[scifinoir2] [Fwd: AN AWESOME WEBSITE!]

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

 Original Message 
Subject:AN AWESOME WEBSITE!
Date:   Thu, 8 Feb 2007 23:16:32 -0600
From:   Cath <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


http://www.miniature-earth.com/





 
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[scifinoir2] Events/groups for geeky black women in NYC?

[Nora]

Hi, folks.  I just recently (uh, yesterday) moved from Boston to New York
for a new job, and am looking to put down roots/mark territory quickly in my
new town.  Does anybody on this list know of writers' groups, skiffy events,
etc. that I could join?  Email me offlist if so!

Nora

[scifinoir2] Libraries Providing Free Movie Downloads

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

Libraries Providing Free Movie Downloads
In many areas of the country, movies and television shows can already be 
downloaded free -- and legally -- a blogger on the tech site 
Slashdot.org observed Wednesday. The blogger, who uses the handle 
ScuttleMonkey pointed out that a recently launched service from Recorded 
Books and PermissionTV, available from some public libraries, provides 
numerous movies and TV shows for downloading. "Selection is pretty 
mediocre," the blogger noted, but the two companies are promising to 
allow library-card holders eventually to download movies on the same day 
as their DVD release. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart's new movie downloading 
website was continuing to take a drubbing from critics. 
Marketwatch.com's Bambi Francisco wrote: "It took me more time to set up 
Wal-Mart's movie-download service, register and choose a movie than it 
would have taken for me to drive to the Wal-Mart store, buy the actual 
DVD, pick up lunch, return to the office and watch the entire movie."
http://www.imdb.com/news/sb/2007-02-08/


 
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[scifinoir2] Really ... How Lost Is 'Lost' Anyway?

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

Michael Hinman wonders if tonight is the beginning of the end

By MICHAEL HINMAN
Source: SyFy Portal
Feb-07-2007

The Island. The Hatch. The Others. There are certainly an awful lot of 
"the's" in the world and mythology of "Lost." But could the next "the" 
phrase be followed by "end"?

I certainly hope not, as I have counted myself a fan of the hit ABC 
series since midway through its first season. Yes, once again, I came 
into a series late figuring if it was going to be something worth 
watching, then ABC wouldn't have fired its head Lloyd Braun for 
commissioning the series in the first place. Normally, network heads 
aren't booted for a series pickup decision that hasn't even aired yet, 
but the people at Disney weren't waiting for this one to resolve. And 
that was certainly a mistake for them.

"Lost" has become the new X-Files for the 21st century, just with a more 
ensemble cast and a "Survivor"-like feel. Every time a question gets 
answered, a dozen more questions are spawned. And as we found out in the 
early episodes of the third season, not a lot of time has passed on the 
island ... in fact, about 40-something days to be exact. Guess that 
explains why everyone still seems to be well groomed, when "Survivor" 
contestants look like hobos before the first immunity challenge.

I've heard the complaints: "The show makes no sense." "It's too slow." 
"Bring back 'Farscape.'" But sorry, friends, I can't follow that lead.

When I first saw the aftermath of the crash of Oceanic Flight 815, I 
knew I was committed. And if they canceled the show before resolving 
everything, then I would have to be committed. It's a show so similar in 
premise to many mythology series, but yet so innovative.

Where else have the use of pre-series flashbacks been used so 
effectively to not only help define characters, but to actually tell 
their own story as well? Certainly, "Lost" was not the first series to 
do this (one only has to think about "The West Wing"), but they 
certainly turned it from being an occasional production element to an 
artform.

And then you have the lingering questions. So what if they haven't been 
answered yet? Who cares that when you get an answer, you get more 
questions? Isn't that what's great about the show? Why would anyone want 
to toss that off into oblivion?

I know I use this example a lot, but it works perfectly here. Those of 
us who have been with SyFy Portal since the early days nearly a decade 
ago know all about "Earth: Final Conflict." What kept that series fresh 
and enthralling in its first season is that you didn't have a lot of 
answers, but a ton of questions. Who were the Taelons? Why is it every 
time Da'an spoke, the hair rose on the back of your neck? What was this 
plan? What new mystery would we find out about this week? Is the 
Resistance right?

They were great questions that could've made E:FC maybe as popular as 
some of the later editions of Gene Roddenberry's other work, Star Trek. 
Instead, the revolving door of producers decided to answer all of our 
questions and remove all the mystery elements for nothing more than 
two-dimensional bad guys, and boring action better suited for an episode 
of "Walker, Texas Ranger."

I'm telling you now that changing the course of "Lost" will result in 
something like that, if certain people have their way. And I'm sorry, I 
personally have no interest in watching that, and neither would most of 
the existing viewership.

I don't know how long "Lost" will stay on the air. It seems that the 
showrunners have a schedule that might not be as long as what the 
network wants. As much as I would love a show like "Lost" to go on 
forever, I don't want it to be forced to jump the shark, continuing past 
its natural end. If that natural end is in five seasons, then end the 
show after five seasons. If it's after 11, then please, give us another 
eight years of life on the island!

In any event, don't listen to the critical fans and stay the course. 
"Lost" comes back to start the rest of its third season tonight at 10 ET 
on ABC, and I expect each and every one of you to be there watching it 
with me.

Michael Hinman is the owner and site coordinator for SyFy Portal, 
writing out of Tampa, Fla. He can be reached at [EMAIL PROTECTED]

http://www.syfyportal.com/news423232.html


 
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[scifinoir2] Lost Premier loses in the Ratings

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

'Lost' Makes Inauspicious Return
American Idol's ratings descended from the stratosphere for the final 
audition show, but Idol nevertheless beat everything else in sight 
Wednesday night. The show scored a 15.8 rating and a 23 share (27.59 
million viewers) in the 9:00 p.m. hour. On CBS, a new episode of 
Criminal Minds drew a solid 11.0/16 (17.23 million viewers) for second 
place, but its numbers did not represent a significant improvement over 
its previous average, despite the fact that it had received the 
post-Super Bowl time slot on Sunday. Meanwhile, at 10:00 the return of 
ABC's Lost turned out to be a disappointment for the network as it drew 
an 8.5/14, which may have been its lowest ratings ever for a new 
episode. It was beaten handily by CBS's CSI: NY, which recorded a 
10.2/16. Earlier in the evening Idol lead-in Bones topped the competition.
http://www.imdb.com/news/sb/2007-02-08/#2


 
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Re: [scifinoir2] Star Wars gangsta rap

[Astromancer]

I'm about to lose my mind...

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  
In a message dated 2/8/07 2:44:04 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

> WARNING! Contains explicit language like most gangsta rap:
> 
> http://www.glumbert.com/media/starwars
> 
> LoL!
> 
> George
> 

Oboy. Lucas, what have you sparked. :D

-GTW

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



 


"Such music flow on the Fringe...and no one can resist singing to Scarlet." - 
The Side Street Chonicles by C.W. Badie
 
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Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users.

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RE: [scifinoir2] The Promises & Perils of Mind-Altering, World-Changing Drugs Like Modafinil

[Reece Jennings]

Sorry, didn't mean it like that...I hear  you...
Not to ask for details, but are the drugs you take for physical issues, or
mental ones?
 
I take 4 hypertension meds, and one Diabetes med.  I'm supposed to take 3
diabetes meds, but I learned about what foods were affecting my blood sugar,
and
I've been able to get rid of 2 of them.
 
And talk about SF...I've been into blood type and dietary considerations for
a while
now.  I've been learning about my blood type "A" and what certain foods hurt
me
and help me.  It's amazing how much difference there is between good and bad
dietary considerations for the 4 blood types:  A, AB, B, and O.
 
www.dadamo.com
 
Maurice
 

  _  

From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of Martin
Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 4:02 PM
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] The Promises & Perils of Mind-Altering,
World-Changing Drugs Like Modafinil



I only count because they've been exponentiating on me. THis time last year,
it was only three.

Reece Jennings mailto:mcjennings124%40yahoo.com> yahoo.com>
wrote: Wow! 7, huh? I do 5, but who's counting?

_ 

From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]  ups.com
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]  ups.com]
On
Behalf Of Martin
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 4:57 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]  ups.com
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] The Promises & Perils of Mind-Altering,
World-Changing Drugs Like Modafinil

That's one hell of a thing to ask a man who has to take seven different meds
a day to keep breathing. "Want some *more* junk in your system, pal? Here ya
go!" No thanks. I'll pass.

"Maurice C. Jennings" mailto:mcjennings124%40yahoo.com>
yahoo.com> wrote: 
Modafinil & Company: The Promises & Perils of Mind-Altering, World-Changing
Drugs Like Modafinil
by www.SixWise.com  com/> com/> 

Millions of Americans down mug after mug of coffee to stay alert and get
through the day with perhaps a bit of an edge. Some go so far as to pop
caffeine pills to pull all-nighters while studying for exams or finishing a
top-priority report. Others awaken bleary-eyed at 4 a.m. to get their days
started, while the rest of us typically just wish we had more hours in a
day.

modafinil accelerated work week

com/images/articles/2007/02/07/32730956.jpg>
com/images/articles/2007/02/07/32730956.jpg> 

With modafinil you could put in a 40-hour workweek in two days. If you could
take it, would you?

But if there were a pill you could take that would keep you wide-awake for
40 hours at a time -- with no side effects, no risk of addiction, and no
crash afterward -- would you take it?

This tempting question is now a reality as mind-altering drugs like
modafinil are already on the market. Modafinil, a drug originally developed
to treat narcolepsy, is being prescribed off-label to a host of people who
need to stay awake, including those with other sleeping disorders,
depression and ADHD, people in the military and even those with jet lag.

"People ask me about it almost daily," says William C. Dement, director of
the Stanford University Sleep Center. "Everybody would like to be able to
have more time to do whatever they want to do. I could stand in front of a
roomful of Stanford undergrads right now and say, 'If you feel tired, raise
your hand,' and every hand would go up."

To put it simply, modafinil shuts off the urge to sleep. Meanwhile, it
allows you to stay just as alert as you would normally feel. In trials
conducted on Army helicopter pilots, for instance, modafinil allowed the
pilots to stay awake for nearly two days with nearly the same focus and
ability to deal with complex problems as those who had slept. What's more,
after just one eight-hour respite, the pilots were able to stay awake for
another 40 hours straight. 

"This could replace caffeine," says Joyce Walsleben, director of the New
York University Sleep Disorders Center.

A 24-Hour World?

Clearly there are circumstances when a drug like modafinil would be
warranted. Combat missions in which soldiers have no choice but to stay
awake, or emergency situations during which medical and rescue workers must
work around the clock to save lives are two obvious ones.

But the controversy arises when the very fine line between "need" and "want"
is crossed. Our society is already functioning on a 24-hour timeframe, with
everything from restaurants to grocery stores to health clubs staying open
around the clock. So who would qualify as "needing" modafinil or a similar
drug to stay awake with almost superhuman finesse?

"Sleepiness is everywhere," says Neil Feldman, medical director of the St.
Petersburg, Florida-based Sleep Disorder Center. "We're a 24-hour society.
We no longer live by the night/day cycle. W

[scifinoir2] Fw: World Science: 'Youth' pills, hawked online, win over top scientists

[Amy Harlib]

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Provocative sciance stuff!


* "Youth" pills, hawked online, win over top
scientists:
A company selling pills with "youth-prolonging"
molecules has snagged a leading biologist and a
Nobel laureate as customers.

http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/070206_resveratrol.htm


* Cosmic blasts re-evaluated:
They spit out as much energy in seconds as our Sun
does in 10 billion years, but no one knows quite
why.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/070208_grb.htm


* Action video games sharpen vision, researchers
say:
A shoot-em-up game improved students' visual acuity
20 percent, according to scientists.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/070208_video.htm


* For some species, an upside to inbreeding:
While not recommending it for humans, researchers
found inbreeding may make for better parents.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/070205_inbreeding.htm


* Next-generation particle collider planned:
A proposed accelerator would recreate conditions in
the cosmos a trillionth of a second after its birth.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/070208_collider.htm


* Report spurs backing for global body on warming:
Fear of runaway global warming pushed over 40
countries to support a bid for a body that could
single out, and perhaps police, polluting nations.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/070202_warming.htm


* How drugs cause hallucinations:
Scientists say they have partly explained what
causes the mind-bending effects of substances such
as LSD.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/070129_hallucinogen.htm


***

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Re: [scifinoir2] Way OT: Anna Nicole Smith Dead at Age 39

[The Yokozuna Of Soul]

She'd be a senator.

On Feb 8, 2007, at 8:16 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

> What saddens me is this crazed thing people--women especially--go  
> through for fame. I'm not a fan of blondes anyway (I prefer  
> brunettes),so I never really got so many women's need to dye their  
> hair the way Anna Nicole did. And saddest of all, have you ever  
> seen pictures of her before she become blonde and plastic? She was  
> actually much prettier with brown hair and her natural chest.  
> (Ditto for Pamela Anderson, by the way).  It's as if all these  
> actresses and would-be actresses are trying to be the second coming  
> of Marilyn Monroe. And now they can sell their souls for fifteen  
> minutes of reality show fame or commercials for questionable  
> products. Sad.
>
> Sometimes I wonder what Marilyn Monroe would have become had *she*  
> been born in this era...
>
> -- Original message --
> From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"  
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> This is not off-topic, her life was out of this world, I to hope her
> daughter's life is less bizarre and full of trauma
> Tracey
>
> Martin wrote:
>>
>> That was my first thought too, Keith. Poor kid's lost her older
>> brother *and* her mother before she even got to know either of them,
>> and her parentage is still somewhere in the stratosphere.
>>
>> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote:
>> Not to speak ill of the dead, but I wouldn't be surprised if this is
>> drug-related. Smith had such a huge problem with them, and her
>> behaviour over the last few years was like someone either contstantly
>> on downers, or who'd been permanently damaged by drugs. I only hope
>> her newborn daughter has a better life...
>>
>> Anna Nicole Smith Dies
>> By SUZETTE LABOY, Associated Press Writer 21 minutes ago
>> Anna Nicole Smith, the voluptuous former Playboy centerfold who
>> married an octogenarian billionaire and waged a legal battle for his
>> fortune all the way to the Supreme Court, died Thursday after
>> collapsing at a hotel. She was 39.
>> The blond bombshell — who recently became tabloid fodder all over
>> again after the sudden, apparently drug-related death of her
>> 20-year-old son — was stricken while staying at the Seminole Hard  
>> Rock
>> Hotel and Casino and was rushed to a hospital.
>> Edwina Johnson, chief investigator of the Broward County Medical
>> Examiner's Office, said the cause of death was under investigation  
>> and
>> an autopsy would be done on Friday.
>> A private nurse called 911 after finding Smith unresponsive in her
>> sixth-floor room, said Seminole Police Chief Charlie Tiger. He said
>> Smith's bodyguard administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation about an
>> hour before she was declared dead.
>> Through the '90s and into the new century, Smith was famous for being
>> famous, a pop-culture punchline because of her up-and-down weight,  
>> her
>> exaggerated curves, her little-girl voice, her ditzy-blonde persona,
>> and her over-the-top revealing outfits.
>> The curvaceous Texas-born Smith was a topless dancer at strip club
>> before she entered her photos in a search contest and made the cover
>> of Playboy magazine in 1992, captivating readers with her Marilyn
>> Monroe looks. She became Playboy's playmate of the year in 1993.
>> She was also signed to a contract with Guess jeans, appearing in TV
>> commercials, billboards and magazine ads.
>> In 1994, she married 89-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II,  
>> the
>> head of oil-based Koch Industries, which is part of a family fortune
>> worth at least $400 million. He died in 1995 at age 90, setting off a
>> feud with her former stepson, E. Pierce Marshall, over whether she  
>> had
>> a right to his estate.
>> A federal court in California awarded Smith $474 million. That was
>> later overturned. But in May, the U.S. Supreme Court revived her  
>> case,
>> ruling that she deserved another day in court in her battle with her
>> former stepson.
>> The stepson died June 20 at age 67. But the family said the court
>> fight would continue.
>> More recently, Smith's ballooning figure and up-and-down weight  
>> became
>> a subject of public fascination. But she lost a reported 69 pounds  
>> and
>> became a spokeswoman for TrimSpa, a weight-loss supplement.
>> She starred in her own reality TV series, "The Anna Nicole Show," in
>> 2002-04. Cameras followed her around as she sparred with her lawyer,
>> hung out with her personal assistant and interior decorator, and  
>> cooed
>> at her poodle, Sugar Pie. She also appeared in movies, performing a
>> bit part in "The Hudsucker Proxy" in 1994.
>> After news came of Smith's death, G. Eric Brunstad Jr., the lawyer  
>> who
>> represented Marshall, said in a statement: "We're very shocked by the
>> news and extend the deepest condolences to her family."
>> Smith's son, Daniel Smith, died Sept. 10 in his mother's hospital  
>> room
>> in the Bahamas, just days after sh

Re: [scifinoir2] [Fwd: Ryan O'Neal, son tethered like a dog]

[KeithBJohnson]

And adding to the surreal nature, Gloria Allred is on the case!

-- Original message -- 
From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 

> More morbid fascination with celebreality 
> 
> Tracey 
> 
>  Original Message  
> Subject: Ryan O'Neal, son tethered like a dog 
> Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2007 16:29:48 -0700 
> From: Robin Mitchell 
> Reply-To: GIRLFRIEND 
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> 
> 
> 
> From: TMZ 
> URL: http://www.tmz.com/2007/02/08/ryans-son-teathered-like-a-dog/ 
> Sent from: Robin ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) 
> Sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> 
> Ryan's Son Tethered Like a Dog 
> TMZ has learned what triggered the fight last weekend that resulted in 
> Ryan O'Neal's arrest. Ryan's son Griffin chained his brother to a 
> staircase in his home like a dog. 
> > 
> Law enforcement sources say when Ryan O'Neal returned from dinner 
> last Friday night, he found his son Redmond (whose mother is Farrah 
> Fawcett) tethered to a stair case with handcuffs on his ankles. We're 
> told Griffin had chained his brother to the banister earlier in the 
> evening, after walking in on him and finding that he was unresponsive. 
> We're told Griffin believed his brother had overdosed and tethered him 
> to prevent him from leaving and buying drugs. 
> 
> We're told Griffin was so concerned, he called 911 and paramedics 
> actually came to the house. Redmond was awake and said he had just 
> been sleeping, so the paramedics left. 
> > 
> We're told when Ryan arrived home at 11, he tripped over the chain 
> tied to Redmond and became enraged as Griffin laughed it off. 
> > 
> > Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, they believe it was Ryan -- not Griffin 
> > -- 
> who initially began swinging the fireplace poker. And these sources believe 
> it 
> was Ryan who ! struck G riffin's girlfriend before Griffin wrestled the poker 
> away from his dad. Ryan's people strongly dispute this and claim Griffin was 
> drunk and was the one who grabbed the poker first. 
> > 
> > We're told Ryan screamed "Get the f**k out of my house you asshole." 
> > Griffin 
> and his girlfriend walked out, and we're told, for some reason, came back. It 
> was then that Ryan fired a shot. 
> > 
> > When deputies arrived, they found Redmond still tethered and shot video to 
> document it. They also shot video of Ryan's injuries. 
> > 
> > Sources say Redmond checked into rehab last Monday. 
> > 
> > Griffin's attorney Gloria Allred would not comment on the details of the 
> > case, 
> but did tell TMZ "Griffin's concern has always been for the health, safety a 
> nd 
> well-being of Redmond and Joanna. He continues to do everything possible to 
> protect his brother and I believe the facts will support that assertion." 
> -- 
> Robin 
> "I really don't think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is 
> only about the I-tried-to-do. I don't mind the failure but I can't 
> imagine that I'd forgive myself if I didn't try." 
> Nikki Giovanni-Poet (1943- 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links 
> 
> 
> 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

FANWOMAN HERE!!

