Saturday, June 30, 2007

Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/30/2007

6/30/2003:
Unseeeded Australian Mark Philippoussis, healthy again after three knee operations, upsets second seed Andre Agassi in five sets in a round-of-16 match at Wimbledon. Philippoussis serves 46 aces to negate the strongest element of Agassi's game, return of serve, thereby tying a tournament record held by Goran Ivanisevic. He'll reach the final here, only to lost in straight sets to Roger Federer.

Birthdays:
Roy Green b. 1957
Mitch Richmond b. 1965
Garret Anderson b. 1972
Chan Ho Park b. 1973
Michael Phelps b. 1985


The Tsangpo Gorge in Tibet is the deepest river gorge in the world, and its steep drops and raging waters have repelled all attempts to travel its length. Until 2002. In February of that year a team of extreme kayakers, accompanied by Outside writer Peter Heller, arrived to conquer. The story of their battle is epic, and these gladiators find themselves fighting not only nature but also one another and themselves in order to triumph and survive. Heart-pounding action, enthralling history, and meticulous kayaking details. If you’ve been wondering when the next Into Thin Air would arrive, stop waiting. It’s here.

HELL OR HIGH WATER, by Peter Heller (Plume, 2005)

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Friday, June 29, 2007

Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/30/07

6/29/1986:
Argentina defeats West Germany, 3-2, at Aztec Stadium in Mexico City to win its second World Cup soccer championship. Although the team's prominent striker, Maradona, is held scoreless, the defensive manpower needed to keep him in check frees up his teammates for many scoring chances. Jose Luis Brown scores in the 22nd minute and Jorge Alberto Valdano in the 56th to give Argentina an early lead, but the West Germans rally to tie it at 2-2 on a pair of goals scored off corner kick scrambles. Finally, in the 84th minute, Jorge Luis Burruchaga scores for Argentina on a beautiful feed from a double-teamed Maradona, setting off a wild celebration throughout all of South America.

Birthdays:
Harmon Killebrew b. 1936
Dan Dierdorf b. 1949
Rick Honeycutt b. 1952
Pepper Johnson b. 1956
Theo Fleury b. 1968

A marriage is compromised when a wife confesses to having had a long and deep connection to another man. She is an English matron, and the other man was Gandhi. An enticing premise for a novel that enables Heller to explore postwar England and its relationship with India, a woman’s independence, and the fragile bonds of marriage. It’s a surprising sleeper of a novel, one that would make for an excellent discussion at a book club meeting.

THE WOMAN WHO KNEW GANDHI, by Keith Heller (Mariner Books, 2004)

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Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/29/07

6/28/1947:
Bob Falkenburg of Los Angeles ends a gallant run by Austrian Hans Redl in straight sets in the round of 16 at Wimbledon. Despite losing an arm in World War II, Redl returned to tournament tennis and won three matches here before bowing to Falkenburg's powerful game, honed on California hardcourts. He'll continue to play Davis Cup for Austria for many more years, while Falkenburg, though losing in the next round of this year's tourney, will return to win Wimbledon in 1948.

Birthdays:
Don Baylor b. 1949
John Elway b. 1960
Mark Grace b. 1964
Corey Koskie b. 1973
Michael Vick b. 1980

POLITICS

American foreign policy since the end of the Cold War is brilliantly explained in this serious, thoughtful book. Merry, a former Wall Street Journal reporter, considers the dangers inherent in imposing Western values upon alien cultures and explains how America’s crusading nature has affected conflicts around the world and what it can mean for our future. A timely, lucid analysis of current affairs.

SANDS OF EMPIRE, by Robert W. Merry (Simon & Schuster, 2005)

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Thursday, June 28, 2007

Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/27/07

6/27/1974:
Lee Trevino, Bobby Nichols and Jerry Heard are hospitalized with burns after being struck by lightning during second-round play in the Western Open at the Butler National Golf Course in Oak Brook, Illinois. Lightning also knocked clubs out of the hands of Arnold Palmer and Tony Jacklin, but they're uninjured. Trevino and Nichols both withdraw from the rain-plagued tourney, but Heard plays on, finishing in a fourth-place tie behind the winner, Hale Irwin.

Birthdays:
Willie Mosconi b. 1913
Gus Zernial b. 1923
Rico Petrocelli b. 1943
Jeff Conine b. 1966
Daryle Ward b. 1975


MEMOIRS

Travel writer Laura Fraser had been married just a year and half when her husband jilted her for his high school sweetheart. Crushed, she runs away to Italy to lose herself in the languid pace of the Mediterranean. She meets a man on the island of Ischia and begins an affair. But what starts as an Italian affair turns into a Californian, Moroccan, and English one, as every six months or so the lovers meet in a different exotic locale. Fraser’s lovely writing and her sharp characterizations make the book poignant and memorable, and her sophisticated travel descriptions are seamlessly juxtaposed against her ruminations on overcoming heartbreak and facing middle age.

AN ITALIAN AFFAIR, by Laura Fraser (Vintage, 2002)

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Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/26/2007

6/26/1991:
The Charlotte Hornets select power forward Larry Johnson of UNLV with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. A muscular, 6'7" scoring and reboudning force for the Runnin' Rebels, Johnson was the linchpin of their 1990 national championship team. Two of his teammates are also first-round picks (Stacey Augmon at No. 9 by Atlanta and Greg Anthony at No. 12 by the Knicks), making UNLV only the fourth school to achieve that distinction after Indiana (1976), UCLA (1979) and Michigan (1990).

Birthdays:
Greg LeMond b. 1961
Jerome Kersey b. 1962
Shannon Sharpe b. 1968
Derek Jeter b. 1974
Jason Kendall b. 1974


FANTASY

One part Watership Down, one part Lord of the Rings, Tailchaser’s Song is a fantasy epic set in a feline world. Fritti Tailchaser is a tomcat who must go on a quest and battle evil in order to find and rescue his kidnapped friend, Hushpad. The adventure is intense, and the depiction of a world ruled by cats is flawlessly depicted. Tailchaser’s Song was Tad Williams’s first book. He has since become a New York Times bestselling author of many fantasy novels.

