The Sci-Fi Dude

Science Fiction Movies And TV or Books?

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:23:00 +0000

Sometimes, I have a hard time deciding between watching a Science Fiction movie or TV show and reading a Science Fiction book.

Both have their advantages.

Movies and Television allow us to see the cool technologies, special effects and our favorite heroes.

Books offer us the opportunity to use our imagination. We come up with our own idea of what these things look like in our minds.

Which do you prefer? Seeing someone else's vision, or creating your own.

Joey Phillips
"The Sci-Fi Dude"

Science Fiction's Arthur C. Clarke--A Celebration Of A Full Life

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:32:00 +0000

With the recent passing (Tuesday March 18, 2008) of Science Fiction writing legend Arthur C. Clarke, I thought it would be a good idea to focus on some of the positive aspects of his life.

Of course, Clarke is best known for his Science Fiction novels and short stories, but there was much more to the man.

I've compiled a list of some of his accomplishments throughout his life. Let's not dwell on the fact that he is no longer with us. Let's celebrate a full life. A life filled with accomplishments that few can attain.

After World War II, Clarke served as chairman of the British Interplanetary Society

Began writing full-time in 1951

Was a citizen of the UK and Sri Lanka

Was a member of the Underwater Explorers Club

Predicted a "global library" for 2005 (think, "Internet")

The Science Fiction Writers of America(SFWA) named Clarke a Science Fiction Grand Master In 1986

First Chancellor of the International Space University from 1989 to 2004

From 1979 to 2002 served as Chancellor of Moratuwa University in Sri Lanka

Law professor Glenn Reynolds nominated Clarke for a Nobel Peace Prize In 1994

The 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter is named in honor of his works (2001: A Space Odyssey, etc.)

Honorary Board Chair of the Institute for Cooperation in Space, a space advocacy organization originally founded by Dr. Wernher von Braun

Clarke was a distinguished vice-president of the H. G. Wells Society

This is, by no means, an exhaustive list of Arthur C. Clarke's life and accomplishments. If there are items you think should be included in the list, let me know via the contact link on the right. I may write a more detailed article on Clarke's many accomplishments.

Joey Phillips
"The Sci-Fi Dude"

Top Ten Science Fiction Movies of The 20's & 30's

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:57:00 +0000

Filmmaking was just coming into it's own in the 1920's and 1930's.
But Science Fiction had long been popular in literary form. It was
only natural the two would come together.

Some of those early Science Fiction films formed the basis of
all that followed--even to this very day.

Following, in chronological order, are ten of the best Science
Fiction movies from that early era, with a little about each one.

1) The Lost World (1925)
The first film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's
classic novel about a land where prehistoric creatures
still roam.

Directed by:
Harry O. Hoyt

Starring:
Wallace Beery as "Prof. Challenger"

2) Metropolis (1927)
It is the future, and humans are divided into two groups:
the thinkers, who make plans (but don't know how anything
works), and the workers, who achieve goals (but don't have
the vision).

Directed by:
Fritz Lang

Starring:
Alfred Abel as "Joh Fredersen"

3) Woman in the Moon(aka By Rocket to the Moon) (1929)
A scientist discovers that there's gold on the moon,
he builds a rocket to fly there, but there's too much
rivalry among the crew to have a successful expedition.

Directed by:
Fritz Lang

Starring:
Willy Fritsch as "Wolf Helius"

4) Just Imagine (1930)
In 1980 a man from 1930 is brought back to from the dead. He
is taken on a tour of the magical wonders of 1980. He travels to
Mars where he discovers even more unbelievable things

Directed by:
David Butler

Starring:
El Brendel as "Single O"
Maureen O'Sullivan as "LN-18"

5) Frankenstein (1931)
--It can be said that Frankenstein is Horror. But it is considered
by many to be the first true United States Science Fiction film.

Classic in which an obsessed scientist assembles
a living being from parts of exhumed corpses.

Side Note: 1935's The Bride of Frankenstein picks up at the end
of Frankenstein

Directed by:
James Whale

Starring:
Boris Karloff as "Frankenstein's Monster"
Colin Clive as "Dr. Henry Frankenstein"

6) The Invisible Man (1933)
Finding a way to become invisible pushes a scientist to
murderous insanity.

