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Just a quick note to remind everybody that the Straight-To-DVD movie, "Stargate: The Ark of Truth" is schedualed for release on March 11. I'll be posting a review in the next few days.

A quick synopsis of the plotline:



"As SG-1 searches for an Ancient artifact which they hope can defeat the armies of the Ori, they learn more Ori ships are about to be sent through the Supergate to launch a final assault on Earth. Daniel discovers that the artifact, the Ark of Truth, may be in the Ori home galaxy, and SG-1 embarks aboard the Odyssey to find it, and pre-empt the attack. The I.O.A has a plan of their own and SG-1 ends up in a distant galaxy fighting two powerful enemies."

[from an MGM press release in January]


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The Top 15 “Not-Science-Fiction” Shows On The Sci-Fi Channel


Recently, I read a post at PardonCheney.com entitled, “An Open Letter To The Sci-Fi Channel,” which got me thinking.


The line between what is and what isn’t Science Fiction seems to be blurring. And The Sci-Fi Channel is largely responsible. So I thought we’d take a look at what passes for Science Fiction on the television channel that bills itself as being devoted entirely to Science Fiction.


Following is a list of the top 15 “not-science-fiction” shows that are a big part of the Sci-Fi channel’s lineup and what they should really be classified as:


  1. The X-Files (Paranormal)
  2. Who Wants To Be a Superhero? (Game/Reality Show)
  3. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! (Bizarre)
  4. Anime (Action?)
  5. Ghost Hunters (Paranormal)
  6. Ghost Hunters International (Paranormal)
  7. Destination Truth (Urban Legend/Paranormal)
  8. ECW (Wrestling)
  9. Haunted (Paranormal)
  10. Jericho (Action)
  11. Kingdom Hospital (Horror)
  12. The Scariest Places On Earth (Horror)
  13. Beastmaster (Fantasy)
  14. Guinea Pig (not sure about this one…)
  15. Scary…But True (Horror)

Don’t get me wrong. I like some of these shows (X-Files, Jericho). But they’re not really Science Fiction. Real Science Fiction is Star Trek, Stargate, Battlestar Galactica, Flash Gordon, Eureka, Doctor Who, etc.


So, what do you think? Am I way off base here? Am I being too picky? Is this overly harsh on The Sci-Fi Channel?




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Science Fiction Classic #10--"Founding Father" by Clifford D. Simak


Science Fiction Classic #10--"Founding Father" by Clifford D. Simak

Clifford D. Simak was the third author to be recognized as a Grand Master of Science Fiction. “Founding Father” is an example of why Simak deserved the award.

"Founding Father"—Clifford D. Simak (first published in Galaxy Science Fiction, May 1957).

Job looked as near to startled as a robot ever could. “Of course not, sir. We had no room for more than just the bare essentials this trip. The china and the silver and all the rest of it will have to wait until much later”


Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) Grand Masters: Volume I” includes Clifford D. Simak’s “Founding Father.”


Don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.


This is the last in our series of Science Fiction Classics. If you would like to see more of this series, please let me know. I hope this series has been enjoyable for you. Also that it has been, at least, a small part in revitalizing interest in the stories that shaped Science Fiction and made it the most entertaining and thought provoking of all genres of literature and movies/television.
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Science Fiction Classic #9--"Brain Wave" by Poul Anderson


Science Fiction Classic #9--"Brain Wave" by Poul Anderson

“Brain Wave” is actually considered a novel by some. It is a rather long work to be included in an anthology. However, since it has been anthologized, I consider it as a short work of Science Fiction. Thus it’s inclusion in this series (along with its quality).

"Brain Wave"—Poul Anderson (first published in1954).

Insanity—yes, that had a lot to do with the collapse. There must be millions who had not been able to stand that sudden range and sharpness of comprehension. They hadn’t been able to handle their new power, and it had driven them mad.


