The "Cloaking Device" first introduced in the Star Trek episode Balance of Terror is soon to be a reality due to research being done at Berkely.
"Berkeley — Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have for the first time engineered 3-D materials that can reverse the natural direction of visible and near-infrared light, a development that could help form the basis for higher resolution optical imaging, nanocircuits for high-powered computers, and, to the delight of science-fiction and fantasy buffs, cloaking devices that could render objects invisible to the human eye. Two breakthroughs in the development of metamaterials – composite materials with extraordinary capabilities to bend electromagnetic waves – are reported separately this week in the Aug. 13 advanced online issue of Nature, and in the Aug. 15 issue of Science. Applications for a metamaterial entail altering how light normally behaves. In the caseinvisibility cloaks or shields, the material would need to curve light waves completely aroundlike a river flowing around a rock. For optical microscopes to discern individual, living virusesmolecules, the resolution of the microscope must be smaller than the wavelength of light."
Monday, August 11, 2008
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Scientists Create Star Trek-style 'Deflector'
Star Trek fans are very familiar with the command "Shields up!" In the not so distant future, astronauts may be hearing the command on real spacecraft. Scientists working at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, near Oxford, are working to create a force field that will be similar to the protective shield used on Captain Kirk's starship Enterprise. The radiation shield will mimic the deflection properties of the Earth's magnetic field to protect astronauts on a mission to Mars. The idea is to guard against dangerous space radiation that could increase the risk of cancer and cognitive problems, the New Scientist reports. Read more about it here. (Illustration Ruth Bamford et al/Rutherford Appleton Laboratory)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Parallel Universes Do Exist, say Scientists
The Original Star Trek episode "Mirror, Mirror" and the Star Trek TNG episode "Parallels" are based upon "the parallel universe theory" first proposed in 1950 by the American physicist Hugh Everett. Everett formulated the theory in an attempt to explain mysteries of quantum mechanics that baffled scientists. In Everett's "many worlds" universe, every time a new physical possibility is explored, the universe splits. Given a number of possible alternative outcomes, each one is played out - in its own universe. A motorist who has a near miss, for instance, might feel relieved at his lucky escape. But in a parallel universe, another version of the same driver will have been killed. Yet another universe will see the motorist recover after treatment in a hospital. The number of alternative scenarios is endless.
The TNG episode "Parallels" climaxes when realities begin to merge into one another, and hundreds of USS Enterprise star ships appear, each experiencing a different possible outcome. In "Mirror, Mirror", captain Kirk and crew are teleported into an alternate universe where they find that their alternate universe counter parts are cruel and imperialistic. An interesting theory to explore with science fiction story telling. In the past, this was no more than a bizarre idea which was dismissed as fanciful by many experts. But, not any more. According to a mathematical discovery by Oxford scientists, parallel universes are no longer just a theory or Science fiction. The discovery is being heralded as "one of the most important developments in the history of science". New research from Oxford shows that it offers a mathematical answer to quantum conundrums that cannot be dismissed lightly - and suggests that Dr Everett, who was a PhD student at Princeton University when he came up with the theory, was on the right track.
The TNG episode "Parallels" climaxes when realities begin to merge into one another, and hundreds of USS Enterprise star ships appear, each experiencing a different possible outcome. In "Mirror, Mirror", captain Kirk and crew are teleported into an alternate universe where they find that their alternate universe counter parts are cruel and imperialistic. An interesting theory to explore with science fiction story telling. In the past, this was no more than a bizarre idea which was dismissed as fanciful by many experts. But, not any more. According to a mathematical discovery by Oxford scientists, parallel universes are no longer just a theory or Science fiction. The discovery is being heralded as "one of the most important developments in the history of science". New research from Oxford shows that it offers a mathematical answer to quantum conundrums that cannot be dismissed lightly - and suggests that Dr Everett, who was a PhD student at Princeton University when he came up with the theory, was on the right track.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
New Medical Treatment Inspired by the Star Trek Medical Tricorder
Emergency medical technicians rush to the scene of a horrific accident. The victim has several severe visible injuries, is writhing in pain, and is having difficulty breathing. The most serious injury is trauma to the victims lungs. The medical technician reaches into his case and removes a handheld device which he holds over the victims chest. Even though the device never makes physical contact with the victims body, it begins to repair the damage.
We have seen a similar event in how many Star Trek episodes? The ship's doctor uses their trusty medical tricorder to "heal" a wound. Well, it seems that this is no longer confined to Science fiction. "Harborview Medical Center. Engineers at the University of Washington are working with Harborview doctors to create new emergency treatments right out of Star Trek: a tricorder type device using high-intensity focused ultrasound rays. This summer, researchers published the first experiment using ultrasound to seal punctured lungs."
"No one has ever looked at treating lungs with ultrasound," said Shahram Vaezy, a UW associate professor of bioengineering. Physicists were skeptical it would work because a lung is essentially a collection of air sacs, and air blocks transmission of ultrasound. But the new experiments show that punctures on the lung's surface, where injuries usually occur, heal with ultrasound therapy. "The results are really impressive," Vaezy said. He cautions that this is still in the early stages and the technique is not yet being tested on humans.
High-intensity focused ultrasound is now being investigated for a number of different treatments. It promises "bloodless surgery" with no scalpels or sutures in sight. Doctors would pass a sensor over the patient and use invisible rays to heal the wound. Researchers are exploring the use of high-intensity focused ultrasound - with beams tens of thousands of times more powerful than used in imaging - for applications ranging from numbing pain to destroying cancerous tissue.
In this case, lenses focus the high-intensity ultrasound beams at a particular spot inside the body on the patient's lungs. Focusing the ultrasound beams, in a process similar to focusing sunlight with a magnifying glass, creates a tiny but extremely hot spot about the size and shape of a grain of rice. The rays heat the blood cells until they form a seal. Meanwhile the tissue between the device and the spot being treated does not get hot, as it would with a laser beam. "You can penetrate deep into the body and deliver the energy to the bleeding very accurately," Vaezy said. Recent tests on pigs' lungs showed that high-intensity ultrasound sealed the leaks in one or two minutes. More than 95 percent of the 70 incisions were stable after two minutes of treatment, according to results published this summer in the Journal of Trauma.
The findings suggest that ultrasound might replace what is now a painful, invasive procedure. Lung injuries are relatively common because the chest is a big surface that's often exposed to crushing or puncture wounds, said co-author Gregory Jurkovich, chief of trauma at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and a UW professor of surgery. A busy trauma room like Harborview's, he said, admits about two patients with bleeding lungs per day.
