rick@seismo.UUCP (Rick Adams) (04/03/85)
This did not make it to Usenet because it was only provided in digest form.
SF-LOVERS Digest Monday, 1 Apr 1985 Volume 10 : Issue 109.5
Today's Topics:
Books - Adams & Asprin & Bradley & Niven &
A Book Request & Book Request Answered,
Films - Dr. Who & Star Trek IV & Movie Review
Television - Dr. Who & 60's Show Request,
Miscellaneous - New SF Book Club
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 1 Apr 85 09:33:48 EST
From: ny!longisland!novascotia!callahans!robinson@topaz
Subject: New Hitchhiker Book
I saw an interview in a magazine with Doug Adams where he said he
was working on a new book in the Hitchhiker series. The book will
be titled "Cricket, Anyone?". Part of the story will be how Arthur
meets his American cousin, Bucky, and the two of them wind up
traveling through time to Camelot. Anyone else heard about this??
------------------------------
Date: 31 Mar 85 16:30:43 EST
From: SHERMAN@RU-BLUE.ARPA
Subject: Book Review - "The Mythbegotten Danger"
"The Mythbegotten Danger" is the sixth book in the Robert Asprin
series involving the apprentice Skeeve and the Pervert (ah, excuse
me, Prevert!) Ahz. Ahz is, of course, the conniving magicker whom
Dworkin called into the world to impress Skeeve just as an assassin
bumped him off. Since the first novel ("Another Fine Myth") Skeeve
has been getting increasingly mature and competent, so it should
come as no surprise that in this latest novel he gets bored with
living at home (no MTV) and gets his own digs on the far side of the
Bazaar.
However, as anyone who reads this series knows, nothing is ever
simple! Tensions flare between Skeeve and Ahz; so much, in fact,
that Ahz decides to teach Skeeve a lesson in humility and concocts a
scheme to put him in his place... once and for all!
One fine day as Skeeve is out looking for bargains in the Bazaar,
a large and ferocious thing which looks like a milk bottle pours a
few gallons of white sticky fluid all over his tunic. Although
Skeeve is originally polite about the whole incident, anger flares
when he visits Tananda and she informs him of the true nature of the
spill! Enraged, Skeeve grabs a new set of clothes from his small
closet and runs outside, where he is abducted by five Amazons who
don't like men very much. Later that day he is tied down to a giant
cucumber and made to recite cereal commercials while they abuse him.
After a couple of days of this Skeeve begs to be let free. The
leader of the group, Vagenella, says "sure" and coolly castrates
him!!
Dumped in the most dangerous part of town, without money or
clothes (but with plenty of hickeys), Skeeve is forced to disguise
himself as a fashion model in order to earn some extra money for cab
fare. While displaying a pink lace dress with black seam stockings
for a client, a sudden knocking at the door reveals a platoon of
Battledroids who state that Skeeve is wanted for treason by order of
the Imperial Brain-Bot in the district of Eybriem. A tremendous
fight ensues. Skeeve rips his stockings and manages to short
circuit one of the `droids. However the resulting explosion creates
a serious space/time warp which sends them all hurtling into the far
distant future. Then the plot really gets complex, as Skeeve has to
evade the pursuing Battledroids while attempting to banish the
totalitarian leader E-D-Ameen Wajda, a Wombat with a terrible lisp.
By the third chapter matters get totally out of hand, with
virtually every character who has ever been in any of the books
showing up (I refuse to reveal why)!!!
To sum up, a resounding success for Mr. Asprin. By killing one of
the main characters he has gotten himself out of a literary rut and
has shifted the emphasis of the series. Also, the expanded size (640
pages) has enabled extensive character and plot development to take
place, an occurrence which never had a chance at being fulfilled
before. The return of Ahz's power and the resulting clash at the end
make for good reading, although the bloodletting tends to be a bit
excessive. Chapter 45 is particularly endearing, as Luanna and Ahz
marry atop the Love Moat.
