AS a sci-fi fan I have been enjoying the developments in Torchwood. The latest offering had Owen fighting Weevils. Bt at the end there was a strange scene. Is he going to turn into a weevil? or am I reading too much into it? COuld be something for further development.
And they also mentioned the 'Something in the darkness' again. Great stuff. Roll on the finale!

PS I never really liked Owen as a character and I will not mind if he turns into a weevil! How come all the women sleep with him?

From Digital Spy

New 'Babylon 5' DVD movie confirmed
Tuesday, November 14 2006, 10:38 UTC - by James Welsh

Warner Bros. Television has confirmed that production on Babylon 5: The Lost Tales, a made-for-DVD movie written and directed by series creator J. Michael Straczynski, has commenced.

So far, DVD sales of Babylon 5 have topped $44m in the United States for Warner Home Video.

Actors from the series returning for the DVD project include Bruce Boxleitner (President John Sheridan), Tracy Scoggins (Captain Elizabeth Lochley) and Peter Woodward (Galen).

"We are very excited to be releasing this new made-for-video release filled with original content for Babylon 5, one of the most successful science fiction series of all time," said Jeff Brown, senior VP at Warner Home Video. "This popular TV show which has been off the air for a few years continues to have a strong loyal fan base that is hungry for more content. This is the first time were utilizing one of our popular TV franchises as a made-for-video title, and we have a strong commitment to the growth of this sector."

Although I am delighted by the news it does mean that all the money I spent on buying the DVD complete Universe box set is redundant now it's not the complete universe anymore.

I wonder if you can get a uniform?

Sorry, it's digital only... but it's a whole season of shows dedicated to British Sci-Fi on BBC Four!

Beam over there...

Taken from Yahoo News. The first steps to an invisibilty cloak.

A British-led team of scientists has made the first big step into the future by creating a device which makes things invisible.
The Star Trek-style "cloaking device" measures less than five inches across and only responds to radar waves.
But within five years there might be devices powerful enough to make whole vehicles "vanish" - including battlefield tanks.
An invisibility cloak blueprint was produced in May by Professor Sir John Pendry, a physicist at Imperial College London. Just five months later, scientists working with him in the US have put the idea into practice.
The concept involves bending visible light, or other forms of electromagnetic radiation such as radar, around the object being hidden.
An observer looking at the cloaked object will see light deflected from behind, making it seem to disappear.
Sir John said: "The previous paper was all theory, explaining how it could be done, but the real challenge was to make the unusual materials needed for a working device.
"It's all been done in a time scale much shorter than I had envisaged. This cloaking device is just a demonstration showing that you can get radiation where you want it to be.
"There's still some development to do, but I would have thought that in five years you'd be seeing some sort of practical realisation of this technology.
"It's probably too heavy for aircraft, and making objects as big as buildings disappear might be difficult. But it would be ideal for hiding a tank."

Now what could we do with one of those?D

Blue Peter viewers will be offered the chance to win a speaking part in the third season of the revived Doctor Who.
The competition will be launched on Monday, according to The Sun, with aspiring young actors being encouraged to make an audition tape and send it in. These will then be judged by Tardis-dweller David Tennant and executive producer Russell T Davies. Only under-14's will be able to enter.
Blue Peter has a long history of ties with Doctor Who. Former presenters Peter Purves, Sarah Greene, Janet Ellis and Christopher Wenner all had roles in the original run of the sci-fi drama, while many Doctors and monsters have appeared on Blue Peter.
Last year, nine-year-old viewer William Grantham won a competition to design a monster for the revived series. This materialised in the episode 'Love and Monsters', where his Absorbaloff creation was portrayed by comedian Peter Kay. There were a total of 43,920 entries - the most for a Blue Peter competition since 1993.

Now how can I pass myself of as a thirteen year old... unless I can say that I was in a weird time accident that made me look twice my age...

A great song by spoof song star Luke Ski, why did they cancel Firefly?!

In an interview with Sci-fi Wire Russell T. Davies, executive producer of Doctor Who, revealed that the show's third series will feature William Shakespeare.

"William Shakespeare (played by Shameless's Dean Lennox Kelly) is going to be in one of the episodes," said Davies. "And I think it's going to be one of those lavish, gorgeous episodes. We're really travelling around the country to get the right locations, because Elizabethan streets are not easy to come by, so the whole crew is going on the road. We're spending three nights in the Globe Theatre, which is the replica of Shakespeare's Globe, so it's a really big shoot. I'm very excited about that one and the script by Gareth Roberts, which is just gorgeous, so that's going to be very exciting."

