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A behind the scenes image from the photo shoot yesterday by Chris Loomis with actress Gigi Edgley (Chiana on Farscape, Rescue: Special Ops & The Host of Jim Henson's Creature Ship Challenge) at Studio 1444

in Hollywood.

Formerly a recording studio, Studio 1444 has a rich musical history.

Among the artists that recorded there were Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Frank Zappa, Alice Cooper, Velvet Underground, The Monkees, The Ventures, Eric Burdon, Nico, Mothers of Invention, House of Pain, Everlast, Barbara Streisand, and Limp Bizkit.

Studio history aside, I usually give Chris a hand at these photo shoots, so I was happy to help out...joining us was Maira Gomez, who is a professional makeup artist & who made sure that Gigi was ready for each take!

Be sure and meet Gigi at next weeks upcoming Geekonomicon in Biloxi, Mississippi  along with Battlestar Galactica's Richard Hatch & Jack Stauffer Dec 12th-14th!

From left to right: Chris Loomis, Shawn O'Donnell, Gigi Edgely & Maira Gomez

Raven Marines,

I just wanted to quickly post this to let everyone know, the RAVEN COLONIAL MARINE PATCHES are in!  Like I said when I agree to take on this position and learn more about how you do things in the science ficition world as I am new to this, I told myself that if I am going to do something like this, I vowed to make the Raven Marines unique and different.  And this is JUST one of the ways I will do it.  Uniformity WILL BE maintained within the Raven Colonial Marine Ranks but at the same time, we are different amongst the other Colonial Marines Detachment out there amongts the other Battlestar Chapters.  That is why WE ARE THE RAVEN COLONIAL MARINES!  WE think outside the box!  Unless the Commander tells me otherwise ( ONLY SHE CAN DO IT ), I will continue to make us unique towards becoming the best one out there!  I mean after all, I was told that this is all for fun.  And fun it will be!

There will be more new things to come for the Raven Colonial Marines including the long awaited Raven Marine Tactical Manual!  As stated before, that manual will ONLY be exclusive to actual deserving Raven Colonial Marine Members and select individuals within the Raven.  Why I chose to do this in this manner, it is because a lot of hard work was put into this manual by both me and the Commander so we want to make sure that deserving individuals   ( active members ) who contributed a lot to the Raven, gets it as a reward. And I believe that is a fair thing to do.  So far, real life responsibilities has been getting on the way but we are still moving along with many new things being put into play.  

Have a great weekend and SEMPER FI!

In Service,

-Raven Marine OIC

The Raven Colonial Marine Detachment Patch and Banners are filled with heraldry and symbols that express their creed, beliefs and values. The following are the descriptions of these symbols and what we hold each to represent. 

• Stars represent Excellence, and the numerous stars mean we expect effort and results in everything we do. 

• The laurel wreath signifies Success and Victory. 

• The eagles stand for Bravery, Strength, Intelligence and Awareness. Eagles with wings displayed also signify Protection. 

• The use of the Classic style BSG patch demonstrates Respect for the Past, along with our ties and debt to it. 

• The anchor stands for Steadfast Dependability. 

• The skull represents Mortality and Sacrifice.

• The words are our Ship and our Creed. The very word “Raven” means “Strategist in Battle”. 

• The crossed Weapons represent Military Honor, and the use of long guns are unique to the Marines on board. 

• The combination of Beret, Flash, Skull and Long Guns are meant to identify the Marines and their Function to those seeing it even if they can’t read the words.

Colonials,

            I hope everyone is doing well and life is good.  First i wanted to a brief moment to thank everyone personally who gave me time to deal with my retirement from the United States Naval Service.  To President O'Donnell, Daniel Allen, Cherry Oclima and other close friends i thank you.  Everyone else i am proud to say i am OFFICIALLY retire and can fully focus on what i love.  Sci Fi and everything that makes me a Sci Fi geek of all genre to help fellow members wherever they are here in the states or around the globe.   I have retired after serving 20 years in the US Navy and i bring that talent and experience to everything i do.  Of course all in fun here and not to take everything to serious b/c as WE ALL know it can suck the fun out of anything right?

           I have settled in to my new City after moving from Florida and will be back on full duty starting tomorrow.  For all you Viper and Raptor jock you have all passed your examinations and will be getting your Certificates and Awards tomorrow.  Give me 24 hours to get them all out and if you have not gotten yours after 24 Hrs email me at CAG_VF84@yahoo.com  i will also check eng33ladder49@yahoo.com if email is sent there as well.  Expect changes folks on the BFC Fleet Military side.  There will be a few wake up calls if you will and alot of smiling faces.  I have some catching up to do, but not much. 

