BUSH/SADDAM DEBATE?

No way. Here’s far preferable ways to handle it:

1) Bush and Saddam each have to write six issues of a comic book, and whichever one outsells the other is declared the winner.

2) A footrace around the world.

3) Dunk tanks.

4) They go head to head on “Wheel of Fortune.” Substitute the “Bankrupt” slot with a “Disarm” slot.

5) Do a debate, but instead of sending in Bush, Saddam has to debate Martin Sheen.

6) Screw this inspection crap and just send in Batman.

PAD

TONG LASHING

Working hard to finish up the latest SIR APROPOS, “TONG LASHING,” by a week from Monday. Why? Because that’s when Kathleen goes back to work, I become full-time daddy-with-baby, and I’d rather have the novel wrapped by that point than have to deal with both a three month old and a tight deadline.

Working up names of characters for Apropos’ adventures in the far off land of Chinpan (since I couldn’t make up my mind whether to send him to China or Japan.) Possible character names include Binzo Long, Itso Esi, Kan Du, Arata Ruk, Kuichi Ku, and Go Nogo.

PAD

ATTENTION ALL SMEGHEADS

“Red Dwarf” is out on DVD in the United States. We have the first one and we’re currently watching it. “No Exit” in space. Brilliant stuff.

Always wondered: At one point in “The End,” Holly gets so frustrated with Lister’s inability to comprehend that everyone’s dead he says, “Gordon Bennett, yes, they’re all dead.” Gordon Bennett? Huh? Who’s Gordon Bennett? Kathleen claims it’s Cockney rhyming slang, but I can’t figure out what “Bennett” rhymes with. “Demmit?” Kind of a stretch. Anyone know?

PAD

SUPERGIRL INTRO

I have been asked by DC–and have agreed–to write the introduction to the “Supergirl” trade paperback which will collect “Many Happy Returns.”

This, of course, will call for some tact.

Fortunately I’m loaded with tact.

PAD

BUFFY STUFF (SPOILERS)

It occurs to me that folks who are concerned about reading key bits involving “Buffy” episodes are really only affected if *I* say something in my blog. Because anything in the response area can only be seen via a separate, additional action on the part of the reader. Only my journal is “in your face,” so to speak.

So henceforth, what I’ll do is simply open up the discussion area, and that’s all that will appear in the journal entry itself. I’ll then put my opinions into the response area, safe from eyes of those who taped but haven’t watched it, or had it preempted for basketball or live in England or something. Same deal with “Angel.”

Instead in the main blog area I’ll simply speak in vague generalities: This week’s episode rates a solid “B,” and lays some groundwork that could factor in to the resolution of the story arc. Spoilers and detailed comments follow.