List of 12 greatest sci-fi shows

Considering the nnews that the Push is being developed into a television series, I thought about what in fact are the best science fiction television series ever? Well ever may be a bit too long, but at least since I have been alive and that I have seen.

Every list I have come across seems to be geared toward promoting advertising sales, patronizing some target group of readers, and/or restricted or inclusive to shows that really don't qualify as sci-fi. So here is my list, from best to worst, without influence of advertising rates, job security, or pandering.

1. Star Trek. Make all the comparisons you want, argue the inconsistencies and quality all day but the fact is this is the best sci-fi television show ever. It influnced everything to come after it, and continues to endure decades after it ended.

2. Dr. Who. The same theme and plot continues to appear on televisions across the world since 1963, that says a lot. It may not have the reach of Star Trek, but every serious sci-fi fan knows the show. To many Americans it's the television equvalent of the World Cup - the world knows it but America thinks it can do better. And actually we did, just once.

3. Farscape. Besides the Fugitive name another show that had so much fan adoration that the network had to respond? This show put Sci-Fi Channel on the map, and the manner in which it was taken off television had a lot to do with the change of the cable network to Syfy. Literally the best collection of science fiction ideas done incedibly well on television.

4. Babylon 5. Another great assortment of sci-fi ideas, done with style and serious attention to plot and details. Way before it's time.

5. Superman. I mean the original George Reeves series. Yes it was campy, but it just had a spark to it. It took the incredulous and made it enjoyable. Something almost all shows on television since have failed miserably to do.

6. Flash Gordon. Yes this was a television series long before it was a cartoon, movie, or porno. Buster Keaton took you on an adventure and every week you wanted to join him. The effects were bad, the acting anything but stellar. Yet it came together as more than it's parts.

7. Futurama. Comedic, animated, and enjoyable. Who says sci-fi can't be funny?

8. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Serious anime, with strong plots and engaging characters. The science is solid, if futuristic. The art is cool. The themes are adult. The plots make more sense than almost anything on television. See it.

9. Star Trek Deep Space 9. Much of the flair and storytelling of the original came back in this series. The Federation stopped being wimps, Kingons got to fight, and aliens were alien. Amazing what a bit of imagination can do.

10. V. The miniseries shocked and amazed everyone. It reminded us that if an alien could get to Earth they likely were superior, since we can't get to them. It's a sci-fi future just seconds away from reality. And it encompassed political issues and human frailties that technology or delusions of granduer cannot conquer.

11. Alien Nation. The most honest depiction of the bias and incoherent fears that exist in the human race (and America) right now. Perhaps only Archie Bunker made it more obvious that we all have a long way to go still.

12. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. It's British, bare-bones effects, funny, and completely silly. Another example of how the absurd, mixed with sci-fi, can be widly entertaining.

Other great shows worth mention: The Greatest American Hero, Wild Wild West, Twillight Zone, UFO, The Avengers, X-Files, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Space: 1999, Sliders, Six Million Dollar Man, Quantum Leap, Max Headroom, First Wave, Firefly, Torchwood

Not included for consideration: Cartoons - ie. Jetsons, Starblazers, Battle of the Planets, Code Lyocko, Digimon, ect.; Shows that have nothing to do with science - Get Smart, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Charmed, Bewitched, Batman, Dead Like Me, Night Stalker, Airwolf, Highlander, Highlander: The Raven, ect.

Shows to avoid forever: Homeboys in Space, Ark II, Automan, Battlestar Galactica (revision), Star Trek Enterprise, Knight Rider (remake), Logan's Run, Mutant X, Primeval, Roswell, any seaQuest, Swamp Thing

Like the list? Did I miss anything? Let me know.

Prequels and Laura Croft: A combination worth seeing?

Ah the joy of prequels. Yes there is nothing quite like the ability of Hollywood to go back in time, on a movie set, and to generally screw up the history and persona of any character or storyline that can make an extra buck. As you might notice, I tend to dislike prequels. They tend to be as good as revisioned movies, and you know I hate that word.

