The Anvil U.S.S. Hephaestus: NCC-2004
ALWAYS ONWARD A MEMBER OF STARFLEET INTERNATIONAL
October 2015
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Inside This Issue From the Ready Room
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XO Briefing
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Ship’s Log
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Starfleet Marine Corps
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Starfleet Renewal Reminders
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Treasury Report
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Away Team and Activity Schedule
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Activity Schedule for 2016
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Theme Article
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Quotable Quotes
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Captain’s Top 10
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Star Trek News
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HEPHAESTUS is the Greek name for the Roman god of the forge, Vulcan. Birmingham has the world’s largest iron statue, that of the Roman god, Vulcan. We named our Starfleet chapter the Hephaestus to give us ties to our city and to Star Trek, which has had its own Vulcan since 1966. Hephaestus forged armor and weapons for the gods. We create our own “armor and weapons” here, in our newsletter, so it is called The Anvil. Cover: Catspaw, TOS, Season2 t Web Links Starfleet www.sfi.org Region 2 www.region2.org USS Hephaestus www.facebook.com/groups/Hephaestus2004/
Feedback
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Anvil Focus Schedule
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www.twitter.com/Hephaestus2004
Star Trek Fiction
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Anvil Back Issues
Name the Episode
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Reviews
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Theme Poster – Ode to Spot
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While on an Away Mission
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Area Conventions & Exhibits
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Hunt for the Icon
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Name the TOS Episode Answers
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Starfleet Academy
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Command Structure
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www.issuu.com/ncc2004
Editor
MarkAdam Miller
Layout, Graphics and Publishing
Brenda A. Miller
Marine Reporting
Neil Yawn
Treasury Reporting
MarkAdam Miller
The Anvil, Issue 290 is the monthly newsletter of the USS Hephaestus, NCC-2004, of Starfleet, The International Star Trek Fan Association. All terms and phrases from Star Trek are owned by Paramount Pictures Corporation, a division of Paramount Communications and all rights are reserved.
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From the Ready Room Greeting from your Captain, Since this month is associated with Halloween I thought I would make it about Scary episodes of Star Trek. They might not be scary to some but they do have an element that may refer to being scary. Last month’s news had information on a free online class about Star Trek (www.trekclass.com). Because of the nature of the class, I have set up a discussion group that meets on Saturday mornings at 10:30am at the Pelham Public Library. All who are interested can come join us. The location may change if the library has some thing that comes up or we get over 20 people attending. I will post on Facebook where we are meeting and when the new class (mission) is available on line. I wish to welcome Brenda Tiner to the Ship. She has been to several functions for awhile and this past month has joined Starfleet. Welcome aboard. If you have a book you read, a movie you saw, a game you played or a convention you attended that you liked then write a review and send it to me to be added to the Anvil. Your fellow crewmates would love to know what you think. See you around the ship… Capt. MarkAdam Miller cohephaestus@bellsouth.net https://www.facebook.com/groups/Hephaestus2004/
XO Briefing Hello Crew, Welcome to the fall season. Halloween is upon us and to play dress up in your favorite character costumes. This is the season of your favorite shows that are coming back on air. I have really enjoying watching #TrekClass and interacting with everybody that has been meeting at Pelham library. I have been reading the autobiography of James T Kirk it's been a great read so far. Lt. Phillip Mangina phillip3056@charter.net
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Ship’s Log September 12, 2015 – Social Night We had a good social this evening. James Davis, his lovely wife Gabrielle and there beautiful daughter Kimberly came for their first time. We watched Star Trek episodes, the Patrick Stewart interview with Kelly Ripa, the new Wal*Mart Star Wars commercials and several fan-made Star Wars videos. We had chips, cookies and pop. Also pizza was available for a small donation. James and Gabby also told us about some of the places they had been because of James’ deployment with the military. Several people were interested about their stories of Japan. Attendance: 15 People September 26, 2015- #TrekClass Saturday several of us met at the Pelham Public Library to discuss the on-line Star Trek course. We had a very good turn out, the different episodes discussed brought up many interesting points. This course is presented by Professor Antony Rotolo of Syracuse University. You can join at www.trekclass.com. We plan to meet each Saturday at 10:30 to discuss that week’s class (mission). Prof Rotolo also has discussions on twitter using #TrekClass and on Google+ using TrekClass. The Google+ discussion is a private group so you have to ask the professor to join. Attendance: 7 People plus. Personnel Updates: Brenda Tiner has join Starfleet. Welcome aboard Crewmen Tiner.
(If you have any news or accomplishments you would like to share with the group please email them to me at: cohephaestus@bellsouth.net. Also your personal updates can give your Captain added info to help get you recognition and awards at Summit for your accomplishments).
