Young Adult Science Fiction can be so hard to find! Which is why I started this blog in the first place. Sigh. Oh, well, there are some things for you older teens too.
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We're going to a costume party tonight. I'll post pictures tomorrow if they turn out.
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Edited to Add: If you don't have a costume for tonight, you can still throw together the No-Sew ones I described in this post- http://youngadultsciencefiction.blogspot.com/2008/10/easy-science-fiction-costumes.html
Friday, October 31, 2008
A Child's Worth
This painting is entitled, 'Not Too Much to Carry' and is by William Adolphe Bouguereau.
In many states, there are Safe Haven laws. These were created to help prevent the abandonment, and subsequent deaths, of newborn babies. A parent is allowed to drop off the baby at an emergency room or other designated Safe Haven, like a fire station, and will face no criminal charges as a result. A few questions may be asked, but are not required to be answered. Many babies have been saved, as a result. Wonderful. Love it.
In many states, there are Safe Haven laws. These were created to help prevent the abandonment, and subsequent deaths, of newborn babies. A parent is allowed to drop off the baby at an emergency room or other designated Safe Haven, like a fire station, and will face no criminal charges as a result. A few questions may be asked, but are not required to be answered. Many babies have been saved, as a result. Wonderful. Love it..
What I don't get is why older children and teenagers cannot also find refuge this way. Nebraska is hurriedly re-writing its Safe Haven law to prevent parents abandoning their teenagers this way. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081029/ap_on_re_us/safe_haven They say there are other resources available to these families in crises. However, I wonder if it's because it's much more difficult to find foster homes and adoptive families for teens.
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Shouldn't teens have the right to escape abuse and neglect as easily as adorable newborn babies? After all, they end up on the streets when abandoned, facing death and deprivation, as well.
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Here's an organization which helps birthparents hiding a pregnancy or contemplating abandonment- http://www.projectcuddle.org/default.asp
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And here's an organization for teens in crises- http://www.boystown.org/hotline/index.asp
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Please don't be afraid to ask for help. You deserve safety, kindness, and respect. Only you have the right to decide what happens to your body. You can prevent tragedy by seeking the help you need.
Resistance is Futile! You will be assimulated!
This is the Star Trek Voyager crew, seasons 4 through 7. Former Borg, Seven of Nine, is the woman on the left. Chief Engineer, Lieutenant B'Lanna Torres, the woman on the right, was my favorite character.
These are the Borg children liberated from the Collective on Star Trek Voyager. 
There was also a baby Borg - a Borglet, if you will - but most writers have no idea how to incorporate babies into storylines. After Seven of Nine rescued the Borglet and sent it to the Doctor on Voyager, it simply vanished from the show, never to be mentioned again. All but one of the Borg children were sent back to their parents, adoptive parents, or family, and that was Icheb. He's the tall boy on the right. His birthparents tried to get him back to use as a weapon against the Borg, but he was rescued by the family who truly loved him - the Voyager crew. I ask you, what teenage boy wouldn't want Seven of Nine as a big sister? Many public libraries have Voyager DVDs you can check out for free, if you can't afford to download episodes at iTunes or buy the DVDs. The Borg assimilated their victums by injecting nano-probes into their bloodstream.
These are the Borg children liberated from the Collective on Star Trek Voyager. There was also a baby Borg - a Borglet, if you will - but most writers have no idea how to incorporate babies into storylines. After Seven of Nine rescued the Borglet and sent it to the Doctor on Voyager, it simply vanished from the show, never to be mentioned again. All but one of the Borg children were sent back to their parents, adoptive parents, or family, and that was Icheb. He's the tall boy on the right. His birthparents tried to get him back to use as a weapon against the Borg, but he was rescued by the family who truly loved him - the Voyager crew. I ask you, what teenage boy wouldn't want Seven of Nine as a big sister? Many public libraries have Voyager DVDs you can check out for free, if you can't afford to download episodes at iTunes or buy the DVDs. The Borg assimilated their victums by injecting nano-probes into their bloodstream..
Science Fiction to Science Fact. This is a big reason why I started this blog. Science Fiction inspires the great scientists of tomorrow.
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Nano-coated bullets could help solve crimes.
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Self-Cleaning Materials- Lotus-Leaf Inspired Nanotechnology.
The Power of Storytelling - the WAR OF THE WORLDS radio broadcast
Tom Cruise starred in the recent movie version.
Seventy years ago this past week, humans were truly terrified that aliens had invaded the earth because of a radio broadcast story.
Seventy years ago this past week, humans were truly terrified that aliens had invaded the earth because of a radio broadcast story..
If you can't afford to buy the book and it's not at your library, pop over to this site and download it for free- http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/36
Real Science This Week
The Brilliant have been Busy this week.
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13 Facts about Nuclear Fusion. C'mon, 'fess up, you know you've always wanted to know.
http://www.lisapaitzspindler.com/blog/2008/10/30/thirteen-facts-about-nuclear-fusion/
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Bigfoot lives!
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=show-me-the-body-mythic-creatures
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Moonstruck.
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=half-mass-moon
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Dynamic Planet Mercury
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081029/ap_on_sc/sci_mercury
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World-building Inspiration- Archaeology
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/us_israel_archaeology
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New life and new civilizations?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20081027/sc_mcclatchy/3082054
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13 Facts about Nuclear Fusion. C'mon, 'fess up, you know you've always wanted to know.
http://www.lisapaitzspindler.com/blog/2008/10/30/thirteen-facts-about-nuclear-fusion/
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Bigfoot lives!
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=show-me-the-body-mythic-creatures
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Moonstruck.
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=half-mass-moon
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Dynamic Planet Mercury
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081029/ap_on_sc/sci_mercury
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World-building Inspiration- Archaeology
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/us_israel_archaeology
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New life and new civilizations?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20081027/sc_mcclatchy/3082054
BILLY CLIKK Creatch Battler by Mark Crilley
Reviewed by Kimber, Jr, a real Middle Grader.
