Post by captainkalaa on Jun 25, 2006 14:42:47 GMT -5
Featured Members of the Month
Sci-Fi-Cafe.com : Get an espresso shot of sci-fi here or settle back with a long tall latte from the sci-fi-cafe e-book shop. There's some samples and a couple of free titles to get a good taste! URL: www.sci-fi-cafe.com
The Doctor Who Group is a place to discuss both new and classic Doctor Who, to post comments, pictures, and find information about the longest running science fiction show in history. URL: groups.msn.com/TheDoctorWhoGroup
Arch-Angels : A Jonathan Archer Fan site. Multiple forums for discussing our favorite Starfleet Captain, as well as Marvel Madness, Scott Chat and General Star Trek stuff! URL: z14.invisionfree.com/wissaboos_board/index.php
Our First Annual Doctor Who Quiz
The Doctor Who Group , and the Doctor Who Message Board , in association with The Action Figure Theatre is sponsoring our first annual Doctor Who Quiz . First prize is a Tenth Doctor Action Figure AND a new series Sonic Screwdriver . Second prize is a choice of a TDWG, DWMB, or AFT T-shirt OR mug. Third prize is a TDWG, DW Message Board, or Action Figure Theatre Mousemat. This contest will end September 21, 2006. To find out more information, or to be sent the Quiz, please email us at kinda@msn.com.
Editorials and Special Interest Articles
Letters to the Editor
From: Reven-Lisa at Science Fiction Alliance
RE: Captain k'alaa's Corner for May, 2003
(ED: This was a recent response to an article posted in May, 2003. My response to this letter is copied below, and posted in the thread at SFA).
I haven't thought much about whether Trek could be continued as a tv series or not. But I think there are still plenty of ideas for Trek movies.
Deep Space Nine was ending as Voyager was just beginning and one of DS9's producers stated that there would be NO movies based off of DS9. I have no clue why he would say something like that. As far as I know, there has been no Trek show with more loose threads to be tied up than DS9. I mean, what happened to Sisko? Did he ever get to leave the Wormhole Prophets and return to his fiancee/wife? That's the first question that pops into my mind anyway. Give me time and I could think of plenty of others, I just haven't seen the show in a long time.
So they don't want to do any more Next Gen movies... so what? There is still alot that could be done with DS9. Make a DS9 movie people!
My recent response:
I completely agree.
I did write this article about three years ago. I did not forsee ST: Enterprise being basically a failure. I wanted (and still want, very much), a Deep Space Nine movie. To me, it was the best of the new ST shows. I also believe that if a movie were not to be made for DS9, then another series, or even a mini-series could also be done. Any comments on these thoughts are completely welcome.
From: Pete Clarke at
RE: Captain k'alaa's Corner - Why Star Trek Means So Much To Me
I grew up in the 80's, so Star Trek is a big part of my life, like most kids growing up who would run inside every week whenever it was on. Because just like the kind of impact Star Wars made, Star Trek made me use my imagination more. Most kids growing up in the 80's played with their actiion figures or ships. It stopped us from becoming bored.
The TV shows in the 1980's and early 90's were so unique and different,we used to talk about each episode at school the following day. There were kids who did not like watching Star Trek, they thought it was for geeks and if you did watch, you had no life. They were wrong. Having an interest like a favourite TV show, did not make me or anyone else into geeks.
Captain k'alaa's Corner
Originally published July, 2004, reused to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Trek.
If I had to choose between two favorite things, I would always choose science fiction first. Why?
I'll bet my reasons are as familiar to many people as they are to myself. When I was a child and a teenager, I was very shy and I wore glasses. The shyness would have been enough to isolate me, but when I was a kid, so few of my classmates wore glasses that they automatically made me stand out from the rest. And of course, I got teased, shunned and shut out of many activities other girls got to do as a matter of course.
I did know at least one girl who needed glasses but refused to wear them at school, thereby being accepted in the circles that I was not. You may ask why I didn't do the same? Because I needed my glasses much more than this girl seemed to, and unlike her, couldn't even see the blackboard without them. Therefore, I was teased and shunned.