           Fleet personnel can expect subtle changes here and there.  There will a be a few revisions to existing SOPS(Standard Operating Procedures)  For my Colonial Marines there will also be some changes as well nothing to major but i am steering us into a positive, productive and expanding direction.  I will be releasing the Fleet Ship compliment and commissioning procedures soon.  If you are interested in becoming a ship Commanding Officer my email is CAG_VF84@yahoo.com  Lets talk and i like doing short interviews so i can get a feel for you and answer questions you may have.  Just allow me 48 Hrs so you as the interested party can read the, "Fleet Ship compliment and commissioning procedures"  Colonials in due time i will have us exactly where we need to be as a FLEET and more importantly as a FAMILY!   I expect nothing but the best from you all as i know you expect the same thing from me and MORE! Thank you very much all of you for constant support and cooperation i appreciate it.  SO SAY WE ALL!!  ~SALUTES!~

Hello Colonials!

A lot to go over this September 1st...to start off with I'll begin with our Heroes...and the first Hero goes to a Canadian actress who along with guest spots on Stargate SG-1, Dark Angel, The 4400 appeared as the character know simply as Jeanne on the re-Imagined BSG. The actress? We honor Keegan Connor Tracy!

Our second Hero of the evening...and this is a Canadian actor...has appeared in Stargate Atlantis, Sactuary & the tv series Blade...as far as BSG is concerned he has played not one, not two but three different roles!

The Armistice Officer in the Miniseries, Charlie Connor in Seasons 3 & 4 of the re-imagined series & the STO soldier & trainer Diego in Caprica.

A big round of applause for Ryan Robbins!

Now moving on to Convention news...I want everyone to know in Mississippi and the surrounding area that come December 12th, 13th & 14th you need to be in Biloxi!

You need to be there for Geekonomicon

featuring Richard "Apollo" Hatch & Jack "Bojay" Stauffer!

Also, beginning on September 26th and running till the 28th is Sci-Con in Tampa Florida with a compliment of actors and actresses from both BSG (Richard Hatch, Jack Stauffer, Nicki Clyne)  & Star Trek (Aron Eisenberg)...and where yours truly will be appearing as well!

Also this October 11th & 12th. please look to The Dalles, Oregon for The Columbia Gorge Acting Class Intensive featuring classes & lectures from Richard Hatch & Jack Stauffer (Battlestar Galactica) & Noel Guglielmi (The Walking Dead, The Fast and the Furious).

Whew! lot of news huh?

Well here is some more!

I am happy to announce that By Your Command Volume 2 is now available for pre-order!

Volume 1 covered the original series, now it's the reimagined series turn!

Last but certainly not least, the big guest announcement from Galacticon IV

today...we are so pleased to be hosting Ron Glass, known for his role as Shepherd Darriel Book on Firefly.

Ron also has the distinction of being the second guest of Galacticon to have been a series regular on the hit tv show Barney Miller (the first being the late George Murdock who appeared on Galacticruise).

We welcome Ron to the show!

So Say We All!

Shawn O'Donnell

President

Battlestar Galactica Fan Club

This Canadian born actress is probably most well known to Battlestar Galactica fans as Lt. Margaret "Racetrack" Edmonson on the show.

However, Leah has a lot of credits beyond BSG, most notably playing opposite Al Pacino in 88 minutes along with roles on Kyle XY, Sanctuary & Supernatural.

Leah has been active and vocal in her support in The Battle for Seattle and Savannah and if you go to the the link (and check out the video below) you'll see what this all about & it will touch your heart.

Shawn: So, Leah what projects are you currently working on?

Leah: I am currently shooting a few episodes of Cedar Cove. It's about as far away from sci-fi as one can get, BUT I've been working closely with the incredible and incomparable Teryl Rothery. She's absolutely fabulous and the chemistry between her and the illustrious Andie MacDowell is wonderful to witness.

Shawn: What was your first convention experience?

Leah: My very first Con was in Vancouver. My second cousin helped organize it and asked if I could round up some BSG actors for a panel.

Shawn: How did it go?

Leah: I think the first season of BSG must have been airing and Vancouver fans weren't quite struck with the BSG bug yet. I say that because nobody seemed particularly excited that we were there. I remember being asked a lot of questions about Stargate and Andromeda. I also remember that there was a woman knitting a scarf like her life depended on it. She barely looked at any of us, even when she asked us questions. Nothing could slow down her knitting! It was a little weird!

Shawn: How about the best Con you've been to?

Leah: Galacticon! I would be lying if I didn't choose it. Galacticon was the first time since the show wrapped that I'd been with that many of the BSG cast in one place. Eddie and I burst into tears when we saw each other. My Dad came with me and had his first every Con experience. I think he had more fans than I did by the end of the weekend! I got to meet Bear for the first time which was AMAZING and I made some incredible new friends. One in particular, Amber Greenwalt, who has changed my life.