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Yahoo! Another awesome book by the stellar author Mark Crilley, who also wrote the Akiko series! Alright, alright. Sure I’m going a bit over the edge but hey, this is pretty awesome, after all. But now to the review. The main character is Billy, (by the way, this is all in third-person, as opposed to first-person in the Akiko series) a twelve-year-old boy who’s been lied to every day of his life. Hah, gotcha! Thought I was gonna say he was perfectly normal, eh? Well, he is… for the most part. He’s basically everything you thought a preteen boy would be: crazy, energetic, and a fan of extreme sports. And he’s got a Scottish terrier named Piker who actually is a pretty major character. Anyway one evening Billy is sitting on the couch watching TV when….what the? Footage of his parents in a parade in the Philippines! Alrighty, you’d be pretty shocked if your parents were in a parade anywhere, wouldn’t you? Much less the Philippines. Anyway that really, really, and I mean really arouses Billy’s attention. Piker tries to stop him but soon he ends up in a heck of a lot more trouble than your usual “go to your room” sort of trouble. Fortunately before he’s scared out of his wits and confused out of his brain at the same time his parents come home and finally own up. See, they’re part of an organization called the AFMEC, which battles monsters called “creatches” all around the world. (That explains that footage of Billy’s parents in the Philippines, by the way) Now Billy is pretty impressed. And understandably wants all the facts express service thank you very much. After as much facts as his parents can dish out Billy is taken to the AFMEC headquarters for a meeting with Mr. Very-funny (aka Mr. Vriffnee). After both Billy and his parents (surprised?) get a stern scolding they have vita-dogs (basically hot dogs with the entire source of flavor taken out and replaced with vitamins and minerals-yuck!) and meet a girl named Ana who bears a striking resemblance to Akiko herself. Billy also learns that Piker isn’t all what she seems. Her real name is Orzamo and she’s really a demi-creatch: a cross between a dog and a creatch. Anyway after all this Billy’s parents are called off on a “creatch op” to India of all places, and Billy comes with them as there’s no time for a stop in Piffling, Billy’s hometown. You see, a ground creatch called a “orf” has taken up residence in the Taj Mahal and a guy named Ravi has called Billy’s parents in to get rid of it. And poor old Billy is stuck with Orzamo in the sidelines. But after Ravi tells him of a “fatal flaw” Billy thinks maybe he can defeat the orf. So with good ol’ Orzy as his sidekick he attempts-attempts, mind you-to defeat the orf. But in the process he uncovers a plot to blow up the Taj Mahal and ruin AFMEC forever. “Check please!” Hey! I’m not done yet and neither is the book! Get back here! Alright, where was I? Oh yes. After Billy uncovers this Billy’s parents are captured by the unexpectedly evil Twain. (No, not Mark Twain.) After that Orzamo frees Billy’s parents and Billy (with a little help from the orf) is wrestling Twain on a flying motorcycle. Will Billy defeat Twain and save both the Taj Mahal and AFMEC’s honor at the same time, or will Twain prevail and blow up the Taj Mahal and ruin AFMEC? You’ll have to read this to find out. Meanwhile here’s the stats:
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BILLY CLIKK: CREATCH BATTLER RATING CHART
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1: poor
2: fair
3: excellent
10: so good you might as well run down and get it!
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Quality of Science Fiction: 1
The mere fact it’s middle grade: 10
Funniness: 2
Good Guy Quality: 3
Main Character Quality: 3
Bad Guy Quality: 3
Series Following Ability: 10
Girl Likelihood you’ll like it: 2
Boy Likelihood you’ll like it: 3
Cliffhanger: 10! As far as I know, there is no cliffhanger!
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Quality of Science Fiction is down as this is all set on Planet Earth and basically the only things making it science fiction are the creatches (plus the flying cars and motorcycles and stuff). The fact its middle grade, like the Akiko series, makes it the one to get! Funniness is limited, as opposed to the laugh-out-loud virtual comedy in the Akiko series.
Good Guy Quality is excellent as, well, the AFMEC members are virtual heroes! Though it is marred by the fact that Billy was lied to every time his parents went on a creatch op….Nevermind. Main Character Quality is pretty good. Billy is a nice strong character who “grows” along the way. And don’t get me started on Orzamo!
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Bad Guy Quality is excellent, mainly because of Twain. His evilness is only boosted by the fact he specifically found a pregnant orf (yes, it’s a girl) for his henchman because pregnant orfs get substantially smarter when they’re pregnant. Doesn’t make sense, I know but you have to admit it’s a pretty smart plan. And that makes him a plenty worthy opponent for Billy! Series Following Ability is great as this is the first book and if you read this book first you’ll completely understand the rest of them.
Boys are a point likelier than girls to like this because, well, they’ll be able to relate more. But don’t worry, all you girl Mark Crilley fans out there. There’s always Ana, and if you simply can’t stand another sentence without a girl main character, there’s the Akiko series!
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Cliffhanger is perfecto, because as far as I know there are none and thereby you don’t have to run back and forth, back and forth to get all the books in the series and you won’t have to wear out your voice growling “ARRGGH!” and you won’t have to flat-out beg your parents for a drive to the library because you wore out your legs walking and you won’t be sent to your room because you took out your ongoing frustration on the living room furniture and you won’t have to pay a million bucks for a boxed set of the whole Billy Clikk series and you won’t scare the family cat up the tree because you were walking by scowling and not paying attention to where the cat was and accidently stepped on its tail and you won’t have to take the family dog to the vet and spend another million bucks because you were playing Frisbee with it and you were so frustrated you forgot you’re never supposed to throw the Frisbee directly at the dog and thereby hit it in the side with the Frisbee….there’s no end to the list of things that could happen. The good thing is that you can never go through that because there is no cliffhanger! Anyway this is yet another great series by Mark Crilley that any middle-grade kid can enjoy!
