Grab a towel and stand in line

For today The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is in theatres.

I've probably said before that I really like the website BUT I'm pretty pissed that I can't buy a t-shirt or at least a damned towel. I can get trading cards though. Whoopie! TRADING CARDS AND THAT'S IT? The slacker in charge of marketing for this movie should be fired! OR what would be fitting is the torture technique where they put a towel down your throat, let it partially digest and then yank it out of you along with your stomach. That's something I learned from watching 24, second season I think... Would I digress be an understatement here?

The point is, here I am, a woman with a credit card that wants to own something from the movie and all they have is trading cards? Screw trading cards. No ring tones? Not even a Hitchhiker's Guide themed PDA? I expected this stuff to at least be offered.

It's pretty sad that I've been so conditioned to accept marketing that I expect to buy movie stuff. The fact that I'm mad that these people haven't come up with a way to take my money is just sad. I should hang my head in shame for being a tool. I won't though.

They should call themselves OutofTouchstone Pictures. *pout*

No towels were harmed in this post.

Rod Roddenberry's Last Episode Viewing Party

Saw this on Trek Web:

Rod Roddenberry Invites You to STAR TREK ENTERPRISE Last Episode Viewing Party

Friends of Star Trek,

Come watch the final episode of Star Trek: Enterprise with the Roddenberrys! Eugene 'Rod' Roddenberry invites you to "STAR TREK ENTERPRISE - The Last Episode" viewing party, presented by Trek United and Roddenberry Productions.

Forty years ago, my father created a television series that not only entertained us but also opened our eyes to a brighter future. Although short-lived, STAR TREK THE ORIGINAL SERIES proved that television audiences worldwide were filled with intelligent viewers thirsting for thought-provoking content and the message of hope. Two decades later with inception of STAR TREK THE NEXT GENERATION, he showed that hunger to be thriving beyond expectation. Since then, STAR TREK has flourished in many forms evolving beyond film and screen. Today, no longer dependent on regulated media streams, STAR TREK has achieved a status of immortality!

'On May 13, 2005, I invite you to join me in celebrating the first 40 years of STAR TREK and the vision of a better tomorrow.'

DATE:Friday, May 13, 2005
TIME:6:00pm to 10:00pm
LOCATION:Embassy Suites LAX North
9801 Airport Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90045
310-215-1000
310-215-1952 - fax
www.laxembassy.com
ROOM RATE: (Discounted) $119.00 Standard Room (Optional)
Room Rate Discount Good for 5/11 thru 5/15.
All Reservations MUST be made before April 30, 2005.
ADDITIONAL COSTS:$15.00 Event Fee (Includes food, beverages, a goody bag, and a $15.00 Roddenberry.Com store credit)

ROOM RATE DISCOUNTS:
Make your reservations now! Remember to tell the Embassy Suite reservations operator that you are attending the RODDENBERRY event. If you choose to make your reservations online, use promotion code ROD for your discount.
* Room Rate Discount only available on reservations made before April 30th.

For details go to Save Enterprise or Roddenberry.com.

FINALLY! New Outer Limits DVDs!

I was browsing Amazon.com, poking about and discovered that new DVDs from the deepest innermind to The Outer Limits will be coming out late June. For whatever reason, MGM is still not realesing the show by season but by theme. I guess that works because The Outer Limits wasn't really a linear show. I own the two that they've released so far which is Sex & Science Fiction and Time Travel & Infinity. Having these shows on DVD is such a treat!

The new DVDs are available for pre-order at Best Buy.com and Amazon.com. The release date is June 21, 2005.

So here's the new line up:
Aliens Among Us Collection:
"Quality of Mercy," "Afterlife," "The Grell," "Relativity Theory," "Alien Shop," "Beyond the Veil"

Death & Beyond Collection:
"The Second Soul," "The Other Side," "New Lease," "Essence of Life," "Human Trials," "Black Box"

Mutation & Transformation Collection:
"The New Breed," "Descent," "The Joining," "Double Helix," "The Gun," "The Inheritors"

Fantastic Androids & Robots Collection:
"I, Robot," "The Hunt," "Resurrection," "The Camp," "Glitch," "Small Friends"

The will also have a boxed set.
The Outer Limits - New Series

I'd hoped that the Mutation & Transformation Collection would have "The Origin of Species" which is the sequel to Double Helix but no such luck.

