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John Dykstra began his career in photographic effects by working on 1972's Silent Running.  Only a part of the first Star Wars film, he left Lucas's franchise after Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope to begin work on what he saw as the most ambitious television show in history, the original Battlestar Galactica.  Otherwise, he has completed effects work on such other projects as Star Trek - The Motion Picture, X-Men: First Class, and 2014's Godzilla.  Dykstra was born on this day in 1947.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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As I've said before, there are many actors who've left one big footprint on the History of Science Fiction whose faces we hardly now. Case in point: Maurice Evans.  In 1968's legendary Planet of the Apes and then again in 1970's Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Evans played the intellectually-scheming 'Dr. Zauis' to perfection.  Though he's no longer with us, the man was born on this day in 1901.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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Carol Ohmart was one of the Hollywood's "sexy blondes" that populated a wealth of 1950's movies and televisions, but so far as Science Fiction goes her resume only boasts a guest appearance aboard the short-lived Men Into Space.  (We'll take it!)  Though she's no longer with us, Ohmart was born on this day in 1927.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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Honestly, I've not been able to locate all that much information on the late Joan Camden.  As IMDB.com lists, she leaves behind a legacy of thirty screen credits, most notable so far as genre work is concerned with be a pair of appearances aboard the fondly remembered The Outer Limits (both of which took place in 1963, making them her last professional citations).  Though she's no longer with us, Camden was born on this day in 1929.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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Unless I miss my guess (FYI: I've been wrong before), author Marion Zimmer Bradley was far more well known for her work in the realms of imaginative fantasy than she was Science Fiction, but she certainly dabbled on both sides of the line.  As a child, she enjoyed reading space adventure novels so much so that she was no doubt inspired to follow in the footsteps of other writers who'd come before.  She certainly left behind a wealth of material with which to keep fans interested for decades.  Though she's no longer with us, Bradley was born on this day in 1930.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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As a child, I can remember seeing Edward Winter's face all over the TV channels.  Granted, most of the appearances were part of much more mainstream fare, but the actor did crossover into SciFi from time to time, booking appearances aboard Project U.F.O. and Misfits of Science in their respective runs.  He also had a role in The Parallax View, a terrific conspiracy thriller involving government assassinations, if you're into that sort of thing.  Though he's no longer with us, Winter was born on this day in 1937.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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Frank McRae shared the screen with no less than Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1993's sadly forgettable Last Action Hero, but SciFi fans possibly remember him best in the role of the lovable 'Harry Noble' in 1987's kid-friendly SciFi/Comedy Batteries Not Included.  Other genre entries?  He also played a roles in TV's Wonder Woman, Red Dawn (1984), the 1980's version of The Twilight Zone, Asteroid (1997), and G-Men From Hell (2000).  How's that for a memorable resume?  Though he's no longer with us, McRae was born on this day in 1942.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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Dreamy Swedish-born actress Camilla Sparv launched herself into the cinema spy business with a role aboard Murderers' Row (1966), the brief franchise featuring Dean Martin in the role of 'Matt Helm.'  She enjoyed an almost delirious flirtation with cult-ish projects for some time.  After adding her talent to more conventional fare, she and her good looks showed up aboard Survival Zone  (1983), Automan, Airwolf, and America 3000 (1986).  Though it appears as if she's retired from the business, Sparv was born on this day in 1943.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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Veteran character actor Bill Paterson (above left) joined Matt Smith twice during his first season as the popular time traveler Doctor Who, playing 'Bracewell,' a scientist with a curious tie to the Daleks.  For what it's worth, the man's roots to genre stretch reasonably deep.  He's enjoyed a bit of screen time in such properties as The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen (1988), The Witches (1990), The Secret Adventures Of Jules Verne, Sea Of Souls, Dirk Gently, Outlander, Good Omens, and House Of The Dragon.  Paterson was born on this day in 1945.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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In the guise of 'Harriet Jones,' the accomplished Penelope Wilton enjoyed an important recurring role aboard the early re-launch of the BBC's popular Doctor Who.  Wilton was born on this day in 1946.

