SciFi Classics Remade Writers Challenge July 8, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi.add a comment
All of us have an opinion about SciFi – that’s why I’m here and that’s why you’re here reading this blog (and thnx for reading btw).
Though you can post comments here on ShowMeSciFi anytime you want (and pls do often and regularly), the ‘big shots’ at SFS Magazine ( Sci-Fi Studios) are now opening up their pub to those of us that have opinions too.
SFS Magazine is an online, bimonthly webzine headed by Larry Nemecek, managing editor of the Star Trek Communicator Magazine and author of the Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion from Pocket Books. SFS Magazine is a fan-driven publication, with a dedicated writing staff. The SFS Magazine staff are inviting all of us to join in as they take a look back at sci-fi shows and movies that have been retold, remade, revived or continued from the archives of sci-fi, under the theme, “Rewind: Sci-Fi Retold!”
They are asking aspiring writers and sci-fi fans to contribute reviews, commentaries, profiles… If it fits the theme, they will consider it. It could be anything from Battlestar Galactica to Star Trek, Superman to Spiderman, Star Wars, Dr Who, Planet of the Apes, War of the Worlds, Lost in Space, King Kong, Batman, The Time Machine …
According to their specs they are accepting submissions of 400-2000 words written on the theme outlined above, though they won’t pay you a dime and they won’t promise to actually publish your stuff either.
Send your submissions to Sci Fi Studios Magazine (sci-fi articles): maginput@gmail.com This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Submissions open until: July 20, 2007.
OR
If you want (cause the ‘big shots’ don’t) by all means..ShowMeSciFi is all about ‘us’ – (and with a readership of around 30,000 a month we’re not that little either) – send whatever Sci Fi Studio’s rejects here and we’ll be glad to post.
(full details on the SFS Mag offer are available here)
Toronto Star Wars Fan mounts -unofficial Star Wars exhibit at Design Exchange July 8, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in design exchange, dx, Sci Fi, science fiction, scifi, Star Wars, starwars, Toronto.1 comment so far
Lucas is obsessive about his trademarks. Over the years there have been many Star Wars tributes and exhibits at museums around the globe but i’ve never EVER heard of one being mounted (in a very public gallery that charges admission) without the consent of Lucasfilm.
Yet that’s what’s happening in Toronto this summer.
The official citation for the event as listed on the event venue’s site states:
Ian A. Anthony Presents: Assembling a Galaxy
June 29 – August 25, 2007Celebrate 30 years of Star Wars with “Assembling a Galaxy.” An exciting exhibition of a fantastic array of objects gathered from times long ago and places far, far away. Assembling a Galaxy is an educational exhibit not affiliated with nor supported by Lucasfilm Limited. Not an official exhibit.
Yet the Design Exchange (the venue) has issued a very official looking press release which does not mention that it is not a LucasFilm sanctioned event. While this site is all about fandom and I certainly celebrate those in Star Wars fandom – to have an event at a museum that you charge admission for that does not have any sort of Lucas involvement is a bit ‘offsetting’ to say the least.(I probably have more stuff in my basement anyways…maybe i should put on a show..)
That said – it’ll be an exhibit that ShowMeSciFi will be sure to check out next time we’re in Toronto…though a quick trip to eBay might be the same thing..
Anthony (the event ‘curator’) started the majority of his collecting, valued at $15,000, in 2005. He has found most of the unique items on eBay, such as an autographed stormtrooper helmet from Albin Johnson, founder of the 501st Legion, a group dedicated to creating authentic imperial uniforms.
Robert Heinlein SciFi Grandmaster – 100 yrs later July 7, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in robert heinlein, Sci Fi, science fiction, scifi.1 comment so far
100 years ago today one of the greatest SciFi writers of all time was born.
His books have impacted both the world of SciFi and Science fact and this weekend well over five hundred attendees are gathering in Kansas City to celebrate his life and work. The lineup of luminaries at the even is ‘stellar’.