The Yokozuna Of Soul wrote:
>
>
> You know..fan-man. The guy who is in Vegas for the Trek conventions
> but plays it off by gambling in the lobby. The guy who says "with
> great power comes great responsibility" in staff meetings. The guy
> who wears his workout clothes under his suit so he can rip open
> his shirt and take off his glasses as he heads into the locker room
> at the gym. The guy who has his sick days at work scheduled to
> coincide with the opening of sci-fi movies. ( no lie. I had an
> appointment with a "Dr. Crusher" on my schedule the day First
> Contact came out and nobody on my staff blinked.) Fanboy is rude. And
> often wrong. Fanman is proud. Fanboy wants it for free. Fanman is
> willing to pay. A little.
>
> Does Fanman walk alone here tonight?!
>
> On Feb 8, 2007, at 6:45 PM, Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L.
> Minor) wrote:
>
> > OK, inquiring minds want to know, what is a fan man?
> >
> > Tracey
> >
> > The Yokozuna Of Soul wrote:
> > >
> > > I was a fanboy for many, many years. It's an important phase to go
> > > through. It allows you to sit through bad Prince albums, Thandie
> > > Newton's "performance" in MI:2, etc. But then I became...fanMAN. Now
> > > I only use my otaku skills for GOOD.
> > >
> > > On Feb 8, 2007, at 6:10 PM, Martin wrote:
> > >
> > > > I believe that it's a moderate derogatory toward genre fans. At
> > > > least that's how *I* look at it. Never been called it. If so, I'd
> > > > be busy making licence plates instead of regaling you...
> > > >
> > > > "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> > > > <[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> 
> > > > wrote: I have
> > heard the
> > > term
> > > > "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can
> > > > somebody clarify?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks
> > > >
> > > > tracey
> > > >
> > > > Martin wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the
> > online
> > > > > version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may
> > > > have
> > > > > caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor
> > > > fanboys. To
> > > > > them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience
> > first-
> > > > hand.
> > > > >
> > > > > [EMAIL PROTECTED]  
> 
> > > 
> > > > wrote:
> > > > > Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
> > > > >
> > > > > -- Original message --
> > > > > From: Martin
> > > > > Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking.
> > > > Their
> > > > > acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
> > > > >
> > > > > [EMAIL PROTECTED]  
> 
> > > 
> > > > wrote:
> > > > > Some comments on her comments:
> > > > >
> > > > > One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was
> > > > > concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder
> > > > > Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger
> > > > than is
> > > > > typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as
> > > > opposed
> > > > > to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon
> > loves very
> > > > > young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another
> > young
> > > > > waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one
> > reason I
> > > > > didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too
> > > > young
> > > > > for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior
> > than the
> > > > > little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma
> > > > Carpenter! :)
> > > > >
> > > > > Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing,
> > if done
> > > > > well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For
> > Vendetta"
> > > > > to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero
> > battle.
> > > > > Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of
> > rougly
> > > > > from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech--
> > vacuum
> > > > > tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in
> > > > scifi
> > > > > themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that
> > Wonder
> > > > > Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta,
> > > > Diana's
> > > > > mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of
> > Wonder
> > > > > Woman, and did it in modern times.
> > > > >
> > > > > I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was
> > great),
> > > > > that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was
> > > > > "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
> > > > >
> > > > > -- Original message --
> > > > > From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> > > > > Action Or Angst? What Do We

Re: [scifinoir2] Way OT: Anna Nicole Smith Dead at Age 39

[KeithBJohnson]

What saddens me is this crazed thing people--women especially--go through for 
fame. I'm not a fan of blondes anyway (I prefer brunettes),so I never really 
got so many women's need to dye their hair the way Anna Nicole did. And saddest 
of all, have you ever seen pictures of her before she become blonde and 
plastic? She was actually much prettier with brown hair and her natural chest. 
(Ditto for Pamela Anderson, by the way).  It's as if all these actresses and 
would-be actresses are trying to be the second coming of Marilyn Monroe. And 
now they can sell their souls for fifteen minutes of reality show fame or 
commercials for questionable products. Sad.

Sometimes I wonder what Marilyn Monroe would have become had *she* been born in 
this era...

-- Original message -- 
From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
This is not off-topic, her life was out of this world, I to hope her 
daughter's life is less bizarre and full of trauma
Tracey

Martin wrote:
>
> That was my first thought too, Keith. Poor kid's lost her older 
> brother *and* her mother before she even got to know either of them, 
> and her parentage is still somewhere in the stratosphere.
>
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote: 
> Not to speak ill of the dead, but I wouldn't be surprised if this is 
> drug-related. Smith had such a huge problem with them, and her 
> behaviour over the last few years was like someone either contstantly 
> on downers, or who'd been permanently damaged by drugs. I only hope 
> her newborn daughter has a better life...
>
> Anna Nicole Smith Dies
> By SUZETTE LABOY, Associated Press Writer 21 minutes ago
> Anna Nicole Smith, the voluptuous former Playboy centerfold who 
> married an octogenarian billionaire and waged a legal battle for his 
> fortune all the way to the Supreme Court, died Thursday after 
> collapsing at a hotel. She was 39.
> The blond bombshell — who recently became tabloid fodder all over 
> again after the sudden, apparently drug-related death of her 
> 20-year-old son — was stricken while staying at the Seminole Hard Rock 
> Hotel and Casino and was rushed to a hospital.
> Edwina Johnson, chief investigator of the Broward County Medical 
> Examiner's Office, said the cause of death was under investigation and 
> an autopsy would be done on Friday.
> A private nurse called 911 after finding Smith unresponsive in her 
> sixth-floor room, said Seminole Police Chief Charlie Tiger. He said 
> Smith's bodyguard administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation about an 
> hour before she was declared dead.
> Through the '90s and into the new century, Smith was famous for being 
> famous, a pop-culture punchline because of her up-and-down weight, her 
> exaggerated curves, her little-girl voice, her ditzy-blonde persona, 
> and her over-the-top revealing outfits.
> The curvaceous Texas-born Smith was a topless dancer at strip club 
> before she entered her photos in a search contest and made the cover 
> of Playboy magazine in 1992, captivating readers with her Marilyn 
> Monroe looks. She became Playboy's playmate of the year in 1993.
> She was also signed to a contract with Guess jeans, appearing in TV 
> commercials, billboards and magazine ads.
> In 1994, she married 89-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II, the 
> head of oil-based Koch Industries, which is part of a family fortune 
> worth at least $400 million. He died in 1995 at age 90, setting off a 
> feud with her former stepson, E. Pierce Marshall, over whether she had 
> a right to his estate.
> A federal court in California awarded Smith $474 million. That was 
> later overturned. But in May, the U.S. Supreme Court revived her case, 
> ruling that she deserved another day in court in her battle with her 
> former stepson.
> The stepson died June 20 at age 67. But the family said the court 
> fight would continue.
> More recently, Smith's ballooning figure and up-and-down weight became 
> a subject of public fascination. But she lost a reported 69 pounds and 
> became a spokeswoman for TrimSpa, a weight-loss supplement.
> She starred in her own reality TV series, "The Anna Nicole Show," in 
> 2002-04. Cameras followed her around as she sparred with her lawyer, 
> hung out with her personal assistant and interior decorator, and cooed 
> at her poodle, Sugar Pie. She also appeared in movies, performing a 
> bit part in "The Hudsucker Proxy" in 1994.
> After news came of Smith's death, G. Eric Brunstad Jr., the lawyer who 
> represented Marshall, said in a statement: "We're very shocked by the 
> news and extend the deepest condolences to her family."
> Smith's son, Daniel Smith, died Sept. 10 in his mother's hospital room 
> in the Bahamas, just days after she gave birth to a daughter.
> An American medical examiner hired by the family, Cyril Wecht, said he 
> had methadone and two antidepressants in his system when he died. Low 
> levels of the three drugs

Re: [scifinoir2] Star Wars gangsta rap

[Amy Harlib]

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
OW!  That was a hoot!  But it cut off rather too abruptly.
ROTFL!
Amy
> 
> In a message dated 2/8/07 2:44:04 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> 
> 
>> WARNING! Contains explicit language like most gangsta rap:
>> 
>> http://www.glumbert.com/media/starwars
>> 
>> LoL!
>> 
>> George
>> 
> 
> Oboy.   Lucas, what have you sparked.   :D
> 
> -GTW
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> 
> 

Re: [scifinoir2] Star Wars gangsta rap

[GWashin891]

In a message dated 2/8/07 2:44:04 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:


> WARNING! Contains explicit language like most gangsta rap:
> 
> http://www.glumbert.com/media/starwars
> 
> LoL!
> 
> George
> 

Oboy.   Lucas, what have you sparked.   :D

-GTW


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [scifinoir2] Way OT: Anna Nicole Smith Dead at Age 39

[Amy Harlib]

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
I agree - especially given the tragically short life of her son.
Her too-brief life is a sad exemplar of what damage misuse/addiction to 
drugs can cause.
I hope her baby daughter can escape the self-destructive pattern of the 
parent.
Amy



Not to speak ill of the dead, but I wouldn't be surprised if this is 
drug-related. Smith had such a huge problem with them, and her behaviour 
over the last few years was like someone either contstantly on downers, or 
who'd been permanently damaged by drugs. I only hope her newborn daughter 
has a better life...

Anna Nicole Smith Dies
By SUZETTE LABOY, Associated Press Writer 21 minutes ago
Anna Nicole Smith, the voluptuous former Playboy centerfold who married an 
octogenarian billionaire and waged a legal battle for his fortune all the 
way to the Supreme Court, died Thursday after collapsing at a hotel. She was 
39.
The blond bombshell — who recently became tabloid fodder all over again 
after the sudden, apparently drug-related death of her 20-year-old son — was 
stricken while staying at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and was 
rushed to a hospital.
Edwina Johnson, chief investigator of the Broward County Medical Examiner's 
Office, said the cause of death was under investigation and an autopsy would 
be done on Friday.
A private nurse called 911 after finding Smith unresponsive in her 
sixth-floor room, said Seminole Police Chief Charlie Tiger. He said Smith's 
bodyguard administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation about an hour before 
she was declared dead.
Through the '90s and into the new century, Smith was famous for being 
famous, a pop-culture punchline because of her up-and-down weight, her 
exaggerated curves, her little-girl voice, her ditzy-blonde persona, and her 
over-the-top revealing outfits.
The curvaceous Texas-born Smith was a topless dancer at strip club before 
she entered her photos in a search contest and made the cover of Playboy 
magazine in 1992, captivating readers with her Marilyn Monroe looks. She 
became Playboy's playmate of the year in 1993.
She was also signed to a contract with Guess jeans, appearing in TV 
commercials, billboards and magazine ads.
In 1994, she married 89-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II, the head 
of oil-based Koch Industries, which is part of a family fortune worth at 
least $400 million. He died in 1995 at age 90, setting off a feud with her 
former stepson, E. Pierce Marshall, over whether she had a right to his 
estate.
A federal court in California awarded Smith $474 million. That was later 
overturned. But in May, the U.S. Supreme Court revived her case, ruling that 
she deserved another day in court in her battle with her former stepson.
The stepson died June 20 at age 67. But the family said the court fight 
would continue.
More recently, Smith's ballooning figure and up-and-down weight became a 
subject of public fascination. But she lost a reported 69 pounds and became 
a spokeswoman for TrimSpa, a weight-loss supplement.
She starred in her own reality TV series, "The Anna Nicole Show," in 
2002-04. Cameras followed her around as she sparred with her lawyer, hung 
out with her personal assistant and interior decorator, and cooed at her 
poodle, Sugar Pie. She also appeared in movies, performing a bit part in 
"The Hudsucker Proxy" in 1994.
After news came of Smith's death, G. Eric Brunstad Jr., the lawyer who 
represented Marshall, said in a statement: "We're very shocked by the news 
and extend the deepest condolences to her family."
Smith's son, Daniel Smith, died Sept. 10 in his mother's hospital room in 
the Bahamas, just days after she gave birth to a daughter.
An American medical examiner hired by the family, Cyril Wecht, said he had 
methadone and two antidepressants in his system when he died. Low levels of 
the three drugs interacted to cause an accidental death, Wecht said. Last 
month, a Bahamas magistrate scheduled a formal inquiry into the death for 
March 27.
Meanwhile, the paternity of her now 5-month-old daughter remained a matter 
of dispute. The birth certificate lists Dannielynn's father as attorney 
Howard K. Stern, Smith's most recent companion. Smith's ex-boyfriend Larry 
Birkhead was waging a legal challenge, saying he was the father.
Debra Opri, the attorney who filed his paternity suit, said Birkhead "is 
devastated. He is inconsolable, and we are taking steps now to protect the 
DNA testing of the child. The child is our number one priority."
She was born Vickie Lynn Hogan on Nov. 28, 1967, in Houston, one of six 
children of Donald Eugene and Virgie Hart Hogan. She married Bill Smith in 
1985, giving birth to Daniel before divorcing two years later.
"From my professional exposure to Anna Nicole, I can say she was always 
personable, down to earth and driven. All in all, a joy to have as a 
client," said Wayne Munroe, her Bahamian lawyer who has overseen the 
aftermath of her son's mysterious death in Nassau.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated

Re: [scifinoir2] OT: Georgia Mayor Changes Name, Converts to Islam

[The Yokozuna Of Soul]

Fox should be fun family viewing tonight.

On Feb 8, 2007, at 7:04 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

> Interesting move, gutsy for a black man in a Georgia city. A lot of  
> people black and white were already unhappy with his performance as  
> mayor on many other levels. Some feel he's just doing this as a way  
> to deflect people from his shortcomings. I don't know the truth of  
> that as Atlanta's got plenty to keep me occupied. Still, one can  
> expect to hear the racist and ignorant comments, no matter what you  
> think. I copied some posts from the paper, which follow the story.  
> Keep in mind that when it comes to things like moving from  
> Christianity to Islam, Blacks in many quarters can be as intolerant  
> as whites in the Southe, even in a city like Macon where the  
> majority of the population is African-American:
>
> Georgia Mayor Changes Name, Converts to Islam
>
> Macon, GA (WMAZ-TV) - Mayor C. Jack Ellis, a practicing Christian  
> throughout his life, on Thursday said he's switched to the Islamic  
> faith.
> The mayor said the conversion also means he'll be going through the  
> legal process of changing his name. His new name will be Hakim  
> Mansour Ellis. The mayor said he kept his last name to maintain  
> family ties.
>
> "It's a personal decision, a private decision as to how one  
> worships. But I do understand that I'm not a private person," Ellis  
> said. "But being the mayor of the city, I think people have a right  
> to know what I believe in, that I am a man of faith, and the faith  
> I'm now a part of is the faith of Islam."
> He now calls himself a Sunni Muslim. He made the switch, Ellis  
> said, during his December trip to Africa. Rather than call it a  
> switch, Ellis said it was like returning home.
>
> "I went back to my roots I guess you could say," Ellis said. "I did  
> convert to Islam in December of this past year in the country of  
> Senegal. When I say, "back to my roots", Islam was in Senegal prior  
> to the Africans being brought here as slaves."
>
> Since converting, Ellis said he attends the Islamic Center on  
> Bloomfield Road during Friday worship services. He also said he's  
> practicing the Islam doctrine of praying five times each day. Ellis  
> said he discussed his decision with his family and siblings before  
> making it public.
>
> "Now, I'm sharing with my broader family, the Macon community who  
> supported me when I was a Christian and trust that they will now,"  
> Ellis said. "I'm the same person even though I'll be changing my  
> name."
>
> Even though he switched religions, the mayor said he isn't ranking  
> them.
>
> "I'm not saying that one is better than the other," Ellis said. "We  
> do believe that the prophet Mohammed was the last prophet as well  
> as we believe Moses was a prophet."
>
> Prior to the conversion, Ellis said he attended Unionville Baptist  
> Church on Houston Avenue and before that Harvest Cathedral on Rocky  
> Creek Road.
> The mayor completes his second consecutive four-year term in  
> December and isn't eligible for re-election. But Ellis said he  
> might run for Georgia's 8th District congressional seat in 2008.  
> Steve Allen, chair of the Bibb County Democratic Party, said a  
> person's faith is his or her personal choice. But because most of  
> the 8th District is Christian and conservative, Allen said the  
> mayor might have a more difficult time winning the 8th District.  
> Ellis said he hopes people respect his decision and will call him  
> by his new name.
>
> *
> Some reader responses:
>
> A lot of people Black and white, were already unhappy with his  
> performance as mayor on many other levels. Some feel he's just  
> doing this as a way to deflect people from his shortcomings. I  
> don't know the truth of that, as I try to stay away from smaller  
> Georgia towns. Atlanta's got plenty to keep me occupied. :)
>
> STill, one can expect to hear the racist and ignorant comments, no  
> matter what you think. I copied some posts from the paper last  
> week. here are some of them--oh, keep in mind that when it comes to  
> things like moving from Christianity to Islam, Blacks in many  
> quarters can be as intolerant as whites:
>
> Reader comments on the mayor's conversion to Islam:
>
> white folks gone love this
> Posted by: henry
>
> Now he can move to Iraq and run for Mayor of Baghdad.
> Posted by: Joe
>
> I think this is another ploy by our fine wishy-washy and criminal  
> mayor to get more publicity. Maybe since he has such strong ties to  
> his mother country of Africa, he just needs to depart and go back  
> to his roots (at his expense, not the taxpayers). I hope God has  
> mercy on his soul b/c his beloved dead prophet Muhammed will not be  
> able to spare him or his other pagen muslims friends from hell. I  
> take issue with anybody comparing Allah with the true and living  
> God of the Bible.
> Posted by: Ginger E. Vinson
>

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[The Yokozuna Of Soul]

You know..fan-man. The guy who is in Vegas for the Trek conventions  
but plays it off by gambling in the lobby. The guy who says "with  
great power comes great responsibility" in staff meetings. The guy  
who wears his workout clothes under his suit  so  he can rip  open  
his shirt  and take off his glasses as he heads into the locker room  
at the gym. The guy who has his sick days at work scheduled to  
coincide with the opening of sci-fi  movies. ( no lie. I  had an  
appointment with a "Dr. Crusher" on my  schedule the day First  
Contact came out and nobody on my staff blinked.) Fanboy is rude. And  
often wrong. Fanman is proud. Fanboy wants it for free. Fanman is  
willing to pay. A little.

