Babylon 5 posts by JMS for January, 1994 This file includes a compilation of posts on GEnie by J. Michael Straczynski in the Babylon 5 category. The posts are copyright by JMS (and compilation copyright is by GEnie). ************ Topic 1 Mon Oct 26, 1992 SF-MARSHALL [Dave ] at 18:50 EST Sub: Babylon 5 - The Series (Non-Spoiler) Welcome to the Babylon 5 category and main topic for the new series. Here is the place for all general information on the series. Topic 2 is the location for SPOILERS. And please, NO STORY IDEAS are to be posted either. 594 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 28 Sun Jan 02, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:40 EST I am an atheist, a total atheist, and am more than happy. What I write is what I write, what I am is what I is. Yes, much of my own background goes into what I write. In the case of religion, and spirituality...a writer's job is to be as honest as he can in telling a story. My canvas (for lack of a less grandiose term) is the human condition. And since the dawn of sentience, humanity has been trying to figure out its place in the universe. The religious impulse is as much a part of that process as anything else, and it must be treated with integrity and respect, as I would have my own views respected. I try not to exclude something just because I don't agree with it, because that corrupts the whole purpose of writing, which requires an honest look at the subject. And as a writer, there are parts of the religious impulse that I want to examine, and explore, and raise questions about, just as much as I'd like to explore the scientific aspects of living in space, and the more personal, emotional repercussions of this. It's all a part of trying to figure out who, and what, and *why* we are. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 44 Mon Jan 03, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:38 EST Actually, religion isn't totally irrelevant to B5 in that in several episodes we'll be dealing with, or touching upon that issue...there's a bit of it in "Soul Hunter," "By Any Means Necessary," "The Parliament of Dreams," "Legacies," "Believers" and a couple of others. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 46 Mon Jan 03, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:10 EST Nobody tells me nuttin' 'bout no laserdisks 'r tapes 'r any of that thar stuff.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 54 Tue Jan 04, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:49 EST Cooney: I wasn't offended...very little offends me...EXCEPT THIS DAMNED FLU THAT REFUSES TO GO AWAY, AND EVERY NIGHT IT'S FEVER TIME, AND I'M GOING OUT OF MY MIND, YOU HEAR? I'M GOING MAD! I'M SPENDING MY DAYS AND NIGHTS TRYING TO WRITE IN TWO STATES OF MIND: DELUSIONAL OR CONFUSED (which on the up side is one more state of mind than is normal for me) AND I'M TIRED OF IT, YOU HEAR? TIRED OF IT! jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 67 Wed Jan 05, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:41 EST Fever broke a little today, so that helps. May even go in to work for a few hours tomorrow. Re: the Universe Today piece....sigh. I wish they'd let us proof these things before they sent them out. That should be "Minbari POET accorded honors," not "Minbari PIRATE." I haven't had a chance to check out the program yet -- no macs at home -- but plan to look at it as soon as I can. There are a few glitches here and there apparently, plus in the electronic trading card gifs, but easily straightened out. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 88 Fri Jan 07, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:26 EST "Why is there this permanently cold stone at the entrance to the Walt Disney Story movie....?" That's where they're keeping Michael Eisner's heart these days. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 143 Thu Jan 13, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:17 EST Well, we've finished shooting "Legacies," and have begun shooting "Raiding Party." I think "Legacies" came out very well (guest-starring John Vickery). "Raiding Party" will guest star Gerrit Graham. We finally delivered "Chrysalis" to Warner/PTEN, and heard back: our liaison over there was stunned, describes it as the best season-ending cliffhanger he's ever seen, unlike anything done before. Suffice to say we're pleased. There's not a lot of CGI in either "Legacies" or "The Quality of Mercy" (which will follow "Raiding Party" in the production lineup), because neither story really called for it. But there's a *lot* in "Raiding Party," some of it very elaborate. By way of comparison, in an average B5 episode, a script from beginning to end has about 60 or 70 setups (a setup is a numbered scene or shot, i.e., INT. SCOCKPIT or INT. ZEN GARDEN). "Raiding Party" has around 112 setups. That's more than in some movies. It's a *very* busy script. We're now just about two weeks from our debut. Lots of behind the scenes action...meeting with journalists and some critics, buckets of interviews, and a general sense of *anticipation* among the crew. People are now either seeing, or about to see what we've been quietly doing here ever since July. Once "Babylon Squared" is turned in, probably on Friday or Monday, there will be just 4 scripts left to write (of which 2 are the two-parter). It seems like just yesterday we had 22 in front of us to write. The time has just zipped past with unparalleled speed. It feels like it took forever to GET the series, and suddenly before we really have a chance to think about it, ZOOM, the first season is nearly over. This is going to be a very interesting few months.