ahh yes, the Dr. Who telephone booth…

Hallo everybody, time for morning chores here, then some French toast — with a hint of orange zest ;)

Good morning Christy. I just watched your NN session on courts. It was on cspan2.

Good morning all,

I’m not sure if I’d feel the same way as an adult, but I liked watching the shows Space 1999 and Mission Impossible. Also Rod Serling’s Night Gallery, The Carol Burnett Show, Emergency, The Gong Show, Dragnet, Adam 12, Baretta, and The Night Stalker.

My favorite version of the Of Mice and Men films is from 1981 with Robert Blake and Randy Quaid.

- Tom

Harlan Ellison’s script did get mangled. I had a collection of Harlan Ellison’s short stories when I was a teen, called “Paingod and Other Delusions”, and among other stories, it had a version of “City on the Edge of Forever”, though under a different title and without any Star Trek characters. (I may be wrong about the book title, I had several Ellison collections). It didn’t distract from the story though in my opinion. William Shatner and Joan Collins played well off each other, though I wasn’t a real fan of either of them. I always thought it a lasting shame that the series was cancelled before they did an episode based on a Larry Niven script, a script which they later did in the animated series.

My favorite scifi when I was a kid though was Lost in Space. I insisted that we watch every week and I thoroughly enjoyed every episode, even though my dad’s impression of the robot was none too flattering. I think he secretly enjoyed it too. ;)

Susie Madrak was on Washington Journal this a.m., was terrific, and the clip was played of her saying bloggers are ‘like the girl the [political figure] has beneath the bleachers but doesn’t ask to the prom’.

It took me watching Star Wars twice before I could understand what R2D2 and 3PO were saying

Oh Night Gallery was GREAT! I was such a big fan. There was one episode called “Greenfingers” in which an elderly woman is being forced out of her home and she somehow loses some fingers and plants them and they grow. I’ve never seen the end of that episode as my little brother, wanting to watch something else, pretended to be scared and my father made me change the channel. I only managed to flip back for a few seconds during a commercial but my wonderful brother ran straight to our father to complain again.To this day I’ve never managed to see that episode in it’s entirety and to this day I haven’t forgiven that little bit of pettiness from him.

I tuned in this morning toward the end of her session, but I saw the quoted session live yesterday. Thought it was a great analogy and led to a good discussion. On a lighter note, I was very surprised that Sestak couldn’t get girls to go to the prom with him and it took him 47 years before a woman accepted his marriage proposal.

Good Morning all…We’ve been having multiple reruns with commentary about Carol Burnett,,,it is hysterical, clever stuff. Some of my favorite movies still are “Same Time, Next”, “The Last Picture Show”, and “Norma Rae” + one that got little attention “April Fools”

A personal note on my mind….did you see Maria Shriver’s remarks in her Eulogy…telling her mother on many occasions “I don’t think I can live without you…” How honest….I had a similar relationship, and it is a hard trip. I was really struck by and proud of her truth. Thanks.

of course I loved the original star trek, the broadcast was an event at my house and the next day was a social gathering discussin at school

I loved the entire franchise, though I thought accept for picard “the next generation” was incredibly badly cast I thought the writing was the best of all installments

the latest movie I also thought was really nice

anyway, as far as “guilty pleasure” I LOVED “reboot”, that was SO well written even before I knew anything about computers and now that I am an expert I am amazed something that well written about computers was done that long ago

off to work

Good morning, pups. I have a huge bathroom painting project today, so this is gonna be a drive by.

Anyone here old enough to remember Captain Video and his Video Rangers? I do!

Captain Video

I’ve enjoyed a lot of Sci-Fi over the years, with some exceptions. I used to enjoy Irwin Allen shows for example till I finally twigged he was just recycling the same plots over and over again. Talk about formula!