Directed by:
James Whale

Starring:
Claude Rains as "The Invisible Man"
Henry Travers as "Dr. Cranley"

7) Things to Come (1936)
A second world war spanning several leaves the world
in devastation. Civilization is rebuilt and humans attempt
space travel.

Directed by:
William Cameron Menzies

Starring:
Raymond Massey as "John Cabal" / "Oswald Cabal"
Sir Cedric Hardwicke as "Theotocopulos"

8) The Invisible Ray (1936)
Visionary scientist Janos Rukh convinces a group of
scientists and supporters to mount an expedition to
the African continent to locate and study an ancient
meteorite of great significance.

Directed by:
Lambert Hillyer

Starring:
Boris Karloff as "Dr. Janos Rukh"
Bela Lugosi as "Dr. Felix Benet"

9) The Man Who Could Work Miracles (1936)
An ordinary man suddenly finds that anything he says
comes true. Except he can't change the opinions or
feelings of other people.

Directed by:
Lothar Mendes

Starring:
Roland Young as "George McWhirter Fotheringay"

10) Lost Horizon (1937)
After a plane crash crash, a group trying to get away
from upheaval in China, is rescued and taken to Shangri-La.
But is this mythical utopia all it's been made out to be?

Directed by:
Frank Capra

Starring:
Sam Jaffe as "High Lama"
Jane Wyatt as "Sondra Bizet"

Stargate Atlantis' Paul McGillion: Justice & Conformation

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 03:39:00 +0000

Justice

It seems that J.J. Abrams has seen the error of his ways. He passed over Paul McGillion for the role of Scotty in the new Star Trek movie.

Now, according to a report in the Welland Tribune of Ontario, Canada, Abrams has offered McGillion a role in the movie.

It's not Scotty, but it's still a bit of justice.

Conformation

In my last post, I suggested the stasis of Dr. Carson Beckett might be a sign of a more permanent return.

The Welland Tribune reported, in the previously mentioned article, McGillion and Dr. Beckett have been confirmed for at least five episodes in the next season of Stargate Atlantis.

I just love conformation!

Stargate Atlantis: Two Great Things!

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 02:08:00 +0000

This past Friday at 10pm was a glorious time for me! It was the newest episode of Stargate Atlantis.

And with this episode, two great things happened.

First was the continuing appearance of Michael Kenmore (the Wraith turned Human turned Wraith), brilliantly portrayed by Connor Trinneer. I’m sure most of you know Connor was Charles “Trip” Tucker on Star Trek Enterprise. By far my favorite Enterprise character.

Could there be a character any farther from Trip than Michael? I don’t see it. This proves what I’ve said since the first season of Enterprise: Connor Trinneer is in the upper echelon of acting talent today.

I hope Michael continues to be a recurring character on Atlantis. He’ll be a big asset in keeping that Gate open.

Now, the second great thing from that episode was the return of Dr. Carson Beckett (since J.J. Abrams made a huge blunder not casting Paul McGillion as Scotty in the new Star Trek movie, a return to Atlantis is the next best thing).

Yes. He’s a clone. So what? At least he’s not a Replicator. Dr. Beckett (my favorite character—yea, I know. I’m probably in the minority) completes the Atlantis team with his blend of decency yet fear of the unknown, something he’s not afraid to admit, much unlike his close friend, Dr. Rodney McKay.

Before I saw the episode, I was expecting him to be a Replicator, thus, probably, a one off appearance.

But maybe the Science Fiction God’s are smiling on us.

Dr. Beckett is now in stasis with Atlantis’ medical team working overtime to find a cure for the degeneration of his cloned cells.

This makes me think that there may be a recurring return of Dr. Beckett to Atlantis. I’m hoping for a full-time return.

I know Rodney could really use a friend, back from the dead or not.

Star Trek '09: Anton Yelchin Receives Blessing From Walter Koenig

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 23:49:00 +0000

In this interview with Leonard Maltin, Anton Yelchin (Pavel Chekov in the new Star Trek movie) discusses meeting with Walter Koenig (who originated the character)...

Star Trek | Anton Yelchin | Secret's Out

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:53:00 +0000

Just a quick note to remind everybody that the Straight-To-DVD movie, "Stargate: The Ark of Truth" is schedualed for release on March 11. I'll be posting a review in the next few days.