Often the bleeding can be stopped simply by packing the wound and applying pressure. In other cases, doctors insert a straw and drain the blood and air so the wound can heal. But in about one in 10 cases neither of these methods is successful, and doctors must operate to stop the bleeding. That means making a long incision and separating the ribs, and then either sewing up the organ or removing a section of the lung.
The new research shows that in these difficult cases, high-intensity focused ultrasound applied from outside could stop bleeding and air leaks. Vaezy and colleagues in the Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound in the UW's Applied Physics Laboratory have been developing ultrasound for surgery for more than a decade, concentrating on frequencies in the 1 million to 10 million hertz (cycles per second). The device producing the ultrasound rays, about the size of a golf ball, is inserted into a handle that doctors use to scan the outside of the body. Previous experiments used the tool to seal blood vessels and stop bleeding in the spleen.
Someday, Jurkovich predicts, this tool might be used for image-guided therapy. "Doctors will scan the body from the outside, recognize where the injury is, focus the beam on the injury and use the beams to seal the wound," Jurkovich said. The futuristic medical technology's promise is substantial, he said. "It would be non-invasive and it would stop the bleeding from the outside. When it happens, that's going to revolutionize how we would care for some of these injuries."
The research was funded the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute.
We have seen a similar event in how many Star Trek episodes? The ship's doctor uses their trusty medical tricorder to "heal" a wound. Well, it seems that this is no longer confined to Science fiction. "Harborview Medical Center. Engineers at the University of Washington are working with Harborview doctors to create new emergency treatments right out of Star Trek: a tricorder type device using high-intensity focused ultrasound rays. This summer, researchers published the first experiment using ultrasound to seal punctured lungs."
"No one has ever looked at treating lungs with ultrasound," said Shahram Vaezy, a UW associate professor of bioengineering. Physicists were skeptical it would work because a lung is essentially a collection of air sacs, and air blocks transmission of ultrasound. But the new experiments show that punctures on the lung's surface, where injuries usually occur, heal with ultrasound therapy. "The results are really impressive," Vaezy said. He cautions that this is still in the early stages and the technique is not yet being tested on humans.
High-intensity focused ultrasound is now being investigated for a number of different treatments. It promises "bloodless surgery" with no scalpels or sutures in sight. Doctors would pass a sensor over the patient and use invisible rays to heal the wound. Researchers are exploring the use of high-intensity focused ultrasound - with beams tens of thousands of times more powerful than used in imaging - for applications ranging from numbing pain to destroying cancerous tissue.
In this case, lenses focus the high-intensity ultrasound beams at a particular spot inside the body on the patient's lungs. Focusing the ultrasound beams, in a process similar to focusing sunlight with a magnifying glass, creates a tiny but extremely hot spot about the size and shape of a grain of rice. The rays heat the blood cells until they form a seal. Meanwhile the tissue between the device and the spot being treated does not get hot, as it would with a laser beam. "You can penetrate deep into the body and deliver the energy to the bleeding very accurately," Vaezy said. Recent tests on pigs' lungs showed that high-intensity ultrasound sealed the leaks in one or two minutes. More than 95 percent of the 70 incisions were stable after two minutes of treatment, according to results published this summer in the Journal of Trauma.
The findings suggest that ultrasound might replace what is now a painful, invasive procedure. Lung injuries are relatively common because the chest is a big surface that's often exposed to crushing or puncture wounds, said co-author Gregory Jurkovich, chief of trauma at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and a UW professor of surgery. A busy trauma room like Harborview's, he said, admits about two patients with bleeding lungs per day.
Often the bleeding can be stopped simply by packing the wound and applying pressure. In other cases, doctors insert a straw and drain the blood and air so the wound can heal. But in about one in 10 cases neither of these methods is successful, and doctors must operate to stop the bleeding. That means making a long incision and separating the ribs, and then either sewing up the organ or removing a section of the lung.
The new research shows that in these difficult cases, high-intensity focused ultrasound applied from outside could stop bleeding and air leaks. Vaezy and colleagues in the Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound in the UW's Applied Physics Laboratory have been developing ultrasound for surgery for more than a decade, concentrating on frequencies in the 1 million to 10 million hertz (cycles per second). The device producing the ultrasound rays, about the size of a golf ball, is inserted into a handle that doctors use to scan the outside of the body. Previous experiments used the tool to seal blood vessels and stop bleeding in the spleen.
Someday, Jurkovich predicts, this tool might be used for image-guided therapy. "Doctors will scan the body from the outside, recognize where the injury is, focus the beam on the injury and use the beams to seal the wound," Jurkovich said. The futuristic medical technology's promise is substantial, he said. "It would be non-invasive and it would stop the bleeding from the outside. When it happens, that's going to revolutionize how we would care for some of these injuries."
The research was funded the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Luke's Saber Heading to Space
Luke Skywalker's light saber from the original 'Star Wars' is headed where no lightsaber has gone before. In fact, it may be headed where no movie prop has gone before. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the movie, NASA has agreed to take the saber on the next space flight of the shuttle 'Discovery'. Chewbacca handed the prop (they claim it's the actual prop used for filming) to NASA at the Houston Space Center. R2D2 will be on had to receive it when 'Discovery' returns. Video of the hand off is here. I'll bet the guy that first sold that old Graflex tube would get a kick out of this story.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Scientists Exceed the Speed of Light
A pair of German physicists claim to have exceeded the speed of light - an achievement that would undermine our entire understanding of space and time.
Investigating a phenomenon called quantum tunnelling, which allows sub-atomic particles to break apparently unbreakable laws, the two Scientists conducted an experiment using energetic packets of light called "microwave photons". Dr Gunter Nimtz and Dr Alfons Stahlhofen, of the University of Koblenz, say that they made these packets of light travel a distance of 3 feet instantaneously.
If this is verified to be true, expect this violation of the special theory of relatively to open a whole new world of possibilities. While the theory behind "warp drive" in 'Star Trek' isn't necessarily the same kind of technology, it is still interesting to see another "Trek-like" possibility come to life. As Stephen Hawking's character in Star Trek The Next Generation episode "Descent" would say, "Wrong again, Albert!"
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
The Greatest Show in the History of The History Channel: "Dogfights"
by Propmaster - staff writer
If you haven't watched, tune into the History Channel on Tuesday and Friday nights. The series DOG FIGHTS recreates famous air battles using state-of-the-art computer graphics. With up to 25 percent of the program consisting of animation, viewers will feel like they're in the battle, facing the enemy. First-hand accounts will drive the story. Rare archival footage and original shooting supplement the remarkable computer graphics.
Watch digital recreations of incredible aerial feats from the under dog F4F Wildcat to the WWII crowned king of dog fighters the Grumman Hellcat. Watch Sabers battle MiG 15s in MiG Alley over Korea, F4's taking on MiG 21s in Vietnam, and the Flying Tigers in their P40 Tomahawks fight to the death against Japanese I-97s.
