and happy Thanksgiving
for those who celebrate it.

The technology section is almost completed for our Discovery One Flash presentation. But unfortunately, we will not be done until mid-December or later.
We’re beginning a new series of photo shoots in December for our latest "2001" model kits. On the list include, the Lunar Models Aries 1B diorama, Space Pod, HAL 9000 and AE-35 Unit Diorama.
So far, the new 20th Century Fox film, "Solaris", directed by Steven Soderbergh, has already received some good reviews but also some neutral opinions as well. I have a feeling this picture will have a mixture of reviews like "2001" for a long time to come. This long awaited film opened yesterday and I do plan to see it next week. I read Stanislaw Lem’s novel earlier this year, which was reprinted in 1972 for the Andrei Tarkovsky’s film adaptation. I could not possibly believe such a book could be made into a movie today, especially when science fiction films are wrapped up in special effects and explosions over acting and deep meanings. "Solaris" is for mature audience because of its intense and sophisticated nature. To read a review of "Solaris", go to:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2002/11/27/DD24536.DTL&type=movies

For more information about "Solaris" visit the official website at:
http://www.solaristhemovie.com/

It seems like the new era of science fiction films is growing steadily with the latest productions in the making like, "Childhood End" and "Rendezvous with Rama". To read more about these films, visit their websites:
http://www.corona.bc.ca/films/details/childhoodsend.html
http://www.corona.bc.ca/films/details/rama.html

HAL 9000 meets Dr. Muto - from Wally Fields:
"Seen a TV ad for a game called "Dr. Muto"? Does the voice of the Narrator ("Al the Computer") sound familiar? Yes, Al is a HAL 9000 "retread" and the voice is I, Wally Fields.

I recorded the voices of some five or six characters, comprising 90% of the voice work for the game. The funniest voice is Dr. Muto himself, a whiney, evil Mad Scientist.

I knew, going in, the project would be big. I didn't know how big. My first clue was a full-page ad for "Dr. Muto" in the 50th anniversary edition of MAD Magazine.

But when they recorded me for the TV spot, they didn't tell me it'd be nationwide! I was minding my own business at my computer; the TV behind me was blaring out Comedy Central or UPN. I can't remember... when all of a sudden I heard my voice!

For more info and shameless self-promotion, go to my site at www.wallys.com. You will see the Dr. Muto links subtly placed at the top of the home page. I have links to the main site at http://www.drmuto.midway.com, as well as to my own Muto page. I've placed audio clips on my Muto page, with three levels of resolution. Lo Res .WAV, Lo Res .MP3, and Hi Res .MP3. I have PATENTLY REFUSED to include Real Audio, for they are evil!

ALL HAIL DR. MUTO!!!!"

If you like to talk to Wally, email him at weird@wallys.com

Space Update:
Over the weekend, the space shuttle Endeavour launched in spectacular nighttime life-off from the Cape! And Monday, the shuttle docked with the International Space Station to begin the transfer of fresh crew and the latest tasks for the mission. For detail information about the mission, visit Human Space Flight website:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/

"I’m on my way up to Clavius…" – Dr. Heywood Floyd:
It seems the trip to the moon for the 21st Century is not that out of reach after all. TransOrbital Inc. of La Jolla, California signed a $20 million contract with Kosmotras, a Moscow rocket firm to fly the first private mission to the moon next year. The unmanned vehicle would take pictures and deliver messages and cremated remains. For further details, go to: http://www.transorbital.net/

2001: A Space Odyssey IMAX?
"2001" fan, Robert Carey recently suggests to me that perhaps it’s time for a 2001 IMAX?
How do people feel about this idea since now "Apollo 13" is this format? To reach Robert, his email address is hari@second-foundation.org. Or email me at webmaster@2001exhibit.org.

Website Update:
New postings on the Retrospect page:
http://www.2001exhibit.org/acceptit_3/ldisplay.cgi?deluxe
Or
http://www.2001exhibit.org/acceptit_3/display.cgi?mseely+deluxe
And
http://www.2001exhibit.org/acceptit_3/display.cgi?EGG+deluxe

If you have a "Space Odyssey" story to share, go to: http://www.2001exhibit.org/acceptit_3/deluxe/regform.htm

"2001" Movie Update!
Our long time contact from Warner Brothers, Linda Evans-Smith has updated us on the latest re-release of "2001: A Space Odyssey."

San Fran- Chabot Science Ctr, Oakland plays 12/30-1/5/03
Minor, Arcata plays 12/6-7/02

For further information about the San Francisco/Oakland, California showing:
http://www.chabotspace.org/visit/theater.asp
And for anyone from Arcata, California showing:
http://www.minortheaters.com/comingsoon2.cfm

If you know of any other "2001/2010" film releases, let us know.

See you next Wednesday (Frank).

Cosmic computer ñ new philosophy to explain the universe:
Simple computer programs able to generate complex patterns, such as this one, led some scientists to question whether the universe was a giant computer, running jillion of bits of space-time information.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/07/01/MN108224.DTL

Posted by Dennis Gonzales, elusive@yahoo.com


Solaris Fansite:
Excellent fansite for a science fiction film. A must see!

http://www.keyser-sozed.net/solaris/

Posted by Dennis Gonzales, elusive94401@yahoo.com


Lexus.Com:
Lexus.com has an interactive "Minority Report" website based on their futuristic concept car.

http://www.lexus.com/minorityreport/index.html

Posted by Dennis Gonzales, elusive94401@yahoo.com


CNN.Com / Viewsonics' ViewPad 1000:
Viewsonics' ViewPad 1000 combined with the Internet, is looking a lot like 2001's Newspad, as are other similar devices these days.
http://www.viewsonic.com/products/tablet_pc_viewpad1000.htm

Posted by Dana Lubich, prime_orbit@yahoo.com


MSNBC.Com:
Alaska's 1986 UFO sighting still rouses curiosity.

http://www.msnbc.com/local/ktuu/m244286.asp?cp1=1

Posted by Dennis Gonzales, elusive94401@yahoo.com


PittsburghLive.Com:
UFO case back in spotlight

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/news/s_100850.html

Posted by Dennis Gonzales, elusive94401@yahoo.com


Wired:
Special Report ñ Science + Religion. HAL 9000 is on the latest cover of Wired:

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/10.12/full.html

Or
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/10.12/

Posted by, Dennis Gonzales, elusive94401@yahoo.com