A quick synopsis of the plotline:

"As SG-1 searches for an Ancient artifact which they hope can defeat the armies of the Ori, they learn more Ori ships are about to be sent through the Supergate to launch a final assault on Earth. Daniel discovers that the artifact, the Ark of Truth, may be in the Ori home galaxy, and SG-1 embarks aboard the Odyssey to find it, and pre-empt the attack. The I.O.A has a plan of their own and SG-1 ends up in a distant galaxy fighting two powerful enemies."
[from an MGM press release in January]

The Top 15 “Not-Science-Fiction” Shows On The Sci-Fi Channel

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 04:01:00 +0000

Recently, I read a post at PardonCheney.com entitled, “An Open Letter To The Sci-Fi Channel,” which got me thinking.

The line between what is and what isn’t Science Fiction seems to be blurring. And The Sci-Fi Channel is largely responsible. So I thought we’d take a look at what passes for Science Fiction on the television channel that bills itself as being devoted entirely to Science Fiction.

Following is a list of the top 15 “not-science-fiction” shows that are a big part of the Sci-Fi channel’s lineup and what they should really be classified as:

The X-Files (Paranormal)
Who Wants To Be a Superhero? (Game/Reality Show)
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! (Bizarre)
Anime (Action?)
Ghost Hunters (Paranormal)
Ghost Hunters International (Paranormal)
Destination Truth (Urban Legend/Paranormal)
ECW (Wrestling)
Haunted (Paranormal)
Jericho (Action)
Kingdom Hospital (Horror)
The Scariest Places On Earth (Horror)
Beastmaster (Fantasy)
Guinea Pig (not sure about this one…)
Scary…But True (Horror)

Don’t get me wrong. I like some of these shows (X-Files, Jericho). But they’re not really Science Fiction. Real Science Fiction is Star Trek, Stargate, Battlestar Galactica, Flash Gordon, Eureka, Doctor Who, etc.

So, what do you think? Am I way off base here? Am I being too picky? Is this overly harsh on The Sci-Fi Channel?

Science Fiction Classic #10--"Founding Father" by Clifford D. Simak

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 04:03:00 +0000

Science Fiction Classic #10--"Founding Father" by Clifford D. Simak

Clifford D. Simak was the third author to be recognized as a Grand Master of Science Fiction. “Founding Father” is an example of why Simak deserved the award.

"Founding Father"—Clifford D. Simak (first published in Galaxy Science Fiction, May 1957).

Job looked as near to startled as a robot ever could. “Of course not, sir. We had no room for more than just the bare essentials this trip. The china and the silver and all the rest of it will have to wait until much later”

“Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) Grand Masters: Volume I” includes Clifford D. Simak’s “Founding Father.”

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.

This is the last in our series of Science Fiction Classics. If you would like to see more of this series, please let me know. I hope this series has been enjoyable for you. Also that it has been, at least, a small part in revitalizing interest in the stories that shaped Science Fiction and made it the most entertaining and thought provoking of all genres of literature and movies/television.

Science Fiction Classic #9--"Brain Wave" by Poul Anderson

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:24:00 +0000

Science Fiction Classic #9--"Brain Wave" by Poul Anderson

“Brain Wave” is actually considered a novel by some. It is a rather long work to be included in an anthology. However, since it has been anthologized, I consider it as a short work of Science Fiction. Thus it’s inclusion in this series (along with its quality).

"Brain Wave"—Poul Anderson (first published in1954).

Insanity—yes, that had a lot to do with the collapse. There must be millions who had not been able to stand that sudden range and sharpness of comprehension. They hadn’t been able to handle their new power, and it had driven them mad.

“Brain Wave” has been anthologized in, “A Treasury of Great Science Fiction, Volume II”

If you’re enjoying this series of Science Fiction short story excerpts, I urge you to leave a few comments to let me know. If there is something particular you would like to see as a part of this series, please let me know. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude update list, using the form on the right, and/or the RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.

Clifford D. Simak’s “Founding Father” will be next in our series of Science Fiction Classics.

Science Fiction Classic #8--"Mewhu’s Jet" by Theodore Sturgeon

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:53:00 +0000

Science Fiction Classic #8--"Mewhu’s Jet" by Theodore Sturgeon

“Mewhu’s Jet,” our eighth Science Fiction Classic, tells the story of compassion between humans and aliens during a first contact situation.