Dr. Who has always been a favorite – I used to be able to get broadcast TV from Canada and ran into the doctor there from time to time, then a local PBS station picked up the show 5 days a week. Wonderful! One of the things the show has always had as an implicit part of the background is that the universe is not only a huge place, but it’s even bigger if you can go roaming across billions of years too. Kind of puts things in perspective.

Long before Star Trek was a show called Men Into Space. I barely remember it, but synopses I’ve seen suggest it anticipated a lot of real-world events.

When Star Trek first broadcast, it was on Thursday nights, nights when I had scout meetings. I used to watch it from Canada instead. They broadcast the episodes two days earlier, on Tuesday nights, so I was ahead of everyone else. Not that anyone else seemed to care. It wasn’t till the show went into syndication that it really took off.

If you haven’t seen the new series of Doctor Who (four and a few specials so far) yet, Christy, hie thee to Netflix!
It can lay claim to being one of the best shows on television now, and the effects have even “grown up”…but K9’s still around! (Albeit on the spinoff “Sarah Jane Adventures”, which is made for the pre-puberty set, but is very enjoyable in its own right. There’s also an Australian-made show in which K9 stars, called “K9″, oddly enough, but it doesn’t look like it’ll be as good as the other two series I’ve mentioned.)

And there was an episode in the new series (the Doctor’s regenerated a few times since Tom) where he accidentally runs into Sarah Jane–it’s wonderful; find it; you’ll laugh and cry and, oh yeah, K9’s in that one, too!

Morning. I was more of a mystery buff (still am). I loved that NBC Sunday night Mystery Series that had Columbo, MacMillan and Wife (and some others I’ve forgotten).
Now, I watch Monk.

I don’t know, I was a fan from the very first episode. Then again, I grew up just outside Houston, really close to the Johnson Space Center and most people I knew were involved with the space program in one way or another. We watched all the launches on television, we went to barbeques with the astronauts and engineers, we prayed for their safe return at church, I learned to count backwards by watching launches. We lived and breathed space exploration so scifi seemed a natural extension of that andIt didn’t occur to me till many years later, (when watching Apollo 13), what a unique perspective I had on the whole thing.

Let’s see: There was also Hec Ramsey and McCloud. McCloud had Dennis Weaver and I forget who Hec Ramsey was.

Hec Ramsey was Richard Boone.

That is really up close…did you like the movie? And, do you still follow the space story? I really enjoyed that part of the coverage about Cronkite….also there from the beginning.

And there was one that began with a mystery (like a horse disappearing in the middle of a race) and they’d have to figure out how that was possible.

Here you go Margaret. Enjoy! Night Gallery ~ “Green Fingers”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgIUS7ZDITc

…that Sestak couldn’t get girls to go to the prom with him and it took him 47 years before a woman accepted his marriage proposal.

The time price for repeating the same thing over and expecting a different outcome. ¿No?

For the first time Samuel R. Delany’s “Dhalgren” has made sense, the projection of a covering “Id” holograph. A survival device as are the pseudonyms on the internet – kool. ;-)

Yep…to the tune of “When will we ever learn?”

OT: Moyers last night, Kathleen Hall Jamison really went after the press. She was more energetic than I have ever seen her, and Moyers looked like he was really enjoying her. One of her main targets was the press saying they have made the noise the story, without focusing on the bill, the facts, the problems, etc…she made her point several times…..among many others.

I read every sci fi book at the South Bend Public Library by the time I was 15. In fact, I read many of them twice, and had to check the flap where they stamped your card number to make sure I didn’t get them home only to be disappointed that I remembered them.

I stop by used book stores now to check to see if any of those great collections of the 50s and early 60s are available.

To Margaret -

Yeah, it’s been interesting watching art try to imitate life and vice versa with Star Trek. I remember when NASA named the first space shuttle Enterprise after a huge write-in campaign by ST fans – the one shuttle that never flew into space but was just used to check atmospheric flight for the final approach to landing. I’ve noticed from time to time over the various ST shows and movies that every so often they work in a display of all ships named Enterprise, and there is usually a shuttle there.