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Mark Crilley's really cool website- http://www.markcrilley.com/childrensbookscomics.html
Books I Found For You
Middle Grade SciFi is so much easier to find. I know the reason. It's because the love of science is peer pressured out of so many young people by high school. Stand strong! If you do, you'll be running things in a few years while all the jocks are whining in their beer. 
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/billg/bio.mspx
http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/ochoa_honored.html
TIME CAT by Lloyd Alexander. Well, you know how I love Time Travel stories. I also like cats.
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/billg/bio.mspx http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/ochoa_honored.html.
Onto the books.
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PROMISES a Star Wars Junior Jedi Knights book by Nancy Richardson. Anakin Solo (younger son of Han Solo and Princess Leia) and his friend, Tahiri, a human girl raised by Tuskan Raiders, go in search of her birth heritage.
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A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L'Engle. This is one of the most classic of all Science Fiction novels for young people. Know what? I've never read it. Shhh! Intergalactic wars have been started over less. This is the book which made famous the line 'It was a dark and stormy night.'
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TIME CAT by Lloyd Alexander. Well, you know how I love Time Travel stories. I also like cats..
JOHNNY AND THE BOMB by Terry Pratchett. This is another Time Travel story in which the Hero travels back to World War II England. Since I have a story like that, Manic Knight, I couldn't help but be intrigued.
Girl Power Links for Today
This is Colonel Wilma Dearing (actress Erin Gray) from the 1980's SciFi TV show, Buck Rogers. It was just a lot of fun and not a lot of science, but it did inspire a lot of little girls. Like me. If she could kick butt, so could we! And we did too. Some speculate her flightsuit inspired Padme's battle outfit in Star Wars Attack of the Clones. 
Barbie was a big, fat idiot, but I'm sure you knew that. http://www.sciam.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=571F0E86-9E2C-6F6B-44A864E897AA54FE Naturally, I had a Princess Leia doll. She had better hair and more realistic feet. And a blaster.
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I gotta get me one of these! Not that I need one, but the very idea, you know. Hey, those Germans are innovative! http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/05/germany
My Computer's Kinda Wonky Today
So if I don't finish posting everything this morning, that's why. My Heroic Husband will take care of it this weekend, I'm sure. I have a saying, "Any knight can slay dragons, but it takes a real hero to make a lady's computer work for her."
One of my younger friends tells me the Japanese have all the best these days. This does seem to be true for Girl Heroes at least. Check this out-
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Pop over to Tor Teen's MySpace to learn more-
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=236284388&MyToken=f6f8e70e-ca75-4d9c-a2ed-7167766a2039
The Blurb:
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Pop over to Tor Teen's MySpace to learn more-
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=236284388&MyToken=f6f8e70e-ca75-4d9c-a2ed-7167766a2039
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Free Serial Novel Chapter Added
To read Chapter Four, click here-.
To start at the beginning, click here-
Monday, October 27, 2008
My Little Luke Skywalker Wins Contest!
Good morning, Blog Buds. In reference to my post on creating easy Science Fiction costumes, my eldest daughter, known here as Kimber, Jr, won a contest for her Luke Skywalker in his X-wing Fighter flightsuit! I only dyed the flightsuit orange. She did the rest. Mama so prouda her baby girrrrl!
New Chapter Added to Free Serial Novel
In retrospect, this new chapter is long enough to split in two. Think of this as 'Two for the Price of One' Day. Oh, wait, it's already Free. Strike that.
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Here's the link to the new chapter-
http://thestarcaptainsdaughter.wordpress.com/3/
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And here's the link to the Preface in case you want to start at the beginning-
http://thestarcaptainsdaughter.wordpress.com/
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Here's the link to the new chapter-http://thestarcaptainsdaughter.wordpress.com/3/
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And here's the link to the Preface in case you want to start at the beginning-
http://thestarcaptainsdaughter.wordpress.com/
Friday, October 24, 2008
Science Fiction Costume Creation Sites
I forgot to mention where to find out more about creating Science Fiction costumes. Don't be intimidated by the work these geniuses do. I think they want to turn pro, whereas I just want to have fun once a year.
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Here's one just for Star Wars-
http://www.padawansguide.com/index.shtml
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And here's a collection of guides for a large variety of Science Fiction and Fantasy t.v. shows and movies-
http://www.costumersguide.com/sf.shtml
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Here's one just for Star Wars-
http://www.padawansguide.com/index.shtml
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And here's a collection of guides for a large variety of Science Fiction and Fantasy t.v. shows and movies-
http://www.costumersguide.com/sf.shtml
Books
Tor has out some new books, a bunch of new Manga and a new Timothy Zahn book.
"...to boldly go...to seek out new life and new civilizations..." That's the Star Trek mantra, but hundreds of years before Jonathan Swift did it in GULLIVER'S TRAVELS. If the wordy writing style of the time gets you down, check out the DK version. I like it better too.
Mr. Zahn is one of my favorite Science Fiction authors, but I did find his Dragon stories kind of flat. This may be because they're totally boy-oriented and I am a girl, as evidenced by my many self-birthed biological offspring.
.Here's one I want to review for you at a later date-
.DREAMWALKER'S CHILD. I have a story in mind like this one.
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If you don't know about Mercedes Lackey, you need to. This one feels kind of Steampunkish. Ms. Lackey writes a lot of Fantasy too, so her stuff crosses over a lot. FIRE ROSE is a werewolf story and I normally don't like heroes which shed all over my clean carpet, but I'll make an exception for Ms. Lackey. She's that good.
.ATTACK FROM ATLANTIS by Lester Del Rey.
.Also kind of Steampunkish. I hope to review it for you soon.