I know that everyone, including me, loved The Dark Knight. That had a lot to do with the script, which kept the theme of the Dark Knight series of graphic novels, more than Christian Bale. Though Bale did a great job. And honestly there wasn't that much of the storyline that was changed.

Another prequel that worked out well was the restart of the James Bond series of films. Of course Bond restarts every time there is a new lead. So the public can accept every change without it being a major revision. Still there is something lost in the action first, thought nowhere, Bond that is Daniel Craig.

The Superman restart was pretty much what you would expect. Not a revisioning as much as it was an attempt to draw attention back on the movie franchise. I never was a big fan of Superman to start with - he's too much of a boyscout for me - so I'll leave that alone.

But then there are movies like Wolverine, which was horrible. Yes lot's of action, and Hugh Jackman without a shirt for the ladies. But it was disappointing. The storyline was basically missing. It was just action for the sake of action. Dare I say that the majority of the film was boring. And as for any attempt at logic, well they really stretched it even for a comic book to movie conversion film.

It gets worse when you think of films like Star Trek. Lot's of action (note the recurring theme in these prequels) and angst. Not much logic or plot. Most of the things that made Trek so enduring were thrown out. And I really disliked this new version of Spock.

So to summurize, when Hollywood wants a prequel these days they load up on action, throw out the plot, ignore all logical actions, and rewrite (or revision) everything to ensure that a youthful audience will show up for the flash of skin and lots of explosions.

Thus we are led to what got me thinking about this in the first place. Laura Croft and the Tomb Raider series. Which is set to get revisioned - excuse me, a prequel is planned. A prequel without Angelina Jolie.

To be exact, Jolie is not confirmed to be out of the film yet. But unless there is some Spock-like temporal vortex, she is too old to play herself young enough to satisfy Hollywood executives. Especially with the current emphasis on more action and more explosions vs. plot (which the Tomb Raider movies were short on to start with).

Will the prequel work for Tomb Raider? Well it's hard to imagine it being worse than Cradle of Life. That film sucked. So in regard to that, there is a huge upside potential since expectations at this point are limited to a pretty woman with big boobs (likely fake enhancements as with Jolie) in a tight shirt with explosions going off around her. Sad to say but it is honest.

Of the potential actresses being rumored to take the Croft role, Megan Fox is at the top of the list. This is likely due to her performance (if it can be called that) in Transformers. A film which the director insisted

"It seems that [Michael] Bay feels women should have curves and look like a person as opposed to the near-anorexic looks usually found in actresses these days. In fact he is making Megan Fox GAIN 10 lbs. for her next film Transformers 2."

A similar need for food, and exercise, will be needed if she is to be the new buxom adventuress.

The only 2 actresses I think fit the bill are Malin Akerman, of Silk Spectre II (Watchmen) fame. Though she is too old.



And Summer Glau, of Firerfly (Serendipity)



But we will see, once the director and screenwriter are picked, how this prequel will be geared. Don't expect much.

The summer movies of 2009

Written by Michael Vass

The season is upon us, and Hollywood is ready. Well they hope they are at least. Because this year the summer season of blockbusters and mega-hits has consolidated into a morass of retreads, prequels, and revisioned ideas. And the timing is perfect, since this is also a summer of layoff and economic peril.

Hollywood is not known for the chances it takes, at least not in the last decade or so. Rather than risking truly entertaining the masses (or creating unimaginative embarrassments) we will be getting more of the same. But that is not always a bad thing.

So I will list, in order of my preference from best to worst, the movies that will hit a theater near you.

Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince



The series has been solidly entertaining. It’s stayed mostly true to the books, and has kept an edge that both adults and kids can enjoy. The actors have grown in their abilities and the storyline. This may be one of the best of the series.

Angels & Demons



Dan Brown can write. There is no question about that. Ron Howard can direct slugs and make them a spectacular adventure. And Tom Hanks has become the leading actor of our generation. The combination was a phenomenal hit in their first collaboration. There is nothing less that I would expect in this second showing.

