Aucbvax.1518
fa.sf-lovers
utzoo!duke!decvax!ucbvax!JPM@MIT-AI
Thu Jun 4 05:25:47 1981
SF-LOVERS Digest V3 #139
SF-LOVERS AM Digest Wednesday, 3 Jun 1981 Volume 3 : Issue 139
Today's Topics:
SF Fandom - UFO Fan Club,
SF Movies - Script query & Outland, SF TV - It's About Time,
SF Topics - Children's TV (Rocky and Bullwinkle and
Jay Ward Productions and Super Chicken and Thunderbirds and
Johnny Quest and Crusader Rabbit and George of the Jungle) &
Physics Today (Anti-Sugar) & Space Command
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 2 Jun 1981 0025-PDT (Tuesday)
From: Lauren at UCLA-SECURITY (Lauren Weinstein)
Subject: UFO Fanclub
The official from the "UFO Fanclub" which I mentioned in a previous
digest definitely prefers to remain anonymous. However, they have
provided me with the address to which any questions can be directed:
SHADO USCC
7825 Riverton Ave.
Sun Valley, CA. 91352
--Lauren--
------------------------------
Date: 1 Jun 1981 0821-PDT
Sender: WMARTIN at OFFICE-3
From: WMartin at Office-3 (Will Martin)
Subject: Film query
Since FILM-BUFFS bit the dust before it even started, I am forwarding
this initial query/contribution to SFL instead, in the hope that the
filmic wizards hereupon can answer it.
Begin forwarded message
Date: 27 May 1981 1011-PDT
From: Wmartin
Subject: Source for scripts
Is there any commercial or Motion-picture-academy source for movie
scripts? Or do the studios sell copies? If so, are these in final,
released and edited form, or the original script as written without
cutting-room or on-the-fly or ad lib changes? What sort of prices do
they sell for?
Will Martin (WMartin at Office-3)
End forwarded message
------------------------------
Date: 1 Jun 1981 17:49:06-PDT
From: decvax!duke!unc!bch at Berkeley
Subject: more on Outland
Must we go through this again?:
From: ICL.REDFORD at SU-SCORE Subject: more on Outland
Second, a thematic nit... Mining Io two hundred years from
now will not be like mining Colorado in the 1880s because
mining Colorado today is not like mining it in the 1880s.
This may be true, this may not be true. Knowing that AB says
nothing about C, which we know little about. Not being able to read
your mind, I have to guess that you hold the belief that social
innovation and technological innovation follow some kind of linear
trend over time. This is not demonstrable even with regard to
technological "progress" (how do you explain the dark ages?) much less
with social "progress;" a term whose definition eludes me completely.
I don't think anyone is saying that Ladd's prognostication is
necessarily correct, the point is that it is not necessarily incorrect
either. I think, however, you need to make your assumptions explicit.
Byron Howes
------------------------------
Date: 2 Jun 1981 11:41:00-EDT
From: cjh at CCA-UNIX (Chip Hitchcock)
Subject: Harryhausen
He may have studied live models, but he still doesn't have the
foggiest idea of how to imitate the motion of an organic (i.e.,
non-mechanical) wing.
------------------------------
Date: 2 Jun 1981 11:38:52-EDT
From: cjh at CCA-UNIX (Chip Hitchcock)
Subject: inversions
Various forms of inversion have been described in SF. --There was
the objection that full inversion (ala DOORWAYS IN THE SAND) would
turn particles into anti-particles. The inverter is specifically
described as an historic artifact---the second one ever built, because
the first one didn't exclude elementary particles from its inversion.
Inversion at the particle level was suggested in at least one STAR
TREK episode, although not very realistically; inverted duplicates
were not true anti-matter but blew up only when in contact with the
uninverted forms from which they were copied. --George Gamow
discusses topological inversions in ONE, TWO, THREE. . . INFINITY;
these are also very effectively illustrated in the Time/Life Series'
book on mathematics. Consider turning a tire tube inside out through
the valve stem (Gamow's example produces a human with guts on the
outside and the universe on the inside; other writers apparently
consider this extreme.) This is described as a surgical procedure in
Leiber' THE BIG TIME (\\highly// recommended). This kind of inversion
is also a key to possibly psychokinetic murders in Ian Wallace's
DEATHSTAR VOYAGE; if you PK-invert a tennis ball without allowing for
the fact that you started with more material on the outside than on
the inside, it blows up. --The inversion in DitS is also not a simple
pair operation (the hero becomes uninverted only by resetting the
controls). An inverted coin sent through a second time comes out with
the raised portions depressed.
------------------------------
Date: 2 Jun 1981 (Tuesday) 0059-EDT
From: PLATTS at WHARTON-10 (Steve Platt)
Subject: more kiddee cartoon answers
I think the professor in Tennessee Tuxedo was named "Phineas T.
Whoopie". TT was voiced by Don Adams, later to star in "Get Smart".