*Steve*
------------------------------
Date: 1 Apr 95 21:40:07 EST
From: Charles Hedrick <HEDRICK@RUTGERS.ARPA>
Subject: New Darkover book
This book marks somewhat of a new trend in science fiction, as
well-known hard SF writer Dr. Forward has collaborated with Marian
Zimmer Bradley to produce a book that combines Bradley's typical
swords-and-sorcery outlook with careful handling of scientific
issues. Entitled "Sharra's Revenge", this book deals with the
consequences of psychic power that gets out of control. The book
begins with a group of fanatical feminist Sharra-worshipers who find
an ancient level 13 matrix weapon buried in a cave. Those of you
who are familiar with the Darkover world will know that a level 13
matrix is nothing to fool around with. Unfortunately, the feminist
cabal decides to use the weapon to rid the world of male chauvinist
pigs. Because of the large number of such pigs on Darkover, the
resulting displacement of mass is sufficient to destabilize the star
Darkover. This part of the story is told from the viewpoint of an
astronomer in the Terran research group. One of the most exciting
parts of the book is his brilliant derivation (after 21 pages of
tensor mathematics, which is shown in full) of a new formulation of
Einstein's equation. By using the quantum hagiodynamics of spin 5
bosons, he is able to .... Well, I think I should stop here in order
to avoid a spoiler rating.
------------------------------
Date: 1 Apr 86 10:21:14 EST
From: down!wemadeit!wunderland!lookitthat!jinx!Schaeffer@topaz
Subject: Niven
I just heard on the news on my way into work this morning that
Larry Niven had died. The news reporter said:
"The famous SF author and winner of several Hugo and Nebula awards,
was died this morning. Early reports indicate that he died from
starvation.
"His wife, known to the world as 'Fuzzy Pink' said that for the last
3 months, Larry was eating nothing but the fibrous root of a tree he
had found growing in the yard.
His last words according to his wife were, 'It grew wrong'.
------------------------------
Date: 1 Apr 85 21:19:58 EST
From: ihnp4!allegra!ucb-vax!ut-sally!larry!moe!curly!sri-unix!purdue!d
From: ecvax!cornell!bugs-bunny!ncoast!hplabs!teklabs!mit-vax!seismo!uc
From: la-cs!duke!scgvaxd!harvard!hugo!csi!yale!princeton!fluke!decwrl!
From: coke!pegasus!uw-beaver!mordor!vortex!shasta!ccvaxa!pur-ee!dunce@
From: topaz
Subject: Book Request
I am trying to find a book that I read a few years ago.
Unfortunately I can't remember either the title or the author. All
I remember is that I liked it a lot. Any help in finding it would
be appreciated.
------------------------------
Date: Monday, 1 Apr 1985 03:24:43-PST
From: boyajian%akov68.DEC@decwrl.ARPA
Subject: re: Help me Please!
> I am trying to find a book that I read a few years ago.
> Unfortunately I can't remember either the title or the author.
> All I remember is that I liked it a lot. Any help in finding it
> would be appreciated.
I believe the book you are looking for is "The
Planet-Strappers by Raymond Z. Gallun which was published by Pyramid
books sometime around 1962 if I remember correctly.
--- kaybee (Kerry Boyoboy, DEC, Maynard, MA)
UUCP: {decvax|ihnp4|allegra|ucbvax|...}
!decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-akov68!boyoboy
ARPA: boyoboy%akov68.DEC@DECWRL.ARPA
<"Bibliography is my business">
------------------------------
Date: 1 Apr 85 10:42:21 EST
From: fudd@mit-bugs-bunny
Subject: Dr. Who Film announced
Warner Brothers announced today that they have bought the rights
to do a Dr. Who film. In order to introduce the popular BBC
character to the American film audience he will be paired with
Warner Brothers most popular star. The title of the film will be
"The TARDIS and the Hare."
