Poking About in the 8th Dimension....

In 1984 a movie was released that would forever define "sci-fi nerd." I say that because true sci-fi nerds loved it, while everybody else was just confused by it.

I loved it.

The movie waz "Buckaroo Banzai- Across the 8th Dimension!" It starred a post- Robocop Peter Weller, along with John Lithgow and Jeff Goldblum, and was so wacky and over the top that if you knew anything about sci-fi at all, you were in for a treat!

The plot is too complex to go into here....you'll have to see it for yourself. You'll thank me...probably.

Anyway, in celebration of the movie coming out, Marvel Comics released a two comic series based on the movie. Here it is!

I ran out and bought these as soon as they were released and have had then ever since. I really hoped that they would release a second movie, but with so-so box office sales, it was not to be...

However, Disney recently bought Marvel. They have given us Guardians of the Galaxy already. Could they swing a deal to bring Buckaroo back????? We can only hope.

Until next time, fly 'em fast and high!

A Note From A Great Day

I was going through some paperwork the other day and I came across something interesting...

This was a note that was placed inside every "goodie bag" that was handed out at the Apollo 7 Celebration. The event was held on October 17, 2008, and each table had a Semroc Saturn I-B as a centerpiece. It took a lot of folks a long time to build all of them, and this note acknowledged the builders. Take a look. You might see some folks you recognize!

Participating in the event was really one of the highlights of my life, and we were all very blessed to be chosen. We met many of our heroes that day, and made memories for a lifetime. Every once in a while, a hobby can be used for something really special.

Until next time, fly 'em fast and high!

I'll Trade You an Apollo 13 for Two Liberty Bell 7's!

You never know what you are going to find at estate sales. This past weekend, I was poking around one and in a box in the garage I found these:

Yep, NASA approved space related trading cards! These SpaceShot cards came out in 1991, right about the time when the trading card fad was booming. It seems like everything was getting put on a trading card and people were even buying them up as investments! (It didn't work, I got the whole box for 50 cents...which is about the going price)

Still, they are pretty cool, and feature some nice pictures and interesting facts about the space program. These are Series Two, which seems to indicate that there was a Series One (you can't fool me!). If you want a set, you can pick up a box on eBay for a few bucks (again, NOT good long term investments).

Until next time, fly 'em fast and high!

Mars Attacks!

In 1996, director Tim Burton brought an all-star cast together to parody 1950's B-movie sci-fi. The results were...mixed. I remember liking it on one level, but also thinking that it could have been much better. Still, Tom Jones alone is worth the trip in my estimation, so if you haven't seen it, I say give it a shot! (You may or may not be able to find the whole movie on youtube...just saying...)

The item I have for you today once belonged to Bob Wilson. I got it from his stash soon after he passed away, and I value it for that reason more than value it for what it is. Still, it's pretty cool in its own right. Let me introduce you to...

When your ambassador comes with a chaos ray blaster, you know diplomacy isn't a priority....

Other cool stuff you could get!

Yep, it's the Martian Ambassador with his blaster! He can defeat anything except Slim Whitman...(you gotta see the movie to understand that, I'm afraid). All in all he spices up my rocket room quite a bit!

Speaking of Bob Wilson, there is a contest in his honor coming up soon. Keep watching DARS General for more details!

Until next time, fly 'em fast and high!