.AIRMAN by Eoin Colfer.
.Well, I'm married to a pilot and love History and Steampunk and all that, so you know I just had to grab this one which I also hope to review for you. Mr. Colfer wrote the hit novel, ARTEMIS FOWL.
PLANET PLAGUE Star Wars Galaxy of Fear series. This series is no longer being published, I think. It centers on twin heroes, Tash and Zak, and the stories take place right after Star Wars A New Hope. I like it because Tash is a 13 year old girl starring in a Science Fiction novel. How rare is that?
.PLANET PLAGUE Star Wars Galaxy of Fear series. This series is no longer being published, I think. It centers on twin heroes, Tash and Zak, and the stories take place right after Star Wars A New Hope. I like it because Tash is a 13 year old girl starring in a Science Fiction novel. How rare is that?A TALE OF TIME CITY by Diana Wynne Jones.
.This is Time Travel and it starts out in the Battle of Britain. I just finished a Time Travel story set during the Battle of Britain, so, naturally, I was intrigued.
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"...to boldly go...to seek out new life and new civilizations..." That's the Star Trek mantra, but hundreds of years before Jonathan Swift did it in GULLIVER'S TRAVELS. If the wordy writing style of the time gets you down, check out the DK version. I like it better too.Easy Science Fiction Costumes
Halloween is fast approaching. Our family doesn't celebrate Halloween for religious reasons and I know all you SciFi types are open-minded enough to respect that.
You'll need black pants, boots, and t-shirt. Get a long sleeve knit shirt and remove the collar. Glue it under so the edges don't show. The black t-shirt collar should show. If you can't find the correct collar, find a white or very light colored shirt instead and dye it. Paint the Star Trek emblem on fabric with fabric paints and glue to the shirt.
You could convert a real wedding dress bought at a thrift shop or sew the dress and overlay with lace. You only need the basic shape, which is a V-neck dress with princess seams..
This is the one Kimber, Jr. and I made for her. She painted a hockey helmut (plenty of those in Alaska!) and a toy breastplate from a kid's medieval knight dress-up costume. I dyed a white shirt and pants orange. We got a belt and attached a toy lightsaber.
Next Gen, DS9, Voyager, and Enterprise. There are patterns for these which you can buy off eBay, but it might be too late. The Enterprise uniform was just a navy blue jumpsuit. If you can't find one, belt together a long sleeve shirt and pants. Dye navy blue if needs be.
After all that, I must confess that I'm going as a Fantasy genre heroine, Lady Eowyn from LORD OF THE RINGS.
Have fun!
We do have a huge Fall Festival/Carnival type thing to attend. It's a Halloween alternative. My family is going with a Star Wars theme this year. Heroic Husband will be Han Solo. Elder Daughter, a.k.a. 'Kimber, Jr.' is going as Luke Skywalker, Younger Daughter is Princess Leia, and Son is Wicket the Ewok.
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Being a Science Fiction genius, I'm sure you want to go as your favorite character, but you don't want to wear one of those cheapie kid costumes from Wal-Mart. Maybe you have no sewing skills or are only a Beginner. This blog's for you. I'll use Star Trek and Star Wars, since they're the most well-known Science Fiction universes going.
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No Sewing Required
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STAR WARS
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Anakin Skywalker in Phantom Menace
All you need are some boots, tan pants, brown or off-white T-shirt, and a karate top. There are many thrift shops around the country operated by charities like the Salvation Army. Value Village and Bishop's Attic are popular here in Alaska. When kids grow out of their karate uniforms, they end up in these thrift shops. Buy one and dye it tan. Fabric dye can be bought in any Wal-Mart or craft store, usually under the brand name RIT. Fabric paint can easily be bought cheap from those places too.
All you need are some boots, tan pants, brown or off-white T-shirt, and a karate top. There are many thrift shops around the country operated by charities like the Salvation Army. Value Village and Bishop's Attic are popular here in Alaska. When kids grow out of their karate uniforms, they end up in these thrift shops. Buy one and dye it tan. Fabric dye can be bought in any Wal-Mart or craft store, usually under the brand name RIT. Fabric paint can easily be bought cheap from those places too.Beru Lars in Attack of the Clones
Same as Anakin, except you'll need a tan or brown skirt instead of pants.
Same as Anakin, except you'll need a tan or brown skirt instead of pants..
Luke in New Hope
.Same as Anakin, but no t-shirt. Leave the karate top white. Get a man's belt and attack cool leather-like things and a toy lightsaber.
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Han Solo in New Hope
.Black pants, boots, white knit shirt (a Henley or a thermal underwear shirt), and a black vest. I had five black vests to choose from when I bought my husband's black vest at a thrift shop for $5. Attach a toy blaster and you're good for go.
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Ewok from Return of the Jedi
.I converted a lion costume I bought at the thrift shop for my son. I cut a piece of fake leather to make the head covering and tied it close with a shoelace. Brown face paint was bought at Wal-Mart for about a dollar.
.Leia on the Endor Strike Team.
Gray paints and boots. Tan shirt. You can get camoflage fabric at Wal-Mart or any fabric/craft store to make the Poncho. Cut out about a yard or two. Cut a hole in the middle for your head.
, Gray paints and boots. Tan shirt. You can get camoflage fabric at Wal-Mart or any fabric/craft store to make the Poncho. Cut out about a yard or two. Cut a hole in the middle for your head.Star Trek
.The original series male is really the only no-sew uniform.
You'll need black pants, boots, and t-shirt. Get a long sleeve knit shirt and remove the collar. Glue it under so the edges don't show. The black t-shirt collar should show. If you can't find the correct collar, find a white or very light colored shirt instead and dye it. Paint the Star Trek emblem on fabric with fabric paints and glue to the shirt..
BEGINNER SEWING SKILLS
.Padme parade gown from Phantom Menace.
