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This is more than likely what Fairpoint Communications would have all of us think after Tuesday's announcement of plans for broadband Internet expansion across New England.

But here's the question - will anyone believe them?

After breaks, vacation and some alone time, Videoport Jones and I are reunited - and it feels so ... normal, I guess I would say.

Today's new DVD releases offer lovable traveling stoners, good and bad nostalgia, a Middle Eastern interlude and a Brit gem.

"How often during the past year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?"

How guilty is guilty? Are we talking "tequila is a bad choice" guilty or "I've just woken up in a pile of my own filth" guilty?

The MaineBAC demands answers to these questions.

So here's how I spent a good portion of my Sunday (aside from ruminating on "The Dark Knight" after a second viewing) - catching up on reading a growing stack of GQ, Wired and Fast Company, along with a helping of the Sunday New York Times.

Probably not untypical for someone in the word game - but is it typical that I read the magazines and newspapers and not their websites?

Ally is a pretty strong word when you think about it. It's more than just friend or buddy. It summons images of people standing shoulder to shoulder and the hard fight of the "Greatest Generation." Then again, it could just make you think of the last time you played "Axis and Allies."

But it takes on a whole different meaning when you're a gay or lesbian kid.

Who said things were slow around the NXT Desk? Sure I was away for a week - luckily we had some folks to fill in. And sure, I'll be taking off again tomorrow - this time for a real vacation.

But just because we love you, it's time for a new NXT Podcast!

It's Tuesday, and that means it's time to consider spending money on a few new DVDs. I said consider, because, well, not all new releases are created equal.

Videoport Jones is back to sort things out, and thankfully I'm back to keep him honest. It's not an easy task, people.

So a guy goes away for a couple of days and next thing you know his blog has turned into "Elvis was the king" grudge match.

This is why I can't leave you people alone. Luckily for you I learned lots of great stuff while away at the Knight Digital Media Center.

The week would truly not be complete without a that healthy dose of internet radiation that is The Scanner. But in my stead, Christian McNeil has stepped up to the plate to provide the goods.

It wouldn't be a new DVD release Tuesday without a visit from Videoport Jones.

Of course this week he's flying solo, without me to keep things in check. Strap yourselves in and get ready for some hard film truths.

Here's the bad news, people - (no, the Internet pipe is not broken again) I'll be gone all of this week off in California.

Actually, that's great news for me.

I'll explain.

It was a pretty busy couple of days last weekend on the NXT Desk. You've already seen Zombie Kickball (Z-ball as the kids call it) but a day before, on Saturday, we went down to Saco for a pinball tournament.

If this keeps up we'll be jump starting "The Wide World of Sports."

"Spanning Southern Maine to bring you the constant variety of sport! The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. The human drama of athletic competition! This is NXT's Wide World of Sports!

There are times when this job takes me to some strange places in the name of Lady Journalism. Oh Lady Journalism, you are a strange and ill-tempered mistress.

But this last Sunday I can say I experienced something I never had before: zombies playing kickball.

Obviously I had to document it all on video.