TAILCHASER’S SONG, by Tad Williams (1985; DAW, 2000)

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Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/25/2007

6/25/1953:
Czech expatriate Jaroslav Drobny defeats American Budge Patty in a four-hour, five-set marathon on Centre Court at Wimbledon. Thirty-one-year-old Drobny, a left-hander with a big serve and a wide array of slices and spins, saves six match points during the last two sets to outlast his younger Californian foe, who won this fabled event in 1950. Although he'll lose in the semifinals this year, "Drob" will return next year for his 11th try and finally win the tournament to wide popular acclaim.

Birthdays:
Willis Reed b. 1942
Dell Curry b. 1964
Dikembe Mutombo b. 1966
Aaron Sele b. 1970
Carlos Delgado b. 1972


BIOGRAPHIES

Hitchcock was a visual genius who invented a whole new way of telling stories on-screen. His camera angles were fresh, his use of light powerful. McGilligan offers a bold, thorough, and exciting new biography that juxtaposes the images before the camera with the man behind it. Alfred Hitchcock offers the definitive life of a fascinating man, a peek behind the curtains of Hollywood, and an insight into how stories are told. Don’t miss it.

ALFRED HITCHCOCK: A LIFE IN DARKNESS AND LIGHT, by Patrick McGilligan (Regan Books, 2004)

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Sunday, June 24, 2007

Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/24/2007

6/24/1990:
Kansas City outfielder Jim Eisenreich enjoys some sweet satisfaction by going five-for-five against his former team as the Royals blitz Minnesota, 11-2, at the Metrodome. A St. Paul native and formerly an outstanding prospect for the Twins, the personable Eisenreich had been afflicted with a severe case of Tourette's syndrome but was able to resume his career with proper medication and is greeted warmly today by Minnesota fans even while decimating their hometown team.

Birthdays:
Larry Foust b. 1928
Billy Casper b. 1931
Sam Jones b. 1933
Wayne Cashman b. 1945
Juli Inkster b. 1960


Calabria is not romantic Tuscany, nor mysterious Venice. It is the dry, hardscrabble area located at the toe of the peninsula. But in this lesser-known region, Rotella finds family and magic. In some ways Stolen Figs offers just what you’d expect from a travel memoir: luscious settings, memorable meals, and quirky characters. Rotella also meditates on the meaning of roots and family, and takes most readers someplace they’d never otherwise go.

STOLEN FIGS: AND OTHER ADVENTURES IN CALABRIA, by Mark Rotella (North Point Press, 2004)

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Saturday, June 23, 2007

Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/23/2007

6/23/1972:
In one of the NBA's most misguided transactions, the Houston Rockets trade Elvin Hayes to the Baltimore Bullets for Jack Marino. Under enormous pressure, Hayes averages 27 ppg, but was perceived as selfish and uncoachable, hastening his departure. He'll go on to play nine exceptional seasons with the Bullets before returning to Houston for three more years. He'll score over 27,000 points in 16 seasons (21 ppg.) and be selected one of the NBA's Top 50 Greatest Players in 1996.

Birthdays:
Walter Dukes b. 1930
Wilma Rudolph b. 1940
Filbert Bayi b. 1953
Felix Potvin b. 1971
LaDainian Tomlinson b. 1979


THRILLERS

This smart legal thriller, reminiscent of Presumed Innocent, is set in the world of Orthodox Judaism. St. Louis lawyer David Hirsch is in the process of atoning for his sins and getting his life in order when he takes on a case that will lead him into corruption and evil and danger. The pseudonymous Baron—a lawyer from St. Louis himself—explores themes like sin, redemption, and justice within the framework of a top-notch thriller. The Mourning Sexton is complicated, gripping, and intelligent—a brilliant debut.
THE MOURNING SEXTON, by Michael Baron (Jove, 2006)

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Friday, June 22, 2007

Buffy Season 8 Worldchanging.com Review

From Worldchanging.com - By Emily Gertz -
Buffy Season 8 Worldchanging.com Review

If you need something a bit breezier after all that serious reading, here’s my top pick: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight," a new comics series from Dark Horse. The comic picks up where the eponymous television show (which went off the air in 2003 after seven seasons) left off, and it’s penned by Buffy’s creator Joss Whedon — a top talent in feminism-soaked mass-media entertainments. I caught flack from Worldchanging readers a few years ago when I recommended Whedon’s comic "Fray," another tale of the vampire slayers, as well as his fresh and fun Astonishing X-Men series for Marvel Comic, but I stand by my opinion that Whedon is a worldchanger: his tough, smart (both street and book), and funny heroines are some of the most upbeat and intelligent takes on empowered women in contemporary popcult. Some see the sexy garb and (yes, sometimes startling) violence, and the mass media context, as de facto sexist and irrelevant; others see them as feminism’s new wave of mainstream impact.

***SPOILERS***

Hopefully both sides can unite over exchanges such as this pulp fiction dialogue in issue number four:

Black Ops General: "Twilight is coming. For you, for all your monstrous spawn...it all ends very soon."

Buffy: "Are you talking about the girls who are protecting the world from —"

Black Ops General: "Evil? Demons? ...You’ve upset the balance, girl. Do you really think we were going to sit by and let you create a master race?"

Buffy: "This isn’t about demons at all, is it? It’s about women. It’s about power and it’s about women and you just hate those two words in the same sentence, don’t you?"

Sounds like it’s about demons to me, just not the paranormal kind.

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"Watchmen" casting rumours begin! (Nathan Fillion, anyone??)

From Aintitcool.com -
"Watchmen" casting rumours begin! (Nathan Fillion, anyone??)

