring Keira Knightley for the Film Department. Hanna Weg wrote the script
that concerns the turbulent marriage of alcoholic writer F. Scott Fitzgerald and his
mercurial wife Zelda Sayre, who was schizophrenic. The tempestuous relationship,
which unfolded in the high society of the Roaring '20s, inspired some of the novelist's
works. Knightley will play Sayre. The film reportedly had Nick Cassavetes as its
director last September. He fell out along the way. THE BEAUTIFUL AND THE DAMNED
begins production in March.
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 SciFi
Lost - Confirmed Dead
The survivors begin to question the intentions of their supposed rescuers when four
strangers arrive on the island.
9:00pm on SciFi
Lost - The Economist
Sayid and Kate try to negotiate for Locke's hostage, whom they think might be the
key to getting off the island.
10:00pm on SciFi
Lost - LostEggtown
Kate's need to get information out of the hostage may jeopardize her standing
with Locke and Sawyer.
10:00pm on CBS
CSI: Miami - Tunnel Vision
A body in a sinkhole leads the team to a robbery; the target of the robbery has
a shocking secret.
NEW JMS UPDATE
From the B5 moderated newsgroup, January 2, 2009:
Meanwhile, just some other updates for folks who've been asking about
one thing or another....
On the public appearance front, I'm slated to appear as Guest of Honor
at the New York Comic Con in February, and I've been invited to speak
at MIT on May 22nd as part of the Julie Schwartz Lecture Series.
To correct one piece of misinformation out there...I'm not involved
with the Thor movie in any way. There seems to be this notion that I
rewrote the previous scripts for Marvel. Totally not true.
Finally, later this month, in addition to continuing to turn in
screenplay assignments, I'll be turning in the pilot script for Last
Words, an hour dramatic series with a paranormal thrust, being written
for TNT and Dreamworks.
(It's a new crowd at TNT these days.)
IMDB has no info on this show
No, they generally don't list every pilot that's being written...it
would just get ridiculous afte a while. There can't be a staff until
there's a show, but should we get the green light to go into
production, yes, I'd be EP/showrunner.
DISCUSSION TOPIC
Now that we have some time to kick back and relax (right?), let's talk about the
new shows -- Fringe, Eleventh Hour, The Mentalist, etc. What do you like/hate
about them? Are there other programs you enjoy watching? What are they and why
do you watch?
Send in your comments to sgbruckner@aol.com and I'll post them on our discussion page
for all readers to share. I'll be posting 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.
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
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.
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.
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/.
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
RISING STARS COMPENDIUM HARDCOVER
(W) J. Michael Straczynski, Fiona Avery (A) Brent Anderson,
Keu Cha, David Finch, Karl Moline
When Rising Stars first debuted in 1999, people hailed its fresh take on the superhero
mythos, grounding the fantastic in reality. The groundbreaking series by acclaimed
writer J. Michael Straczynski (Amazing Spider-Man, Babylon 5, Squadron Supreme, Thor,
Ultimate Power) spawned three spin-off mini-series and has influenced successful TV
shows like The 4400 and Heroes.
Now, for the first time ever, every issue of Rising Stars, from the #0 to the last
issue of the last mini-series, is collected into one comprehensive deluxe hardcover.
Collects Rising Stars #1-24, #0 issue, #1/2 issue, Prelude issue, Rising Stars: Bright,
Rising Stars: Voices of the Dead and Rising Stars: Untouchable.
Full Color 1,008 pages $99.99 hardcover
THOR #10
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, pencils and cover by Olivier Coipel.
As the Asgardians returned to this life and Thor returned to Midgard, so came the
ills that have plagued the gods and man for millennia. Now for the first time since
their rebirth, Thor and his fellow hero-gods are venturing forth from the Shining
City to confront the growing evils that amass on their horizon...and within their
walls... 32 pages, $2.99.
CIVIL WAR CHRONICLES #12
Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Paul Jenkins, penciled by Ron Garney and
Ramon Bachs, cover by Steve McNiven.
Experience Civil War and its major tie-ins in chronological order! In Captain
America #25, find out what happens next in the life of the Sentinel of Liberty!
The biggest Cap story that Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting have yet to tell, "Death
of a Dream" will stun readers and send shockwaves through the entire Marvel Universe
for the next year and it begins here! And in Civil War: The Confession, the team that
brought you the start of Civil War with the New Avengers: Illuminati special presents
a heart-wrenching finale. Two of the Marvel heroes most affected by the shocking
conclusion of the war get together one last time. What is said between them will
set the course of the Marvel Universe for years to come.
THE TWELVE #6
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, penciled by Chris Weston, cover by Paolo Rivera.
The Laughing Mask--behind bars! Secrets of the Black Widow--revealed! Dynamic Man
kicks ass! The Blue Blade bombs out! And the truth behind the origin of underground
secret agent Rockman!
MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #17
Marvel Adventures The Avengers #17 will arrive in stores on Oct. 17 from Marvel
Comics. The issue is written by J. Michael Straczynski, with art and cover by Joe
Quesada. Here's how Marvel describes the issue:
"Ok, you're a super hero. And you've got to fight a robot. But while the robot can
punch and blast you with lasers, you can't touch him. That's a problem, right? That's
what the Avengers are up against when they encounter The Vision!"
Marvel Adventures The Avengers #17 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.99.
SILVERS SURFER: REQUIEM #4
Silver Surfer: Reqiuem #4 will arrive in stores on August 29 from Marvel Comics.
The issue is written by J. Michael Straczynski, with art and cover by Esad Ribic.
Here's how Marvel describes the issue:
"For untold years, Norrin Radd surfed the galaxy, exploring the darkness between stars,
witnessing the rise and fall of vast civilizations. Now his ride comes to an end. Zenn-La,
the planet of his birth, the planet he saved through his own sacrifice -- the Silver Surfer
crossed the galaxy to draw his last breath here. He¹s home. What waits for him?"
Silver Surfer: Reqiuem #4 will be 32 pages and will cost $3.99.
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
Place: Orange County Convention Center
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
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.
JUMPCON CONVENTIONS
Sites are closed for these conventions. If you are holding tickets for any of these
conventions, please get in touch with convention organizers.
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, 1999-2008
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