First Image from Remastered Menagerie Part 2 November 28, 2006
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: TOS Remastered , trackbackCBS has sent over an image of Mojave City from "The Menagerie Part II".
Captain Pike and Vina get a brand new background matte painting
original version
The Remastered Menagerie Part 2 airs this weekend
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It’s really cool to see you guys getting the first dibs on stuff like this :) Trekweb lately has mostly been sucky, a site for people to gush about BSG v. 2.0 and complain about politics to each other.
Kudos to you guys!
actually I like BSG, but thanks for the compliment
Yikes! That one had to be a rotoscoping nightmare with all the leaves and branches. Looks very well done.
WOW.
Anonymous? I guess that’ll teach me to forget to fill in the “name” field. ;)
that is a good point about the rotoscoping. I dont think people realise how painstaking that is. Some of the shots that the folks at CBS are proudest of are the ones that need that frame by frame rotoscoping. I think in the world of greenscreen people think it is just easy to swap things in and out…and it is easy enough when you have the greenscreen.
#2: We all enjoy BSG. It’s just nice to have a site that actually, you know… covers Star Trek news, investigates rumors, occasionally calls someone on the lot… and thereby gains access that leads to lovely little things like this *really* cute image. Hooray for Tony Pascale.
I’ll be curious to see if there is stuff moving in the background like we saw with the Starbase shots. If this is how their work is going to look from now on, I can’t believe there’s anyone who wouldn’t be impressed with it.
Now how long before they overhaul Next Gen?
Awesome!
I like how the boys and girls at CBS Digital don’t chuck out the original effects and whip up new ones for thr heck of it.
Take the original and rework it put in some scale and depth.
Fantastic!
-cs™
Nice work! Amazing how the new background tears the back wall right off that studio and adds some great depth… here’s hoping for a couple of high flying birds way in the distance to really breath life into that gorgeous new background.
I love these kinds of updates.
It doesn’t take away from the story or characters, it simply enhances the viewing experience.
Great Job CBS-D!!!
The new background is really amazing. Is that a paper mache rock at the left? ;)
Thanks for posting the image and thanks to CBS for sending those for everyone to see!
That remastered image really pops! The clarity and color not only look fantastic, but it further reveals the artificial nature of the set. The new matte painting of Mojave is terrific, really adds depth as pointed out earlier. Great work! Wish I had that job!
I like Galactica too, but I agree, I have started to go to trekweb less and less as this site has news on the remastered Trek and new Trek.
Question for you CG guru’s out there…..
It sounds like it is difficult to rotoscope backgrounds frame by frame, especially if there are trees or other semi-transparent obstacles. Is it difficult to rotoscope out a solid surface or color?? For example: In “Amok Time” There is a plain red backdrop used for the sky on Vulcan. The only surrounding obstacles are the rocks and other Vulcan artifacts, additionally, there are no trees or anything really that tricky. Could the folks at CBS digital simply treat the phony red sky as a “greenscreen and rotoscope it out rather quickly and paint in a new sky similar to what we saw on Vulcan for ST:TMP?? Or is the process much more complicated than that?? Thanks in Advance.
Nice! !!! !
:)
For solid colors it is a snap. Redscreens were used in the Harrison Ford film, Air Force one. As long as it is a solid color it can be “punched out” in Combustion and a new matte inserted.
Star Trek: The Next Generation will look STELLAR when compared with this “restore” job. TNG was shot on film, scanned in at a low TV resolution and all effects were mastered in that low-res TV 4:3 video. So, all of the film will have to be re-scanned in true hi-def (1920 X 1080 24P), cleaned and, EVERY FX shot will be brand new!!!!! They have to do it that way because there is no other option.
THAT I cannot wait for. :)
But Sean4000, will that ever happen? As you pointed out, TNG was mastered in standard-def 4:3 video. To do what you’re suggesting, they would have to go back to the original filmed elements (do those even still exist?) and re-edit **the entire series**. That seems rather unlikely.
I did 63 frames of rotoscoping Kirk walking in front of the bridge viewscreen for my “Doomsday Machine” project and let me tell you, it IS a giant pain in the ass. My hat’s off to CBS Digital… that new matte painting/model/whatever of Mojave looks amazing.
^ I thought that the film was destroyed.
Then we will NEVER have high-def TNG. 4:3 video can not be blown up to HD resolutions. The camera negative must exist.
Your “DM” project was on pre-composited elements. in front of a colored uniform screen it IS a snap. Your work was tedious, yes, but not for everything.
Let’s hope the film wasn’t trashed. :(
I thought the thing about that rotoscope work was getting people out of it. I watched Amok Time recently and there are people EVERYWHERE, in every shot. How can they pull this stuff in a week’s time?
LOVE that Mojave backing. Well done Okudas, Rossi and CBS-D! Keep it up!!
The new Mojave background does look spectacular. It brings real depth to the shot. Can’t wait to see it on-screen.
Funny thing, though…it looks like they forgot to fix the faux grass carpeting around the actors. There’s a big, square brown patch exactly in the lower center of the screen. One corner of it even touches the corner of the blanket.
Little oopsy there.
I’m annoyed that folks who were masters and dare I say pioneers of effects ie Ray Harryhausen and others. Are at times dismissive of those who work in CG, they say “oh they just punch some keys on a computer etc.” And their way was the “hard way”, which reminds me of those old farts going on about the young whippersnappers got it too and in my day we had to walk to school through 5 feet of snow!”
No offense to those legends, but damn man those folks bust their nuts just like you guys did. True it is a bit easier now, but at times it just as time consuming and nerve wracking as positioning a model frame by frame.
-cs™
Great scoop Tony!
Ah, yes the picnic on the putting green!
This shot is a perfect example of why Remastered works so well. They are staying with the original aesthetic of the show. I think Lucas failed to recognize what that means to the overall viewing experience when he made his changes to the original STAR WARS trilogy for his Special Editions. Updating FX should augment the experience, not supercede the existing material.
This matte shot of the picnic is a definite product of the 1960’s style that permeates TOS. Is it a completely believable landscape? No, I think it’s obviously an FX shot, but that’s not a problem. It’s a clean shot, it works with the show, it doesn’t bouce me out of watching the important stuff, like the acting. Same goes for the matte shots in The Menagerie Part I, the Starbase 11 shots are perfect in that they keep the same style as the original episode. And herein lies the whole point of Remastered– modern audiences are distracted by terrible FX, and TOS had a whole bunch of those sprinkled throughout. Cleaning up these shots makes for a more enjoyable viewing experience. Nobody at CBS-D is showing off. This is all about making the best show possible.