The Taking of Pelham 123

I already discussed my thoughts on this remake starring John Travolta and Denzel Washington. This should be a tour de force. Definitely a must see, from what I can tell.

The next few films start the trend of either big hits or complete failure. The stories that these films are based on are well loved and rich in history. Because of fan devotion they will either get it right and we all will love them, or they will be so bad that DVD sales won’t even help them break even.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine



As I have said before, a revisioned story, lots of action and glitz. Will it work? Iffy. The trailer has its good and bad points. As does the plot it seems. Will it be what fans have waited for? Time will tell.

Star Trek



Even more action and glitz, the word to describe this film is revisioned. Normally that spells doom for movie-goers. And if the Spock in this movie is any indication there will be an uproar of despair. But then again, it could be like Transformers and keep everyone’s eyes so busy their brain won’t notice if it is bad or good.

Terminator: Salvation



Can this work without the Governator? Will Christian Bale improve on the John Connor role? Will this revisioning live up to the story we all have come to love? There is just no way to know right now.

As for the rest of the films of the summer, well the list gets really dicey from here on.

Public Enemies

I already previewed this film. Johnny Depp is careful in picking his roles, so this should be good. The question is will anyone care about a gangster from America’s past?

Inglorious Basterds

Another film I previewed. Quentin Tarrantino means this will be a curse driven film. Brad Pitt means that it will draw women. WWII should mean that guys will want to see it. But the combination still leaves me with doubts. This may not work, at least not in any way that a fan of any of the above will enjoy.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

They aren’t American heroes anymore. They aren’t cartoons. And there is little hype behind the film. Either it’s been so revisioned that no one wants to talk about this film, or they did a great job of keeping expectations down. Likely this will be a failure. There really isn’t much left of what fans loved about this to see on the big screen. But the volume of explosions and slow motion Ninja fights should be distracting enough for even the least MTV loving among us.

Transformers 2

I didn’t like Shia Lebouf in the first film. I hated the first film in fact. It was stupid, filled with plot holes, and revisioned to death. This second film intends to take all those things and amp them up to the nth degree. Last time I waited to see this on DVD, this time I’ll wait for it to be on free cable.

But as always, there is a wildcard in the summer movie season. This year it may well be

District 9



Based on the above video you can tell a couple of things. Like this is clearly about Apartheid. It’s a way of telling a story about human suffering in a format that is unusal at best. It’s kind of like the movie (and television show) Alien Nation, but without the American sensibilities and imagined democracy. This may be a sleeper film. It’s not action packed, or filled with explosions. But it has a message, and it is hands-down the most original film of the summer season. Plus the director is Peter Jackson. Which means it will be visually captivating if nothing else.

Eminem's music video "We Made You" hits the mark

Have you seen the latest Eminem music video? I tried to get a copy of it but was unable to find a clean or available version. Still I was able to find the comments of Eminem on the video.



Now I am not usually a fan of modern gangsta rap. I have issues with most of they lyrics and visual representations that are the norm of the industry. But having seen this video I can say that I find it funny.

Television, pop stars, and instant celebrities all get a nice kick in the ass in this video. Something that is really needed. The instant fame and adoration many of the celebrities Marshall Mathers targets is worthy of the ridicule he presents. I’m sure that he will eventually be back in court over this one.

Still there is something really wrong in the world when we have so many media venues pumping out the degradation of men and women for no reason other than 15 minutes of fame. Or worse yet, celebrities and entertainers that are using this media focus to enhance their limited abilities.

The key to this video is the chorus, and also the title, “We made you.” Something that seems to have been forgotten among the entertainers of these days.

Another fun part is the fandom of Mathers when it comes to Star Trek. His play on the original classic’s look and feel is funny, though the constant throwing up of the Asian male throughout the video was too much. He really could have done without it.

And I know some will love his take on Sarah Palin. But I’m not sure that he is making the comment most expect. I don’t see him making fun of her as much as making fun of all those that are so obsessed with her and the media circus that has been placed upon her. She didn’t make herself a sex symbol, the media did that. The video seems to play on that hype.