Starfleet Marine Corps Greetings, The 654th MSG is looking for members. There is a completely different set of Academy schools for those trying to get the Boothby awards. There is no pressure in joining. There are two categories: Active which means all ranks will be Marine ranks, and Reserve which means you stay primarily Fleet and only use Marine ranks when doing marine stuff. Contact Lt. General Neil Yawn (the654msg@aol.com), if you are interested or have questions. Looking to boost your Boothby Awards? The Starfleet Marines Academy may be your answer. Check out what SFMC Academy has for you. Lt. General Neil Yawn, OIC 1 BN, 2BDE, OIC 654 MSG the654msg@aol.com USS Hephaestus
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Starfleet Renewal Reminders Robinson Arnold Youngblood-Yawn Potts Family Bentley Mohney Family Holsey
09/17/15 11/30/15 11/30/15 03/05/16 04/07/16 04/15/16 05/30/16
Mangina Green Hicks family Lindsay Miller Family Davis Tiner
05/15/16 06/04/16 06/17/16 07/07/16 08/26/15 08/31/16 09/13/16
Treasury Report September Description
Payments
Deposits
Balance
Beginning Balance
$
24.00
Ending Balance
$
24.00
t
Away Team and Activity Schedule Date Sept. 5, 2015 Sept. 11, 2015 Sept. 12, 2015 Oct. 3, 2015 Oct. 9, 2015 Oct. 10, 2015 Nov. 7, 2015 Nov. 13, 2015 Nov. 14, 2015 Dec. 5, 2015 Dec. 11, 2015 Dec. 12, 2015
Event/Time Anvil Deadline Poker – 7 pm Social – 7 pm Anvil Deadline Poker – 7 pm Social – 7 pm Anvil Deadline Poker – 7 pm Social – 7 pm Anvil Deadline Poker – 7 pm Social – 7 pm
Location/Activity cohephaestus@bellsouth.net Miller’s House Mohney’s House cohephaestus@bellsouth.net Potts’ House Mohney’s House cohephaestus@bellsouth.net Mohney’s House Mohney’s House cohephaestus@bellsouth.net Paul Mohney’s House Mohney’s House
ALL EVENTS AND TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE, PLEASE REFER TO THIS SECTION FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION USS Hephaestus
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Activity Schedule for 2016 Date Jan 9, 2016 Jan 15, 2016 Feb 13, 2016 Feb 19, 2016 Feb 26-28 Mar 12, 2016 Mar 18, 2016 Apr 09, 2016 Apr 15, 2016 May 7, 2016 May 14, 2016 May 20, 2016 Jun 11, 2016 Jun 17, 2016 Jul 09, 2016 Jul 15, 2016 July 22,2016 Aug 12-14, 2016 Aug 13, 2016 Aug 19, 2016 Sep 10, 2016 Sep 16, 2016 Oct 08, 2016 Oct 14, 2016 Nov 12, 2016 Nov 18, 2016 Dec 10, 2016 Dec 16, 2016
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Event/Time Social – 7 pm Poker – 7 pm Social – 7 pm Poker – 7 pm Summit Social – 7 pm Poker – 7 pm Social Spring Cookout, Poker – 7 pm Free Comic Book Day Social – 7 pm Poker – 7 pm Social – 7 pm Poker – 7 pm Summer Cookout Poker – 7 pm Premier IC Social – 7 pm Poker – 7 pm Social – 7 pm Poker – 7 pm Social – 7 pm Poker – 7 pm Social Fall Feast Poker – 7 pm Social – 7 pm Poker – 7 pm
Location/Activity Pete Mohney’s House Miller’s House Pete Mohney’s House Potts’ House Navarre, FL Pete Mohney’s House Burtyk’s House Pete Mohney’s House Pete Mohney’s House Various Comic Book Stores including Kingdom Comics Pete Mohney’s House Paul Mohney’s House Pete Mohney’s House Evans’ House Pete Mohney’s House Pete Mohney’s House Star Trek Beyond Louisville, KY Pete Mohney’s House Miller’s House Pete Mohney’s House Paul Mohney’s House Pete Mohney’s House Burtyk’s House Pete Mohney’s House Pete Mohney’s House Pete Mohney’s House Potts’ House
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Theme Article: Scary Star Trek Episodes By: Captain MarkAdam Miller October is known for Halloween so I thought about the episodes of Star Trek that had a Halloween theme or more to the point scary theme. This sort of started with the TOS episode Catspaw. This episode was broadcast on October 27, 1967 so was around the time of Halloween. At the time Star Trek was produced, normally the shows would make episodes that would be themed towards holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.). This was Star Trek’s way of doing that. Its use of black cats, witches and castles give it the Halloween vibe. This led me in to thinking what makes for scary episodes. For me there are three types of scary episodes: Suspense, Monsters (Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, Etc.), and Moral Dilemmas. There is some overlap in these categories but normally they fall in one more than the others. Suspense: Catspaw falls in this category. There is a monster, but who really is afraid of a big cat? Suspense episodes are those episodes that normally have dark corridors, locations where something may jump out at