Does Fanman walk alone here tonight?!

On Feb 8, 2007, at 6:45 PM, Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L.  
Minor) wrote:

> OK, inquiring minds want to know, what is a fan man?
>
> Tracey
>
> The Yokozuna Of Soul wrote:
> >
> > I was a fanboy for many, many years. It's an important phase to go
> > through. It allows you to sit through bad Prince albums, Thandie
> > Newton's "performance" in MI:2, etc. But then I became...fanMAN. Now
> > I only use my otaku skills for GOOD.
> >
> > On Feb 8, 2007, at 6:10 PM, Martin wrote:
> >
> > > I believe that it's a moderate derogatory toward genre fans. At
> > > least that's how *I* look at it. Never been called it. If so, I'd
> > > be busy making licence plates instead of regaling you...
> > >
> > > "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> > > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > > wrote: I have  
> heard the
> > term
> > > "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can
> > > somebody clarify?
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > > tracey
> > >
> > > Martin wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the  
> online
> > > > version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may
> > > have
> > > > caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor
> > > fanboys. To
> > > > them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience  
> first-
> > > hand.
> > > >
> > > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> > 
> > > wrote:
> > > > Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
> > > >
> > > > -- Original message --
> > > > From: Martin
> > > > Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking.
> > > Their
> > > > acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
> > > >
> > > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> > 
> > > wrote:
> > > > Some comments on her comments:
> > > >
> > > > One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was
> > > > concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder
> > > > Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger
> > > than is
> > > > typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as
> > > opposed
> > > > to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon  
> loves very
> > > > young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another  
> young
> > > > waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one  
> reason I
> > > > didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too
> > > young
> > > > for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior  
> than the
> > > > little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma
> > > Carpenter! :)
> > > >
> > > > Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing,  
> if done
> > > > well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For  
> Vendetta"
> > > > to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero  
> battle.
> > > > Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of  
> rougly
> > > > from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech-- 
> vacuum
> > > > tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in
> > > scifi
> > > > themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that  
> Wonder
> > > > Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta,
> > > Diana's
> > > > mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of  
> Wonder
> > > > Woman, and did it in modern times.
> > > >
> > > > I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was  
> great),
> > > > that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was
> > > > "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
> > > >
> > > > -- Original message --
> > > > From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> > > > Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
> > > > COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
> > > >
> > > > By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
> > > > Source: SyFy Portal
> > > > Feb-04-2007
> > > >
> > > > When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to
> > > write
> > > > and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached
> > > to the
> > 

[scifinoir2] OT: Georgia Mayor Changes Name, Converts to Islam

[KeithBJohnson]

Interesting move, gutsy for a black man in a Georgia city. A lot of people 
black and white were already unhappy with his performance as mayor on many 
other levels. Some feel he's just doing this as a way to deflect people from 
his shortcomings. I don't know the truth of that as Atlanta's got plenty to 
keep me occupied.  Still, one can expect to hear the racist and ignorant 
comments, no matter what you think. I copied some posts from the paper, which 
follow the story. Keep in mind that when it comes to things like moving from 
Christianity to Islam, Blacks in many quarters can be as intolerant as whites 
in the Southe, even in a city like Macon where the majority of the population 
is African-American: 

Georgia Mayor Changes Name, Converts to Islam 

Macon, GA (WMAZ-TV) - Mayor C. Jack Ellis, a practicing Christian throughout 
his life, on Thursday said he's switched to the Islamic faith.
The mayor said the conversion also means he'll be going through the legal 
process of changing his name. His new name will be Hakim Mansour Ellis. The 
mayor said he kept his last name to maintain family ties.

"It's a personal decision, a private decision as to how one worships. But I do 
understand that I'm not a private person," Ellis said. "But being the mayor of 
the city, I think people have a right to know what I believe in, that I am a 
man of faith, and the faith I'm now a part of is the faith of Islam."
He now calls himself a Sunni Muslim. He made the switch, Ellis said, during his 
December trip to Africa. Rather than call it a switch, Ellis said it was like 
returning home.

"I went back to my roots I guess you could say," Ellis said. "I did convert to 
Islam in December of this past year in the country of Senegal. When I say, 
"back to my roots", Islam was in Senegal prior to the Africans being brought 
here as slaves."

Since converting, Ellis said he attends the Islamic Center on Bloomfield Road 
during Friday worship services. He also said he's practicing the Islam doctrine 
of praying five times each day. Ellis said he discussed his decision with his 
family and siblings before making it public.

"Now, I'm sharing with my broader family, the Macon community who supported me 
when I was a Christian and trust that they will now," Ellis said. "I'm the same 
person even though I'll be changing my name."

Even though he switched religions, the mayor said he isn't ranking them.

"I'm not saying that one is better than the other," Ellis said. "We do believe 
that the prophet Mohammed was the last prophet as well as we believe Moses was 
a prophet."

Prior to the conversion, Ellis said he attended Unionville Baptist Church on 
Houston Avenue and before that Harvest Cathedral on Rocky Creek Road.
The mayor completes his second consecutive four-year term in December and isn't 
eligible for re-election. But Ellis said he might run for Georgia's 8th 
District congressional seat in 2008. Steve Allen, chair of the Bibb County 
Democratic Party, said a person's faith is his or her personal choice. But 
because most of the 8th District is Christian and conservative, Allen said the 
mayor might have a more difficult time winning the 8th District. Ellis said he 
hopes people respect his decision and will call him by his new name. 

*
Some reader responses:

A lot of people Black and white, were already unhappy with his performance as 
mayor on many other levels. Some feel he's just doing this as a way to deflect 
people from his shortcomings. I don't know the truth of that, as I try to stay 
away from smaller Georgia towns. Atlanta's got plenty to keep me occupied.  :)  
 

STill, one can expect to hear the racist and ignorant comments, no matter what 
you think. I copied some posts from the paper last week. here are some of 
them--oh, keep in mind that when it comes to things like moving from 
Christianity to Islam, Blacks in many quarters can be as intolerant as whites: 

Reader comments on the mayor's conversion to Islam:

white folks gone love this   
Posted by: henry 

Now he can move to Iraq and run for Mayor of Baghdad.   
Posted by: Joe 

I think this is another ploy by our fine wishy-washy and criminal mayor to get 
more publicity. Maybe since he has such strong ties to his mother country of 
Africa, he just needs to depart and go back to his roots (at his expense, not 
the taxpayers). I hope God has mercy on his soul b/c his beloved dead prophet 
Muhammed will not be able to spare him or his other pagen muslims friends from 
hell. I take issue with anybody comparing Allah with the true and living God of 
the Bible.   
Posted by: Ginger E. Vinson 

I can't help but comment on how ridiculous this is along with the entire black 
community's affinity for islam. Authentic history records that the arab 
invasion of Africa initiated the slave trade as well as the forceful (under 
penalty of death) conversion to islam of the native people. If a violent, 
hate-filled religion "fee

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

OK, inquiring minds want to know, what is a fan man?

Tracey

The Yokozuna Of Soul wrote:
>
> I was a fanboy for many, many years. It's an important phase to go
> through. It allows you to sit through bad Prince albums, Thandie
> Newton's "performance" in MI:2, etc. But then I became...fanMAN. Now
> I only use my otaku skills for GOOD.
>
> On Feb 8, 2007, at 6:10 PM, Martin wrote:
>
> > I believe that it's a moderate derogatory toward genre fans. At
> > least that's how *I* look at it. Never been called it. If so, I'd
> > be busy making licence plates instead of regaling you...
> >
> > "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> > <[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> > wrote: I have heard the 
> term
> > "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can
> > somebody clarify?
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > tracey
> >
> > Martin wrote:
> > >
> > > Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the online
> > > version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may
> > have
> > > caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor
> > fanboys. To
> > > them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience first-
> > hand.
> > >
> > > [EMAIL PROTECTED]  
> 
> > wrote:
> > > Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
> > >
> > > -- Original message --
> > > From: Martin
> > > Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking.
> > Their
> > > acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
> > >
> > > [EMAIL PROTECTED]  
> 
> > wrote:
> > > Some comments on her comments:
> > >
> > > One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was
> > > concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder
> > > Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger
> > than is
> > > typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as
> > opposed
> > > to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon loves very
> > > young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another young
> > > waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one reason I
> > > didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too
> > young
> > > for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior than the
> > > little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma
> > Carpenter! :)
> > >
> > > Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing, if done
> > > well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For Vendetta"
> > > to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero battle.
> > > Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of rougly
> > > from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech--vacuum
> > > tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in
> > scifi
> > > themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that Wonder
> > > Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta,
> > Diana's
> > > mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of Wonder
> > > Woman, and did it in modern times.
> > >
> > > I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was great),
> > > that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was
> > > "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
> > >
> > > -- Original message --
> > > From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> > > Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
> > > COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
> > >
> > > By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
> > > Source: SyFy Portal
> > > Feb-04-2007
> > >
> > > When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to
> > write
> > > and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached
> > to the
> > > project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.
> > >
> > > Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co-
> > wrote
> > > the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the
> > movie
> > > "The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the
> > movie
> > > has been shelved for now.
> > >
> > > The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner
> > > Bros. has purchased a speculative script from newcomers Matthew
> > Jennison
> > > and Brent Strickland, and is ready to bring them on board to replace
> > > Whedon.
> > >
> > > All this leads to the question, "What do people want out of a
> > superhero
> > > movie? An escapist action romp or fully fleshed-out characters
> > facing
> > > the most painful decisions of their lives?"
> > >
> > > While it is uncertain what Whedon has done with "Wonder Woman,"
> > it seems
> > > Joel Silver and company want an action-oriented story set against
> > the
> > > backdrop of World War II -- the time period when Wonder Woman comics
> > > debuted. Whedon's 

[scifinoir2] [Fwd: Ryan O'Neal, son tethered like a dog]

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

More morbid fascination with celebreality

Tracey

 Original Message 
Subject:Ryan O'Neal, son tethered like a dog
Date:   Thu, 8 Feb 2007 16:29:48 -0700
From:   Robin Mitchell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To:   GIRLFRIEND <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]



From: TMZ
URL: http://www.tmz.com/2007/02/08/ryans-son-teathered-like-a-dog/
Sent from: Robin ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
Sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Ryan's Son Tethered Like a Dog
TMZ has learned what triggered the fight last weekend that resulted in
Ryan O'Neal's arrest. Ryan's son Griffin chained his brother to a
staircase in his home like a dog.
>
Law enforcement sources say when Ryan O'Neal returned from dinner
last Friday night, he found his son Redmond (whose mother is Farrah
Fawcett) tethered to a stair case with handcuffs on his ankles. We're
told Griffin had chained his brother to the banister earlier in the
evening, after walking in on him and finding that he was unresponsive.
We're told Griffin believed his brother had overdosed and tethered him
to prevent him from leaving and buying drugs.

We're told Griffin was so concerned, he called 911 and paramedics
actually came to the house. Redmond was awake and said he had just
been sleeping, so the paramedics left.
>
We're told when Ryan arrived home at 11, he tripped over the chain
tied to Redmond and became enraged as Griffin laughed it off.
>
> Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, they believe it was Ryan -- not Griffin -- 
> who initially began swinging the fireplace poker. And these sources believe 
> it was Ryan who ! struck G riffin's girlfriend before Griffin wrestled the 
> poker away from his dad. Ryan's people strongly dispute this and claim 
> Griffin was drunk and was the one who grabbed the poker first.
>
> We're told Ryan screamed "Get the f**k out of my house you asshole." Griffin 
> and his girlfriend walked out, and we're told, for some reason, came back. It 
> was then that Ryan fired a shot.
>
> When deputies arrived, they found Redmond still tethered and shot video to 
> document it. They also shot video of Ryan's injuries.
>
> Sources say Redmond checked into rehab last Monday.
>
> Griffin's attorney Gloria Allred would not comment on the details of the 
> case, but did tell TMZ "Griffin's concern has always been for the health, 
> safety a nd well-being of Redmond and Joanna. He continues to do everything 
> possible to protect his brother and I believe the facts will support that 
> assertion."
-- 
Robin
"I really don't think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is
only about the I-tried-to-do. I don't mind the failure but I can't
imagine that I'd forgive myself if I didn't try."
Nikki Giovanni-Poet (1943- 



 
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[scifinoir2] [Fwd: [Blackfolks] Is this what a future Oscar winner looks like?]

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

--- Original Message 
Subject:[Blackfolks] Is this what a future Oscar winner looks like?
Date:   Thu, 8 Feb 2007 17:38:38 -0600
From:   Mel Cragwell, II <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To:   [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]



http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-wk- 
norbit8feb08,1,2603410.story?coll=la-headlines-entnews

Is this what a future Oscar winner looks like?

Some fear 'Norbit' could hurt Murphy's Academy Award chances.
By Greg Braxton and Robert W. Welkos
Times Staff Writers

February 8, 2007

EDDIE Murphy's on the verge of an awards season trifecta — his  
charismatic portrayal of a tragic R&B singer in "Dreamgirls" has  
already nabbed him a Screen Actors Guild award and a Golden Globe, and  
he's considered a front-runner for a best supporting Oscar.

But the most high-profile image of Murphy these days — while Oscar  
ballots are still out — is on billboards and in movie trailers wearing  
a fat suit, garish eye shadow and little else.

The tagline for his new comedy, "Norbit," poses the question: "Have you  
ever made a really big mistake?"

Some Oscar observers are questioning the timing of the movie's Friday  
arrival, and whether it may unintentionally put off potential academy  
voters, while some black activists are taking Murphy to task for  
engaging in what they say are demeaning racial stereotypes.

"Every time I pass that billboard, it makes me sick," said one veteran  
Oscar consultant, who declined to be identified and is not involved in  
a rival campaign. "I think his performance in 'Dreamgirls' is so  
fabulous" and deserves to win the Academy Award. But, he added,  
Murphy's latest comedy offering "doesn't help."

Award season aside, Murphy and "Norbit" are under fire from some black  
activists who say the film is just the latest to build a movie around a  
black man dressing up as an unsophisticated, overweight black woman.  
Adding fuel to their anger is the movie's release during Black History  
Month.

"For Eddie to follow what he did with 'Dreamgirls' with this just  
doesn't make sense," said Robert M. Entman, author of "The Black Image  
in the White Mind: Media and Race in America." "There's no excuse for  
him to lend his prestige to something like this…. There has to be a  
point where African American stars of his stature have to take some  
responsibility for their actions and just say no."

Murphy's stunning turn as James "Thunder" Early in "Dreamgirls" has  
earned him rave reviews and renewed respect for a performer who has had  
one of Hollywood's most up-and-down careers. He's had his share of hits  
("48 Hrs.," "Beverly Hills Cop," "Trading Places" and the "Shrek"  
movies) and flops ("The Adventures of Pluto Nash," "The Haunted  
Mansion.")

Now, Murphy is in contention for the industry's top honors, which will  
be handed out Feb. 25. Ballots are due back Feb. 20.

"Norbit" could end up working in Murphy's favor, the creative forces  
behind it say, because the comedy demonstrates Murphy's range and  
ability to morph into multiple characters. It's an approach the actor  
has used to great success in "Coming to America" and the two "The Nutty  
Professor" films. "Norbit," about a wimpy man trapped in a horrible  
relationship with a woman (also played by Murphy), was co-written by  
Murphy and his brother Charles Murphy, and produced by the actor's  
production company.

Murphy, who has shunned print interviews for years, declined to comment.

The comedy has done well with focus groups, said Stacey Snider,  
co-chairwoman of DreamWorks: "Audiences have always loved it."

She added that she was "confident" that "Norbit" would have no  
influence on academy members' evaluation of Murphy's work in  
"Dreamgirls." "People can separate the performance in 'Dreamgirls' for  
the career-defining role that it was…. They accept this movie for the  
comedy that it is…. I think people are wise enough and savvy enough to  
understand the spirit that was intended. They know not to read too much  
into it."

One academy voter, John DiSimeo, who is a member of the public  
relations branch, agreed. "As a voter, it doesn't impact me. We're able  
to focus on the work itself…. The focus has been on his work in  
'Dreamgirls' and whatever comes out after it is for the most part  
irrelevant." (He has already sent in his ballot, but declined to  
specify his pick.)

The film's release date, planned months in advance, was tied to  
research that showed February to be a good month for comedies,  
according to Paramount.

Gerry Rich, president of worldwide marketing at Paramount Pictures,  
said that time of year was a "robust moviegoing period for mainstream  
comedies. 'Hitch' did really well during this time of year."