"Mewhu’s Jet"—Theodore Sturgeon (first published in Astounding Science Fiction, November, 1946).

Spurred by the urgency of her tone, he went crashing outside. He found Molly standing rigid, trying to cram both her fists in her mouth at the same time. And at her feet was a man with silver-gray skin and a broken arm, who mewed at him.

Pick up a copy of, “Science Fiction: The Great Years, Volume II,” from Ace Books to read the whole of “Mewhu’s Jet.”

“Brain Wave” from Poul Anderson will be the next Science Fiction Classic.

Science Fiction Classic #7--"Sanity" by Fritz Leiber

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:08:00 +0000

Science Fiction Classic #7--"Sanity" by Fritz Leiber

Number 7 in the Science Fiction Classics series comes to us from Fritz Leiber. “Sanity” isn’t among Leiber’s best known stories, but it definitely stands as strong on quality as many of his others:

"Sanity"—Fritz Leiber (first published in Astounding, April, 1944).

For a moment he grabbed frantically at nothing. Then he realized they were not falling and his eyes began to trail the hint of walls and ceiling and floor and, immediately below them, the ghost of a shaft.

The Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) Grand Masters: Volume I, published by TOR, is one of many Science Fiction anthologies where you can Fritz Leiber’s “Sanity.”

Theodore Sturgeon’s “Mewhu’s Jet” will be the next Science Fiction Classic.

Science Fiction Classic #6--"Asleep In Armageddon" by Ray Bradbury

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:35:00 +0000

Science Fiction Classic #6--"Asleep In Armageddon" by Ray Bradbury

One of the most well-known and talented authors ever, Ray Bradbury, is featured in the sixth Science Fiction Classic. Today’s excerpt is taken from Bradbury’s short story, “Asleep In Armageddon,” which features a spaceship wreck and the invasion of the human mind:

"Asleep In Armageddon"—Ray Bradbury (first published in Planet Stories, 1948).

The sun rose and was warm. He felt no sense of mortality. Six days would be no time at all. He would eat, he would sleep. He glanced at his surroundings. No dangerous animals; a tolerable oxygen supply. What more could one ask? Beans and bacon was the answer. The happy smell of breakfast filled the air.

Find a copy of the Science Fiction anthology, “Possible Worlds of Science Fiction,” published by Berkley, to read Ray Bradbury’s “Asleep In Armageddon.”

The next Science Fiction Classic will be “Sanity” by Fritz Leiber.

Science Fiction Classic #5--"To Serve Man" by Damon Knight

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:27:00 +0000

Science Fiction Classic #5--"To Serve Man" by Damon Knight

The fifth Science Fiction Classic serves up a story with an unexpected twist in the end. This story was the basis of an episode, of the same name, of the original Twilight Zone. In 2001, “To Serve Man” was awarded the "Retro" Hugo Award for Best Short Story.

"To Serve Man"—Damon Knight (first published in if, January 1953)

We got the title worked out in a few weeks. It was “How To Serve Man,” evidently a handbook they were giving out to new Kanamit members of the embassy staff. They had new ones in, all the time now, a shipload about once a month; they were opening all kinds of research laboratories, clinics and so on. If there was anyone on Earth besides Grigori who still distrusted these people, he must have been somewhere in the middle of Tibet.

You can read this classic of Science Fiction classics, along with others by Damon Knight, in the collection of his stories, “The Best of Damon Knight,” published by Nelson Doubleday.

The next Science Fiction Classic will be “Asleep In Armageddon” by Ray Bradbury.

Science Fiction Classic #4--"With Folded Hands" by Jack Williamson

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 04:30:00 +0000

Science Fiction Classic #4--"With Folded Hands" by Jack Williamson

Some Science Fiction stories leave a legacy that shapes the future of the genre and has a lasting impact on the entire culture. This is such a story. In “With Folded Hands,” Jack Williamson created the phrase that is a common term across all Science Fiction—“Humanoid.”

"With Folded Hands"—Jack Williamson (first published in Astounding Science Fiction, July 1947)

He looked around for a salesman, but it was another mechanical that came gliding silently to meet him. A twin of the one in the window, it moved with a quick, surprising grace. Bronze and blue lights flowed over it’s lustrious blackness, and a yellow name plate flashed from it’s naked breast:

HUMANOID
SERIAL No. 8I-H-B-27
THE PERFECT MECHANICAL
“TO SERVE AND OBEY,
AND GUARD MEN FROM HARM.”