Never in the history of the History Channel has there been a better show. Sure, their shows about pirates and ancient civilizations are good, but "DogFights" is great!
If you haven't watched, tune into the History Channel on Tuesday and Friday nights. The series DOG FIGHTS recreates famous air battles using state-of-the-art computer graphics. With up to 25 percent of the program consisting of animation, viewers will feel like they're in the battle, facing the enemy. First-hand accounts will drive the story. Rare archival footage and original shooting supplement the remarkable computer graphics.
Watch digital recreations of incredible aerial feats from the under dog F4F Wildcat to the WWII crowned king of dog fighters the Grumman Hellcat. Watch Sabers battle MiG 15s in MiG Alley over Korea, F4's taking on MiG 21s in Vietnam, and the Flying Tigers in their P40 Tomahawks fight to the death against Japanese I-97s.
Never in the history of the History Channel has there been a better show. Sure, their shows about pirates and ancient civilizations are good, but "DogFights" is great!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Sona Mobile's Star Trek Cell Phone Project on Hold - Seeking Investors
by Propmaster - staff writer
We told you about the Sona Mobile cell phone project a while back. However, despite the excitement and support Sona Mobile received for a cell phone faithfully designed to look like the communicator from Star Trek the original series, they have put the project on hold while they seek investors for the project. They discovered that it would take approximately $3,000,000.00 to produce 25,000 of the phones. If you can help them as an investor or can hook them up with an interested investor, send them an email at partnership@sonamobile.com.
We told you about the Sona Mobile cell phone project a while back. However, despite the excitement and support Sona Mobile received for a cell phone faithfully designed to look like the communicator from Star Trek the original series, they have put the project on hold while they seek investors for the project. They discovered that it would take approximately $3,000,000.00 to produce 25,000 of the phones. If you can help them as an investor or can hook them up with an interested investor, send them an email at partnership@sonamobile.com.
Top Secret Phaser Video - On Sale Now - Please don't tell.
by Propblaster - guest writer
There is a secret in the Star Trek original series phaser community! Almost 20 years ago, a video of the only authenticated hero Star Trek phaser was created. It has been circulating around the prop community for years. However, some of those who have it refuse to share it or talk about it, unless you fork over more than $200.00. Many, in the very crowd that proclaim to hate secrecy and mercilessly slander and attack certain scrupulous people in the hobby because they think they won't share info with them evidently because they need the information to help some of them make better forgeries, have been circulating the video amongst themselves, and sometimes making a tidy sum in the process. The video is really nothing great. No new knowledge can be derived, some shots are out of focus, however, the hypocrisy of the crowd that has tried to hoard it is clearly demonstrated in its secret circulation. They sell it with the stipulation that the sucker buying it never share it with anyone else. The fact is, the seller probably received it with the same stipulation. You gotta love this hobby sometimes. Anyway, John Long has released a video of Greg Jein's phaser and he isn't charging a penny for it.
Click Here To see a quality video of Greg Jein's hero phaser that was actually used in the filming of the original 'Star Trek' series for the low low price of $0.00.
There is a secret in the Star Trek original series phaser community! Almost 20 years ago, a video of the only authenticated hero Star Trek phaser was created. It has been circulating around the prop community for years. However, some of those who have it refuse to share it or talk about it, unless you fork over more than $200.00. Many, in the very crowd that proclaim to hate secrecy and mercilessly slander and attack certain scrupulous people in the hobby because they think they won't share info with them evidently because they need the information to help some of them make better forgeries, have been circulating the video amongst themselves, and sometimes making a tidy sum in the process. The video is really nothing great. No new knowledge can be derived, some shots are out of focus, however, the hypocrisy of the crowd that has tried to hoard it is clearly demonstrated in its secret circulation. They sell it with the stipulation that the sucker buying it never share it with anyone else. The fact is, the seller probably received it with the same stipulation. You gotta love this hobby sometimes. Anyway, John Long has released a video of Greg Jein's phaser and he isn't charging a penny for it.
Click Here To see a quality video of Greg Jein's hero phaser that was actually used in the filming of the original 'Star Trek' series for the low low price of $0.00.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Forgeries, Recasts and Replicas - What's the Difference?
by PropMaster, staff writer
The idea that anyone would call a legitimate replica a forgery has always boggled my mind. Some people just can't seem to grasp the differences between the two. Therefore, I would like to discuss the facts regarding forgeries, recasts and replicas.
The prop hobby is as much infected by greed and ambition as any other field you can mention. Many prop replica makers seek recognition and wealth while often dealing with prop collectors that are more interested in the investment potential of props than they are in the "hobby" of props. It is not surprising that frauds and recasts would be flourishing in this environment. Some props, like the authentic Star Trek communicators, tricorders and phasers have huge monetary values. Authentic, screen used props are valuable because of who made them; what show or movie they appeared in; the personal preferences of the collector; and the age and condition of the item. Forgery and recasting are illegitimate attempts to cash in on these facts.
What is Forgery?
Forgery is a form of fraud. In committing forgery, a person claims their work is by another person. Forgery is when a person's name is stolen in order to add value to the wrong work. Forgery exists when a work is presented in a way that either insinuates or out right claims to be the work of another with the intent to deceive. Fraudulent intention by the maker or owner is required for a work to be a forgery. A prop presented in such a manner is a forgery and a fake. Many times, a collector will try to sell something that they are not convinced is real. They use phrases like "I was told this prop was used in..." or, after being notified that the prop is a fake, the person wishing to sell it will refuse to accept the facts and try to sell the item sticking with the story they were told when they bought it. There is a lot of this going on at eBay.
The most notorious forger in the Trek prop world is known as "ME". He created many Trek props that looked authentic and several people who are considered experts in the Trek prop field have been fooled by ME's creations. There is evidence to show that "ME" is still active in the Trek prop community.
What is a Recast?
The word "recaster" has a negative connotation. A recaster accepts credit for the work of another. Prop recasting occurs when unauthorized copies of a work are made and sometimes sold, depriving an original artist or license holder of profit and/or recognition. Prop recasters will copy another person's work without giving credit to the original artist. They do it either for recognition or profit. Usually, the recast is made by making a cast of the item and copies are made from the casting. While copying another person's work is legitimate when permission is given from the license holder or artist, there is a "gray" area for prop collectors. Some artists don't care if a person makes a copy of their work as long as it is not for profit and proper credit is given. Some license holders don't care if replicas are made and are presented as such.
However, there is no "standard" for such practice and it is advisable that the collector procure permission from the artist or license holder before making a copy of their work. Some people will mention "fair use" laws, but that is beyond the scope of this post.
What is a Replica?