This one only looks scary to sew. It's only a white sheath dress with a scoop neckline and a cape. Overlay stiff interfacing with fabric and glue on sequins for the front tabard. Cut out tulle or very lightweight cotton in petal shapes and glue or sew onto the cape. You'll need a friend to help with the hair.
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Padme's Wedding Dress from Attack of the Clones
You could convert a real wedding dress bought at a thrift shop or sew the dress and overlay with lace. You only need the basic shape, which is a V-neck dress with princess seams..Padme's Nightgown
Padme's Green Gown
This is a basic A-line dress, V-neck, with a hood attached at the collar. Easy.
Padme's Green Gown This is a basic A-line dress, V-neck, with a hood attached at the collar. Easy..
Leia in New Hope
There are patterns for this one, but you don't need one. Lay out a large sheet of white paper and have a friend trace around your body. Then cut out the basic dress shape, like this. Sew up the sides, finish the sleeve, neck, and hem edges, and attach a hood. This is what I did for Younger Daughter.
There are patterns for this one, but you don't need one. Lay out a large sheet of white paper and have a friend trace around your body. Then cut out the basic dress shape, like this. Sew up the sides, finish the sleeve, neck, and hem edges, and attach a hood. This is what I did for Younger Daughter..
Leia on Bespin in Empire Strikes Back.
This is just a sheath dress with a wide belt (you can cover a belt with fabric or paint it) over leggings and boots and with a gray, sleeveless coat.
This is just a sheath dress with a wide belt (you can cover a belt with fabric or paint it) over leggings and boots and with a gray, sleeveless coat..
Luke in his Flightsuit.
This is the one Kimber, Jr. and I made for her. She painted a hockey helmut (plenty of those in Alaska!) and a toy breastplate from a kid's medieval knight dress-up costume. I dyed a white shirt and pants orange. We got a belt and attached a toy lightsaber..
Luke in Return of the Jedi.
Just a long sleeved black shirt, pants, and boots. For the Jedi vest, you can sew one easily from a pattern or get a karate top from the thrift store, cut off the sleeves, and dye it black. Find a black man's belt and attach a toy lightsaber. The cloak is easy. Just a basic cape with a hood. There's a pattern if you want one and it'll work for Prequel Jedi too.
Just a long sleeved black shirt, pants, and boots. For the Jedi vest, you can sew one easily from a pattern or get a karate top from the thrift store, cut off the sleeves, and dye it black. Find a black man's belt and attach a toy lightsaber. The cloak is easy. Just a basic cape with a hood. There's a pattern if you want one and it'll work for Prequel Jedi too. .
Star Trek
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Original series female uniform.
.This is just an A-line dress cut short. Black collar. Paint the Star Trek logo on fabric and glue or sew on. Black boots and shorts.
Next Gen, DS9, Voyager, and Enterprise. There are patterns for these which you can buy off eBay, but it might be too late. The Enterprise uniform was just a navy blue jumpsuit. If you can't find one, belt together a long sleeve shirt and pants. Dye navy blue if needs be. After all that, I must confess that I'm going as a Fantasy genre heroine, Lady Eowyn from LORD OF THE RINGS.Have fun!.
P.S. Here's a mega site for costume creation inspired by the movies- http://www.costumersguide.com/sf.shtml
Bringing Up Baby
I know you want the youngsters in your life to grow up right loving Science Fiction, so consider snagging this DVD for them for Christmas or whatever winter holiday your family celebrates..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WALL-E
CITY OF EMBER by Jeanne DuPrau
I'm scared to death of caves and, yet, I'm endlessly fascinated with them. Several of my own stories feature underground civilizations and so when I heard about THE CITY OF EMBER by Jeanne DuPrau I had to get it. This book has been made into a movie, but the reviews by your fellow teens are not good. http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2008/10/when-movie-heads-south.html Better stick with the book because it is wonderful and wait for the movie to come out on DVD. I recommend you rent to see it the first time, then buy if you like it..
Over two hundred years before the story opens, the people sought refuge underground. The builders of the City of Ember knew the day would come when the city would break down and the people would have to return to the planet's surface. Rather than tell them what to do so they could pass it down from generation to generation, they placed instructions inside a box with a timed lock and entrusted it to the Mayors. Unfortunately, the box was lost.
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Doon and Lina receive their assigned jobs upon graduating from school at the same age all Ember children do, 12. They don't get to choose, usually, but Doon and Lina swap jobs. Doon goes down into the tunnels to fix the plumbering while Lina becomes a messenger who runs around the city all day delivering messages.
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Unlike the grown-ups, Doon has been fostering a concern about the future of Ember. It seems the grown-ups are used to Ember and fear change. They prefer to believe everything is okay, even as food shortages mount and the lights go out more and more frequently. He's heard about things in the tunnels and that's why he wanted that job.
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Meanwhile, Lina just wanted to be out and about exploring. She learns quite a bit about Ember's people in the process and begins to hear and see things which mount her concern as well.
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The Mayor is evasive and condescending. Then, Doon and Lina learn something about him which could blow the whole underground society apart. They run to tell the people and are branded trouble-makers and liars in the process. And suddenly they're on the run for their own freedom. Will they escape? Will the people escape? What is the Mayor's true motive?
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There isn't much character growth. I wonder if this is the norm for Middle Grade? Characters are supposed to be already smart and courageous on Page One. Kids don't want to read about kids with problems who need to change and adapt? If that's what's believed about Middle Graders, I beg to differ. The adjustment from Kid to Teen is universal Middle Grade, which is why it's in so many classics, like ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. Anway, the characters don't grow much, but their adventure is riveting. The world-building is also very cool.
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And the caves scared the livin' daylights outta me.
Jacqueline Lichtenberg's Novels
Since I started this blog, I've posted a column or an excerpt of a column by Jacqueline Lichtenberg. Click on her name in the Label list at the bottom of this post to read them..