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 163 Fri Jan 14, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 13:50 EST No studio in its right mind would give a second season go without getting in a fair number of ratings nights first to determine whether or not it's a viable show. Not every good show gets amazing ratings, and not every crummy show fails.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 164 Fri Jan 14, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:01 EST On the topic of B5 being a novel for television, consisting basically of five "books" (as Lord of the Rings was three books)...some figures for your consideration. The total page number of script pages for season one: 1,100 (give or take about 10-20 pages). Basically two 550 page novels, or one very long (275,000 words) novel. At this point, it looks like the total for season one scripts written by JMS is 12 scripts, or a total of about 600 pages (equal to a 150,000 word novel). Assuming the show runs 5 years, that's 5,500 pages, equal to 11 average- sized (100,000 words) novels. Given that I'll probably continue to write about half the scripts, that's 2,500 pages/5.5 novels just in JMS scripts. (Why do I suddenly feel very tired...?) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 168 Sat Jan 15, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:18 EST Oh, forgot two things: 1) Though this may never appear anywhere, my title for the Year One/Book One arc is "Signs and Portents." 2) We just cast June Lockhart as our guest lead in "The Quality of Mercy." jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 176 Sat Jan 15, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:22 EST Yes, this is the actual text of a script. And a script contains scene descriptions, dialogue, directions. (Contrary to popular opinion, the actors don't just make up their lines when they hit the stage, based on loose ideas by somebody.) My scripts tend to be *very* detailed, with camera movement suggestions, optical notes, indications of dissolves vs. cuts, on and on. A typical scene might look like this: EXT. BABYLON 5 - ESTABLISHING A scuttleship unloads cargo from a transport parked alongside the station. PAN ACROSS with the scuttleship, tracking with it until it passes into the docking bay, then DOWN TO the observation dome window, where we can just see into INT. OBSERVATION DOME where Lieutenant-Commander IVANOVA stands at the console, cup in hand, staring bleakly out into the starscape as SINCLAIR comes up alongside. IVANOVA I hate mornings...I've always had a hard time getting up when it's dark outside. SINCLAIR We're in space. It's always dark outside. IVANOVA (forlornly) I know...I know.... (That, by the way, is a slight re-do of an actual shot from "Raiding Party.") A script page, single-spaced, works out to about the same wordage as a double-spaced prose fiction page, about 225-250 words per. On this whole "costs less = not as good" question, the one thing that galls me is the knowledge, accumulated through 120+ produced TV episodes, that 30% *or more* of any show's budget is wasted. It comes because you don't get a script until maybe 3-4 days before you have to shoot, and everybody works round the clock, ringing in double- and triple-overtime on EFX, costumes, sets, you name it. So items that should by all rights cost maybe $150,000 end up costing you $300,000 or more. In B5, we're generally 3-5 scripts ahead of ourselves at any one moment. Directors and crew get their scripts *weeks* before we have to shoot. And even earlier than that, because I know what's coming down the road for the whole season, I can give someone literally *months* of advance warning on major EFX, or set requirements. As a result of all this, items that normally cost $150,000 either cost exactly that, or we actually end up *saving* a little money. A lot of television production is absolutely irresponsible. That we are penalized in the press for acting responsibly is something that I just can't figure.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 189 Sat Jan 15, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:38 EST Sci-Fi Buzz was on the set this week, in fact, and did some quick interviews with cast, me, and Harlan (who is returning to Sci-Fi Buzz as commentator). More on this when I get a date. Yes, much to my chagrin, I'm in the Making Of piece. I hate me on camera. I get twitchy, my head disappears into my neck, my neck disappears altogether, I suddenly gain about 20 pounds, and I look for all the world like some kind of demented, myopic turtle. And yes, Bill Mumy is also in "Mercy," but has no scenes with June. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 200 Sun Jan 16, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:06 EST Actually, there are newer black leather B5 jackets, which we made up for cast and crew for Christmas, as a gift. They're *gorgeous* black leather-and- cloth letterman jackets, with a slightly redone B5 logo on the back (better metallic thread for the sunburst, some other minor variations). Mine has something a little extra: the patches worn on the uniforms of those who fought at the Battle of the Line. A Starfury patch on the left arm, squadron name/number on the right arm, EA Command Patch with name on the left breast, Earthforce Off Worlds patch on the right breast. Very, very cool. BTW, a request for a favor: reviews are going to be coming out this week on our first episode. I know they're slated to appear in People, Entertainment Weekly, and TV Guide. (Apparently Jarvis will be doing a review, about which he would only say to some people, "It's *brief*," which sounds like another hatchet job in the offing.) I know that the East Coast gets deliveries of these magazines a few days before they arrive here on the West Coast. If anyone sees these (or other) reviews prior to Tuesday, lemme know, and post as much as you can from it. Thanks. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 211 Sun Jan 16, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 17:44 EST Re: the PPG firing...we talked to some high-IQ types about how a plasma- firing weapon might work. There would be superheated bursts, some marginal escape of the gases used, and it would burn through the air, creating a small thunderclap-like sound. So this is what we did. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 218 Sun Jan 16, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:47 EST Mainly I just came up with a general sense of where things were, and went from there. ] jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 222 Mon Jan 17, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:06 EST BTW...since we've been discussing script stuff here, a little bonus: from 1990-1991, I wrote a new 4-hour "V" miniseries, entitled "Rebirth." It was to be the comeback for the V series, until they realized that the show -- like its predecessor -- would be too expensive to produce for syndication. This is the only official, Warners-sanctioned follow-up to the V series, even though the script wasn't produced. I've gone ahead and uploaded the first three acts of that miniseries to the SFTV library, file #893. For those who followed the V story, you might find this of some interest.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 286 Tue Jan 18, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 14:51 EST Logging on from the computer at work. Still no power at home, so my system there is dead. So this'll be brief. Terrible couple nights, especially the Sunday, when the big one hit. Lights out, blind terror, the sound of plaster tearing and glass breaking and objects flying through the room. The house shaking as though in the maw of a large, terrible animal. Fireplace fell down in the den, will probably have to rebuild the whole fireplace. Sundeck/patio is now separated from the house. Massive cracks elsewhere. Dust and grit over everything. To enter a room you have to clear a path through debris...cd's, books, magazines, videotapes, everything's off the shelves and on the floor, 6-12" deep. Couldn't even open the office door, blocked by debris. Fortunately, no injuries here or in the B5 crew/cast. Andreas' house took a major pounding, might be a total loss, we'll have to see. Our cinematographer (the same one who escaped the fire by inches) is in similar straits. We offered cast and crew the chance to stay home, but everyone wanted to come in to work, get back on the horse again, show their support for the show. More as I'm able. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 360 Fri Jan 21, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:45 EST The sector of space occupied by B5 is more or less central to all of the major governments. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 430 Mon Jan 24, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:35 EST Hmm...I haven't heard anything more on the satellite number, so it may have been canceled due to the quake. Well, if not before now, it is now, since I don't know squat about it at this juncture... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 442 Tue Jan 25, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:34 EST We've got lots of people of various color in the show, including Dr. Franklin (black), Catherine Sakai (asian), Dr. Hernandez (hispanic), plus a wide range of others in many kinds of roles. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 470 Wed Jan 26, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:20 EST We found an old logo for an actual aircraft company called Sinclair Aircraft. So a piece of an original logo ended up in Sinclair's quarters. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 520 Fri Jan 28, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:23 EST Well, the ratings are starting to come in. We won't know the full story on the ratings until next week, because syndication doesn't work quite the same as network shows. Some places are yet to air the first episode, and as with the ST shows, you add both airings to get a cumulative total. That said...we have some ratings/shares from the first night's single airings. (By comparison, and I pass this along only as a benchmark, the ST shows generally get around an 8 or 9 rating and about an 11 share. That's the *cumulative* rating, not a single-night rating.) So when you consider the following numbers, realize that they're not complete, and will increase maybe another 30% after the second airing (give or take). New York: 7.2 rating, 10 share. Los Angeles: 12 rating/17 share. San Francisco: 7.4 rating, 11 share Washington DC: 7.7 rating, 11 share Seattle: 10.4 rating, 16 share Minneapolis: 7.1 rating, 11 share Orlando: 8.8 rating, 16 share San Diego: 9 rating, 15 share Portland OR: 9.6 rating, 14 share Kansas City: 9.4 rating, 13 share In many markets, we beat in one night what it takes the ST shows two showings to pull, ratings-wise. In many markets we beat network shows. The LA showing beat "Beverly Hills 90210." In some places, the ratings shot up 220% over what they normally get in that time period. Translation: we're not a success. We're a bona fide *hit*. Most significant of all are the quarter-hour breakdowns. All the PR in the world might get you to tune into a show, but PR won't *keep* you there. If the audience finds the show uninteresting, the numbers will fall each quarter hour. Practically across the board, the ratings either built or didn't change by quarter hours. To say that the people at Warner Bros./PTEN are stunned would be a considerable oversimplification. We did it. Now the interesting thing will be to see if we can sustain it. Onward and upward.