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Re: [scifinoir2] Way OT: Anna Nicole Smith Dead at Age 39

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

This is not off-topic, her life was out of this world, I to hope her 
daughter's life is less bizarre and full of trauma
Tracey

Martin wrote:
>
> That was my first thought too, Keith. Poor kid's lost her older 
> brother *and* her mother before she even got to know either of them, 
> and her parentage is still somewhere in the stratosphere.
>
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote: 
> Not to speak ill of the dead, but I wouldn't be surprised if this is 
> drug-related. Smith had such a huge problem with them, and her 
> behaviour over the last few years was like someone either contstantly 
> on downers, or who'd been permanently damaged by drugs. I only hope 
> her newborn daughter has a better life...
>
> Anna Nicole Smith Dies
> By SUZETTE LABOY, Associated Press Writer 21 minutes ago
> Anna Nicole Smith, the voluptuous former Playboy centerfold who 
> married an octogenarian billionaire and waged a legal battle for his 
> fortune all the way to the Supreme Court, died Thursday after 
> collapsing at a hotel. She was 39.
> The blond bombshell — who recently became tabloid fodder all over 
> again after the sudden, apparently drug-related death of her 
> 20-year-old son — was stricken while staying at the Seminole Hard Rock 
> Hotel and Casino and was rushed to a hospital.
> Edwina Johnson, chief investigator of the Broward County Medical 
> Examiner's Office, said the cause of death was under investigation and 
> an autopsy would be done on Friday.
> A private nurse called 911 after finding Smith unresponsive in her 
> sixth-floor room, said Seminole Police Chief Charlie Tiger. He said 
> Smith's bodyguard administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation about an 
> hour before she was declared dead.
> Through the '90s and into the new century, Smith was famous for being 
> famous, a pop-culture punchline because of her up-and-down weight, her 
> exaggerated curves, her little-girl voice, her ditzy-blonde persona, 
> and her over-the-top revealing outfits.
> The curvaceous Texas-born Smith was a topless dancer at strip club 
> before she entered her photos in a search contest and made the cover 
> of Playboy magazine in 1992, captivating readers with her Marilyn 
> Monroe looks. She became Playboy's playmate of the year in 1993.
> She was also signed to a contract with Guess jeans, appearing in TV 
> commercials, billboards and magazine ads.
> In 1994, she married 89-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II, the 
> head of oil-based Koch Industries, which is part of a family fortune 
> worth at least $400 million. He died in 1995 at age 90, setting off a 
> feud with her former stepson, E. Pierce Marshall, over whether she had 
> a right to his estate.
> A federal court in California awarded Smith $474 million. That was 
> later overturned. But in May, the U.S. Supreme Court revived her case, 
> ruling that she deserved another day in court in her battle with her 
> former stepson.
> The stepson died June 20 at age 67. But the family said the court 
> fight would continue.
> More recently, Smith's ballooning figure and up-and-down weight became 
> a subject of public fascination. But she lost a reported 69 pounds and 
> became a spokeswoman for TrimSpa, a weight-loss supplement.
> She starred in her own reality TV series, "The Anna Nicole Show," in 
> 2002-04. Cameras followed her around as she sparred with her lawyer, 
> hung out with her personal assistant and interior decorator, and cooed 
> at her poodle, Sugar Pie. She also appeared in movies, performing a 
> bit part in "The Hudsucker Proxy" in 1994.
> After news came of Smith's death, G. Eric Brunstad Jr., the lawyer who 
> represented Marshall, said in a statement: "We're very shocked by the 
> news and extend the deepest condolences to her family."
> Smith's son, Daniel Smith, died Sept. 10 in his mother's hospital room 
> in the Bahamas, just days after she gave birth to a daughter.
> An American medical examiner hired by the family, Cyril Wecht, said he 
> had methadone and two antidepressants in his system when he died. Low 
> levels of the three drugs interacted to cause an accidental death, 
> Wecht said. Last month, a Bahamas magistrate scheduled a formal 
> inquiry into the death for March 27.
> Meanwhile, the paternity of her now 5-month-old daughter remained a 
> matter of dispute. The birth certificate lists Dannielynn's father as 
> attorney Howard K. Stern, Smith's most recent companion. Smith's 
> ex-boyfriend Larry Birkhead was waging a legal challenge, saying he 
> was the father.
> Debra Opri, the attorney who filed his paternity suit, said Birkhead 
> "is devastated. He is inconsolable, and we are taking steps now to 
> protect the DNA testing of the child. The child is our number one 
> priority."
> She was born Vickie Lynn Hogan on Nov. 28, 1967, in Houston, one of 
> six children of Donald Eugene and Virgie Hart Hogan. She married Bill 
> Smith in 1985, giving birth to Daniel before divorcing two years lat

Re: [scifinoir2] Bridges Steeled For Iron Man

[The Yokozuna Of Soul]

no way. You  haven't  been reading Civil War?  It's about to   
conclude! This is the best thing to  happen to  Marvel in years.  
And...there were shipping  issues after  #4 so now's a great  time  
to  catch up.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_War_(comics)


On Feb 8, 2007, at 6:20 PM, Martin wrote:

> Hand me a few spoilers about "Civil War". I dropped that too after  
> three issues.
>
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think the sentient armour is no  
> more. I never read that storyline, though. I bought the last three  
> or four issues of "Iron Man" as part of the Civil War megaseries.
>
> -- Original message --
> From: Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Forgot about Happy, but hen it's been years since I read the book.  
> Everytime I've picked it up since, I've seen that they still have  
> that sentient armor in the script. THanks, but no.
>
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Maybe he'll take the place of  
> "Happy" Hogan as Stark's confidante and right-hand man, and fill  
> the mentor role Hollywood loves to create for heroes?
>
> -- Original message --
> From: Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> I'm trying to think of who this might be, the char he's due to  
> portray, whether he's in continuity anywhere. Obadiah Stane, maybe?  
> He might like that role, because Stane ends up a bad egg.
>
> "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"  
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Bridges Steeled For  
> Iron Man
> http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=39975
> Jeff Bridges has joined the cast of Iron Man, the first feature  
> film to
> be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment, according to The
> Hollywood Reporter. Jon Favreau is directing the movie, which  
> Paramount
> Pictures will distribute, the trade paper reported.
>
> Robert Downey Jr. stars as armor-clad superhero Iron Man and his alter
> ego, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark. Bridges will portray a
> confidant and close business associate of Stark, a longtime  
> employee at
> defense contractor Stark Industries, who plays a major role in shaping
> Stark's life.
>
> Bridges' boarding marks the fourth Academy Award-recognized actor  
> signed
> on for the Iron Man cast, which in addition to Oscar nominee Downey
> includes nominee Terrence Howard and Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow.
> Bridges, a four-time Oscar nominee, will be seen in A Dog Year and  
> has a
> voice role in the upcoming animated film Surf's Up.
>
> Filming on Iron Man is scheduled to begin in March in Los Angeles,  
> with
> a planned release date of May 2, 2008.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> "There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels  
> will get organized along the lines of the Mafia." -Kurt Vonnegut,  
> "A Man Without A Country"
>
> -
> 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time
> with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> "There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels  
> will get organized along the lines of the Mafia." -Kurt Vonnegut,  
> "A Man Without A Country"
>
> -
> Never Miss an Email
> Stay connected with Yahoo! Mail on your mobile. Get started!
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> "There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels  
> will get organized along the lines of the Mafia." -Kurt Vonnegut,  
> "A Man Without A Country"
>
> -
> Don't pick lemons.
> See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

I heard the term and thought I understood it, but Martin was so 
derogatory, I feared there was more context needed. So martin I'm 
waiting for your definition

Tracey

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Thanks, James. Tracey, if you ever read videogame magazines or websites, 
> you'll run across the term "fanboy" all the time. The fanboys in the 
> videogame world are rabid.  It's especially big in Japan, where many 
> videogame expos are open to the public (unlike America, where the biggest 
> were typically industry-only). Also in Japan anime and gaming are much more 
> married than in the US, and more relatively more people get into such.  You 
> ought to see the pics of guys dressed up in green tops and white leggings 
> like Link (the hero of the Zelda videogames), or ladies with skimpy clothing 
> and purple hair like a character from the wildly popular Final Fantasy or 
> Dragonquest role playing games.  As more and more people in the US start 
> gaming--and more and more leave comics behind--the term's becoming very 
> common here as well.
>
> -- Original message -- 
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanboy
>
> __
> James Landrith
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> cell: 703-593-2065 * fax: 760-875-8547
> AIM: jlnales * ICQ: 148600159
> MSN and Yahoo! Messenger: jlandrith
> Taking the Gloves Off - http://www.jameslandrith.com
> The Multiracial Activist - http://www.multiracial.com
> The Abolitionist Examiner - http://www.multiracial.com/abolitionist/
> __
>
>   
>> I have heard the term "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can
>> somebody clarify?
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> tracey
>>
>> Martin wrote:
>> 
>>> Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the online
>>> version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may have
>>> caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor fanboys. To
>>> them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience first-hand.
>>>
>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote:
>>> Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
>>>
>>> -- Original message --
>>> From: Martin
>>> Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking. Their
>>> acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
>>>
>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote:
>>> Some comments on her comments:
>>>
>>> One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was
>>> concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder
>>> Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger than is
>>> typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as opposed
>>> to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon loves very
>>> young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another young
>>> waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one reason I
>>> didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too young
>>> for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior than the
>>> little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma Carpenter!
>>> :)
>>>
>>> Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing, if done
>>> well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For Vendetta"
>>> to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero battle.
>>> Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of rougly
>>> from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech--vacuum
>>> tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in scifi
>>> themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that Wonder
>>> Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta, Diana's
>>> mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of Wonder
>>> Woman, and did it in modern times.
>>>
>>> I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was great),

>>> that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was
>>> "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
>>>
>>> -- Original message --
>>> From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
>>> Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
>>> COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
>>>
>>> By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
>>> Source: SyFy Portal
>>> Feb-04-2007
>>>
>>> When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to write
>>> and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached to the
>>> project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.
>>>
>>> Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co-wrote
>>> the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the movie
>>> "The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the movie
>>> has been shelved for now.
>>>
>>> The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner
>>> Bros. has pu

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[The Yokozuna Of Soul]

I was a fanboy for many, many years.  It's an important  phase to go  
through. It  allows you  to  sit through bad Prince albums,  Thandie  
Newton's "performance"  in MI:2, etc. But then I became...fanMAN. Now  
I only  use my otaku skills for GOOD.


On Feb 8, 2007, at 6:10 PM, Martin wrote:

> I believe that it's a moderate derogatory toward genre fans. At  
> least that's how *I* look at it. Never been called it. If so, I'd  
> be busy making licence plates instead of regaling you...
>
> "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"  
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I have heard the term  
> "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can
> somebody clarify?
>
> Thanks
>
> tracey
>
> Martin wrote:
> >
> > Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the online
> > version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may  
> have
> > caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor  
> fanboys. To
> > them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience first- 
> hand.
> >
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED]   
> wrote:
> > Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
> >
> > -- Original message --
> > From: Martin
> > Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking.  
> Their
> > acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
> >
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED]   
> wrote:
> > Some comments on her comments:
> >
> > One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was
> > concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder
> > Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger  
> than is
> > typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as  
> opposed
> > to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon loves very
> > young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another young
> > waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one reason I
> > didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too  
> young
> > for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior than the
> > little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma  
> Carpenter! :)
> >
> > Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing, if done
> > well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For Vendetta"
> > to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero battle.
> > Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of rougly
> > from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech--vacuum
> > tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in  
> scifi
> > themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that Wonder
> > Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta,  
> Diana's
> > mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of Wonder
> > Woman, and did it in modern times.
> >
> > I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was great),
> > that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was
> > "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
> >
> > -- Original message --
> > From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> > Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
> > COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
> >
> > By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
> > Source: SyFy Portal
> > Feb-04-2007
> >
> > When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to  
> write
> > and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached  
> to the
> > project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.
> >
> > Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co- 
> wrote
> > the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the  
> movie
> > "The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the  
> movie
> > has been shelved for now.
> >
> > The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner
> > Bros. has purchased a speculative script from newcomers Matthew  
> Jennison
> > and Brent Strickland, and is ready to bring them on board to replace
> > Whedon.
> >
> > All this leads to the question, "What do people want out of a  
> superhero
> > movie? An escapist action romp or fully fleshed-out characters  
> facing
> > the most painful decisions of their lives?"
> >
> > While it is uncertain what Whedon has done with "Wonder Woman,"  
> it seems
> > Joel Silver and company want an action-oriented story set against  
> the
> > backdrop of World War II -- the time period when Wonder Woman comics
> > debuted. Whedon's vision places Princess Diana in the present  
> day. Based
> > on his previous works ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel,"  
> "Firefly,"
> > "Serenity"), one can safely assume that his Wonder Woman would be a
> > fully fleshed out character, complete with goddess-like strength,  
> and
> > human foibles. She would most likely be surrounded by fully  
> developed
> > supporting characters

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[KeithBJohnson]

Thanks, James. Tracey, if you ever read videogame magazines or websites, you'll 
run across the term "fanboy" all the time. The fanboys in the videogame world 
are rabid.  It's especially big in Japan, where many videogame expos are open 
to the public (unlike America, where the biggest were typically industry-only). 
Also in Japan anime and gaming are much more married than in the US, and more 
relatively more people get into such.  You ought to see the pics of guys 
dressed up in green tops and white leggings like Link (the hero of the Zelda 
videogames), or ladies with skimpy clothing and purple hair like a character 
from the wildly popular Final Fantasy or Dragonquest role playing games.  As 
more and more people in the US start gaming--and more and more leave comics 
behind--the term's becoming very common here as well.

-- Original message -- 
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanboy

__
James Landrith
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
cell: 703-593-2065 * fax: 760-875-8547
AIM: jlnales * ICQ: 148600159
MSN and Yahoo! Messenger: jlandrith
Taking the Gloves Off - http://www.jameslandrith.com
The Multiracial Activist - http://www.multiracial.com
The Abolitionist Examiner - http://www.multiracial.com/abolitionist/
__

> I have heard the term "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can
> somebody clarify?
>
> Thanks
>
> tracey
>
> Martin wrote:
>>
>> Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the online
>> version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may have
>> caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor fanboys. To
>> them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience first-hand.
>>
>> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote:
>> Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
>>
>> -- Original message --
>> From: Martin
>> Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking. Their
>> acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
>>
>> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote:
>> Some comments on her comments:
>>
>> One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was
>> concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder
>> Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger than is
>> typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as opposed
>> to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon loves very
>> young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another young
>> waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one reason I
>> didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too young
>> for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior than the
>> little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma Carpenter!
>> :)
>>
>> Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing, if done
>> well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For Vendetta"
>> to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero battle.
>> Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of rougly
>> from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech--vacuum
>> tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in scifi
>> themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that Wonder
>> Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta, Diana's
>> mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of Wonder
>> Woman, and did it in modern times.
>>
>> I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was great),
>> that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was
>> "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
>>
>> -- Original message --
>> From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
>> Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
>> COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
>>
>> By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
>> Source: SyFy Portal
>> Feb-04-2007
>>
>> When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to write
>> and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached to the
>> project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.
>>
>> Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co-wrote
>> the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the movie
>> "The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the movie
>> has been shelved for now.
>>
>> The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner
>> Bros. has purchased a speculative script from newcomers Matthew Jennison
>> and Brent Strickland, and is ready to bring them on board to replace
>> Whedon.
>>
>> All this leads to the question, "What do people want out of a superhero
>> movie? An escapist action romp or fully fleshed-out characters facing
>> the most painful decisions of their 

Re: [scifinoir2] Way OT: Anna Nicole Smith Dead at Age 39

[The Yokozuna Of Soul]

NOW can we end this morbid fascination with celebreality? The Queen  
is dead.

The moral of this story is...oh man there are so many morals to this  
story where do I begin?


On Feb 8, 2007, at 5:24 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

> Not to speak ill of the dead, but I wouldn't be surprised if this  
> is drug-related. Smith had such a huge problem with them, and her  
> behaviour over the last few years was like someone either  
> contstantly on downers, or who'd been permanently damaged by drugs.  
> I only hope her newborn daughter has a better life...
>
> Anna Nicole Smith Dies
> By SUZETTE LABOY, Associated Press Writer 21 minutes ago
> Anna Nicole Smith, the voluptuous former Playboy centerfold who  
> married an octogenarian billionaire and waged a legal battle for  
> his fortune all the way to the Supreme Court, died Thursday after  
> collapsing at a hotel. She was 39.
> The blond bombshell — who recently became tabloid fodder all over  
> again after the sudden, apparently drug-related death of her 20- 
> year-old son — was stricken while staying at the Seminole Hard Rock  
> Hotel and Casino and was rushed to a hospital.
> Edwina Johnson, chief investigator of the Broward County Medical  
> Examiner's Office, said the cause of death was under investigation  
> and an autopsy would be done on Friday.
> A private nurse called 911 after finding Smith unresponsive in her  
> sixth-floor room, said Seminole Police Chief Charlie Tiger. He said  
> Smith's bodyguard administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation about  
> an hour before she was declared dead.
> Through the '90s and into the new century, Smith was famous for  
> being famous, a pop-culture punchline because of her up-and-down  
> weight, her exaggerated curves, her little-girl voice, her ditzy- 
> blonde persona, and her over-the-top revealing outfits.
> The curvaceous Texas-born Smith was a topless dancer at strip club  
> before she entered her photos in a search contest and made the  
> cover of Playboy magazine in 1992, captivating readers with her  
> Marilyn Monroe looks. She became Playboy's playmate of the year in  
> 1993.
> She was also signed to a contract with Guess jeans, appearing in TV  
> commercials, billboards and magazine ads.
> In 1994, she married 89-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II,  
> the head of oil-based Koch Industries, which is part of a family  
> fortune worth at least $400 million. He died in 1995 at age 90,  
> setting off a feud with her former stepson, E. Pierce Marshall,  
> over whether she had a right to his estate.
> A federal court in California awarded Smith $474 million. That was  
> later overturned. But in May, the U.S. Supreme Court revived her  
> case, ruling that she deserved another day in court in her battle  
> with her former stepson.
> The stepson died June 20 at age 67. But the family said the court  
> fight would continue.
> More recently, Smith's ballooning figure and up-and-down weight  
> became a subject of public fascination. But she lost a reported 69  
> pounds and became a spokeswoman for TrimSpa, a weight-loss supplement.
> She starred in her own reality TV series, "The Anna Nicole Show,"  
> in 2002-04. Cameras followed her around as she sparred with her  
> lawyer, hung out with her personal assistant and interior  
> decorator, and cooed at her poodle, Sugar Pie. She also appeared in  
> movies, performing a bit part in "The Hudsucker Proxy" in 1994.
> After news came of Smith's death, G. Eric Brunstad Jr., the lawyer  
> who represented Marshall, said in a statement: "We're very shocked  
> by the news and extend the deepest condolences to her family."
> Smith's son, Daniel Smith, died Sept. 10 in his mother's hospital  
> room in the Bahamas, just days after she gave birth to a daughter.
> An American medical examiner hired by the family, Cyril Wecht, said  
> he had methadone and two antidepressants in his system when he  
> died. Low levels of the three drugs interacted to cause an  
> accidental death, Wecht said. Last month, a Bahamas magistrate  
> scheduled a formal inquiry into the death for March 27.
> Meanwhile, the paternity of her now 5-month-old daughter remained a  
> matter of dispute. The birth certificate lists Dannielynn's father  
> as attorney Howard K. Stern, Smith's most recent companion. Smith's  
> ex-boyfriend Larry Birkhead was waging a legal challenge, saying he  
> was the father.
> Debra Opri, the attorney who filed his paternity suit, said  
> Birkhead "is devastated. He is inconsolable, and we are taking  
> steps now to protect the DNA testing of the child. The child is our  
> number one priority."
> She was born Vickie Lynn Hogan on Nov. 28, 1967, in Houston, one of  
> six children of Donald Eugene and Virgie Hart Hogan. She married  
> Bill Smith in 1985, giving birth to Daniel before divorcing two  
> years later.
> "From my professional exposure to Anna Nicole, I can say she was  
> always personable, down to earth and driven. 