------------------------------
Date: 1 Apr 85 12:55:17 EST
From: kns%genesis@afterworld
Subject: Star Trek IV
In a recent interview with Harve Bennett on Entertainment Tonight,
he commented about the script he wrote for Star Trek IV : The Trial
of Captain Kirk. According to Bennett:
"I think it will be an excellent film. The fans will be very
surprised to see that Kirk will actually be courtmartialed for his
actions in the previous movie. There will be no cheap escape for
him as in the TV episode 'Courtmartial'. Unfortunately I can say no
more at this time"
****** SPOILER ******
ET also announced that they heard from inside sources at the studio
the following pieces of the plot:
1) Kirk will be sentenced to death and executed as a result of the
trial.
2) Spock will assume command of the new Enterprise but will be
caught once again in a radiation high environment. This time he
will not die but will be put in a wheelchair like his former
commander, Captain Pike. Sarek will state with perfect logic that
while the ancient Vulcans had devised a method for bringing people
back to life they have no way of curing severe radiation burn.
3) Doctor Chapel will dedicate her life to finding a cure for Spock.
4) Dr. McCoy will be killed in a freak transporter accident and his
atoms will be scattered throughout space.
5) Scotty will be so distraught over McCoys death that he goes on a
drinking spree and dies of heart failure.
6) Lieutenant Uhura will marry Mr. Sulu (it will be revealed that
they have been seeing each other secretely over the years.
and finally:
7) Chekov will be assigned as an interpreter to the Melkots.
If these details are true it will probably mean the end of the Star
Trek movies and TV show although the characters may live on in
books. I for one will be glad to see the end of Kirk and Spock.
K. Singh
kns%genesis@afterworld
------------------------------
Date: 1 Apr 85 14:54:34 EST
From: ahutb!leper@topaz (leper)
Subject: Review of new movie
"The Herpes Menace" is the latest project by Paul Bartel, the
very funny guy who made "Eating Raoul" such a scream riot. This time
around Bartel exercises total control of the project: he writes,
directs, produces, stars, and edits this zany science fiction spoof.
Rounding out the cast is Malcom Mcdowell as the clubfooted Swedish
scientist, Mary Steenburgen as the nymphomaniac who eats fish in bed,
and Rip Torn as the health inspector who sells mechanical pencils to
diabetic prostitutes.
The rather obvious plot revolves around Trevor Menlabia
(McDowell), a man who, as a child, was tortured by his deranged
parents; his mother was particularly fond of piercing his nipples
with an old pair of black spiked heels! Menlabia is seen as the
founder of the ominous "Grey Matter Institute," an organization
involved in shady biological research. In a dream sequence
reminescent of those seen in "Eraserhead," Menlabia asks a punk
rocker if she will marry him and explain American foreign policy.
She agree's, but as the eerie music swells, a large polyp emerges
from her Jordache jeans, singing Hungarian love songs and
registering itself as a democrat. Menlabia goes crazy, and in a rage
orders chicken McNuggies from a fast food restaraunt. When next we
see him awake and in the lab, he is concocting a radioactive
suppository which will mutate the standard Herpes virus.
Before you can say `huh?' the small town of Smear (New Jersey!)
is crawling with ravenous Herpes who look like a cross between a
young Annette Funicello and a bowl of lime Jello.
Rick Action (Torn) is sent from California to investigate the odd
happenings, which include mutilations, pet munching, and cross
cultural dating. Soon thereafter he meets up with Alicia Rubble
(Steenburgen), a woman who is a cashier at a very small pharmacy.
The two of them form a somewhat `quirky' relationship while
discussing favorite TV commercials and then things get REALLY
strange!
This film has to be seen to be believed; its daring, its arty,
its hilarious. The acting is right on target. The ONLY complaint
that I have is the length. At just under three hours(!!!) there
should obviously be some major editing to get it down to size. This
is the fault of Mr. Bartel, who is apparently new to this sort of
thing. Go see it when it hits general distribution, it's terrific!