you from an unseen place, an unknown killer that you never see and suspenseful music. When Star Trek delves in to scary, most of them of are of this type. Examples for each series: TOS only has Catspaw (S2E7); TNG has Night Terrors (S4E17), Schisms (S6E5), Phantasms (S7E6), and Genesis (S7E19); DS9 has Empok Nor (S5E24); Voyager has Dark Frontier 1 & 2 (S5E15/16) and Haunting on Deck 12 (S6E25); and Enterprise has Sleeping Dogs (S1E14) and Impulse (S3E5). Of these the one that scares me the most is Genesis. First time I watched this was late at night and with the lights out. I could not finish it. I had to wait till the next day to finish it. I am not a fan of this type of horror, so I normally don’t go see Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, etc. If this is what you like then these episodes should fill the bill. Monsters: Star Trek has its monsters. In TOS they sometimes didn’t come across as scary as they were men in rubber suits playing the part and looked it. Still there are some good monsters like the Gorn (Arena S1E18), the Mugato (A Private Little War, S2E19), Yarnek the Excalbian (The Savage Curtain, S3E22), and the Horta (The Devil in the Dark, S1E25). There are creatures in Catspaw (Ornithoids) but they are only 6 inches high so are not really that scary. You could also say that the Klingons and Romulans are monsters but the Klingons, to me, are the ones that are scary as they are a conquering race were the Romulans seem more sublime when trying to take over. TNG has Armus (Skin of Evil, S1E23) and Crystalline Entity (Datalore, S1E13, Silison Avatar, S5E4). The rest are not really monsters but evil aliens. This includes the Borg. Like the Klingons the Borg are not really evil they just have a different way of thinking how we should live. Yes it is wrong from our point of view but it is not from theirs. This goes for the rest of the series. DS9 has the Jem’Hadar, Vorta and the Founders. Of these creatures the scariest to me is the Vorta because of their devotion to the Founders. They will not question the Founders in anything. They also are the real control over the Jem’Hadar since they are the ones who give the Jem’Hadar their orders (and their drug – ketracel-white). Voyager has Kazon, Vidiians, and the Hirogens. Kazon do not come off as scary as they are a cross between Klingons and the comedian Carrot Top which makes them pathetic. You have to be sympathetic towards the Vidiians since they are just trying USS Hephaestus
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to survive the Phage. The Hirogens are good but they are just big game hunters. They are best depicted in the Killing Game (S4E18/19). This episode really gives a chill in that it shows the horrors of war. As for Enterprise, they have the Suliban and the Xindi (Aquatics, Arboreals, Avians, Insectoids, Primates and Reptilians). I also have to mention the Andorians as they make appearances as the evil-alien-of-the-week but they are that way because they felt the Vulcans were trying to limit their territorial growth. These evil aliens were not evil they just were fighting for rights that they felt were denied them. This leads us in to our last category. Moral Dilemmas: This is the majority of Star Trek. These are scary because the train of thought of certain people could lead to these situations in real life. The greatest example of this it the TOS episode Patterns of Force (S2E21). This episode had a historian, John Gill, using Nazi Germany as a pattern to bring sense of order and focus to a world that was killing itself. The problem is that power went to his second-in-command’s head and he went the way of Germany’s failure—death of innocent people. To name all the episodes and their moral dilemma would take up to much space so I am going to mention only a few and explore only one or two. The TOS episodes include A Private Little War (S2E19, arms race), Let That Be Your Last Battle Field (S3E15, race relations), Miri (S1E8, genetic manipulation), and Dagger of the Mind (S1E9, psychology). This I think is the heart of Star Trek. This is scary so we need to think about how we do things. In TNG, I would suggest Measure of a Man (S2E9, race relations), The Enemy (S3E7, trust), and Drumhead (S4E21, rigid beliefs) to name a few. Drumhead scares me because it shows that power without some form of checks and balances can lead to some people going too far. This episode centers on someone lying about a past ancestor so that he is not judged and that lie being thought as a means of infiltration into