THE ZOCALO TODAY – October 19, 2008

Hey there. It's been a while so I thought I'd catch up with everyone.
Not much on the Babylon 5 front – a couple of new books out by
CafePress that you'll want to know about – B5 Quotations and B5
Chronologies. The Quotation book is something we've been waiting for
a very long time. The chronologies are wonderful. Terry Jones shared
his chronology with us a while back, but for this publication he
updated it. Awesome amount of work went into it.

Here are a few things I found for folks who are keeping up with the
career of J. Michael Straczynski. THE CHANGELING will be hitting
theaters on October 31. In the lead-up to the premiere, JMS' life has
been changing – dramatically. Here are a few comments from the B5
moderated newsgroup.

CATCHING UP WITH JMS
I've never been a guy who likes a lot of flash. Anybody who's ever
seen me knows I don't go for expensive clothes, or fancy cars, or the
latest styles. I shop at the Gap and Land's End. I don't have
expensive paintings or jewelry. I travel light. I'm a simple kind of guy.

But the Changeling sale was such a major event, such a
transformational experience, that I thought...this really has to be
something special to mark the moment. A once in a lifetime splurge.
So I got something I've long wanted: the Torneau Gotham Tahiti del Sol
watch. It's my lucky watch, and I only wear it to big events and
important meetings. The rest of the time I just kind of look at it and
smile.

I did an interview for the LA Times that will be coming out in a big
spread on Sunday, an interview for the Hollywood Reporter, Script
Magazine, NPR's All Things Considered, and there are a bunch more yet
to come.

I don't actually know how to describe what this is all like. It wasn't
anticipated. It was never on the agenda. It just happened.
I don't normally allow self-indulgences, but I will allow one just
this once, because it may illuminate the discussion. So there will be
a measure of ego in what follows; forgiveness is requested in advance.
Leaving aside B5 for the moment, I often felt that I was a better
writer than the shows I found myself working on. By that I mean...you
can write the best Jake and the Fatman script in the whole world, but
it's still Jake and the Fatman. It's like putting in ten years
teaching a pig to sing; even if you achieve the goal, at the end of
the day, what've you got for all your work? A singin' pig.

So I'd kind of reconciled myself to the notion that probably nobody
would ever know what I could really do when I pulled out all the stops
and had a clear field to play in. As has been quoted in B5, happiness
is "the exercise of vital powers, along lines of excellence, in a life
affording them scope." The scope was missing. Now, suddenly, that
scope has become available, and I'm writing at the very edge of what I
can do. Every day is a huge challenge. Now the question has become, am
I good enough for the venues I'm now occupying? The onus is now on me
to live up to the venue, not the other way around. And I like that. I
like having to prove myself. I like to stand out on the crumbling edge
of what I can do, to see what I can see from there.

It's almost like the universe saying, "Okay, bigshot, you've been
running your mouth about what you can do, so here's your chance to run
with the big dogs. Nobody's holding you back now. So let's see what
you can do. Put up or shut up.">[? Just on its own terms, Changeling
has been a huge validation of my life's work. And I'm very much at
peace with that.

As for having a following...I think that's true within a fairly
refined demographic. Most of the mainstream public really has no idea
(or had no idea, before being hit with ten zillion Changeling posters)
who I am. That's kind of the writer's lot in media, and I'm totally
cool with that. I watched Angelina and Clint and others having to deal
with the level of celebrity they have, and it's no fun. You can't go
anywhere or do anything without being stalked. I would never, ever
want that. So I'm happy to be just where I am.
And that's a nice feeling.

NEW BABYLON 5 BOOKS

BUT IN PURPLE...I'M STUNNING!
Quotations from Babylon 5

It's the book Babylon 5 fans have waited years to own: "But In
Purple...I'm Stunning: Quotations from Babylon 5" compiles everyone's
favorite quotes into one comprehensive book. For easy reference, the
quotes are broken down by character (who said it, and to whom) and by
theme. J. Michael Straczynski has written 8 introductions, one for
each themed section in addition to his foreword.

THEMED SECTIONS: Faith, Hope and a Little Charity, The Characters of
Babylon, Relationships, War, Psi Corps, Power, Slapstick and Vox Populi.