I was saved emotionally by two things: Star Trek and reading. With Star Trek, I experienced wonderful stories and adventures, and it helped me in my interests in science and nature. With reading, I could escape the taunts and hurt I experienced at school, and that my mother and father could not understand.
Then, through Star Trek, I began to read Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein, and other science fiction writers. Science Fiction became very important to me, as well as fantasy, historical novels and eventually, many of the great classic novels. However, I can truthfully say, that without Star Trek, I would never have read any other science fiction, or enjoyed so many other science fiction movies or television shows, such as Star Wars, Doctor Who, and many others.
I have also very recently started reading fan fiction online. Some of the stories are absolutely brilliant, and deserve publication (in my opinion). Some may not be quite so good, but have good points in their own right. Do you have some fan fiction you would like to share with others? We would love to read it! If you host a site with fan fiction as one of its components, or if you write fan fiction and would like to share it, we would like to hear from you. We will be doing a special Star Trek anniversary edition in August, 2006, and would love to hear from you. The link to your site or writing could feature in the next Admiral Mudd and Friends Site Ring Newsletter. Just email me at kinda@msn.com, with the subject heading: My Fan Fiction, or My Fan Fiction Site. And…if you are just starting to write, I want to encourage you as much as possible. I have fan fiction of my own, and I am very gratified to see my own writing on paper.
A Word From The Founder
Bye-Bye Rose
From Susan and Stephen to Mickey and Rose, the Doctor has had many companions. Mickey has gone. Now Rose is going. Who will be flying through Time and Space with the Doctor in Season Three? Should there be another companion after Rose or should the Doctor be left alone for awhile?
Only once before have we seen the Doctor travel on his own. The Deadly Assassin showed the Fourth Doctor return to his home world alone. So would this situation work for David Tennant's Doctor?
I think it's possible, but in my opinion, unlikely. The Doctor is at his best when he has someone to bounce off, someone to argue with and an ear to listen to his stories. So what kind of companion should replace Rose? Male? Female? Alien? Robot? The majority of the companions have been female. So, maybe it is time for a male or a robotic fellow traveller. What do you think?
The next item for thought: What could now happen to the show after Billie Piper leaves? Right from Episode One, it's almost been "the Rose Tyler show, with special guest The Doctor." But now that she is departing the TARDIS, can the show remain as successful as it has been? I believe it can. Even after the most popular companions have left -- such as Sarah Jane, Leela, Tegan, and K9 -- the show continued to tick over. Will it tick over again? I would hope it could. Ratings could be lower (after all, she was VERY popular), but who's to say the next Companion wouldn't be the greatest Who character since the show began?
Looking through the names of potential new companions, I see one thing missing: male actors. There isn't a single male name on the list. Why? What is the problem? Are they worried this might imply a gay relationship? They didn't seem too bothered about that with Captain Jack! If we have to have another new companion, I think it should be either a male or a male and a female.
Those thoughts aside, the new Doctor Who has been a joy to watch. The quality of this season is a definite improvement on the last, with maybe one or two exceptions (Either way, I've lost count how many times I've watched School Reunion). Let's hope the rest of Season Two and Season Three can match (if not top) the quality of the last season and a half.
Admiral Mudd is the founder of the Admiral Mudd and Friends Site Ring . This newsletter was created for the use of the members of the Ring, and science fiction fans everywhere. Do you have a comment or a review about Doctor Who, or any science fiction show, movie, book, game, etc.? Contact us at kinda@msn.com, and we can put your opinions in the next edition of the AMAFSR Newsletter.
Reviewer's Retreat
This month, Amy Lynn reviews A Sound of Thunder, a film directed by Peter Hyams, written by Ray Bradbury and Thomas Dean Donnelly.
I've recently seen a film called A Sound of Thunder. It's based on a book by Ray Bradbury. I had forgotten I read the book and even the title.