Check this out:
* NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin
* Spider Robinson, co-author (with Robert Heinlein) of Variable Star and much more
* Sir Arthur C. Clarke, joining us via video
* X Prize Founder Dr. Peter Diamandis
* X Prize pilot Brian Binnie
* Jeanne Robinson will update us on her Stardance zero-gee dance film
* Astrophysicist, author & Heinlein associate Yoji Kondo will be presenting the Heinlein Award
* Dr. Martine Rothblatt, founder of Sirius Satellite Radio
* Author, gadfly and filmmaker J. Neil Schulman – and we’ll be screening his new film “Lady Magdalene’s” right after the Gala!
* Hugo nominee John Scalzi
* The man who folded himself, David Gerrold
* Science fiction’s newest Grand Master Nebula Award winner, James E. Gunn
* Science Fiction Writer’s Association President (and our Master of Ceremonies) Robin Wayne Bailey
* Writer and editor Ben Bova
Happy Birthday Robert Heinlein – thanks to you we’re all strangers in strange lands.
Star Wars Legacy of the Force Fury (book 7) July 6, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in ben skywalker, darth caedus, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, Star Wars, star wars legacy of the force, starwars.9 comments
Star Wars Legacy Of The Force Fury is the 7th book in the series and is likely all about Ben Skywalker going nuts as he realizes that Darth Caedus murdered his mama.
It is currently set for release November 27, 2007 and yes first in paperback.
Star Wars Legacy of The Force Inferno (book 6) July 5, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in legacy of the force, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, Star Wars, star wars legacy of the force, starwars.2 comments
*UPDATED* Star Wars Legacy Of The Force Inferno is the the sixth book in this excellent series..it follows Sacrifice, Exile, Betrayal 
The official publication date is set for August 28, 2007 and as opposed to Sacrifice this title will be available first in paperback (woohoo).
It looks like it’s Luke Skywalker on the cover. Certainly there is alot of ground to cover as Mara Jade’s killer needs to be discovered and as the Sith begin to cement their hold on the galaxy.
Luke Skywalker wanted to unify the Jedi order and bring peace to the universe. Instead his wife Mara lies dead at the hands of an unknown assassin, his wayward nephew has seized control of the Galactic Alliance, and the galaxy has exploded in all-out civil war.
With Luke consumed by grief, Jacen Solo works quickly to consolidate his power and jumpstart his plan to take over the Jedi. Convinced he’s the only one who can save the galaxy, Jacen will do whatever it takes, even ambush his own parents.
With the Rebel confederacy driving deep into the Core to attack Coruscant and the Jedi under siege, Luke must reassert his position. Only he can lead the Jedi through this crisis, but it means solving the toughest problem Luke’s ever faced. Does he fight alongside his nephew Jacen, a tyrant who’s taken over the GA, or does he join the rebels to smash the Galactic Alliance he helped create?
I can hardly wait!
Battlestar Galactica Unity – review July 4, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in Battlestar Galactica, battlestar galactica unity, battlestargalactica, BSG, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi.add a comment
With no new Battlestar Galactica on TV for a few months yet…it’s time to turn to the paperback fiction episodes.
Battlestar Galactica Unity by Steven Harper is one such paperback episode (as is Sagitarius is Bleeding which we’ve previously reviewed). Unity is better.
Unity occurs during the period when Sharon is pregnant and being held as a prisoner on board Galactica. Galactica is being attacked by Cylon Basestars and Raiders which ultimately results in the destruction of the Basestar but an escape pod gets away which Starbuck discovers and brings aboard Galactica. Turns out to be a famous Colonial singer.
When the singer give a performance on the ship he ends up spreading a ‘virus’ . Long story short some religious zealots later and it all works out.
While plague type shows in SciFi are common, the BSG universe with Cylons (Cylons who think they are humans like Starbuck) and the various colonial religions add a real interesting touch that make this a solid and enjoyable read.
Though it wasn’t on TV, it had all the elements of BSG episode and easily would make a really good episode.
Bring Back Mara Jade Skywalker! Sign the Petition!! July 3, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in darth caedus, Mara Jade, Mara Jade Skywalker, Petition, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, Star Wars, star wars legacy of the force.487 comments
Mara Jade Skywalker didn’t have to die at the hands of Darth Caedus.