Hey, everyone. ”Moriarty” here.

Okay... it was about a month ago that we broke the story that Keanu Reeves, Patrick Wilson, and Jude Law had all been offered significant roles in WATCHMEN. Since then, Keanu Reeves passed on the film, and the stories online make it sound like it was a simple matter of him not wanting to do it.

Not quite. Actually, Keanu priced himself out of the film, and Warner is (wisely) banking on the idea that Zack Snyder and the material are the real stars of this movie, the way they were for 300. As a result, they’re looking for actors, not movie stars. The Keanu stories confirm that we were right about Dr. Manhattan at the time we went to print, and Snyder’s also said in other interviews that we are right on the money about the other roles we’ve reported on. So where are things now with the movie?

Well, CHUD.com has a very interesting story up today, and it seems that they’ve got it confirmed thanks to an actor who isn’t in the film, but almost was. Paddy Consadine was a heck of a good choice for Rorschach, but I’m thrilled if it turns out to be true that Jackie Earle Haley’s going to be wearing the mask in the film now. Sure, it makes this a wee bit of a LITTLE CHILDREN reunion, but that’s fine. Both Wilson and Haley are great choices for their respective roles.

And now that Keanu’s not playing Dr. Manhattan, who is? Well, I know they flirted with Billy Crudup for a time, but my sources tell me that the favorite for the role now is Jason Patric, which I think is a hell of a good choice. In fact, that’s probably the best suggestion I’ve heard yet for Dr. Manhattan in all the years the film’s been bouncing around. Patric always seems to be slightly disconnected from the world, but he doesn’t come with any of the baggage that Keanu had.

The Comedian’s still up for grabs, too, but they’ve looked at everyone from Ron Pearlman to Nathan Fillion for the role. Right now, it sounds like there’s one actor who Snyder likes for the part, but I’m not at liberty to divulge his identity yet. Let’s just say it’s a “punishing” choice, and the actor brings a lot of comic book credibility to the role if he ends up playing it.

I’m sure we’ll start hearing more concrete news in the weeks ahead, but for now, I think it’s obvious that Snyder’s casting a wide net, and he’s determined to put together one of the best casts any comic book film has ever had, which is only fair considering the source material.

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Buffy: “Season Eight” Issues 1-4 - “The Long Way Home”

http://www.pinkraygun.com/2007/06/19/buffy-season-eight-issues-1-4-the-long-way-home/


Buffy: “Season Eight” Issues 1-4 - “The Long Way Home”

Much to the delight (and relief) of fans of the Joss Whedon television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the show’s seventh season was not its last. After the show’s cancellation, Whedon decided to continue the Buffyverse in comic form, and March 2007 saw the premiere of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight. Whedon has completed writing the first story arc, titled “The Long Way Home” and will release issue #5 after a July hiatus. A Brian K. Vaughan-penned story arc will begin with issue #6 in September, and the rest of the series will alternately be written by Vaughan, Whedon, and other writers from the Buffy television series, and the entire effort will be “executive-produced” by Whedon himself.

For those of you who missed it, or who are wondering whether “The Long Way Home” is worth the trouble and investment, here’s a recap and review:

Issue #1 starts with Buffy’s narration, and Whedon’s trademark humor - The thing about changing the world…once you do it, the world’s all different. Everybody calls me ma’am these days. From there, we learn that Buffy is now the elder stateswoman amongst a passel of young slayers - 1,800, to be exact. She is stationed in Scotland along with Xander, who is acting as her high-tech watcher. Slayers are now an organized force - and there’s much with the kicking ass and mutilation of demon-types - but at the end of their first mission, they come across a body with a mysterious symbol carved into its chest.

Meanwhile, back in the United States, the armed forces are dealing with the aftermath of Sunnydale’s destruction. Their attitude toward Buffy is reflected through General Voll, who sees her as “charismatic, uncompromising, and completely destructive.” He criticizes the fact that the slayer army’s interests do not “jibe” with American ones, and they are seen as terrorists.

Back at Buffy’s headquarters in Scotland, mysteries abound. Not only is she trying to figure out what the symbol carved into the body means, but she is also trying to get Dawn to explain how her, ahem, big problem came to pass. Uh…she’s a giant now. That’s what one gets for dating a thricewise…

The military in the States discusses what to do with two “subjects” found after “the decimation” of Sunnydale. One of them is being kept alive by magic. The other is a “nut-job” who “wants a lot of cheese.”

Yup. Amy is back!

REVIEW (Issue #1): This issue should make any Buffy fan happy - oh, who am I kidding? The Buffy fans have already read it. This is for the rest of you! For the rest of you, this issue effectively plops you into the slayer world, giving you all the back story a reader needs, while at the same time setting up the new slayer order. However, Whedon the writer never writes big battles and military intrigue at the expense of the human element. The characters have grown as well. Buffy has moved a bit past her darkness, and can see more clearly as a leader. Xander, is an effective leader as well, earning himself the respect of the other slayers, and an adorable crush from a young slayer named Renee. I appreciated the intimate conversations between Buffy and Xander, as well as Buffy and Dawn, whose relationship with her older sister is just as complicated as ever. I was intrigued by the position of the US government, and looked forward to what their view of the slayer army would mean for our beloved heroine. And the big reveal of Amy at the end flat-out made me squee with glee.

And aside from the writing, I have to give special props to the cover artist, Jo Chen, whose cover of Buffy casually wielding her slayer ax is lovely.

Issue #2 begins with Giles’ narration as he watches Buffy attempt to train her fellow slayers. Meanwhile, we see that Andrew has been incorporated into the organization, as he gives a pep talk to the slayers he’s watching in Italy later that evening.

The next day, Xander has a heart-to-heart with Dawn, and in his insightful way brings up the fact that she may have made herself a giant on purpose to get attention from Buffy. He is rewarded for his insight with a giant sploosh of water…

General Voll discusses their plan with an underling. Their op, Amy, has been “inserted.” When he is alone, he undresses for bed and reveals that the mysterious symbol on the body Buffy found is carved into his chest as well.

