TREKS in SCI-FI Blog

Christies Big "Star Trek" Auction

2006-10-06T18:11:00.000-04:00

It seems CBS which owns "Star Trek" currently decided to raise some money and clean out the storage rooms. They are having a huge auction of about 1000 items from all the various series and movies. Some of these items are going for huge amounts of money! I wonder if much of it is ending up in the hands of true Trek fans. Have to watch eBay over the next few months and see what shows up there afterwards.

Watch it streaming here: http://www.history.com/pages/popup/startrek_stream.html

Happy 40th Anniversary "Star Trek"

2006-09-06T14:16:00.000-04:00

Way back on Sept. 8, 1966 a little science fiction show called "Star Trek" was started. Forty years later, 700 plus hours of TV, 10 movies, books, games, etc. and it's still going. Thanks Gene for creating such a wonderful, hopeful future for us all to see.

This video says it all....

Recent trip to Taiwan

2006-08-07T10:37:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back in July I got to spend about two weeks in Taiwan. I was over there on business but got to visit a lot of cool places and I took many pictures. It's a great country and the people are very nice. English is spoken enough to get around and usually we could communicate with folks pretty well. The food was quite good. They eat a lot of fish, poultry and vegetables. And a lot of rice - of course. It was quite hot each day and the humidity was intense. But other than the very steamy weather I had a great time! Here's a picture of a temple I visited. Many more pictures can be found on my Flickr account HERE.

Shuttle Discovery takes off!

2006-07-04T19:00:00.000-04:00

A great 4Th of July Gift - the Shuttle Discovery Blasts off to orbit! After a few days of delay, the shuttle launched today in clear Florida skies! Godspeed folks!

GO BABY GO!

Shuttle Discovery set to Launch on July 1st

2006-06-26T08:58:00.000-04:00

Discovery Set for July 1 Launch

The Space Shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew are set to launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 3:49 p.m. EDT on Saturday, July 1.

Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew will continue evaluating new shuttle safety improvements during the 12-day mission. They'll also carry supplies and a third crew member to the International Space Station. At least two spacewalks are planned. More info HERE

Master Replicas presale for Enterprise

2006-06-19T15:17:00.000-04:00

"Master Replicas" has started to put up for presale the big Studio Scale Enterprise this past week. This looks to be a beautiful replica of the Starship as it was seen in the original Star Trek series. It's not exactly cheap ($1199.00 for the basic version) but I think this is an item that many a Trekkie will want. It's really the ultimate in ship replicas and looks to be very well made. But to make it easier, preorder now and pay when it ships this coming winter.

Nintendo's Wii Steals Show at Expo

2006-05-12T14:20:00.000-04:00

The Wii is stealing the show at this week's Electronic Entertainment Expo trade show.

read more | digg story

BIG Star Trek movie News!

2006-04-21T10:40:00.000-04:00

Well, big news on the next Star Trek film (#11). Here's the news:

Paramount Pictures announced today that Lost creator J.J. Abrams will co-write, produce and direct the eleventh Star Trek film, set for release in 2008.

According to an article in the Daily Variety, the new film will be a prequel to the original Star Trek series, featuring younger versions of characters like James T. Kirk and Spock. The movie will chronicle events such as their first meeting at Starfleet Academy and their first mission into outer space.

The as-yet untitled new film will be written by Abrams together with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. Abrams is the creator of television series such as Felicity, Alias and Lost, and will soon be making his debut as a feature film director with Paramount's Mission Impossible: III. He's also written the scripts for films such as Regarding Henry and Armageddon. Kurtzman and Orci cooperated with Abrams on the MI: III script, and were previously part of the Alias writing staff, as well as writing the scripts for films such as The Island and the upcoming Transformers movie.

Besides Abrams, the film's producing team will include Damon Lindelof and Bryan Burk, who both also produce Lost. The Variety article made no mention of the fate of Rick Berman, who has been heading the Trek franchise for the past two decades.

According to Variety, the decision to produce a new Trek film is part of an effort by new Paramount head Brad Grey to try and raise the profile of Paramount by producing several "high-profile tentpole" movie, and having them developed by some of the most talented people in Hollywood.