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Critically acclaimed actor Tristan Rogers enjoyed a guest visit to the world of J. Michael Straczynski's Babylon 5 during its run on television.  As far as genre work goes, that's not all he's done: he's voiced characters for such animated works as Sky Commanders, Captain Planet And The Planeteers, and Batman Beyond as well as filling in live action roles aboard Tales From The Crypt and Super Force.  Rogers was born on this day in 1946.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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Veteran character actor Ian Gelder played an important role in 2009's Torchwood: Children of Earth limited series that continued the adventures of Capt. Jack Harkness and his band of investigators.  Gelder was born on this day in 1949.

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The lovely lady above is Melissa Mathison.  She is best known for her work on writing the story that eventually became the silver screen SciFi classic, E.T. - The Extraterrestrial.  Though she's no longer with us, Mathison was born on this day in 1950.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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Robert Z'Dar's chiseled looks might've made him into the butt of a whole series of jokes on MST3K, but it also almost assured that he'd be cast in any number of smaller theatrical roles requiring him to put his face and physique to good use.  SciFi fans know him from his work in such cult flicks as Cherry 2000, the 1991 TV series of The Flash, Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time, Frogtown II, and others.  Though he's no longer with us, Z'Dar was born on this day in 1950.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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A graduate of MIT, Erland van Lidth made an appearance as Dynamo in 1987's The Running Man wherein he briefly went up against Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Though he's no longer with us, van Lidth was born on this day in 1953.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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As far as I'm concerned, there can never be enough opportunities for Suzie Plakson to work in the Star Trek universe.  (Yes, she is that lovely!)  Fans know her best as Worf's first (and best) love, the Klingon K'Ehleyr (above right); but she also appeared again aboard the Enterprise-D as Star Trek: The Next Generation's Lt. Selar, M.D. (above left).  In 1996, she was given the opportunity to serve as the very first female Q (centered above) in all of Trekdom aboard Star Trek: Voyager, and I think it's a personal shame they didn't find some way to have her revisit that character in additional shows.  Plakson was born on this day in 1958.

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James Purefoy is one of those actors you just love to watch work.  Unfortunately, it seems that his brooding looks often find him in roles as the heavy or the lead villain, but that doesn't make him any less talented.  Most folks gave John Carter a pass, but I thought his turn as Kantos Kan was pretty inspired.  Also -- for those who've seen it -- the man makes an awesome Solomon Kane!  Purefoy was born on this day in 1964.

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New Zealand born Miriama Smith is no stranger to genre projects.  Fans have been able to watch her grow and change as an actress across such properties as Mirror, Mirror; Young Hercules; Xena: Warrior Princess; The Tribe; Atlantis High; Revelations: The Initial Journey; Power Rangers DinoThunder; Legend Of The Seeker; Kaitangata Twitch; The Dead Lands; and Love And Monsters (2020).  Smith was born on this day in 1976.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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Sebastian Armesto seethed nothing but Imperial menace in his role aboard Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015). Armesto was born on this day in 1982.

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Talented Artie Ahr helped explore the depths of mind-reading and free will in 2015's award-winning Listening (pictured).  Ahr was born on this day in 1983.
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Exploring the possibilities of Science Fiction storytelling is truly a global phenomenon as 2017's Before We Vanish -- a Japanese language SciFi/Drama -- certainly demonstrates.  The talented Masami Nagasawa was one of the features headlining talents, and Nagasawa was born on this day in 1987.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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Early in her career, a younger Imogen Poots came face-to-face with the continuing zombie Apocalypse in the SciFi-themed sequel, 28 Weeks Later.  More recently, she turned up -- just a bit wacky, I might add -- with some good work as an estranged young woman in Amazon Studios' Outer Range.  Poots was born on this day in 1989.  [Source: IMDB.com]
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Sorry, folks, but I really can't tell you all that much about most of these foreign entries into the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy.  To be honest, I'm largely at the mercy of IMDB.com and whatever else I can locate on them.  Such is the case regarding the lovely Dilraba Dilmurat who -- early in her professional career -- got her start aboard a little something called Swords Of Legends.  Dilmurat was born on this day in 1992.  [Source: IMDB.com]

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Alicia Woodhouse's star continues to rise as she's been seen taking up secondary roles aboard AMC's Humans and the UK's The Aliens.  Woodhouse was born on this day in 1994.