What the reader thinks is a long-overdue smooch for Buffy becomes a nightmare, and we see that Amy has Buffy tied down. She has inflicted her with nightmares and is about to stab her in the chest when Xander and some of the other slayers burst into the room with a crossbow and take her down. However, while Buffy was protected from Amy’s blade through mystical protection, Amy reveals that the nightmares that she’s inflicted on Buffy can only be stopped by the “kiss of true love.”

There’s an ATTACK ON THE CASTLE. The slayers are distracted from the Buffy situation by legions of demons. Amy laughs at their predicament, saying that in a room full of slayers “there’s not one person here who can take [her] on.”

Right on cue, Willow appears at the window, ready to take her on.

REVIEW (Issue #2): All I have to say is WILLOW!! Arguably every Buffy fan’s favorite character, the reappearance of Willow in this issue is definitely its highlight. There is much, though, that is wonderful about this issue. Seeing Giles and Andrew again also brought a smile to my face. General Voll being tied to the symbol Buffy discovered sets the stage for the next two issues. But again, the best moments are the intimate ones - Xander and Dawn talking as she bathes in a lake, Renee being forced to deny her crush on “Mr. Harris”, and the device of Buffy’s fears and insecurities being explored through her nightmares…all effective ways of revealing these characters fully, and in ways that are true to the Buffyverse. And Willow looks fabulous in that dress.

Issue #3 picks up on the “yay, Willow!” vibe right from the cover, with Jo Chen drawing Willow in a hot outfit and spelling out the title of the series in smoke, making everyone who looks at it wish they were half as cool as Willow is. The story itself starts in Buffy’s “dreamspace” as Ethan Rayne begins to explain what’s happening to her, revealing some of Buffy’s more embarrassing dreams in the process.It’s a Battle of the Witches as Willow and Amy duke it out using both magic and wit. Buffy is led through her dreamscape, and Ethan explains that Amy has weakened herself, not to mention given some access into her own dreamspace, by using her powers to interfere with Buffy’s subconscious. He also mentions “there’s a memory [they] need.” Amy gets just weak enough, and Willow gets just pissed enough to buy Dawn the time she needs to get over there and stomp on Amy Jack and the Beanstalk-style with a fi-fi-fo “fucking fum!”Ethan leads Buffy to the memory they need, belonging to Amy and set in her rat cage. He makes her take note of the fact that there are three crossbeams - Triple X - saying “I’m more an antique Roman than a Dane….Just remember what you see here. Twilight is falling. You’re going to need all the help you can get. Pet.”

Back in the waking world, Willow explains the true love spell, and forces everyone in the room to close their eyes so that the person who is in love with Buffy can kiss her to wake her whilst being spared embarrassment. Buffy is awakened…and we don’t know by whom.

As Giles speaks with one of the survivors of Buffy’s attack in issue #1 about shared interests and a possible conspiracy that affects both demons and the slayers, Andrew complains to Xander over the phone about how he’s having no fun in Italy as he’s forced to entertain himself by playing strip poker with the slayers…Xander looks in on Renee, who is healing from the most recent demon army attack, and it looks as though the romantic interest isn’t entirely one-sided! Willow, Buffy, and Xander catch up as they keep Amy bound under a spell, and while we learn that Willow and Kennedy are still together (although on a break since she died - “Oh no! She’s fine! Mystical thing, only lasted a month”), we don’t learn much else about what she’s been up to since Sunnydale went ka-blewie.

Amy suddenly drags Willow through a portal she’d opened, taking her to what looks like a military installation. Suddenly, Willow is mystically strapped to a metal gurney. Amy explains that she was “contracted” to bring in Buffy, but that she was sure that Buffy would come after her. Meanwhile, “they” had a reason to bring Willow there as well. Willow is confused. Amy isn’t alone? And then, the one referred to only as “her boyfriend” up until now steps out of the shadows.

Warren. Without skin, but with a really big grudge.

REVIEW (Issue #3): Jesus Harold Tap Dancing CHRIST, was that a great issue! The momentum that had been built through the first two issues culminates in a burst of information and yet another amazing reveal. Dawn’s size is used to excellent, hilarious effect. The seeds are planted for the idea that demons and slayers may have a common enemy. The connection between Amy and the US military gets ever closer. Yet, for every question that is close to being answered, several new, exciting questions are asked that signal some interesting plot shifts to come. What had Willow been up to while she was away? What were Ethan, and her dreamscape, trying to tell Buffy? What is the slayers’ and demons’ common enemy? Who is in love with Buffy? And most importantly, how does one survive flaying? Issue #3 kicked the story arc up a notch while, again, staying true to the characters and allowing them to develop as they need to. I will give this issue the biggest compliment I can think of: it was Buffy episode-worthy.

Issue #4, the final issue in this story arc, throws us right into the middle of Willow’s plight as Warren explains how he got to this point. Apparently, as he was being flayed, Amy was watching and had a four second window to save him before he died of shock - “Her magic is [his] skin.” He then reveals that he and Amy were responsible for Kennedy’s “death”, and he revels in having Willow in such a vulnerable position.

In an illuminating moment, Dawn reveals her frustration about not being able to do anything to save Willow, despite her size. She says “Will is like a mom to me” as we catch a glimpse of Buffy’s hurt face in shadow.

Later, Xander, Buffy and the other slayers are working on reopening the portal through which Amy dragged Willow. Xander reminds her that they will “…play it smart. And [they should] remember that [Willow] is stronger than all of [them].”

Back at the military installation, Warren explains that the mystical bonds that hold Willow feed off her own power. The stronger she becomes, the tighter she is held, and he menacingly brings a scalpel to her head.