Thank you CBS-D for your incredbilbe work. Yours is akin to film preservation- you’ve respected the original material and you’re helping TOS last for another 40 years and beyond.
Trekweb who??
This is my home for Trek now. Trekweb is “dead to me”.
LMAO!!!
Anthony…you are THA MAN!!! And CBS Digital is cool as shit!!! I am so glad that that awful matte painting of Mojave City is gone. Even when I was like, five, I thought that looked fake.
And man, the difference in the color between the old and new is like night and day.
Fantastic work CBS!! *drool*
If I remember correctly this particular scene is pretty static (not a lot of camera movement if I recall correctly)…that should have made the rotoscoping job for this sequence easy-ER.
TTM
Since the cityscapes from “The Cage” and “A Taste of Armageddon” were reused throughout the series, I assume they will be changed so each planet will have its distinct architecture? :)
Any chance trekmovie.com could show us these sneak previews in high def?
I wished they could have done something with that fake grassed floor and the multiple shadows cast by studio lighting. That fake rock could have been changed too.
I love the work these guys are going with the FX. I don’t think the new stuff is ‘betraying’ the original work - it’s enhancing the marvellous original designs of the matte artists. The ship shots are also way better . . . now! I certainly see the new fx as restoration!
I can’t wait to see Where No Man . . .
I was once ‘accused’ of being a member of Trekweb by someone here when I disagreed with them over some matter or other.
Personally, this was the first Trek site I came too when news of the return of Kirk brought me back to Star Trek again (I was alienated by the whole thing after the end of Trek VI) and it’s so good that I’m happy to use this as my ‘main’ Trek site and jump to anywhere else as needed! :)
The matte painting of the city is terrific, but it’s amazing how just the bit of bright blue sky peeking out in the upper left corner really opens up and changes the whole feeling of the shot. Beautiful.
#24 - Adam has it exactly right. These new effects absolutely honor and enhance the original aesthetic of the show, and of that time period, turning something many think of as “cheesy” into something new. It’s like the great old SF art from the covers of “Analog” and “Amazing Stories” was made real, and we get to walk around in it.
Cranston.
I’d love to see a return to that classic design aesthetic. Modern technology allows us to walk around in those wonderful imaginary cities. Love Blade Runner and other ‘used future’ movies as I do, I’d love to see the old-style artwork get dug out for 3D CGI adaptation.
No 33 was me, Dom, btw. Sorry! The message box has a habit of leaving the previous poster’s name in that field! :)
Beyond just the new FX on the above shot, I have to say the pic cleanup is wonderful. The colours are astonishing!!
Looks mighty fine to me.
As an aside, I see that some repeats are coming up (”Balance of Terror” among them), and I was wondering: have we heard definitively if they would be going back and remastering the remaster? You know, with the new model and such? Or will that have to wait until later?
@ # 1. I have to agree with # 2. I love BSG and rocks the house.
However, I do have to say. This amazing work and I hope to see lots more of it. And yes, I have also started coming here too as you guys are the only ones with images from the remastered on the net asides form the limited stuff on StarTrek.com.
This Screen shot looks fantastic!!!! It makes me wonder if they are going to do anything with the image of HELL they put in pikes mind when he is disobeying them. It would be cool if they have extending that a bit like the did with the castle in Catspaw.
Cranston,
Right on about Analog. The 50’s and 60’s had some fantastic sci-fi designs. When I look at some of the production sketches from TOS I think “Wow, if they had jsut some money to work with, some of these designs would be amazing.” Now we get to see the culmination of that vision with these episodes.
Dom, I agree with you- this is the only Trek site worth visiting.
StarTrek.com has this up plus a few other things from “The Menagerie.” Saw it here first, though. Love this site. Keep up the great work “AP” and CBS Digital. I truly hope the new model is in the rerun of “Balance of Terror”, but if not, I do hope it is changed for the dvd, as many are claiming they will be doing. I’m ready for the opening credits being RE-remastered, too. Fine, fine work, though.
Has anyone else Downloaded the HD Episodes off of Xbox Live Marketplace yet? I downloaded Miri last night and you should see the show in 720p, it really looks fantastic, only little niggle for some reason they are keeping the effects shots 16×9 and the live action is 4×3, kinda takes you out of the story, but you should see those effects shots in 16×9 wow !
Great work CBS Digital once again.
Just think what other background work these guys are capable of doing if given the chance…
Man, wish I had an Xbox 360, I’d be all over that. Maybe Santa will bring me one for xmas….but I doubt it. As far as the sky of Vulcan goes, or any other colored cyclorama for that matter, I don’t see why they should have to replace the whole sky with something new. I’d be happy if they would just superimpose a couple of slow moving whispy clouds up high, above the actors heads. Or just static clouds, their position, relative to the actors, wouldn’t really change, no matter how the camera moved, if the clouds were miles away. Or maybe a far reaching mountain range off to one side. Anything to break up that solid color. There wouldn’t have to be any rotoscoping at all, especially on things like dropping in some clouds (above the actors heads of course).
I’ve got a 360 but they dont seem to have the episodes to download on the market place here. I wish they’d make these Xbox 360 download’s available on the UK market place, I am dying to see an episode in its full glory.
Absolutely agree with that scenario, jonboc.
Full replacement of backgrounds is unnecessary and probably impractical anyway for this remastering effort…and most likely unwanted by most here…but ever since seeing what the CBS Digital team are capable of, I too would ABSOLUTELY love to see at least a HINT of “distance” and “detail” in certain backgrounds, such as you suggest, AND maybe the odd flying “bird / creature” to add life to the proceedings, or perhaps a hint of exrta “plantlife”.
Oh the possibilities we may yet see…
>re #8 - Now how long before they overhaul Next Gen?
Heck with that, how long before they DE-master ST Enterprise - make it look like it really did take place 100 years before TOS.
I”m looking forward to the Rigel citadel shot.
Fantastic! Man, I wish it was Sunday already! This ‘Star Trek’ show is my favorite new scifi series! ;)
Is it my imagination, or is there a cloud in the upper lefthand corner?
Wow! That really whets the appetite. Nice scoop! Seeing the Cage footage remastered has reminded me of what great production values overall that pilot had. The on-set work certainly compares favorably to a film like “Forbidden Planet” — this scene reminded me of Morbius’ garden, especially now with the new BG and gorgeous colors.