Shawn: How about the worst Con?

Leah: My worst Con has nothing to do with the Con itself but everything to do with the horrid combination of Chris Judge, our mutual love of single malt scotch and only one bathroom for both attendees and the fans. It ended badly. Real Bad.

Shawn: How about the strangest...or most unusual fan you've met at a show?/

Leah: Does Chris Judge count?

Shawn: Well, this might be a redundant question, but any truly bad experiences at a Con?/

Leah: Refer to my answer about "Worst Con" (question number 5) above!

Shawn: What would you do differently if you were running a Con?

Leah: If I ran a Con I wouldn't have any exchange of money happen at the actor's tables. I love the Cons where fans buy tickets in advance for the autographs they want. There is nothing worse than having to discuss prices of things with fans. I'd love it if could all be free and everyone could get all the signatures and photos their hearts desired. Of course I understand that it's a business and money needs to be collected, I just think it happens to take away from the guests. This is how they do it in England. I think it's a great system. AND always, always have separate bathrooms for the guests! Again, refer to question number 5.

Shawn: Ever want to get an autograph?

Leah: Yup! I was at a Con with Peter Mayhew and stood in line for his autograph. He laughed at me and instead took my husband and I over to a photographer to have our picture taken together. He signed it and gave it to me and then asked me to sign HIS copy. That's right, Peter Mayhew asked for my autograph! My cheeks are burning just remembering it!

Shawn: How about future plans?

Leah: I have three small kids. My plans don't ever seem to go much beyond which bottle of wine to uncork once they are all finally in bed!

As always, it was a great pleasure to chat with Leah and ask her to share her thoughts on a few specific subjects to share with all of you.

So Say We All!

Hello fellow Colonials!

Once again the Hero's are here...the Hero's of Battlestar Galactica!

First of all this actor starred on television's Cagney and Lacey as well as Alias.

He was featured in the appropriately named (for tonight's honor in particular) BSG episode "Hero"as Daniel Novacek.

Congratulations to Carl Lumbly!

Our next honoree has appeared in such varied presentations as Stargate SG-1, Smallville & Arrow.

He made his Battlestar Galactica appearance as Lt. Terry Burrell in the epsiode "Sacrifice".

We honor Adrian Griffiths!

Those are the Hero's & this is The Battlestar Galactica Fan Club!

So Say We All!

Shawn O'Donnell

President

Battlestar Galactica Fan Club

Happy Birthday to Raven's very own Raven Marine Alpha Detachment Commander, Ssgt. Benjamin "Zeus" B.  May you have a great one.  I hope you are doing something special for yourself...Take care and I will talk to you soon on the side. :-)

I just wanted to quickly wish my very own Chief Mechanic on the Raven, Senior Chief Petty Officer  Ronnie "Cueball" Beaton, A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  I hope you have a great one.  And I know I share the same sentiments as all your fellow shipmates!

Here is a bottle of my special ambrosia just for you on your birthday!

Take care!

All will remember her portrayal of Ellen Tigh on the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica...not only as the mysteriously "found" wife of Colonel Saul Tigh but to also be revealed as number Five of the Final Five.

Kate took the part and gave Ellen her own unique path and imprinted herself upon the role, which made it so memorable.

Kate is the daughter of well known actor John Vernon, known among other roles and famous for his part at Dean Vernon Wormer in Animal House.

Kate has also appeared as Lorraine Prescott in Falcon Crest & Benny Hanson in Pretty in Pink.

Television roles also include parts on Who's the Boss?, L.A. Law, Nash Bridges, Star Trek: Voyager as well as Spike Lee's film Malcolm X.

She is also starring it the upcoming Star Trek: Axanar.

Shawn: Kate, what was your first Convention experience?

Kate: My very first Convention experience was DragonCon with the minority of the BSG cast. It was completely overwhelming as you can imagine. The show was at its peak and we were like rock stars!

We all had such a blast together, especially at the panels. Standing room only!

2000 people in the room, I've never experienced anything like that. There's nothing better than fan love!

Shawn: So it sounds like it went well?

Kate: Like I said, it was a blast!

Shawn: Would you say that was your best Con?

Kate: Yes, for all that...

Shawn: How about the worst Con?

Kate: That was a Star Trek event in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Unfortunately I only sold 1 photo. When it's not your audience it's not your audience. Hopefully that will change with Axanar.

Shawn: How about the strangest, most unusual fan you've encountered?

Kate: Well, this one amazed me. I met this sweet young couple who had just had a baby girl and they named her Ellen after my character!

Shawn: Ever had a bad experience at a Con?

Kate: Nope, never had a bad experience.

Shawn: If you were running a Convention, what would you do differently?

