Starbase 66

Let the wooting begin, for back in November the planets aligned, the gods all went on vacation, and Kennedy showed up in the airlock.

Well, following a computer core meltdown and holiday madness The Admiral welcomes Emma Lou back to the table to talk about her visit to the Star Trek London con, plus the obligatory Whovian chat.

On this edition of The Admiral's Table Rick talks with film maker and old friend Robert Goodrich about his upcoming Science Fiction film Ares 11.

Recently NC Soft announced that they are shutting down the Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game City of Heroes. So Unkk and the Admiral, joined by friends of the show Dave, Keith, and Steve, reminisce about their times in Paragon City, and muse about what went wrong, and right, with the soon-to-be defunct game. (http://www.simplysyndicated.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Ubers.jpg)

Having finally returned from their extended vacations and cleared away the cobwebs and empty rum bottles Karen, Unkk, and Rick chat about some of the luminaries who have shuffled off this mortal coil this year.(http://www.simplysyndicated.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/space-300x225.jpg) Photo Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech

Hi, Folks. Just a quick mea culpa to tell y'all that I forgot to tell y'all we are taking a wee break. (http://www.simplysyndicated.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/vacation-on-the-moon-300x300.jpg)

Back in 2010 Boz came up with a brilliant idea for a SimSyn fundraiser, have all of us do episodes of each other's shows. Sadly the logistics of that proved to be too much, and only a few actually got recorded. I just stumbled across our attempt at Here Goes Nothing, and it seemed a shame to waste it. I hope you like it, and if you can please hit the donate button and help us out if you can. (http://www.simplysyndicated.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/hgn.jpg)

This week Karen, UNKK, and the Admiral talk about a whole bunch of news stories and a couple of audio comments. Show notes: What's that delightfully nerdy scent, wafting through the Starbase? Why, it's the latest batch of News Potpourri! The...

Please join Ro Karen and the Admiral as they welcome UNKK to his very first show as a cohost. Joining them is Camille, from the Camille Reads (http://www.camillereads.com/) blog, and the topic du jour, after some obligatory Avengers gushing, is Geek Chic, and all that it entails. Please listen to this song before you start the show. Show notes: If you think that putting on a pair of thick-rimmed glasses and a "Bazinga!" T-shirt is all you need to do to transform yourself into a "geek"...well, you're about to hear an earful from the Starbase crew! This week, crew rotations bring us a new permanent officer: UNKK! (Trademark symbol shall no longer appear as all permanent crew members are protected by the trademark umbrella of Starbase 66TM) ;-) Also, we welcome aboard returning guest, the U.S.S. Philadelphia's valiant Chief Blogging Officer, Camille! Camille accepts a temporary reassignment from her blogorific duties at CamilleReads.com (http://www.camillereads.com/) to discuss the concept of "Geek Chic." Is it really cool to be a geek? Or is it just cool to look like a geek? Why? Why not? What is The Guild attempting to do with their latest song, "I'm The One That's Cool" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFhgupR565Q) (besides break Ro's inner English major geek)? What is the point of all these questions? And what exactly is an asshat? (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=asshat) Oh. Ew. Prior to the Geek Chic dissection, listen in as the crew gushes like...geeks about that little independent movie that just came out...you might have heard of it...The Avengers? Apparently, everyone liked it. Even the whiny hater. Although...still waiting for Steed and Peel to show up...

This time the Admiral is joined by the redoubtable and mighty UNKK to discuss the recent announcement of plans to begin mining asteroids.(http://www.simplysyndicated.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ast-300x225.png) Show notes: Suffering from a double dose of Vitamin K deficiency this week, with the mysterious absences of the bodacious Bajoran and the charismatic Kanadian, the Admiral did the only thing there is to do in such an instance...he called on the double-K power of the one and only...UNKK!!TM What with all the recent space happenings, including the shuttle shuffle along the East Coast and the announcement of the group Planetary Resources (http://www.planetaryresources.com/) (yes, that group) to partake in some good old-fashioned asteroid mining, there's lots to chat about with our favorite NASA denizen! So pop some Tang, crunch up some astronaut ice cream over your real ice cream, and settle back for some space banter guaranteed to edify you in a celestial way!