I also seem to recall the Navy carrier Enterprise a few years back renovated a compartment into its own “Ten-Forward” lounge for the crew.

I remember the Gary Seven episode which had a lot of NASA footage, including a Saturn V launch.

I was able to be at the Cape for the launch of the last Apollo lunar mission, Apollo 17. A friend got me a press pass, so I was just three miles away at the press site when that Saturn turned the entire sky to day for a few minutes.

IF we can reboot Star Trek with the latest movie, can we do the same for NASA?

I loved the original Star Trek series and I watched it every week.

When I was younger I loved The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. My favorite Outer Limits episode was “The Zanti Misfits”, about some aliens that looked like 6″ long ants that landed in a flying saucer in the desert. They were sent here to be killed by us humans because they were incapable of killing their own species. At the end one of the aliens explained this, saying “You are practiced executioners.”

I did enjoy the movie. Very much! Not only did Ron Howard do a superb job of direction, the casting couldn’t have been better.

.
“The Avengers.” Hands down. Even as a kid, I recognized that there could never be a sexier, classier grown-up lady than Dianna Rigg as Mrs. Emma Peel.

But that was then, this is now. Today we have Ms. Ashley Greene, of “Twilight,” famously examining her previously unexamined life.
.

Thanks! It never occured to me to look for it on youtube. I usually go there for old rock-n-roll

Oh yeah! And it didn’t hurt that Robert Lansing was Gary 7!

I also love the first two Terminator movies. Especially the first one, which is a classic girl coming of age story. Sarah Connor is the protagonist, Arnold is just a prop.

I’m older than most and remember the first TV sets in the early 50’s. My best friend’s family, down the street, was the first in the neighborhood to get one. The screen was about 8 inches wide in a big console. One of the early shows was “Autolite (battery) Suspense”, which was a really cheap “scary show” with a lot of Vincent Price wannabee actors. Anyway, I used to have to leave his house and run home, usually barefooted on a gravel street, in the dark. I made really good time.

I remember that episode. I always saw “The Sandkings” in the later series as an updated version of that but I could be mistaken. They really didn’t have much in common.

Mrs. Peel was hott! She was one of the first female action heroes.

You’re the first person I know of who’s read Dahlgren besides me. Strangest book I’ve ever read but I reread it every few years. Look for your link on tiger hero tomorrow in Caturday. You get a head butt (tiger style) for that one.

Have a great Saturday everyone. I have to eat something and watch Greenfingers (Finally!). Take that Pete, (my little brother, though there is nothing little about him now!)

My aunt had one of those early tvs. Seems like it was mostly cowboy programs. Cisco kid.
Hoopalong Cassidy, Lone Ranger etc.

Thanks, I’ll look for it. I like the later series also, although I haven’t seen many of them. I liked the one about Josh, who was either God, an angel or an alien, who came to Earth to help people in need.

Wow! I remember Dahlgren. I had forgotten it. It came to me in a boxed set with “Nova”. That takes me back….

There was a lot of that. Gunsmoke was the first “realistic” western series. Those TV’s had rabbit ear antennae which, for some reason, seemed to work with less “snow” when someone was touching them. Families tried wrapping tinfoil around them in various shapes,but usually told one member to “stand there and hold it like that.”

Mostly lurking here anymore, not much to contribute it seems. Thought you might have missed that one and could not let it go by the wayside. Glad you appreciate, give the tigers teh love.

It’s a classic. The only thing I’m aware of that had both Lloyd and Beau Bridges in it. (Trivia: Lloyd Bridges was also the first person offered the role of Captain Kirk)

Yer gonna think I’m crazy but here goes.

Yesterday morning the boss’s daughter (the beauty with me in a tux) told me of a client who is moving to TN. She has 2 tigers, one 12yo female (mayhaps a tortie from the description) with a hyperthyroid and a 6 yo. She’s had both all their lives. Now she’s tired of taking care of them and was going to give them to a shelter. The 6yo might have a chance at adoption but I doubt the 12yo would last 24 hours. Sooooooo, come Monday my little colony will increase by 2. Jody is gonna pick ‘em up for me cuz I don’t want to meet the woman.