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Look!  Up on the screen!  On this day in 1950 (in Denmark), the cinematic serial Superman enjoyed its theatrical release.  The venerable Kirk Alyn suited up as the singular survivor from Krypton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Superman comes to Earth as a child and grows up to be his home's first superhero with his first major challenge being to oppose The Spider Lady."

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On this day in 1958 (per Wikipedia.org), Fiend Without A Face showed its ugly mug on the silver screen.  Directed by Arthur Crabtree, the SciFi/Horror starred Marshall Thompson, Terry Kilburn, and Kynaston Reeves.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Invisible atomic monsters attack a U.S. Armed Forces base and the local residents."

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A star is born!  On this day in 1959, the Teenagers From Outer Space landed in U.S. theaters.  Written and directed by Tom Graeff, the SciFi feature starred David Love and Dawn Bender, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"A young alien and a teenage earthling fall in love, and plot to stop the alien's race from using Earth as a food-breeding ground for giant lobsters from their planet."

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A star is born!  On this day in 1965, The Yesterday Machine enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release.  Written and directed by Russ Marker, the SciFi feature starred Tim Holt and James Britton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"A Nazi scientist invents a time machine enabling him to go back to alter the events of WWII."

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On this day in 1968 (in Madrid, Spain), the original Planet Of The Apes enjoyed its theatrical release.  The SciFi/Classic feature starred Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall, and here’s the plot summary from IMDB.com:
 
“An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved.”
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On this day in 1971 (in Mexico), audiences learned that Some Girls Do!  Essential, the feature is an Action/Comedy with some modest SciFi elements, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"A series of unexplainable accidents befall the people and companies responsible for developing the world's first supersonic airliner (SST1). A British agent is sent to investigate and with the help of another agent uncovers a plot masterminded by Carl Petersen who stands to gain eight million pounds if the aircraft is not ready by a certain date. The evil Petersen has developed a number of "robots" (actually rather beautiful girls with "electronic brains") to help him sabotage the SST1 project by means of "infrasound" (extreme low frequency sound waves) which can be directed at people or objects with devastating results."

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On this day in 1989 (in Japan), the SciFi/Comedy My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed its theatrical release.  The feature starred Dan Aykroyd and Kim Basinger, and here’s the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

“An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work.”
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On this day in 1992 (in France), The Guyver gave actor Mark Hamill another SciFi/Fantasy franchise to explore.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A young man discovers a mechanical device that merges with his own body, turning him into a cyborg superhero. When strange creatures start appearing, trying to take the device back, he begins to uncover a secret plot to genetically engineer terrifying monsters."

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A star is born!  On this day in 1998, the SciFi/Telefilm better known as Meteorites! crashed down into existence.  It starred Tom Wopat and Roxanne Hart, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:

"A meteor shower threatens a small American town."

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A star is born!  On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), The Chronicles Of Riddick enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it opened for audiences in Universal City, California.  Written (in part) and directed by David Twohy, the SciFi/Drama starred Vin Diesel, Thandie Newton, and Karl Urban; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"The wanted criminal Richard Bruno Riddick (Vin Diesel) arrives on a planet called Helion Prime and finds himself up against an invading empire called the Necromongers, an army that plans to convert or kill all humans in the universe."

