Site of the Week -- August 7, 2000
he mIcha' qagh is wonderful, dear. Could you pass the blood wine? It's a phrase not heard among most tera'nganpu, but that's what one would expect from gutless fools who advise their children "not to play with their food." They should be telling them to fight with it!
Those who seek to eat honorably should see K'Tesh's Klingon Recipe Pages. K'Tesh has assembled dozens of Klingon recipes (and many from lesser races) from the annals of Star Trek history. His goal is to match the look of the dishes; edibility is a secondary concern. The site does include many edible recipes, including Pipius Claw (chicken feet), Broiled Karada Legs (octopus) and the always-popular Gagh (various fried noodles or, in one recipe, gummy worms in chocolate sauce).
It would have been nice if the site included more pictures of the finished product as seen on television and as put together in the home kitchen. Regardless of the reader's culinary intentions, however, it's a treat.
-- Kenneth Newquist
Site of the Week -- July 31, 2000
odestly designed and easy to negotiate, ClassicSciFi.com sets its sights primarily on the most popular of all science fiction media--movies. And, while not incredibly detailed or absolutely comprehensive, ClassicSciFi is quite a good resource for science fiction film aficionados and initiates alike.
The site provides a searchable database of hundreds of classic science fiction films. The film descriptions contain brief synopses, lists of starring actors, various ratings and rankings, awards and good-sized images of the movies' original posters. Visitors can also find out what science fiction and horror movies (not necessarily all classics) are on television on the current day and month. (Listings appear to be U.S. Eastern Standard Time broadcasts, though this isn't entirely clear.)
ClassicSciFi.com also compiles lists of science fiction conventions going on around the world, science fiction movies due out in the near or far future, and links to other science fiction movie-related sites--from memorabilia vendors to deals on science fiction magazines to resources for aspiring filmmakers.
Owners of Palm Pilots and other handheld computers will be delighted to see that ClassicSciFi's daily science fiction TV listings can be downloaded to handhelds (users must first download AvantGo software). Another interesting feature is the site's extensive list of in-house movie categories. Whether viewers hunger for a film that's "Campy" or about "Aliens," "Monsters on the Loose" or "Man, His Follies, and the End of the World," ClassicSciFi is the place to go.
-- Matthew McGowan
Site of the Week -- July 24, 2000
ccording to the history provided on its site, Apemania began with a group of Planet of the Apes fans. Painstakingly recreating the elaborate costumes of the films, Apemania members began attending SF conventions and performing at the masquerades. Since 1996, they have gone pro, performing at trade shows and fund-raisers, staging an ape invasion aboard a cruise ship and even providing voices for the new CD-ROM game from Fox Interactive.
This photo-laden Web site tells the Apemania story, listing the group's past and upcoming public appearances and providing insights into the complexities of creating creature makeup for the movies. It is also an inspiring look into the world of people whose lives, careers and current success have been shaped and directed by their passionate involvement in SF.
Even though some areas of the site are still under construction, there is plenty to enjoy, including a hilarious video of performers jumping rope in full costume. Particularly interesting is an interview with makeup artist Kevin Chase. Visitors can also view the museum-quality displays created by Apemania and purchase collectibles, costumes, accessories or the raw materials required to create an ape outfit at home. There is even a section where new costume-makers can share their war stories and photographs of their experiments.
Even casual visitors will find it hard not to love this irrepressible site. As for die-hard Planet of the Apes fans, Apemania.com is an absolute treasure trove.
-- A.M. Dellamonica