This week is a quickie, but it's with the doyenne of the Alpha Quadrant, that actress, singer, sculptor, and now author Suzie Plakson!!! Listen and hear how we can help her get King Lillian home. (http://www.simplysyndicated.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Suzies-300x187.jpg) Show notes: Never let it be said that the Starbase crew does anything halfheartedly (well, except for those anger management retreats the Bajoran keeps going through...the redshirt turnaround is proof positive that someone isn't putting much effort into listening). Regardless, when we feel passionately about something, we go for the full-body plunge. No toe dipping here, faithful listeners! That's why we were thrilled to be joined once again by the always delightful Suzie Plakson for her third visit to the Starbase (third time's a charm, but she's a joy every time!). Listen in as Suzie shares with us a bit of the back story behind her latest creative endeavor, The Return of King Lillian. Described by Suzie as "an allegorical story for non-conformists of all ages," The Return of King Lillian is a labor of love that Suzie has finally captured in proper form for telling. Now she needs our help to raise the funds to bring Lillian home. Using Kickstarter, (http://www.kickstarter.com/) the world's largest funding platform for creative projects, Suzie recently launched The Return of King Lillian fiction project. (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/517829065/the-return-of-king-lillian) The goal of this project is to raise $7,500 to fund the creation of the eBook, the audio book (which will be recorded by Suzie), and an accompanying Web site. The deadline for this Kickstarter project is May 10, 2012. Suzie's almost halfway there now, but she needs our help to cross the finish line! Every contribution helps, whether it's a monetary donation, the sharing of this project with other Suzie fans, or even just well wishes sent Suzie's way, either through her official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialSuziePlakson) or her Web site. (http://www.suzieplakson.com) If she doesn't reach her goal, however, please note that no funds will be deducted from your credit card. Kickstarter is an "all or nothing" kinda site. So, do what you can, keep your fingers crossed, and we'll keep you posted about Suzie's progress! Q'apla!

It is an auspicious occasion as all three members of the Starbase collective are on deck for a discussion of those Swiss Army Knives of the Delta Quadrant, the Borg. There is also a surprise visit from a prominent Simply Syndicated host, and there is some discussion of the age old question: is resistance fyoo-TYLE, or fyoo-DUL. (http://www.simplysyndicated.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/borg-300x198.jpg) Show notes: We've been telling you this all along, listeners: Resistance is futile. Know what else is futile? Herding cats...and trying to keep the crew of the Starbase away from the great Tangent Trail. Be kind listeners: It's the first time the whole crew's been together in Ops since episode 99! Listen as they bounce along from topics that range from remembering the artistic greatness of Ralph McQuarrie, (http://www.ralphmcquarrie.com) Jake Lloyd comes out for AnnieAnti-Bullying measures, (http://entertainment.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/09/10611651-actor-who-played-anakin-skywalker-as-child-swears-off-star-wars-for-good) the Admiral nears aneurysm levels over Lucas's Greedo sacrilege, (http://entertainment.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/10/10372867-george-lucas-greedo-always-shot-first) Superman Vs. Hulk... Okay, let's pause a moment for Superman Vs. Hulk, shall we? Okay. Back on track! Kennedy keeps confusing franchises, Ro raves about her recent UNKK!!TM Experience, and the Admiral decides that the crew should rendezvous at Kennedy Space Center (http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/) for the 2013 unveiling of Atlantis's new home. Meanwhile, Ro is nearing total apoplexy over the imminent arrival of Discovery to the Udvar-Hazy (http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/discovery/), Kennedy is angry that Disney is bringing down another of his favorite book franchises (http://disney.go.com/johncarter/) while the Bajoran doesn't understand why he's getting so worked up over a character from ER. Finally, it's time to alert Starfleet Command: We have engaged the Borg. But we enter into the ongoing struggle against these cybernetic foes with backup from Jason, host of Atomic Trivia War 9000 (http://www.simplysyndicated.com/shows/atw9k/) and co-host of Simply Syndicated's newest podcast, Remastered. (http://www.simplysyndicated.com/shows/remastered/) Listen as we divulge classified information on the origin of the species, famous conflicts, infamous alterations, favorites, flubs, one crew member's worrisome knowledge of Hugh Borg's life after his Descent, queens of all kinds, and...well, as all conversation about the Borg are destined to do, gushing over our favorite Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix Zero One. (http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Seven_of_Nine) Futile, indeed. So secure the docking bay doors, charge up the weapons, and take your stations. We're going after the Big Bads of the Delta Quadrant in full force, listeners! But while we wait for them to recharge their batteries and search for a stronger wi-fi signal, enjoy this educational video on the Pwnage of the Son of Mogh. Q'apla!