the Federation to bring it down. Because of the judge’s belief in rigid enforcement of the law, that judge was going after everyone who broke any rule in the slightest, thinking they were part of the infiltration. My thoughts on this: follow the rules but mainly use them as guidelines because sometimes a rule applied too strictly could cause harm to someone else. DS9 episodes would include Paradise (S2E15, technology hindrance), Civil Defense (S3E7, man vs computer), Past Tense (S3E11/12, employment/jobs) and Homefront/Paradise Lost (S4E11/12, freedom vs safety). Several of the Dominion War episodes give thoughts on what rights people have over others and how they/we treat them. Voyager episodes include Year of Hell (S4E8/9, choices we make), Random Thoughts (S4E10, thought police), Living Witness (S4E23, belief over facts), and Critical Care (S7E5, health care). Enterprise has episodes like Detained (S1E21, freedom vs safety), Cold Station 12/The Augments (S4E5/6 gene splicing) to depict moral dilemmas. So, yes, there are several ways to get scared. This should give you plenty to watch while you are waiting for your trick or treaters. So be safe. LL&P http://en.memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/The_Monsters_of_Star_Trek https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Star_Trek:_Voyager_episodes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation_episodes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Star_Trek:_Enterprise_episodes http://www.imdb.com/, USS Hephaestus
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Quotable Quotes Sylvia: You like to think of yourselves as complex creatures, but you're flawed. One gains admittance to your minds through many levels. You have too many to keep track of yourselves. There are unguarded entrances to any human mind. Catspaw – TOS, Season 2
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: It's a terrifying prospect to lose control of one's mind. Night Terrors – TNG, Season4
Doctor Beverly Crusher: If there's nothing wrong with me… maybe there's something wrong with the universe. Remember Me – TNG, Season 4
Doctor Crusher: [about Barclay] He transformed into a spider, and now he has a disease named after him. Counselor Deanna Troi: I think I better clear my calendar for the next few weeks. Genesis – TNG, Season 7
Garak: Asking a Ferengi to play a Cardassian game is like asking a Klingon to chew with his mouth closed. Empok Nor – DS9, Season 5
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Reed: We can travel faster than the speed of light. You think we could find a cure for the common cold! Sleeping Dogs – Enterprise, Season1
Tucker: Part of the fun of a mystery is trying to solve it before it ends… using logic. You of all people should appreciate that." T'Pol: Then use logic more quietly… Impulse – Enterprise, Season 3 Dr. McCoy: Three witches… what appears to be a castle, and a black cat. Captain Kirk: If we weren't missing two officers and a third one dead, I'd say someone was playing an elaborate trick-or-treat on us. Mr. Spock: 'Trick-or-treat', Captain? Captain Kirk: Yes, Mr. Spock… You'd be a natural. I'll explain it to you one day. Catspaw – TOS, Season 2
Seven of Nine: It's impossible to offend a mindless drone. t Dark Frontier – Voyager, Season5
Lt. Cmdr. Data: He will need to be fed once a day. He prefers feline supplement number 25. Lieutenant Worf: I understand. Lt. Cmdr. Data: And he will require water. And you must provide him with a sandbox - and you must talk to him. Tell him he is a pretty cat, and a good cat… Lieutenant Worf: I will feed him. Lt. Cmdr. Data: Perhaps that will be enough. Phantasms – TNG, Season7 USS Hephaestus
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The Captain’s Top 10 Top Ten Reasons the Anvil is Late 1. I am watching Star Trek. 2. The computer went down. 3. The cat came out of Hyperspace in front of me and scared me. 4. I can’t think of that One episode. 5. They don’t have that picture of Spock I want to put in. 6. I am on my fifth article on Facts of Star Trek You Didn’t Know (I knew them all) 7. The Poker game with the other Captain’s went late. 8. Hailing frequencies were not open. 9. The transporter malfunctioned. 10. Was on the Holodeck as Dr. Watson to Data’s Sherlock. Something different. Do you agree, disagree or think your Captain is off his command chair. Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/Hephaestus2004/) or email (cohephaestus@bellsouth.net) me with your thoughts and I will print them in next months Anvil.