I started watching it and thought to myself I must of saw this film before. But that wasn't the case. I checked the opening credits and nothing mentioned till the end that it was based upon the book. Well most people who read books before seeing a film are rarely if ever pleased. But I was very pleased this time. The movie was right on with the book. Great detail that I had to ask my partner many times if he was sure we had not seen the film before. I'm a time travel film addict and this one is in my top ten must see. As it's very logical and right on the money. I wish more time travel films were this complete.
The cover of the DVD wouldn't really catch your eye other than it looks like The Silence of the Lambs cover. But it just has a butterfly on it not a face too.
This movie stars: Edward Burns (Travis Ryer), Ben Kingsley (Charles Hatton), Catherine McCormack (Sonia Rand), Wilifried Hochholdinger (Dr. Lucas), Corey Johnson (Christian Middleton), Jemima Rooper (Jenny Krase), August Zimer (Clay Derris).
Amy Lynn runs AmyLynn.org, and is a regular contributor to the AMAFSR Newsletter. Would you like to see your opinions in print? Email us at kinda@msn.com and we'll tell you how!
Member's Announcements
The Action Figure Theatre presents, in
JUNE...
DOCTOR WHO: REMEMBER ME
Part 2 of 2. The Cybermen have arrived to reclaim their old comrades and plan to integrate the Doctor too!
STAR WARS: THE INSIDIOUS THREAT chapter 7
Even Piel leads a team of clones aboard a Seperatist ship.
and... in JULY
DOCTOR WHO : THE MIND OF THE GARGOLQUIN
Ace's first trip in the TARDIS is interrupted by the appearance of a being made of ice.
STAR WARS : THE INSIDIOUS THREAT chapter 8
The battle of Sarrisari begins.
TORCHWOOD : CHASING SHADOWS
Torchwood and Milly find someone else who is missing their shadow.
Every month we have new stories! Come and check us out at: www.actionfiguretheatre.co.uk/
The first thing we have to do is to take this transtator... [All the lights go out] ...and leave it right where it is! -- Chief O'Brien (Colm Meaney), improvising repairs aboard the original Enterprise, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Trials and Tribble-ations
Sci-Fi-Cafe.com : Get an espresso shot of sci-fi here or settle back with a long tall latte from the sci-fi-cafe e-book shop. There's some samples and a couple of free titles to get a good taste! URL: www.sci-fi-cafe.com
The Doctor Who Group is a place to discuss both new and classic Doctor Who, to post comments, pictures, and find information about the longest running science fiction show in history. URL: groups.msn.com/TheDoctorWhoGroup
Arch-Angels : A Jonathan Archer Fan site. Multiple forums for discussing our favorite Starfleet Captain, as well as Marvel Madness, Scott Chat and General Star Trek stuff! URL: z14.invisionfree.com/wissaboos_board/index.php
Our First Annual Doctor Who Quiz
The Doctor Who Group , and the Doctor Who Message Board , in association with The Action Figure Theatre is sponsoring our first annual Doctor Who Quiz . First prize is a Tenth Doctor Action Figure AND a new series Sonic Screwdriver . Second prize is a choice of a TDWG, DWMB, or AFT T-shirt OR mug. Third prize is a TDWG, DW Message Board, or Action Figure Theatre Mousemat. This contest will end September 21, 2006. To find out more information, or to be sent the Quiz, please email us at kinda@msn.com.
Editorials and Special Interest Articles
Letters to the Editor
From: Reven-Lisa at Science Fiction Alliance
RE: Captain k'alaa's Corner for May, 2003
(ED: This was a recent response to an article posted in May, 2003. My response to this letter is copied below, and posted in the thread at SFA).
I haven't thought much about whether Trek could be continued as a tv series or not. But I think there are still plenty of ideas for Trek movies.
Deep Space Nine was ending as Voyager was just beginning and one of DS9's producers stated that there would be NO movies based off of DS9. I have no clue why he would say something like that. As far as I know, there has been no Trek show with more loose threads to be tied up than DS9. I mean, what happened to Sisko? Did he ever get to leave the Wormhole Prophets and return to his fiancee/wife? That's the first question that pops into my mind anyway. Give me time and I could think of plenty of others, I just haven't seen the show in a long time.