Overall I think this music video has more going on than just the lyrics. It can be used to make a telling commentary on the state of society, the abuses of fame, the incredulity of how fame is created and dispersed, and the breakdown of an intelligent entertainment. That’s a hell of a lot from a kid with issues that are well known.

I may not like rap, but this music video is an exception to the rule.

Star Trek 11 - the end of the line?

Speaking of films that are mixing old ideas in a new ‘revisioned’ theme, I saw something today about the next Star Trek movie. This adds to my growing unease about this film. I am becoming more and more filled with dread about how this film will ultimately turn out.

It seems that there is already a plan to make a sequel. Yes, already the storyline for the next film is being hashed out. Without the movie having hit theaters yet. I presume the interest and debate over the movie trailers is propelling the rush to production.



This bodes poorly for the new generation seeking to fill the uniforms of the original cast. Without a single review or public viewing, they are already working the Hollywood system to create the next films in the “rebirth” of the franchise.

“They're hoping to have a draft in by Christmastime in order to get the cameras (and CGI) rolling in time for a summer 2011 release.”

Rushing a film, and a plot, to cash-in on a hoped for success virtually always ends up with a horrible film that bombs in the box office. Especially when the film in question is taking old favorites and turning them on their heads.

I can only recall a couple of films that were so bold as to plan and announce their efforts to create sequels at the same time, or before, the movie in question hit theaters. That would include Superman 3, and the James Bond films. You could also argue that Iron Man and the Incredible Hulk (with Ed Norton in a far superior film to the Ang Lee fiasco) did the same.

The Hulk series has been officially dumped by Marvel (though Norton did a fantastic job of resurrecting the series). Superman made it to one more movie (which bombed horribly) before the series was cancelled and laid dormant for nearly 2 decades. James Bond has survived due to changes in the lead, mostly due to Pierce Brosnan resurging interest after the near demise made by the Welsh-American Bond (Timothy Dalton). And Iron Man hinted at other movies, without guaranteeing their creation.

So in looking at what happens when Hollywood assumes a success, and moves forward with engines at flank, is that the film and/or series usually dies. Not a great sign at all for this ‘rebirth’ of Star Trek. Then again, neither was this



But with the film coming out soon, we the public will decide it all soon enough.

A gentleman lost: Ricardo Montalban - 88

Today is a very sad day indeed. Ricardo Montalban died today at the grand age of 88.

I have always enjoyed Montalban in movies and the television. While I am old enough to remember the first run of Fantasy Island this is not the role that most reminds me of him. When I think of his name I often think of his portrayals of Khan Noonien Singh from Star Trek. He made the character larger than life, and I loved it.

But I must say that see ing him in the Spy Kids series was also a pleasure. In fact I cannot think of a role that he portrayed that was not of solid quality. No matter the venue, Montalban made the most of every moment on either screen and stage, even if it was just his voice and/or just for kids. He appeared in 34 films and 31 television shows including his 6 years on Fantasy Island and 5 years on the children's cartoon Kim Possible.

There is no real comparison these days to the gentlemanly nature of his voice, and the strength in his eyes. He was in every sense a Spaniard, a Mexican, a star and gentleman. Too few can stand near the presence he made. And I truely am at a loss to name a Latino/Hispanic actor or actress that exists now with such stature or acting ability.

I send my condolences to his family. Family and friends have lost a piece of thier heart, Hollywood has lost a great star, but for the rest of us we have lost a presence that cannot be replaced.

Quantum Quest - its NASA in 3D. Doesn't that sound fun?

In more mundane news there is something that sounds a bit special. Can you imagine a movie that combines Star Trek, Star Wars, samurai, a moon walk, and Grey's Anatomy?