How cool would it be if CBS Paramount were to give “The Menagerie” a limited theatrical release? The new HD production values and enhanced footage would no doubt hold up well on the big screen, and it would even give them a chance to preview their 16:9 ratio they’ve talked-about. Ah well, a man can dream…
Well I think the 16×9 ratio is just the effects as the live footage on the 360 versions are 4×3
I missed that earlier post about the 360, thanks Scarpad. I was just thinking about their previously published statements that the HD discs, when released, would be in that ratio. Which of course means some cropping would occur in the live footage, but I’m curious to see if they could make that work without sacrificing important elements.
Truly beautiful work on this shot. I just wish that the team had the proper time to deal with the remastering…. this image only further convinces me that they can do amazing work if given the chance.
Imagince the “life” that they could bring to other soundstage planets…
To the powers that be, if you can’t spare the time for the television releases, then please give them some additional time before you put out the DVDs!
New shot looks absolutely gorgeous! As far as I’m aware the film elements of TNG were never trashed, but to go back and re-assemble the episodes will be a huge undertaking. However, what they could do is fan favorites at first like Best of Both Worlds.
Please allow me to digitally remaster the great words of THEETrekMaster, presented for your perusal and echoing my sentiments:
Trekweb who??
This is my home for Trek now. Trekweb is “dead to me”.
LMAO!!!
BIG DAWG A.P.…you are THA MAN!!! And CBS Digital is cool as shit!!! I am so glad that that awful matte painting of Mojave City is gone. Even when I was like, five, I thought that looked fake.
And man, the difference in the color between the old and new is like night and day. Fantastic work CBS!! *drool*
best!!
=h=
#53 Jeff,
Excellent idea re: remastering specific episodes of TNG. The Best of Both Worlds was the best TNG movie ever made (albeit a TV movie!) and imagine with updated FX what that show could look like. Maybe show a little of the battle at Wolf 359? Well, maybe the build-up, with the fleet amassing, etc. Dramatically, it was awesome to have the Enterprise not know until after the fact that the fleet was decimated (not until she arrived to see the space graveyard left in the battle’s wake). Man, a new Best of Both Worlds would make straight cash if sold on DVD. Paramount, I know you’re reading this, so hop to it!
The CBS team is showing time and time again that they are using the sensibilities of museum curators in dealing with this project.
They respect the material, and they are actually listening to constructive criticism and using it to better the product of their efforts!
After the years of the arrogant and counter-productive “we know it all” attitude of the producers of VOY and ENT, I’m damn impressed.
Remastering and enhancing Star Trek equates to polishing a tarnished diamond, bringing out the inherent beauty.
Remastering and enhancing any of the successor series equates to spraying perfume on a pig.
IDIC
#58 John…
I agree John, and wish others would practice that thought too. I am fine with constructive criticism. Not criticism that is pointless.
“Excellent idea re: remastering specific episodes of TNG. The Best of Both Worlds was the best TNG movie ever made (albeit a TV movie!) and imagine with updated FX what that show could look like. Maybe show a little of the battle at Wolf 359? Well, maybe the build-up, with the fleet amassing, etc. Dramatically, it was awesome to have the Enterprise not know until after the fact that the fleet was decimated (not until she arrived to see the space graveyard left in the battle’s wake). Man, a new Best of Both Worlds would make straight cash if sold on DVD. Paramount, I know you’re reading this, so hop to it!”
Yeahhhh…but then you’d have to CG new Borg in there because they aren’t consistent in appearance to the ones in later shows like Voyager and Enterprise. So what do you say to that?!
*tongue planted firmly in cheek*
TTM
#54
I don’t recall you requesting useage of my commentary for remastering! HAHAHAHHA!!!
Expect a call from the People’s Lawyer.
Today’s episode: My Star Trek Remastered post was Illegally Remastered! HAHAHAAHAHA!!!
Nah, it’s all cool #54. I am honored to have someone use one of my posts for reference! Aside from Anthony…you are THA MAN!!!!
Live Long and Prosper!
Erm…why do we need to remaster any series other than TOS?
Maybe the first and second seasons of TNG could use remastering…but the rest of Trek is OK — in my opinion.
If you want to see the battle of Wolf 359, watch the first few minutes of the DS9 pilot. I doubt they would add anything to the Best of Both Worlds anyway…at the most they would re-do what is already there.
And I think those FX still hold up. There’s no point in redoing something just for the sake of redoing it.
TTM
#38
Great idea on the scene when Pike is in Hell. They could do something really scary there with a background full of fire and lava or even some lava “geysers” if you will.
#43, #45
Regarding the shots in Amok Time….I agree that the entire sky does not need to be redone, simply put some clouds or peaks in there to make it have more depth. Anything they do would be a huge improvement. I would absolutely love to see one of those massive statues from ST:TMP in there though, that would be great!!
“57. Josh - November 29, 2006
Remastering and enhancing Star Trek equates to polishing a tarnished diamond, bringing out the inherent beauty.
Remastering and enhancing any of the successor series equates to spraying perfume on a pig. ”
Well said, Josh.
Perfume on a pig! “Don’t mince words, Josh, how do you REALLY feel?” LOL
And Horn, ditto both those comments on the background enhancements. Pike’s hell never looked all that hellish to me, a little hot and sticky maybe, but not hellish — and the giant statues on Vulcan… well that would just plain rock.
“I would absolutely love to see one of those massive statues from ST:TMP in there though, that would be great!!”
We should be so lucky.
A LOT (if not all) of the planet sets in TOS need some cgi enhancement. Not a single one of those planets should look like a few styrofoam rocks with a cyclorama in the background.
#66 Agreed…. give the team the time they need to do it…
#57 and 64
what about dabbling a bit of perfume on a troll?
The original Rigel matte painting was one of the best ever done. The castle is quite photorealistic, with the sunlight glinting off the golden domes and spires (and notice the light angle matches Jeffrey Hunter’s shadow). If it weren’t for the need to increase the detail for HD, they could almost get away with the original castle and just replace the sky, mountains, and water. The digital matte quality so far has been great so I’m looking forward to the update!
#66- Interesting, your post had me thinking of how they’ll do “Who Mourns for Adonis”!
Not the shot of Apollo growing, but of the temple and the backgrounds of the planet.