SPOILERS - In a Mirror, Darkly

SPOILERS!!!

"In a Mirror, Darkly"
In a dark alternate universe, an amoral, imperialistic version of the Enterprise crew makes an astonishing discovery during a mission into enemy alien territory.

It was one of the best episodes of Enterprise and I'm pissed. Wanna know why? Because it shows me that The Powers That Be have the ability to make good episodes but won't. This episode confirmed that for me. It makes me feel like the lackluster beginning to this show was a plan to kill the show. It's unbelievable.
They had the power to change that crappy theme song the whole time. They had the power to make a compelling story-line the whole time. They had the ability to merge the story with the original series the whole time.
Instead, for a reason that I will NEVER understand TPTB decided to crap their way through this show. Instead of stepping down, instead of making way for someone who wants to do a good show, instead of giving the fans what they wanted the whole time we get the "too little to late so fu** you" send off. You can b*tch about Lucas, but at least the man knows how to do a prequel in that he only botched minor details.

Now to the praise for the show:
This episode gave me that warm fuzzy feeling that made me love Star Trek in the first place. You know how I usually scramble around to find my mute button so I won't have to hear that god awful theme song? I slipped up and got around to pressing it too late (again) and to my surprise, there was a different theme song all together. Different graphics. I didn't realize I was stuck in a squat to sit down with my mouth open and holding my breath until the theme song was over. I had to pause to get a grip. W00t!
Well let me back up and say that I enjoyed the First Contact homage. Why Zefram Cochrane would shoot the Vulcans is beyond me. If he'd just had a that moment with the alternate timeline that was the premise of First Contact, why would he shoot the Vulcans? Fast forward to the "dark" Enterprise, Captian Archer couldn't be evil if evil was bit him on the ass. He's still a "do-gooder" in the upside down universe.
Loved the costume changes. Instead of all legs like in TOS, we get all torso. I remember the Tholians and the Tholian Web. I consulted my Star Trek encyclopedia and WOW! They actually used the damned thing for once. I cracked a smile at the site of the TOS Enterprise. When they made this episode, they knew they were doing good.

The World is Never Going to End

Just stop hoping for it. It's never going to happen. This puppy is built to last. Nothing we do will totally get rid of this place. We can pollute it, make it an utterly miserable place to live, over populate it but it's not going away. So don't take out that loan, don't run up that credit card, don't have that unprotected sex because you WILL live and you WILL have to deal with it.

I'm just saying because SciFi Channel is passing off Revelations as science fiction. Sure they pass off a lot of things as sci-fi these days. In the "spirit" of things, I'm going to declare CSI science fiction. Forensics is a science. The characters are fictional. There you have it. Now I can officially go on about nerdily hot Grissom is. GIRLIE SQUEAL!!!

Access Hollywood wants to make a fool out of Star Wars fans

Are you the Ultimate Star Wars Fan?

I haven't seen one of these type shows do justice to the fans yet. These assholes just want to get in on the Star Wars frenzy and laugh behind fan boys backs. The prize isn't that compelling either.

From starwars.com:

Are you the Ultimate Star Wars Fan? If so, "Access Hollywood" is looking for you. This contest can be entered at www.accesshollywood.com. Entrants must submit a short video in support of their nomination. The entry period for the contest runs through April 21. Starting on April 28, "Access Hollywood" will show two entrants a day, and there will be daily voting to select one.

On May 6, five finalists' tapes will air, and viewers will get to vote for their favorite. The winner will be announced the week of May 9. The prize winner and a guest will win a trip to one of the charity premieres of Episode III. For detailed entry information, check their official website here.