Dark Leper
...ihnp4!ahutb!leper
------------------------------
Date: 1 Apr 85 12:18:04 EST
From: pita@falafel
Subject: Rumor from England
Colin Baker, the actor currently appearing as Dr. Who has been
fired for an undisclosed reason. They have hired actress Jane
Seymour to play the part of the Dr. when the Dr. returns to the BBC
after a 9 month hiatus.
Says John Nathan Turner: "After more than 20 years on the air we
felt it was time for a few changes. The audience is mostly white
males between the ages of 25 and 40 and we thought that we would
give them some of what they are really looking for. Looking at the
flood of letters which arrived here demanding to see more of Peri
(or less) in swimsuits we felt that Ms. Seymour was an obvious
choice for the role of the doctor. The chamelion circuit will once
more break down leaving the TARDIS shaped suspiciously like a
transparent shower stall. We hope this move will also boost the
failing popularity of the show in America."
Mr. Turner refused to comment any further on the events leading up
to these major changes in the show. This will be however be the
first time in the history of the Time Lords that a regeneration will
involve a sex change.
Also announced was a proposed change of times for the show to a
late night time period.
------------------------------
Date: 1 Apr 85 14:25:54 EST
From: ccvaxine!dingbat@topaz
Subject: 60's Nostalgia
On the subject of nostalgic shows, I seem to remember this show
from I think the late 60's that takes place on board this space
ship.
If I remember correctly there were seven or eight main characters
including the captain and a doctor and every week they would
encounter this different alien race or solve this strange scientific
puzzle.
The captain of the ship would always go charging into trouble and
getting bailed out by someone else, usually his science officer who
was an alien or some kind of robot. Oh, and I think he had pointy
ears or something strange like that.
The show really wasn't that good and always had some phony way out
of the problem. I only watched it cause there was nothing else on at
the time. I don't really remember too much about it.
Anyone else remember this show?
dingbat
i8ahp6700!ineeda!ccvaxine!dingbat
------------------------------
Date: 29 Mar 85 12:37:03 EST
From: dun@utah-cs (Dun Seedy)
Subject: SF Book Club
With all of the recent discussion on the SF Book of the Month Club
I thought you might want to hear about the ad I just saw in a recent
copy of "Amusing":
"Announcing the newest addition to the ranks of book of the month
clubs, the all new "Worst Paperback SF Book of the Month".
When you subscribe you will receive each month a listing of the
month's selections which will include the worst books published in
Science Fiction. All you need do is throw away the inclosed
postcard and the books will be forwarded to you automatically. If
you don't wish the main selection or any of the alternates just
write on the back of the postcard "You've got to be kidding, right?"
and drop it in the mail slot. All books will be sent to you under
4th class mail and should arrive in a few short years.
Current main selection include such classics as "The Vulcan
Academy Murders" by Kagan, "Quag Starbrite" by Berry, "The Life,
Times, Troubles and Tribulations of the Lensmen" by Kyle, "The World
According to Warbucks" by Bruce Smith and many more!!
And how much would you expect to pay for books of this quality in
book stores? $3.95? $5.95? $9.95?? Well each book is sent to you
for 90% off of the publisher's price!! This means that most of
these books can be yours for less than a dollar!!
Enroll now in this brand new club."
Dun Seedy University of Utah CS Dept dun@utah-cs.arpa
40 46' 6"N 111 50' 34"W (801) 34C-26-32 decvax!utah-cs!dun
------------------------------
End of SF-LOVERS Digest
***********************leeper@ahutb.UUCP (m.r.leeper) (04/08/85)
My God, one of those articles sounds like MY stuff! I done been parodied! I LOVE IT!!! One thing, in all my reviews, I put the title of the film in full caps in the subject line. Next year get it right. Dark Leper ...ihnp4!ahutb!leper