Buffy chooses one of the younger slayers, Satsu, to accompany her through the portal. Amy prepares General Voll and Co, telling them to point their weapons at the portal, because she’s sure Buffy will come after Willow, and that will be their chance to apprehend her. But she warns them to leave Willow to Warren, because they have “history.”

Willow uses her powers to take her non-corporeal self into a spiritual plane of existence, where she speaks with other spirits/demons she seems to know. They say that her “heart” can stay there with them until she is free, but that this “refuge” is temporary and they can’t stop what Warren is doing to her.

Buffy and Co. open the portal, but when the military tries to shoot into it with a massive super-weapon, the beam is deflected by a concave mirror the slayers have set up on their side of the portal, sending it shooting right back at them. Buffy and Satsu spring into action, go through the portal, and begin taking out military types using good old fashioned hand-to-hand combat. After defeating them, Buffy finds a general and says “We tried to be nice here, but some of your men are dying. There’s one person in this complex powerful enough to heal them. You can tell me where she is, or…” Xander, communicating with her to tell her where they are and where they need to go to find Amy, interrupts her. The military installation is two miles outside of Sunnydale. Says Buffy as she approaches Amy: “I’m the one who wanted to go home.”

Willow, however, has a plan. She gives Buffy some of her power - or perhaps they really are a part of each other, as Willow puts it - but in any case, Buffy is able to use some of Willow’s power to show Amy her own nightmares that she shared with Buffy when invading her dreamspace. This distracts Amy long enough for Satsu to throw a grenade at her. But the blast doesn’t prevent Amy and Warren from getting away through another portal. Willow, however, is saved, and the slayers rejoice.

On the way out, Buffy notices a door labeled “30″ - Triple X. She opens it and finds Ethan Rayne’s dead body, and General Voll’s live one. He tries to shoot her the way he shot Ethan, but Buffy flings him across the cell, knocking the gun out of his hand. His shirt has come loose, and she notices the mysterious symbol on his chest (a sun setting and a star rising) - Twilight. She puts together Ethan’s warnings. Then, General Voll reveals Buffy’s newest enemy: Twilight is coming….You’re not human. You’ve been to war with the demons, with The First, but believe me you picked the wrong side. ‘Cause God help us if you win then you’ll decide the world still isn’t the way you want it and the demon in you will say just one thing. “Slay.” We’re not waiting for that to happen. We will wipe you out. Not just monsters anymore. It’s you against the world. You’re at war with the human race. O…..kay.

REVIEW (Issue #4): Upon first reading, I was a bit disappointed with this issue. The resolution with Willow, Warren and Amy seemed too pat. The story seemed jumbled and confusing. However, on my second reading for this review, I was better equipped to get more out of it. I absolutely adore the new direction the series is taking - Buffy against the world. While I could have done without a preachy line about the world being afraid of women having power - we could have figured that out without it being spelled out for us - this new direction makes sense, as Buffy’s always been an outsider among “regular” humans. Now, though, she has an army backing her up, and so she’s ready for this fight that’s been a long time coming. That really is the best thing about this issue - the introduction of this “new war.”

What made this issue less successful than the first three had less to do with story, and more to do with story telling. As we know, this series is based on a television show, where quick cuts and certain visuals are effective. However, many of those same techniques employed on a comic page can sometimes be too much for the eye to handle, causing a reader to lose track of what is actually happening. The transitions were clearer in the first three issues. This issue was a bit visually unwieldy and may require a second reading to get everything one can out of it.

However, “The Long Way Home” as a whole is an extremely strong start to what is sure to be a successful series for Dark Horse. Thank you, Joss Whedon, for bringing back the beloved Buffyverse in a medium at which you excel.

TERESA JUSINO entered the world kicking and screaming in 1979 and hasn’t stopped screaming since. An actress, writer, producer, Teresa’s work has been seen in several venues and mediums. As an actress, she has appeared at several venues in NYC and regional theater. As a writer, her work has appeared in Elmont Life newspaper, and on the sadly defunct website, CentralBooking.com. As a producer, she is currently producing two new theater pieces - Emergency Contraception!: The Musical, and Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here (2008), as well as the short film, Hassan/Ali. As a geek, Teresa loves Star Trek, Lost, comics, and anything Joss Whedon ever touched. Also, she has a fangirl *squee-ing* crush on Brian K. Vaughan. Yes, she knows he’s married.

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Buffy Omnibus Volume 1 Preview.

http://whedonesque.com/

Buffy Omnibus Volume 1 Preview. Dark Horse has put up a 26 page preview of the upcoming Buffy Omnibus Volume 1 which will be released on July 18.
hitnrun017 | Printed matter | 02:16 CET | 8 comments (8 new)

http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/preview.php?theid=14-632

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus Volume 1

The definitive comics collection of all things Buffy starts here. This first massive volume begins at the beginning-The Origin, a faithful adaptation of creator Joss Whedon's original screenplay for the film that started it all. The newly chosen Slayer's road to Sunnydale continues in Viva Las Buffy and Slayer, Interrupted. Next, Sunnydale, the Scoobies, and an English librarian lead the way into Season One continuity. Plus, The Goon creator Eric Powell provides pencils to "All's Fair," featuring Spike and Drusilla at the 1933 World's Fair.

The smash TV hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer led to nearly a decade of comics at Dark Horse-including multiple specials, one-shots, and guest miniseries. This omnibus series is the ultimate compilation of the Buffy comics Dark Horse has published, and runs along the TV series' timeline. A fitting companion to Whedon's comics-based relaunch of the show.

Pub. Date: July 18, 2007
Format: Full color, 320 pages, 6" x 9"
Age range: 12+
Price: $24.95
ISBN-10: 1-59307-784-X
ISBN-13: 978-1-59307-784-6

TFAW: More titles, more toys, more stuff, more fun!