The Starfleet Academy concept is an idea that has been floating around Paramount for several decades now. In February, former Trek movie producer Harve Bennett told the Trek Nation that as recently as two years ago he had a discussion with the then-current regime at Paramount about reviving the idea. Variety confirmed Bennett's statements, writing that several years ago Rick Berman was asked by Paramount to develop a Starfleet Academy feature together with Jordan Kerner and Kerry McCluggage. Presumably this idea evolved into the Star Trek: The Beginning concept, which now appears dead in the water (story).

For the original story from Variety, please follow this link: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117941815?categoryid=10&cs=1&s=h&p=0

Added "Sitepal" to my web page

2006-04-17T10:03:00.000-04:00

Just added a new feature called Sitepal to my web page over the last few days. For a few dollars each month you can create virtual characters or avatars that will speak to visitors to your site. There are many models to pick from and it's very customizable. I like it so far but I'm not sure I'll want to continue to pay each month for this service. Have to wait and see. Here's some special new characters they are offering if you sign up now.

Star Trek 2.0 on G4

2006-03-08T14:31:00.000-05:00

From a Yahoo.com news article today:

The G4 network announced the world premiere of "Star Trek 2.0" - a 40th anniversary celebration of the franchise featuring airings of original series episodes with new interactive components.

In a press release reprinted at Yahoo!, the network promised Saturday marathons of uncut episodes and Monday-Friday regular broadcast at 11 p.m. Beginning on Monday, April 10th, G4 will invite viewers to participate in on-screen features such as live chat online, accumulating Trek Stats and a virtual stock market for characters.

An onscreen "frame" will present Trek facts including background information about the characters and actors. In addition, Trek Stats will tally classic Star Trek moments, such as Spock saying "logical", red shirts dying, Scotty warning Kirk about his engines and the like, with the totals increasing onscreen over the course of the season.

At the same time, viewers can log into a real-time chat room at G4 to respond to questions and make comments. Posts on subjects such as "Best Earth female to be trapped with" and "Top 10 psychic punishments" will scroll across the bottom of the television screen. In addition, the Spock Market - a stock market simulation - will allow viewers registered at G4's web site to use "credits" to buy and sell stock in characters and items on the series, from Captain Kirk and Uhura to phasers and the UFP. A real-time stock ticker will run on the television screen showing gains and losses based on things that happen to characters and items during the episodes.

More information is available at: http://www.g4tv.com/trek2.0

New York Toy Fair 2006!

2006-02-19T13:42:00.000-05:00

Lots of cool new toys and other items revealed at Toy Fair last week in New York. I'm excited about the new TREK items and of course more Master Replicas stuff.

Lots more photos and info here

Korean World of Warcraft Movie?

2006-02-04T16:49:00.000-05:00

I'm a big World of Warcraft game fan. It seems there might be a movie based on the game being filmed in Korea. Here's a picture of an elf (above). Looks kid of cool!

More info and pics here.

Star Trek New Voyages Actors on G4 TV

2006-01-16T18:17:00.000-05:00

There was a cool little interview with two of the main actors from Star Trek New Voyages
On G4 TV last week. You can view the interview online at this link.

Cool stuff! :)

SCI-FI Fridays are back this Friday, Jan. 6th

2006-01-04T19:23:00.000-05:00

I'm really looking forward to SF Fridays back this week on the Sci-Fi channel. Both Stargates will be back and of course my favorite, "Battlestar Galactica." Should be a great night of SF TV!!

Rocketboom joins forces with TIVO!

2005-12-16T15:20:00.000-05:00

One of my favorites, Rocketboom, can now be subscribed to via your TIVO. This is awesome news and a first step to getting video and audio Podcasts or Vlogs into the mainstream. Congrats to them! Check HERE for subscription info.

Microsoft sued over alleged Xbox 360 glitch!

2005-12-05T17:24:00.000-05:00

Mon Dec 5, 2:24 PM ET

A Chicago man who bought Microsoft Corp.'s new Xbox 360 has sued the world's largest software maker, saying the new video game console has a design flaw that causes it to overheat and freeze up.

The proposed class action claims that in Microsoft's bid to gain share in the $25 billion global video game market, the company was so intent on releasing the Xbox 360 before competing next-generation machines from Sony Corp (NYSE:SNE - news). and Nintendo Co Ltd. that it sold a "defectively designed" product.