So they don't want to do any more Next Gen movies... so what? There is still alot that could be done with DS9. Make a DS9 movie people!
My recent response:
I completely agree.
I did write this article about three years ago. I did not forsee ST: Enterprise being basically a failure. I wanted (and still want, very much), a Deep Space Nine movie. To me, it was the best of the new ST shows. I also believe that if a movie were not to be made for DS9, then another series, or even a mini-series could also be done. Any comments on these thoughts are completely welcome.
From: Pete Clarke at
RE: Captain k'alaa's Corner - Why Star Trek Means So Much To Me
I grew up in the 80's, so Star Trek is a big part of my life, like most kids growing up who would run inside every week whenever it was on. Because just like the kind of impact Star Wars made, Star Trek made me use my imagination more. Most kids growing up in the 80's played with their actiion figures or ships. It stopped us from becoming bored.
The TV shows in the 1980's and early 90's were so unique and different,we used to talk about each episode at school the following day. There were kids who did not like watching Star Trek, they thought it was for geeks and if you did watch, you had no life. They were wrong. Having an interest like a favourite TV show, did not make me or anyone else into geeks.
Captain k'alaa's Corner
Originally published July, 2004, reused to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Trek.
If I had to choose between two favorite things, I would always choose science fiction first. Why?
I'll bet my reasons are as familiar to many people as they are to myself. When I was a child and a teenager, I was very shy and I wore glasses. The shyness would have been enough to isolate me, but when I was a kid, so few of my classmates wore glasses that they automatically made me stand out from the rest. And of course, I got teased, shunned and shut out of many activities other girls got to do as a matter of course.
I did know at least one girl who needed glasses but refused to wear them at school, thereby being accepted in the circles that I was not. You may ask why I didn't do the same? Because I needed my glasses much more than this girl seemed to, and unlike her, couldn't even see the blackboard without them. Therefore, I was teased and shunned.
I was saved emotionally by two things: Star Trek and reading. With Star Trek, I experienced wonderful stories and adventures, and it helped me in my interests in science and nature. With reading, I could escape the taunts and hurt I experienced at school, and that my mother and father could not understand.
Then, through Star Trek, I began to read Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein, and other science fiction writers. Science Fiction became very important to me, as well as fantasy, historical novels and eventually, many of the great classic novels. However, I can truthfully say, that without Star Trek, I would never have read any other science fiction, or enjoyed so many other science fiction movies or television shows, such as Star Wars, Doctor Who, and many others.
I have also very recently started reading fan fiction online. Some of the stories are absolutely brilliant, and deserve publication (in my opinion). Some may not be quite so good, but have good points in their own right. Do you have some fan fiction you would like to share with others? We would love to read it! If you host a site with fan fiction as one of its components, or if you write fan fiction and would like to share it, we would like to hear from you. We will be doing a special Star Trek anniversary edition in August, 2006, and would love to hear from you. The link to your site or writing could feature in the next Admiral Mudd and Friends Site Ring Newsletter. Just email me at kinda@msn.com, with the subject heading: My Fan Fiction, or My Fan Fiction Site. And…if you are just starting to write, I want to encourage you as much as possible. I have fan fiction of my own, and I am very gratified to see my own writing on paper.
A Word From The Founder
Bye-Bye Rose
From Susan and Stephen to Mickey and Rose, the Doctor has had many companions. Mickey has gone. Now Rose is going. Who will be flying through Time and Space with the Doctor in Season Three? Should there be another companion after Rose or should the Doctor be left alone for awhile?
Only once before have we seen the Doctor travel on his own. The Deadly Assassin showed the Fourth Doctor return to his home world alone. So would this situation work for David Tennant's Doctor?
I think it's possible, but in my opinion, unlikely. The Doctor is at his best when he has someone to bounce off, someone to argue with and an ear to listen to his stories. So what kind of companion should replace Rose? Male? Female? Alien? Robot? The majority of the companions have been female. So, maybe it is time for a male or a robotic fellow traveller. What do you think?