For the record:
To the uninformed, The Chronicles Of Riddick is a sequel to Pitch Black (2000), which jettisoned that film's name in favor of establishing the wider franchise around its signature character.  While visually impressive, Chronicles took the property in a completely different direction (by design) as it tried to become an expansive space opera -- with obvioius action elements -- though only enjoyed middling success.  While the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated it for the 2005 Saturn Award for 'Best Special Effects,' the Razzies -- ahem -- responded by giving star Vin Diesel a nomination in their category of 'Worst Actor.'  I guess what they say is true: diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks.

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On this day in 2005, the 2000-produced Acne enjoyed its general U.S. release.  Written, directed, and starring Rusty Nails, the SciFi/Comedy also gave Tracey Hayes and Jim Darley somthing to do theatrically, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Franny and Zoe wake up one morning ready to go on a high school field trip. Their plans quickly change when Zoe drinks contaminated water and his head becomes a huge pustule. When Franny comes to aid him, Zoe turns her into a monsterous "zithead." Soon the two of them set off on a bizarre journey, mutating other teenagers, encountering strange suburbanites, and developing a very unusual craving for chocolate. The army starts a statewide manhunt for the infected adolecents as they struggle to remain concious, try to figure out what's happened to them, and draw nearer to a terrifying fate."

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On this day in 2005 (in the United Kingdom), The League Of Gentlemen's Apocalypse opened its doors for cinematic business.  Directed by Steve Bendelack, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Mark Gatiss and Steve Pemberton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"The notorious fictional town of Royston Vasey is under threat and its inhabitants are forced to leave."

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A star is born!  On this day in 2011, The Millennium Bug was released upon unsuspecting audiences in attendance of the Dances With Films Festival.  Written and directed by Kenneth Cran, the feature starred John Charles Meyer, Jessica Postrozny, and Christine Haeberman.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the film's plot summary:

"When the Haskin family seeks refuge from Y2K hysteria in the isolated forests of the Sierra Diablos mountains, madness and terror find them there. Abducted by a vicious hillbilly clan, the Haskins fight for survival, but neither they nor the hillbilly Crawfords can comprehend the monstrous nightmare about to erupt from the bowels of the earth."
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For the record:
At the 2011 Dragon*con Independent Film Festival, The Millennium Bug garnered two big wins, taking home trophies for Best Feature Film and (apparently) the best film of the festival.  (???  I don't always understand awards festivals.)
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On this day in 2016, the SciFi/Dystopian flick -- Andron -- written and directed by Francesco Cinquemani was first released theatrically. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A group of people are plunged into a dark, claustrophobic maze, where they must fight to survive, as the outside world watches."

​And -- if you're further interested -- you can find SciFiHistory.Net's review right here.
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A star is born!  On this day in 2016, Approaching The Unknown blasted off in theatres.  Written and directed by Mark Elijah Rosenberg, the film starred Mark Strong, Luke Wilson, and Sanaa Lathan; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:

"Captain William Stanaforth is on a one-way solo mission to take the first steps in colonizing Mars. Like all pioneers throughout history, Stanaforth will face insurmountable odds and life and death decisions as he rockets bravely through space."
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For the record:
In 2014, storyteller Mark Elijah Rosenberg won the NHK Award from the Sundance Film Festival, an award given to honor and promote emerging filmmakers.
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On this day in 2016 (in Japan), Terminus enjoyed its release on DVD.  Written (in part) and directed by Marc Furmie, the SciFi/Drama starred Jai Koutrae and Kendra Appleton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Following a near-fatal accident, David Chamberlain makes an unprecedented discovery that will not only determine the fate of his family, but of mankind."

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On this day in 1960, The Twilight Zone aired "Mr. Bevis."  This served as the thirty-third episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"An eccentric loser gets a new life from his guardian angel, but there is a price to keeping it."

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On this day in 1967, Doctor Who aired "The Evil of the Daleks: Part 3."  This served as the thirty-ninth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"As part of the Daleks' experiment, the Doctor manipulates Jamie into attempting to rescue Victoria."