CHARACTER SECTIONS: Sinclair, Sheridan, Ivanova, Garibaldi, Franklin,
Londo, G'Kar, Delenn, Marcus, Lennier, Vir and Kosh.
"But In Purple...I'm Stunning: Quotations from Babylon 5" is the only
book of Babylon 5 quotations ever to be published and contains 473
quotes from all 5 seasons. Each quote is annotated with its episode
title, and all the quotes have been meticulously compared to the
original scripts for accuracy.

This 317 page compilation will become a trusted resource when you're
making a speech or toast, writing a paper, or looking for a fresh
viewpoint for a newsletter, blank greeting card or important email.
(B5 quotations have previously shown up in wedding vows, prayer
services, webpages, and is one of the biggest sources of sig lines on
the net.)

Best of all, "But In Purple...I'm Stunning" is an instant connection
that keeps you in touch with the Babylon 5 principles and philosophy.
Rediscover favorite quotes you've forgotten and quickly find the ones
important to you. Best of all, flipping through "But In Purple...I'm
Stunning" lets you relive your favorite moments from Babylon 5, one
after another.

Go to www.Babylon5Quotes.com for more information and to order a copy
of your very own.

BABYLON 5 CHRONOLOGIES
For the first time ever available in print and authorized by J.
Michael Straczynski

"Across Time and Space: The Chronologies of Babylon 5"
* Contains two complete chronologies: Terry Jones' Babylon 5
Historical Database (parts of which were previously published in the
now-defunct Official Babylon 5 magazine) and I. Marc Carlson's "Time
Line of the Babylon 5/Crusade Universe."
* Together these two documents are the only sources that give you a
complete picture of the Babylon 5 universe and how it fits in the
history of the world
* Contains important Babylon 5 canon buried in the novels, comic,
books and short stories.
* Up to the minute -- includes "The Lost Tales".
* Includes information that has not been published in a decade from
out-of-print publications such as the Official B5 magazine.
* The ultimate Babylon 5 reference because it weaves the entire B5
universe into a cohesive narrative.
* Includes data from all televised episodes of Crusade and some that
weren't even produced.
* Includes an introduction by Fiona Avery, reference editor for
Babylon 5 and Crusade (and writer of 3 Crusade episodes).

To place your order, go to www.babylon5scripts.com.

DISCUSSION TOPIC:
I, for one, am very happy with the new season of TV shows. There are a
few programs I really like -- Fringe, Sanctuary. There are a few I
want to watch yet -- The Mentalist, Eleventh Hour and it was a long
wait, but HEROES is back and moving at break-neck speed again.

What programs do you enjoy watching? Do you have any favorites yet? Do
any of them remind you of Babylon 5? Sanctuary brought back some good
old memories as I watched the premiere episode; the talk of sentient
beings, the moral questions about what is right and wrong. I'll have
to tune in to see if it continues to hold my interest. So many
programs start off well, but can't sustain the quality over the length
of production.

Send in your thoughts and comments to sgbruckner@.... I will post
them on the Discussion Page for everyone to share and enjoy. There are
some good ones so far. Add yours! If you see an old topic you want to
respond to, go right ahead. We enjoy hearing from you.

KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW

THE CHANGELING AND J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
In this month's "Creative Screenwriting" magazine, there is a
wonderful article by Jason Davis entitled "How CHANGELING Changed J.
Michael Straczynski." An excerpt of that article can be found at
http://www.creativescreenwriting.com/index.html.

FOR PETE'S WAKE
Here's the latest on this film:
FOR PETE'S WAKE will be screening in Canada on Saturday, October 4th
at 1:00 pm. The event will be held at THE INNIS TOWN HALL THEATRE,
located on the University of Toronto campus. Innis Town Hall Theatre
is located at 2 Sussex Avenue, within Innis College on the University
of Toronto's downtown campus, at the NW corner of St. George Street
and Sussex Avenue just south of Bloor Street. Just a five minute walk
from the nearest subway stop, St. George Station. The fest address is
www.indiecanfilmfestival.com.

The film will also be screening at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn in
Studio City in late October, so stay tuned.

This film stars Babylon 5's Pat Tallman and Robin Atkin Downes.

BABYLON 5 BIRTHDAYS

Dylan Neal - October 8
Jeff Conaway - October 5
John Vulich - October 10
Tim Choate - October 11 - we miss you
John Copeland - October 13
Linda Huse - October 16

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.