I call her the Great Lady of Science Fiction. She helped keep Star Trek alive
after the original series was cancelled. She also happens to be an author with an impressive backlist.
after the original series was cancelled. She also happens to be an author with an impressive backlist.
DREAMSPY is about a telepath and I talked about it in this post http://enduringromance.blogspot.com/2007/07/legacy.html at my Enduring Romance book review blog.
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I read her original novel, HOUSE OF ZEOR, this past month. This book was published way back in the early 1970's when Science Fiction was still male-biased. Some earlier female authors even used male-sounding pen names, like Andre Norton. Anyway, I think ZEOR is what is called 'social science fiction,' because it focuses primarily on the awesome world Jacqueline created and all their social problems and dealings. The main characters lead us through it but the it's the fictional world and social interactions which take center stage. ZEOR is a thin book, but there are so many layers that I think I would have to read it at least three times to totally get it.
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The futuristic world in HOUSE OF ZEOR feature humans who've adapted into two distinct groups, the Simes and the Gens. The Simes cannot produce a vital chemical which all of them need to survive. Gens do. For many generations, therefore, Simes have hunted and killed Gens to get this chemical in order to survive. Cultural traditions, taboos, and liberties have grown up around this basic dilemma. For example, most Simes don't consider Gens to be human. This is true in the Real World too. Anytime Genocide is committed, the killers claim beforehand that those murdered were inferior, either because of biology or religion. The Nazis, for example, believed the Jews to be sub-human and murdered over six million of them during World War II.
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Anyway, a Gen's girlfriend goes missing on the Sime side of town and he's desperate to find her. Not only does he love her, but she possesses an ability which would allow the Simes an advantage over the Gens.
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Not all Simes believe Gens are inferior and free to kill. Some Simes have banded together in an area controlled by the House of Zeor. There, they live side-by-side with Gens. The Simes protect the Gens and the Gens willingly donate the needed chemical. One of these Simes volunteers to help the Gen searching for his girlfriend.
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As the search unfolds, the reader follows the protagonists through the Sime-Gen world.
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The Sime-Gen Universe has quite a following and many other stories. You can learn all about it here- http://www.simegen.com/
Girl Power
Yeah, I know this is a blog for all Young Adults, but, do be patient, guys. The girls don't get enough attention in Science Fiction, so of course I'm going to cater to them a little here. I still love you guys too!
Girls, have you been discouraged from pursuing a career in Science because it wasn't 'Hot' or whatever. Check out this article-
Thanks to Lisa for all these links!
Girls, have you been discouraged from pursuing a career in Science because it wasn't 'Hot' or whatever. Check out this article-.
The Funny Math of Gender Bias in Science
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Women Science Fiction Authors and Gender Bias. Why is it okay for girls to read SciFi with guy heroes, but not for guys to read about girl heroes?
As an aside, there still seems to be a bias against mothers who work outside the home in Science Fiction too. How many SciFi novels have you read lately in which the Kick-Butt Heroine is also a mommy? I know of only Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy in which Princess Leia is pregnant, gives birth, and mommies her twins throughout. And Mr. Zahn is a man!
Thanks to Lisa for all these links!Bantom Spectra Writing Contest
For you aspiring authors out there-
http://www.randomhouse.com/bantamdell/spectra/spectrapulseshortfiction.html
Sorry, Younger Geniuses, it's for 18 year olds and older.
http://www.randomhouse.com/bantamdell/spectra/spectrapulseshortfiction.html
Sorry, Younger Geniuses, it's for 18 year olds and older.
Real Science
Kalpuna Chowla, first woman from India in space, gave her life expanding our knowledge of the universe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Columbia
We need more support for Teens who love Science! I've found several groups which support Middle Graders, but Teens have been left on a barren planet to fend for themselves. If anyone knows of any organization other than the one I found, please let me know in the Comments!.
Young Women of NASA Advisory Council
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Are you an aspiring author in need of world-building inspiration? I've always found plenty of it in archaeology! Here's a recent find-
Also, the Historical author, Michelle Moran, updates her blog nearly every day with historical and archaelogical news from around the world. I've been inspired by several articles there and her novel, NEFERTITI, blew me away. http://michellemoran.blogspot.com/
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India launched its first mission to the Moon this week. Congratulations, India! I'm sure Kalpuna Chowla is looking down from Heaven and is very proud of you.
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Scientists have created a glow-in-the-dark cat. Find out why!
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Did you remember to send your favorite mole a card yesterday for National Mole Day? Shame on you! Now, pop on over to this site and find out what this holiday is all about. http://www.tutor.com/articles/articles.aspx?Id=84
Monday, October 20, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Kimber An 'Fixes' Star Wars Attack of the Clones, Twice
Well, I sped-read Star Wars Attack of the Clones by R.A. Salvatore and it wasn't easy because Salvatore truly is one of the greats in Science Fiction.
Remember way back when I wondered if the popularity of the original series versus the prequels was a generation gap? http://youngadultsciencefiction.blogspot.com/2008/09/steampunk-star-wars-costumes-and.html Then, after watching the deleted scenes I speculated that the story was good, but the screenwriting was bad. Or, at least, the style of screenwriting used was not suited to the story. Now, I think the story was 95% good and all it needed was a master storyteller like R.A. Salvatore. The way he fleshed out the characters and balanced the plot points was nothing short of beautiful.
Remember way back when I wondered if the popularity of the original series versus the prequels was a generation gap? http://youngadultsciencefiction.blogspot.com/2008/09/steampunk-star-wars-costumes-and.html Then, after watching the deleted scenes I speculated that the story was good, but the screenwriting was bad. Or, at least, the style of screenwriting used was not suited to the story. Now, I think the story was 95% good and all it needed was a master storyteller like R.A. Salvatore. The way he fleshed out the characters and balanced the plot points was nothing short of beautiful. .