“Brain Wave” has been anthologized in, “A Treasury of Great Science Fiction, Volume II


If you’re enjoying this series of Science Fiction short story excerpts, I urge you to leave a few comments to let me know. If there is something particular you would like to see as a part of this series, please let me know. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude update list, using the form on the right, and/or the RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.


Clifford D. Simak’s “Founding Father” will be next in our series of Science Fiction Classics.

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Science Fiction Classic #8--"Mewhu’s Jet" by Theodore Sturgeon

Science Fiction Classic #8--"Mewhu’s Jet" by Theodore Sturgeon

“Mewhu’s Jet,” our eighth Science Fiction Classic, tells the story of compassion between humans and aliens during a first contact situation.

"Mewhu’s Jet"—Theodore Sturgeon (first published in Astounding Science Fiction, November, 1946).

Spurred by the urgency of her tone, he went crashing outside. He found Molly standing rigid, trying to cram both her fists in her mouth at the same time. And at her feet was a man with silver-gray skin and a broken arm, who mewed at him.


Pick up a copy of, “Science Fiction: The Great Years, Volume II,” from Ace Books to read the whole of “Mewhu’s Jet.”


If you’re enjoying this series of Science Fiction short story excerpts, I urge you to leave a few comments to let me know. If there is something particular you would like to see as a part of this series, please let me know. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude update list, using the form on the right, and/or the RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.


“Brain Wave” from Poul Anderson will be the next Science Fiction Classic.

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Science Fiction Classic #7--"Sanity" by Fritz Leiber

Science Fiction Classic #7--"Sanity" by Fritz Leiber

Number 7 in the Science Fiction Classics series comes to us from Fritz Leiber. “Sanity” isn’t among Leiber’s best known stories, but it definitely stands as strong on quality as many of his others:

"Sanity"—Fritz Leiber (first published in Astounding, April, 1944).


For a moment he grabbed frantically at nothing. Then he realized they were not falling and his eyes began to trail the hint of walls and ceiling and floor and, immediately below them, the ghost of a shaft.


The Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) Grand Masters: Volume I, published by TOR, is one of many Science Fiction anthologies where you can Fritz Leiber’s “Sanity.”


If you’re enjoying this series of Science Fiction short story excerpts, I urge you to leave a few comments to let me know. If there is something particular you would like to see as a part of this series, please let me know. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude update list, using the form on the right, and/or the RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.


Theodore Sturgeon’s “Mewhu’s Jet” will be the next Science Fiction Classic.

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Science Fiction Classic #6--"Asleep In Armageddon" by Ray Bradbury

Science Fiction Classic #6--"Asleep In Armageddon" by Ray Bradbury

One of the most well-known and talented authors ever, Ray Bradbury, is featured in the sixth Science Fiction Classic. Today’s excerpt is taken from Bradbury’s short story, “Asleep In Armageddon,” which features a spaceship wreck and the invasion of the human mind:

"Asleep In Armageddon"—Ray Bradbury (first published in Planet Stories, 1948).

The sun rose and was warm. He felt no sense of mortality. Six days would be no time at all. He would eat, he would sleep. He glanced at his surroundings. No dangerous animals; a tolerable oxygen supply. What more could one ask? Beans and bacon was the answer. The happy smell of breakfast filled the air.


Find a copy of the Science Fiction anthology, “Possible Worlds of Science Fiction,” published by Berkley, to read Ray Bradbury’s “Asleep In Armageddon.”


If you’re enjoying this series of Science Fiction short story excerpts, I urge you to leave a few comments to let me know. If there is something particular you would like to see as a part of this series, please let me know. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude update list, using the form on the right, and/or the RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.


The next Science Fiction Classic will be “Sanity” by Fritz Leiber.

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Science Fiction Classic #5--"To Serve Man" by Damon Knight

Science Fiction Classic #5--"To Serve Man" by Damon Knight


The fifth Science Fiction Classic serves up a story with an unexpected twist in the end. This story was the basis of an episode, of the same name, of the original Twilight Zone. In 2001, “To Serve Man” was awarded the "Retro" Hugo Award for Best Short Story.