Kate: Sure people can party and drink, but I would also provide fresh juice bars, oxygen bars and spa treatments. Raise the vibrational frequency. Serve only organic food!

photograph courtesy of Chris Loomis at Chris Loomis Photography

Shawn: Have you ever wanted an autograph?

Kate: Angie Dickinson. My Dad did his first Hollywood movie with her...Point Blank which also starred Steve McQueen.

Shawn: What are you currently working on?

Kate: Well, just finished up filming Star Trek: Prelude to Axanar...

Shawn: So that is in  your future plans then?

Kate: Yes, hope to  start filming Axanar itself starting in October or November...

Fellow Colonials,

            Allow me to first wish you all a joyous Happy 4th of July this year.  This year has thus far has been full of joy for many here in the United States as well as for those in different countries around the globe.  It has also been full of challenges for many either facing harsh realities life brings.  Whether it is being unemployed,  Death in the Family,  Illness we have no control over,  an economy which shows no signs of changing for the better and the list goes on etc etc.  I know there are people everywhere who are having it bad.  However, I am reminded words spoken to me by a Guardian who always and continuous to look over me.  These words are and I quote, “Yes you are having it bad day or life has got you on the rocks.  Just remember and ALWAYS never forget there are persons out there who have it A LOT more worse then you.”  Such words are a constant reminder to me that nothing is free.  Even what may appear to be free may have a price not visible, but there in some form or another.

            Which brings me to the FREEDOM we all cherish and at times unfortunately take for granted did come at a GREAT PRICE.  Our history has shown us over the course of time.  The Rights, Freedom and Independence we have were passed onto us by our Founding Fathers.  As we also acknowledge the different Wars in the name of Freedom and Independence where many fellow Americans gave their very lives to preserve.  It is a CONSTANT reminder to all of us we are indeed very FORTUNATE to live in this country.  While in others countries aboard Freedom is slim and at times fleeting.  We as a people continue to rise to the challenge to help people here at home and overseas anyway WE can as best WE can.  It is in the worst of times that we the HUMAN RACE are at our VERY BEST!  Please keep that close to the heart.

          This 4th of July we HONOR our members of the Armed Forces.  Serving in the Army, Air force, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy.  These Brother and Sisters in uniform represent US ALL.  No matter where they are serving here at home or overseas.  We also HONOR those members who have served and are now Veterans.  We also pay HONOR, RESPECT and HOMAGE to Service members who have given their lives in the line of duty for our great country so we can still have the very freedoms we cherish.  Let’s not forget their families from who they all draw strength from when times are hard and they are alone.  These families are also making sacrifices we may not always see.

          Please as a token of the highest respect if you see a Military Service Member take a moment to say thank you for their SERVICE.  Or shake their hand and say thank you.  While you are at it take time to thank a Fire Man, Police Officer, Doctor, Nurse, Teacher, EMS, etc.  They also were a UNIFORM and help us by keeping us safe and giving aid with no regard for their own safety.  You will be surprised that many of them are very humble and greatly appreciate our support and gratitude.  The duty they perform is never an easy one.  GOD BLESS you all and thank you reading this message.  Please post and share your thoughts here with US!

Hey all,

Richard Hatch asked me to share some tidbits with you regards his panels at this years San Diego ComicCon, so check it out!

Panel 1

10:30 -11:30am The Legacy and Return of Battlestar Galactica - Thursday, 7/24/14, Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek – Capt Apollo) Jamie Bamber ( Apollo - Battlestar Galactica) and Dr Kevin Grazier (Science Consultant – Falling Skies – Battlestar – Eureka) Luciana Carro (Falling Skies – Battlestar) Alec Peters (Producer – AXANAR – BG auctions) host a discussion and Q and A on the upcoming BG movie and where fans would like to see the story and characters go. In includes surprise guests and theatrical trailers. Room: 6BCF

Panel 2:

7:00 – 8:00pm The Secrets and Art of Great Acting and Performing – Saturday 7/26/14 actor – writer - director Richard Hatch ( Tom Zarek – Capt Apollo)

shares his 45 year journey as an actor and the secrets to breaking through to a more powerful level of performance and achieving success in today’s Entertainment industry. Includes scenes and improv. Room: 30 CDE

So if you are going to this years event, please make sure you can make those panels!

Also so everyone knows Ron Moore will be in attendance at the convention as well, so make a point of attending his panels and seeing what he has in store for you...will he be talking new shows? I think you can bet on it...

Also please visit with my good friends at this event, Mr. Noel Guglielmi (otherwise known as Noel G.) he of The Walking Dead, Training Day & Bruce Almighty...not to forget The Fast and the Furious...and oh by the way he has been cast to reprise his role in Fast and the Furious 7!