It was a wasted empty death…
Lucas Licensing apparently allowed this disaster to happen and now we should call on them to reverse it. The Sith have the power to bring back the dead and so too then does the Force.
Whether it is Ben or Luke Skywalker or even someone else I don’t care. I just want Mara Jade back.
To that end we here at ShowMeSciFi have started a petition to Bring Back Mara Jade.
Please sign in and together we can be THE FORCE that will bring Mara back.
Star Wars Legacy of the Force Sacrifice – Review July 2, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, Star Wars, star wars legacy of the force.11 comments
After having owned this book for more than a month, I’m finally ready to write a review of Star Wars Legacy of the Force Sacrifice.
With little doubt this is the worst book in the series so far.
That’s not to say that Sacrifice is a bad book, it’s just that the others ( Exile, Betrayal
This book is a vehicle for only two things, showing Jacen’s decent to becoming Darth Caedus and the rise Boba Fett as a real leader of Mandalore.
Other issues that this series has been dealing with are neglected and shamefully so.
Ben Skywalker kills the leader of the Correllian government and yet we barely get a graph about what is going on in Corellia.
Han and Leia Solo are far too absent for this story – sure they were over-represented in Exile but their lack of commentary on Jacen’s ascent to power is ludicrous.
While i was certainly time challenged in the month in which i read this book, the simple truth is that this book was not a page turner and didn’t keep me as engaged as the rest. Sure i knew what the outcome was to be, but the path to getting there wasn’t terribly exciting.
Jacen’s decent to the dark side in this book is weak. His ‘Sacrifice’ poorly developed – The whole tassles thing in the previous books a waste. Mara Jade Skywalker’s death a waste.
Lumiya’s death at the hands of Luke Skywalker was also something that i found to be – ‘offensive’. Luke is not a Sith and doesn’t walk around decapitating his enemies (no matter how emotional he might be).
And what of Darth Caedus. He kills Mara and then goes to Ziost. Why not Korriban? Why not ask Lumiya for a Sith Holocron?? Something that can help??
Now Caedus claims to be a master yet he had no master himself. He just became Sith.
Hopefully the next book in the series is better than this one – hopefully it explores and provides proper rationale for what is going on instead of taking wild unbelievable tangents.
Certainly we the fans will read whatever is out – but we the fans deserve better than what we got with Sacrifice.
Star Trek XI Will Include Shatner June 29, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in science fiction, scifi, Star Trek, star trek movie, startrek.4 comments
How could it not? Shatner is the personification of Trek and if a movie comes out during the classic era – and Shatner is still alive – i’d personally be appalled if Shatner wasn’t in the movie.
There were some rumors recently that Shatner had been snubbed.
Apparently the writers of the new Star Trek XI script think that’s not right.
We’re certainly hoping to include him in the shoot,” Scriptwriter Roberto Orci told MTV “Because we have nothing but reverence and awe for the man.”
FRAKIN right.
Flash Gordon To Keep Queen Theme Song June 29, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in Flash Gordon, flashgordon, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, YouTube.add a comment
Flash -AH ah!
GREAT NEWS! The upcoming SciFi Flash Gordon series will be keeping the Queen theme music from the 1980’s Flash Gordon film.
Kind of.
“[We’re] looking at updating the Queen song just a bit,” Mark Stern, executive vice president of original programming for SCI FI Channel, told reporters. “So it’s definitely the Queen song we all know and love, with a little something extra. Because it is about communicating the fact that it’s not the ’70s Sam Jones movie with people in spandex and everything we love about that movie. The show is not that campy. But how do you not use that music? It’s so wonderful. So we’re trying to have a little of both, to have our cake and eat it, in that regard. But I don’t believe the music is actually going to be in the series itself.”
Stern also revealed that Ming The Merciless won’t be called the Merciless in the show – THAT SUCKS! –
There will also be a new character – new character called Baylin (Karen Cliché), a bounty hunter from the planet Mongo. Baylin will join Flash (Johnson); his former girlfriend, Dale Arden (Gina Holden); and scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov (Jody Rasciot).
