Friday housekeeping

I’m playing catch-up this morning.

* Browncoats should know that Dark Horse Comics’ second three-issue Firefly miniseries, Serenity: Better Days, launched last month. And after reading the first two installments, I’m thinking it’s better than 2005’s Those Left Behind. The story, sandwiched between the TV series and movie, is by Firefly/Serenity creator Joss Whedon; art is by Will Conrad. And by gorram, the characters look and actually talk like the actors we know and love. The third and final issue has a May 14 release date. This series is worth checking out.

* There Will Be Blood is a stunning, absolutely engrossing movie, and one of the very best of last year. So why the shitty DVD packaging? While most DVDs are issued in hard plastic cases that keep the discs safe and unscratched, TWBB comes in a cheap cardboard sleeve. This kind of packaging may be “environmentally responsible,” but these discs can only be removed for viewing by getting your fingerprints all over them. Actually, the discs usually flip out of the sleeves, fall on the floor, and roll under the sofa. My recommendation: Netflix There Will Be Blood for the time being and only buy a copy after Paramount resolves this problem. The film deserves better treatment than it’s getting.

* Starbuck's new signature blend Pike Place Roast makes the best cup of coffee I've had in years. And I drink a lot of coffee. Try it.