Imrahil (poster no 1), I couldn’t agree with you more. Trekweb used to be my homepage, where I would get the latest news. But I’ve changed it to Trekmovie.com, where you can actually get the latest Trek news and have a nice, calm discussion with people… about Star Trek. Whodathunkit?
The small coterie of Trekweb hangers on don’t make anyone feel particulary welcome. It’s just not a nice place to visit and get info anymore, which is sad.
But thank the good Lord for this site!
I’ve been enjoying the remastered episodes and then coming here to check out what people are saying about them to compare experiences, so thanks for the site.
I see that the CBS CGI crew reads these posts, so I wanted to point out something that I would LOVE to see remastered. In “Tomorrow is Yesterday,” the dramatic buildup involves the Enterprise approaching the Sun to have a “sling-shot” maneuver to get back to the 23rd Century. I remember watching it with some non-ST fans and as the crew looked out into the typical black space/white stars Enterprise viewscreen, they said “where’s the sun?,” laughing and mocking the show for the omission. I remember thinking that these people didn’t understand that this was an old show with a tiny budget, so corners had to be cut. Now that has changed- now it can be improved. Let the Sun shine in!
Also, if there’s anything they can do about replacing the stock footage of Captain Christopher’s plane being boarded and then taking off that would make a big difference. Finally, I can’t wait to see the remastered Enterpreise in the atmosphere. How about a momentary closeup of the Enterprise cutting through the clouds?
#70
What I would like to see are more Greek-style buildings in the background. It always seemed odd to me that Apollo’s temple would be the only building around. Sure, he’s the last, but I would think the place would have at least some remains of structures from when the other “Gods” were with him.
#71
“Imrahil (poster no 1), I couldn’t agree with you more. Trekweb used to be my homepage, where I would get the latest news. But I’ve changed it to Trekmovie.com, where you can actually get the latest Trek news and have a nice, calm discussion with people… about Star Trek. Whodathunkit?
The small coterie of Trekweb hangers on don’t make anyone feel particulary welcome. It’s just not a nice place to visit and get info anymore, which is sad.
But thank the good Lord for this site!”
Exactly!!!
There’s a lot of people over at Trekweb that just like to bicker about politics and stuff. And as one person pointed out they spend a lot of time on Galactica.
Trekweb is just not a pleasant place to hang out and discuss Trek. Too many people there can’t resist the urge to act like primadonnas.
Anthony and Trekmovie.com are cleaning Krutzler and Trekweb’s clocks. This site is amazing.
Between this site and Daren’s (shameless plug: http://www.trekenhanced.com) there’s no reason to go back to Trekweb.
TTM
I was leafing through the “Ships of the Line” book the other day, and saw two beautiful paintings…. one was of the jet fighter breaking up in “Tomorrow is Yesterday”, and the other was of Apollo’s hand holding the Enterprise in space in “Who Mourns for Adonis?”.
I hope that the team at CBS digital can look at those paintings for inspiration when it comes to those episodes… :)
#68
I don’t know about christening Trolls Littenbug, but somehow I suspect if salt were poured on you, you’d dissolve. Han muh boogie!
#76
I’ll try it if you will.
I agree with 70, 72 and 73’s comments. “Tomorrow” and “Adonis” could be drool-worthy if re-done as well as the best of the ones done so far. I always wondered why they didn’t film “Adonis” on one of the leftover sets from one of the many Roman epics of the late 50s-early 60s. Poor Apollo has a whole planet, and all he manages to build for himself is a tiny temple and a picnic table!
The climactic scenes in “Tomorrow” could be redone to tell the story so much more clearly and dramatically than in the original. I’m putting my faith in CBS Digital to really do a bang-up job on “Tomorrow is Yesterday.” It’s such a great episode, I’m sure they’ll want to do it proud. I’m not sure I can see an easy way around the stock footage of the — what was it, an F-104? Especially the scramble and take-off stuff. Maybe some updated airborne shots, and the tractor beam break-up.
BTW, great job on the Mojave picnic update, CBS-D. Just fuzz the astroturf panels and call it done!
Scott B out.
#71: The only thing we’re missing now is a good message board. TMR should get one of those. Then we can share the love *outside* comment threads.
#72 Gary
I like the Idea of E cutting through some high clouds… leaving a contrail as she moves up from the planet…
as I have said in the past…I want to add a forum but I need a qualified volunteer…james did you just volunteer to run it?
Unlike TOS, there ARE no original negatives assembled for TNG shows. All the footage was developed and transferred at 480i SD video with 80’s -early 90’s technology. The likelihood of ALL the negatives still existing and in good shape and even found and then re-edited? Not gonna happen…
MAYBE for a few eps. but not for seven seasons worth…
#21
“Funny thing, though…it looks like they forgot to fix the faux grass carpeting around the actors. There’s a big, square brown patch exactly in the lower center of the screen. One corner of it even touches the corner of the blanket.”
Actually, since in the 22nd Century Mojave, CA is STILL being terraformed from its current Class “Y” (Hell Planet) environmental conditions, natural turf has yet to be able to take root in the desert soil — and AstroTurf IS the ‘grass’ of choice in the outlying parkbelts.
(I had a close relative that lived in ‘High Desert’ area — Lancaster, to be precise — and when she was still living there, gave me a great perspective on life in the CA Mojave/Lancaster/Palmdale/Edwards AFB/ Ridgecrest areas …so, no insult to current residents, but, let’s face it: Mojave is….)
Kudos to CBS, tho’.
#58. John N - I just got it! Too, too funny…
IDIC
Infinite D**kheads In Infinite Combinations
But seriously, this is such a great site. And without kissing Anthony’s ass, he and other contributors do a superlative job at supplying Star Trek fans with wonderful information, terrific images and fascinating insight to the TOS Re-mastered Project as well as the upcoming feature.
Having a difference of opinion about Star Trek is one thing… or even some good natured ribbing as a result of that difference but after reading some of the threads over the last few months… My god!
Some posters are very nonchalant and deferential in their approach to those differences… Others are filled with self-important certitude and a sense of “absolutism”… A few try a little humor to diffuse controversy or friction… All in all an interesting cross section of personalities, temperaments and passions.
But sometimes the threads are so negative… mean-spirited… condescending… and tiring.
My sophomoric (or moronic) play on the above Vulcan mantra notwithstanding, please let’s try to be respectful… kind… tolerant… at least, pretend to enjoy the commentary of people that all share a common love for Star Trek (no matter what the version) even when they don’t agree with our own notions of the “perfect” Star Trek. Please.