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SFX Magazine: Nathan Fillion is a hero

From Sfx.co.uk -
SFX Magazine: Nathan Fillion is a hero

These days we all love our heroes. But while many people associate the idea with power of one sort or another, be it Wolverine or Hiro Nakamura, few people actually think about the meaning of the word. That’s why actor, funnyman and all round legend Nathan Fillion has teamed up with British artist Martin Firrell to create a new art concept challenging the perception of heroism and what it means to be called a hero in the 21st century.

"I believe it really is no exaggeration to say that our societies may well not survive unless we can provide men with new ideas about serving their communities without the use of force," states Martin Firrell’s web creation. "The attempt to define a new kind of heroism is what this public art project is about… where kindness is seen as a greater expression of strength than cruelty."

Some content from the project is appearing on the net, while the rest will be staged in London. So if you want to see Fillion’s head on the side of a building, get yourself down there later in the year - more details to follow. You can find out more and see the first instalment here:

http://www.martinfirrell.com/hero.html

You may also be interested to know that there’s an article in the Times today about Martin Firrell’s philosophy, which also references the Doctor as a role-model for our age. Check it out here. And in issue 160 of SFX (on sale Wednesday 1 August) you’ll find the long-awaited Nathan Fillion interview, featuring your questions.

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Whedonphilia : Joss Whedon Takes Over PDX

From Portlandmercury.com -
Whedonphilia : Joss Whedon Takes Over PDX

There’s one thing you need to know about fans of Joss Whedon: They’re hardcore. So much more hardcore than you. They love Whedon’s creations—TV’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the sci-fi film Serenity, and Firefly, the TV series Serenity was based on—with an intensity most reserve for their own children. Which is cool, for a few reasons. First, Whedon’s work is some of the best in recent memory. Second, his fans do some serious good with their almost religious fervor.

This year’s the second in what’s shaping up to be an annual tradition: Last year, the idea of a Portland charity screening of Serenity spread to other cities, eventually raising over $69,000 for Equality Now, a foundation "for the protection and promotion of the human rights of women around the world." This year, Portland has two Serenity charity screenings, and they’ll be joined by over 50 other screenings around the world—from Canada to New Zealand—with the proceeds benefiting Equality Now. (Tickets: $13 in advance, $18 day of show.)

And this year, Cinema 21 gets in on the action with two midnight, sing-along screenings of Buffy’s musical episode, "Once More with Feeling." Out of the $10 admission—for an event that promises to include "singing, dancing, shouting, and laughing"—a dollar will be donated to Equality Now.

For those who haven’t seen Serenity—one of the best films of 2005—this is as good of an opportunity as ever. (Big screen. Plus, that whole "doing good for other people" thing.) And for those who might shrug off Buffy’s musical episode, don’t be so hasty: I’d rather pour boiling acid into my ears than suffer though most musicals, but this one’s a blast. See you this weekend, Whedonphiles.

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Best O' Buffy


Best O' Buffy
BY ERIK HENRIKSEN AND COURTNEY FERGUSON

This weekend, Cinema 21 is hosting two nights of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, sing-along style: The series' musical episode, "Once More with Feeling," will be screened with Rocky Horror-style audience participation. (See Film, pg. 44, for more info.) Watching all seven seasons of Buffy to prepare might be a bit much—so here are a few of our favorite episodes.

"Hush" (Season 4, Episode 10)—This super-creepy, Emmy-nominated episode is told with hardly any dialogue as the silent, nightmarish monsters known as The Gentlemen glide through town, stealing residents' voices. As if that wasn't scary enough, they also steal hearts. Big, bloody hearts.

"Fool for Love" (Season 5, Episode 7)—Spike's long-awaited backstory unfolded in an episode that stretched from China's Boxer Rebellion to New York City in the '70s. It's one of the series' very best, anchored by a heartfelt, surprising, and sad story—as well as James Marsters' charming, dangerous performance as the bleached blond vampire Spike.

"Band Candy" (Season 3, Episode 6)—The fateful episode where Giles—Buffy's stiff British watcher—morphs into "Ripper," Giles' badass teenage self. In fact, all of Sunnydale's adults revert to reckless teens after chowing down on the high school band's haunted fundraising candy!

"The Body" (Season 5, Episode 16)—The unsettling episode in which Buffy's mom, Joyce, kicks the bucket isn't just superbly written and directed by Joss Whedon—it also got rid of Buffy's mom. Which was awesome, since she was super annoying. Almost as annoying as Buffy's stupid sister, Dawn. But not quite.

"Graduation Day, Part One" (Season 3, Episode 21)—What makes this one of the best Buffy episodes EVER? Good slayer (Buffy) and bad slayer (Faith) face off in a leather-clad, plate-glass-window-breaking, handcuffed fight scene that shames any other brawl you've ever seen! The life of Angel—Buffy's vampire boyfriend—is hanging by a thread, and only the blood of a slayer can save him. That's bad for him but good for us, since Buffy plans to drain Faith dry to save her undead man—resulting in much kicking of slayer ass.

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Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/22/2007

When asked what it's like to play a low-scoring game at high-altitude, hitter-friendly Coors Field in Denver, Colorado Rockies manager Clint Hurlde observed: "It's like eating spaghetti in a white shirt."

Birthdays:
Carl Hubbell b. 1903
Davey O'Brien b. 1917
Pete Maravich b. 1947
Clyde Drexler b. 1962
Champ Bailey b. 1978

QUIRKY HISTORIES

Practical jokes are not a recent phenomenon, as college professor Rowland proves in her entertaining history of a doozy of a gag from Renaissance Italy. Bored, rich Tuscan teenager Curzio Inghirami forged some documents that linked Tuscany to the ancient Etruscan civilization and buried them at his family’s villa in Scornello. For an extra dash of authenticity, he placed the documents in scarith, a container made of hair and mud. Tuscany was in a furor over the discovery and eventually so was Rome. How long could the trickster keep up his charade? How would false documents be exposed? Read this delicious history to find out. THE SCARITH OF SCORNELLO: A TALE OF

A RENAISSANCE FORGERY, by Ingrid D. Rowland (University of Chicago Press, 2004)

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Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/21/2007

6/21/1965:
Gary Player wins the U.S. Open in an 18-hole playoff with Australian Kel Nagle at Bellerive in St. Louis and then returns his $25,000 winner's check to the USGA to be spent on the development of youth golf ($20*) and for cancer research ($5K). The gracious South African is only the third golfer to achieve a career grand slam (all four majors), joining Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan. He's also the first foreign-born winner of the Open since Ted Ray of England in 1920.