Re: [scifinoir2] Bridges Steeled For Iron Man

[Martin]

When I was at The Book Nook last week, I picked up (but didn't buy) an issue of 
Iron Man, part of a miniseries arc involving some sort of secret battle or some 
such. THe armor *seemed* sentient, but I didn't pay it much mind, because the 
story left me cold.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  I think the sentient armour is no more. I 
never read that storyline, though. I bought the last three or four issues of 
"Iron Man" as part of the Civil War megaseries.

-- Original message -- 
From: Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
Forgot about Happy, but hen it's been years since I read the book. Everytime 
I've picked it up since, I've seen that they still have that sentient armor in 
the script. THanks, but no.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Maybe he'll take the place of "Happy" Hogan as Stark's 
confidante and right-hand man, and fill the mentor role Hollywood loves to 
create for heroes?

-- Original message -- 
From: Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
I'm trying to think of who this might be, the char he's due to portray, whether 
he's in continuity anywhere. Obadiah Stane, maybe? He might like that role, 
because Stane ends up a bad egg.

"Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 
Bridges Steeled For Iron Man
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=39975
Jeff Bridges has joined the cast of Iron Man, the first feature film to 
be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment, according to The 
Hollywood Reporter. Jon Favreau is directing the movie, which Paramount 
Pictures will distribute, the trade paper reported.

Robert Downey Jr. stars as armor-clad superhero Iron Man and his alter 
ego, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark. Bridges will portray a 
confidant and close business associate of Stark, a longtime employee at 
defense contractor Stark Industries, who plays a major role in shaping 
Stark's life.

Bridges' boarding marks the fourth Academy Award-recognized actor signed 
on for the Iron Man cast, which in addition to Oscar nominee Downey 
includes nominee Terrence Howard and Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow. 
Bridges, a four-time Oscar nominee, will be seen in A Dog Year and has a 
voice role in the upcoming animated film Surf's Up.

Filming on Iron Man is scheduled to begin in March in Los Angeles, with 
a planned release date of May 2, 2008.

Yahoo! Groups Links

"There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels will get 
organized along the lines of the Mafia." -Kurt Vonnegut, "A Man Without A 
Country"

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"There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels will get 
organized along the lines of the Mafia." -Kurt Vonnegut, "A Man Without A 
Country"

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"There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels will get 
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Country"
 
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Re: [scifinoir2] Way OT: Anna Nicole Smith Dead at Age 39

[Martin]

That was my first thought too, Keith. Poor kid's lost her older brother *and* 
her mother before she even got to know either of them, and her parentage is 
still somewhere in the stratosphere.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Not to speak ill of the dead, but I wouldn't be 
surprised if this is drug-related. Smith had such a huge problem with them, and 
her behaviour over the last few years was like someone either contstantly on 
downers, or who'd been permanently damaged by drugs. I only hope her newborn 
daughter has a better life...

Anna Nicole Smith Dies
By SUZETTE LABOY, Associated Press Writer 21 minutes ago 
Anna Nicole Smith, the voluptuous former Playboy centerfold who married an 
octogenarian billionaire and waged a legal battle for his fortune all the way 
to the Supreme Court, died Thursday after collapsing at a hotel. She was 39.
The blond bombshell — who recently became tabloid fodder all over again after 
the sudden, apparently drug-related death of her 20-year-old son — was stricken 
while staying at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and was rushed to a 
hospital.
Edwina Johnson, chief investigator of the Broward County Medical Examiner's 
Office, said the cause of death was under investigation and an autopsy would be 
done on Friday.
A private nurse called 911 after finding Smith unresponsive in her sixth-floor 
room, said Seminole Police Chief Charlie Tiger. He said Smith's bodyguard 
administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation about an hour before she was 
declared dead.
Through the '90s and into the new century, Smith was famous for being famous, a 
pop-culture punchline because of her up-and-down weight, her exaggerated 
curves, her little-girl voice, her ditzy-blonde persona, and her over-the-top 
revealing outfits.
The curvaceous Texas-born Smith was a topless dancer at strip club before she 
entered her photos in a search contest and made the cover of Playboy magazine 
in 1992, captivating readers with her Marilyn Monroe looks. She became 
Playboy's playmate of the year in 1993.
She was also signed to a contract with Guess jeans, appearing in TV 
commercials, billboards and magazine ads.
In 1994, she married 89-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II, the head of 
oil-based Koch Industries, which is part of a family fortune worth at least 
$400 million. He died in 1995 at age 90, setting off a feud with her former 
stepson, E. Pierce Marshall, over whether she had a right to his estate.
A federal court in California awarded Smith $474 million. That was later 
overturned. But in May, the U.S. Supreme Court revived her case, ruling that 
she deserved another day in court in her battle with her former stepson.
The stepson died June 20 at age 67. But the family said the court fight would 
continue.
More recently, Smith's ballooning figure and up-and-down weight became a 
subject of public fascination. But she lost a reported 69 pounds and became a 
spokeswoman for TrimSpa, a weight-loss supplement.
She starred in her own reality TV series, "The Anna Nicole Show," in 2002-04. 
Cameras followed her around as she sparred with her lawyer, hung out with her 
personal assistant and interior decorator, and cooed at her poodle, Sugar Pie. 
She also appeared in movies, performing a bit part in "The Hudsucker Proxy" in 
1994.
After news came of Smith's death, G. Eric Brunstad Jr., the lawyer who 
represented Marshall, said in a statement: "We're very shocked by the news and 
extend the deepest condolences to her family."
Smith's son, Daniel Smith, died Sept. 10 in his mother's hospital room in the 
Bahamas, just days after she gave birth to a daughter.
An American medical examiner hired by the family, Cyril Wecht, said he had 
methadone and two antidepressants in his system when he died. Low levels of the 
three drugs interacted to cause an accidental death, Wecht said. Last month, a 
Bahamas magistrate scheduled a formal inquiry into the death for March 27.
Meanwhile, the paternity of her now 5-month-old daughter remained a matter of 
dispute. The birth certificate lists Dannielynn's father as attorney Howard K. 
Stern, Smith's most recent companion. Smith's ex-boyfriend Larry Birkhead was 
waging a legal challenge, saying he was the father.
Debra Opri, the attorney who filed his paternity suit, said Birkhead "is 
devastated. He is inconsolable, and we are taking steps now to protect the DNA 
testing of the child. The child is our number one priority."
She was born Vickie Lynn Hogan on Nov. 28, 1967, in Houston, one of six 
children of Donald Eugene and Virgie Hart Hogan. She married Bill Smith in 
1985, giving birth to Daniel before divorcing two years later. 
"From my professional exposure to Anna Nicole, I can say she was always 
personable, down to earth and driven. All in all, a joy to have as a client," 
said Wayne Munroe, her Bahamian lawyer who has overseen the aftermath of her 
son's mysterious death in Nassau.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The informatio

Re: [scifinoir2] Bridges Steeled For Iron Man

[Martin]

Hand me a few spoilers about "Civil War". I dropped that too after three issues.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  I think the sentient armour is no more. I 
never read that storyline, though. I bought the last three or four issues of 
"Iron Man" as part of the Civil War megaseries.

-- Original message -- 
From: Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
Forgot about Happy, but hen it's been years since I read the book. Everytime 
I've picked it up since, I've seen that they still have that sentient armor in 
the script. THanks, but no.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Maybe he'll take the place of "Happy" Hogan as Stark's 
confidante and right-hand man, and fill the mentor role Hollywood loves to 
create for heroes?

-- Original message -- 
From: Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
I'm trying to think of who this might be, the char he's due to portray, whether 
he's in continuity anywhere. Obadiah Stane, maybe? He might like that role, 
because Stane ends up a bad egg.

"Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 
Bridges Steeled For Iron Man
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=39975
Jeff Bridges has joined the cast of Iron Man, the first feature film to 
be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment, according to The 
Hollywood Reporter. Jon Favreau is directing the movie, which Paramount 
Pictures will distribute, the trade paper reported.

Robert Downey Jr. stars as armor-clad superhero Iron Man and his alter 
ego, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark. Bridges will portray a 
confidant and close business associate of Stark, a longtime employee at 
defense contractor Stark Industries, who plays a major role in shaping 
Stark's life.

Bridges' boarding marks the fourth Academy Award-recognized actor signed 
on for the Iron Man cast, which in addition to Oscar nominee Downey 
includes nominee Terrence Howard and Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow. 
Bridges, a four-time Oscar nominee, will be seen in A Dog Year and has a 
voice role in the upcoming animated film Surf's Up.

Filming on Iron Man is scheduled to begin in March in Los Angeles, with 
a planned release date of May 2, 2008.

Yahoo! Groups Links

"There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels will get 
organized along the lines of the Mafia." -Kurt Vonnegut, "A Man Without A 
Country"

-
8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time
with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

"There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels will get 
organized along the lines of the Mafia." -Kurt Vonnegut, "A Man Without A 
Country"

-
Never Miss an Email
Stay connected with Yahoo! Mail on your mobile. Get started!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



 


"There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels will get 
organized along the lines of the Mafia." -Kurt Vonnegut, "A Man Without A 
Country"
 
-
Don't pick lemons.
See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[Martin]

Oh, 'eck...I *am* a Doctor Who fanboy...don't know whether to hang my head in 
shame or puff up with pride...

The Yokozuna Of Soul <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanboy

Because I can't answer the question without colorful commentary. ;)

Daryle

On Feb 8, 2007, at 5:46 PM, Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. 
Minor) wrote:

> I have heard the term "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can
> somebody clarify?
>
> Thanks
>
> tracey
>
> Martin wrote:
> >
> > Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the online
> > version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may 
> have
> > caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor 
> fanboys. To
> > them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience first- 
> hand.
> >
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED]  
> wrote:
> > Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
> >
> > -- Original message --
> > From: Martin
> > Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking. 
> Their
> > acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
> >
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED]  
> wrote:
> > Some comments on her comments:
> >
> > One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was
> > concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder
> > Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger 
> than is
> > typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as 
> opposed
> > to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon loves very
> > young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another young
> > waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one reason I
> > didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too 
> young
> > for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior than the
> > little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma 
> Carpenter! :)
> >
> > Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing, if done
> > well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For Vendetta"
> > to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero battle.
> > Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of rougly
> > from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech--vacuum
> > tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in 
> scifi
> > themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that Wonder
> > Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta, 
> Diana's
> > mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of Wonder
> > Woman, and did it in modern times.
> >
> > I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was great),
> > that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was
> > "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
> >
> > -- Original message --
> > From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> > Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
> > COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
> >
> > By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
> > Source: SyFy Portal
> > Feb-04-2007
> >
> > When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to 
> write
> > and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached 
> to the
> > project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.
> >
> > Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co- 
> wrote
> > the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the 
> movie
> > "The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the 
> movie
> > has been shelved for now.
> >
> > The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner
> > Bros. has purchased a speculative script from newcomers Matthew 
> Jennison
> > and Brent Strickland, and is ready to bring them on board to replace
> > Whedon.
> >
> > All this leads to the question, "What do people want out of a 
> superhero
> > movie? An escapist action romp or fully fleshed-out characters 
> facing
> > the most painful decisions of their lives?"
> >
> > While it is uncertain what Whedon has done with "Wonder Woman," 
> it seems
> > Joel Silver and company want an action-oriented story set against 
> the
> > backdrop of World War II -- the time period when Wonder Woman comics
> > debuted. Whedon's vision places Princess Diana in the present 
> day. Based
> > on his previous works ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel," 
> "Firefly,"
> > "Serenity"), one can safely assume that his Wonder Woman would be a
> > fully fleshed out character, complete with goddess-like strength, 
> and
> > human foibles. She would most likely be surrounded by fully 
> developed
> > supporting characters, and the story that unwinds would largely 
> grow out
> > from and be advanced by the characters themselves.
> >
> > We could also count on sharp, engaging dialogue where every word is
> > measured and infused with meaning.
> >
> > A sy

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

Regaling meoohh my :)

Martin wrote:
>
> I believe that it's a moderate derogatory toward genre fans. At least 
> that's how *I* look at it. Never been called it. If so, I'd be busy 
> making licence plates instead of regaling you...
>
> "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" 
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> > wrote: I have heard the 
> term "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can
> somebody clarify?
>
> Thanks
>
> tracey
>
> Martin wrote:
> >
> > Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the online
> > version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may have
> > caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor fanboys. To
> > them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience first-hand.
> >
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED]  
>  wrote:
> > Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
> >
> > -- Original message --
> > From: Martin
> > Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking. Their
> > acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
> >
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED]  
>  wrote:
> > Some comments on her comments:
> >
> > One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was
> > concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder
> > Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger than is
> > typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as opposed
> > to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon loves very
> > young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another young
> > waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one reason I
> > didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too young
> > for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior than the
> > little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma 
> Carpenter! :)
> >
> > Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing, if done
> > well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For Vendetta"
> > to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero battle.
> > Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of rougly
> > from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech--vacuum
> > tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in scifi
> > themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that Wonder
> > Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta, Diana's
> > mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of Wonder
> > Woman, and did it in modern times.
> >
> > I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was great),
> > that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was
> > "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
> >
> > -- Original message --
> > From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> > Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
> > COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
> >
> > By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
> > Source: SyFy Portal
> > Feb-04-2007
> >
> > When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to write
> > and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached to the
> > project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.
> >
> > Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co-wrote
> > the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the movie
> > "The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the movie
> > has been shelved for now.
> >
> > The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner
> > Bros. has purchased a speculative script from newcomers Matthew Jennison
> > and Brent Strickland, and is ready to bring them on board to replace
> > Whedon.
> >
> > All this leads to the question, "What do people want out of a superhero
> > movie? An escapist action romp or fully fleshed-out characters facing
> > the most painful decisions of their lives?"
> >
> > While it is uncertain what Whedon has done with "Wonder Woman," it seems
> > Joel Silver and company want an action-oriented story set against the
> > backdrop of World War II -- the time period when Wonder Woman comics
> > debuted. Whedon's vision places Princess Diana in the present day. Based
> > on his previous works ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel," "Firefly,"
> > "Serenity"), one can safely assume that his Wonder Woman would be a
> > fully fleshed out character, complete with goddess-like strength, and
> > human foibles. She would most likely be surrounded by fully developed
> > supporting characters, and the story that unwinds would largely grow out
> > from and be advanced by the characters themselves.
> >
> > We could also count on sharp, engaging dialogue where every word is
> > measured and infused with meaning.
> >
> > 

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

aww... come on... let me read the colorful commentary. You guys help my 
boring day go faster.

Tracey

The Yokozuna Of Soul wrote:
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanboy 
>
> Because I can't answer the question without colorful commentary. ;)
>
> Daryle
>
> On Feb 8, 2007, at 5:46 PM, Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L.
> Minor) wrote:
>
> > I have heard the term "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can
> > somebody clarify?
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > tracey
> >
> > Martin wrote:
> > >
> > > Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the online
> > > version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may
> > have
> > > caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor
> > fanboys. To
> > > them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience first-
> > hand.
> > >
> > > [EMAIL PROTECTED]  
> 
> > wrote:
> > > Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
> > >
> > > -- Original message --
> > > From: Martin
> > > Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking.
> > Their
> > > acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
> > >
> > > [EMAIL PROTECTED]  
> 
> > wrote:
> > > Some comments on her comments:
> > >
> > > One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was
> > > concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder
> > > Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger
> > than is
> > > typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as
> > opposed
> > > to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon loves very
> > > young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another young
> > > waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one reason I
> > > didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too
> > young
> > > for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior than the
> > > little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma
> > Carpenter! :)
> > >
> > > Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing, if done
> > > well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For Vendetta"
> > > to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero battle.
> > > Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of rougly
> > > from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech--vacuum
> > > tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in
> > scifi
> > > themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that Wonder
> > > Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta,
> > Diana's
> > > mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of Wonder
> > > Woman, and did it in modern times.
> > >
> > > I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was great),
> > > that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was
> > > "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
> > >
> > > -- Original message --
> > > From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> > > Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
> > > COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
> > >
> > > By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
> > > Source: SyFy Portal
> > > Feb-04-2007
> > >
> > > When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to
> > write
> > > and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached
> > to the
> > > project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.
> > >
> > > Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co-
> > wrote
> > > the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the
> > movie
> > > "The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the
> > movie
> > > has been shelved for now.
> > >
> > > The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner
> > > Bros. has purchased a speculative script from newcomers Matthew
> > Jennison
> > > and Brent Strickland, and is ready to bring them on board to replace
> > > Whedon.
> > >
> > > All this leads to the question, "What do people want out of a
> > superhero
> > > movie? An escapist action romp or fully fleshed-out characters
> > facing
> > > the most painful decisions of their lives?"
> > >
> > > While it is uncertain what Whedon has done with "Wonder Woman,"
> > it seems
> > > Joel Silver and company want an action-oriented story set against
> > the
> > > backdrop of World War II -- the time period when Wonder Woman comics
> > > debuted. Whedon's vision places Princess Diana in the present
> > day. Based
> > > on his previous works ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel,"
> > "Firefly,"
> > > "Serenity"), one can safely assume that his Wonder Woman would be a
> > > fully fleshed out character, complete with goddess-like strength,
> > and
> > > human foibles. She would most likely be su

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[Martin]

I believe that it's a moderate derogatory toward genre fans. At least that's 
how *I* look at it. Never been called it. If so, I'd be busy making licence 
plates instead of regaling you...

"Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  
I have heard the term "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can 
somebody clarify?

Thanks

tracey

Martin wrote:
>
> Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the online 
> version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may have 
> caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor fanboys. To 
> them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience first-hand.
>
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote: 
> Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
>
> -- Original message --
> From: Martin
> Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking. Their 
> acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
>
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote: 
> Some comments on her comments:
>
> One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was 
> concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder 
> Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger than is 
> typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as opposed 
> to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon loves very 
> young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another young 
> waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one reason I 
> didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too young 
> for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior than the 
> little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma Carpenter! :)
>
> Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing, if done 
> well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For Vendetta" 
> to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero battle. 
> Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of rougly 
> from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech--vacuum 
> tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in scifi 
> themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that Wonder 
> Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta, Diana's 
> mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of Wonder 
> Woman, and did it in modern times.
>
> I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was great), 
> that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was 
> "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
>
> -- Original message --
> From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
> COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
>
> By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
> Source: SyFy Portal
> Feb-04-2007
>
> When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to write
> and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached to the
> project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.
>
> Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co-wrote
> the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the movie
> "The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the movie
> has been shelved for now.
>
> The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner
> Bros. has purchased a speculative script from newcomers Matthew Jennison
> and Brent Strickland, and is ready to bring them on board to replace 
> Whedon.
>
> All this leads to the question, "What do people want out of a superhero
> movie? An escapist action romp or fully fleshed-out characters facing
> the most painful decisions of their lives?"
>
> While it is uncertain what Whedon has done with "Wonder Woman," it seems
> Joel Silver and company want an action-oriented story set against the
> backdrop of World War II -- the time period when Wonder Woman comics
> debuted. Whedon's vision places Princess Diana in the present day. Based
> on his previous works ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel," "Firefly,"
> "Serenity"), one can safely assume that his Wonder Woman would be a
> fully fleshed out character, complete with goddess-like strength, and
> human foibles. She would most likely be surrounded by fully developed
> supporting characters, and the story that unwinds would largely grow out
> from and be advanced by the characters themselves.
>
> We could also count on sharp, engaging dialogue where every word is
> measured and infused with meaning.
>
> A synopsis of the Jennison/Strickland script has been posted on the
> Internet. It is filled with highly charged action, it appears to move
> quickly, and is balanced with sharp contrasts between scenes. It looks
> like it could be exciting, but because there is no dialogue, and the
> focus is strictly on the action in the movie, i

Re: [scifinoir2] Bridges Steeled For Iron Man

[KeithBJohnson]

I think the sentient armour is no more. I never read that storyline, though. I 
bought the last three or four issues of "Iron Man" as part of the Civil War 
megaseries.