"To Serve Man"—Damon Knight (first published in if, January 1953)

We got the title worked out in a few weeks. It was “How To Serve Man,” evidently a handbook they were giving out to new Kanamit members of the embassy staff. They had new ones in, all the time now, a shipload about once a month; they were opening all kinds of research laboratories, clinics and so on. If there was anyone on Earth besides Grigori who still distrusted these people, he must have been somewhere in the middle of Tibet.


You can read this classic of Science Fiction classics, along with others by Damon Knight, in the collection of his stories, “The Best of Damon Knight,” published by Nelson Doubleday.


If you’re enjoying this series of Science Fiction short story excerpts, I urge you to leave a few comments to let me know. If there is something particular you would like to see as a part of this series, please let me know. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude update list, using the form on the right, and/or the RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.

The next Science Fiction Classic will be “Asleep In Armageddon” by Ray Bradbury.
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Science Fiction Classic #4--"With Folded Hands" by Jack Williamson


Science Fiction Classic #4--"With Folded Hands" by Jack Williamson

Some Science Fiction stories leave a legacy that shapes the future of the genre and has a lasting impact on the entire culture. This is such a story. In “With Folded Hands,” Jack Williamson created the phrase that is a common term across all Science Fiction—“Humanoid.”


"With Folded Hands"—Jack Williamson (first published in Astounding Science Fiction, July 1947)

He looked around for a salesman, but it was another mechanical that came gliding silently to meet him. A twin of the one in the window, it moved with a quick, surprising grace. Bronze and blue lights flowed over it’s lustrious blackness, and a yellow name plate flashed from it’s naked breast:

HUMANOID
SERIAL No. 8I-H-B-27

THE PERFECT MECHANICAL

“TO SERVE AND OBEY,

AND GUARD MEN FROM HARM.”


Read, “With Folded Hands,” in "SFWA Grand Masters: Volume I,” from TOR Books.


If you’re enjoying this series of Science Fiction short story excerpts, I urge you to leave a few comments to let me know. If there is something particular you would like to see as a part of this series, please let me know. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude update list, using the form on the right, and/or the RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.


The next Science Fiction Classic will be “To Serve Man” by Damon Knight.

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Science Fiction Classic #3--"Profession" by Isaac Asimov


Science Fiction Classic #3--"Profession" by Isaac Asimov

For the third Science Fiction classic, I have chosen a great story by one of the Grand Masters of Science Fiction, Isaac Asimov:

“Profession"—Isaac Asimov (first published in Astounding Science Fiction, July 1957)

They were handed little slips of paper which they were told must remain with them. George stared at his curiously. Little black marks of different shapes. He knew it to be printing but how could anyone make words out of it? He couldn’t imagine.


You can read this story in Asimov’s collection of his own Science Fiction stories, “Nine Tomorrows: Tales of the Near Future” published by Doubleday & Company in 1959.


If you’re enjoying this series of Science Fiction short story excerpts, I urge you to leave a few comments to let me know. If there is something particular you would like to see as a part of this series, please let me know. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude update list, using the form on the right, and/or the RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.

The next Science Fiction Classic will be “With Folded Hands” by Jack Williamson.
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Science Fiction Classic #2--"The Runaway Skyscraper" by Murray Leinster


Science Fiction Classic--"The Runaway Skyscraper" by Murray Leinster


In this second Science Fiction classic, we have, what I consider, the best of Murray Leinster’s short stories:


The Runaway Skyscraper"-- Murray Leinster (first published in Argosy, February 1919)

Note: This was Leinster’s first published work.

“I don’t know how to explain it,” he said uncomfortably, “but it’s obvious that my first sunrise was all wrong. The speed of the Earth’s rotation can’t have been increased, because if it had to the extent we see, we’d have been thrown off into space long ago. But—have you read anything about the Fourth Dimension?”


