Specials to Watch
Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary
Galaxy Quest is the best Star Trek movie ever made. Granted, it wasn't actually a Star Trek movie, but the 1999 sci-fi comedy is all about the power of fandom, especially geeky movie fandom.
A new documentary -- Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary -- celebrates how the meta movie became an enduring fan favorite, and influenced everything from the Star Trek movie reboots to quirky Marvel superhero movies like Guardians of the Galaxy.
This came out last year and it’s just about as funny as the movie.
It goes in depth how all of the elements worked perfectly together. The love for Star Trek is there, as is the high respect for the fans, and if any of that had been handled differently, the tone would’ve been all wrong. We get to learn where the Thermians got their funny walk and Mathesar his unique style of speech.
Sadly Alan Rickman is missing, but most of the cast makes an appearance.
Check out the trailer – then check out the special!
What We Left Behind – Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
What We Left Behind: Looking Back At Star Trek: Deep Space Nine celebrates the 25th anniversary of the self-proclaimed "black sheep" of the Star Trek spin-off series. Often described as dark and edgy, Deep Space Nine was maligned by many fans and critics at the time as a show that did not fit into Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future. But now, two decades after it left the airwaves, Deep Space Nine is being re-discovered by new, younger fans through streaming services, and championed by those who stuck by it from the start.
Also released last year, this documentary was fan-funded. And UI didn't need to see it to be convinced - DS9 was always my favorite of the Trek series.
Most of the actors return to discuss the love they felt for this show, although Avery Brooks is absent. Terry Farrell talks about how both she and the fans were upset when she left in season six. Aron Eisenberg talks about how influential Nog’s role was. (Sadly the actor died last September.) The cast looks great and it’s touching to hear them discuss the show with such passion and love.
At the end, the director and a group of writers brain-storm a potential eighth season episode that leaves you wondering – could it happen?
Here’s the trailer – again, check out the special!
Music Review
This is another band from Sweden. (Does everyone born there possess a high proficiency level of guitar playing?)
Now, power metal is not my normal gig. But the first track was so catchy – great hook and chorus – that I decided to check it out.
If you’re a fan of radio-friendly metal from the 80’s, this album is definitely for you. It has great singing (provided by the male half of the band Amaranthe), huge choruses, and phenomenal guitar playing. There are three solos on this album that are truly epic.
It’s a great band playing catchy music – recommended.
Just wish their name wasn’t so goofy!
Ninja News
The Case of the Karnak Killer by Sean McLachlan
The fourth in the Masked Man of Cairo series.
A scandal in America. A murder in Cairo.
Find it on Amazon
Guidelines and rules:
Word count: 4500-6000
Genre: Science Fiction
Theme: Dark Matter
Submissions accepted: May 6 - September 2, 2020
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (double-spaced, no footers or headers), previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your full contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges.
Our judges: Dan Koboldt, Lynda R. Young, Colleen Oefelein, Damien Larkin, Ion Newcombe, Julie Gwinn, and David Powers King
Alex’s You Rock Award
First, here are the previous recipients of the award, some of whom no longer blog… Arlee, Yvonne, RaShelle, Hannah, Jeffrey, Gail, Rusty, Chuck, George, Jeremy, Matthew, Old Kitty, Ella, M Pax, Roland, Melissa, Robyn, Lynda, Michael, Heather, Stephen, Father Dragon Al, the late Tina, Damyanti, Edi, Karen, Elizabeth, Suze, Susan, Pat, Jo, Michelle, Brandon and Bryan, Christine, Truedessa, Rachna Chhabria, Fundy Blue, Hank Kaykuala, JH Moncrieff, Nilanjana Bos, Liza, Yolanda Renee, Spacer Guy, Elsie Amata, L. Diane Wolfe, Natalie Aguirre,
Sandra Cox, C. Lee McKenzie, Elizabeth Seckman, Magic Love Crow, Birgit, JE Oneil, LG Keltner, Chemist Ken, and Sherry Ellis
And now for the bloggers who have made this journey a heck of a lot better:
Kim posts interesting articles every week and she is very consistent. And dedicated! I know I can always count on Kim, from blog visits to co-hosting the IWSG. She rocks!
Running the Shady Dell here online in honor of the real one he grew up with, Shady is all about the music. You’ll get retro at his site, but he’s willing to try and appreciate any music, which is just cool. Shady rocks!
Jemi has been a blogger buddy for years and I was surprised I’d not awarded her sooner! A Canadian author with several books and a short story in one IWSG anthologies, Jemi has just such a great attitude. She rocks!
I think Mason was one of the first bloggers I followed, so I’m just as surprised she didn’t get an award sooner as well. She’s supportive in everything and very accountable. I can see sitting down with her and talking just like old friends. Mason rocks!
Stacy is a prolific writer and a world traveler. I know she is missing the multiple cruises she takes every year! She’s also a Penguins fan with a great sense of humor and a never give up (never surrender!) attitude. She rocks!
Have you watched either the Galaxy Quest or DS9 specials? Checking out Dynazty? Entering the IWSG Anthology Contest? Are you following those rocking bloggers? Which bloggers make your day?
See you July 1 for the next IWSG post!