-- Original message -- 
From: Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
Forgot about Happy, but hen it's been years since I read the book. Everytime 
I've picked it up since, I've seen that they still have that sentient armor in 
the script. THanks, but no.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Maybe he'll take the place of "Happy" Hogan as Stark's 
confidante and right-hand man, and fill the mentor role Hollywood loves to 
create for heroes?

-- Original message -- 
From: Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
I'm trying to think of who this might be, the char he's due to portray, whether 
he's in continuity anywhere. Obadiah Stane, maybe? He might like that role, 
because Stane ends up a bad egg.

"Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 
Bridges Steeled For Iron Man
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=39975
Jeff Bridges has joined the cast of Iron Man, the first feature film to 
be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment, according to The 
Hollywood Reporter. Jon Favreau is directing the movie, which Paramount 
Pictures will distribute, the trade paper reported.

Robert Downey Jr. stars as armor-clad superhero Iron Man and his alter 
ego, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark. Bridges will portray a 
confidant and close business associate of Stark, a longtime employee at 
defense contractor Stark Industries, who plays a major role in shaping 
Stark's life.

Bridges' boarding marks the fourth Academy Award-recognized actor signed 
on for the Iron Man cast, which in addition to Oscar nominee Downey 
includes nominee Terrence Howard and Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow. 
Bridges, a four-time Oscar nominee, will be seen in A Dog Year and has a 
voice role in the upcoming animated film Surf's Up.

Filming on Iron Man is scheduled to begin in March in Los Angeles, with 
a planned release date of May 2, 2008.

Yahoo! Groups Links

"There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels will get 
organized along the lines of the Mafia." -Kurt Vonnegut, "A Man Without A 
Country"

-
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with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut.

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

"There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels will get 
organized along the lines of the Mafia." -Kurt Vonnegut, "A Man Without A 
Country"

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Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[The Yokozuna Of Soul]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanboy

Because I can't answer the question without colorful commentary. ;)

Daryle

On Feb 8, 2007, at 5:46 PM, Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L.  
Minor) wrote:

> I have heard the term "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can
> somebody clarify?
>
> Thanks
>
> tracey
>
> Martin wrote:
> >
> > Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the online
> > version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may  
> have
> > caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor  
> fanboys. To
> > them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience first- 
> hand.
> >
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED]   
> wrote:
> > Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
> >
> > -- Original message --
> > From: Martin
> > Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking.  
> Their
> > acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
> >
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED]   
> wrote:
> > Some comments on her comments:
> >
> > One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was
> > concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder
> > Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger  
> than is
> > typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as  
> opposed
> > to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon loves very
> > young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another young
> > waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one reason I
> > didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too  
> young
> > for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior than the
> > little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma  
> Carpenter! :)
> >
> > Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing, if done
> > well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For Vendetta"
> > to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero battle.
> > Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of rougly
> > from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech--vacuum
> > tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in  
> scifi
> > themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that Wonder
> > Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta,  
> Diana's
> > mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of Wonder
> > Woman, and did it in modern times.
> >
> > I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was great),
> > that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was
> > "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
> >
> > -- Original message --
> > From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> > Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
> > COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
> >
> > By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
> > Source: SyFy Portal
> > Feb-04-2007
> >
> > When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to  
> write
> > and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached  
> to the
> > project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.
> >
> > Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co- 
> wrote
> > the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the  
> movie
> > "The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the  
> movie
> > has been shelved for now.
> >
> > The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner
> > Bros. has purchased a speculative script from newcomers Matthew  
> Jennison
> > and Brent Strickland, and is ready to bring them on board to replace
> > Whedon.
> >
> > All this leads to the question, "What do people want out of a  
> superhero
> > movie? An escapist action romp or fully fleshed-out characters  
> facing
> > the most painful decisions of their lives?"
> >
> > While it is uncertain what Whedon has done with "Wonder Woman,"  
> it seems
> > Joel Silver and company want an action-oriented story set against  
> the
> > backdrop of World War II -- the time period when Wonder Woman comics
> > debuted. Whedon's vision places Princess Diana in the present  
> day. Based
> > on his previous works ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel,"  
> "Firefly,"
> > "Serenity"), one can safely assume that his Wonder Woman would be a
> > fully fleshed out character, complete with goddess-like strength,  
> and
> > human foibles. She would most likely be surrounded by fully  
> developed
> > supporting characters, and the story that unwinds would largely  
> grow out
> > from and be advanced by the characters themselves.
> >
> > We could also count on sharp, engaging dialogue where every word is
> > measured and infused with meaning.
> >
> > A synopsis of the Jennison/Strickland script has been posted on the
> > Internet. It is filled with highly charged action, it appears to  
> move
>

[scifinoir2] Way OT: Anna Nicole Smith Dead at Age 39

[KeithBJohnson]

Not to speak ill of the dead, but I wouldn't be surprised if this is 
drug-related. Smith had such a huge problem with them, and her behaviour over 
the last few years was like someone either contstantly on downers, or who'd 
been permanently damaged by drugs. I only hope her newborn daughter has a 
better life...

Anna Nicole Smith Dies
By SUZETTE LABOY, Associated Press Writer 21 minutes ago 
Anna Nicole Smith, the voluptuous former Playboy centerfold who married an 
octogenarian billionaire and waged a legal battle for his fortune all the way 
to the Supreme Court, died Thursday after collapsing at a hotel. She was 39.
The blond bombshell — who recently became tabloid fodder all over again after 
the sudden, apparently drug-related death of her 20-year-old son — was stricken 
while staying at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and was rushed to a 
hospital.
Edwina Johnson, chief investigator of the Broward County Medical Examiner's 
Office, said the cause of death was under investigation and an autopsy would be 
done on Friday.
A private nurse called 911 after finding Smith unresponsive in her sixth-floor 
room, said Seminole Police Chief Charlie Tiger. He said Smith's bodyguard 
administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation about an hour before she was 
declared dead.
Through the '90s and into the new century, Smith was famous for being famous, a 
pop-culture punchline because of her up-and-down weight, her exaggerated 
curves, her little-girl voice, her ditzy-blonde persona, and her over-the-top 
revealing outfits.
The curvaceous Texas-born Smith was a topless dancer at strip club before she 
entered her photos in a search contest and made the cover of Playboy magazine 
in 1992, captivating readers with her Marilyn Monroe looks. She became 
Playboy's playmate of the year in 1993.
She was also signed to a contract with Guess jeans, appearing in TV 
commercials, billboards and magazine ads.
In 1994, she married 89-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II, the head of 
oil-based Koch Industries, which is part of a family fortune worth at least 
$400 million. He died in 1995 at age 90, setting off a feud with her former 
stepson, E. Pierce Marshall, over whether she had a right to his estate.
A federal court in California awarded Smith $474 million. That was later 
overturned. But in May, the U.S. Supreme Court revived her case, ruling that 
she deserved another day in court in her battle with her former stepson.
The stepson died June 20 at age 67. But the family said the court fight would 
continue.
More recently, Smith's ballooning figure and up-and-down weight became a 
subject of public fascination. But she lost a reported 69 pounds and became a 
spokeswoman for TrimSpa, a weight-loss supplement.
She starred in her own reality TV series, "The Anna Nicole Show," in 2002-04. 
Cameras followed her around as she sparred with her lawyer, hung out with her 
personal assistant and interior decorator, and cooed at her poodle, Sugar Pie. 
She also appeared in movies, performing a bit part in "The Hudsucker Proxy" in 
1994.
After news came of Smith's death, G. Eric Brunstad Jr., the lawyer who 
represented Marshall, said in a statement: "We're very shocked by the news and 
extend the deepest condolences to her family."
Smith's son, Daniel Smith, died Sept. 10 in his mother's hospital room in the 
Bahamas, just days after she gave birth to a daughter.
An American medical examiner hired by the family, Cyril Wecht, said he had 
methadone and two antidepressants in his system when he died. Low levels of the 
three drugs interacted to cause an accidental death, Wecht said. Last month, a 
Bahamas magistrate scheduled a formal inquiry into the death for March 27.
Meanwhile, the paternity of her now 5-month-old daughter remained a matter of 
dispute. The birth certificate lists Dannielynn's father as attorney Howard K. 
Stern, Smith's most recent companion. Smith's ex-boyfriend Larry Birkhead was 
waging a legal challenge, saying he was the father.
Debra Opri, the attorney who filed his paternity suit, said Birkhead "is 
devastated. He is inconsolable, and we are taking steps now to protect the DNA 
testing of the child. The child is our number one priority."
She was born Vickie Lynn Hogan on Nov. 28, 1967, in Houston, one of six 
children of Donald Eugene and Virgie Hart Hogan. She married Bill Smith in 
1985, giving birth to Daniel before divorcing two years later. 
"From my professional exposure to Anna Nicole, I can say she was always 
personable, down to earth and driven. All in all, a joy to have as a client," 
said Wayne Munroe, her Bahamian lawyer who has overseen the aftermath of her 
son's mysterious death in Nassau.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information 
contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or 
redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



 
Ya

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[james]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanboy

__
James Landrith
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
cell: 703-593-2065 * fax: 760-875-8547
AIM: jlnales * ICQ: 148600159
MSN and Yahoo! Messenger: jlandrith
Taking the Gloves Off - http://www.jameslandrith.com
The Multiracial Activist - http://www.multiracial.com
The Abolitionist Examiner - http://www.multiracial.com/abolitionist/
__


> I have heard the term "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can
> somebody clarify?
>
> Thanks
>
> tracey
>
> Martin wrote:
>>
>> Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the online
>> version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may have
>> caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor fanboys. To
>> them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience first-hand.
>>
>> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote:
>> Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
>>
>> -- Original message --
>> From: Martin
>> Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking. Their
>> acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
>>
>> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote:
>> Some comments on her comments:
>>
>> One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was
>> concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder
>> Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger than is
>> typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as opposed
>> to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon loves very
>> young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another young
>> waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one reason I
>> didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too young
>> for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior than the
>> little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma Carpenter!
>> :)
>>
>> Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing, if done
>> well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For Vendetta"
>> to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero battle.
>> Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of rougly
>> from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech--vacuum
>> tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in scifi
>> themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that Wonder
>> Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta, Diana's
>> mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of Wonder
>> Woman, and did it in modern times.
>>
>> I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was great),
>> that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was
>> "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
>>
>> -- Original message --
>> From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
>> Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
>> COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
>>
>> By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
>> Source: SyFy Portal
>> Feb-04-2007
>>
>> When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to write
>> and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached to the
>> project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.
>>
>> Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co-wrote
>> the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the movie
>> "The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the movie
>> has been shelved for now.
>>
>> The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner
>> Bros. has purchased a speculative script from newcomers Matthew Jennison
>> and Brent Strickland, and is ready to bring them on board to replace
>> Whedon.
>>
>> All this leads to the question, "What do people want out of a superhero
>> movie? An escapist action romp or fully fleshed-out characters facing
>> the most painful decisions of their lives?"
>>
>> While it is uncertain what Whedon has done with "Wonder Woman," it seems
>> Joel Silver and company want an action-oriented story set against the
>> backdrop of World War II -- the time period when Wonder Woman comics
>> debuted. Whedon's vision places Princess Diana in the present day. Based
>> on his previous works ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel," "Firefly,"
>> "Serenity"), one can safely assume that his Wonder Woman would be a
>> fully fleshed out character, complete with goddess-like strength, and
>> human foibles. She would most likely be surrounded by fully developed
>> supporting characters, and the story that unwinds would largely grow out
>> from and be advanced by the characters themselves.
>>
>> We could also count on sharp, engaging dialogue where every word is
>> measured and infused with meaning.
>>
>> A synopsis of the Jennison/Strickland script has

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

I have heard the term "fanboys" but I don't know what it means. Can 
somebody clarify?

Thanks

tracey

Martin wrote:
>
> Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the online 
> version of Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may have 
> caused. THey seem to bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor fanboys. To 
> them, it's not SF, it's reality they just can't experience first-hand.
>
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote: 
> Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.
>
> -- Original message --
> From: Martin
> Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking. Their 
> acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.
>
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote: 
> Some comments on her comments:
>
> One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was 
> concerned he was going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder 
> Woman. I think I'd read that he planned to make Diana younger than is 
> typically portrayed in comics--probably more like 19 or 20, as opposed 
> to Diana's apparent age of mid- to late-twenties. Whedon loves very 
> young women, but I really wasn't looking forward to another young 
> waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats one reason I 
> didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too young 
> for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior than the 
> little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma Carpenter! :)
>
> Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing, if done 
> well. If we could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For Vendetta" 
> to do it, WWII could be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero battle. 
> Often some of the coolest scifi is set in the time period of rougly 
> from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something about the old tech--vacuum 
> tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often really cool in scifi 
> themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is that Wonder 
> Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta, Diana's 
> mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of Wonder 
> Woman, and did it in modern times.
>
> I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was great), 
> that "Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was 
> "Fantastic Four" (it sucked).
>
> -- Original message --
> From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)"
> Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
> COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
>
> By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
> Source: SyFy Portal
> Feb-04-2007
>
> When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to write
> and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached to the
> project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.
>
> Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co-wrote
> the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the movie
> "The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the movie
> has been shelved for now.
>
> The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner
> Bros. has purchased a speculative script from newcomers Matthew Jennison
> and Brent Strickland, and is ready to bring them on board to replace 
> Whedon.
>
> All this leads to the question, "What do people want out of a superhero
> movie? An escapist action romp or fully fleshed-out characters facing
> the most painful decisions of their lives?"
>
> While it is uncertain what Whedon has done with "Wonder Woman," it seems
> Joel Silver and company want an action-oriented story set against the
> backdrop of World War II -- the time period when Wonder Woman comics
> debuted. Whedon's vision places Princess Diana in the present day. Based
> on his previous works ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel," "Firefly,"
> "Serenity"), one can safely assume that his Wonder Woman would be a
> fully fleshed out character, complete with goddess-like strength, and
> human foibles. She would most likely be surrounded by fully developed
> supporting characters, and the story that unwinds would largely grow out
> from and be advanced by the characters themselves.
>
> We could also count on sharp, engaging dialogue where every word is
> measured and infused with meaning.
>
> A synopsis of the Jennison/Strickland script has been posted on the
> Internet. It is filled with highly charged action, it appears to move
> quickly, and is balanced with sharp contrasts between scenes. It looks
> like it could be exciting, but because there is no dialogue, and the
> focus is strictly on the action in the movie, it makes me fear that
> there will be little in the way of actual character development. There
> also is no indicator as to whether the two can write dialogue well. It's
> possible that they can, but in the end, what I read is the basis for a
> largely formulaic movie with lo

Re: [scifinoir2] West African Nation Lays Claim to Whoopi

[Martin]

U...a...can I get back to you with the specifics as soon as someone 
writes them down?

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  In what way, exactly?

-- Original message -- 
From: Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
Ain't humans *wonderful*?

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: "She's pretty," said Faustino (of Whoopi Goldberg), 
before handing the picture back. "If she comes here, we will be very happy to 
see her."
Surely Whoopi can find a slow boat to Africa to see her people, the one group 
of Black people who actually embrace her (to hear her tell her life story). I 
remember listening to her receiving an Essence (?) award years ago, saying that 
"Ya'll were hard on me--really hard". She said Blacks were more cruel to her 
than any white, with jokes about her skin, hair, facial features. It's one 
reason why she took a Jewish-sounding last name, and, I believe, partially why 
she seems so fond of dating non-Black men. She rarely--if ever--even plays a 
role in movies where she's married to a Black man. Very sad. But given that 
these people want to embrace Goldberg, she needs to go. Maybe they can heal her 
as much as she could potentially help them. I envy these rich folk that are 
getting helped with such elaborate ancestry tracing. I'd love to know what 
country I could call my ultimate point of origin...