A daunting task for anyone on their best day. but that is exactly what will be available when Quantum Quest opens. The movie is a 3-D animated film, and it will feature the voices of some of the best known sci-fi and television actors ever. The cast includes:

William Shatner
James Earl Jones
Mark Hamill
Neil Armstrong
Samuel L. Jackson
Chris Pine
Hayden Christensen
Susan Oh
Jason Alexamnder

I left out the fact that a touch of Seinfeld will be in there too.

With such a cast I am sure the producers are thinking major money. I'm not as sure such a wide mix of actors will fix together. The script would have to be very exceptional. Given the nature of writing in Hollywood these days I would take 4:3 odds that it won't work as well as it sounds. But it could be interesting as 6 of the 8 actors, and Neil Armstrong, are notable and interesting.

The description of the film explains that the concept of the film comes from NASA. While there is no question of the minds at NASA, their ability to create a film is more uncertain. The film intends

"The 3D, large format CGI-animated educational film interweaves actual space imagery captured from ongoing NASA missions with an adventure, set in an imaginary universe and intended to create a family-friendly film experience that entertains while educating viewers"

Doesn't that sound like a must see? Not to worry though. This 45 minute film is intended for young kids learning about science in school. It's 45 minutes long. My guess is that the producers hope to capture the minds of kids by the names of the actors and what they have done in the past. And for DVD sales there is the same thought as well as a few names geared more to parents.

Best bet is to wait until the eventual DVD hits the bargain bin for $3 and let the kids watch it as they prepare for a science test.

Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Star Trek all from a different perspective

There’s been a huge hustle and bustle of news and events of late and the tone to many posts I’ve written has been a bit darker than usual. So today I decided to slow down a bit and look at things from a different perspective.

Perhaps the best way to get a different perspective is to view things from a new way of seeing an old idea. So I sought out Youtube and checked out some of the mashed up movies there. I present you a couple of great ideas that Hollywood will never think of, done quite well by people just like you and me (actually I admit I don’t have the knowledge and perhaps the talent to do the videos you see below).

The Universe is big, so what would happen if some of the galactic travelers of sci-fi met up?



What if the culture of the Spartans never died, or at least in a galaxy far away a long time ago? How could they not be the forefathers of the greatest forces in the galaxy?



And for something completely different – and one of my favorites – what if JRR Tolkein wasn’t always a stand up guy?

2008 films of note - 1.31.2008.1

So Rambo has come out along with Cloverfield. 2 of the more anticipated movies of 2008 are now out and everyone is looking forward to see what will be coming up next. The choices seem slim to me, and I’d expect the box office numbers to be lower than in 2007.

As I have mentioned in the past, Star Trek fans can look forward to the latest installment of the series that delves into the earliest days of James T. Kirk, Spock, Bones McCoy and the rest of the original crew. The cast is mostly unknown or little known, which can be good or bad. But the teaser trailer that is out, is just a waste of time.



Notice the snub to William Shatner, the original Kirk, in that his friend and original Spock, Leonard Nimoy, speaks the ever so famous intro lines. Hopefully this will be a good movie, and has none of the writers from Star Trek: Enterprise.

I’ve discussed Iron Man, Batman: The Dark Knight, Speed Racer (a while ago – I don’t like the trailers I’ve seen so far), and WANTED previously.

In the world of sequels expect to revisit HellBoy 2 to do well.



It’s a bit over the top, but at least it’s honest about that. The first was entertaining, and the Dark Elf looking villain in this film could be of interest.

For more original fare we have what will undoubtably become a hit film Kung Fu Panda. I mean how can it go wrong. It’s animated, has Jack Black’s voice, a comedy, and has martial arts fighting. This will clear $200 million easy.



Of course that looks like it has far more laughs and interest that the latest film by Adam Sandler. He’s been very hit and miss of late, more miss than hit. Don’t Mess with Zohan seems to be on that miss list, even though it’s sure to make $100 million. Perhaps it’s just me but this film just doesn’t hit the mark. At best it’s just a DVD film, but I won’t spend $20 to see it in a movie theater.