The problem is... Isn't Shakespeare the most over used "time travel" plot device?

I know I've posted Weird Al a few times but just a quickie clip...

Firstly I'll apologise if this has already been written about further down this blog - I'm a little so busy getting stoned drunk, to catch up on it all tonight.

So who's been watching the original Star Trek at 7 and repeated at 8, every weekday night on the Sci-fi Channel? Hmmmmm?

Fabulous.

What a brilliant way to wind down each night. Just thought I'd mention it on here incase someone has missed it - unlikely I know!

But it's also an excuse to put this animation up!

The Arnold Rimmer Song

We all remember the stars, even the directors at times but a lot of the time we never actually remember the writers...

Joseph Stefano was instrumental in the popularity of one of Sci-Fi's most famous series and also for writing the one star trek episode that made me, as a wee nipper, all emotional.

Stefano was a major influence on cult TV show "The Outer Limits" specifically during it first run, starting in 1963, producing the whole first series and writing a lot of the episodes.

He also discovered long time TV actress Sally Kellerman when he cast her as two different characters across the two series.

Recently he's most famous for creating then co-writing the story "Skin Of Evil" for Star Trek, The Next Generation, the infamous Black Oil Creature episode that killed of Tasha Yar, arguably the first non-red-shirted-ensign character to die in an episode, certainly I'd guess the first cast regular and I know it shocked me, my cynical brain at that time figured if they were in the credits they couldn't die!

His most famous non-sci-fi was writing the screenplay for Psycho and was actually the man responsible for the films big twist, a main character killed off inside 20 minutes! Obviously a precursor to Yar...

Flicking around the Interweb I have found a few things of interest

Torchwood Online

Simonswebsite

Official(?) Torchwood site

According to the BBC The BBC is planning interactive spinoffs for upcoming sci-fi series Torchwood.

So there are lots of things to look forward to

Torchwood due to air this Autumn

Torchwood will follow the adventures of a team of investigators as they use alien technology to solve crime; both alien and human.

"Torchwood is a British sci-fi paranoid thriller, a cop show with a sense of humour," says Davies.

"It's dark, wild and sexy, it's the X Files meets This Life. It's a stand-alone series for adult audiences which will have its own unique identity."

I am looking forward to it too.

From the BBC

"The Doctor and Martha are destined to meet William Shakespeare, blood sucking alien Plasmavores, The Judoon - a clan of galactic stormtroopers and a sinister intelligence at work in 1930's New York."

Returning cast members include John Barrowman who will be making an appearance in the series finale. Guest stars include Anne Reid, Roy Marsden and Don Gilet.

Oh Captain Jack only returns for the Finale

Had to admit some excitement when I saw this on Sci-Fi Online...

In an interview with iF Magazine Avi Arad, an independent producer at Marvel Comics, revealed that he plans to get a new Hulk movie off the ground.

"It’s a 'do-over,'" said Arad. "I loved the Hulk movie. It was just a different approach, and it wasn't exactly the comic. We want to be much closer to the comic. It's what we would rather do. A lot of people are looking forward to the comic-book version of the Hulk. That's the one we are making, and I think it will be incredibly satisfying. It will be big and awesome and a big ride."

Arad also revealed that both a Thor and Black Panther movie are also in the early stages of development. He also said: "We've got a new Wolverine and the X-Men cartoon; it's going to be based on the comics. We're going to do another Sony Spider-Man cartoon. We are probably going to do an Iron Man cartoon after the movie."

It's sad to admit but I'm a huge fan of comic book movies, you only have to say the words "marvel entertainments" in a movie to get me to watch it and, more than likely, get the DVD too...

So, here's a little question, what comic book superhero would you like to see in movie form?

It's not Marvel but I do wonder what they could do with Dan Dare...

Tonight is the Doctor Who Season Finale.
Black Daleks and Cyberman are fightin it out, but what will happen to the earth? Will we be exterminated or deleted?
and what will happen to Rose? seeing as her exit is imminent!

Doctor Who
Sat 8 Jul, 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm 45mins

Doomsday

Two mighty armies wage war across the Earth, with the human race caught in the middle. But as an unstoppable terror emerges from beneath Torchwood, the Doctor faces an even greater dilemma - does saving the world mean the death of Rose Tyler? [AD,S]

It's gonna be a blast!

Once again I think it is fair to warn all Doctor Who Fans that there is a possibility that there may be schedule changes if the Football (Engerland!!!) runs into extra time and penalties! SO if you are setting the video, bear this in mind. Cos its not an episode you will want to miss!