It is, after all, just a TV show.
#84 - Herbert Eyes Wide Open
Agreed… Anthony and the other contributors deserve all of the kudos we can muster…
With regards to the remainder of your post, I’ve decided that rather than get suckered into that mean-spiritedness, that every time I feel the urge, I’ll just choose to respond with “IDIC”.
I have my own acronym for it… not quite the one you came up with, but it does give me some sense of satisfaction… :)
Unfortunately, Anthony has disabled duplicate postings, so I can only use that once per article, regardless of the number of times I feel the urge…
“I always wondered why they didn’t film “Adonis” on one of the leftover sets from one of the many Roman epics of the late 50s-early 60s. Poor Apollo has a whole planet, and all he manages to build for himself is a tiny temple and a picnic table!”
LMAO!!!! Oh man, that was funny! And true!
With CGI, he should have a whole Greko-Roman city on the premises. Anyway, I think that would be cool. CBS Digital are you listening? Poor Apollo needs more than a picnic table and one wimpy temple.
TTM
#58 and 84
I’ve got an equally smug and condescending acronym for you, nothing wrong with the law of reciprocity now is there…
F. Y. B.
And the B is Both.
How bout dem apples?
You should have left me guessing with the B… I came up with something more inventive… :)
Ah, the bickering, the pissed-off tirades, the whining… feels like holiday time with the family… ;)
#89- Lao3D
I’m above all that now… I’ve been to anger management… lol
IDIC
Hey now! It’s starting to feel like Trekweb in here.
Serenity now! Serenity now!
Peace…live long and prosper.
TTM
lol… don’t look at me… I’m all about “serenity now”… :)
FYB = Forbearance Yields Balance
#87 You’re a mean one, Mr Grinch…
IDIC
Trek Web’s only problem is, all people talk about is BattleShit Yawnica.
If I wanted to watch thinly veiled military allusions and post modern anti-optimistic Toffleresque’ musings on what constitutes liberty and freedom in the face of tyranny, I’d watch Fox news and pretend the anchors are actual people and not re-animated accountants with someones hand up their ass. Jim Henson would be ashamed.
Fox News = Landru
Peace to you brother, happiness, and contentment.
Are you of the body brother?
IDIC…. :)
Obviously a Fox News fan ;)
again I must ask people to stop the personal attacks…and Josh you have been warned before
I do not have time to read everything and police the threads but it is important to maintain a higher level of discussion. I really dont want to have to ban any more people so tone it down people
nah-nah-nah-nah-nah… Josh got in trouble.
That would come under the category of “good natured ribbing.”
Oh don’t pick on Josh!
Sure, he arrogant, condescending and filled with “self-important certitude” but he’s such a good writer and his musings are always so pithy.
“Jim Henson would be ashamed.”… Priceless stuff!
Anthony,
I am done… thanks for the reminder. I’ll abide by the truce. I will just have to be selective of the posters I read. I know who’s opinion matters to me and the rest are water under the troll bridge.
#99 (snicker..)
#98 Anthony, agreed.
As long as they play nice, I will too.
Thanks for the site.
See…Anthony IS tha…MAN!!!
I agree…no more fighting here. This is not Trekweb! LMAO!!!
Don’t make me go all moderator on you! LOL
TTM
#92
LMAO!!! Preach on my Trekian brother!
#104
Glad I could give you a chuckle…. :)
#87. Josh - F.Y.B.?… mmmm, F.Y.B.?? “And the B is Both”… mmmmm?
What could you mean?
Forgive You Both! That’s it, isn’t it?
You forgive us both… You are a paragon of virtue.
Thank you. Truly, thank you.
careful Herb, pushing the envelope…lol
Clearly a double edged sword and bit of hypocrisy going on in the area of forum moderation I daresay Anthony.
Where are the comments singling out those who initiate saber rattling, as opposed to those who respond in kind?
Evidently insult under the auspice of innuendo is acceptable, yet the more direct approach is frowned upon.
Most dissapointing.
If one is to be treated as a third grader, it only stands to reason one should behave as a third grader.
#94
“Battlesh!t Yawnika” LOL!!
I watched several episodes of that garbage. I waited and waited for something to happen, eventually it got to the point I didn’t even care.
That being said, if the original BSG got re-mastered and kept honest to original effects, they might have something there. None of this wobbley camera crap and fast zoom in home camcorder s–t they have on the new one.
The new Battlestar Galactica is the best television sci-fi since the original Trek.
Let the flaming begin… :)
(Serenity now)
#108 Josh,
Yes, it’s very disappointing.
You are far from the innocent party in this latest war of the words. The insights you bring to the conversations don’t outweigh your attitude or the way you treat others and their opinions. I don’t need to go post by post, you know what you’ve said and the thought behind it. You have brought this onto yourself.
I’d suggest you DO go back and think about what you’ve said. Read some of it with fresh eyes and ask yourself… if someone said that to me or of my post, would I like it? You like to incite arguments with little comments that don’t belong here.
If one is to be treated like a third grader, …behave like an adult and prove them wrong.
Anthony,
I do expect to be banned from the site for this. I’ve just started reading your stuff and I am excited about the future of Trek again and about your site. But I cannot stand to see it being degraded in the posts like this. I’ll understand any decision you’ll make. I just ask that your decision be applied equally.
Everyone else… my apologies.
Orbitalic
#111 - Orbitalic
If you get banned for that, then I swear that I’ll never post here again.
Cheers.
Thanks John.
#75 John,
BTW, I saw the pic of Apollo’s hand you noted. THAT is a cool idea for that episode’s remaster.
Thanks Orbitalic… I didn’t think that anyone was going to respond to that post… :)
#111
“I just ask that your decision be applied equally.”
That’s essentially what I said, and all that I ask.
As to my approach and how I interact with others, what I resent is being made an example of, for something everyone else does, rather routinely I might add.
A prime example is the followup posts to Anthony’s comment, I count no less than 5 attack posts, and yet, where are the making an example of posts for each of those inflammatory comments?
Precisely.
^^^^^^
If I am to be damned for thinking and pointing out on here that any incarnation of Star Trek after the original sucks, and that just happens to offend fans of those series,
then I’ll most gladly be damned.
Censorship is rarely if ever the satisfactory catalyst to maintaining the status qou.