This entire story is available in the Science Fiction anthology, "Wondrous Beginnings" from DAW Books as well.


If you’re enjoying this series of Science Fiction short story excerpts, I urge you to leave a few comments to let me know. If there is something particular you would like to see as a part of this series, please let me know. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude update list, using the form on the right, and/or the RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.

The next Science Fiction Classic will be “Profession” by Isaac Asimov.
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Science Fiction Classic--"The Isolinguals" by L. Sprague de Camp


Science Fiction Classic--"The Isolinguals" by L. Sprague de Camp

In an effort to rekindle interest in classic Science Fiction, I will be posting a small excerpt from various short stories from yesteryear in the coming days. This is the first of those excerpts:


"The Isolinguals"--L. Sprague de Camp (first published in Astounding Science Fiction, September 1937)

Note: This was de Camp's first published work.

Nick looked at the cop, and the cop looked at Nick. The fruit vendor's friendly smile suddenly froze. The cop didn't know it, but something had gone ping inside Nick's head. He wasn't Niccolo Franchetti any longer. He was Decimus Agricola, engineering officer of the good old XXXIInd Legion. He had been standing behind his...

If you would like to read the entire story, there are many Science Fiction anthologies with this story included. The one comes to my mind right away is, "Wondrous Beginnings" from DAW Books.

I truely hope this series of Science Fiction story excerpts will bring new people to the classics and bring back those that have left the fold.

If you enjoy this series of Science Fiction short story excerpts, I urge you to leave a few comments to let me know. If there is something particular you would like to see as a part of this series, please let me know. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Sci-Fi Dude update list, using the form on the right, and/or the RSS feed so you’ll be the first to know when a new entry is posted.

The next Science Fiction Classic will be “The Runaway Skyscraper” by Murray Leinster.
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The Enterprise In The Clouds...

The Enterprise In The Clouds

If you've already seen this, I apologize. But I simply couldn't let it go without saying something.

Now I will admit that this does resemble(in a slight way) the Enterprise NCC-1701-D, which is quite possibly one of Science Fiction's most recognizable ships. But, at the same time, it's just a simple cloud formation.

A good photographer, knowing the right angles and such, could make these kinds of things look like something they aren't. Being a self proclaimed "Trekkie of Trekkies" I do think this is cool. However, if I take it too seriously, before I know it I'll be seeing the face of Captain Kirk in a pancake (I wonder what I could get for that on eBay :) ).
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A Change For Science Fiction Television

A Change For Science Fiction Television

It certainly was fun while it lasted. But all good things...must come to an end. We have to say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new. Science Fiction is, after all, about the future(for the most part) and with the ushering in of the future to become the present we must accept change. For without change, the future is, at best, futile.

And so it is with Science Fiction television, for The Sci-Fi Channel has decided to make a big move.

For a good while now (2-3 years), Monday nights in Primetime have been dominated by Star Trek: Enterprise. Of course, with four eps every Monday, it didn't take long to go along for the entire journey with Captain Jonathan Archer and the crew of the NX-01. I know I've seen the entire series several times since Enterprise's original run ended in 2005. And that's without catching all of them on Sci-Fi. And, quite honestly, I was beginning to get bored with it. So maybe it's good that it's being replaced.

What is replacing this fifth Star Trek series on Sci-Fi, you ask?

That would be a little show you just may have heard of. A show that was to be gone forever but has now been brought back because of its fans. Jericho: The Return will be on the air soon and so the Sci-Fi Channel has decided it would be a worthwhile investment to replace four hours of Star Trek: Enterprise with the original run of Jericho. Could this be a good move? I honestly don't know. I became bored with Enterprise after four seasons on air and then three more in reruns. With Jericho, I got bored after the first season.

But, since I'm not the only Science Fiction fan in the world(and maybe even other worlds :)), I'm hoping Jericho will be just what others want. Because what really matters most isn't so much which particular Science Fiction shows are on.