Read, “With Folded Hands,” in "SFWA Grand Masters: Volume I,” from TOR Books.

The next Science Fiction Classic will be “To Serve Man” by Damon Knight.

Science Fiction Classic #3--"Profession" by Isaac Asimov

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:22:00 +0000

Science Fiction Classic #3--"Profession" by Isaac Asimov

For the third Science Fiction classic, I have chosen a great story by one of the Grand Masters of Science Fiction, Isaac Asimov:

“Profession"—Isaac Asimov (first published in Astounding Science Fiction, July 1957)

They were handed little slips of paper which they were told must remain with them. George stared at his curiously. Little black marks of different shapes. He knew it to be printing but how could anyone make words out of it? He couldn’t imagine.

You can read this story in Asimov’s collection of his own Science Fiction stories, “Nine Tomorrows: Tales of the Near Future” published by Doubleday & Company in 1959.

Science Fiction Classic #2--"The Runaway Skyscraper" by Murray Leinster

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 04:34:00 +0000

Science Fiction Classic--"The Runaway Skyscraper" by Murray Leinster

In this second Science Fiction classic, we have, what I consider, the best of Murray Leinster’s short stories:

“The Runaway Skyscraper"-- Murray Leinster (first published in Argosy, February 1919)

Note: This was Leinster’s first published work.

“I don’t know how to explain it,” he said uncomfortably, “but it’s obvious that my first sunrise was all wrong. The speed of the Earth’s rotation can’t have been increased, because if it had to the extent we see, we’d have been thrown off into space long ago. But—have you read anything about the Fourth Dimension?”

This entire story is available in the Science Fiction anthology, "Wondrous Beginnings" from DAW Books as well.

Science Fiction Classic--"The Isolinguals" by L. Sprague de Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 02:30:00 +0000

Science Fiction Classic--"The Isolinguals" by L. Sprague de Camp

In an effort to rekindle interest in classic Science Fiction, I will be posting a small excerpt from various short stories from yesteryear in the coming days. This is the first of those excerpts:

"The Isolinguals"--L. Sprague de Camp (first published in Astounding Science Fiction, September 1937)

Note: This was de Camp's first published work.

Nick looked at the cop, and the cop looked at Nick. The fruit vendor's friendly smile suddenly froze. The cop didn't know it, but something had gone ping inside Nick's head. He wasn't Niccolo Franchetti any longer. He was Decimus Agricola, engineering officer of the good old XXXIInd Legion. He had been standing behind his...

If you would like to read the entire story, there are many Science Fiction anthologies with this story included. The one comes to my mind right away is, "Wondrous Beginnings" from DAW Books.

I truely hope this series of Science Fiction story excerpts will bring new people to the classics and bring back those that have left the fold.

If you enjoy this series of Science Fiction short story excerpts, I urge you to leave a few comments to let me know. If there is something particular you would like to see as a part of this series, please let me know. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude update list, using the form on the right, and/or the RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.

The next Science Fiction Classic will be “The Runaway Skyscraper” by Murray Leinster.

The Enterprise In The Clouds...

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:21:00 +0000

The Enterprise In The Clouds

If you've already seen this, I apologize. But I simply couldn't let it go without saying something.

Now I will admit that this does resemble(in a slight way) the Enterprise NCC-1701-D, which is quite possibly one of Science Fiction's most recognizable ships. But, at the same time, it's just a simple cloud formation.

A good photographer, knowing the right angles and such, could make these kinds of things look like something they aren't. Being a self proclaimed "Trekkie of Trekkies" I do think this is cool. However, if I take it too seriously, before I know it I'll be seeing the face of Captain Kirk in a pancake (I wonder what I could get for that on eBay :) ).

A Change For Science Fiction Television

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 04:40:00 +0000

A Change For Science Fiction Television

It certainly was fun while it lasted. But all good things...must come to an end. We have to say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new. Science Fiction is, after all, about the future(for the most part) and with the ushering in of the future to become the present we must accept change. For without change, the future is, at best, futile.

And so it is with Science Fiction television, for The Sci-Fi Channel has decided to make a big move.