[ Thanks also to Antonino Mione <MIONE AT RUTGERS> for pointing out
the correct name of Mr. Whoopie. -- Jim ]
I'm not sure, but Aesop&Son is probably a Ward production. The
animation style was similar to the others, and each ended in a
horrendous pun. Is there a list anywhere/does anyone remember the
"continued" titles of the "next episodes" for Bullwinkle?
Super-chicken, as I remember, lived in Pittsburgh. (I remember a
phone call in one episode, "long distance to Pittsburgh, Pa, please".
Wasn't one of the vehicles in "Thunderbirds" contained within
another?
[ Yes, one of the vehicles was. Thunderbird 1 was a rocket craft
meant to travel through the atmosphere (and thus for air rescues
and general purpose transport). Thunderbird 3 was an interplanetary
spacecraft, designed for space rescues. Thunderbird 5 was a space
station that acted as the communications center for operations.
Thunderbird 2 was a general purpose transport, that carried special
rescue equipment to the scene of an accident. Finally, Thunderbird
4 was the sea rescue craft, rather small and designed to operate
at great depths. It was often carried by Thunderbird 2, since it
could only travel at sea. -- Jim ]
------------------------------
Date: 1 Jun 1981 1928-PDT
From: First at SUMEX-AIM
Subject: Superchicken Song, Tennessee Tuxedo corrections...
The Professor on Tennessee Tuxedo was NOT a Professor--his name was
Mr. Whoopee and the walrus sidekick was named "Chumley". And the
voice of Tennessee was, of course, Don Adams.
The DEFINITIVE (maybe) words for Superchicken (according to my
roommate who has spent his childhood behind a CRT--and I don't mean a
terminal!):
When you find yourself in danger,
When you're threatened by a stranger,
When it looks like you may take a lickin'
[PA-CAWK!]
There is someone waiting who
will hurry up and rescue you
just caaaaaaaaall for SUPERCHICKEN!
And though it looks like you may have to overlook it,
Besides you knew this job was dangerous when you took it,
He will drink his super sauce,
and throw the bad guys for a loss,
and he will bring them in alive and kickin'
[PA-CAWK!]
There is one thing you should learn,
when there is no one else to turn
to Caaaaaaaaaaall for SUPERCHICKEN (x2)
[PA-CAWK!]
His companion's name was Fred, the lion (who always wore a red
sweatshirt with a backwards "F").
Anybody know about the continued existence of the Doodley Do-right
Emporium in LA??
BTW: the voice of Roger Ramjet was done by that well-known "To Tell
the Truth" personality, Orson Bean!
Space-Ghost was Gary Owen (of Laugh-in) ...and Pebbles and Bam-Bam are
Sally Struthers and Jay (Dennis the Menace) North!
(and the voice of Rockey the Squirrel was a female--I don't remember
her name-she was on the Tomorrow show a couple of years ago with Mel
Blanc)...
Thanx for the memories....
--Michael
------------------------------
Date: 1 Jun 1981 2319-PDT (Monday)
From: Lauren at UCLA-SECURITY (Lauren Weinstein)
Subject: misc. madness
I can't possibly argue with a source like the Stanford Trivia Bowl, so
I stand corrected: Gidney and Cloyd.
---
We've been discussing ALOT of different animated programs, and have
strayed a bit from pure SF -- but, what the hell? Here are a few
goodies from some of the shows already mentioned (and a couple of
others as well):
Tennessee Tuxedo (voice was done by Don Adams [Maxwell Smart]):
"Tennessee Tuxedo WILL NOT fail!"
Tom Slick (the "racer" from George of the Jungle):
"There's no such word as FAIL in Auto Racing!"
Super Chicken (whose sidekick, Fred the Lion, always wore a t-shirt
with a big F on the front -- BACKWARDS):
"You knew the job was dangerous when you took it!"
George of the Jungle (friend to you and me):
[Everyone TO George]:
"Watch out for that tree! "
[George]:
"ARRRRGHHH! [splat]"
Professor Wierdo (from "Milton the Monster"):
"Six drops of the essence of terror,
Five drops of sinister sauce..."
[Count Kook]:
"When the stirring's done, may I lick the spoon?"
[Wierdo]:
"Of course! Ah hah... of course!"
---
Some more randomness:
Johnny Quest:
Was the son of a famous research scientist ("Dr. Quest"). They
flew around in a jet which was more like a Concorde than a Lear!
The pilot (an all-around helpful he-man type guy) was named "Race
Bannon". Johnny had an Indian (from India!) friend named Hadji,
and a dog named Bandit.
Crusader Rabbit deserves special mention. I do not think this was a
J. Ward production -- and it definitely predates Rocky by some ways.
Crusader and his pal Rags (Ragland T. Tiger) were always engaged in
all sorts of bizarre, episodic adventures. Quite a show. The theme
music, by the way, was a rather slow tempo version of a segment from
"Way Down Yonder in the Paw Paw Patch" (Burl Ives fans take note!)
---
Ever notice how so many characters in animated and other programs in
the 60's (not including the greatest comedy of them all, DRAGNET),
were involved with drugs?