For a treat listen to Stephen Fry on experiencing the first episode of Dr. Who. It’s on his website – stephenfry.com I think it’s the essay entitled “Compliance Defiance.” Will try to find a direct link.

Well, congratulations. I have forgotten the number to = crazy, but you’re close. Nice gesture. Sounds like they needed a death panel for end-of-life planning….they certainly still have years in them. Do you know their names? We need a way to celebrate….

Speaking of Star Trek episodes, the entire George Bush administration kept reminding me of one where the Enterprise entered a galaxy ruled by some spoiled Nero-like guy whose parents had given him the galaxy to play with. I don’t remember the name of the episode, but it kept coming back to me every time I would try to think of analogies for Bush’s character.

I’ve still got The Stainless Steel Rat series sitting on my bookshelf, untouched for 30 years. Good ol’ Slippery Jim diGriz. Most extraordinary thief in the galaxies. The only good men were the bad ones, the molls were comely and brilliant, and I’m sure if I popped it open today (which I guess I will someday before handing it to my 8 year old), I’m sure it would offend and appall me.

But I loved it back when.

Series 1, Episode 4 “Broadcasting”

http://www.stephenfry.com/2008…..adcasting/

Over 12 = crazy. Operative word “over” but I’m on the cusp *g* The 12yo’s name is Maude, usually called Maudey. *sigh* At 12 I won’t change her name. I don’t know much about the 6yo but having been together that long I won’t separate them. Maude’s declawed but that’s not her fault.

How can science fiction be a guilty pleasure when you’re in the company of so many fellow science fiction travelers? And the shared stories: my mother had to back me up with the Portland Public Library to allow me to check out science fiction from from the adult section of the library when I was nine, giving me access to Arthur C. Clarke, Asimov, Heinlein, Pohl, Chester and the other science fiction authors of the golden age. My first real research paper in high school was on Le Guin’s “The Left Hand of Darkness.” And the many, many hours spent watching all parts of the Star Trek franchise with my family (who mostly share my love for science fiction).

Christie, I confess I didn’t get Dr. Who (and Tom Baker in particular) until I started watching the current series with Chris Eccleston and David Tennant as the Ninth and Tenth Doctors. (Too much American acting, and not enough sensitization to RADA training in my early TV and movie viewing, I’m afraid.) If you like Tom Baker, you really must see Tennant’ Doctor — and his companions (Billy Piper, Freema Ageyaman, Catherin Tate) have been outstanding.

I remember that one! The guy who acted like Napoleon. Yeah, he is just like Dumbya!

How many do you have?

Let me mention a current favorite. I really enjoy the Sci Fi channel series Eureka. I love the characters, and the story ideas are usually pretty entertaining as well. Having at least one ‘normal’ guy trying to cope with all the technological curve balls and developing threats in some ways makes a useful metaphor for the rest of us and the crazy world we live in today.

About the only thing Eureka is missing is the mob of torch-waving peasants ready to burn down what they don’t understand. I suppose an episode with a flat-earther, intelligent design advocating, climate change denying Senator from the State of Confusion trying to defund Eureka would do.

Last weekend, Montreal hosted WorldCon, with Neil Gaiman as Guest of Honour, and Paul Krugman making a few appearances.

The TARDIS was apparently recreated at the party hotel.

10 today, 12 Monday. Yeah, I’m on the cusp and my vet loves me. *g*

Cats are like potato chips. Ya can’t have just one.

Well, enjoy..it’s a calling to have that many and survive..

Just to say….I love /hate the pic of W above…..it always reminds me of the line after his election….AVillage in TX has lost its idiot….well-dressed, but doesn’t help.

Im outta here for a while. Cheers. B

I’m sure he does.

Holding the antenna still improves the picture if you’re using rabbit ears.