Star Trek News & More Change your Calendars If you have Star Trek Beyond penciled in on your calendars for July 8 then you need to get out your eraser and move it to July 22. No reason was given for the move. This will put Star Trek up against Warner Bros.’ King Arthur”and Fox’s Ice Age: Collision Course. (www.treknews.net)
Update on Nichelle Nichols SOFIA Mission On September 30, 2015 Nichelle Nichols (82) took to space on a NASA SOFIA (Stratosphere Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) space telescope mission. She went along with five Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors. They were Susan Oltman (Kittredge Magnet School) and April Whitt (Fernbank Science Center), both in Atlanta, Georgia, Jeffery Killebrew (New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired), and Michael Shinabery (New Mexico Museum of Space History), both in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and Jo Dodds from the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, Twin Falls, Idaho. The Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors program gives teachers mostly between 6th and 12th grades the chance to work with astronomers to get the experience of what they do a s a team and for scientific research. The teachers then can go back and convey this information to the students and community were they work. SOFIA missions was to take measurements of the star forming regions W31S (in the constellation Sagittarius), W49A and W51A (both in the constellation Aquila), and W58A (in the constellation Cygnus). The final science investigation for the night was to observe a protostar called Elias 3-18 (in the constellation Taurus)
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to determine how icy particles in space serve as “carriers” of organic compounds, such as methane, into regions from which planets and stars form. Jeffrey Killebrew, teacher at the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired gave the following observation about the experience “Being on the flight with Nichelle Nichols was an incredible capstone to my participation in scientific discovery on SOFIA. The process of research itself is amazing, but the social and educational ramifications that she represents are what sent the whole experience beyond the stratosphere. “Being able to talk with my students and show them a video clip of Nichols talking about how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. encouraged her to stay with the role of Lt. Uhura, and be that one person to positively illuminate African Americans during that tumultuous time of the late 1960s and early ’70s, is very powerful for my students. It’s interesting to observe how science onboard SOFIA has connected my students with Nichols who has spent the majority of her adult life representing the unrepresented and encouraging the un-encouraged. It Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors really means a lot to us here.” The video clip that Mr. Killebrew mentioned was done near the end of the 10 hour mission. The video clip was not only a “shout out” to the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired but all visually impaired across the nation urging them to “Live long and Prosper.” Ms Nichols said of the experience, “Flying on SOFIA has many parallels to the starship Enterprise. We went where no man or woman has gone before, and I think that’s what SOFIA gives us – a tool to study where we want to go in the future. It’s magnificent.”
Nichelle and Jeffrey Killbrew
You can see a video released by NASA on Ms. Nichols at https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL7b4vf55aQl3xzWEdPwasQdCeBs3cGYkJ&v=ZjXeTdgD3yE The Nichelle Nichols Video “shout out” to New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/NMSBVI/videos/884030608346659/ (www.startrek.com)
Emmys In Memoriam The 67th annual Emmy Award In Memorian paid tribute to those actors, directors, writers and producers who passed in the last year. Included in the tribute was Star Trek alumnus Herve Bennet and the tribute was closed out by Leonard Nimoy giving his Vulcan salute and the familiar phrase “Live Long and Prosper” To see the tribute you can go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAfMGi_rvII. (www.treknews.net)
Dreams are the royal road to the knowledge of the mind. – Counselor Deanna Troi [citing Sigmund Freud], TNG: Phantasms, Season7 USS Hephaestus
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Feedback No feedback was given for last months ANVIL.
(Comments on stories or articles or ideas for the club can be sent to cohephaestus@bellsouth.net)
Anvil Focus Schedule Month
Theme
October
Scary Episodes: Catspaw (ST); Devil’s Due (TNG); Genesis (TNG); Frame of Mind (TNG)
November
Enterprise
December
Majel Barrette/Nurse Chapel, Lwaxana Troi & Ship’s Computer
2016 The Captain’s (Krik, Picard, Sisko, Janeway, Archer)
January February
Comedy Episodes st
March
1 Officers ( No. 1, Spock, Riker, Kira, Chakotay, T’Pol)-
April
Time Travel Episodes
Do you know who these guys are?
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Star Trek Fiction Star Trek: The New Adventures By: Ensign 3rd Class Donald Arnold
Ensign 3rd class Donald Arnold was playing Dom-jot with a group of Nausicaans and forgot the cardinal rule: When playing games let Wookies and Nausicaans win… He faired better than Captain Picard and is not in need of an artificial heart but was unable to get a story out this month. He should be out of sick bay in time to submit the next installment for the next issue. (Side bar- Donald is fine he just has school and a couple other commitments that did not allow him to get a story written this month.) TO BE CONTINUED… Donald Arnold is a member of the Hephaestus and has written many Star Trek fan fiction. If you have any fan fiction you would like to submit then send me your stories at cohephaestus@bellsouth.net