Mr. Terrific had his power pill. Captain Nice had his super liquid.
Roger Ramjet had his proton pill. Super Chicken had his super sauce.
Underdog (voice by Wally Cox) had some chemical enhancement as well.
Alot of kids grew up watching this stuff... is it a small wonder that
drugs became such an influence on many of their lives?
---
Some people have asked me why I remember so many ridiculous old TV
theme songs and such. I'll admit to having a good memory, but I also
have an audio aid! In the early 60's, I had a cheap little tape
recorder. I had this silly habit of recording TV themes. I used to
drive people crazy! "Why would you want to record this theme? You
can hear it every week!" But I didn't listen, and continued to madly
record almost every theme of interest (to me) that I could find. I
still have a copy of that tape! So whenever I have the urge
(infrequently) to hear the theme to "The Invaders", "Time Tunnel",
"Rango", or "It's about Time" (either version!), I whip out the tape
and let it play. Great nostalgia value.
---
Finally, a few words concerning "It's About Time". This live-action
show involved a pair of astronauts who find themselves back in
prehistoric times. This comedy (yes, comedy!) did not do too well in
the ratings, so in an attempt to save it, they had the two main
cavepeople return with the astronauts to the 20th century. This
involved reworking the theme song a bit, which was rather amusing to
begin with:
It's about time, it's about space.
About two men in the strangest place.
It's about time, it's about flight.
Traveling faster than the speed of light.
Here is our tale, of the strange crew...
As through the barrier of time they flew!
Past, the fighting minutemen...
Past, an armored knight...
Past, a Roman warrier...
To, this ancient site!
... and so on.
---
Man, does this message ever ramble! Sorry about that. Consider it a
slice of life -- or the ravings of a madman if you wish. Until next
time...
--Lauren--
P.S. Coming soon in a future message: Colonel Bleep and ZERO ZERO
island! Spunky and Tadpole! And a river into the past.
Stay tuned.
--LW--
------------------------------
Date: Monday, 1 Jun 1981 11:59-PDT
Subject: Crusader Rabbit and Jay Ward
From: mike at RAND-UNIX
Crusader Rabbit has been mentioned as a precursor of Rocky and
Bullwinkle. How true! C.R. was made by Jay Ward Productions and was
their first animated series.
I saw a Jay Ward retrospective last year which began with Crusader
Rabbit. The animation was primitive (!!! talk about limited animation
!!!) but the story line was good, and it was fun to watch.
Currently Jay Ward makes commercials. Captain Crunch, etc.
Their studios are on Sunset Blvd right off the strip here in LA. If
you drive down the strip past Larrabee you will see a giant Moose,
Bullwinkle T. Moose himself, beckoning you to the world-famous Dudley
DooRight Emporium where you can order animated cells of your favorite
heroes, Rocky, Bullwinkle, Boris, Natasha, Gidney, etc. That's also
where I got my "Moosylvania Farkling Squad" Tshirt.
Two years ago at the ASIFA (international animated film society)
annual Cell Sell, June Foray and the others did a live performance of
some old Jay Ward scripts. It was wonderful.
Michael
------------------------------
Date: 1 Jun 1981 19:20 PDT
From: Newman.ES at PARC-MAXC
Subject: New Pentagon branch for Space Warfare
Just what we need, a Department of Space Warfare.
Aren't there some treaties prohibiting the use of space for military
weaponry?
/Ron
------------------------------
Date: Tuesday, 2 Jun 1981 10:28-PDT
Subject: Space treaties
From: mike at RAND-UNIX
Re: treaties prohibiting weapons in space,
As I recall, there is a treaty prohibiting the basing of
atomic weapons in space. [ Actually, the UN Space Treaty
prohibits weapons of "mass destruction," which can include
biological nasties and even energy weapons (if they could
destroy whole cities for instance). -- Jim ] I don't
believe there is any treaty against reconnaissance, beam
weapons or conventional weapons.
(Conventional weapon example: comrade soviet satellite noodging
up to friendly innocent tourist american satellite (taking
pretty pictures of dashas in the south of motherland) and then
exploding sending tourist satellite to hell).
Re: treaties in general,
Treaties of this type are, it appears, made out of convenience
to the major parties of the treaty. When the technology
changes, or the advantage changes, the treaty ceases to be.
This is probably a misquote, but didn't the Mice That Roared
define a Peace Treaty as "that agreement between countries in
effect until the next war"?
Michael Wahrman
------------------------------
End of SF-LOVERS Digest
***********************
-----------------------------------------------------------------
gopher://quux.org/ conversion by John Goerzen <
[email protected]>
of
http://communication.ucsd.edu/A-News/
This Usenet Oldnews Archive
article may be copied and distributed freely, provided:
1. There is no money collected for the text(s) of the articles.
2. The following notice remains appended to each copy:
The Usenet Oldnews Archive: Compilation Copyright (C) 1981, 1996
Bruce Jones, Henry Spencer, David Wiseman.