NEW DVDS

Journey to..Center..Earth 3D - NL (SD/BD)
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Official website: www.journeymovie.com
Synopsis:
Brendan Fraser stars in this action-packed adventure based on the
Jules Vern Classic that is sure to deliver fun for the whole family!
On a hunch to find the center of the earth, Trevor Anderson (Fraser),
his nephew and their tour guide make a breakthrough discovery that
launches them on a thrilling journey into the unknown. On a scramble
to find their way back, the group travels through a never-before-seen
world encountering creatures and objects never imagined.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Two-Disc Special
Edition) (2008)
Release Date: October 14, 2008
Plot:
Famed archaeologist/adventurer Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones is called
back into action when he becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover
the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls.

TORCHWOOD - SEASON 2
Release date: September 16, 2008
Official website: http://www.bbcamericashop.com
Synopsis:
Torchwood follows the adventures of a team of investigators, led by
the enigmatic Captain Jack. Set in the UK in the present day, the team
use scavenged alien technology in a very real world to solve crime;
both alien and human. Separate from the government. Outside the
police. Beyond the United Nations. Everyone who works for Torchwood is
young, under 35. Some say that's because it's a new science. Others
say it's because they die young...
Starring: John Barrowman , Eve Myles , Burn Gorman , Naoko Mori ,
Gareth David-Lloyd
Produced by: Russell T Davies , Julie Gardner
Written by: Chris Chibnall
With fearsome new aliens, compelling new storylines, and amazing guest
stars the second season of Torchwood takes the close-knit team through
dare-devil action, temptation, heartache, and a life changing event
for one of them.

REVIEW
I liked Season Two much better than Season One. The episodes were more
tightly written and easier to follow. In Season One, we were
introduced to the characters and the villans and places. In Season
Two, now that we know the characters, each episode could explore the
characters more and their interactions with each other. If you are a
fan of DOCTOR WHO, this spin-off series is sure to delight you. In
addition, Freema Agyeman reprises her role of Martha Jones in a
3-story arc. She was terrific in DOCTOR WHO -- she's wonderful in
TORCHWOOD.

PUSHING DAISIES
Release Date: September 16, 2008
Official website: http://www.pushingdaisiesdvd.com
Synopsis:
Every not-so-often, along comes a show that's different. Wonderfully
different. Pushing Daisies, TV Guide's Matt Roush writes, "restores my
faith in TV's ability to amuse, enchant and entertain." It's the story
of Ned, a lonely pie maker whose touch can reanimate the dead. Cool,
but there's a hitch. If Ned touches the person again, the miracle is
reversed. If he doesn't, a bystander goes toes up. What to do? Easy:
Team with a private eye, bring murder victims back just long enough to
discover whodunit, and collect the rewards. Things go well until Ned's
boyhood sweetie is the next dear departed, and he can't resist
bringing her back for keeps! Dig the wit, style and quirky romance: If
you're not laughing, you may need a visit from Ned.
Videos from the WB:
Windows - Beaver Boy Ft. 1:51
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/pushingdaisies/season1/
pushingdaisies_s1_tfif_beaver_boy_300.asx
Quicktime
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/pushingdaisies/season1/
pushingdaisies_s1_tfif_beaver_boy_qt_300.mov

REVIEW
PUSHING DAISIES is an unusual romantic comedy that was shortened to
only nine episodes in the first season because of the writer's strike.
Everyone who enjoys the show hopes season two will bring the regular
22 episodes for everyone to enjoy.
The show has perfect casting, directing, production and writing.
PUSHING DAISIES is fresh, original, heart breaking and funny.

Smallville Season 7
Release date: September 9, 2008
Official website: http://www.smallvilledvd.com
Synopsis:
When Clark's cousin Kara (Supergirl) arrives on the scene, Clark
advises her to keep a low profile and master her powers, but Kara has
other ideas and becomes the focus of Lex Luthor's powerlust. Does Lana
Lang prefer Bizarro to the real deal? Lois Lane makes a career leap
and Chloe Sullivan finds that balancing a meteor power with a personal
life isn't easy. New characters and complications abound, along with
new secrets and lore, new thrills and special effects. Power up to
Season 7!

