Thoughts of a Chilled Out Entertainer
July 26th, 2004 — Music
According to several news reports, U2 may decide to release their as-of-yet untitled new album on Apple’s digital music service, iTunes, should the songs stolen last week make their way onto the internet. Bono told the Daily Telegraph that if the songs were leaked, the band would “release it immediately.”
If the songs should fail to surface, every indication is that the album will be released this November. Speculation is that it will be called “Vertigo.”
July 26th, 2004 — Television
HBO announced last Thursday that the sixth and final season of the Sopranos will not premiere until sometime in 2006. It seems that David Chase is being given as much time as necessary to create the best last ten episodes he can. Rumor has it that although ten is the working number, we may get lucky and end up with even more.
Meanwhile, the best comedy on television, Curb Your Enthusiasm, will be back in 2005 for a fifth season.
Now, that’s something worth being enthusiastic about!
July 26th, 2004 — Television
Coming in November!
According to DVD news site, thedigitalbits.com, Columbia TriStar will finally release the first two seasons of Seinfeld sometime in Novemeber.
You can sign up for notification of the exact details at the official Seinfeld website.
July 26th, 2004 — Film
This announcement appeared on StarWars.com this weekend:
Special Announcement: Episode III Title
July 24, 2004
starwars.com is pleased to announce that Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith is the full title of the next Star Wars film, scheduled for release on May 19, 2005.
The Sith are masters of the dark side of the Force and the sworn enemies of the Jedi. They were all but exterminated by the Jedi a thousand years ago, but the evil order continued in secrecy. They operated quietly, behind the scenes, acting in pairs - a Master and an Apprentice - patiently biding their time before they could take over the galaxy. In Episode III, they’ll finally exact their revenge on the Jedi.
The title was publicly revealed today in a special presentation to a packed audience of Star Wars fans at Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. “For some time now, the naming of a new Star Wars movie has taken on some special meaning among core fans, who love to take part in guessing games before a title is announced, and then engage in debate once it is,” said Steve Sansweet, Director of Content Management and Head of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm. “Let the debates begin.”
The title wasn’t the only surprise for those in attendance at the presentation. Click here for news about even more Star Wars DVDs in 2004 and 2005, surprise celebrity guests, new planets in Episode III, and more…
First Revenge of the Sith T-shirt
At the end of the Star Wars Spectacular presentation, Steve Sansweet revealed he was wearing a special T-shirt bearing the Episode III title, with a style reminiscent of the 1982 Fan Club Revenge of the Jedi logo and shirts available for a limited time before the final Return of the Jedi title was revealed. “If you’re interested in one, stop by the shop at the Star Wars pavilion, where they’re going on sale just about now.”
If you’re not at the show, don’t worry… you can order your own retro Revenge of the Sith shirt now available exclusively here at StarWarsShop.com.
About Episode III
After three long years of relentless fighting, the Clone Wars are nearly at an end. The Jedi Council dispatches Obi-Wan Kenobi to bring General Grievous, the deadly leader of the Separatist droid army, to justice. Meanwhile, back on Coruscant, Chancellor Palpatine has grown in power. His sweeping political changes transform the war-weary Republic into the mighty Galactic Empire. To his closest ally, Anakin Skywalker, he reveals the true nature of power and the promised secrets of the Force in an attempt to lure him to the dark side.
July 24th, 2004 — Arsenal FC
Again, there was no broadcast of this match, so I can’t tell you anything about it in my own words. Here’s what Richard Clarke of Arsenal.com thought of today’s friendly:
From Arsenal.com:
By Richard Clarke at the Judenburg Stadium
Arsenal’s Double Dutch strike-force scored for the third consecutive friendly as Arsene Wenger’s side beat Grazer AK 2-1 on Saturday night.
Forward Dennis Bergkamp and winger Robin van Persie had hit the net in the Gunners’ first two pre-season victories - against Barnet and Maribor - and they were on the scoresheet again in this regulation win in Austria.
Veteran Bergkamp put the visitors ahead in the opening minutes but Grazer’s Alen Skoro grabbed a well-taken equaliser just before the half-hour. Van Persie cracked a superb volley to put Arsenal back in front 12 minutes after the interval.
The Judenburg Stadium was a serene setting for a football match. Pine trees surrounded the goal at one end. The other had a small mountain as background. This was a long way from Highbury or indeed the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium that is home to Grazer AK and their city neighbours Sturm, who play Arsenal on Wednesday.
All the Euro 2004 players arrived in Austria today to complete a 28-man squad but none were present at tonight’s game. However there was one new face in Arsene Wenger’s side. A triallist called Fathi began the game at right back and, at first glance, looked pacy, neat and assured.
As against Maribor on Thursday, Arsenal were ahead in the opening stages. And, as against Maribor, the goal was set up by Jose Antonio Reyes raiding down the left and cutting the ball back for Bergkamp to sidefoot home from the edge of the area.
The Spanish striker nearly added another himself in the 10th minute but he could not produce a finish to end his fine run and his shot thumped against the advertising boards behind the goal.
Grazer, winners of the Austrian Double last season, were slick on the counter and knocked the ball around with confidence on a surface made greasy by a hefty downpour 30 minutes before kick-off.
However, generally, the tide was with Arsenal. Francesc Fabregas would have poked in a second but keeper Andreas Schranz rushed out to make a brave block. He got a knock for his trouble and received attention for a couple of minutes. Then Van Persie fired a fizzing shot just over the bar from long-range as the visitors threatened once more.
So it was slightly against the run of play when Grazer equalised in the 24th minute. Roland Kollman floated over a left-wing cross for the aptly-named Alen Skoro to guide home a side-foot shot past Stuart Taylor.
The Bosnia-Herzegovnia striker was acquired by Grazer this season in preparation for their first ever Champions League campaign. He certainly produced a quality finish.
Kollman worried Taylor with a dipping shot from long-range soon after. The same player then went clear in the 35th minute only to be thwarted by a well-timed tackle from Philippe Senderos.
Bergkamp’s free-kick tested Schranz just before the whistle but, given Grazer’s late chances, the half-time score was about fair.
Wenger made eight changes at the break, leaving only Kolo Toure, Van Persie and Fathi on from the side which started the game.
Twelve minutes in, Van Persie cracked home a left-foot volley past Schranz following a teasing cross from Francis Jeffers. Three minutes later the Dutch Under-21 hobbled off following a heavy challenge from Gernot Sick. Fortunately he recovered swiftly to resume his place on the left flank
He seemed fine when he was replaced by 17-year-old Italian striker Arturo Lupoli, who was making his debut after his move from Parma in the summer.
By the end, Arsenal were fielding one of their most youthful sides, including three triallists. However, they held on in relative comfort.
July 22nd, 2004 — Baseball
According to Jayson Stark of ESPN.com, Expos players were told this week that in all likelihood, they won’t be playing in Montreal at all next year, and it is almost a certainty that’ll be living in the Washington, D.C., area.
Apparently, union leaders Donald Fehr and Gene Orza met with the player reps at the Expos to inform them of the strong possibility.
Depending on what sort of deal MLB makes with Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos, the Expos could be playing right in DC, or somewhere in Northern Virginia.
The article went on to say that there is still the slightest chance that Las Vegas is still part of the equation, but, it’s a definite that there’ll be no baseball in Montreal next season.