TrekUnited is refunding money

Wow!
It's officially official that Enterprise is dead and the campaign is over.
TrekUnited Ends Fan-Fundraising, Looks Into Future

I was listening to the Slice of Scifi podcast and apparently some people where demanding to look at proof that Trek United was doing the things that they were claiming they did. Tim Brazeal said (in so many words) that all of this was happening because some ex-co-workers were jealous of his success and wanted to take him down. Also, he said that the SaveFarscape campaign was exposed for embezzling funds. I did not know this.

I guess they needed to address this. I'm a fan but I wasn't looking that hard. I didn't know that people were trash talking and these types of accusations were being throw about. I think it's a bad deal that as soon as fans ask for more info about the campaign that the campaign ends. I think the campaign was a success. It managed to gain the attention of everyone. I want to believe the guy was straight up but a lot of people are full of shit so there's a 50/50 chance.

With Star Trek and Star Wars about to end, I wonder if any show/movie will so engage the fans ever again? I'm betting on Dr. Who but then again I'm crazy.



and have bad grammar.

C3: Woodstock of Sci-Fi Conventions

From theforce.net:

Lucas is going to be at C3.
In an incredible announcement at Starwars.com, they have just announced George Lucas will be attending Celebration III!!!!!!

Damn, I'm going to miss out. I never get pumped up about these things until the last minute. I'm always broke at the last minute. It sucks.

I hope someone has a webcam. That way I can be there but not. It would be even more awesome if someone was at least moblogging the event. I look forward to the pics.
*sigh*

There's always ComicCon.

No Crow For Me

Paramount: "The Decision To End ENTERPRISE is Final"

Paramount denied to SCI FI Wire that such talks are taking place, adding definitively: 'That is not true. The decision to end the show is final,'" announces a SCI FI Wire report.

I'm not happy about it but I want to move on. No need to wallow in negativity. Besides, I have Star Wars on the brain lately anyway.

Who Backslides the Best

BBC Apologizes To Who Star

The BBC, which earlier reported that Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston was leaving the show after the first season, issued an unusual apology to the actor for mischaracterizing his reasons for departing. The BBC said that it failed to consult Eccleston before confirming the actor's departure and that it erroneously attributed statements to the actor that he was leaving because he feared being typecast and found the show's schedule grueling.

In fact, the BBC reported, the network broke an agreement with Eccleston not to reveal that he had planned to film just one season of the hit show all along. "The BBC regrets not speaking to Christopher before it responded to the press questions on Wednesday 30 March," the BBC's head of drama and commissioning, Jane Tranter, said in a statement. "The BBC further regrets that it falsely attributed a statement to Christopher and apologizes to him."

The BBC has already ordered up a second season of the new Doctor Who, which is airing in the United Kingdom to record ratings. The BBC confirmed that it is in talks with actor David Tennant as a possible replacement for Eccleston.

*cough cough* Bullshit *cough cough*
Wow! They clean up better than Hollywood.

I'm still mad that Eccleston is leaving. I still think that "he feared being typecast and found the show's schedule grueling" but my anger is a compliment. This show is one of the best shows in awhile and he has a lot to do with that. That damned BBC had better break out some more money for this man. Don't replace him and end like Earth: Final Conflict. *shudders*

What the?

Star Wars III: Revenge of the Mobile Phone

Just when I thought I'd seen it all in comes the furry Chewbacca phone. I had a jones for Frosted Flakes yesterday. Little did I know that I was going to get a lightsaber spoon.... that lights up. I can tell that this marketing situation is going to be out of control.

Star Wars @ Target

Target has transformed part of their site to a Star Wars portal.
Star Wars @ Target

There's a sweepstakes, a funny Kellogg's cereal Jedi Mind trick subliminal advertising thingy, a scene generator where you enter selections and it makes a movie based on what you picked and a Jedi name generator.

You can even take a look at their stock online. Everyone is cashing in. Oh how my money is begging to be spent. I'm putting my wallet in the closet. Will I be able to resist?

The Babylon 5 Quote Book?