The real winner in comedy is probably the anti-super hero film Hancock. Will Smith takes the concept of a superhero and Superman in particular and twists the concept. It’s a superhero with issues and problems, some especially entertainers and celebrities tend to have. It looks good, and may be a sleeper hit (or at least a sleeper for a Will Smith lead film).



In the line of over the top, silly, action filled comedy there is Postal. This film doesn’t look to have a single serious moment. Of course that does not count what is the opening scenes of the film. Guaranteed to piss off Muslims, and highly likely to anger many New Yorkers (and anyone who lost someone in 9/11) just because of the start of the film. I’ve seen several trailers that look good. The opening isn’t one of them. You can see the other clips at many places, but this is the start, which is not funny to me.



Perhaps it will be worth the time, after this opening, but the question will be can anyone get past that. Sure to gain a lot of protests, who knows how it will go.

What I will go see is some of the following.

Jackie Chan and Jet Li in the same film. Do I need to say more? Forbidden Kingdom



Wanted, Iron Man, Vantage Point



I’ll give you more as the year progresses.

Will the writers strike hurt X-files and Star Trek Films - 11.6.2007.1

Let’s touch on a few lighter moments in the news of late. With the strike of the Writer’s Guild the question of what will be happening in television shows and movies comes up. While there is no easy answer to what may be the outcome in the short term, we can see some possibilities in the further future.

One of the future movies that has been discussed is a favorite of millions from television. The X-files was a huge hit and the movie did quite well. That was directly because of the connection between the stars Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson). Add to the sexual tension the constant search for truth behind aliens and government conspiracies and you had a winning combination.

Now in a time where conspiracies run rampant, with no justification and massive emotional imperative, there is news that Mulder and Scully will be returning. Hopefully agents Dagget and the other woman will be nowhere to be found. But the need for a search for the truth may just be the thing the nation needs.

There has been no word of a script, and considering the strike it may be some time before there is any. But I would imagine that there would have to be some connection to fanatical Muslims and the Middle East. Where aliens come into this I have no idea, but as a staple of the X-files investigations I imagine they are there somewhere. Perhaps Osama Bin Laden is a shape-changing alien? It’s possible.

However that works out, it should be a welcome treat. I expect to hear more about the up-coming film in 2008 with a release in 2009. Keep an eye out.

In further news on the adventures of the Enterprise and her famous Star Fleet crew I found a few notes about who else may be in the film. Besides the inclusion of Simon Pegg (the only person I have heard of or seen work from in the new cast) there is news that Leonard Nimoy will also be in the film. So far he is the only member of the original Star Trek cast that will be in the latest film.

The big surprise is that William Shatner (the stylish and memorable James Tiberius Kirk) will not be in the film. It seems that while he and Spock were initially expected to be in the film (DeForest Kelly died and thus cannot be) there was a breakdown in the talks and Shatner is out. Considering this is a story of how all the crew came together, and that they will have one of the crucial leading trio in the film, not including Kirk seems dumb.

There would be no Star Trek series, multiple iterations, and countless fans worldwide were it not for the unique style of Shatner’s Kirk and the complimenting work by Nimoy’s Spock. Plus the continued success of William Shatner after Star Trek in several television shows (up to the current Boston Legal), books, and the most unique singing career [you have to hear him sing Rocketman] seems to beg the question why he is not in the film.

It’s just one more question on how this film will work out. The unknown Chris Pine [at least to me] and cast may work out fine. But with so many actors of limited fame, or credibility, a strike by writers, and only one member of the original cast there may be serious questions on how viable this film may be. One thing may be reliable though. Given the strike the Christmas 2008 release date probably will be pushed back until some time in 2009. I’m sure more will be known by then.

Want half? Have time? Fear the Barcode and a really sick guy - 3.27.2007.2

Time for some odd bits, and stuff I missed speaking about earlier. I’ll start with something for the religious readers. It seems that people in Russia don’t like barcodes, or more specifically the barcodes that are on their pension checks and passports. Why would a barcode cause such a reaction? Well when you live in a town that means God loving, anything that might hint of the satanic is just not going to fly, or so you might expect. And just as you would guess the barcodes on the passports and pension checks have the mark of the beast on them. So the good villagers won’t touch these items.