However, there was one thing Salvatore could not fix because George Lucus put it there and it's in the movie. It's the one thing I hate about the Prequels which completely ruined them for me from that point in the story until the end of Revenge of the Sith. And that is when Anakin confesses to Padme that he killed every man, woman, and child in the Tuskin Raider camp. And she hugs him and goes on to tell him she loves him and marries him and gets knocked up with twins. Up until that point, she had been portrayed as a super-intelligent and ethical young woman. Well, super-intelligent and ethical young women do NOT knowingly marry child murderers. That is a huge, gaping plot hole for which there is no bottom. My way around it is to fast forward through that scene and pretend Anakin kept his crimes secret from Padme. Then, I can enjoy the rest of the Prequels.
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After writing about Fan Fiction today and speed-reading ATTACK, I couldn't help but rewrite the story my way. The first 'Fix' is simple. The second one, well, I got a little carried away.
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Fix #1-
"Something else is wrong, Annie. What is it?"
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Burying face in hands, Anakin thinks fast. "I fell off my speeder and landed on my head."
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Padme rubs his back. "I'll get you a Mountain Dew and a couple of Advil." She kisses his ear and walks out.
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Fix #2-
"Something else is wrong, Annie. What is it?"
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"I killed them! All of them! And not just the men, but the women and the children too!"
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Padme takes a step back towards the door, nodding, keeping her voice soft. "Oooh, I see. Well...you've had a rough day. I'll go get you an Mountain Dew and a couple of Advil."
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Backing out the door, Padme waits until she's out of hearing range, then turns tail and runs like heck for her space ship. "Artoo! Get your little tin butt on that ship now!" Hitting the hatch button, she dives for the helm while Artoo races to her side, beeping like crazy.
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"Oh, dear," says Threepio, falling into a seat. "Are we leaving Master Anakin behind?"
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The spaceship lifts off, Padme's fingers racing over the controls. Away they speed up through the atmosphere. "Damn straight. I can't believe him!"
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Artoo beeps and whistles at her.
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Padme jerks head at him, face red and voice growly. "Hey, he's really cute and a great kisser, and when do I have time for tonsil-hockey outside the Senate? It's not like I was going to marry him!"
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After informing the Jedi Council of Anakin's crimes, Padme isn't feeling well and pops in on her local medical droid. "I'm what? Pregnant? That stupid little son of a bantha knocked me up with twins and turned to the Dark Side of the Force?" Hurling the droid against the wall, she storms out to her spaceship. "I can't believe this! Some guys will do anything to get of changing their share of the diapers!"
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Speeding home to Naboo, Padme swears she'll toss Annie into a lava pit the next time she sees him.
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Yeah, I know what you're thinking. "Get over it, Kimber An!" Well, I'm not good at Jedi. I wonder how they would have reacted if Padme had ratted on Anakin?
Library Thing's YA SciFi Thread
http://www.librarything.com/topic/43176 Thanks for the tip, Heather!
The next STAR TREK movie!
Our original series Star Trek expert, Madison, has graciously offered this column discussing the upcoming Star Trek movie, due out May 2009. It follows the adventures of the original series crew when they were quite young, but with all new actors and 21st century special effects.
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Take us away, Madison!
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STAR TREK XI
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By: Madison
*WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS*
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No, no, don’t run away from this article if you’re not a Trekkie! Please don’t! This post really isn’t for Trekkies!
Huh?
Yep, this is for all you out there who don’t really care for Star Trek. Of course, those who like it are welcome, but it’s mainly for the other folks.
Why? Well, simply because this movie was not made for Trekkies. It’s been made with the new generation of moviegoers in mind (that means you!) with the idea to reincarnate the franchise. This has made some devoted Trekkies upset, but not me. I am SO looking forward to this movie!
Here’s the cast list, as provided by startrek.com:
James T. Kirk—Chris Pine
Spock—Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy
Dr. Leonard H. (Bones) McCoy—Karl Urban
Montgomery Scott—Simon Pegg (real Scotsman!)
Hikaru Sulu—John Cho
Pavel Chekov—Anton Yelchin (real Russian!)
Zoë Saldana—Nyota Uhura
Eric Bana—Nero
Ben Cross—Sarek
Winona Ryder—Amanda Grayson
No, William Shatner will not reprise his role as Captain Kirk in this film because his character died in the movie Generations. This suggests that the movie is going to open in the 24th century, which would make sense since Mr. Nimoy is reprising his role as Spock.
For those wondering, Nero is the bad guy. He’s a Romulan. I dug up this tiny bit of info on the plot, but the plot is very hush-hush, so this might not be true. Somehow, Nero ends up traveling back in time and tries to kill Captain Kirk. It’s up to Ambassador Spock to follow the Romulan and save his friend.
Dialogue does take place between Nimoy and Quinto. Old Spock talking to young Spock. Cool!
A tribble will make an appearance in this movie. David Gerrold, author of the beloved TOS episode, “The Trouble With Tribbles” was very happy when he was told. Also, it seems we will be able to see Kirk beat the Kobayashi Maru. Captain Christopher Pike will also be in this film, and in a substantial role, though it’s not quite clear what that means.
There was a rumor that the Guardian of Forever was going to be featured in ST XI. According to my findings, this is false.
STAR TREK XI is scheduled for release on May 8, 2009. The original release date was December 25, 2008, but the producers decided to take advantage of next year’s summer rush. The target rating is PG-13, which would make it the second Star Trek film in a row to receive that rating.
Out of all the Star Trek films, including this one, eight out of eleven have featured at least one member of the original cast. The first six included all members, Generations featured William Shatner, James Doohan, and Walter Koenig, and XI features Leonard Nimoy. This just goes to show just how popular TOS Trek is. And this film would never have been made had the producers not gotten script approval from Mr. Nimoy. Apparently, Spock is very much at the center of the plot and Mr. Nimoy says it is a fabulous script.