**

West African Nation Lays Claim to Whoopi
By RUKMINI CALLIMACHI, Associated Press Writer
BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau - When the government of one of the world's poorest 
nations learned that Whoopi Goldberg had taken a DNA test showing her ancestors 
hail from here, the news reverberated through the halls of parliament.
It was, the country's leaders decided, a chance to change the image of this 
West African nation plagued by coups since wresting independence from Portugal 
in 1973. If the world could only grasp that a Hollywood celebrity traced her 
roots to this forsaken corner of the globe, it could bring goodwill from afar _ 
even fame for Guinea-Bissau, they reasoned.
So they decided to write a letter on official stationery embossed with the 
country's star-shaped seal. It was hand-delivered to the U.S. Embassy, which 
passed it on to the State Department in Washington with instructions for 
delivery to the Oscar-winning actress.
It begins, with some uncertainty on the star's name: "Your Excellency Hoppy 
Goldberg, it is with great euphoria that the government of Guinea-Bissau ... 
learned of your ancestral origins. ... The news has awoken in each and every 
one of us a deep sense of fraternity. ... We simply cannot remain indifferent 
to the news of your Guinean heritage."
The two pages peppered with elaborate expressions of praise and respect end 
with a simple request: Please come visit our country.
For a special for the Public Broadcasting Service that aired last year, 
prominent black Americans agreed to take a DNA test. Oprah Winfrey discovered 
her roots in the rainforests of Liberia with the Kpelle tribe and Bishop T.D. 
Jakes, the Dallas megachurch pastor, found his in Nigeria's Ebo people.
Goldberg learned that her genetic makeup is overwhelmingly Papel and Bayote, 
tribes indigenous to this country on Africa's western seaboard.
"She will come. She's Guinean. She's our daughter. She's ours," said Minister 
of Tourism Francisco Conduto de Pina.
There are few nations that are poorer than Guinea-Bissau, a country of 1.3 
million people roughly the size of Maryland. In the capital, there are so few 
hospital beds that women in labor share mattresses in cramped maternity wards. 
Water is in chronically short supply, so much so that the fire department does 
not have enough pressure in its hoses to fight blazes.
Restaurants routinely run out of food. Civil servants go months without a 
paycheck. Entire neighborhoods in the capital have not had electricity for six 
months.
It's not hard to see how Goldberg's fame and her unexpected blood ties to 
Guinea-Bissau could seem like an unparalleled opportunity.
But in an e-mail to The Associated Press, the actress' publicist, Brad 
Cafarelli, wrote that Goldberg never received the letter. In what might come as 
a surprise to fans who know her from the TV series "Star Trek: The Next 
Generation," Cafarelli also said a trip overseas is out of the question because 
Goldberg does not fly.
"Regardless," he wrote, "due to the fact that she hosts a live daily radio show 
from New York and does not fly, it would not be possible for her to travel to 
West Africa in the foreseeable future."
In Guinea-Bissau, however, the politicians who conceived the letter think the 
51-year-old Goldberg is simply taking her time to reply.
"We're waiting for her with much anticipation," said Prime Minister Aristides 
Gomes, sitting in his leather-clad office, an oasis of comfort in the crumbling 
capital.
Gomes said he's a fan of "The Color Purple," the critically acclaimed film that 
secured Goldberg's spot in Hollywood. But 

Re: [scifinoir2] Re: COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[Martin]

rave, I understand you fully, and I'm totally disturbed and creeped out at the 
realization. Excuse me while I run down to Oxford and buy every back issue of 
WW on the shelves...

ravenadal <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  No. "Wonder Woman" cannot be 
every bit as thrilling and entertaining
as "Batman Begins." The Wonder Woman movie will underperform at the
box office for the same reason that the Wonder Woman comic book
underperforms at newsstand. Quiet as it is keep, superheros are
homoerotic entertainment (basically good looking guys prancing about
in their underwear). No girls allowed.

Interestingly, Catwoman, the most successful of the girl flicks is
also the one that seems to understand the dynamic. With the bitch
fight between Halle Berry and Sharon Stone, it is the L-Word to the
Queer as Folks world of superhero movies. 

~rave!

--- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Because, done right, "Wonder Woman" can be every bit as thrilling
and entertaining as "Batman Begins". You said it yourself, Consuela-
the filmmaker has to take the material *seriously* from Moment One.
And welcome to the dance, if you're new here!
> 
> conseula francis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: But why would
we want to see female superhero movies? Consider "Batman Begins":
there was all this anticipation that the filmmakers were going to
reboot the franchise, tell us a Batman story we hadn't seen before,
give us an actor known for committing to his craft, all with kickass
effects. Of course I want to see that.
> 
> Now consider "Catwoman"--the biggest selling point, the thing they
focused on in their advertising, is how hot Halle Berry looks in the
outfit (and a ridiculous outfit at that). That's not worth my time.
> 
> Filmmakers don't take female superhero movies seriously. Why should we?
> 
> conseula
> 
> ravenadal <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Female Superhero movies suffer the same fate as black science fiction 
> movies (white people don't want to see them and BLACK people don't 
> want to see them): men don't want to see them and WOMEN don't want to 
> see them. 
> 
> "Catwoman" is still the top-grossing female superhero movie ($82 
> million) and nobody considers that a success.
> 
> Elektra: $56 million
> 
> Aeon Flux: $52 million
> 
> Ultraviolet: $31 million
> 
> Female superhero movies - ain't no money in them.
> 
> ~(no)rave!
> 
> --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, "Tracey de Morsella (formerly 
> Tracey L. Minor)"  wrote:
> >
> > Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
> > COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?
> > 
> > By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
> > Source: SyFy Portal
> > Feb-04-2007
> > 
> > When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to 
> write 
> > and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached to 
> the 
> > project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.
> > 
> > Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co-
> wrote 
> > the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the 
> movie 
> > "The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the 
> movie 
> > has been shelved for now.
> > 
> > The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner 
> > Bros. has purchased a speculative script from newcomers Matthew 
> Jennison 
> > and Brent Strickland, and is ready to bring them on board to 
> replace Whedon.
> > 
> > All this leads to the question, "What do people want out of a 
> superhero 
> > movie? An escapist action romp or fully fleshed-out characters 
> facing 
> > the most painful decisions of their lives?"
> > 
> > While it is uncertain what Whedon has done with "Wonder Woman," it 
> seems 
> > Joel Silver and company want an action-oriented story set against 
> the 
> > backdrop of World War II -- the time period when Wonder Woman 
> comics 
> > debuted. Whedon's vision places Princess Diana in the present day. 
> Based 
> > on his previous works ("Buffy the Vampire 
> Slayer," "Angel," "Firefly," 
> > "Serenity"), one can safely assume that his Wonder Woman would be a 
> > fully fleshed out character, complete with goddess-like strength, 
> and 
> > human foibles. She would most likely be surrounded by fully 
> developed 
> > supporting characters, and the story that unwinds would largely 
> grow out 
> > from and be advanced by the characters themselves.
> > 
> > We could also count on sharp, engaging dialogue where every word is 
> > measured and infused with meaning.
> > 
> > A synopsis of the Jennison/Strickland script has been posted on the 
> > Internet. It is filled with highly charged action, it appears to 
> move 
> > quickly, and is balanced with sharp contrasts between scenes. It 
> looks 
> > like it could be exciting, but because there is no dialogue, and 
> the 
> > focus is strictly on the action in the movie, it makes me fear that 
> > there will be little in the way of actual character development. 
> There 
> > al

Re: [scifinoir2] COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

[Martin]

Whenever I do, it seems as though they're trying to be the online version of 
Starlog. Apologies for any shocks to the system I may have caused. THey seem to 
bemore fanboys than fans, and I abhor fanboys. To them, it's not SF, it's 
reality they just can't experience first-hand.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Why do you say that? I've never read their site much.

-- Original message -- 
From: Martin 
Remember at all times, keith- this is someone from SyFy talking. Their 
acquaintance with the genre is passing at best, IMO.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Some comments on her comments:

One, I'd take Whedon's work anyday over many others, but I was concerned he was 
going to do another "Buffy" treatment on Wonder Woman. I think I'd read that he 
planned to make Diana younger than is typically portrayed in comics--probably 
more like 19 or 20, as opposed to Diana's apparent age of mid- to 
late-twenties. Whedon loves very young women, but I really wasn't looking 
forward to another young waiflike girl dealing with pain and heartache. Thats 
one reason I didnt' like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane: she looked and acted too 
young for my tastes. I'd rather deal with the more mature warrior than the 
little girl lost in Patriarch's World. Someone like Charisma Carpenter! :)

Having Wonder Woman in WWII is not necessarily a bad thing, if done well. If we 
could get the guys behind "Hellboy" or "V: For Vendetta" to do it, WWII could 
be a fantastic backdrop for a superhero battle. Often some of the coolest scifi 
is set in the time period of rougly from the 1890s to the 1940s. Something 
about the old tech--vacuum tubes, Iron Giant looking robots, etc.--is often 
really cool in scifi themes. The only issue they seem to have overlooked is 
that Wonder Woman in WWII has been retconned by DC to be Queen Hippolyta, 
Diana's mother. Diana was thus the second woman to wear the mantle of Wonder 
Woman, and did it in modern times.

I disagree with her that "Sin City" was a snoozefest (it was great), that 
"Hellboy" was only passable (it was awesome), and so was "Fantastic Four" (it 
sucked).

-- Original message -- 
From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" 
Action Or Angst? What Do We Want In Our Superheroes?
COMMENTARY: Can 'Wonder Woman' succeed purely as action hero?

By ROBIN BROWNFIELD
Source: SyFy Portal
Feb-04-2007

When Joss Whedon announced almost two years after signing on to write 
and direct a "Wonder Woman" movie that he was no longer attached to the 
project, the air of shock around the Internet was almost palpable.

Around the same time, David S. Goyer, who wrote the story and co-wrote 
the screenplay for "Batman Begins," was told his vision for the movie 
"The Flash" was not what Warner Bros. producers wanted, and the movie 
has been shelved for now.

The story behind the "Wonder Woman" movie, it seems, is that Warner 
Bros. has purchased a speculative script from newcomers Matthew Jennison 
and Brent Strickland, and is ready to bring them on board to replace Whedon.

All this leads to the question, "What do people want out of a superhero 
movie? An escapist action romp or fully fleshed-out characters facing 
the most painful decisions of their lives?"

While it is uncertain what Whedon has done with "Wonder Woman," it seems 
Joel Silver and company want an action-oriented story set against the 
backdrop of World War II -- the time period when Wonder Woman comics 
debuted. Whedon's vision places Princess Diana in the present day. Based 
on his previous works ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel," "Firefly," 
"Serenity"), one can safely assume that his Wonder Woman would be a 
fully fleshed out character, complete with goddess-like strength, and 
human foibles. She would most likely be surrounded by fully developed 
supporting characters, and the story that unwinds would largely grow out 
from and be advanced by the characters themselves.

We could also count on sharp, engaging dialogue where every word is 
measured and infused with meaning.

A synopsis of the Jennison/Strickland script has been posted on the 
Internet. It is filled with highly charged action, it appears to move 
quickly, and is balanced with sharp contrasts between scenes. It looks 
like it could be exciting, but because there is no dialogue, and the 
focus is strictly on the action in the movie, it makes me fear that 
there will be little in the way of actual character development. There 
also is no indicator as to whether the two can write dialogue well. It's 
possible that they can, but in the end, what I read is the basis for a 
largely formulaic movie with lots of loud sounds, flashy visuals and 
action. I don’t see the groundwork laid for creating characters people 
in the audience can identify with.

People need to be able to identify with the characters in a movie. They 
have to be able to feel with the characters and understand why it is 
they do what they do. The X-Men and Spider-M

Re: [scifinoir2] Bridges Steeled For Iron Man

[Martin]

Forgot about Happy, but hen it's been years since I read the book. Everytime 
I've picked it up since, I've seen that they still have that sentient armor in 
the script. THanks, but no.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Maybe he'll take the place of "Happy" Hogan 
as Stark's confidante and right-hand man, and fill the mentor role Hollywood 
loves to create for heroes?

-- Original message -- 
From: Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
I'm trying to think of who this might be, the char he's due to portray, whether 
he's in continuity anywhere. Obadiah Stane, maybe? He might like that role, 
because Stane ends up a bad egg.

"Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 
Bridges Steeled For Iron Man
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=39975
Jeff Bridges has joined the cast of Iron Man, the first feature film to 
be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment, according to The 
Hollywood Reporter. Jon Favreau is directing the movie, which Paramount 
Pictures will distribute, the trade paper reported.

Robert Downey Jr. stars as armor-clad superhero Iron Man and his alter 
ego, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark. Bridges will portray a 
confidant and close business associate of Stark, a longtime employee at 
defense contractor Stark Industries, who plays a major role in shaping 
Stark's life.

Bridges' boarding marks the fourth Academy Award-recognized actor signed 
on for the Iron Man cast, which in addition to Oscar nominee Downey 
includes nominee Terrence Howard and Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow. 
Bridges, a four-time Oscar nominee, will be seen in A Dog Year and has a 
voice role in the upcoming animated film Surf's Up.

Filming on Iron Man is scheduled to begin in March in Los Angeles, with 
a planned release date of May 2, 2008.

Yahoo! Groups Links

"There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels will get 
organized along the lines of the Mafia." -Kurt Vonnegut, "A Man Without A 
Country"

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"There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels will get 
organized along the lines of the Mafia." -Kurt Vonnegut, "A Man Without A 
Country"
 
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RE: [scifinoir2] The Promises & Perils of Mind-Altering, World-Changing Drugs Like Modafinil

[Martin]

I only count because they've been exponentiating on me. THis time last year, it 
was only three.

Reece Jennings <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  Wow! 7, huh? I do 5, but 
who's counting?

_ 

From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of Martin
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 4:57 PM
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] The Promises & Perils of Mind-Altering,
World-Changing Drugs Like Modafinil

That's one hell of a thing to ask a man who has to take seven different meds
a day to keep breathing. "Want some *more* junk in your system, pal? Here ya
go!" No thanks. I'll pass.

"Maurice C. Jennings" mailto:mcjennings124%40yahoo.com>
yahoo.com> wrote: 
Modafinil & Company: The Promises & Perils of Mind-Altering, World-Changing
Drugs Like Modafinil
by www.SixWise.com  com/> 

Millions of Americans down mug after mug of coffee to stay alert and get
through the day with perhaps a bit of an edge. Some go so far as to pop
caffeine pills to pull all-nighters while studying for exams or finishing a
top-priority report. Others awaken bleary-eyed at 4 a.m. to get their days
started, while the rest of us typically just wish we had more hours in a
day.

modafinil accelerated work week

com/images/articles/2007/02/07/32730956.jpg> 

With modafinil you could put in a 40-hour workweek in two days. If you could
take it, would you?

But if there were a pill you could take that would keep you wide-awake for
40 hours at a time -- with no side effects, no risk of addiction, and no
crash afterward -- would you take it?

This tempting question is now a reality as mind-altering drugs like
modafinil are already on the market. Modafinil, a drug originally developed
to treat narcolepsy, is being prescribed off-label to a host of people who
need to stay awake, including those with other sleeping disorders,
depression and ADHD, people in the military and even those with jet lag.

"People ask me about it almost daily," says William C. Dement, director of
the Stanford University Sleep Center. "Everybody would like to be able to
have more time to do whatever they want to do. I could stand in front of a
roomful of Stanford undergrads right now and say, 'If you feel tired, raise
your hand,' and every hand would go up."

To put it simply, modafinil shuts off the urge to sleep. Meanwhile, it
allows you to stay just as alert as you would normally feel. In trials
conducted on Army helicopter pilots, for instance, modafinil allowed the
pilots to stay awake for nearly two days with nearly the same focus and
ability to deal with complex problems as those who had slept. What's more,
after just one eight-hour respite, the pilots were able to stay awake for
another 40 hours straight. 

"This could replace caffeine," says Joyce Walsleben, director of the New
York University Sleep Disorders Center.

A 24-Hour World?

Clearly there are circumstances when a drug like modafinil would be
warranted. Combat missions in which soldiers have no choice but to stay
awake, or emergency situations during which medical and rescue workers must
work around the clock to save lives are two obvious ones.

But the controversy arises when the very fine line between "need" and "want"
is crossed. Our society is already functioning on a 24-hour timeframe, with
everything from restaurants to grocery stores to health clubs staying open
around the clock. So who would qualify as "needing" modafinil or a similar
drug to stay awake with almost superhuman finesse?

"Sleepiness is everywhere," says Neil Feldman, medical director of the St.
Petersburg, Florida-based Sleep Disorder Center. "We're a 24-hour society.
We no longer live by the night/day cycle. We live by whatever our occupation
demands. Physicians on call at night. Nuclear power plant operators. Police,
firemen. Plus the world is becoming a smaller place. Trans-meridian travel,
commonly known as jet lag. There are economic demands -- more than one job
-- plus raising children."

There are truck drivers, airline pilots, CEOs, politicians, night-shift
workers, and countless others, all who must stay awake for long periods.
Then there are those who simply want to. 

"The young professional who wants to work and play and do everything, and
doesn't want to spend time sleeping?" asks University of Pennsylvania sleep
researcher David Dinges. "That's another matter."

Still, while modafinil is promoted as not having the side effects of other
stimulants like cocaine or even caffeine, no one really knows what the
effects of sleep deprivation will be on the human body.

"Emphasize the idea that we may be playing with fire here," says Helene
Emsellem, director of the Center for Sleep and Wake Disorders. "Who knows
why we get cancer? Chronic sleep deprivation may be a risk factor for
long-term disease. I would love to get by on five hours of sleep becau

RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Ousted Pastor ‘Completely Heterosexual

[Martin]

Oh, ja, ja...

Reece Jennings <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  (tongue firmly in cheek, 
folks!)

Uhhh...this WAS Freudian, right? LOLLOL!


_ 

From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Martin
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 4:43 PM
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Ousted Pastor ‘Completely Heterosexual

Anyone find it odd that on this day, as the Right reverend Haggard announces 
himself free of homosexuality, a former NBA player, John Amaeichi, comes out of 
the closet? Maybe Haggard's onto something? (tongue firmly in cheek, folks!)

"Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
 aladvantage.com> wrote: 
Especially not in three weeks. I think the most they could accomplish 
is that they would make them turned off to sex entirely. 

Tracey

Bosco Bosco wrote:
>
> I know a lot of gay people who don't feel
> they could just switch teams given the right set of circumstances.
>
> Bosco
> --- KeithBJohnson@  comcast.net 
>  wrote:
>
> > Is it the same therapy used on Gibson, Richards, and Washington? I
> > think I posted an e-mail a couple of weeks ago joking that there
> > ought to be a treatment facility divided into wings for differing
> > types of phobias and prejudices.
> >
> > What do you think? Is homosexuality an illness or behavioural issue
> > that can be "cured"? I'm not convinced that all homosexuality is
> > genetic or brain-mandated as some feel. (You're either born gay or
> > not, they say). Look at all the ancient societies where
> > homosexuality--or bi-sexuality, I should say--was practiced:
> > Sparta, Rome, others. Surely not every soldier and citizen who
> > engaged in that behaviour was born gay? I think the lifestyle and
> > cultural mores might have done that to them.
> >
> > Are some people born gay, and others simply become such due to
> > environment?
> >
> > -- Original message --
> > From: "ravenadal" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]  com 
> > >
> > There was a great bit on "The View" today. The women mentioned that
> > parents sometimes make a child caught smoking smoke a whole pack of
> > cigarettes as a form of aversion therapy. They pondered what sort
> > of
> > "aversion therapy" had been employed to make Haggard change his
> > orientation in just three weeks...
> >
> > ~rave!
> >
> > --- In [EMAIL PROTECTED]  ups.com 
> , "Tracey de Morsella (formerly
> > Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > >
> > > Forced by a gay sex scandal to resign as president of the
> > National
> > > Association of Evangelicals, the Rev. Ted Haggard now feels that
> > after
> > > three weeks of intensive counseling, he is “completely
> > heterosexual,”
> > > says an overseer of the megachurch Mr. Haggard once led.
> > >
> > > The church official, the Rev. Tim Ralph, said in an interview
> > published
> > > yesterday by The Denver Post that Mr. Haggard had also told the
> > board of
> > > overseers that his only sexual relationship involving another man
> > had
> > > been with Michael Jones, the onetime Denver prostitute who
> > exposed that
> > > three-year affair last fall. Mr. Jones said then that he was
> > making it
> > > public because Mr. Haggard had acted hypocritically in promoting
> > a
> > > constitutional amendment to bar same-sex marriage.
> > >
> > > Mr. Haggard, who as a result of the scandal was ousted by the
> > overseers
> > > in November as senior pastor of New Life Church in Colorado
> > Springs,
> > > broke a three-month silence over the weekend when he contacted
> > members
> > > of the church by e-mail to tell them that he was healing.
> > >
> > > His three weeks of counseling, in Phoenix, felt like “three
> > years’ worth
> > > of analysis and treatment,” but now “Jesus 
> > > is starting to put
> > me
> > back
> > > together,” Mr. Haggard wrote in the e-mail message, which 
> > > was
> > published
> > > in The Colorado Springs Gazette on Monday.
> > >
> > > “I have spent so much time in repentance, brokenness, hurt 
> > > and
> > sorrow
> > > for the things I’ve done and the negative impact my 
> > > actions
> > have
> > had on
> > > others,” he said.
> > >
> > > Mr. Haggard could not be reached for comment yesterday. Mr. Ralph
> >
> > > declined through a spokeswoman to comment, and there was no
> > response to
> > > telephone calls and e-mail to another overseer or to a New Life
> > > spokesman. But Mr. Ralph told The Denver Post that Mr. Haggard
> > had come
> > > out of the counseling convinced of his heterosexuality.
> > >
> > > “He is completely 

Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Discrediting Black Inventions?