But in Purple, I'm Stunning... : The Babylon 5 Quote Book

In one complete volume, Babylon 5 creator and writer J. Michael Straczynski presents some of the most popular character quotes from the series' epic five-year run, along with the reasons why fans have enjoyed them-and the show-so much. Also included, for the first time anywhere, is Straczynski's complete script for the series finale, "Sleeping in Light," featuring material and scenes omitted from the final broadcast version. Topping off this unique collection is a complete, detailed chronology of the Babylon 5/Crusade universe, compiled by Marc Carlson, that factors into continuity every episode, every novel, every short story (by JMS), and every comic book ever published!

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: I Books (December 1, 2005)

Can't get a movie but we can get a book. Nice!

Video game based on FOX's 24 : Coming Soon

From The Great Link:
Video game based on FOX's 24 : Coming Soon

The action and suspense of TV's 24 seem so ripe for video game adaptation that it's a wonder nobody has already made a game starring Kiefer Sutherland's hard-nosed counterterrorist operative Jack Bauer. That won't be true for much longer, though, as Sony has just announced development of a 24 game scheduled for release in the fourth quarter. In development at SCE's Cambridge studio (maker of Primal and Ghosthunter), 24: The Game looks set to deliver the same tension and intrigue as its popular TV counterpart.

WOO!
We get to run around like madmen shooting at terrorists, taking heroin and disobeying orders!

Star Wars Midnight Madness

ToysRUs had a Star Wars Midnight Madness sale last night. It would have been a long drive for me to attend. I just wasn't in the mood for that. I'm not sure if I'm going to get memorabilia happy. I think those bastards are taking advantage of us. I'll see how long I can hold out. :)

Battlestar Galactica is bad ass

This show started off dark and depressing but Battlestar Galactica managed to hold my attention for the ENTire first season. I don't think I'll have to wait another 3 seasons for the show to become watchable. I didn't force myself to watch this out of loyalty. I watch this show because it is phenomenal. The cast has the perfect chemistry, everyone except Jamie Bamber. He's made me cringe a few times but I can live with him. The guy himself is worthy of a girly squeal but his character gets on my fracking nerves. He's one of those golden boy types who get where they are going in life because of dumb luck.

Stand out episodes to me are "Bastille Day" (introduction of Richard Hatch's character), "You Can't Go Home Again" (when we start not to care that Starbuck is a female. I actually never cared.), "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down" (Col.Tigh's wacky wife is introduced), "Colonial Day" (a very fun episode) and of course "Kobol's Last Gleaming" (the season finale shocker show).

This isn't a spoiler if you've been watching the show but I really hope Madame President (Mary McDonnell)doesn't die. I like her character. I wish she was the President in real life. She's a perfect president. I hope the season finale shocker person doesn't die either. The show without these characters would be as strong to me. I guess I'll have to trust good old Ron Moore. Dammit man, don't let these folks go.

Eccleston, you snob

Who Star Quits Abruptly

Christopher Eccleston has quit the title role of the BBC's new Doctor Who series after just one episode of the new series aired, the BBC reported. Eccleston, whose first appearance as the ninth Time Lord attracted around 10 million viewers in its premiere on March 26, feared being typecast, the network said.

What type of dive bullshit is this? Sounds like someone has Denise Crosby Syndrome. Not the most accurate comparison but close enough. I would have rather him say that he going into a rehab. I would have even respected him saying he was born again and it went against his way of life. Anything but whining about type- casting. Any type of casting is good casting if you can keep a roof over your head.

Whatever, it's just a show. Getting a life now.

Does anyone actually listen to Dragon Radio's pod casts?

I usually just read the page but since I got my nifty MP3 player (that is not an iPod) I decided to give it a try. My god those guys are hilarious. I happened to catch the one with Lushious Lucius Sheperd and those guys had me cracking up from the start. They trashed the Catwoman movie for about 15 minutes. And I must say that true lovers of the comic book genre should appreciate Catwoman for it's originality, character development and it's compelling and refreshing look at the Catwoman story. You have to look a little deeper with this movie..... OK. I'm bullshitting.

Also, the guy with the book, Richard K Morgan, um... WOW! I actually felt excited about reading a book. I really want to check this one out. Knowing how I feel about sitting still enough to read a book, that's saying a lot. BTW The book is called Market Forces.

I look forward to listening to more from these guys.