A replica is a copy of a prop that is presented as a replica. It is clearly described as a replica and careful attention is given to state clearly that it is a replica. It can be recast from an original as long as proper permission is procured, or it can be scratch built or made from a licensed kit. Does anyone think George Lucas will care if you make a replica of Luke Skywalker's light saber in your garage? Probably not, as long as you don't threaten the profits of the company that has proper rights to the item. If you make a saber replica for your own use, Lucas will probably look the other way and celebrate that you are such a fan of his work. However, if you start to sell them or give enough away to threaten his license holder's profits, look out for a cease and desist order (C&D) and maybe even a law suit.
In summary, forgery is a form of fraud. A forgery can take many forms such as recasts or copies that are presented to an audience as authentic and the work of another artist. This can be done for profit or recognition but either way, it is fraud. A recast is a detailed copy of another person's work. It can be done legitimately, in many cases, or it can be done illegally. A recast made to profit from another person's work is stealing.
Replicas are legitimate copies of the real item and are presented as such. These copies can be manufactured for sale as long as proper permission is received, such as is the case with Master Replicas, for example. MR doesn't produce fakes or recasts. They produce licensed replicas, which is perfectly legitimate.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Kirk Revived!
By Propmaster - staff writer
Well, after saying that he will probably never play Captain Kirk again, William Shatner has revived his role as Captain Kirk of the starship Enterprise. You can see it here in this Direct TV commercial. Click here to watch.
Well, after saying that he will probably never play Captain Kirk again, William Shatner has revived his role as Captain Kirk of the starship Enterprise. You can see it here in this Direct TV commercial. Click here to watch.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Props and the Bible
PropMaster - staff writer
The boys at Swarmy Shirts have come up with a new t-shirt for RPF members. It is emblazoned with the words "It's not a toy... its a prop replica". Well, I have heard some other folks lately saying "Its not a prop... its an idol!" So, I pulled out my trusty King James Bible and started "searching the scriptures to see if these things are so" and besides the obvious references to prop collecting such as "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me" and "Thou shalt not covet" I think I've found another passage that seems relevant. Isaiah 8:19 mentions "wizards that peep, and that mutter". Peep and mutter? You mean like "peep peep mutter mutter"? For the first time I realized that R2-D2 (Star Wars) peeps and mutters. So does a tricorder. In fact, so does a cash register and my cell phone! Now, taking this one step further we see that the word "god" spelled backwards is "dog" and, by the same token, prop spelled backwards is porp. Ok, maybe that isn't such a good point. And, maybe its not an idol or a toy. Maybe, it really is just a prop replica after all.
The boys at Swarmy Shirts have come up with a new t-shirt for RPF members. It is emblazoned with the words "It's not a toy... its a prop replica". Well, I have heard some other folks lately saying "Its not a prop... its an idol!" So, I pulled out my trusty King James Bible and started "searching the scriptures to see if these things are so" and besides the obvious references to prop collecting such as "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me" and "Thou shalt not covet" I think I've found another passage that seems relevant. Isaiah 8:19 mentions "wizards that peep, and that mutter". Peep and mutter? You mean like "peep peep mutter mutter"? For the first time I realized that R2-D2 (Star Wars) peeps and mutters. So does a tricorder. In fact, so does a cash register and my cell phone! Now, taking this one step further we see that the word "god" spelled backwards is "dog" and, by the same token, prop spelled backwards is porp. Ok, maybe that isn't such a good point. And, maybe its not an idol or a toy. Maybe, it really is just a prop replica after all.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Good News, Everyone!
Propmaster - staff writer
Futurama just may be returning with new episodes. Word is that there will be four straight to DVD movies made. The Sydney Morning Herald reports "Three months ago, I would have said we were going to start tomorrow," says writer David X. Cohen, who collaborated with Groening on Futurama. "And one month ago I would also have said we were going to start tomorrow. So ..." He pauses. "My current estimate is that we're starting tomorrow."
Speaking of Futurama, have you seen the episode where Dr. Farnsworth bet on a horse race? The race was so close that it had a "quantum finish". Dr. Farnsworth protested by saying, "That's not fair! You changed the results by measuring them!" Funny, that sounds like what I was told by my electronics engineering professors when I tried to convince them of the accuracy of my current measurements. I never thought I would ever find a practical use for quantum theory. What fun that "quantum theory" stuff is, huh?
Futurama just may be returning with new episodes. Word is that there will be four straight to DVD movies made. The Sydney Morning Herald reports "Three months ago, I would have said we were going to start tomorrow," says writer David X. Cohen, who collaborated with Groening on Futurama. "And one month ago I would also have said we were going to start tomorrow. So ..." He pauses. "My current estimate is that we're starting tomorrow."
Speaking of Futurama, have you seen the episode where Dr. Farnsworth bet on a horse race? The race was so close that it had a "quantum finish". Dr. Farnsworth protested by saying, "That's not fair! You changed the results by measuring them!" Funny, that sounds like what I was told by my electronics engineering professors when I tried to convince them of the accuracy of my current measurements. I never thought I would ever find a practical use for quantum theory. What fun that "quantum theory" stuff is, huh?
Thursday, December 22, 2005
A Prop for the Season - The Festivus Pole
By PropMaster - staff writer
I haven't had a lot of time to blog lately. I have been busy preparing for the upcoming Festivus celebration. While preparing, I realized that something has turned very wrong in the last few years. If things weren't bad enough, our capitalistic society has stooped to the low point of trying to desecrate Festivus - the holiday, that is supposed to be, for the rest of us. In today's consumer oriented society, Festivus is unfortunately subjected to a sort of commercial 'pollution' that is in danger of altering its true spirit, which is characterized by the "Feats of Strength" and the "Airing of Grievances".
I believe we have lost the spirit that Festivus truly represents. Festivus is becoming nothing more than the greatest gimmick for corporations to make millions at this time of the year. From the commercial stores selling Festivus poles to Ben & Jerry's selling "Festivus" ice cream things are taking a turn for the worse.
Festivus was a very special time, however corporate commercialization of Festivus hit about three years ago. How sad that we have relinquished our spirit of tradition to the way of commercialization. Traditional Festivus festivities are effective ways of teaching the holiday's values to children. But, what are they being taught when we buy commercial, pre-printed forms to fill in with our list of grievances?
In the old days, our fathers used to make their own Festivus poles from left over aluminum stock they found in the garage. But today, Festivus is being desecrated with commercialization. There are actually people selling Festivus pole props on the Internet! And, the prices are greatly inflated. A six foot long, 2" diameter aluminum pipe won't break the bank, so why buy a commercialized one that will? I guess it is just a sign of the times.