The show is set to debut on SciFi this August and has already been booked for 22 Episodes.
And for good measure…here’s the Queen version of the Flash Gordon theme
Rejected Star Wars Stamps June 27, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in mad magazine, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, stamps, Star Wars, starwars, uspsjedimaster.add a comment
OK, regular ShowMeSciFi readers know all about USPSjedimaster.com and the US Postal Service’s Star Wars stamps.
BUT.
What about the stamp designs that didn’t get accepted?
MAD Magazine in this month’s issue takes a stab at showing us a few….
Star Trek XI Script Is Complete June 26, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in Sci Fi, science fiction, scifi, Star Trek, star trek movie, star trek XI, startrek.4 comments
Apparantly a draft of the Star Trek XI script has now been completed. This is the Trek movie that will simply be called Star Trek and serve as a prequel to the classic series.
Star Trek” is a miles-long minefield of established chronology, laid down over four decades, one that Mr. Orci and Mr. Kurtzman must be careful not to tamper with or contradict. But they say that by focusing their film (already scheduled for a Christmas 2008 release) on the earliest adventures of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, they can avoid most of these perils.
“What was a little daunting,” Mr. Kurtzman said, “was while we were writing it, they sent over a poster with the release date on it. We hadn’t written ‘fade in’ yet.”
Mr. Orci added: “We’ve never had a movie poster before we’ve had a script. That’s pressure.” – New York Times
Pressure indeed. Enterpise was GAAAAAAAAWD aweful show and that was a prequel. How they intend to pull this off – without William Shatner apparently too- is beyond me. This is a Kobyashi Maru scenario…no one wins.
Star Trek The Next Generation Gets US Postal Stamps June 26, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, stamps, Star Trek, star trek tng, startrek, USPS.2 comments
Last month it was Star Wars (at USPSjedimaster.com) and now it looks like Star Trek TNG is going postal too.
It’s all in honor to the 20th Anniversary of Star Trek The 
Next Generation – (hard to believe it has been 20 years..)
Unlike the Star Wars stamps though the Star Trek stamps aren’t available at USPS outlets across the nation..but only exclusively through Creation Entertainment (they do Trek Conventions).
They’re selling them now on eBay and apparently only have some 200 units available for auction.Each set includes 10 pages of stamps (10 stamps per page), so you will have 100 total stamps.
Battlestar Galactica – Admiral Cain and Six…How close were they? June 25, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in Battlestar Galactica, Battlestar Pegasus, battlestargalactica, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi.2 comments
We know that the next ‘NEW’ Battlestar Galactica event is
the Battlestar Pegasus Movie Razor which comes out in
November (link). There is rampant speculation that it will deal why Admiral Cain hates Six so much..
According to the speculation, Six and Cain were lovers (yup lesbos in space).
Considering that there is a direct to DVD movie version, i wonder if the producers will have an adults only rated version…
Sarah Connor Chronicles Won’t Treat Terminator 3 as Canon. June 24, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in fox, Sarah Connor, sarah connor chronicles, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, terminator.4 comments
Terminator 3 sucked. Ok good now i’ve said it.
T1 and T2 were both awesome but T3 was ridiculously bad for a lot of reasons. Now there is hope though with the upcoming Sarah Connor Chronicles series (set to debut in 2008 on FOX) that we the FRAKKING FANS will finally get the T3 we deserved.
The creator of SCC just gave an interview where he revealed that the new series will go off on its own alternate timeline.
We’re gonna go off on our own. I think the thing about T3 is, obviously there was just no Sarah Connor and that’s something the fans were never happy with. I don’t even think the people who made T3 were happy with that. It just wasn’t a choice of theirs. You know, Linda Hamilton was going through some things and didn’t want to be a part of it. They had a script at one point I know; there was a T3 that had Sarah in it. I’ve never read it. I don’t know anything about it. But I know that they did and they wanted to do that. They wanted it to be kind of her trilogy, and it never could be. So I think that my feeling was this TV series to me sort of serves as the third act to that trilogy – what could have happened had we followed that after T2. So I almost think of this as T3. To me it takes the place of T3. But also I think that sort of in the spirit of Terminator, it’s an alternate timeline. I know a lot of people get very worked up about the continuity and the canon and all that stuff. What I try to do is stay very, very true to the first two movies and then sort of take it from there. But always remain true to the spirit of everyone’s intent and again, take some time with this woman and explore what maybe would have happened.