Thank you for the below comments. I’m not sure what filmakers are trying to accomplish with wobbly cameras and quick zooms and music video quick cuts and all that, but to me, it makes programs unwatchable. It comes across as sloppy and cheap and an attempt to put energy into a show that has none.
” #94
“Battlesh!t Yawnika” LOL!!
I watched several episodes of that garbage. I waited and waited for something to happen, eventually it got to the point I didn’t even care.
That being said, if the original BSG got re-mastered and kept honest to original effects, they might have something there. None of this wobbley camera crap and fast zoom in home camcorder s–t they have on the new one.”
Sorry, my above comments were directed to Horn #109. That’s who I meant to thank.
#’s 116 & 117. Josh - I am not damning you for your opinions… My consternation surrounds the manner in which your opinions are offered.
Anybody who has read these posts over the last few months knows that you dislike all incarnations of Star Trek other than original series and it’s subsequent feature films. And that is fine…
But when someone makes a positive comment about any Star Trek other than TOS, you are harsh and deliberate to state your negative comment about same. Invariably, your post is contrasted in such a manner to make the individual feel small or foolish for liking TNG or DS9 or Voyager or Enterprise.
There is no quarter given… there is no mid-ground… there is no overture “to agree to disagree.”
You are obviously someone who is very intelligent… very literate… socially and politically well-informed… and you know a huge amount about TOS. I’ve enjoyed, on many occasions, reading your insights about the show and this Re-mastered Project, as well as some of the interesting bits of trivia or history you’ve contributed.
Further, you write well… very well. There is a logic and cohesion to much of your offerings that has made me stop and think… and re-evaluate my thoughts about a particular subject. You wield the pen with great skill.
However, there are enough times that elegant pen you wield turns into a stick… and the deftness of your touch turns to the act of bludgeoning… without the lightness of humor or civility or kindness.
I for one would not like you to be banned… I honestly enjoy reading your posts. And I don’t want you to be censored. I just want your seething hatred for anything other than the original series to be less inflammatory.
And if these comments ban me, so be it. Thanks, Anthony. I’ll still look in on this site because it is more than worthwhile.
#94. Josh - One more thing…
Even though I enjoy the show tremendously and I think it is a very different, compelling Science Fiction drama…
“Battleshit Yawnica” is very, very funny turn of the name and made me laugh out loud.
Of course, the admission of liking Galactica may get me banned from this site.
no one is being banned right now…especially for liking nBSG which is great scifi TV.
I just want things to be at least semi civil…I have had to only remove a tiny number of people from the site and do not relish it.
I enjoy debates and discussions, but at times some people seem to go beyond that and seem to be here to attack and belittle others. That is all I want to stop. If Hitch can learn to behave then anyone can…and he seems to have been housebroken.
Josh,
I’ve said my peace already, but I’d like to echo Herbert in #120. He said it very well.
Anthony, thanks for the reprieve.
Orbitalic
It’s time to move on and get this permanently behind us.
Strange as it may sound, “The Cage” is still one of my all time favorite Star Trek episodes. I will be excited to see the episode again, after it’s been remastered.
I think if Jeffrey Hunter had continued in the series, he would have made a believable and interesting starship captain. His portrayal of Capt. Pike reminds me more of the stoic and serious character of Capt. Picard, than that of character of Capt. Kirk. Kirk was definately more the “ladies man”!
Maybe most here won’t agree, but I think the special effects and alien characters from the original pilot still look great, and hold up quite well even after 40 years. But it’s good to see that the few effects that did look obviously dated, have already been improved in the remastered Menagerie episodes.
One of the things I liked about the original pilot, that I never saw again in TOS, was the use of uniform jackets/coats and gear packs for the landing parties.
Gosh what a concept that a landing party might need to wear a jacket and carry some extra gear on some God forsaken and cold planet! I think that added to the believability of the original episode.
I remember the episode where Sulu is stuck on some styrofoam planet, freezing his ass off, because the often unreliable transporter was busted again. I bet he wished he had one of the comfy jackets from the pilot episode!
You would think if you are going to be beaming down to some unexplored and possibly hostile planet, you would bring more thank just your spandex uniform, communicator, tricorders and phasers!
How about: jackets, gloves, food, water, emergency supplies etc??!!! Maybe even that phaser rifle that disappeared after the second pilot!
I think the crew of Captain Kirk’s Enterprise could have learned a thing or two from Pike’s crew!
I really enjoy this site and find the “squabbling” funny too!
Mike :o
Look what they did in later seasons of TNG… they put Picard in that jacket when he went on an away mission!
i love you trek fans!
#120
I wouldn’t necessarily characterize it as a seething hatred of any Trek other than TOS, more accurately perhaps a profound regret, surely unanimous, since these subsequent series are responsible for the seeming temporary demise and progressive decline of Trek.
The further away Trek got from TOS, the less successful it was.
Can this truly be debated in good conscience?
It would be interesting to see how someone could in good conscience infact refute my assertion based on, well, where we are now in the state of Star Trek.
Just because someone enjoys something doesn’t mean that it doesn’t suck. I see no glaring contradiction.
I happen to like plenty of films that suck profusely, yet I’m truthful enough with myself to be aware they infact suck gloriously.
Are people that are upset with my posts, upset that I am pointing out the obvious, or upset that they infact truly realize it but are in denial?
On what basis can someone state for example that Voyager’s degree of suckage is not to the Nth degree?
It had it’s entire run and wasn’t cancelled?
Even in a marathon, the last placed guy still finishes.
#128. Josh - Whether or not every version other than TOS sucks isn’t really the point I was trying to make… but I suspect you know that.
You are too bright not to.
You understand exactly the feelings, admonitions and requests directed toward you by me and others.
If you truly do not understand, then I have over-estimated you. And I apologize for that.
In either case… I wish you well and drive safely.
#128 - Josh
I suspect that #129 is right about you. Your post #128 is a red herring, designed to draw attention away from the real issue, and that is this:
Whether you feel (and I emphasize feel, as it’s only your opinion, not fact) that you are correct or not does not give you permission to be an ass about it.
If I ‘feel’ that my friends wife is ugly, and all of our mutual friends ‘feel’ that his wife is ugly, and it’s unanimously accepted within this community of friends that we all ‘feel’ this way, that STILL wouldn’t t make it acceptable for me to call her a pig to their faces.