Also welcome...and celebrating the 40th anniversary of the show...Kathy Coleman as Holly Marshall from the original Land of the Lost, one of the sweetest people in the world.

Be at ComicCon San Diego 2014 July 23rd-July 27th San Diego California!

Listen up folks! The Hollywood Sci-Fi Museum has 13 hours to raise less than $4000! Check out the page below:

The Hollywood Sci-Fi Museum

They are so close!
We are behind it...and if George Takei is too...lend a hand!
So Say We All!

"Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad" as spoken by Prometheus in Henry Wadsworth's The Masque of Pandora.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Alec Peters and discuss his latest project and it was an interesting talk.

I've known Alec for around 15 years so it was pretty easy to just launch right into the questions for this...and yes, he has always been a big fan of sci-fi!

The project in question of course is the upcoming Star Trek: Prelude to Axanar....

Shawn: So why a Star Trek project?

What made you want to do a Trek project as opposed to any other universe?

Alec: I have been a Star Trek fan since I was six years old...It is my favorite of "geekinesses".

I also love comics, sci-fi in general, gaming etc. So I am a pretty rounded geek...but Star Trek is my first love in that regard.

Shawn: So what made you choose the Battle of Axanar?

It's a fairly obscure reference from the third season of Star Trek, from the episode "Whom Gods Destroy" whose main protagonist is the character of Garth of Izar...

Alec: I was always fascinated by Garth...here was Kirk's hero. What was he like?

Why was he the role model of a whole generation of ship's captains?

And what was the Battle of Axanar and why was it a pivotal event in the Federation?...I wanted to know the answer to all these questions.

Shawn: So when you started this project out, what were your thoughts on casting?

Alec: I knew I wanted Richard Hatch as my Klingon leader...Richard was my first acting coach twenty years ago and he is now. He is amazing! I knew he could pull off the Klingon I wanted.

After that it was looking for actors who could fit the characters who I wrote in the script.

JG Hertzler made the perfect old crusty Starfleet Captain and we got lucky and got Tony Todd to play our Admiral...and he has serious gravitas.

The only exception was Kate Vernon who we specifically wrote in a character for as Christian Gossett and I loved her so much when we met her.

Shawn: As far as getting those actors to participate, how did all that come about?

Alec: Well, Richard turned us on to them...Christian and I are huge Battlestar Galactica fans.

But we pretty much wanted to have both Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek actors in Axanar.

Just two franchises with a wealth of talent...

Shawn: You portray Garth in the film..so how did that come around?

Alec: Well, back in 2010 I bought the original costume Steve Inhat wore as Garth.

I am a huge collector of screen used Star Trek props and costumes.

It was one of my Holy Grails, since I love that character so much...then I was talking about costumes one day with James Cawley of Star Trek Phase II & I had mentioned that I had gotten the costume.

We discussed what a great character Garth as and how it was too bad that Star Trek had never explored the character more.

James said, "Well, you know we are shooting an episode called 'Origins' which is about Kirk at the Academy and that was the time of Garth. We should add him to the script!"

And I said "You should!" to which James replied, "Well, you should play him".

So I did.

While at lunch with James one day during the shoot, I told him my Axanar story and he said I should produce it...and that started me on a journey, that is now four years later in 2014 finally seeing its culmination.

Shawn: Speaking of ideas for the film and it's origins...how much did the Four Years War storyline play into it?

It's a very detailed source book for the Star Trek role playing game...

Alec: I read the FASA role playing games and was of course fascinated by the story of Garth and the whole Four Years War story...it was just natural to give a nod to the FASA universe and make this about that war, of course I changed things around to fit my narrative...

Shawn Have you been surprised by the support for the film?

Alec: Yes, but then again...we are all fans and we KNOW what we want to see!

So it felt good with the direction we were going...and we are making Star Trek that we as fans want to see, so in a way it is not a surprise that others want to see that too.

Shawn: Do you think that combination of the subject of Star Trek and the inclusion of Battlestar Galactica actors helps to establish a bridge between the two universes?

Alec: Well, both are great franchises...I happen to think that the reimagined Battlestar Galactica is the best sci-fi show ever!.

Star Trek is my first love though...they each stand on their own.

We are just casting the best actors out there for the roles...and if they happen to be from Battlestar Galactica, so be it.

Shawn: Where do you want to take this?

Where do you want the film to go & what results would you like to see?

Alec: I think our ultimate goal is for CBS to take notice and think about talking to us and involve us in Star Trek moving forward....all the current films you see out there are independent Star Trek, but maybe we can show we are worthy of working on the next CBS Television series.

Be sure to keep up to date on the this film at: Star Trek: Axanar

This time around we got a chance to speak with JG (John) Hetzler, very well known for his role as General and then Chancellor Martok on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Ironically John's first appearance on Deep Space Nine was not at Martok, but in the pilot episode of that show as the Vulcan captain of the doomed USS Saratoga at the battle of Wolf 359.