Discussion of the free online course on Star Trek (www.trekclass.com) by Professor Anthony Rotolo of Syracuse University. This discussion is held by U.S.S Hephaestus – Birmingham‘s Star Trek Fan Club Moderated by Captain MarkAdam Miller President of the U.S.S Hephaestus Free and open to the Public Pelham Public Library (subject to availability) Saturday Oct.-Dec., 2015 10:30AM Not endorsed or sponsored by Prof. Rotolo or Syracuse University
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Name the Alien and the Episode
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Reviews Movies RiffTrax Review: Miami Connection Reviewed by: Shirley Burton I attended another RiffTrax movie on Thursday, October 1st, and what they did for Miami Connection became one of the funniest tracks out of all I’ve attended since 2013. A funny short called Measuring Man was shown just before the movie. Basically, a boy has trouble understanding measurements, but to the rescue comes a mild-mannered milkman who becomes Measuring Man. He transports the boy to a world where he can easily understand how things are measured. Measuring Man is basically a Superman knock-off and has all kinds of measuring devices around his waist, including a clock right on the front. If that was crazy, the movie itself was even crazier, especially when adding the riffs from the RiffTrax crew. The movie Miami Connection was produced by Tae Kwon Do master Y.K. Kim back in 1987 and is considered one of the worst movies ever done because of a goofy storyline, terrible editing, and the band Dragon Sound (definitely NOT the Miami Sound Machine). It’s basically the story of a college band at the University of Central Florida called Dragon Sound, and one of the band members is Mark (played by Y.K. Kim). When they’re not busy playing in the band, they’re busy training in Tae Kwon Do on campus. They get caught up in the drug wars between two factions in Orlando and Miami. The fun part… there are fulldressed ninjas in the heat and humidity of the Florida Peninsula! Mark and his friends perform at a night club but soon have to deal with the threats from both sides of the drug cartels. The riffing made it even funnier, but I can’t mention what was said because the movie itself has strong language, and I prefer to keep my reviews clean. t Seriously, though, if you’re looking for fast laughs in the middle of a bad kung-fu drug-fighting movie, then RiffTrax Live: Miami Connection is the one to watch. I’m also planning on going to the next RiffTrax performance for the movie Santa Claus and the Ice Bunny in December. For more information about RiffTrax, check out their website, www.rifftrax.com. For information on future RiffTrax shows, check out www.fathomevents.com to see if a theater near you has these live performances. Rating: AAAAA(not recommended for children because of strong language) Did I miss something? You have an interesting movie or TV show you would like to review or be reviewed? Then send me your suggestions and articles to cohephaestus@bellsouth.net.
Tom Paris: [on the cloud formations of the nebula] Now, there's a creepy image. Reminds me of something out of Edgar Allan Poe. Harry Kim: Looks like a vampire bat. You can make out the wings, even the ears. What do you see, Tuvok? Tuvok: Two Starfleet officers with juvenile imaginations. Voyager: Haunting on Deck 12, Season 6 USS Hephaestus
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Ode to Spot
Felis catus is your taxonomic nomenclature An endothermic quadruped, carnivorous by nature. Your visual, olfactory and auditory senses Contribute to your hunting skills, and natural defenses. I find myself intrigued by your subvocal oscillations, A singular development of cat communications That obviates your basic hedonistic predilection For a rhythmic stroking of your fur, to demonstrate affection. A tail is quite essential, for your acrobatic talents; You would not be so agile, if you lacked its counterbalance. And when not being utilized to aid in locomotion, It often serves to illustrate the state of your emotion. Oh, Spot, the complex levels of behavior you display Connote a fairly well-developed cognitive array. And though you are not sentient, Spot, and do not comprehend, I nonetheless consider you a true and valued friend. — Data, TNG: Schisms, Season 6 USS Hephaestus
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While on an Away Mission By Captain MarkAdam Miller (Recap)The Hephaestus has been summoned to Kronos by Chancellor Martok. The Hephaestus was not in the vicinity so we are traveling at maximum warp to get there quickly. Since I had some time, I headed to my cabin for some Plomeek soup. It was a good repast to steady my nerves and I felt I would need steady nerves to deal with the Klingons. As I was eating I was also going over my MSRs to make sure they were in order. As Captain, paper work never seems to be done. As I was looking over the files, I reflected on what my ship and crew were like. The Hephaestus was different than most ships in that it was more of a prototype-testing ship than exploration ship. The prototypes we tested were more for regulations and procedures than for new equipment. This was why so many admirals were on bored. There were several onboard: Each overseeing a different section to see if there is a more efficient way to run it. For example, Admiral Pete Mohney was over navigation. He is always trying to find new ways to navigate and plot courses around the alpha quadrant that can get ships to places faster and also have a better way to be sure that all sectors of the Federation can be helped by a starship in minimal time. If anyone can do it then Pete is the man. He is known to be able to do the Kessel run in 11 parsecs. I don’t believe it, but I would never challenge an Admiral