Col. Samantha Carter Takes Over Command Of Stargate Atlantis In Season 4 June 23, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in Amanda Tapping, Sci Fi, science fiction, scifi, stargate, stargate atlantis.30 comments
It’s official. Col. Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) takes over command of the Atlantis expedition in Season 4.
Dr. Weir will be removed after either quitting or being fired by the IOC. This isn’t the first time Weir will have been removed from a Stargate command. She was removed from command of the main of SGC too and replaced by none other than O’Neil. (Weir replaced General Hammond).
Finally the military will be in control of Stargate Atlantis and finally the smartest person will be command in stead of a diplomat that has no real scientific or military skills.
Congrats Col. Carter and Welcome to the Pegasus galaxy.
Stargate Atlantis 3×20 First Strike June 23, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, stargate, stargate atlantis.1 comment so far
Jewel Staite finally takes over as doctor and Dr.Weir’s days are obviously numbered.
A pretty decent final episode for the season with an alright cliffhanger. Sure we’ve seen enemies of Earth use an Energy weapon through the gate before (think Annubis in Season 8 of SG-1).
Why they didn’t just fly an attack against the originating gate address is beyond me.
The fact that first they submerge and then they use the Stardrive was kinda nuts that must’ve sucked a load of power.
Anyways..great episode and I can hardly wait the X months until the show finally comes back!
Stargate SG-1 10×20 Unending. The Series Finale! (not really) June 22, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, stargate, stargate sg1.5 comments
What a sad sad episode.
Sad in that it wasn’t a particularly good final episode for a series that has been on the air for 10 years.
So they do the aging thing to see what a future might be..Vala and Daniel hookup – marvelous.
It stretched way too long and was just too slow. For such a great show to go out on such whimper is just plane lame.
The greatest final episode of a SciFi show remains Star Trek TNG’s ‘ All Good Things Must Come To An End.’ Why? Not cause it’s trek, and not cause it was an ending but because it wove the past with the future into an omnibus of 7 years of TNG.
If the series finale of Stargate SG-1 could only have been so good…where was Jack O’Neil, the G’ould? An actual Orii prior??
Luckily we know that it’s not really the end. There are at least 2 straight to DVD movies….and the hope that NBC Universal will get off their frakking tails and bring the show back.
Good bye for now Stargate SG-1 …it’s been a great run and we hope to see you again soon.
Graham Cracker Comics Chicago – no bag and board..BUT OPEN June 20, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in comic books, comics, Graham Crackers Comics, sciencefiction, scifi.add a comment
This week I found myself in Chicago for business ..and it’s Wednesday so i had to seek out a comic book store. I came across Graham Cracker comics on a google search..their website claims they’re only open till six. Considering i was working until 5:30 i figured it might be tight.
I got there about 6:10 and figured i’d be screwed but they were still open! (went to the store on East Madison downtown). So #1 KUDOS for staying open on new comics Wednesday.
On the negative side – no bag and board (just like the MidTown Comics in NYC or Silver Snail in Toronto) and overall a much smaller store than either Midtown Comic or Silver Snail.
Nice enough though and hey they had many of (though not all like Midtown) of the new books i was looking for.
Stephen King Dark Tower Born Gunslinger #5 June 19, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in comic books, comics, dark tower, gunslinger, Marvel, Sci Fi, science fiction, scifi, stephen king.add a comment
Now this is starting to drag a bit. Basic plot stuff moves along in this issue with Roland revealing himself to his lover and big coffin hunters figuruing out a bit more about who he is.
Beyond that not a particularly good issue. The artwork is o.k, but not as stunning as issue #4 or earlier.
With two issues to go I really hope they pick up the pace. Otherwise this series that started out so well will not end so well
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