Anyone here shop at Whole Foods? I’d never even heard of them before the uproar.

Nobody’s mentioned My Favorite Martian or Mork and Mindy or ALF or Third Rock From the Sun. Guess they don’t qualify as SciFi.

When the WTC was hit on 9/11, I of course, was at work. The phones started ringing with the news but no one could connect with the internet so we were relying on what we could learn from those at home. Then someone mentioned that she had a tv in her car that had just been repaired. An old portable with antennae. Brought it in and had to do the old “stand here, hold the antenna’ routine. Took turns either watching or being the official antenna holder.

Actually, all the medical problems we’ve had have been with the older tigers. He first gave me Missy at 19 and he had just removed part of her thyroid. She lived to 22 1/2, which surprised everybody. He also gives me quite a break on costs. Missy’s care was at no cost to me. I have 2, Feurae and Nagi, that he’s given me this year.

We don’t have one in the St Pete area but I wouldn’t shop there anyhow. There are 2 natural food stores close by and I imagine the prices are better than I’d see at Whole Foods.

No, they don’t but they were all great. Na-Nu Na-Nu.

They’re SciFi Sitcoms. Yeah, for some reason I rarely watched My Favorite Martian, even though I was a kid when that series ran. But as an adult I used to enjoy Third Rock.

I guess we couldn’t do that now since the switch to digital signals.

That’s what radio is for. *g*

I still get a chuckle from others occasionally when I say I’m “building X using stone knives and bear skins”. Loved the doctor and trek. Memories!

Okay, SD, you’re on the cusp, but we love you for it.
I enjoyed watching Alf, but don’t know why. Something endearing about him.
My guilty pleasure show as a young teen was I Spy.

You had a crush on Robert Culp, didn’t ya.

Have you got all your housework done already? I just got up.

I thought they were both pretty cute. I think the crush was ’cause they were both so capable. I’d want them to rescue me. Maybe, I felt I needed rescuing about that time.

heh,
never ending, isn’t it?

We’re always referring to the corporate right-wingers as Ferengi.

That’s not it. We’re just old.

I used to drive a Ferengi….

In addition to Star Trek, some others I watched as a kid (hey their weren’t a lot of good options back then): Batman, Wonder Woman, 6 Million Dollar Man, the Bionic Woman, Get Smart, Brady Bunch, Gilligan’s Island, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, Our Gang, Lunch with Casey Jones, Wonderama, Kukla, Fran and Ollie, Battle of the Network Stars, and Man from Atlantis.

Those were the days…

- Tom

I saw a clip yesterday of a Maserati traded in under Cash for Clunkers. The owner said he couldn’t drive it 10 blocks before it needed to go back into the shop. Beautiful car. Leather interior, the whole 9 yards. When the car lot guy who was telling the story tried to start it it wouldn’t.

SD, Our paper, Statesaman.com has a whole article in the Life/Arts section about cutie cats & things they do; refers to online sites for kitty fun

The Prisoner

And there’s another rather short-lived series from the 60s. I don’t remember enough of the vital info to do a decent search for the title. It was in black and white. I believe it was a British series. The earth is under threat from aliens, unknown to most of the population, and a small group of men are working to stop them. This sounds like the plot of the Roy Thinnes’ series The Invaders, which may be imitating this unknown series. The protagonist was tall and thin, or so it seemed to me — picture 60s slimline suits with Nehru jacket — and hair that looked white in black and white TV. He drove what looked like a deLorean car, with the gullwing doors. I watched it trying to figure out what was going on, but it ended before it really revealed very much. Still, I remember to this day some of the scenes, particularly on dark roads.

.
Female action heroes? Let’s not forget America’s own “Honey West,” the various Catwomen, esp. Julie Newmar (who was also a robot in another series),and Agent 99 on “Get Smart.”

‘ @Margaret | Saturday August 15, 2009 08:57 am 77
I used to drive a Ferengi….

You racist bastard!
.