What matters most is quality Science Fiction.
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Stargate Atlantis SG-1

Stargate Atlantis SG-1

As of this writing, the next episode of Stargate Atlantis (02/15/2008) will have an appearance of Teal'c. Here's my problem with that: how many times have we seen a former member of SG-1 join the Atlantis expedition?

Let's see, it started with Jack O’Neill. I think that was a move by the producers to merge the two casts and bring the die-hard SG-1 fans over to Atlantis, knowing SG-1 was making it's last trips through the Stargate before any of us did.

There was Dr. Daniel Jackson and Vala showing up in Atlantis hoping the Ancients would help them locate Merlin's planet. A very weak, not to mention sneaky, reason to bring SG-1 to Atlantis.

Then, when it was time for Torri Higginson's Dr. Elizabeth Weir to go, the powers that be at NBC (who, in case you don't know, owns The Sci-Fi Channel) decided to bring on a former SG-1 member to step into the leadership role of Atlantis. It would've made much more sense to me to give that job to Sheppard.

Now we've got Teal'c and his muscles matched up with Ronin and his muscles.

I ask, is this really necessary?

Don't get me wrong. I will always love SG-1 and, while I'm not as fond of Atlantis, I would really like to see them make a go of things on their own merits. Why do Sheppard, Taela, Rodney, Ronin and the rest need the help of SG-1? Is this an attempt to further merge the two shows?

While I enjoy seeing the members of SG-1 in action again, what does this say about the Atlantis team?

To the powers that be at NBC and The Sci-Fi Channel, please let SG-1 rest and go out on top and allow the Atlantis team to impress and awe us with their own abilities. If we want to see SG-1, we'll watch the DVD's. If we want to see Atlantis, we'll watch the new eps. We don't need, "Stargate Atlantis SG-1!"
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Star Trek ’08: Science Fiction Is Dying!



Star Trek ’08: Science Fiction Is Dying!

I’m sure that by now the entire Science Fiction community knows about the new Star Trek movie (Click Here for a look at the official movie site and a trailer). Being a huge Star Trek fan, part of me is looking forward to a present from Paramount this Christmas. But another part of me is full of uncertainties.

First, and foremost, is the decision to make the Science Fiction icon a prequel. It’s already been done with Enterprise and was, by Star Trek standards, a dismal failure. It would be cool to see when Kirk and Spock meet, thus starting the legends. But it won’t be the same without William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy (yes, I know Leonard’s in the movie). It almost makes me wonder if Paramount is trying to stick the proverbial nail in Star Trek’s coffin. I fear that a prequel will rewrite Science Fiction’s most established and well-known back history, effectively destroying Star Trek as we know it.

Second is the choice of cast members. I’m not too sure about Chris Pine as Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, or the rest for that matter. I think they might be able to pull it off (especially Quinto who does an awesome job as Sylar on Heroes). My biggest concern is Eric Bana as the villain. I didn’t think much of him in The Hulk and when I see him in the new Star Trek movie I’ll be expecting him to turn green and start jumping from planet to planet. That might be the best thing he can do for Science Fiction—jump into oblivion.

The third thing that bothers me is Paramount giving full control of Star Trek’s future to JJ Abrams. I think Brannon Braga made a mess of Star Trek, so good riddance to him. But what about Rick Berman? He was instrumental in making Star Trek the success it has been since the days of The Next Generation. And there’s Manny Coto who pulled Enterprise out of Television’s black hole and made season four of that show one of the best ever years for Star Trek.

I have many other concerns for the new Star Trek movie and the future of Star Trek in general. But I’ll end my rant by saying this:

JJ Abrams’ idea of re-imagining Star Trek makes no sense at all---at least to me.

Two thing's for sure: he’s no Gene Roddenberry! Or Rick Berman! Or Manny Coto!...

...and Science Fiction is dying (and you are more than welcome to quote that)!

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