Despite what you would have us believe, it’s not censorship. It’s civility.
ref #125 - Jacket or no jacket, one thing I like about The Cage and the Star Trek series is that they called the landing party “Landing Party” instead of that stupid “Away Team” designation.
131. Stanky - BINGO!!! The term “Landing Party” has a proud Naval tradition that dates back to the Civil War. A little history if anyone is interested…
http://www.usnlp.org
Star Trek in all it’s versions is replete with Naval reference but TOS did it best.
I am truly not being a rabble-rouser but that is another reason TOS resonates with so many. Tradition and history can be powerful magnets.
Speaking of which …
Was it Das Boot, U-571 or both where I heard a German submarine commander call his first officer “Nummer Eins” (Number One)?
#128
So if I understand correctly, “Josh-opinions” are the universal truth and are not to be questioned. And what I like, or “Joe-next-door” likes, are the opinions of the “merely-human” and are subject to thesaurus-driven criticism?
“Are people that are upset with my posts, upset that I am pointing out the obvious, or upset that they infact truly realize it but are in denial?”
…. hmmm, nice try at defining the disagreement to your advantage. Could that be translated as…
“Are people that are upset with my posts, upset that I am right, or upset that they know I am right but they can’t admit it?”
You read the posts and know very well why people (not just one) are asking you to be civil. If not, read them again.
This is no longer a misunderstanding, in my opinion. It’s an attempt to derail the posts for more attention. I cannot fathom anyone being self-centered enough to believe theirs is the only opinion that matters and to find any opportunity to trash something they dislike… over and over again, even if it’s not remotely close to the topic.
I am sure I could continue the rant… easily. But why? If you are true to form, you’ll pick out what you want to address, possibly even attempt to tell me where to go or how to get there. Or, as I have seen happen in other threads where someone addressed your “concerns”..you just don’t answer.
Anthony, boot me… I don’t care.
#134 - Orbitalic
You’re not alone. I’m guilty of thinking everything that you just typed, so if you go, I should go.
Thanks for the support John.
will you people stop throwing yourself on the ban grenade!!!
Josh, as others have suggested…it is important for you to understand the difference between an opinion and a fact. And if you cannot grasp that issue then just learn some civility.
and that is the last I am going to say on this fued
Anthony.. Not trying to make your life tough….
lol… sorry Anthony… I was just trying to show solidarity with Orbitalic.
From what I can tell, you’re not the knee-jerk reaction type of guy, and I think that it would take QUITE a bit before you actually resorted to banning ANYONE.
Uh-oh… now I’ll be called an ass-kisser… :)
Geeeez! Let’s title the next discussion here on Trekmovie.com- “Star Trek according to Josh!”
This way all those ST “fanatics” and “know it alls” that worship TOS can have a forum and blog all too themselves!
The verbal jousting was humorous for awhile, but it’s quickly ruining these threads for me. (I wonder if I’m not the only one who feels this way.) A few individuals are really taking the “fun” out of this site….
I think it’s time Anthony Pascale set his phaser on “kill” and starting clearing house of all those that can’t play “nice” in the Star Trek “sandbox”….
Mike :o
#128: “Are people that are upset with my posts, upset that I am pointing out the obvious, or upset that they infact truly realize it but are in denial?”
Even Spock would roll his eyes at that false dichotomy.
#141… Good to see another Iowa face, Tukla
And yet for all the hyperbolic rhetoric, I have yet to see one post addressing the issue that Star Trek followup series suck. I see no defense of these series.
No, on the contrary, like any good typical Republican demonstrates, when ideas are exhausted, invariably the only form of expressionism is to attack.
So essentially as opposed to someone attempting to debate the merits of why they enjoy these successor series, it has become about me, crying incessantly that I’m harsh, that I speak in absolutes, that I am not civil, etc. ad nauseum.
Here’s an idea, if you disagree with my “universal truths”, grow a pair and debate the subject with hair on your chest, as opposed to crying how injusticed you feel by my posts. Me thinks people doth protest too much.
Evidently I have struck a chord, lest people not care either way.
If my comments offend so very much, instead of crying to the site administrators explain why the followup series DON’T suck.
You see that’s what happens on forums when people incite suppression of ideas and expression, it becomes a veritable cesspool of circle jerking and “Yes” men perpetually agreeing with one another, sparking no discussion, no challenge, merely an endless tirade of “I agree” and ass kissing.
If you find my posting style offensive, DONT read it.
I love the original series (including the remastered episodes). I like Star Trek: TNG and DS9. I’m not so crazy about Voyager. I really like the fourth season of Enterprise.
All of which has nothing to do with the fact that I wish this board had an “ignore this poster” button so I wouldn’t have to wade through the endless blathering of self-important fools whose novelty has long been exhausted. I ain’t saying that people shouldn’t express their opinions. I am saying that some people have proven that their opinions ain’t not worth my time.
What a surprise! More posts from Josh that have nothing do with the original thread! Josh continues his rants and ramblings ad naseum, as he obviously enjoys the attention he receives here on this site!
For those new to Trekmovie.com, let me introduce you to the “Teachings and Doctrines of Josh.” You will, I’m sure, be reading his pathetic rantings again and again on future threads..
Star Trek Doctrine According to Josh…
#1 The original series (TOS) is the only “true” Star Trek series. Anyone that disagrees with me simply SUCKS.
#2 Anyone who likes TNG, DS9, Voyager, or God forbid Enterprise, and posts any comments in support of these “sucky” spin offs series is a loser, and of course SUCKS!
#3 The only true Star Trek fan is one that loves and worships TOS, and hates and rejects everything that has to do with the spin off series. If you disagree with this, you obviously SUCK!
#4 Free expression on the internet, and especially on this site means that any opinion that I read that contradicts mine is, of course, wrong! My opinions are really facts, and your opinions SUCK! If you don’t agree with me, nothing you can say or write will change my mind, or alter my opinion. I’m always right and you will always be wrong, and of course you SUCK!
#5 There’s no room for spirited, but polite discourse on this site, because anyone not agreeing with my point of view SUCKS, and is not a “worthy” Trek fan. I can’t politely disagree with your point because I’m always right, and all of you are always wrong. Plus you all SUCK!
#6 TOS is my religion and I worship Kirk and Spock. Any series, any character, any Enterprise ship that is not directly related to TOS simply SUCKS, and is not worthy of discussion.
Josh, it’s fans like you that really ruin ST bulletin boards and blogs. I know it’s impossible for you, but if you could ever write a post that was both civil and respectful, you might find people that will have a fun and intelligent discussion with you.