Robert Byers, who brought the suit, said the power supply and central processing unit in the Xbox 360 overheat, affecting heat-sensitive chips and causing the console to lock up.

Microsoft spokeswoman Molly O'Donnell on Monday said the company does not comment on pending litigation.

Complaints about the problem surfaced quickly on gaming enthusiast Web sites after the Xbox 360 debuted on November 22.

Console owners reported that some systems had crashed during regular use as well as during online game play using the Xbox Live service. Problems included screens going black and the appearance of a variety of error messages.

At the time O'Donnell told Reuters: "We have received a few isolated reports of consoles not working as expected."

She declined to say how many reports Microsoft had received and said that calls reporting the issue to the company represented a "very, very small fraction" of units sold.

The lawsuit, filed on Friday in federal court in Illinois, seeks unspecified damages and litigation-related expenses, as well as the replacement or recall of Xbox 360 game consoles.

TIVO to add Podcasts soon!

2005-12-01T19:53:00.000-05:00

In a software update for early in 2006, TIVO will add Podcasts to their menu. This is great news! I love my TIVO and of course love Podcasts. A match made in Tech heaven!

Rocketboom with Amanda Congdon

2005-11-30T18:31:00.000-05:00

Recently discovered this very cool Video Blog called "ROCKETBOOM." Hosted by the very fun Amanda Congdon. Check out the show when you can.

Cool character Artwork!

2005-11-20T16:05:00.000-05:00

There is some very cool artwork of celebrities and many SCI-FI characters at the Deviant Art Spot of Kevine Green

Above is a cool sample of one of the pieces!

VENUS Express mission launches

2005-11-11T20:48:00.000-05:00

Venus Express is the first Venus exploration mission of the European Space Agency.
It was launched by a Soyuz-Fregat rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on 9 November 2005 at 03:33:34 UT into a parking Earth orbit and 1 h 36 min after launch put into its transfer orbit to Venus. However at least one trajectory correction will be required. On arrival at Venus, after approximately 150 days of journey, the Venus Express spacecraft will use its main engine to reduce its velocity so that it is captured by Venusian gravity. It will take another 5 days to maneuver into its operational orbit.

Venus Express will study the Venusian atmosphere and clouds in detail, the plasma environment and the surface characteristics of Venus from orbit. It will also make global maps of the Venusian surface temperatures. Its nominal mission is planned to last for 500 Earth days (approximately two Venusian years).

Christopher Reeve Foundation Superman Tags

2005-11-09T20:06:00.000-05:00

The WB.com shop has this nice set of tags for sale. Show your support for the Foundation Mr. Reeve setup and grab a pair HERE

Minicast for Show #8 for TREKS in SCI-FI

2005-11-01T20:22:00.000-05:00

I just put up a little mini Podcast for show #8. All about the DVD out today, "REVENGE OF THE SITH!" Enjoy! :)

Yoda breakdances on "Revenge of the Sith" DVD

2005-10-26T18:24:00.000-04:00

There is a hidden "Easter Egg" on the upcoming "REVENGE OF THE SITH" DVD. It seems Yoda is prone to breakdancing while Stormtroopers look on. Check it out HERE.

Slice of Scifi Website blogs my Treks in Sci-Fi show!

2005-10-24T18:32:00.000-04:00

The Slice of Sci-Fi guys Mike and Evo have a nice little write up on their hompage about my Podcast. Nice to get a little plug on one of the most popular SF podcast shows out there. Thanks much guys for the press!

Composite photo of the planet Mars

2005-10-21T14:16:00.000-04:00

A photograph made from composite images taken by the Mars Global Surveyor Mars Orbiter Camera over the last year....

Terminator Endoskeleton by Sideshow Toys

2005-10-18T18:15:00.000-04:00

Guy on the Replica Prop Forum (a place I visit often) just got one of these. It is an awesome piece! I sooooo want one!

TREKS in SCI-FI Podcast Number 5 now up!

2005-10-16T18:40:00.000-04:00

Well, started my Podcast on Trek, SF and collectibles back in early September and now I'm at show #5. It's been a lot of fun so far! The shows I think are getting better and the quality of the audio is being constantly improved. Take a look for it HERE.
:)

SEE "SERENITY" SOON!!!

