23 years of this site still chugging along...
Sci-Fi Storm – now faster…I hope
by Doc on Mar.13, 2002, under General News
OK, I’ve worked out the bug that caused comment posting to break last time I tried this, so I’ve turn4ed it back on – now Sci-Fi Storm should load MUCH faster – the transfer of the bulk of the HTML has been reduced by 90%. For the technically-minded, I’m using the mod_gzip plugin to Apache to achieve this. Assuming a recent browser, all compressible content will be compressed on the server and transmitted. Let me know ASAP via e-mail to storm @ scifistorm.org if there are problems.
A new Star Wars site…but not about the movie exactly
by Doc on Mar.13, 2002, under General News
Seems there a new web site dedicated to the Star Wars universe, but in a slightly unusual manner. HoloNet News is a look at the goings-on in the Republic, including Senate proceedings, what the Jedi Council has been up to, and even “Click the nuna, win a credit!” banner ads. And I’d hate to compute the odds on that lottery…
TNN will have TNG marathon of viewers choices
by Doc on Mar.12, 2002, under Television
TNN is yet again planning a Star Trek: The Next Generation mini-marathon on April 14th from 2-7pm. Viewers will be able to vote for 5 best episodes on the TNN Online Website, starting April 1st through the 6th. In addition, there will be a sweepstakes starting at the same time to win a trip for two to Paramount Studios in Hollywood, Picard’s uniform from Star Trek: Nemesis, and a copy of the new Star Trek: Bridge Commander game.
Joe’s Comics to end?
by Doc on Mar.08, 2002, under Comics
Just got wind of this – JMS’s own comic brand, Joe’s Comics, which publishes through Top Cow, is apparently coming to an end. This would happen with the last issues of Rising Stars (#24) and Midnight Nation (#12). Although nothing has been confirmed yet, it may be for JMS to spend more time in the Marvel Universe, as well as other projects such as Jeremiah.
Children of Dune recasting?
by Doc on Mar.08, 2002, under Television
The MSN board The Landsraad has a notice (picked up on by AICN) that James Watson, who played Duncan Idaho in the Dune miniseries, is being recast…but I have my doubts as to the authenticity. In a letter claiming to be from Mr. Watson himself, it states that “The new head of the Scifi Channel has decided that he wants an American actor to continue in the role.” As far as I know, Bonnie Hammer is still in charge, and still female. Doesn’t mean it didn’t happen, or she didn’t order it. At least James got more screen time Richard Jordan’s “cameo” appearance in the David Lynch/”Alan Smithee” 1984 production.
Get your Star Wars guitar
by Doc on Mar.08, 2002, under General News
Caught this on Slashdot: Fernandes Guitars has an official license and is producing Star Wars Retrorocket and Nomad guitars, along with accessories. These look really cool, and the Retrorockets apparently use a computer controlled painting process.
Jeremiah repeat Friday
by Doc on Mar.08, 2002, under Television
I didn’t realize it until JMS himself pointed it out in rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated, but Showtime is releating the Jeremiah premiere, “The Long Road”, Friday (3/8) at 10:45pm during its permanent time slot, after Stargate SG-1. And don’t forget – Friday starts the new SG-1 episodes…
A request
by Doc on Mar.08, 2002, under General News
OK, it’s around that time when I start to question whether all the effort is worth it. Precious few stories have been submitted to me, making me scour the web for stories – usually as just a regurgitation of SCI FI Wire and Coming Attractions, and anything else I hear about the shows I personally watch, which takes time I seem to have less and less to spend. I can turn around stories that are submitted faster than I can type them in myself, if a few of you are willing to do some of the work. Although readership is slowly going up, it isn’t going up very fast, and in fact has dropped a little last month. So, leave some feedback, and SUBMIT THOSE STORIES!!!!
Bits o’news
by Doc on Mar.08, 2002, under General News
Nothing Mars-shattering, but: Mike Myers has been confirmed to play The Cat in the Hat; 10 minutes of Episode II footage at ShoWest shows Yoda kickin’ butt; Natascha McElhone (The Truman Show) joins George Clooney on the Soderbergh/Cameron production of Solaris; and Edward Burns (15 Minutes) is in talks to star in the adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s A Sound of Thunder. Scoops thanks to Coming Attractions.
It’s an Irwin Allen Revival
by Doc on Mar.05, 2002, under Television
We knew about the dueling Time Tunnel series and the rumor of the NBC pilot for Lost in Space. Now Variety is reporting that an agreement has been reached between 20th Century Fox Television and producers Kevin Burns and Jon Jashni – who administer Synthesis Entertainment, in charge of the rights to Irwin Allen’s properties – to resurrect those as well as Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and Land of the Giants.