Author: Joey deVilla

Star Trek: Phase II does the impossible. Created by super Star Trek Fan James Cawley, who initially raised fund for this project through Elvis impersonation gigs, this series answers the question “What if the original Star Trek hadn’t been cancelled, and had new episodes with writing that was at least as decent, and with better acting and effects?” Even better, they’ve managed to bring in some of the old Trek writers and actors.

In World Enough and Time, a transporter accident mishap causes them to beam back a Sulu that’s from thirty years in the future. And who better to play older Sulu than the original recipe, George Takei? This one’s got everything: two Hikaru Sulus, the Romulans, Kirk hitting on women, an even more “down home” Dr. McCoy, way better spaceflight scenery and of course, Spock making sense of it all. Be sure to check out the other episodes — they’re all quite enjoyable.

Some more entertainment for you in case you’re trapped at home during the big snowstorm of 2013.

Here in North America in the early 1980s, we knew it as Star Blazers. However, in its native Japan, the anime series was known as Space Battleship Yamato. It’s one of those stories that was just waiting to be told in the form of a live action film, and in 2010 it finally happened. Here’s the trailer for the movie:

Being a fan of the old anime series, I got really interested in the film and waited patiently for a subtitled version to hit the streets. Now there’s one on the ‘net, and now you can watch the crew of the Yamato (or the Argo, as it was known in Star Blazers) make their last-ditch effort to get to the planet Iskandar, humanity’s last hope if they plan to survive an attack from the Gamilas (or the Gamilons, as they were known in Star Blazers). If you watched the anime, you’ll love how well they translated its look to film, from the costumes right down to my favourite thingy, the Wave Motion Gun.

(And yes, that’s a Steven Tyler song in the movie. Like many things, the Japanese like their rock on the cheesy side.)

Be sure to turn on closed-captioning (hit the CC button on the bottom of the YouTube window and under Translate Captions, select English).

If the big snowstorm of 2013 has you trapped at home with nothing to do, here’s a little something to watch — the motion comic version of the graphic novel Superman: Red Son. In this “alternate history”, the spaceship containing baby Kal-El lands in the Ukrainian steppes instead of Kansas and Superman becomes Stalin’s number one and the symbol of communism and the Soviet way. Standing against him are American super-scientist Lex Luthor, a clever Russian dissident who dresses up in a bat costume and a former Vietnam POW and his power ring. Superman is normally pretty dull, but not in this story. Enjoy!

The Toronto Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair takes place tomorrow at the Gladstone Hotel from 12 noon until 8 p.m., after which the cabaret and after-party will take place. Here’s how they describe the event:

The Toronto Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair is a one-of-a-kind sexy fair that brings together artists and crafters just in time for Valentine’s Day! Knitters, crafters, zinesters, card makers, and artists of all types create inspired and inspiring erotic objects for this one day celebration of DIY sex and romantic culture.

I might be passing through the neighbourhood and will take a peek if I do.

GLENNCOT Center, where you can see other, lesser countries through Glenn Beck’s eyes.

This advertisement for the (sadly) fictitious Libertypendence Park, Glenn Beck’s amusement park, is rather droll. Located “just a short five-hour drive from Dallas”, it features Americaville, “Non-Union Square”, the Freedom Coaster (“Safety harness optional…take that, Nanny State!”), Libertarian Island, the “It Should Be a Smaller World”, the Haunted “Soros Manor”, Cinderella’s Bunker in “There is No Tomorrowland” and the upcoming “Randland”, which made me laugh out loud.

Found via AZSpot.

I’ve still got room in Union Workstation, my shared office space at the corner of Front Street and University Avenue. If you’re looking for some interesting office space that’s right by Union Station, the PATH and the Financial District, take a look at the Union Workstation page, then give me a call (647-985-5639) or email me!

I do like how he’s got a towel to cushion his knee. You can see that in his own limited way, he can think things through.