Now I have to wonder, did some bureaucrat guess that this town would reach like this, and figured there was some money to be had or saved by having the code read as it does? If not this is one heck of a coincidence, or providence if you prefer. It does make me think of one thing though. As slow and boring as it is where I am living now, I’m still more active than what it must be to have nothing better to do than read the barcode numbers on anything. But I’d guess that’s better than watching the grass grow. Don’t you feel better about where you live now?

Moving back across the ocean to home I am further impressed with this town because there hasn’t been a report of anyone getting arrested on the same charges as a man in Duluth, Minn. Now what could one guy do that would make me nervous? The guy was convicted of having sex with a dead deer. Yes a dead deer. I don’t know what part of that is worse, that he had sex with an animal or that it was dead. Either way this is not a neighbor I would want. At 20 years of age you would imagine that he could do better. But obviously he has a problem. A huge problem. I don’t think I need to say more than that.

Going back overseas, to Germany this time, I found something that may be one of the best solutions I’ve heard of for dividing assets in a divorce. A man seems to have felt that since is soon-to-be ex-wife wanted half of the house; he would give her just that. Exactly half. He went to the house, which was a one story building, and took a chainsaw to it. Cut down the middle he then picked up his half and moved it to where he was staying. Now his ex-missus may not be pleased but I doubt she could complain. He left her half right where it was. Perhaps the only divorce horror story I’ve ever heard that was better is that a guy paid his alimony, which was quite large, in pennies. Hey it’s legal tender. Still either option is pretty unique. It just reminds me why it’s cheaper to be single. Anyone know a better story than these?

For those with a bit more time, there is a site I noticed that you might want to visit, or maybe you already did. The site at livescience.com asks what the best time travel story is and allows you to rate several choices. It’s not the biggest selection of time-travel stories, but it does include Kurt Vonnegut, H. G. Wells [the book is best, the recent remake was so-so], the movies 12 Monkeys, Back to the Future, Planet of the Apes [the original was 1000x better than the remake], and Groundhog Day among others. My pick is Groundhog Day. You can choose whichever you prefer.

Of course the list misses a lot of stuff, like A Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, Timecop, Terminator, Star Trek 4, Time’s Arrow, Army of Darkness, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, The Butterfly Effect [I mean the story NOT the movie], and The Philadelphia Experiment to name a few I can think of off the top. My top 3 – Army of Darkness, Terminator, and Groundhog Day. And you?

This is what I think, what do you think?

Hall of Fame, Obi Wan, cavemen and Star Trek - 3.13.2007.1

So did you hear? Finally there has been some recognition for the original forms of Rap music. The musical genre has been rightly acknowledged with the induction of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. The founding groups and individuals that were considered mere fads by the media and industry are now finally getting the respect due for creating a genre that, though changed dramatically, now commands significant attention in record sales, movie soundtracks, music television air-time and more. Long past a mere fad, the founders can now look to be joined by other influential groups in the near term.

Without a question the Beastie Boys will get recognized, and they deserve to though I think it will be before other more deserving artists. LL Cool J must be inducted, as must Run-DMC, and Eric B and Rakim. I’m sure slightly down the road will be Queen Latifah and Salt&Peppa. Dougie Fresh would be a pleasant addition as well. Whether or not this will happen, and in what order will come out shortly as the 25 year pre-condition is met by more and more of the ‘fad’ stars. And when the time comes I dare the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame to deny Public Enemy. [Though I’m glad the time for considering the minor abilities of artists like 50 cent is far off.]

In other news there is talk of the cavemen from the popular Giecko ads, will be getting their own television show. This could be quite interesting, and I hope the respect is given to the men starring in the ads now by giving them a shot at fame on the show. It would be irresponsible if they aren’t in the show. More on that as details emerge.