But, it doesn't have to be that way. Frank, George's Dad, gave us all the detailed information we need to make our own Festivus pole. "It's made from aluminum. Very high strength-to-weight ratio." You can make your own Festivus pole and save some money in the process. It is an easy, screen accurate prop to make.
So, let's return to the old time, heart felt Festivus celebration and to the simple act of making a donation in the name of a friend or loved one to the Human Fund. I wish you all a very happy Festivus and a lengthy and emotional "Airing of Grievances" and "Feats of Strength" celebration.
I haven't had a lot of time to blog lately. I have been busy preparing for the upcoming Festivus celebration. While preparing, I realized that something has turned very wrong in the last few years. If things weren't bad enough, our capitalistic society has stooped to the low point of trying to desecrate Festivus - the holiday, that is supposed to be, for the rest of us. In today's consumer oriented society, Festivus is unfortunately subjected to a sort of commercial 'pollution' that is in danger of altering its true spirit, which is characterized by the "Feats of Strength" and the "Airing of Grievances".
I believe we have lost the spirit that Festivus truly represents. Festivus is becoming nothing more than the greatest gimmick for corporations to make millions at this time of the year. From the commercial stores selling Festivus poles to Ben & Jerry's selling "Festivus" ice cream things are taking a turn for the worse.
Festivus was a very special time, however corporate commercialization of Festivus hit about three years ago. How sad that we have relinquished our spirit of tradition to the way of commercialization. Traditional Festivus festivities are effective ways of teaching the holiday's values to children. But, what are they being taught when we buy commercial, pre-printed forms to fill in with our list of grievances?
In the old days, our fathers used to make their own Festivus poles from left over aluminum stock they found in the garage. But today, Festivus is being desecrated with commercialization. There are actually people selling Festivus pole props on the Internet! And, the prices are greatly inflated. A six foot long, 2" diameter aluminum pipe won't break the bank, so why buy a commercialized one that will? I guess it is just a sign of the times.
But, it doesn't have to be that way. Frank, George's Dad, gave us all the detailed information we need to make our own Festivus pole. "It's made from aluminum. Very high strength-to-weight ratio." You can make your own Festivus pole and save some money in the process. It is an easy, screen accurate prop to make.
So, let's return to the old time, heart felt Festivus celebration and to the simple act of making a donation in the name of a friend or loved one to the Human Fund. I wish you all a very happy Festivus and a lengthy and emotional "Airing of Grievances" and "Feats of Strength" celebration.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Berman and Braga Finished with Star Trek
By PropMaster - staff writer
Braga now claims he is sorry he didn't listen more to Trek fans. Berman is still giving us all the galactic finger. But, neither Berman or Braga believe they will have anything to do with another Star Trek TV show. Excuse me while I wipe a tear of joy from my face.
Berman told "Star Trek Magazine" (via "Sci Fi Pulse") that when Paramount decides to revive TV Trek "it will be the result of someone fresh." In an interview with "Sci Fi Wire" Braga also announced that his relationship with Trek is over.
To be fair, "First Contact" was a good movie with a good sound track, and the last few seasons of TNG were first rate. But, with "Voyager", "Insurrection", "Nemesis", and "Enterprise" it was all down hill.
Sci Fi Wire
Sci Fi Pulse
Braga now claims he is sorry he didn't listen more to Trek fans. Berman is still giving us all the galactic finger. But, neither Berman or Braga believe they will have anything to do with another Star Trek TV show. Excuse me while I wipe a tear of joy from my face.
Berman told "Star Trek Magazine" (via "Sci Fi Pulse") that when Paramount decides to revive TV Trek "it will be the result of someone fresh." In an interview with "Sci Fi Wire" Braga also announced that his relationship with Trek is over.
To be fair, "First Contact" was a good movie with a good sound track, and the last few seasons of TNG were first rate. But, with "Voyager", "Insurrection", "Nemesis", and "Enterprise" it was all down hill.
Sci Fi Wire
Sci Fi Pulse
Friday, November 18, 2005
It all adds up - Futurama is a great show!
By PropMaster - staff writer
I know this isn't exactly prop related, but its close enough. When Fox cancelled "Futurama", after only 5 seasons, I was convinced the "brains" behind the network weren't running on all cylinders. Futurama was just too "cerebral" for the executives to understand. Well, I was right. Dr. Sarah J. Greenwald, of Appalachian State University, got the chance to interview David X. Cohen, who was the executive producer and head writer for "Futurama", and he explained how he used math, science, and computer programming as "background jokes" when writing "Futurama".
Cohen, who has a bachelor's degree in physics from Harvard University and a master's degree in computer science from UC Berkeley, made "Futurama" especially fun to watch because math, science, and computer programming references appear in almost every episode. The show is also peppered with numerous references to classic science fiction movies and TV shows. The subtle references to classic sci-fi, math, science, and computer programming are too numerous to list. From the classic line, "I have a bad feeling about this", to Zapp Brannigan, the velure wearing, 25 star general, and caricature of Captain Kirk, to the familiar sounds of the star ship Enterprise, to the time Leela found a patch of "roddenberries", "Futurama" is a winner that Fox let get away. The brilliant material in "Futurama" simply goes over the head of most people and, seemingly, all Fox executives.
Frye, the main character, was a bored pizza delivery boy who arrived in the year 2999 after a mishap (or so we were led to believe) in 1999 at a cryogenics lab. He arrives in the year 2999 only to find that the government now picks your vocation and, after some very scientific tests, they made him a delivery boy. Another of the main characters is a robot named Bender. Bender is a robot who can't quite grasp the subtleties of normal, human sensibilities. He drinks, smokes cigars, and is a kleptomaniac. His excessive drinking is mandatory or he will become sober and unable to control his body since alcohol is robot fuel. He is made of 40% Zinc and 40% Titanium. He attended Bending State college where he majored in Bending and minored in Robo-American studies. His serial number is 1729, which is the smallest number that can be expressed as the sum of two cubes in two different ways. His identification number is 2716057 which is also a number that can be expressed as the sum of two cubes.
Check out "Futurama". It is currently playing on the Cartoon Network and is available on DVD. And, be sure to check out Dr. Greenwald's great web page for more info. http://www.mathsci.appstate.edu/~sjg/futurama/
I know this isn't exactly prop related, but its close enough. When Fox cancelled "Futurama", after only 5 seasons, I was convinced the "brains" behind the network weren't running on all cylinders. Futurama was just too "cerebral" for the executives to understand. Well, I was right. Dr. Sarah J. Greenwald, of Appalachian State University, got the chance to interview David X. Cohen, who was the executive producer and head writer for "Futurama", and he explained how he used math, science, and computer programming as "background jokes" when writing "Futurama".