Besides playing other characters within the Star Trek franchise, John has appeared in the tv movie Pirates of Silicon Valley and made appearances on Six Feet Under, Charmed, Roswell, Quantum Leap, Highlander and Zorro.

His voice over work includes Bioshock & Injustice: Gods Among Us.

On stage John has appeared in Inherit the Wind as well as directing A Midsummer Night's Dream and in 2007 became a Resident Profession Teaching Associate (RPTA) at the Cornell University Department of Theatre.

In November 2013 he was elected to the town council of Ulysses New York.

Shawn: What was your first convention experience?....first con?

John: I can't recall for certain, could have been Shoreleave in Baltimore or Galileo 7 in Bremen Germany.

Shawn: How did it go as far you recall?

John: Fabulously for both...love Shoreleave since my sister could come to see it & Bremen started a long love affair with Germany that continues to this day.

Shawn: Best Con you've been to?

John: Paris....SticCon in Bellaria Italy...Bremen...and FedCon in Bonn, Germany.

Actually the CreationCon's in Las Vegas are right up there! Especially at the Rio and the VooDoo Lounge...

Shawn: Worst Con?

John: One in Texas...it was cancelled right in the middle of it! Bob (Robert O'Reilly) and I & John Blllingsley went on with everything anyway, didn't want to let the fans down. Star Trek fans are the best!

Shawn: Who would you say was the strangest or most unusual fan you've encountered at a Con?

John: In Australia...a kid told me that Martok was his inspiration not to harm others!

Shawn: So any actual bad experiences?

John: The one mentioned in Texas...and New Zealand and only because it is paradise and I couldn't stay there forever!

Shawn: If you were running a convention, what would you do differently?

John: More shows by the guest actors, more cosplay...fewer wolf tails attached to peoples waists...more steam punk events and more art shows.

Shawn: Ever want an autograph yourself?

John: I have many...Mikhail Gorbachev, Noel Coward, Mickey Mantle, Ward Bond, the exquisite Alice Krige, The Three Tenors (Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras  & Luciano Pavarotti) & Neil Armstrong...

Shawn: What projects are you currently working on?

John: Four film scripts...one going into pre-productions called Dancing with Sancho Panza which is about the 1936 Spanish civil war, Heartland which is about a kid blowing up a Walmart, Republic about the immediate future of America & The Fracking War about the coming unrest over energy.

Directing stage production of Sinclair Lewis' It Can't Happen Here about fascism in American in the 1930s and Jesus Christ Superstar for next Easter.

Shawn: Future Projects?

John: Some I named already...but others might be Monty Python's The Holy Grail  for stage, A filmed version of TheTaming of the Shrew (a very, very dark interpretation)...ParJacques Brel is alive and well and living in Paris and a film script for John Brown, Abolitionist.

The "modern' Galacticon (or at least in the form we know it now) was kicked off in Los Angeles in 2003...Richard Hatch & team put that together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Battlestar Galactica.

(I have had the good fortune to be on that team and every subsequent Galacticon since!).

Galacticon is of course is an indirect descendent of the "Yahren" Cons that happened every 5 years previously...so you have an idea of the lineage and connections to past events.

2008 saw the venue moved to the high seas...with Rex Mundi Productions LLC taking over the helm...with Galacticon II: Galacticruise & of course with Emissaries: Galacticon III in Houston.

Well any Convention is built on many things, not least it's guest list and to give all an idea of the who's who of Galacticon....

To keep it simple I'll feature a guests picture(s), name, show, character(s) name and Galacticon appearance.

For brevity's sake....and my fingers!....Galacticon (Los Angeles) becomes G1, Galacticruise becomes G2 & of course so on...

Also for the sake of my digits, Battlestar Galactica original series is BSG TOS...Reimagined is BSG RIS.

Also note that a lot of these folks made or will make repeat appearances so they are only pictured once, with the credit.

Also, for actors/actresses that appeared as guest stars, for the sake (again) of my digits, only the shows themselves will be noted, not the episodes (you can look them up!...lot more fun that way)...also to note considering the above note on abbreviation: Caprica is Caprica, Galactica 1980 is Galactica 1980 (easy!)...and if you will refer to the note below, any non BSG actors will have their show noted.

There will be but one credit per actor (except in the notable case of Richard Hatch and a few others)...way too many to list if it got down into that kind of detail AND if we are talking writers, producers, effects...well, it will be noted.

Before I begin I would like to add that NO Galacticon has ever...never been exclusively Battlestar Galactica...ain't that a kick in the pants...but true, each successive show has featured guest(s) from other shows as well....but I guess you wouldn't know till you saw the (almost) complete list!