The next item for thought: What could now happen to the show after Billie Piper leaves? Right from Episode One, it's almost been "the Rose Tyler show, with special guest The Doctor." But now that she is departing the TARDIS, can the show remain as successful as it has been? I believe it can. Even after the most popular companions have left -- such as Sarah Jane, Leela, Tegan, and K9 -- the show continued to tick over. Will it tick over again? I would hope it could. Ratings could be lower (after all, she was VERY popular), but who's to say the next Companion wouldn't be the greatest Who character since the show began?
Looking through the names of potential new companions, I see one thing missing: male actors. There isn't a single male name on the list. Why? What is the problem? Are they worried this might imply a gay relationship? They didn't seem too bothered about that with Captain Jack! If we have to have another new companion, I think it should be either a male or a male and a female.
Those thoughts aside, the new Doctor Who has been a joy to watch. The quality of this season is a definite improvement on the last, with maybe one or two exceptions (Either way, I've lost count how many times I've watched School Reunion). Let's hope the rest of Season Two and Season Three can match (if not top) the quality of the last season and a half.
Admiral Mudd is the founder of the Admiral Mudd and Friends Site Ring . This newsletter was created for the use of the members of the Ring, and science fiction fans everywhere. Do you have a comment or a review about Doctor Who, or any science fiction show, movie, book, game, etc.? Contact us at kinda@msn.com, and we can put your opinions in the next edition of the AMAFSR Newsletter.
Reviewer's Retreat
This month, Amy Lynn reviews A Sound of Thunder, a film directed by Peter Hyams, written by Ray Bradbury and Thomas Dean Donnelly.
I've recently seen a film called A Sound of Thunder. It's based on a book by Ray Bradbury. I had forgotten I read the book and even the title.
I started watching it and thought to myself I must of saw this film before. But that wasn't the case. I checked the opening credits and nothing mentioned till the end that it was based upon the book. Well most people who read books before seeing a film are rarely if ever pleased. But I was very pleased this time. The movie was right on with the book. Great detail that I had to ask my partner many times if he was sure we had not seen the film before. I'm a time travel film addict and this one is in my top ten must see. As it's very logical and right on the money. I wish more time travel films were this complete.
The cover of the DVD wouldn't really catch your eye other than it looks like The Silence of the Lambs cover. But it just has a butterfly on it not a face too.
This movie stars: Edward Burns (Travis Ryer), Ben Kingsley (Charles Hatton), Catherine McCormack (Sonia Rand), Wilifried Hochholdinger (Dr. Lucas), Corey Johnson (Christian Middleton), Jemima Rooper (Jenny Krase), August Zimer (Clay Derris).
Amy Lynn runs AmyLynn.org, and is a regular contributor to the AMAFSR Newsletter. Would you like to see your opinions in print? Email us at kinda@msn.com and we'll tell you how!
Member's Announcements
The Action Figure Theatre presents, in
JUNE...
DOCTOR WHO: REMEMBER ME
Part 2 of 2. The Cybermen have arrived to reclaim their old comrades and plan to integrate the Doctor too!
STAR WARS: THE INSIDIOUS THREAT chapter 7
Even Piel leads a team of clones aboard a Seperatist ship.
and... in JULY
DOCTOR WHO : THE MIND OF THE GARGOLQUIN
Ace's first trip in the TARDIS is interrupted by the appearance of a being made of ice.
STAR WARS : THE INSIDIOUS THREAT chapter 8
The battle of Sarrisari begins.
TORCHWOOD : CHASING SHADOWS
Torchwood and Milly find someone else who is missing their shadow.
Every month we have new stories! Come and check us out at: www.actionfiguretheatre.co.uk/
The first thing we have to do is to take this transtator... [All the lights go out] ...and leave it right where it is! -- Chief O'Brien (Colm Meaney), improvising repairs aboard the original Enterprise, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Trials and Tribble-ations