Birthdays:
Howie Morenz b. 1902
Eddie Lopat b. 1918
Rick Sutcliffe b. 1956
Tom Chambers b. 1959
Derrick Coleman b. 1967


Uruguayan writer Chavarría is one of the darlings of the Latin American literary scene, winning prizes and wide readership for his wry tales. Adios Muchachos pits bicycle hooker Alicia against twisted businessman Victor in a tale that reminds readers to never hustle a hustler. The plot twists through Havana’s mansions and alleys, encountering prostitutes, perverts, and millionaires, as Alicia and Victor see who will triumph and finally bid Cuba adios. All the fun and corruption of a Carl Hiaasen novel, with even more sex and mayhem.

ADIOS MUCHACHOS, by Daniel Chavarría (Akashic Books, 2001)

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Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/20/2007

6/20/1983:
The Pirates score a pair of extra-inning victories over the Cubs in a twi-night doubleheader at Three Rivers Stadium that doesn't end until nearly 2:00 A.M. Richie Hebner's pinch-hit walkoff homer ends the opener, 5-4 in 10 innings, and Marvell Wynne's RBI single wins the nightcap, 6-5, in 13 innings. Bill "Soup" Campbell absorbs both losses in relief for the Cubbies. There are only a few hundred fans left to witness the exciting finish.

Birthdays:
Doris Hart b. 1925
Len Dawson b. 1935
Dave Elmendorf b. 1949
MaliVai Washington b. 1969
LaVar Arrington b. 1978


IF YOU LIKE DOGS, YOU’LL LOVE...

Jon Katz is not the first city slicker to buy a farm and move to the country. But the story of his move to upstate New York might be the first that focuses on his dogs. Katz adopts three border collies and buys a herd of sheep and learns to become a shepherd. Of course, he learns much more than that: about himself, about dogs, and about love. Funny and sweet, and sometimes moving-to-tears, Katz’s chronicle of his adventures is poised to become a classic for the canine set.

THE DOGS OF BEDLAM FARM, by Jon Katz (Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2005)

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Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/19/2007

6/19/1936:

German heavyweight Max Schmeling upsets unbeaten Joe Louis with a 12th-round knockout at Yankee Stadium, interrupting the Brown Bomber's march toward the world title. Despite the outcome of this fight, it is Louis who gets the next title shot in 1937 against James J. Braddock. He'll win the title from Braddock and then demolish Schmeling in a memorable rematch in this same ring two years from now.

Birthdays:
Lou Gehrig b. 1903
Leo Nomellini b. 1924
Shirley Muldowney b. 1940
Doug Mientkiewicz b. 1974
Dirk Nowitzky b. 1978

CHICK LIT

Think of Serious as a Heart Attack as the love child of Helen Fielding and Dashiell Hammett. It’s chick noir, and it’s really entertaining. Queenie Sells is just a nice gal who’s down on her luck. On the same day she gets fired from her job, she gets mistaken for a stripper’s killer. The only way to save herself is to find the real perp. If you like your gumshoes in Manolos, this is the book to read.

SERIOUS AS A HEART ATTACK, by Louisa Luna (Washington Square Press, 2005)

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Buffy s.8 comic sales go from strength to strength!

From Icv2.com -
Buffy s.8 comic sales go from strength to strength!

Overall eleven of the top 25 titles were down while over seven registered gains (seven were one-shots or number 1’s), but that ratio is a little misleading — with the exception of Captain America #26, which plummeted from the enormous sales of the previous death-driven issue, the drops in circulation were generally very small, while the Incredible Hulk more than doubled its circulation (due to the World War Hulk event) and Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer #3 (which is really a continuation of the Buffy TV series — Buffy Season Eight) was up substantially and the first issue in that series sold an additional 15 thousand plus copies in May after selling some 16,800 reorder copies in April. Marvel’s Dark Tower has also been selling hefty reorder numbers (#2 had May sales of over 18,500 copies).

170,027 Fallen Son Death of Captain America: Captain America

131,753 Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born #4

129,285 Justice League of America #9

126,449 Captain America #26

126,425 New Avengers #30

120,495 Astonishing X-Men #21

119,662 Amazing Spider-Man #540

115,440 Mighty Avengers #3

114,302 All Star Batman & Robin #5

111,153 World War Hulk Prologue: World Breaker

110,192 Incredible Hulk #106

106,634 Buffy the Vampire Slayer #3

105,745 Ultimates 2 #13

103,189 Avengers Initiative #2

102,075 52 Week 52

96,900 Justice Society of America #6

96,082 Wolverine #54

92,821 New Avengers Illuminati #3

91,083 Countdown 51

83,752 Countdown 50

81,965 Uncanny X-Men #486

81,484 Countdown 49

81,324 Marvel Zombies: Dead Days

80,122 Batman #665

79,810 Countdown 48

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Monday, June 18, 2007

Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/18/2007

6/18/1999:
A pair of marathon matches make for a long day at the semifinals of the Eastbourne Championships in England, a Wimbledon tune-up event. First, Nathalie Tauziat of France rallies from 1-5 down in the final set to defeat Anna Kournikova of Russia, 6-4, 4-6, 8-6. Then, in one of the longest matches in women's tennis history, Natasha Zvereva of Belarus outlasts Amanda Coetzer of South Africa 6-7 (5), 7-6 (4), 10-8 in 3 hours and 20 minutes. Tomorrow's final will also go three sets when Zvereva, after dropping the first nine games, beats Tauziat for the title.