For a good while now (2-3 years), Monday nights in Primetime have been dominated by Star Trek: Enterprise. Of course, with four eps every Monday, it didn't take long to go along for the entire journey with Captain Jonathan Archer and the crew of the NX-01. I know I've seen the entire series several times since Enterprise's original run ended in 2005. And that's without catching all of them on Sci-Fi. And, quite honestly, I was beginning to get bored with it. So maybe it's good that it's being replaced.

What is replacing this fifth Star Trek series on Sci-Fi, you ask?

That would be a little show you just may have heard of. A show that was to be gone forever but has now been brought back because of its fans. Jericho: The Return will be on the air soon and so the Sci-Fi Channel has decided it would be a worthwhile investment to replace four hours of Star Trek: Enterprise with the original run of Jericho. Could this be a good move? I honestly don't know. I became bored with Enterprise after four seasons on air and then three more in reruns. With Jericho, I got bored after the first season.

But, since I'm not the only Science Fiction fan in the world(and maybe even other worlds :)), I'm hoping Jericho will be just what others want. Because what really matters most isn't so much which particular Science Fiction shows are on.

What matters most is quality Science Fiction.

Stargate Atlantis SG-1

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 02:39:00 +0000

Stargate Atlantis SG-1

As of this writing, the next episode of Stargate Atlantis (02/15/2008) will have an appearance of Teal'c. Here's my problem with that: how many times have we seen a former member of SG-1 join the Atlantis expedition?

Let's see, it started with Jack O’Neill. I think that was a move by the producers to merge the two casts and bring the die-hard SG-1 fans over to Atlantis, knowing SG-1 was making it's last trips through the Stargate before any of us did.

There was Dr. Daniel Jackson and Vala showing up in Atlantis hoping the Ancients would help them locate Merlin's planet. A very weak, not to mention sneaky, reason to bring SG-1 to Atlantis.

Then, when it was time for Torri Higginson's Dr. Elizabeth Weir to go, the powers that be at NBC (who, in case you don't know, owns The Sci-Fi Channel) decided to bring on a former SG-1 member to step into the leadership role of Atlantis. It would've made much more sense to me to give that job to Sheppard.

Now we've got Teal'c and his muscles matched up with Ronin and his muscles.

I ask, is this really necessary?

Don't get me wrong. I will always love SG-1 and, while I'm not as fond of Atlantis, I would really like to see them make a go of things on their own merits. Why do Sheppard, Taela, Rodney, Ronin and the rest need the help of SG-1? Is this an attempt to further merge the two shows?

While I enjoy seeing the members of SG-1 in action again, what does this say about the Atlantis team?

To the powers that be at NBC and The Sci-Fi Channel, please let SG-1 rest and go out on top and allow the Atlantis team to impress and awe us with their own abilities. If we want to see SG-1, we'll watch the DVD's. If we want to see Atlantis, we'll watch the new eps. We don't need, "Stargate Atlantis SG-1!"

Star Trek ’08: Science Fiction Is Dying!

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 01:34:00 +0000

Star Trek ’08: Science Fiction Is Dying!

I’m sure that by now the entire Science Fiction community knows about the new Star Trek movie (Click Here for a look at the official movie site and a trailer). Being a huge Star Trek fan, part of me is looking forward to a present from Paramount this Christmas. But another part of me is full of uncertainties.

First, and foremost, is the decision to make the Science Fiction icon a prequel. It’s already been done with Enterprise and was, by Star Trek standards, a dismal failure. It would be cool to see when Kirk and Spock meet, thus starting the legends. But it won’t be the same without William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy (yes, I know Leonard’s in the movie). It almost makes me wonder if Paramount is trying to stick the proverbial nail in Star Trek’s coffin. I fear that a prequel will rewrite Science Fiction’s most established and well-known back history, effectively destroying Star Trek as we know it.

Second is the choice of cast members. I’m not too sure about Chris Pine as Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, or the rest for that matter. I think they might be able to pull it off (especially Quinto who does an awesome job as Sylar on Heroes). My biggest concern is Eric Bana as the villain. I didn’t think much of him in The Hulk and when I see him in the new Star Trek movie I’ll be expecting him to turn green and start jumping from planet to planet. That might be the best thing he can do for Science Fiction—jump into oblivion.