On this episode Kennedy and the Admiral take a suggestion from Quito, Ecuador and talk about the possible dangers of a robot uprising.(http://www.simplysyndicated.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Hasta-La-Vista-14-300x204.jpg) Show notes: While Ro tries to convince HAL to open the pod doors before her rum stash drops to critical levels, the Admiral and Kennedy sit down at Ops for a look at one of sci-fi's most pervasive tropes: the uprising of artificial intelligence. First, they chat a bit about Benedict Cummerbund Cumberbatch and speculation as to who he might be in the new Trek movie, how IDW Publishing (http://www.idwpublishing.com/) is retelling TOS episodes within the realm of the new Trek universe, the Admiral blows a bit of a fuse over the term "Vulcan death grip" as well as the return of one of his least favorite weaponry EVAR, Star Trek – Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Special Edition, (http://www.startrek.com/article/who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-game-out-today) more talk about Wild, Wild West the show, the movie, and its little known sequel starring Salma Hayek, Crack Attack 2: Dairy Air Boogaloo, DS9 versus Degrassi, Kate Beckinsale in vinyl (we defer to the Nerd Hurdlers on this topic (http://www.simplysyndicated.com/nh-137-underworld/)), discussion of a question from listener Josh (@king_follower (http://www.twitter/king_follower) on Twitter) that somehow conjures an image of Emo George Lucas, and talk about some of this summer's expected comic book blockbusters. Then it's time to boot up the discourse module for some in-depth analysis of a question posed to the Starbase crew by our Quito Outpost Technician, Agustin Chancusi: Do we think that there will ever come a point when artificial intelligence will reach levels of sentience similar to what we see in our favorite sci-fi movies, shows, and books? Will toasters one day become seductive Cylons with glowing spines? Will we all have a shot at owning our own Data? Should women named Sarah Connor start changing their names now? Listen in as the Admiral and Kennedy reveal their thoughts on the future AI uprising and what it could mean for humanity...as well as what it could mean for the future of politics: (http://starbase66.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/siri-sbaitso.jpg) Seriously, I think this sounds like a better ticket than any we've seen in a very long time. WRITE-IN VOTE!! Oh, and if you're not familiar with the Sound Blaster Acting Intelligent Text to Speech Operator, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Sbaitso) take a peak here. Yes, this was Dr. SBAITSO. Yes, he seems quaint now. Back in the day? You told him whatever you wanted. He just had a way with you...

In the second Doctor Who round table discussion about our favorite meddling Time Lord, Emma Lou, Shane, James, and Greg join the Admiral to talk about the second half of season 6. (http://www.simplysyndicated.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Doctor-Who-Season-6-Episode-1-300x233.jpg) Show notes: (http://starbase66.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/admiralstableheader.jpg) Time to pack up the TARDIS and spin off from the Starbase for another roundtable romp with the Doctor and his companions! The Admiral welcomes to this discussion of the second half of Doctor Who's sixth season Listener ExtraordinaireTM Emma Lou, Shane (half of the dynamic duo responsible for The Greatest Events in Sporting History podcast (http://www.simplysyndicated.com/shows/sportinghistory/)), James (he's better than the "Dread Pirate Roberts"...he's the "Scandalously Salacious Captain Morgan (http://www.twitter.com/captainmorgan30)"), and Greg, our Inappropriate Conversationalist. (http://inappropriateconversations.podbean.com/) Once again, dear listeners, we must set you upon this sea of discourse without the saving buoy of show notes. The Bajoran unfortunately discovered early in her attempted travels with the eleventh Doctor that she hates fish fingers and custard and is at the moment loathe to imagine anything cool about kooky head wear of any variety. All parties involved thought it best to temporarily remove her from the Whoniverse before there was an unfortunate bow tie-related strangulation case to investigate. Starbase Security already has its hands full with all those mysterious spacings...

This week Ro and the Admiral talk about immortality, its pros, cons, and genre representatives.(http://www.simplysyndicated.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ankh-146x300.jpg) Show notes: Listen to Episode 107: Immortality (http://www.simplysyndicated.com/sb66_107/) Immortality: A toy which people cry for, And on their knees apply for, Dispute, contend and lie for, And if allowed Would be right proud Eternally to die for. —Ambrose Bierce Do you have inside you blood of kings? Can no man be your equal? Are you a god? (Remember, Ray, say yes!) Or have your lips recently turned blue and you find yourself with an overwhelming need to petulantly harass a balding Englishman with a French name? Then this week's episode is for you! From vampires to Cylons to Q to work currently being undertaken by groups like the Immortality Institute (http://www.imminst.org) "to conquer the blight of involuntary death," the Admiral and Ro discuss the concepts, reality, genre representations, and general pursuit of eternal life. Who wants it? Who thinks there's no room for it? Who's ready with a bowl and spoon for their first heaping helping of Soylent Green? Tune in to find out! If you are lining up for your first crack at a positronic upload or a sip of Lisle Von Rhuman's eternal elixir (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104070/), here are some tasty nuggets of geekery to fill all that time you'll find yourself possessing: The first look at The Amazing Spider-Man! Ridley Scott's return to the sci-fi horror genre! That Superb Owl commercial that features all those Marvel comics dudes who got their own individual movie (or two...shout it out if you're green and loud or a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist!)...plus that Black guy with the eye patch and the chick in the pleather onesie! And, settle in for the long haul with this one, kiddies!