Doctor Who
Sat 1 Jul, 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm 45mins

The human race rejoices as the ghosts of loved ones return home in the latest adventure from the nation's favourite time traveller. But as the Doctor, Rose and Jackie investigate the Torchwood Tower, the whole of modern-day Earth threatens to fall to an almighty invasion force. [AD,S]

This post is mourning the loss of a great sci-fi artist, one that changed the face of the movie poster business.

Now, the name Tim Hildebrandt might very well not mean too much to you but I bet you'd all recognise the most famous piece of work done by him and his brother...

Sci-fi fan or not, go enjoy the Hildebrandt Brothers official website here for some of best sci-fi art around, done by the brothers and some other artists.

Tim Hildebrandt
1939 - 2006

Tonight is the second part of the wicked two parter started last week with the Fantastic 'The Impossible Planet'

The Satan Pit

As Rose battles the murderous Ood, the Doctor finds his every belief being challenged to the core, as the Pit beckons. With the planet threatening to fall into the Black Hole, the Doctor must make the ultimate sacrifice - but can he save the entire universe from the Beast? [AD,S]

I wonder what the sacrifice is?
There is a rumour that the Daemons from the Jon Pertwee era are involved!

....Engage cloaking device!

Read on Sci-Fi Online:

In the world of Star Trek the Federation is banned by treaty from developing its own "cloaking device". But in the real world, two scientists have already started work on technology that could lead to our own real-life cloaking device.

Nicolae Nicorovici of the University of Sydney and Graeme Milton of the University of Utah have published a paper that offers a theoretical way to achieve "cloaking effects." The paper reveals that by placing objects close to a "superlens" it can render them invisible. The theory is based on the concept of "anomalous localised resonance," which is similar in principle to holding a tuning fork near a wine glass making it vibrate at the same frequency. The cloaking effect would exploit a similar resonance with light waves.

A "superlens" is an optical device made of exotic materials to provide magnification on nano-levels, and apparently a small object in close proximity to such a device, under certain conditions, can induce a resonance in the superlens material that cancels out the light bouncing off the object. Thus, the object is made invisible.

Right now the theoretical cloaking effect only works at certain frequencies of light, and the scientists are only talking in terms of objects the size of dust specks. But it's a start. If their theory holds up, one can imagine new materials in the future which can be manipulated at will to resonate light in certain ways so as to make large objects fade from view, in both the visible and electromagnetic spectrums.

So, what would you use a cloaking device for?

Personally I'd use it to sneak into the management meeting at work and find out what it is they actually talk about... and whether it's me...

It's also two ST inventions people reckon they can make for real, phasers and a cloaking device.

What sci fi toy would you like to get your hands on a working version of?

After the, in my opinion, slightly disappointing Idiots Lantern episode from last week Rossell T Davies has said that the next episode is set to be the scariest yet.
Coming up is a two-parter, The Impossible Planet and Satan's Pit and features the mysterious Ood.

DOCTOR Who executive producer RUSSELL T DAVIES has labelled the show's latest monster the scariest. He thinks audiences will be shaken with fear by the Ood - a tentacled alien with evil red eyes and a "translation ball" attached to its chest. The creature will appear for the first time in Saturday's episode.

It's one I'm looking forward to... again.

Another post that's come from a chat with out resident beautiful brain...

If you got given the offer of cybernetic implants, would you?

I'm not talking full on borgification here, just little things like a cybernetic arm, legs, eyes?

If it was un-noticable and I needed it I probably would, I've got no real worries if the procedures had been tested.

Plus... well, having super strength or infa red night vision... how cool?!

So, would you do it? and if you would, where would you draw the line.

Doctor Who
Sat 20 May, 6:35 pm - 7:25 pm 50mins

The Age of Steel

The Cybermen take control of London and start converting the populace. While Jackie falls under Lumic's control, the Doctor, Rose and Mickey are reduced to fugitives in a world of terror. A last, desperate attack on the Cyberfactory is their only chance - but will they all survive?

And it is listed as 50 mins.....

Firefly fans want to send a message to Universal.

Whilst wondering past a new-agey-comic-type-shop (what are they called) in an area I used to live in, I spotted through the grated window (this is a BNP area afterall), a Futurama Comic book.

Now, is it just me?

Or is that really sad?

'Cos I want permission to go back and buy one

Due to the cup final (Phew) Doctor Who is now on at 7:20

Tonight on BBC1

7:00 pm
Doctor Who
Rise of the Cybermen: Britain faces the ultimate upgrade. The Tardis is trapped on a sinister parallel Earth where Rose's father still lives. The Doctor's old enemy is about to be reborn.