on his tall tales. Does this cause problems? Yes, sometimes it can since Admirals out rank me but they try to not step on my command toes to often. Admiral Danny Potts sometimes gets carried away in upgrading the computer to the latest version/model coming down the pike. When it seems that the computer is far too new and untested, I just remind him about the M-5 test and he backs off. All in all, it is a good ship that can handle most anything. The strangest part is we DO have a cloaking device. Pete and Danny say they won it in a friendly poker game with Admiral Tomalak, but, each says he won it so I am not sure what the real story is. I think Ambassador Burtyk knows but he says it is Danny and Pete’s story to tell so I need to ask them. Just as I was finishing reading the MSR’s, the red alert sounds and the com beeps. “Captain to the bridge,” Pete’s voice comes over com. I punch the com button, “What’s the problem Admiral?” “Two Romulan ships have decloaked on our port bow and a Jem’Hadar fighter is coming up on our starboard,” Pete replies. “On my way,” I call out as I head out of the cabin to the bridge. Klingon, Romulans and Jem’Hadar, Oh My… (to be continued) While on an Away Mission is a fictional account of things that the Hephaestus might run into on her Voyages. Have a suggestion of a planet to visit, a creature to encounter . . . then send me your Ideas and I will write it up. -
You know what the worst part of growing old is? So many of the people you've known all your life are gone; and you realize you didn't take the time to appreciate them while you still could. – Doctor Dalen Quaice, TNG: Remember Me, Season 4 USS Hephaestus
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Area Conventions & Exhibits For additional Cons please go to http://www.southernfan.com/calendar.htm
October February 1- December 31, 2015 – 101 Rocket City Inventions, U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, AL http://www.rocketcenter.com Inspired by the featured exhibit, "101 Inventions that Changed the World," the Center has developed a Huntsville component that showcases the creative spirit of the community that sent man to the moon. "101 Rocket City Inventions" includes local patents that track the history of a cotton town turned Rocket City. The exhibition is designed to reflect Huntsville’s robust culture of invention and innovation for products, services and technologies. October 10-11, 2015 – Rocket City Lit Fest, Von Braun Center. South Hall. Huntsville, AL http://www.rocketcitylitfest.com/ Come join us to celebrate storytelling in all forms! We are a family-oriented literary festival and our program will be packed with activities for all age. Guests: Homer Hickam, Roger Reid, Staphanie Osborn, Les Johnson and The Hillywood Show. October 16-18, 2015 – Con*Stellation XXXIII, Four Points by Sheraton Huntsville Airport, Huntsville, AL http://www.con-stellation.org/ An annual general interest Science Fiction & Fantasy convention in Huntsville Alabama. Con†Stellation (or Con*Stellation) is an annual, fan-run, general-interest science fiction & fantasy convention sponsored by NASFA—the North Alabama Science Fiction Association. Guests: Orspn Scott Card and Sam Flegal, October 23-25, 2015 – Rocket City NerdCon, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Huntsville, AL http://hmcpl.org/rocketcitynerdcon/ The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is hosting the second annual Rocket City NerdCon (RCNC) fan convention in Huntsville on Oct. 23-25, 2015 at the Downtown Branch Library. The idea behind this event is to create a local convention similar to other fan and industry conventions around the country. Rather than limit ourselves to a particular group or genre, we are seeking to include as many different representations of fan communities as possible. Basically, if people can geek out about it, we want to celebrate it. October 31, 2015 – Comicfest –Vestavia, AL, Kingdom Comics https://www.facebook.com/kingdom.comics?fref=ts Come see you favorite Super Heroes and Super Villains. There will also be free comics, candy and prizes. You also can get tips from Albert on how to be a Super hero or Super Villain.
USS Hephaestus
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The Anvil
NCC-2004
November November 13-15, 2015 – CONjuration – Marriott Century Center, Atlanta, Georgia http://www.conjurationcon.com/ Fan of magic? CONjuration is more than a convention for Harry Potter fans. It’s a celebration of magical fantasy! If you are a fan of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, Once Upon a Time, Supernatural & classics like Wizard of Oz; this is the CON for you! For an intimate, family-friendly small to mid-size convention experience, you can't go wrong at CONjuration!
January January 29-31, 2016 – Chattacon 41 – Chattanooga Choo-Choo, Chattanooga, TN http://chattacon.org/ Chattacon is an annual Speculative Fiction convention held in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the historical Chattanooga Choo Choo. This section lists Cons that might be if interest to our group. It is not intended to be a complete list. If I’ve missed one, please let me know so I can list it in the next issue. Also please post any Con that your fellow crewmen might find of interest on our Facebook group.
Hunt for the Icon Did you find the five Icons last month? Last month’s Icon was {. If you did not find them all they were: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Pg.1 – X.O. Briefing after his greetings Pg.4 – Anvil Focus Schedule after the September theme Pg. 6–Captain’s top 10 near the beginning of the explanation paragraph. Pg.9 – before the last quote in the 1st column Pg14 – after James M. Davis name
I hope you found them all. This Month five t (command chevron) are hidden in the Anvil. The five doesn’t include the example above...