[Martin]

Eyh...*could be*...

Astromancer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  lol...No pun intended, right?

Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Yep, pal. That just keeps rising up...

Astromancer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Oh no...not the 'small weenie' complex 
again...

Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Astro, no doubt to cover the lack of his 
*own* intelligence...

Astromancer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: In a way, he is right on several points. 
Hoever, he is trying to say that these inventions done by Black inventors were 
less valid than the white inventors who preceded theirs...i.e., it is a known 
fact that George Washington Carver never invented peanut butter, but all of his 
research done with the peanut, soybeans, sweet potatoes, etc. is a matter of 
public record! Garrett A. Morgan did not originally invent the gas mask, but he 
did invent one that was cheaper and more practical than the ones in use at the 
time...the same with the traffic signal...In short, it doesn't matter whether 
or not they were the first...What matters is theirs was the ones that got the 
attention of the public. Just because you invented something doesn't 
necessarily imply you originated the idea...This person is just another jerk 
out there trying desperatly to discredit Black intelligence...

"Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
This turns my stomach. 

Cath wrote:
> http://www33.brinkster.com/i/inventions/
>
>
> 

Yahoo! Groups Links

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The Side Street Chonicles by C.W. Badie

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"There is no reason Good can't triumph over Evil, if only angels will get 
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Country"

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Country"
 
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[scifinoir2] Star Wars gangsta rap

[g123curious]

WARNING! Contains explicit language like most gangsta rap:

http://www.glumbert.com/media/starwars

LoL!

George

Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Perrineau Finds Demons

[The Yokozuna Of Soul]

I'm gonna continue to record "Lost", and will reserve judgement until  
the summer. But if I had to call it now, I'd be out. Frontline has  
replaced "Lost" for my hour of  time,  and "Criminal Minds" has  
replaced "24".  "Heroes" & "Galactica" remain in their spots, and  
that's my 4 hours of weekly non-sports/non-trek TV, kids.

On Feb 8, 2007, at 1:35 PM, ravenadal wrote:

> ...and yet, and yet, Lost remains one of the most surprising,
> engaging and intelligent hours on television. Last night's episode
> was worth both the wait and the hype.
>
> I am a life-long (recovering) vidiot and I am pleasantly surprised by
> the network fruit borne by the burgeoning competition from cable and
> satellite outlets.
>
> Lost, Ugly Betty, Heroes and 24 are just as good (if not better) than
> any of the pay-per-view fare. And it is eons beyond anything that
> would have survived on television before.
>
> (I just wish Lost hadn't killed all the black peoples).
>
> ~rave!
>
> --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> >
> > What was the deal? Money? Screentime? Was Perrineau pissed that his
> character was turned into a homicidal maniac, or was he turned into a
> homicidal maniac because Perrineau was pissed?
> > Either way, "Lost" without Michael isn't as interesting. I'm barely
> holding on as it is. The show really needs to end soon in my opinion.
> >
> > -- Original message --
> > From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >
> > > Perrineau Finds Demons
> > >
> > > Former Lost cast member Harold Perrineau has found a co-starring
> role on
> > > CBS' supernatural drama pilot Demons, according to The Hollywood
> Reporter.
> > >
> > > The project, from CBS Paramount Network TV, centers on Gus, an ex-
> Jesuit
> > > priest-psychologist who performs exorcisms. Perrineau will play a
> priest
> > > who has known Gus since seminary and is his confessor, confidant
> and
> > > good friend.
> > >
> > > For two seasons, Perrineau co-starred on Lost as single father
> Michael
> > > Dawson, who sailed off with his son in the show's season-two
> finale.
> > > There has been talk about Perrineau possibly returning to the
> > > Emmy-winning adventure series, but sources told the trade paper
> that the
> > > sides could not reach an agreement.
> > > http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=40013
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
> __



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[scifinoir2] Re: Perrineau Finds Demons

[ravenadal]

...and yet, and yet, Lost remains one of the most surprising, 
engaging and intelligent hours on television.  Last night's episode 
was worth both the wait and the hype.

I am a life-long (recovering) vidiot and I am pleasantly surprised by 
the network fruit borne by the burgeoning competition from cable and 
satellite outlets.  

Lost, Ugly Betty, Heroes and 24 are just as good (if not better) than 
any of the pay-per-view fare.  And it is eons beyond anything that 
would have survived on television before. 

(I just wish Lost hadn't killed all the black peoples). 

~rave!

--- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> What was the deal? Money? Screentime? Was Perrineau pissed that his 
character was turned into a homicidal maniac, or was he turned into a 
homicidal maniac because Perrineau was pissed?
> Either way, "Lost" without Michael isn't as interesting. I'm barely 
holding on as it is. The show really needs to end soon in my opinion.
> 
> -- Original message -- 
> From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
> 
> > Perrineau Finds Demons 
> > 
> > Former Lost cast member Harold Perrineau has found a co-starring 
role on 
> > CBS' supernatural drama pilot Demons, according to The Hollywood 
Reporter. 
> > 
> > The project, from CBS Paramount Network TV, centers on Gus, an ex-
Jesuit 
> > priest-psychologist who performs exorcisms. Perrineau will play a 
priest 
> > who has known Gus since seminary and is his confessor, confidant 
and 
> > good friend. 
> > 
> > For two seasons, Perrineau co-starred on Lost as single father 
Michael 
> > Dawson, who sailed off with his son in the show's season-two 
finale. 
> > There has been talk about Perrineau possibly returning to the 
> > Emmy-winning adventure series, but sources told the trade paper 
that the 
> > sides could not reach an agreement. 
> > http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=40013 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Yahoo! Groups Links 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[scifinoir2] [Fwd: Diversicon, August 3-5]

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

--- Original Message 
Subject:[CarlBrandon] Diversicon, August 3-5
Date:   Thu, 08 Feb 2007 11:22:25 -0500
From:   [EMAIL PROTECTED]


Mind you, it's a TOTAL bias- but I'm also going to say it would be great
if people can make it to Diversicon this year (www.diversicon.org 
) in
August in Minneapolis. 
 
Their guest of honor is absolutely awesome and *not to be missed*.
 
She's a dynamic speaker and a vibrant personality with some tremendous
experiences and a unique perspective to draw upon.  With her experience
in theater, short fiction and a novel, and with African American studies at
the academic level, it's really worth your time. I had a chance to visit 
with
her during the last Diversicon, and she's the kind of guest I wish could 
come
back every year.  There should be some kind of special fund or something
like that. :)
 
And of course, I'll be back again as well, showcasing a few all-new panels
on Southeast Asian mythology and cryptozoology, cryptogeography and a
few other fun discussions just for Diversicon. 
 
I might even show off the secret robot army I picked up from last year's
auction when my wife wasn't looking. But that's a long story. :)
 
B.
 
http://www.myspace.com/thaoworra

** 




 
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Re: [scifinoir2] Perrineau Finds Demons

[KeithBJohnson]

What was the deal? Money? Screentime? Was Perrineau pissed that his character 
was turned into a homicidal maniac, or was he turned into a homicidal maniac 
because Perrineau was pissed?
Either way, "Lost" without Michael isn't as interesting. I'm barely holding on 
as it is. The show really needs to end soon in my opinion.

-- Original message -- 
From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 

> Perrineau Finds Demons 
> 
> Former Lost cast member Harold Perrineau has found a co-starring role on 
> CBS' supernatural drama pilot Demons, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 
> 
> The project, from CBS Paramount Network TV, centers on Gus, an ex-Jesuit 
> priest-psychologist who performs exorcisms. Perrineau will play a priest 
> who has known Gus since seminary and is his confessor, confidant and 
> good friend. 
> 
> For two seasons, Perrineau co-starred on Lost as single father Michael 
> Dawson, who sailed off with his son in the show's season-two finale. 
> There has been talk about Perrineau possibly returning to the 
> Emmy-winning adventure series, but sources told the trade paper that the 
> sides could not reach an agreement. 
> http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=40013 
> 
> 
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links 
> 
> 
> 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Discrediting Black Inventions?

[Astromancer]

lol...No pun intended, right?

Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  Yep, pal. That just keeps rising 
up...

Astromancer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Oh no...not the 'small weenie' complex 
again...

Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Astro, no doubt to cover the lack of his 
*own* intelligence...

Astromancer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: In a way, he is right on several points. 
Hoever, he is trying to say that these inventions done by Black inventors were 
less valid than the white inventors who preceded theirs...i.e., it is a known 
fact that George Washington Carver never invented peanut butter, but all of his 
research done with the peanut, soybeans, sweet potatoes, etc. is a matter of 
public record! Garrett A. Morgan did not originally invent the gas mask, but he 
did invent one that was cheaper and more practical than the ones in use at the 
time...the same with the traffic signal...In short, it doesn't matter whether 
or not they were the first...What matters is theirs was the ones that got the 
attention of the public. Just because you invented something doesn't 
necessarily imply you originated the idea...This person is just another jerk 
out there trying desperatly to discredit Black intelligence...

"Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
This turns my stomach. 

Cath wrote:
> http://www33.brinkster.com/i/inventions/
>
>
> 

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RE: [scifinoir2] The Promises & Perils of Mind-Altering, World-Changing Drugs Like Modafinil

[Reece Jennings]

Wow!  7, huh?  I do 5, but who's counting?

  _  

From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of Martin
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 4:57 PM
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] The Promises & Perils of Mind-Altering,
World-Changing Drugs Like Modafinil



That's one hell of a thing to ask a man who has to take seven different meds
a day to keep breathing. "Want some *more* junk in your system, pal? Here ya
go!" No thanks. I'll pass.

"Maurice C. Jennings" mailto:mcjennings124%40yahoo.com>
yahoo.com> wrote: 
Modafinil & Company: The Promises & Perils of Mind-Altering, World-Changing
Drugs Like Modafinil
by www.SixWise.com  com/> 

Millions of Americans down mug after mug of coffee to stay alert and get
through the day with perhaps a bit of an edge. Some go so far as to pop
caffeine pills to pull all-nighters while studying for exams or finishing a
top-priority report. Others awaken bleary-eyed at 4 a.m. to get their days
started, while the rest of us typically just wish we had more hours in a
day.

modafinil accelerated work week

com/images/articles/2007/02/07/32730956.jpg> 

With modafinil you could put in a 40-hour workweek in two days. If you could
take it, would you?

But if there were a pill you could take that would keep you wide-awake for
40 hours at a time -- with no side effects, no risk of addiction, and no
crash afterward -- would you take it?

This tempting question is now a reality as mind-altering drugs like
modafinil are already on the market. Modafinil, a drug originally developed
to treat narcolepsy, is being prescribed off-label to a host of people who
need to stay awake, including those with other sleeping disorders,
depression and ADHD, people in the military and even those with jet lag.

"People ask me about it almost daily," says William C. Dement, director of
the Stanford University Sleep Center. "Everybody would like to be able to
have more time to do whatever they want to do. I could stand in front of a
roomful of Stanford undergrads right now and say, 'If you feel tired, raise
your hand,' and every hand would go up."

To put it simply, modafinil shuts off the urge to sleep. Meanwhile, it
allows you to stay just as alert as you would normally feel. In trials
conducted on Army helicopter pilots, for instance, modafinil allowed the
pilots to stay awake for nearly two days with nearly the same focus and
ability to deal with complex problems as those who had slept. What's more,
after just one eight-hour respite, the pilots were able to stay awake for
another 40 hours straight. 

"This could replace caffeine," says Joyce Walsleben, director of the New
York University Sleep Disorders Center.

A 24-Hour World?

Clearly there are circumstances when a drug like modafinil would be
warranted. Combat missions in which soldiers have no choice but to stay
awake, or emergency situations during which medical and rescue workers must
work around the clock to save lives are two obvious ones.

But the controversy arises when the very fine line between "need" and "want"
is crossed. Our society is already functioning on a 24-hour timeframe, with
everything from restaurants to grocery stores to health clubs staying open
around the clock. So who would qualify as "needing" modafinil or a similar
drug to stay awake with almost superhuman finesse?

"Sleepiness is everywhere," says Neil Feldman, medical director of the St.
Petersburg, Florida-based Sleep Disorder Center. "We're a 24-hour society.
We no longer live by the night/day cycle. We live by whatever our occupation
demands. Physicians on call at night. Nuclear power plant operators. Police,
firemen. Plus the world is becoming a smaller place. Trans-meridian travel,
commonly known as jet lag. There are economic demands -- more than one job
-- plus raising children."

There are truck drivers, airline pilots, CEOs, politicians, night-shift
workers, and countless others, all who must stay awake for long periods.
Then there are those who simply want to. 

"The young professional who wants to work and play and do everything, and
doesn't want to spend time sleeping?" asks University of Pennsylvania sleep
researcher David Dinges. "That's another matter."

Still, while modafinil is promoted as not having the side effects of other
stimulants like cocaine or even caffeine, no one really knows what the
effects of sleep deprivation will be on the human body.

"Emphasize the idea that we may be playing with fire here," says Helene
Emsellem, director of the Center for Sleep and Wake Disorders. "Who knows
why we get cancer? Chronic sleep deprivation may be a risk factor for
long-term disease. I would love to get by on five hours of sleep because I
don't like to lie in bed, leashed by a sleep requirement. I would love to be
unleashed. But at the same time, prove that it is safe. I don

RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Ousted Past or ‘Completely Heterosexual

[Reece Jennings]

(tongue firmly in cheek, folks!)
 
Uhhh...this WAS Freudian, right?  LOLLOL!
 

  _  

From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Martin
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 4:43 PM
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Ousted Pastor ‘Completely Heterosexual



Anyone find it odd that on this day, as the Right reverend Haggard announces 
himself free of homosexuality, a former NBA player, John Amaeichi, comes out of 
the closet? Maybe Haggard's onto something? (tongue firmly in cheek, folks!)

"Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
 aladvantage.com> wrote: 
Especially not in three weeks. I think the most they could accomplish 
is that they would make them turned off to sex entirely. 

Tracey

Bosco Bosco wrote:
>
> I know a lot of gay people who don't feel
> they could just switch teams given the right set of circumstances.
>
> Bosco
> --- KeithBJohnson@  comcast.net 
>  wrote:
>
> > Is it the same therapy used on Gibson, Richards, and Washington? I
> > think I posted an e-mail a couple of weeks ago joking that there
> > ought to be a treatment facility divided into wings for differing
> > types of phobias and prejudices.
> >
> > What do you think? Is homosexuality an illness or behavioural issue
> > that can be "cured"? I'm not convinced that all homosexuality is
> > genetic or brain-mandated as some feel. (You're either born gay or
> > not, they say). Look at all the ancient societies where
> > homosexuality--or bi-sexuality, I should say--was practiced:
> > Sparta, Rome, others. Surely not every soldier and citizen who
> > engaged in that behaviour was born gay? I think the lifestyle and
> > cultural mores might have done that to them.
> >
> > Are some people born gay, and others simply become such due to
> > environment?
> >
> > -- Original message --
> > From: "ravenadal" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]  com 
> > >
> > There was a great bit on "The View" today. The women mentioned that
> > parents sometimes make a child caught smoking smoke a whole pack of
> > cigarettes as a form of aversion therapy. They pondered what sort
> > of
> > "aversion therapy" had been employed to make Haggard change his
> > orientation in just three weeks...
> >
> > ~rave!
> >
> > --- In [EMAIL PROTECTED]  ups.com 
> , "Tracey de Morsella (formerly
> > Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > >
> > > Forced by a gay sex scandal to resign as president of the
> > National
> > > Association of Evangelicals, the Rev. Ted Haggard now feels that
> > after
> > > three weeks of intensive counseling, he is “completely
> > heterosexual,”
> > > says an overseer of the megachurch Mr. Haggard once led.
> > >
> > > The church official, the Rev. Tim Ralph, said in an interview
> > published
> > > yesterday by The Denver Post that Mr. Haggard had also told the
> > board of
> > > overseers that his only sexual relationship involving another man
> > had
> > > been with Michael Jones, the onetime Denver prostitute who
> > exposed that
> > > three-year affair last fall. Mr. Jones said then that he was
> > making it
> > > public because Mr. Haggard had acted hypocritically in promoting
> > a
> > > constitutional amendment to bar same-sex marriage.
> > >
> > > Mr. Haggard, who as a result of the scandal was ousted by the
> > overseers
> > > in November as senior pastor of New Life Church in Colorado
> > Springs,
> > > broke a three-month silence over the weekend when he contacted
> > members
> > > of the church by e-mail to tell them that he was healing.
> > >
> > > His three weeks of counseling, in Phoenix, felt like “three
> > years’ worth
> > > of analysis and treatment,” but now “Jesus is starting to put
> > me
> > back
> > > together,” Mr. Haggard wrote in the e-mail message, which was
> > published
> > > in The Colorado Springs Gazette on Monday.
> > >
> > > “I have spent so much time in repentance, brokenness, hurt and
> > sorrow
> > > for the things I’ve done and the negative impact my actions
> > have
> > had on
> > > others,” he said.
> > >
> > > Mr. Haggard could not be reached for comment yesterday. Mr. Ralph
> >
> > > declined through a spokeswoman to comment, and there was no
> > response to
> > > telephone calls and e-mail to another overseer or to a New Life
> > > spokesman. But Mr. Ralph told The Denver Post that Mr. Haggard
> > had come
> > > out of the counseling convinced of his heterosexuality.
> > >
> > > “He is completely heterosexual,” Mr. Ralph told The Post,
> > adding
> > that
> > > Mr. Haggard’s homosexual activity had not been “a constant
> > thing.”
> > >
> > > Dr. Jack Dresc