Cohen, who has a bachelor's degree in physics from Harvard University and a master's degree in computer science from UC Berkeley, made "Futurama" especially fun to watch because math, science, and computer programming references appear in almost every episode. The show is also peppered with numerous references to classic science fiction movies and TV shows. The subtle references to classic sci-fi, math, science, and computer programming are too numerous to list. From the classic line, "I have a bad feeling about this", to Zapp Brannigan, the velure wearing, 25 star general, and caricature of Captain Kirk, to the familiar sounds of the star ship Enterprise, to the time Leela found a patch of "roddenberries", "Futurama" is a winner that Fox let get away. The brilliant material in "Futurama" simply goes over the head of most people and, seemingly, all Fox executives.
Frye, the main character, was a bored pizza delivery boy who arrived in the year 2999 after a mishap (or so we were led to believe) in 1999 at a cryogenics lab. He arrives in the year 2999 only to find that the government now picks your vocation and, after some very scientific tests, they made him a delivery boy. Another of the main characters is a robot named Bender. Bender is a robot who can't quite grasp the subtleties of normal, human sensibilities. He drinks, smokes cigars, and is a kleptomaniac. His excessive drinking is mandatory or he will become sober and unable to control his body since alcohol is robot fuel. He is made of 40% Zinc and 40% Titanium. He attended Bending State college where he majored in Bending and minored in Robo-American studies. His serial number is 1729, which is the smallest number that can be expressed as the sum of two cubes in two different ways. His identification number is 2716057 which is also a number that can be expressed as the sum of two cubes.
Check out "Futurama". It is currently playing on the Cartoon Network and is available on DVD. And, be sure to check out Dr. Greenwald's great web page for more info. http://www.mathsci.appstate.edu/~sjg/futurama/
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Star Trek Communicator Cell Phone
By PropMaster, staff writer
Sona Mobile is releasing a cell phone that resembles the communicator used in Star Trek the original series. The concept of the cell phone, after all, was inspired by the Star Trek communicator used in the original series. It is only fitting that Sona's new cell phone would actually resemble the original series communicator designed by Wah Chang. Now, 40 years later, Wah Chang's design is almost a reality.
Sona's web site describes the phone this way:
"A Communicator in your pocket
"You have an incoming message," announces the voice of Lieutenant Commander Worf.
Flip open the phone, hear the famous communicator chirp, and take your incoming call.
Finish the call and check your schedule for the day.
The Sona SWP- and Windows Mobile-powered Star Trek Communicator phone displays a list of features on the main screen.
All Rights Reserved.
Star Trek and related marks are trademarks of Paramount Pictures.
All other registered trademarks belong to their respective companies.
© 2005 SONA MOBILE, Inc. All rights reserved.
Information subject to change without notice.
Phones pictures may not be representative of the final product."
Sona Mobile is releasing a cell phone that resembles the communicator used in Star Trek the original series. The concept of the cell phone, after all, was inspired by the Star Trek communicator used in the original series. It is only fitting that Sona's new cell phone would actually resemble the original series communicator designed by Wah Chang. Now, 40 years later, Wah Chang's design is almost a reality.
Sona's web site describes the phone this way:
"A Communicator in your pocket
"You have an incoming message," announces the voice of Lieutenant Commander Worf.
Flip open the phone, hear the famous communicator chirp, and take your incoming call.
Finish the call and check your schedule for the day.
The Sona SWP- and Windows Mobile-powered Star Trek Communicator phone displays a list of features on the main screen.
All Rights Reserved.
Star Trek and related marks are trademarks of Paramount Pictures.
All other registered trademarks belong to their respective companies.
© 2005 SONA MOBILE, Inc. All rights reserved.
Information subject to change without notice.
Phones pictures may not be representative of the final product."
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Screen Accurate Pepsi Can Props
October 27, 2005
By the PropMaster, staff writer
Purchase, New York - Pepsi-Cola North America, headquartered in Purchase, N.Y., is now making screen accurate prop replicas. The real props can be seen in movies, TV shows, and commercials. "Propgod", his name on several Internet prop boards, says, "This is great! I can finally get my hands on some affordable, screen accurate replicas. I am already working on an elaborate, wall mounted display mount for them."
The Pepsi cans can be purchased at local convenience stores, super markets, vending machines, and some yard sales. Some claim that Pepsi is following Coca Cola's lead. Coca Cola started making screen accurate prop replicas of the prop seen in the balcony scenes in "Attack of the Clones".
A spokesperson for a major studio told us, "I think this is a trend that is only going to grow. Besides the soda cans, we are seeing screen accurate props from car manufacturers, cell phone makers, airplane manufacturers, and even gun manufacturers."
PepsiCo Beverages and Foods North America also comprises PepsiCo's Tropicana, Gatorade and Quaker Foods businesses in the United States and Canada.
Pepsi-Cola North America's carbonated soft drinks, including: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Twist, Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Code Red, Sierra Mist, and Mug Root Beer account for nearly one-third of total soft drink sales in the United States.
By the PropMaster, staff writer
Purchase, New York - Pepsi-Cola North America, headquartered in Purchase, N.Y., is now making screen accurate prop replicas. The real props can be seen in movies, TV shows, and commercials. "Propgod", his name on several Internet prop boards, says, "This is great! I can finally get my hands on some affordable, screen accurate replicas. I am already working on an elaborate, wall mounted display mount for them."
The Pepsi cans can be purchased at local convenience stores, super markets, vending machines, and some yard sales. Some claim that Pepsi is following Coca Cola's lead. Coca Cola started making screen accurate prop replicas of the prop seen in the balcony scenes in "Attack of the Clones".
A spokesperson for a major studio told us, "I think this is a trend that is only going to grow. Besides the soda cans, we are seeing screen accurate props from car manufacturers, cell phone makers, airplane manufacturers, and even gun manufacturers."
PepsiCo Beverages and Foods North America also comprises PepsiCo's Tropicana, Gatorade and Quaker Foods businesses in the United States and Canada.
Pepsi-Cola North America's carbonated soft drinks, including: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Twist, Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Code Red, Sierra Mist, and Mug Root Beer account for nearly one-third of total soft drink sales in the United States.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
How the Props of Star Trek Influence our World - A Discovery Channel Documentary
October 25, 2005
By PropMaster - staff writer
A new documentary on Star Trek and the development of technology, How William Shatner Changed the World, premieres next month. Hosted and narrated by William Shatner, the documentary will show how the props and science of "Star Trek" inspired the brightest minds of Silicon Valley to create the gadgets that have changed the world.
Channel Canada reports, "As a young boy in 1960 suburbia, Mark Rayman was less interested in how far he could hit a baseball than how far it was to the Final Frontier. Captivated by television coverage of the early Mercury flights – and the Star Trek expeditions a channel or two over – Rayman is now Chief Engineer in charge of the Robotic Deep Space Probe project at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. And the longstanding affection between NASA and Trekkies is mutual – NASA’s very first Space Shuttle was named Enterprise, and, according to Shatner, this was no coincidence.