Birthdays:
George Mikan b. 1924
Lou Brock b. 1939
Andres Galarraga b. 1961
Sandy Almoar Jr. b. 1966
Luke Jensen b. 1966


If you judge The Last Song of Dusk by its cover, you’ll want to buy it. (The gorgeous image of a Technicolor peacock alone is worth the price.) If you judge the book by the praise it’s received, you’ll want to pick it up. (Shanghvi is in a league with Salman Rushdie and Arundhati Roy, the critics promise.) If you judge the book by its content, you’ll want to read it. Set in 1920s India, it is a love story rife with longing and desire and heartbreak. See if you aren’t seduced.

THE LAST SONG OF DUSK, by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi (Arcade Publishing, 2004)

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Sunday, June 17, 2007

Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/17/2007

Father's Day

6/17/1983:
Pitcher Bob Welch of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits the first home run of his career off Cincinnati ace Mario Soto, and it proves to be the only run of the night as L.A. wins, 1-0, at Dodger Stadium. .Each fastballing right-hander goes the distance. Welch hurling a six-hit shutout with four strikeouts and Sojo allowing just five hits while fanning eight. Unfortunately for Sojo, he gets careless with one pitch against his mound opponent in the sixth inning and it costs him the game. In 519 lifetime games encompassing 582 official at bats, Welch will hit just one more homer during his 17-year career.

Birthdays:
Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch b. 1923
Maurice Stokes b. 1933
Bobby Bell b. 1940
Dan Jansen b. 1965
Venus Williams b. 1980



YOU’VE NEVER READ WILLIAM BOYD?

William Boyd was born in Africa, raised in Scotland, and lives in London. He’s one of England’s most celebrated living novelists, but much lesser known in the United States. If you’ve never read him, consider starting with Brazzaville Beach. It’s the story of a primatologist working in Africa who was driven to reevaluate her marriage and her work with chimpanzees. The depth and richness of Boyd’s writing and the way in which he mingles his storylines is “brilliant...thought-provoking and entertaining.” (The Washington Post Book World). Atta Boyd!

BRAZZAVILLE BEACH, by William Boyd (HarperPerennial, 1995)

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Saturday, June 16, 2007

Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/16/2007

6/16/1964:
Ken Boyer hits for a natural cycle with a single, double, triple and home run in that order to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 7-1 win over the Houston Colt .45s. The Cards' third baseman is enjoying a career year, hitting .295 with 24 homers and 119 RBIs. He'll win the National League MVP award and also lead St. Louis to a World Series championship with a pivotal grand-slam homer in the fourth game.

Birthdays:
Roberto Duran b. 1951
Wayne "Tree" Rollins b. 1955
Wally Joyner b. 1962
Phil Mickelson b. 1970
Kerry Wood b. 1977


WEIRD SCIENCE

“Engrossing.”—Christian Science Monitor

“Nuanced.”—Entertainment Weekly

“Infectious.”—San Francisco Chronicle

You’d never guess the subject was worms from the raves The Earth Moved received. The critics were thrilled with Stewart’s passion for her tiny, slimy muses. Turns out—worms are amazing. They detoxify, fertilize, immunize, and more. You’ll gain a whole new appreciation for your subterranean tenants and be entertained by this delightful book.

THE EARTH MOVED: ON THE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS OF EARTHWORMS, by Amy Stewart (Algonquin Books, 2005)

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"Sweeney Todd" Movie's Official website opens (stars ASH)

From Sweeneytoddmovie.com -
"Sweeney Todd" Movie's Official website opens (stars ASH)

Click on the link :

http://www.sweeneytoddmovie.com/

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No wonder I'm often disappointed in Hollywood (Joss mentioned!)

From Afterellen.com -
No wonder I'm often disappointed in Hollywood (Joss mentioned!)

Some of you may have heard of "development hell." This is the pit of red tape and phone tag that happens when a movie becomes mired, seemingly endlessly, in the development stage. A film can have a big-name director and A-list stars attached to it for years before it extricates itself from this Hollywood quagmire. This week, in 20 Movies Not Coming Soon to a Theater Near You, Premiere.com lists 20 films they’d like to see "dug out of development hell and brought to a multiplex near you."

I’m not sure what to think of Premiere.com, because of the 20 flicks they listed, about three of them had women in them. Personally, I’m glad most of these movies haven’t made it out of development hell. I’d like Hollywood to attempt (I know it’s hard for them, but come on) to make more movies that tell stories of interest to the majority of the population - not teenage guys.

Nonetheless, here are the lesbianish highlights from the list:

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay: Based on Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about two immigrant cousins who create a comic book, the film was set to star Natalie Portman and Tobey Maguire.

A Confederacy of Dunces: Drew Barrymore and Lily Tomlin were on board for this adaptation of John Kennedy Toole’s book, but rights concerns tabled the film at Paramount. Apparently the project is in development once again, though.

Wonder Woman: Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Lopez were rumored to be in the running to play the Amazon with the golden lasso, but honestly I can’t see either of them donning that outfit (and I’m totally a Sandy fan). As far as I’m concerned, the most disappointing thing about the Warner Bros. film is the fact that the studio nixed Joss Whedon’s script and hired some other people to write it. Note to Warner Bros.: You royally messed up. Joss, more than any other Hollywood writer these days, knows how to create a female heroine.

The lack of a Joss Whedon-helmed Wonder Woman, in my opinion, basically sums up what’s wrong with Hollywood these days. Instead of a nuanced re-envisioning of the story, I now fully expect someone like Halle Berry to headline the movie, which will be chock full of CGI special effects and explosions rather than actual storytelling.

Maybe they should stick Wonder Woman back in development.

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