2005-10-11T14:33:00.000-04:00

This is one of the best movies in years. It has great character interaction, a wonderful script, action, adventure, humor, and some moments that will pull at all your emotions. Oh, it’s also intelligent and has a message. There are relatively few intelligent movies coming out these days. Now I don’t mean this movie is something real intellectual. I just mean that it doesn’t condescend to the audience. The characters do and say things like real people would. They react like most of us might to out of the ordinary situations. Just don’t prejudge a movie or even go because I am saying to. Go and make up your own mind if the movie is any good. I don’t think you will be dissappointed. If you like to see true heroes fight the good fight - go see “SERENITY.”

Star Trek Wiki - Memory Alpha

2005-10-10T21:40:00.000-04:00

Very cool "Star Trek" Wiki here that's a huge encyclopedia of Trek knowledge. Check it out here: MEMORY ALPHA

Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning

2005-10-08T10:30:00.000-04:00

This is a Finnish based TREK/Babylon 5 fan film. It's a bit of a parody, but the space battle effects are amazing!

Download it HERE!

Vote for TREKS in SCI-FI Podcast on Podcast Alley in October!

2005-10-07T19:34:00.000-04:00

My Podcast is now listed on Podcast Alley. If you could spare a moment, please vote for my show there. This is the link.

THANKS!

Destroy All Hairdos

2005-10-05T22:57:00.000-04:00

Destroy All Hairdos
Originally uploaded by jawboneradio.

Really like this. Done by Len over at Jawbone Radio. Great Podcast too!

Go see SERENITY again.....

2005-10-05T19:01:00.000-04:00

If you haven't see SERENITY, go see it now!
If you have seen it, grab a friend and go again!

SERENITY Movie!

2005-10-04T19:33:00.000-04:00

Saw this movie last Friday night (opening day) and it rocked! Loved every minute of it! Go see it as soon as you can - on the BIG screen!

My new TREKS in SCI-FI Podcast!

2005-10-04T19:05:00.000-04:00

Well, last month (September 2005) I entered the world of Podcasting. Started one about two of my favorite things: Star Trek & collectible merchandise. So far I have dome four shows and having a lot of fun with it. Learning quite a bit about audio production and how much time it takes to put all this stuff together. Here's a link to my Podcast page: TREKS in SCI-FI Podcast.

Word does Blogs now!

2005-08-21T21:58:00.000-04:00

This is a quick post test using the new plugin for Word that works with blogging. We’ll see how this all works out. Maybe I’ll toss a small picture in here to see how it handles that too. Ok, here goes (a pic from my trip to Germany back in June 2005)….

Star Wars C3 Con....

2005-04-23T13:47:00.000-04:00

Well, this is the weekend of the C3 Star Wars con in Indy. Revenge of the Sith is only about a month away now and I have been trying to avoid some of the spoilers. Pictures back from the con look interesting. The prop forum I frequent should have lots of photos up in the coming days. Should be fun to see all of them!

March Madness

2005-03-27T17:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I've never been a huge sports fan. Prefer to play more than to watch - when I have the time. My college alma mater MSU is playing a game right now and hopefully heading to the Final Four. I have my oldest son to root them on as he is a huge sports fan and especially a State fan. All I have to end with now is:

GO GREEN!!

Clone Wars....

2005-03-25T19:40:00.000-05:00

Well, just watched the last Episode of "Clone Wars" on the Cartoon Network. I have to say, this series really rocked! The Jedi can do so much more than they show in the movies, it's wonderful to watch. I urge anyone out there that hasn't see this series to pick up the DVD out now with Eps. 1 -- 20. And watch for the replay of Episodes 21 -25 tomorrow night.

It Begins.....

2005-03-25T18:33:00.000-05:00

Well, this will be my first official blog entry. I've had a webpage for sometime now but want to have a quick way to update it. I think this will make it much easier to post my thoughts down more quickly. A little about me.... I'm a big fan of SCI-FI, especially STAR TREK and STAR WARS. I'm going to try and post my comments on new episodes of SCI-FI on TV and new movies that come out. Think that's about all I want to write for now. More soon....