In other popular news, fans of Star Trek have something to look forward to. The journey is not over, as a new movie is planned for the end of 2008. This new film will be going back into the past of the timeline, though thankfully will not be delving into the ruinous Enterprise arena. No, the studios have learned and realized the real draws of the series, and will be featuring a story based on Kirk and Spock. This will be about their first meeting and mission outside of Starfleet Academy.

This is fertile ground and a lot can be done with the story. Hopefully the writers have actually watched the early television show, even better if they are fans. But be primed against a good movie with the fact that ‘revisioning’ seems to be the mantra of films based on previous movies and television programs these days. The most critical fact will be the choice of who will play Kirk and Spock. Considering we know what they look like, getting someone that looks like younger versions of them will be difficult. But as long as the choices are close I can live with that obvious difficulty. Given that I can’t imagine who could pull it off. I’m not the only fan out there, who do you think should be these larger than Starfleet characters? Who deserves to be the greatest Starfleet captain and his first mate?

For fans of the biggest sci-fi film and series ever, another piece of the Force has just gone into someone else’s hands. Yes the cloak of old Obi Wan Kenobi, as worn by esteemed actor Sir Alec Guiness, was sold recently for $104,000. Not a small price tag, though I can see paying for that item. Of course my wish list includes Darth Vader’s helmet and lightsaber. Not likely I could afford them but still worth wanting.
For the non sci fi fans the same auction also sold a Bond girl catsuit, Mr. Mel Gibson’s kilt from Braveheart and Mr. Terry Jones’ metal helm from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. That last piece went for 19 thousand. Some wish lists are real expensive.

More soccer and movie thoughts soon to come.

This is what I think, what do you think?

UFO arrivals on time at gate 7 - 1.4.2007.2

Here is something for the UFO conspiracists out there. Odd things happen even without the weekend. What I am speaking on is the report on the 1st that weather and not visitors from another planet were responsible for the reported sightings over O’Hare airport on November 7, 2006.

Now this sighting was not some group of beer drinking kids, or questionable individuals, but a group of United Airlines employees. This group included pilots and at least one supervisor. Not a group of individuals known for flights of fancy [yes another bad pun – I’m not a comedy writer you know].

Of course this sighting was called a ‘weather condition’ and is not being investigated. I’ve noticed that sightings are always called ‘weather conditions’ or infrequently ‘military aircraft’ – whether experimental or not. It’s just seems too convenient. Especially when otherwise credible individuals step up and mention the sighting.

I can’t say that this was incorrect. I do note that no follow up or investigation will be conducted. I am concerned that something seemed to be of concern to these individuals over a busy airport and there is no interest. Some things should not be casually laughed off, even if they appear to be odd. And this does qualify as odd.

For the record I will mention that I do believe we are not alone in the universe. Other beings exist. It is complete arrogance and statistically impossible for there not to be other lifeforms. It is equally arrogant and impossible that all those other beings are less intelligent or advanced than ourselves. Given these probabilities it is possible that UFO’s exist and do visit the world.

To further clarify what I think, there will be no government that will openly confirm or acknowledge the existence of other life in the universe. This is especially true of intelligent life. If it were similar to life on earth, then they have a belief of life (perhaps a religion). These beliefs may well be very different than our own. Even if similar they bring into question every concept of life and our intelligence and place in the universe.

If other beings exist, life on earth becomes chaotic. Our dreams of a future like Star Wars, or Star Trek, or any other expansion and domination of the universe go out the window. Our views of religion come into question. Our superior status over all life we know of ends. Human beings at this point cannot accept such an absolute change on the principles we have founded civilization on. Thus we will never hear about it.

I don’t know what happened at O’Hare. But I would like to know more than the usual and casual ‘weather condition’ answer. We have enough knowledge in the populace that a better answer can be given. And if some earthly means were at play, I’d like to be assured that it’s not a potential danger. You know, like a satellite breaking apart as it falls to earth. That happens constantly, but it’s nice to know that it’s not something that is a danger to watch out for.

So the UFO conspiracies can start on this. But don’t get too carried away. I still prefer my aliens in a video game or a movie theater.

This is what I think, what do you think?