Good morning, gentle readers, and welcome to 'On This Day In Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror History' for March 27, 2024!
Hey, kiddies ... it's ... HUMP DAY!
Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!
I know, I know, I know. I'm so immature. But that's why you come here each and every day, isn't it? To celebrate a bit of the unrefined? I'd like to think so. It's a minor celebration, to be sure, but I'd still argue that it's the kind of thing each of us needs a wee bit of in our lives. So even if you think me juvenile I do hope you can appreciate what it is I'm trying to accomplish in this space. I do it as much for each of you as I do it for myself.
But ... how is your Hump Day shaping up? Mine is pretty standard so far. I got up. Puttered a bit reading the news. (Shame about that bridge thing in Maryland.) Fed the cats. Went to the club. Sweated (a lot). Had to stop on the way back to pick up some toothpaste. Now here I am, looking at the Daily Citation Page for March 27th and figuring out what specifics to spotlight in the space below. Let's hope I choose some good ones, right?
Hey, kiddies ... it's ... HUMP DAY!
Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!
I know, I know, I know. I'm so immature. But that's why you come here each and every day, isn't it? To celebrate a bit of the unrefined? I'd like to think so. It's a minor celebration, to be sure, but I'd still argue that it's the kind of thing each of us needs a wee bit of in our lives. So even if you think me juvenile I do hope you can appreciate what it is I'm trying to accomplish in this space. I do it as much for each of you as I do it for myself.
But ... how is your Hump Day shaping up? Mine is pretty standard so far. I got up. Puttered a bit reading the news. (Shame about that bridge thing in Maryland.) Fed the cats. Went to the club. Sweated (a lot). Had to stop on the way back to pick up some toothpaste. Now here I am, looking at the Daily Citation Page for March 27th and figuring out what specifics to spotlight in the space below. Let's hope I choose some good ones, right?
As I constantly point out, I don't read nearly as much these days as I used to. What can I say? Life turns busy, and each of us has to make sacrifices in order to stay focused on what's truly important. But that won't stop me from saying 'Happy Birthday' to author Kevin J. Anderson (official website here) on this day.
For those of you who've never heard his name ... where've you been? I realize not each and every author out there is each and every one of our favorites, but Anderson has been in the marketplace of ideas for years; and he's definitely had his hand in more than a few franchises that are near and dear to all of us in fandom. Some of his wares have even been adapted in the graphic novel arena, and -- while perhaps his name might've escaped you -- I'm thinking his stuff has touched a great deal of my readership. From Star Wars to Star Trek to Dune as well as his own original projects, Anderson has done it all; and he remains a force to be reckoned with in literature.
In fact, I think it was just the other day that -- on the Twittersphere -- I was involved in a Tweetstorm about Star Wars books, and Anderson's name came up more than a few times. Someone suggested that his Jedi Academy Trilogy was an even more entertaining read than the original Thrawn books (I disagree, but I still loved the Jedi Academy stuff); so it goes without saying that his works are a bit legendary amongst those who've discovered and appreciated them.
If you're in the market for a new read, then you just might find something via his website. You're highly encouraged to check it out.
For those of you who've never heard his name ... where've you been? I realize not each and every author out there is each and every one of our favorites, but Anderson has been in the marketplace of ideas for years; and he's definitely had his hand in more than a few franchises that are near and dear to all of us in fandom. Some of his wares have even been adapted in the graphic novel arena, and -- while perhaps his name might've escaped you -- I'm thinking his stuff has touched a great deal of my readership. From Star Wars to Star Trek to Dune as well as his own original projects, Anderson has done it all; and he remains a force to be reckoned with in literature.
In fact, I think it was just the other day that -- on the Twittersphere -- I was involved in a Tweetstorm about Star Wars books, and Anderson's name came up more than a few times. Someone suggested that his Jedi Academy Trilogy was an even more entertaining read than the original Thrawn books (I disagree, but I still loved the Jedi Academy stuff); so it goes without saying that his works are a bit legendary amongst those who've discovered and appreciated them.
If you're in the market for a new read, then you just might find something via his website. You're highly encouraged to check it out.
Over the years, I've taken a lot of heat from readers over my personal preferences in the worlds of the Fantastic; and, yes, such heat extends to my love of the kinder, gentler times of genre television when the likes of something as plain as Buck Rogers In The 25th Century could serve up a little 'good vs. evil' stimulation. No, no, and no: I'd never argue that this was anywhere near peak entertainment, but it was still wholesome fun ... the kind we just don't see that often any more. That's sad to me; and as you folks get a bit older maybe you'll come to understand why.
In any event ... speaking of Buck ... it was on this day all the way back in 1980 when that singular first season came to its finale with the airing of its episode, "Flight Of The War Witch." The story from David Chomsky was ultimately scripted for the small screen by Rob Gilmer and Bruce Lansbury; and the premise saw a brutal ruler from a different universe threatening the fabric of our own galaxy, requiring Buck to join forces with one of his biggest adversaries in a bid to deliver a smackdown in favor of universal peace.
See what I mean? You just don't get tales like this any more!
The big two-parter even brought in the great Julie Newmar to sink her teeth into the role of Zarina -- the War Witch of the title -- and, yes, she made for a great villainess, decked out even in sparkles as she was. Even Vera Miles and the late Sid Haig showed up in supporting roles, and that's what I mean when I say I'm forever thankful for small miracles. Great guest stars made shows like Buck Rogers as much what they were; and you don't see that (as well) on the Boob Tube of today. Sad how we've culturally lost our way, no?
In any event ... speaking of Buck ... it was on this day all the way back in 1980 when that singular first season came to its finale with the airing of its episode, "Flight Of The War Witch." The story from David Chomsky was ultimately scripted for the small screen by Rob Gilmer and Bruce Lansbury; and the premise saw a brutal ruler from a different universe threatening the fabric of our own galaxy, requiring Buck to join forces with one of his biggest adversaries in a bid to deliver a smackdown in favor of universal peace.
See what I mean? You just don't get tales like this any more!
The big two-parter even brought in the great Julie Newmar to sink her teeth into the role of Zarina -- the War Witch of the title -- and, yes, she made for a great villainess, decked out even in sparkles as she was. Even Vera Miles and the late Sid Haig showed up in supporting roles, and that's what I mean when I say I'm forever thankful for small miracles. Great guest stars made shows like Buck Rogers as much what they were; and you don't see that (as well) on the Boob Tube of today. Sad how we've culturally lost our way, no?
But ... is there more?
C'mon, man! You know me better than that! There's not only more but there's a lot more! There's a mind-blowing 76 different genre trivia citations just awaiting your very own deep dive -- including a few celebrity birthdays that make following fandom the experience that it is for so, so, so many of us. Just head on over to the below link, and that's where the magic happens ...
As always, thanks for reading ... thanks for sharing ... thanks for being a fan ... and live long and prosper!
-- EZ
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