REVIEW
With two less episodes due to the writer's strike, this season seemed
less focused than the others. Not to say it was not good, but the
writers seemed to be coming up with new story lines and ways to have
some of the principal actors exist at the end of the season. Michael
Rosenbaum has consistently been fantastic as Lex Luthor. He will be
sorely missed in season eight, but the void will be filled by new
characters. Tom Welling as Clark Kent has grown considerably as an
actor. Having come to the role as a model, he has shown glimpses of
real acting talent and I hope he continues to stretch himself during
the coming season.

This season brought back James Marsters as Brainiac and he's as good
as ever. He has made the character his own and the episodes featuring
him are favorites.

If you had to pick some favorite episodes from season 7, there are
many. "Descent" may be the best as Lex and his father, Lionel, face
off with tragic results. The final scene with Lex and Clark standing
by Lionel's coffin is a powerful moment not to be missed by any
SMALLVILLE fan.

Supernatural S3
Release date: September 2, 2008
Official website: www.supernaturaldvd.com
Synopsis:
The yellow-eyed demon is vanquished, but at a terrible price. The
battle that brought him down released hundreds of demons from Hell
into an unsuspecting world. And it cost Sam his life. But a
grief-stricken Dean made a deal with the Crossroad Demon --his soul
for Sam's resurrection. Now Dean has just one year to live. One year
to fight the unholy, the twisted, the ghoulish. One year to say
farewell to Sam. And one year for Sam to search desperately for some
way to save his brother. Mind-bending adventure awaits as the
Winchester brothers continue their astonishing odyssey into the
supernatural...and their personal odyssey into destiny.

NEW FAMILY DVDS
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!

NEW SCIENCE FICTION PUBLICATIONS:

Cult Times Issue #154: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: Dr Gaius Baltar has had a
tough old life, tricked by the Cylons and being pushed from pillar to
post. James Callis talks about his character's luck for the final
season; HEROES: Brand new Hero actress Dana Davis discusseswhy she
avoided news of Hurricane Katrina when she got the part, and what it's
like having Star Trek's Uhura as a grandmother! GHOST WHISPERER: Star
Jennifer Love Hewitt relates tales of the recent spooky happenings on
set and gives some insight into Melinda Gordon's far darker third
season world.

TV Zone #231: TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES:
• Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Exclusive interviews - Star
Lena Headey
• Doctor Who (2000s) Exclusive - Monster creator Neill Gorton
• V Exclusive – Star Jane Badler, aka Diana
• Stargate Continuum Exclusive - Star Ben Browder
• Eureka New Season Exclusive - Actor Ed Quinn
• Robot Chicken Exclusive – Show creator Seth Green
• Bonekickers – Star Adrian Lester

TV Zone Special #82: STARGATE ATLANTIS:
• 148 packed pages:
• Stargate Atlantis, Season 5 Part 1
FEATURING:
• Cast and crew interviews
• New images and designs
• Season 4 Visual FX
• Don S Davis tribute

Starburst Issue #365: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: Michael Trucco - Now
revealed as a Cylon the actor wonders how his identity crisis will be
resolved...Edward James Olmos debates reaching Earth with the Cylons…
SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES: Thomas Dekker reflects on filling big shoes
of John Connor…ROBOT - Robot builder Fred Barton talks about how a
childhood craze became a lucrative career! STARGATE ATLANTIS: Paul
McGuillion, Carson Beckett, is back in a new episode teamed with an
all-female SG team…

The Works #21: PRISON BREAK: As a representative of The Company, the
mysterious Susan caused a lot of trouble for banged-up Michael
Scofield in the third season. Jodi Lyn O'Keefe talks waterboarding,
severed heads; NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN: The Oscar- winning star Javier
Bardem and co-star Josh Brolin take a thoughtful look at their roles
as killer Anton Chigurh and opportunistic hunter Llewelyn Moss
respectively.

CONVENTION CALENDAR

October 24-26, 2008
STEEL CITY CON
Place: Pittsburgh, PA
Guests: Ray Park, Daniel Logan, Lou Ferrigno, CJ Graham, Richard Kiel,
Dean Mitchell
For more information, go to http://www.steelcitycon.com.

I guess that is about it for now. Be sure to check back at the
website (http://www.isnnews.net) from time to time to see what's new.

If you have something you would like to share with your fellow Babylon
5 and science fiction fans, pass it along. That could include a movie
review, book review, whatever.

Have a great weekend (or what is left of it).
Be safe,
Sandy

Sandra Bruckner
Editor/Publisher, ISN News: The Zocalo Today
http://www.isnnews.net