Looking forward to this one. It is set in a parallel universe so we get to see characters in a different guise especially Jackie and Pete Tyler. In this universe, they decided not to have kids so there is no alternative Rose, I think.

Plot: The Doctor, Rose and Mickey arrive on a space ship in the 51st Century. It is falling to bits and is not moving, despite the fact that it is creating an awful lot of power. The Doctor finds a fireplace in the space ship that connects to France in the Eighteenth Century- and finds the child Madam de Pompadour being stalked by a clockwork man from the space ship. In fact there are many time windows fomr the ship to France and each one is monitoring Madam de Pompadour. The robots are waiting for to come of age; they need her brain to mend the ship.
My thought: This was beautifully shot and directed with some more great script building on the messages from the previous episode. IE the Mistress tells Rose that travelling with the doctor is worth the monsters, like Sarah said last week it was worth the heartbreak. Also when they touched minds, part of the Doctor's loneliness came out again- is this leading towards something? the return of the time lords perhaps? The whole fireplace thing smacked a little bit of Narnia; as in time moved quicker one side than the other- but that made the ending much more poignant. What has irritated me slightly is the 'quick fix' solution endings such as 'oh the original fireplace still works after all- it was just faulty wiring- but I suppose they have to end it somehow and there is only 45mins.
On the whole very good.
Best Bit: The bedroom scene with the child and the monster under the bed. And the touching of minds dialogue
Score; 7/10

Discuss...

DrWho:2.3
School Reunion
Plot: The Doctor and Rose are undercover at Deffry vale high school because three months after UFO sightings, kids are getting sick, staff have mysteriously been replaced and results are going through the roof. Also investigating is Reporter Sarah Jane Smith, and ex-assistant of the Doctor's. It turns out tht the school is being invaded by the Krillitanes who are using the kids to break the God Cypher. If they can break it, they will be able to recreate life and matter in whatever form they like. But the Doctor is gonna stop them, and this time he has help, from another old assistant; K-9!
My thoughts: Yippee! wasn't it good to see K9 again. And I'm glad they didn't kill it off! The writing for Sarah was superb, and showed how life after the Doctor is similar to bereavement. The jealous bickering between Rose and Sarah was wall written and acted. Especially wit the 'who's seen the best monster' scene. But it was also very poignant as Rose, who has now seen her future,had to decide whether to carry on traveling with him. But as Sarah said "Some things are worth getting your heart broken for"
Another good twist was the fact that Mickey is now joining the crew. This will change the dynamic of the crew.
On the whole a great episode if a little Scooby Doo in places, and Tony Head made a creepy baddie!
Best bits: The Rose/Sarah dialogue and K-9- Good dog! Affirmative!
Score: 8/10

Coming today
The girl in the fireplace

Madame de Pompadour finds the court at Versailles under attack from sinister clockwork killers. Her only hope of salvation lies with the man who has haunted her dreams since childhood - a mysterious stranger known only as the Doctor. Can a broken clock summon the Lord of Time?

This episode is intriguing. I like the look of the set and costumes and will be interested how they will merge the future and the past together.

OK, here's another little challenge from the blog that brought you "Best Robot" and "Hottest Babe or Hunk".

You have an open choice from every single sci-fi show around to make yourself a crew to fly your ship, who, out of all the possibilities would you pick?

They can be from different shows, different eras etc, you need:

Captain
Second in command
Pilot
Security Officer
Science Officer
Engineer
Doctor

Go for it people!

Oh and Hobbit? You can't have Jayne Cobb for ALL of them...

PS, mine?

Captain - Picard
Second in command - Beka Valentine
Pilot - Luke Skywalker
Security Officer - Ellen Ripley
Science Officer - Dr Who
Engineer - Brains
Doctor - The holographic Doctor from Voyager

Doctor Who
School Reunion: A London school is haunted by strange, bat-like creatures at night. But when the Doctor investigates, he finds an old friend, Sarah Jane Smith, already working undercover.

Its the Day K-9 comes back
And if you watch the tardisode, you will see Mickey being denied access by Torchwood. These references are blatant now- not quite as mystifying as the Bad Wolf Scenario... but what is it all leading to... The Silver Devastation perhaps?

Discuss thoughts here

Have you seen this bit of news? Sent to me by lifes_lessons...

The new Star Trek.

OK, the last two answers on the sci-fi quiz have gone on for so long it's fallen right off the board so I'm posting them here for those that might want to know.

This is the full quote that is in Dune:

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. where t