And while some young Trekkies dreamed of space, others were more interested in the gadgets onboard in the year 2300 and would make it their life’s work to bring these toys off the screen and onto the streets. According to Shatner, booking a date for Friday night and fielding inquiries from casting agents got a lot easier thanks to an industrious Trekkie named Marty Cooper. Cooper, a chief engineer at Motorola, understood that people were inherently mobile and would never want to be chained to their desks, tethered to conventional telephones. Captain Kirk and his USS Enterprise colleagues were on to something with their cordless “communicator” with voice recognition technology. Inspired by the brick-like device, Cooper and the Motorola team invented the first mobile cellular phone, giving birth to the start of a communications revolution.
And for some young minds captivated by the fictional world of Star Trek, the possibility of communicating with Talarians, Klingons and Gorns would lead to the most basic question: Is something “out there” beyond our own solar system, and if so, how do we find them? Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer with the SETI Institute (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) which works alongside NASA, credits Star Trek with synthesizing the physics and astronomy of the search for extra-terrestrial life with the emotional and intellectual drive to know and understand the rest of our universe.
The evolution of the computer, the microchip and software programs is peppered with Star Trek influences, from the primitive Altair 8800 (named after a Star Trek solar system) and its evolution into the first Apple computer to the rise of Bill Gates and Microsoft. And as a result of Star Trek, human operating systems also began to reflect this futuristic vision. The USS Enterprise sickbay, under the medical supervision of Doctor McCoy, specialized in quick diagnosis and scalpel-free – and painless – surgery. For Stanford University Hospital brain surgeon Doctor John Adler, this protocol was the only way forward. Today, non-invasive diagnostics, CAT scans and MRIs are a matter of course and, inspired by Star Trek technologies, Adler has invented the Cyberknife – a computer-controlled robotic device that employs a laser beam to remove cancers without even the smallest cut."
So, prop geeks lift your chins a little higher everytime someone "flips" open their cell phone. I'll bet Wah Chang did.
You can see the documentary in Canada on the Discovery Channel on November 13, 2005 at 8:00pm eastern time. You can read the entire article at this URL- http://www.channelcanada.com/Article1089.html
By PropMaster - staff writer
A new documentary on Star Trek and the development of technology, How William Shatner Changed the World, premieres next month. Hosted and narrated by William Shatner, the documentary will show how the props and science of "Star Trek" inspired the brightest minds of Silicon Valley to create the gadgets that have changed the world.
Channel Canada reports, "As a young boy in 1960 suburbia, Mark Rayman was less interested in how far he could hit a baseball than how far it was to the Final Frontier. Captivated by television coverage of the early Mercury flights – and the Star Trek expeditions a channel or two over – Rayman is now Chief Engineer in charge of the Robotic Deep Space Probe project at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. And the longstanding affection between NASA and Trekkies is mutual – NASA’s very first Space Shuttle was named Enterprise, and, according to Shatner, this was no coincidence.
And while some young Trekkies dreamed of space, others were more interested in the gadgets onboard in the year 2300 and would make it their life’s work to bring these toys off the screen and onto the streets. According to Shatner, booking a date for Friday night and fielding inquiries from casting agents got a lot easier thanks to an industrious Trekkie named Marty Cooper. Cooper, a chief engineer at Motorola, understood that people were inherently mobile and would never want to be chained to their desks, tethered to conventional telephones. Captain Kirk and his USS Enterprise colleagues were on to something with their cordless “communicator” with voice recognition technology. Inspired by the brick-like device, Cooper and the Motorola team invented the first mobile cellular phone, giving birth to the start of a communications revolution.
And for some young minds captivated by the fictional world of Star Trek, the possibility of communicating with Talarians, Klingons and Gorns would lead to the most basic question: Is something “out there” beyond our own solar system, and if so, how do we find them? Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer with the SETI Institute (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) which works alongside NASA, credits Star Trek with synthesizing the physics and astronomy of the search for extra-terrestrial life with the emotional and intellectual drive to know and understand the rest of our universe.
The evolution of the computer, the microchip and software programs is peppered with Star Trek influences, from the primitive Altair 8800 (named after a Star Trek solar system) and its evolution into the first Apple computer to the rise of Bill Gates and Microsoft. And as a result of Star Trek, human operating systems also began to reflect this futuristic vision. The USS Enterprise sickbay, under the medical supervision of Doctor McCoy, specialized in quick diagnosis and scalpel-free – and painless – surgery. For Stanford University Hospital brain surgeon Doctor John Adler, this protocol was the only way forward. Today, non-invasive diagnostics, CAT scans and MRIs are a matter of course and, inspired by Star Trek technologies, Adler has invented the Cyberknife – a computer-controlled robotic device that employs a laser beam to remove cancers without even the smallest cut."
So, prop geeks lift your chins a little higher everytime someone "flips" open their cell phone. I'll bet Wah Chang did.
You can see the documentary in Canada on the Discovery Channel on November 13, 2005 at 8:00pm eastern time. You can read the entire article at this URL- http://www.channelcanada.com/Article1089.html
Saturday, October 22, 2005
1933 King Kong Prop Re-Animated After 72 Years
October 22, 2005
By PropMaster – Staff Writer
Bob Burns visited Peter Jackson at Wellywood Studios in New Zealand and he brought with him a very special prop- the original, 1933, stop motion puppet of King Kong. There were three puppets used to make the original 1933 film. The one owned by Bob Burns is the only one that still exists. Now, after over 70 years, the original Kong puppet has been re-animated by the WETA FX crew. You can see the new stop motion footage at http://www.kongisking.net/index.shtml.
By PropMaster – Staff Writer
Bob Burns visited Peter Jackson at Wellywood Studios in New Zealand and he brought with him a very special prop- the original, 1933, stop motion puppet of King Kong. There were three puppets used to make the original 1933 film. The one owned by Bob Burns is the only one that still exists. Now, after over 70 years, the original Kong puppet has been re-animated by the WETA FX crew. You can see the new stop motion footage at http://www.kongisking.net/index.shtml.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Mysteries of the ObiWan ANH Saber Finally Revealed
October 18, 2005
By PropMaster - Staff Writer
For over 25 years prop nerds have been trying to identify the components used to create Obi-Wan Kenobi's saber as seen in "Star Wars - A New Hope". The pommel was identified a while back as being a sink faucet knob. The "grenade" looking piece was identified as being, well, a grenade. A British made MK3, rifle grenade used in WWI.
