Penny Press buys Dell Magazines,
takes over Asimov's and Analog

he much-rumored buyout of Dell Magazines by Penny Press finally went through on March 7. The deal puts the flagship science fiction publications Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine and Analog under new ownership for the second time in recent years.

According to staff members, the magazines will continue to carry on business as usual until further notice. The offices will remain at 1540 Broadway in New York, N.Y., until June, when they will reportedly be moving to another location in Manhattan.

Barbie and Ken don Starfleet uniforms

arbie and Ken, two of the world's most famous dolls, will join the ranks of Starfleet later this year as part of Mattel's new 1996 collectible line. The dolls are expected to hit store shelves in August.

According to Mattel, Barbie will "portray" an engineering officer in an authentic red uniform, while Ken will represent a commanding officer in his golden jersey and black pants. The uniforms depict those worn by crew members in the original 1960s series.

Science fiction in Congress?

lizabeth Anne Hull, a leading member of the Science Fiction Research Association and the wife of author Frederik Pohl, is reportedly running for the U.S. Congress.

Hull, a Democratic candidate, is opposing long-time incumbent Phillip Crane in the 8th Congressional District in Chicago, Ill. Her platform includes women's rights, fair tax laws and gun control. Hull, who was asked at the last minute by the Democratic Committee to run, has entered the election as a write-in candidate.

X-Files hit home video market

hree videos from the hit show The X-Files will be released March 26 at a street price of $14.98 each. The videos contain two uncut episodes apiece and have been digitally remastered.

The videos will include the following shows:

1. Pilot/"Deep Throat"
2. "Conduit"/"Ice"
3. "Fallen Angel"/"Eve"

The videos include an introduction by the show's creator, Chris Carter. They also include two collector cards and an offer for exclusive X-Files merchandise.

Forrest J. Ackerman joins The Dominion

orrest J. Ackerman, the legendary editor/collector/agent credited with coining the term "Sci Fi" in 1954, now has an online column. Ackerman will write 4SJ's Sci-Fi Kaleidoscope for The Dominion Web site on an every-other-week basis.

Ackerman's new column will be filled with the tales, anecdotes and wisdom he has gleaned from more than 70 years of science fiction fandom. He will also address questions and comments from fans.

The Dominion is the official Web site of the Sci-Fi Channel.

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