Mike :o
#143. Josh - I just want to be clear…
You don’t like any Star Trek other than TOS? Right? That’s it, isn’t it? Yep, I think I’ve got it.
Waxing political… The problem with too many Republicans AND Democrats is the lack of ability for civil discord. Regardless of ideological differences, we as a country seem to have lost the ability to “agree to disagree” without the implication that those we disagree with are stupid, foolish or evil. But this site is not the place for my ramblings on the polarization of our political system.
Your feigned indignancy, strident tones and continued obfuscation notwithstanding, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt… perhaps you really didn’t “get it.”
I have over-estimated you. Again, my apologies.
#145. MichaelJohn - My guess is your post is going to infuriate Josh but not for the reason you suspect. Although your assertions may be considered inflammatory or harsh (and funny), within the context of this thread they are certainly deserved.
However, the real reason he’ll take utter umbrage is you’ve employed the word “suck” more times than he. You will no doubt hear from his attorney about unfair usage.
Speaking of things legal… Anthony, it might serve you to issue a disclaimer of sorts to those that visit your site. A prefatory warning, if you will… nothing too onerous or filled with unintelligible legalese. Just a little note…
“Thank you for visiting Trekmovie.com. Please be advised that Josh Vance posts on this site. Trekmovie.com is not responsible for, including but not limited to, the accusations, assertions, and tirades, perceived or actual, that any incarnation or support thereof, of Star Trek other than TOS sucks.”
# 145
My God, you are indeed much closer to the concept of truth.
If you continue, you may accidentally achieve enlightment.
I hereby decree thee my accolyte and unofficial advocate for the majestic beauty of Joshisms.
#146
“Infuriate me?” You presume a great deal. The inherent fallacy in overestimation, is invariably the *projection* of internalized rationalization of any given doctrine in a discourse between opposing philosophies, and the subsequent presumption associated with such.
I graciously accept your apology for the shortsightedness.
I’m suprised it took you that long to figure out Star Trek is the only true Trek, I’m encouraged, that implies there is hope for you. :)
Oh and Herbert, you ARE *Herbert*, that’s now man, now.
#148. Josh - Now that’s funny! And it is so now, man… and you got the reference. You’re a bright one, Mr. Vance.
I AM Herbert but with “Eyes Wide Open.”
I’ll be hopeful that on another day, to paraphrase, “the walls tumble down.”
Best wishes and Happy Holidays!
Josh,
It’s never been about how you feel about TOS and the other series Josh, it’s how you treat the people who disagree with you.
You can’t refer to people as cattle, or all the other things you’ve said or implied. Debate is recognizing and understanding the subject and respecting the person you debate.
I told Anthony directly in my posts that I understood I could be booted for what I said. That’s hardly “crying to the site administrators”. It’s always his decision who and HOW the boards run.
Since you still do not yet understand what it is I have the concern about..(since I can only speak for myself), I’ve decided that you aren’t worth my time. I come here for information about one of my favorite things and this “discussion” does nothing to help me.
I suspect I know what you’ll say, and you are sooo good at it… but I no longer care.
#144…. you are so correct
Anthony, Orbitalic, John N, MichaelT, litenbug, Tukla in Iowa, MichaelJohn and anyone else I am remiss in mentioning…
I honestly don’t want this to be construed as ganging up or piling on… all of you wrote what you wrote to Josh for your own reasons.
However, I wish to thank you for your fortitude, your humor, your solidarity and mostly the reaffirmation of the notion that the love of Star Trek is as diverse as the many versions and incarnations that have borne the name.
Not that anyone cares what I think… but I think Star Trek is gonna be just fine.
Also, my apologies to anyone I’ve offended or bored.
Best wishes and Happy Holidays to everyone and be safe!
thanks Herbert, you too.
Happy Holidays to you as well Herbert!
My earlier post was not meant to be “offensive” to any other reader other than Josh, who in my opinion, has offended many regular readers here, including myself.
My deliberate overuse of the “S” word was in response to Josh’s many threads that contained that very same offensive and childish term. If anyone has read other posts I’ve writtten, I’ve always tried to be civil and polite, but Josh seems to be getting a free pass here with the “incediary vile” he has been allowed to post.
I think Anthony P. has already warned Josh on more than one occasion about his postings. His continuous use of the “S” word (see #143) just proves that his antics will continue.
I’m all for lively, friendly debate, but sorry if I’m not willing to give Josh, or any other “rude” poster a break here. There’s no room for mean spirited, offensive and arrogant posts on this site (including the one I just wrote) But hey, that’s just my opinion.
I think Anthony P, or someone else on this site, should simply begin to delete posts that they deem as innappropriate. When necessary, they should remove those individuals that are obviously being inflammatory and disrespectful of other posters.
My point here is about civility, not about suppressing the right of others to post views that are obviously in the minority.
Sorry again for all those that were offended by my earlier post…I was trying to be humorous and facetious regarding Josh’s excessive use of his favorite adjective- the “S” word! (I myself hate that word and like it’s cousin the “F” word, I find it unnecessary to use in my everday speech or writing.)
Enough said on this subject…I will now take Josh’s own advise and simply ignore his future posts.
Mike :o
Long live TOS and DS9!
#155. MichaelJohn
F**KIN’ A, Bubba!
Sorry, just kiddin’… I couldn’t resist… ;)
What is so offensive about the word “SUCKS” exactly?
Often times a dimunitive word will suffice, why spend a sentence being elegant when a simple word like “SUCKS” conveys what is intended.
This a message forum, not a treatise to be graded. ;)
#156 hahahah! Humor is always welcome and appreciated! All is well in the ST Universe!
Long live Spock and Quark!
#157 “You post has been automatically deleted and ignored, thanks for writing……This is a recording”
New here,
Josh always like this? I read this thread and could not believe it.
This guy always speak with a dictionary in his mouth?
It’s from reading the dictionary while on the crapper for years,
you should try it sometime, it’s a good way to pass time while you pass stools.
I highly recommend it.
I always felt concise and to the point was the most effective.
Every once in a while, declare peace. It confuses the hell out of your enemies
#159. Xai
You sure you wanna come in? It can get dark and scary in here…
But seriously, welcome aboard! Without being accused of smooching anyone’s derriere, this is a great site. Anthony, et al. does a fantastic job and the people who post are interesting, fun, well-informed and really love Star Trek… hugely!