Any omissions, mistakes or any other sort of errors on this list are my own...just noting that (unless of course any reference material was boo-booed in some way!).

Shall we begin?

Wheeee....!

Richard Hatch

Captain Apollo

BSG TOS

Tom Zarek

BSG RIS

G1 G2 G3

Dirk Benedict

Lt. Starbuck

BSG TOS

G1 G3

Terry Carter

Colonel Tigh

BSG TOS

G1 G2 G3

Glen Larson

Producer

BSG TOS

G1

Noah Hathaway

Boxey

BSG TOS

G1 G3

Patrick Macnee

Count Iblis

BSG TOS

G1

Jack Stauffer

Lt.Bojay

BSG TOS

G1 G3

John Dullaghan

Dr. Wilker

BSG TOS

G1

Britt Ekland

Tenna

BSG TOS

G1

Anne Lockhart

Lt. Sheba

BSG TOS

G1 G3

Jim Carlson                            (Jim is on the right)

Writer

BSG TOS

G1

Ron Kelly

Security Officer Reese

BSG TOS

G1

Stu Phillips

Composer

BSG TOS

G1 G2

Sarah Rush

Cpl Rigel

BSG TOS

G1 G2 G3

Herb Jefferson

Lt. Boomer

BSG TOS

G1 G3

Terrence McDonnell

Writer

BSG TOS

G1 G2

Ron Moore

Writer/Producer

BSG RIS

Star Trek: The Next Generation

G1

James Horan

Jo'Brill

Star Trek: The Next Generation

G1

Dick Durock

Imperious Leader

BSG TOS

G1

Tom DeSanto

Writer/Producer

X-Men

G1 G2

George Murdock

Dr. Salik

BSG TOS

G2

Denny Miller

Ser 5-9

BSG TOS

G2

Austin Stoker

MacDonald

Battle for the Planet of the Apes

G2

Robert Feero

Bora

BSG TOS

G2

Michael Swan

Deputy Collins

Galactica: 1980

G2

Alessandra Torresani

Zoe Graystone

Caprica

G3

Andrew Probert

Concept Artist

BSG TOS

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Star Trek: The Next Generation

G3

Bear McCreary

Composer

BSG RIS

G3

Edward James Olmos

Admiral Adama

BSG RIS

G3

Mary McDonnell

President Laura Roslin

BSG RIS

G3

Kandyse McClure

Petty Officer Dee Dualla

BSG RIS

G3

Kate Vernon

Ellen Tigh

BSG RIS

G3

Kathy Coleman

Holly Marshall

Land of the Lost

G3

Leah Cairns

Lt. Margaret "Racetrack" Edmonson

BSG RIS

G3

Lee Stringer

Effects Artist

BSG RIS

Star Trek: Voyager

G3

Luciana Carro

Commander Louanne "Kat" Katraine

BSG RIS

G3

Michael Hogan

Colonel Saul Tigh

BSG RIS

G3

Michael Trucco

Sam Anders

BSG RIS

G3

Nicki Clyne

Petty Officer Cally Henderson Tyrol

BSG RIS

G3

Tahmoh Penikett

Captain Karl "Helo" Agathon

BSG RIS

G3

Bodie Olmos

Lt. Brendan "Hotdog" Costanza

BSG RIS

G3

Esai Morales

Joseph Adama

Caprica

G3

Eric Chu

Concept Artist

BSG RSI

G3

Colonials and Fellow Ravens,

As you all know, we just got confirmed to make an appearance at the Houston Con.  Richard Hatch and Kate Vernon will also be at the Houston Con.  We will be there representing the Mother Club and promoting Galacticon 4.  So, if any Raven Members or friends of Battlestar Raven lives within the vicinity of the Houston Con venue or even if you don't but are planning attend to the convention, please do not hesitate to stop by the Raven table and say hello to everyone.  A few of you have been sent this same banner via PM to help spread the word about the con in support of Richard Hatch and Kate Vernon being there.  So please do not hesitate to share this banner to your friends or any site you can think off.  Every little share you do helps spread the word!  

Anne B. Davis, who portrayed Alice Nelson on The Brady Bunch passed away Saturday June 1st.

The part she played was as the housekeeper for the Brady family, but the character was much more than that...she was an integral part of that "Bunch" who must somehow form a family and just as much as member of that extended brood as Mike, Carol, Greg, Peter, Bobby, Marcia, Jan & Cindy.

She was also a surrogate mother and friend, not only to her television family but to millions of people watching.

Anne B. Davis will be hugely missed but will live in on the hearts & minds of all.

Farewell Alice, we Love you!