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On this day in 1969, what so many fans of the original Star Trek era feared came to fruition: NBC aired the last episode ever featuring the adventures of Captain Kirk and his crew.  It was called "Turnabout Intruder," and this was the twenty-fourth episode of the third season, and here's the plot summary from our friends at TrekCore.com:

"Dr. Janice Lester forcibly trades bodies with Captain Kirk to obtain what she always wanted: command of a starship, but when "Captain Kirk" begins to exhibit strange behaviour, the Enterprise crew turn to mutiny. In this final adventure, Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy and Scotty are sentenced to death by what appears to be their captain."
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For the record:  Though methinks it's obvious at this point, I still thought it relevant to point out that, indeed, Star Trek never ended.  In fact, its cancellation was really only the beginning.  The show sold into TV syndication; and once mankind landed on the moon (just a short time later) the show was more popular than ever.  A few years later, an animated version launched on television.  Paramount Pictures enlisted the show's creator that a return to the well would bear fruit, and the storyteller went to work on crafting a little something-something known as Star Trek: Phase II.  In the midst of that preparation, Star Wars ignited our cultural imagination, so Paramount said, "Hey, Gene, how about we make it a movie?"  (I'm paraphrasing.)  Today, Trek continues unabated: new series creep up from time-to-time, and the various reruns are still popular.  It looks like the future is bright.
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On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Time Monster: Part 3."  Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"The Master enlists the help of Krasis to control Kronos while Yates tries to bring the TARDIS to the institute only to come under attack from dangers from the past."


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On this day in 1998, Babylon 5 aired "Darkness Ascending."  This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Sheridan finally discovers why Delenn had Lennier assigned to the White Star Fleet, and orders his ship to return. But Lennier takes his fighter and continues his mission, where he finally gets the information the Alliance needs. Lyta contacts G'Kar and reminds him of the offer he made to her in "The Gathering." She's willing to help the Narn in exchange for money to find a home world for telepaths."
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On this day in 2012 (in Germany), Sym-Bionic Titan aired "The Steel Foe."  Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Unable to defeat a Mutraddi menace without Octurs, Lance and Ilana have dropped out of school and are traveling the country in search of a way to recharge their robot protector."

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On this day in 2013, Warehouse 13 aired "Instinct."  Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"H.G. Wells returns to help Pete and Myka with an artifact that's forcing confessions out of criminals all while earthquakes are beginning to shake the Warehouse."

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On this day in 2003, LucasBooks released Matthew Stover's "Shatterpoint" for readers.  The tale explored a stand alone adventure featuring fan favorite character Mace Windu, and here's the (edited) synopsis as featured on Amazon.com:

"Mace Windu is a living legend: Jedi Master, senior member of the Jedi Council, skilled diplomat, devastating fighter. Some say he is the deadliest man alive. But he is a man of peace—and for the first time in a thousand years, the galaxy is at war.  Now, following the momentous events climaxing in the Battle of Geonosis, Master Mace Windu must undertake a perilous homecoming to his native world—to defuse a potentially catastrophic crisis for the Republic . . . and to confront a terrifying mystery with dire personal consequences."

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On this day in 1943, The Adventures Of Superman radio serial aired the first part of "The Meteor From Krypton."  This story ran through June 11th, and here's the (edited) premise as detailed by the Retro Radio Podcast (link):

"The story thus far deals with a flaming meteor that crashed onto a nearby farm. As Clark Kent investigated, he became weak and dizzy. Fearing a doctors exam would reveal his secret identity as Superman, he is reluctant but Perry makes him go anyway. His impervious skin has broken the doctors needle."
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On this day in 1946, The Shadow radio serial aired an episode titled "Death In A Minor Key."  Unfortunately, I've been able to locate a plot synopsis anywhere on the internet.
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On this day in 1951, The Shadow radio serial aired an episode titled "The Red Chain."  According to our friends on The Shadow Wiki, this tale was penned by SciFi's Alfred Bester but the details appear to be lost to history as I've found no plot summary on the internet.
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