Name the Star Trek (Classic) Episode Let That Be Your Last Battlefield – S3E15 What Are Little Girls Made of? – S1E7
Patterns of Force – S2E21 Charlie X – S1E2
Journey to Babel – S2E10
The Conscience of the King – S1E13
The Enemy Within – S1E5
Plato's Stepchildren – S3E10
The Paradise Syndrome – S3E3
Mirror, Mirror – S2E4
How hard was it? Did you get them all? If you have a suggestion or a question then sends them to cohephaestus@bellsouth.net
USS Hephaestus
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Always Onward
The Anvil
NCC-2004
By General Jill Rayburn, SFMC Greetings! For those who don't know me, I'm Jill Rayburn, XO of Space Station Nikola Tesla (KY, R1), and secondary member of the Hephaestus. I have been asked to write a little about STARFLEET Academy … why, because I have been a director for over 15 years, and am currently the director for OTS, OCC, and CoPS (Parallel Studies). The SFA has grown and changed over the years, and we now offer over 5000 courses in 21 different institutes (including the Cadet Studies program). Most STARFLEET members start their SFA experiences by passing through my office … members typically take OTS soon after they join Fleet, and quite a few go on to take OCC for various reasons. However, SFA is so much more than just these courses. What started out as courses about our organization and Star Trek has evolved to include just about any subject you can name. History, music, military studies, science … I don't have room to list everything here. Here's what I would like to encourage everyone to do. Most everyone reading this likes Star Trek … that is what brought most of us to STARFLEET. t However, I dare say that we all have other interests in television and movies. Think about some of the other shows and/or films that you like, and then see if SFA has courses for them. Star Wars, check. Stargate, check. NCIS, check. Harry Potter, check. General drama and comedy, superheroes … so much from which to choose. Start with other entertainment that you enjoy, and then go from there. Why something other than Trek? Gives you more to talk about at the monthly social, and maybe you will find new things in common with other members. I'm going to issue a challenge. I will give a mystery gift to the Hephaestus member (adult or cadet) who takes the most courses in the month of November. Only November (2015) will count, and it must have a completion date in the database of November. If anyone has questions about SFA, please don't hesitate to ask. If I can't answer them, I'll put you in touch with the person who can help you. If you are not familiar with SFA, or perhaps have only taken OTS and OCC and want more information about SFA, you might want to take our recently opened Academy Orientation College. You can learn about SFA policies and procedures … who knows, you may decide you would like to join the staff! Have fun! Live Long and Prosperer!
Captain Janeway: Now this is how I prefer the Borg: in pieces… Chakotay: Better safe than assimilated. – Voyager: Dark Frontier, Season 5 USS Hephaestus
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Always Onward
The Anvil
NCC-2004
Looking for the following people to help with the Anvil: Reporters for the Following: Star Wars News Dr. Who News Firefly News NASA News Latest Sci-Fi/Fantasy books coming out Reviewers: Books Movies Games Conventions Convention Scouts: Someone to find conventions in a 2 - 3 hr driving distance of Birmingham. Write a short synopsis and give possible websites
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The Anvil
NCC-2004
USS HEPHAESTUS COMMAND STRUCTURE
Command Staff
Executive Committee
MarkAdam Miller, Captain – Commanding Officer Phillip Mangina – 1st Officer Brenda Miller, Lt Cmdr – Second Officer
SueEllen Mohney, Captain Denby Potts, Rear Admiral Danny Potts, Rear Admiral
Sciences
Navigation
Roy Green, Brigadier, SFMC – Archaeology and Anthropology
Pete Mohney, Admiral
Computer Sciences
Engineering
Danny Potts, Rear Admiral
Flo Hurst, Commander
Communications
Security
Brenda A. Miller, Lt Cmdr Pat Simmons, Lt Cmdr Donald Arnold, Ensign(3C)
Roy Green, Brigadier, SFMC – Security Intelligence, Chief Sandra Holsey, Ensign Nicole Breanne Bentley, Ensign
Operations
Marines
SueEllen Mohney, Captain – Chief of Operations and Counselor Shelia Benton, Lt Col – Stampede Coordinator, SFMC Brenda A. Miller, Lt Cmdr – Ships Administrative Assistant Lynnette Yawn, Lt. – Ships Galley Officer
Neil Yawn, Lt. General, SFMC Roy Green, Brigadier ,SFMC Shelia Benton, Lt Col
Medical
Ambassadors
Shelia Benton, Lt Commander – Chief Medical Officer, SFMD
Mike Burtyk Shirley Burton Dennis Evans, Fleet Captain(ret.)
Cadet Training
Unassigned Crew and Civilians
Katrina Mohney, Cadet Crewman Tara Mohney, Cadet Athena Youngblood, Cadet Kimberly Davis, Cadet in Training
Pat Hicks, Fleet Captain Brenda Tiner, Crewmen Diedra Robinson, Ensign Haley Youngblood, Crewmen Matthew Potts, Crewmen James Davis, Ensign Gabrielle Davis, Civilian
USS Hephaestus
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For More Information Contact: Captain MarkAdam Miller 1204 Southwind Dr. Helena, Al 35080 cohephaestus@bellsouth.net
Lt. Phillip Mangina 3056 Fox Trail Fultondale, AL 35068 phillip3056@charter.net