But, the "gear" portion and the "emitter" portion remained a mystery- until now. Some of our very perceptive friends at the RFP have identified both components. The "emitter", it turns out, is a part from a Derwent 8 or 9 jet engine. The "gear" is actually a recoil booster from a .30 caliber AN-M2 (British) Browning machine gun.
Good work guys!
Shown below is a pic of the Master Replicas ROTS Obi Saber.
By PropMaster - Staff Writer
For over 25 years prop nerds have been trying to identify the components used to create Obi-Wan Kenobi's saber as seen in "Star Wars - A New Hope". The pommel was identified a while back as being a sink faucet knob. The "grenade" looking piece was identified as being, well, a grenade. A British made MK3, rifle grenade used in WWI.
But, the "gear" portion and the "emitter" portion remained a mystery- until now. Some of our very perceptive friends at the RFP have identified both components. The "emitter", it turns out, is a part from a Derwent 8 or 9 jet engine. The "gear" is actually a recoil booster from a .30 caliber AN-M2 (British) Browning machine gun.
Good work guys!
Shown below is a pic of the Master Replicas ROTS Obi Saber.
News From Art Asylum
October 19, 2005
By PropMaster - Staff Writer
Art Asylum just re-released their popular Star Trek Original Series phaser II. They can be purchased at several online shops. They have also released a special Black and White, first season color scheme phaser sold exclusively by NewForce Comics.
And, for you BattleStar Galactica Fans-
As reported in ToyFare #100, Art Asylum will be offering products based on Battlestar Galactica. Though the agreement covers both classic and new versions of the series, the line will kick off with Minimate 2-packs based on original series characters, including Adama, Apollo, Starbuck, Cylon Warrior, and others.
Products from the new series will include busts (Baltar and Six are slated to be the first two) and full-body statues (Adama, Six, and Cylon Centurion are planned but not finalized).
But that's not all. AA will also be offering a line of replica ships, starting with the new Galactica. AA's Robert Yee boasts "You'll be able to mount it in different modes of operation, for instance with the landing bays tucked in as the ship prepares for hyper-jump." Start saving now; Yee estimates the price range for this "very, very highly detailed" line will run between $175 and $195.
By PropMaster - Staff Writer
Art Asylum just re-released their popular Star Trek Original Series phaser II. They can be purchased at several online shops. They have also released a special Black and White, first season color scheme phaser sold exclusively by NewForce Comics.
And, for you BattleStar Galactica Fans-
As reported in ToyFare #100, Art Asylum will be offering products based on Battlestar Galactica. Though the agreement covers both classic and new versions of the series, the line will kick off with Minimate 2-packs based on original series characters, including Adama, Apollo, Starbuck, Cylon Warrior, and others.
Products from the new series will include busts (Baltar and Six are slated to be the first two) and full-body statues (Adama, Six, and Cylon Centurion are planned but not finalized).
But that's not all. AA will also be offering a line of replica ships, starting with the new Galactica. AA's Robert Yee boasts "You'll be able to mount it in different modes of operation, for instance with the landing bays tucked in as the ship prepares for hyper-jump." Start saving now; Yee estimates the price range for this "very, very highly detailed" line will run between $175 and $195.
TOS Tricorder Moving Moire Mystery Revealed
October 19, 2005
By PropMaster - Staff Writer
There has been a heated debate among "proppers" over whether or not the ST:TOS tricorder had a moving moire. Some say yes while others say no. And, of course, you have those who immediately resort to name calling and personal attacks when they start having a hard time proving their point. Somehow, they feel the attacks seem to support their arguments. The recent release of the Master Replicas TOS Tricorder didn't help clear up any of the confusion. The MR tricorder has a moving moire. The pro moving moire crowd points to the MR tricorder to prove that high tech electronics could have been used in the original, 1966-1969 tricorder to produce the moving moire. They infer that there were miniature electric motors in 1966 that moved at the rate of 2 rpm and would fit in a very small space inside the tricorder. The anti-moving moire crowd points out that is just ignorant and stupid. Miniature, inexpensive, 2 rpm electric motors didn't exist in 1966. They also point out that several people who worked on the production team of Star Trek in 1966 say that the moires on the tricorder didn't move. But, that isn't enough for the pro-moving moire crowd. Facts don't matter when there is a possibility that you can get credit for discovering something prop related that no one else could find. After all, it is the recognition that counts - not the truth.
But, we at PropBuzz have discovered the shocking truth behind the moving moire mystery. The truth is stranger than fiction. The moving moire in the tricorder is actually a projected clip from the Patterson Bigfoot film! We talked to the discoverer of this new information and he says, "I was watching my TOS DVD set for the 104th time when I spotted it on my 57 inch HDTV. I paused the episode and couldn't believe what I saw. It was a large, hairy unidentified creature. It had too much hair to be William Shatner and it didn't have pointy ears like Spock. At first, since it didn't have any dialog, I thought it may have been Chekov. But, after a closer look I could tell- It was Bigfoot! Sure, it looked cheezy, but what 1960's Sci-Fi TV show didn't? Anyway, it makes you think, doesn't it?"
So, that settles it. There was no moving moire in the TOS tricorder. How do we know? Because, unlike the moving tricorder moire, people have actually seen Bigfoot. Or, have they? We contacted a Psychologist about this and we were told, "Based upon the best evidence we have we know that anyone who claims to see a moving tricorder moire while watching any episode of Star Trek the original series is also likely to be the kind of person who would be convinced they saw a real Bigfoot."
So, the chances of a moving tricorder moire are about the same as the chances that Bigfoot exists in a suburb of Brooklyn.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Welcome
October 17, 2005
Hi,
I am the PropMaster. (Yea, I know "prop masters" don't necessarily make or collect props, but who cares?) I bring you news from the world of movie/TV props. As any prop aficionado can tell you, this is a great hobby for getting dates. Girls love it when I pull out my Star trek original series phaser II, or flip the lid on my communicator while standing in line at the super market. Boy, are they impressed by my full scale Han Solo in Carbonite sitting in my living room. And don't even get me started on how impressive it is when I wear my screen used Spock ears.
Some would call us aficionados geeks, but we are just misunderstood. To be successful in this hobby you have to be artistic, determined, lonely, and have a lot of money to spend on the latest cool prop replica. I mean, those Master Replicas props aren't exactly cheap. If you want the best you have to pay for it, right? Even if you have to drive a 1974 Vega as a result.
So, this blog will be dedicated to all the "proppers" out there who have a deep affection for those little, make believe gadgets we all see in movies and on TV. Maybe it's the mystique of the props. Maybe it's the fun that we imagine the props can give. Or, maybe it's just the fumes from glue, resin and paint that we use to build our prop replicas. Either way, it's a fun ride. Stay tuned and see what comes next.
PropMaster
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