The third thing that bothers me is Paramount giving full control of Star Trek’s future to JJ Abrams. I think Brannon Braga made a mess of Star Trek, so good riddance to him. But what about Rick Berman? He was instrumental in making Star Trek the success it has been since the days of The Next Generation. And there’s Manny Coto who pulled Enterprise out of Television’s black hole and made season four of that show one of the best ever years for Star Trek.

I have many other concerns for the new Star Trek movie and the future of Star Trek in general. But I’ll end my rant by saying this:

JJ Abrams’ idea of re-imagining Star Trek makes no sense at all---at least to me.

Two thing's for sure: he’s no Gene Roddenberry! Or Rick Berman! Or Manny Coto!...

...and Science Fiction is dying (and you are more than welcome to quote that)!

The Life and Times of The FBI's Fox Mulder

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:27:00 +0000

The Life and Times of The FBI's Fox Mulder

On October 13, 1961 Bill and Teena Mulder had a son whom they named Fox. The young Fox William Mulder was destined to become one of the best and brightest agents ever claimed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As well as the laughing stock of the country’s foremost investigative agency.

Fox’s younger years were filled with the things of normal boys. He loved playing baseball and climbing trees. He also enjoyed Science Fiction, evidenced by the fact that he was known to dress up as Mr. Spock from Star Trek.

As a teenager, he developed an affection for outer space. Though he never said he wanted to be an astronaut when he grew up, seeing the Space Shuttle launch when he was an adult was the fulfillment of a boyhood dream.

When Fox was twelve years old, his sister Samantha vanished mysteriously from their home. When an investigation came up dry, Fox became determined to search for and find his sister. That would become the driving force of everything he did in his adult life.

Eighteen-year-old Fox graduated from High School in 1979 and began his college career four years later when he enrolled in the University of Oxford in Oxford, England in 1983. He studied psychology and graduated with a first degree honors BA in 1986. Later that same year he entered the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia.

After graduating from the academy, Fox began his FBI career with in the Behavioral Science Unit(psychological profiling). He wrote a paper on serial killers and the occult, which was instrumental in catching a notorious killer in 1988. He also caught several other dangerous criminals. All of this quickly made the name of Fox Mulder a legend in the FBI.

Fox found the X-Files (cases deemed unsolvable and unexplainable by the Bureau) after undergoing regressive hypnosis in an attempt to remember the truth of what really happened on the night Samantha disappeared. It was then that he began to develop an interest, which turned into an obsession, in things of a paranormal nature.

With his newfound role as Lead Investigator of the X-Files, Fox developed a strong belief in the idea of alien abductions. He believed almost fanatically that Samantha’s disappearance was really an abduction.

Because of his new and, what some considered, outlandish ideas of alien abductions, alien invasions and government cover-up conspiracies, he was given the nickname of “Spooky Mulder.” Most others in the FBI laughed when he told them about his theories. Other agents couldn’t take him seriously and refused to work with him.

However, none of this deterred Fox in any way. In fact, it actually fueled his fire and determination to find proof that his ideas and theories were more than just the mindless fantasies of an obsessed brother trying to find a reason for what happened to his little sister.

Though FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder’s life and career began as typical as most, events throughout his life transformed him into the man he is today.

Spooky and all.

It’s The Ships That Matter In Science Fiction

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:25:00 +0000

It’s The Ships That Matter In Science Fiction

One of my favorite things about Science Fiction is the technology of space travel. I am partial to the Starships of Star Trek. So, in my spare time, I design and model my own ships. Some are based on the Star Trek design and some are not. Her’s a few pics of some of my designs…

I call this one the Global Class Starship…

…and this one is the Federation II Class Starship.

I’ll put up a few more pics later. I don’t want you to have to wait for too many pics to load at one time.

For now……….ENGAGE!

Science Fiction Trivia: Fox Mulder

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:24:00 +0000

Science Fiction Trivia: Fox Mulder

A little trivia on the X-Files FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder:

Cell Phone #: (215) 901-6646
Home Address: #42, 2630 Hegal Place, Alexandria, VA 23242
FBI Badge #: JTT047101111
Computer Password: TRUSTNO1
SSN: 123-32-1321
Blood Type: O-Negative
Middle Name: William
As a youngster dressed up as: Mr. Spock from Star Trek
High School Graduation: 1979 (some say 1980)

Hope everybody had some fun with that.