A teaser trailer for this movie has already been released, showing us the construction of the Enterprise and it can be found on YouTube by typing in Star Trek XI Teaser Trailer. The first theatrical trailer will release next month in November, but it has not been decided which movie it will be featured with.
STAR TREK XI is the most expensive ST movie to date. It cost around $135M. Wonder if it will earn that much at the box office? If it does, it will far surpass the amount earned by the most popular ST movie, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, which was $45M. And should this movie be successful, the entire cast has signed on to play in two sequels.
Though some have their doubts, I believe that this will be an awesome film. I can’t wait to see Star Trek on the big screen again! Maybe I’ll see you there. Until then, live long and prosper.
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By: Madison
*WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS*
.
No, no, don’t run away from this article if you’re not a Trekkie! Please don’t! This post really isn’t for Trekkies!
Huh?
Yep, this is for all you out there who don’t really care for Star Trek. Of course, those who like it are welcome, but it’s mainly for the other folks.
Why? Well, simply because this movie was not made for Trekkies. It’s been made with the new generation of moviegoers in mind (that means you!) with the idea to reincarnate the franchise. This has made some devoted Trekkies upset, but not me. I am SO looking forward to this movie!
Here’s the cast list, as provided by startrek.com:
James T. Kirk—Chris Pine
Spock—Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy
Dr. Leonard H. (Bones) McCoy—Karl Urban
Montgomery Scott—Simon Pegg (real Scotsman!)
Hikaru Sulu—John Cho
Pavel Chekov—Anton Yelchin (real Russian!)
Zoë Saldana—Nyota Uhura
Eric Bana—Nero
Ben Cross—Sarek
Winona Ryder—Amanda Grayson
No, William Shatner will not reprise his role as Captain Kirk in this film because his character died in the movie Generations. This suggests that the movie is going to open in the 24th century, which would make sense since Mr. Nimoy is reprising his role as Spock.
For those wondering, Nero is the bad guy. He’s a Romulan. I dug up this tiny bit of info on the plot, but the plot is very hush-hush, so this might not be true. Somehow, Nero ends up traveling back in time and tries to kill Captain Kirk. It’s up to Ambassador Spock to follow the Romulan and save his friend.
Dialogue does take place between Nimoy and Quinto. Old Spock talking to young Spock. Cool!
A tribble will make an appearance in this movie. David Gerrold, author of the beloved TOS episode, “The Trouble With Tribbles” was very happy when he was told. Also, it seems we will be able to see Kirk beat the Kobayashi Maru. Captain Christopher Pike will also be in this film, and in a substantial role, though it’s not quite clear what that means.
There was a rumor that the Guardian of Forever was going to be featured in ST XI. According to my findings, this is false.
STAR TREK XI is scheduled for release on May 8, 2009. The original release date was December 25, 2008, but the producers decided to take advantage of next year’s summer rush. The target rating is PG-13, which would make it the second Star Trek film in a row to receive that rating.
Out of all the Star Trek films, including this one, eight out of eleven have featured at least one member of the original cast. The first six included all members, Generations featured William Shatner, James Doohan, and Walter Koenig, and XI features Leonard Nimoy. This just goes to show just how popular TOS Trek is. And this film would never have been made had the producers not gotten script approval from Mr. Nimoy. Apparently, Spock is very much at the center of the plot and Mr. Nimoy says it is a fabulous script.
A teaser trailer for this movie has already been released, showing us the construction of the Enterprise and it can be found on YouTube by typing in Star Trek XI Teaser Trailer. The first theatrical trailer will release next month in November, but it has not been decided which movie it will be featured with.
STAR TREK XI is the most expensive ST movie to date. It cost around $135M. Wonder if it will earn that much at the box office? If it does, it will far surpass the amount earned by the most popular ST movie, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, which was $45M. And should this movie be successful, the entire cast has signed on to play in two sequels.
Though some have their doubts, I believe that this will be an awesome film. I can’t wait to see Star Trek on the big screen again! Maybe I’ll see you there. Until then, live long and prosper.
.
Here's the Memory-Alpha link for this movie-
Speed Reads
Back when I first started blogging, I had a weekly feature called the Tuesday Speed Read. I figured this was kind of like that. Here's what I found this week.
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.DECEPTIONS Star Trek The Next Generation Starfleet Academy #14
.This is probably Middle Grade. Before you knock it as out of date, I should remind you that a good story never goes out of style. Just ask Madison, a young person who loves original series Star Trek. A bunch of these books were published for the major characters of Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager. They can be found on eBay, Amazon.com, and used bookstores. You don't have to watch the shows to enjoy them. They're just short, quick, and yummy, kind of like Twinkies.
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DARKEST KNIGHT Star Wars Young Jedi Knights by Kevin J Anderson and Rebecca Moesta
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Like the Starfleet Academy books, these are probably Middle Grade. However, they're twice as thick. The Young Jedi Knights series follows the adventures of Jacen and Jaina Solo, Han and Leia's twins. Since their books as grown-ups are still hitting shelves new, you might want to find out what made them hits. I don't think this series is being published new right now, but you can find them at eBay, Amazon.com, and used bookstores.
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DARK JOURNEY Star Wars The New Jedi Order by Elaine Cunningham
Here's one of those books with Jaina and Jacen as grown-ups, although still young adults. I'd never read them before, but I'm making the time now. I want to see what's so appealing. This one sounds really cool, because Jaina is the Heroine. You know how I'm always looking for Science Fiction with Girl Heroes. Love the guys too, but there never seems to be enough for the girls. Everyone 'knows' girls don't like science or Science Fiction!
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That's it for now. Remember, you don't have to buy new to find a good story. The publishers would much prefer it if you did, of course, because that's how they make money.
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