It's not often that I sink my teeth into something like a film, a book or in this case a comic book story and do a formal review.
Sure I have opinions...and I voice them all over the place about a variety of things...things in general, Battlestar Galactica in particular...but a formal, up & down, documented opinion of a particular work.
Meh...not.
But, but...the folks over at Dynamic Forces said "Hey, check this out" so I said "Why not?".
I am of course speaking of the Battlestar Galactica comic book line they are producing.
I just finished reading "The Adama Gambit Part Two"...and I came away impressed.
(Sometimes hard to do with me, I will admit).

Look, over the years...there have been a just a few Battlestar Galactica comics that have been put out, with varying degrees of success and THIS one looks like it's pushing all the right buttons.
It makes me want to read more...and if that's the case....then I'm willing to bet other people will too!
The creators obviously know the show...the original Battlestar Galactica that is...so the dialogue rings true and because of that and the interaction that you see...you know you are seeing those characters.
If any written (or drawn in this case) storyline, puts those characters in your head (yes, the magic mind movie that people get from reading a book)...then it's doing it's job.
In this this story you see the classic elements...Man vs. Cylon of course, which is always the basic premise of Battlestar Galactica (at least one of the basic premises I should say)...and it's straight forward.
At the same time, the dialogue flows along and the story moves with it...plus you see a Commander Adama who is shown to be perfectly human...with human doubt...but has an internal redemption because the warrior in him takes over.
(Showing a little bit a Commander Cain streak in him!).
Tie that all up with artwork that is is realistic (my biggest complaint against a lot of contemporary comic book art is that they have become in some cases TOO cartoony) is not realized here.
The people look like real people and thankfully like the actual characters.
On this one, I have to give it a solid thumbs up...it's good to see the classic crew taking the fight to the tinhead's once again....and The Adama Gambit does not disappoint!

This is a series of interviews that will be done with various actors & actresses exploring their thoughts about the convention scene and what is going on in the universe around them.
Our first interview is with Claudia Christian, who is probably best known for her role as Commander Susan Ivanova on Babylon 5.
Her first television role was a guest appearance on Dallas & then as series regular Melody Hughes on the drama Berrenger's, followed by appearances in The Hidden, Maniac Cop 2 & Hexed before finally appearing on Babylon 5.
She has also appeared in Freaks and Geeks & She Spies.
Claudia returned to her stage beginnings in the US premier of Michael Weller's What the Night is For in 2004.
She also appearances in the BBC comedy series Broken News as well as the Doctor Who audio drama "The Reaping" as well as Showtime's LOOK: The Series.
Claudia also has a music career, having released a solo CD called Once Upon a Time, a single called "Taboo" as well as a project with other Babylon 5 cast members on the album The Be Five. All told Claudia has appeared in over 40 films & 35 television series!

Shawn: What was the first convention that you attended?

Claudia: I don't recall, but I think it might have been the UK one with the whole cast of Babylon 5...

Shawn: So how did it go?

Claudia: If it WAS that event it was shocking, we had no idea that the show was that popular!

Shawn: What would say was probably the best Convention you've been to?

Claudia: I have had some fun DragonCon's and some great Cons overseas....I can't really choose one perfect event, but the Phoenix 20th anniversary reunion for Babylon 5 was darned near perfect!

Shawn: OK, how about the worst Convention?

Claudia: There was one a military base years ago...9 people showed up...I was with some Xena actors and it was just colossally awful...

Shawn: What would you say was the strangest or most unusual fan encounter you've had at an event?

Claudia: You can read about that in my book "Babylon Confidential" www.claudiachristian.net
It involves a man in a Tribble suit!

Shawn: How about an actual bad experience at a show?

Claudia: Check out the Tribble story...and in my own words:

Shawn: Scary

Claudia: It was a doozy!

Shawn: Well, in retrospect what would you do differently if you were running a Convention?

Claudia: I tried to to throw my own Con in London...the riots and a huge bicycle race happened to occur on the same day...it was a LOT of work for very little profit, but the fans had a decent enough time and so did I!
I think Cons should allow the friendly guests (like me) more access to the fans such as with breakfasts and casual photo ops...things are becoming too expensive for most fans...

Shawn: Have you ever wanted to get an autograph from someone?

Claudia: Well, I did ask Parker Stevenson of the The Hardy Boys for a photo when I was 13...

Shawn: So what are your current projects?

Claudia: A new novel released by Tor called "Wolf's Empire", a TV show called Runestone, selling my documentary "One Little Pill" and running my non-profit www.cthreefoundation.org counseling addicts and trying to save more lives.

Shawn; How about future projects then?

Claudia: Everything C3...my foundation is my reason to get up every morning...helping people who suffer from AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder) is my life's work!

I want to thank Claudia for taking a few moments with me to answer those questions and shining some light on her thoughts and personal experiences. You can also find Babylon Confidential on Amazon.com