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 580 Mon Jan 31, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:30 EST The darkness is caused by a shadow from the huge blast doors on either side of the central docking bay. Because of its position relative to the sun, you're *always* going to get a shadow there. We could've done the effect with or without the shadow. jms ------------ ************ Topic 2 Wed Nov 20, 1991 STARR [Arne] at 19:41 EST Sub: Babylon 5 -- The Series!! >>SPOILERS<< Babylon 5 offically became a series on May 28 '93. There will be 22 hour eps for season one (in addition to the pilot). Airs Wednesdays at 8PM in most places starting Jan. 26 '94. This is the SPOILER topic where anything goes. 531 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 227 Sat Jan 01, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:44 EST Kathryn's last name is Drennan. Her full credit is Kathryn M. Drennan. Not Straczynski. Probably displaying considerable wisdom on her part. Ten thousand letters, no vowels. Absent a collaboration on a series of articles for TZ Magazine a few years ago (a guide to the Night Gallery series), we don't collaborate. Ever. I also don't collaborate with Larry D., or any other of my writer friends. As I learned before, particularly on the one occasion when Larry and I tried it -- we co-wrote a pilot and bible for CBS based on the "Elfquest" books -- all parties concerned will live a LOT longer by keeping a respectable distance. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 231 Sun Jan 02, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:41 EST No. Had a couple days clear of the bug, and today hit a relapse. Sigh. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 232 Sun Jan 02, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:14 EST By the way, if anyone's curious, here's how I'd rank the first six episodes in terms of my own personal preference, from 1-6: "The Parliament of Dreams," "Mind War," "Soul Hunter," "Born to the Purple," "Midnight on the Firing Line," and "Infection." We'll see how close this coincides with your own reactions. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 271 Sat Jan 08, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:28 EST Our other directors are terrific. There's Bruce Seth Green, who's done an awful lot of work on various series (I think he also did some episodes of V, btw), Jim Johnston, Janet Greek and Deborah Navarra (the first episode for Deborah is coming up in the rotation soon). I don't have their credits in front of me, though I know Deborah's done a lot of Homefronts, and Janet comes from a mainstream directing career, though she's an SF fan herself. (Janet's directing/has directed "And the Sky Full of Stars," "Chrysalis," "Raiding Party," and our two-parter. She's absolutely amazing.) Jim's done "Survivors," "Soul Hunter," "By Any Means Necessary," and will likely do "Babylon Squared." Bruce has done "Born to the Purple," "Mind War," and "Legacies" so far. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 278 Sun Jan 09, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:41 EST Of course there's going to be some element of recoil sometimes when the fighters fire at someone (more noticeable at some speeds than others, and at some angles more than others). Still trying to hew close to reality.... And it's "to start a war over blood spilled so long ago...." jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 300 Wed Jan 12, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:04 EST My problem is that I have little or no interest in defending B5 as good SF to anyone. I think his definition is arbitrary. Ray Bradbury said that good SF is whatever one points to and says that's good SF. It seems to me that those most interested in defining SF are the ones who most profit from, and hew to, their own definitions. It's as inherently silly a discussion as the folks from the War of the Worlds series insisting that their show was NOT a science fiction series (excuse me? aliens, and starships, and interplanetary warfare, and it's NOT an SF series?). jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 319 Fri Jan 14, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:49 EST I don't think it would be entirely appropriate for me to comment on the Ellison/Koenig question, as it kinda violates the privacy on both sides.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 364 Fri Jan 21, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:12 EST Re: not hearing thundering explosions...that's because there's no sound in space. We're trying to take a more *science* fiction approach to the show. Along with the neat dynamics of motion in space, there has to be the correlation in terms of how explosions are presented if the science is to have any integrity. Just an explanation for why a thing was done...in other shows, in internal-station stuff, you'll get *plenty* on the sub-woofer. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 375 Sat Jan 22, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 17:49 EST Those who made the "Making Of" added sounds to the space stuff. Also the commercials have done the same. Guess they didn't understand the concept.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 380 Sat Jan 22, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:30 EST Subsonics, and there's what's called a "by", as in "a ship passes by," a sense of motion, but the explosions are carried by music, insofar as I know. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 402 Mon Jan 24, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:41 EST There was a whole discussion about this over in Internet, and maybe someone can grab that thread and put it all in here...suffice to say for now that Psi Corps telepaths are ****NOT**** allowed to scan defendants in any official way connected to a criminal act. It violates the right to due process. Even if requested, it's simply not allowed. You do NOT want to even open the door a *crack* in letting a government-regulated agency begin making determinations about who is and isn't guilty of a crime. That way lies dictatorship, Thought Police and Big Brother. We'll get more into this question in an episode entitled "The Quality of Mercy." jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 411 Tue Jan 25, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 06:22 EST "...and if our future lies on the firing line, are we brave enough to see the signals and the signs...." -- Harry Chapin. Just a thought. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 423 Wed Jan 26, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:15 EST 1) The markings are on top of the starfuries, not beneath. The "disappearances" you refer to are shots in which we're looking UP at the fighters. 2) Re: the Psi Corps...let's have a moment of logic for a moment. Does anyone here think that the Judicial System will, for a *moment*, let another government agency come into their courts with pronouncements of guilt or innocence? Lawyers wouldn't have it, judges wouldn't have it, the Supreme Court would rule against it. Also, please remember that the Corps is viewed with some measure of suspicion by the rest of the government. As you'll see in the course of the series. They aren't perceived automatically as the Good Guys. You MUST set up checks and balances, and policies. You can't say, "Okay, a telepath can scan sometimes, but not others, with some people, but not others." The law is a defined creature. A telepath *may not* scan someone accused of a crime, and have that as admissible evidence. A telepath *may* scan a victim who is unable to remember the events of a crime, BUT...that is not admissible in its own terms, it must then be bolstered with actual, physical evidence. Even an eyewitness testimony can be challenged, and hearsay evidence is open to challenge as well, there are *already* limitations on second-party testimony. Allowing the Psi Corps to function within a criminal court setting is one step removed from tyranny, and a government controlled court. If you actually look at the *reality* of it...it wouldn't happen. And that is the position we're taking with our series. Is it debateable? Of course it's open to debate. We like fostering debate. Is everything fair? No, it's not, just as in life. But as someone said (actually, the person looking on over my shoulder as I type this), it's my show.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 425 Wed Jan 26, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:24 EST It's *not* inconsistent. There is a VAST difference between taking part in a supervisory capacity in a business deal, and testifying in a courtroom on a case where someone could be sent to jail for the rest of his or her natural life. Neither did I at any point indicate that any business use of a telepath is useable in court. It's something that one businessman pays for, to make sure the other guy's on the up-and-up, not a legal thing. The right to privacy is a definite interest, yes...but to the courts, the more significant issue is checks and balances, and an unwillingness to surrender control of or influence over the judicial arm to another government- regulated agency with questionable military influences. There are many times that these and other laws may come into conflict...and sometimes they won't be fair to all people at all times. Our government has a quit-smoking priority...and then goes out and underwrites tobacco farmers. There's an inconsitency for you. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 437 Thu Jan 27, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:44 EST Added notes...1) B1-B3 weren't completed prior to going up; they were sabotaged during construction at various points. Only B4 was actually completed. 2) Just a thought...you may want to take a gander at "Mind War" in re: all the telepathy discussion. You may walk away from that show with a somewhat better understanding of the need to keep these people away from a courtroom than I can convey here. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 443 Thu Jan 27, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:52 EST (I'm keeping a low profile overall just now, to avoid getting in the way...but quickly....) I *love* "Duck Dodgers." I have virtuall all of the WB cartoons on tape or disk, and from where I sit, that's wonderful stuff that'll be around for a long, long time. No omens, just something I thought would be fun. (Again, connecting past/present/future, sort of our B5 theme.) So far, so good...ratings in San Diego are a 9 rating with a 15 share, beating all the network affiliates, delivering 150% over what the station normally gets...this could bode *very* well. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 475 Fri Jan 28, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:28 EST Thanks, all. Matt...to your question, there's something I wish I could tell you, but I can't without spoiling something in regards to the commander running off all the time. All I can say is watch the last act of "Infection." You'll learn something very interesting there which impacts this discussion. It's a scene between Garibaldi and Sinclair in the latter's quarters. Believe me, you'll know it when you see it. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 482 Fri Jan 28, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:31 EST Hmmmm...lemme check this and get back to you.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 490 Sat Jan 29, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:12 EST Generally, one pilot is "attached" to one ship, hence the individual and matched markings. In some cases, as in "Soul Hunter," there may not be time to trot out your specific ship, so you grab whatever's ready. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 498 Sat Jan 29, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:42 EST The Starfuries are stored in the launch bays, yes. Re: Sinclair getting into a fighter...there were a number of reasons for this, one of which being he wanted a good reason to avoid being in on the counsel vote, given his marching orders. But more than that...I would point out that this isn't Star Trek, and Sinclair isn't Picard; he is first and foremost a pilot. He loves to get into a fighter and take it out He's a fighter. That's when he is most at ease. That's what his character *is*. At the same time, however, there are consequences for that kind of behavior, as you point out. And there are deeper reasons for what he is doing than even he want to admit. Tell you what...table that aspect until after you've seen the last part of "Infection," which deals *with this exact issue*. Re: Vir...that was the first episode filmed with his character, and he wasn't directed as well as he might have been. We pulled him back a lot in later episodes. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 506 Sun Jan 30, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:53 EST Here, for what it's worth, is my take regarding Londo's hair. I find it interesting that people can accept spots, scales, fur, foreheads, reptiles and parasites...but not a different style of hair, used to denote one's rank or position (as is done in some primitive societies right here). Look at the history of hair just around us in the last hundred or so years...long hair, powdered wigs, crew-cuts, braids, dreadlocks, spikes, mohawks.... Among those I've talked to, it seems that folks from other places -- England, Europe, some from Japan -- have *zero* problem with the hair. It seems genuinely an American reaction. I was talking to someone about this earlier this evening, and the comment came back that Americans in particular are absolutely *obsessed* with not being embarrassed, or being made fools of. When they (we) see someone who doesn't match our view of what's the norm, we imagine how we would feel in that position. And to make ourselves more secure, as in high school, we make fun of what would personally embarrass us. When the underground/subculture of the 60s got ANY chance to express its views, what did people focus on? Their hair. Sometimes other personal traits, but usually the hair. "Damn longhaired freaks." To see *hair*, of all things, being somehow less acceptable than funny foreheads, scales, or other aspects of alien-ness flatly astonishes me. (It was also pointed out to me that in the first season of the original Trek, there was a *lot* of mail to Paramount about losing the pointy ears on Spock, that they just looked stupid.) It just seems sad to me, and somehow informative, that people are unable to see past the hair to the person. Are we really that conservative and ethnocentric? I particularly feel strongly about this for Peter, who is absolutely *out there*, taking a great risk with this character, who is doing an amazing performance...and all people can talk about is the hair, as though that somehow diminishes the performance. Amazing, really.... jms ------------ ************ Topic 3 Tue Nov 03, 1992 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:09 EST Sub: Babylon 5 - Computer SFX Tech-Talk Some of the new computer EFX used in BABYLON 5 will be revolutionary, a new approach never seen before on this scale. It's all new tech, and this topic will try and address the new technologies involved. 315 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 3 Message 234 Sun Jan 02, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:41 EST We did it already. Plus using composites for other shots. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 3 Message 238 Sun Jan 02, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 19:02 EST No, that was a computer-generated composite shot. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 3 Message 246 Sun Jan 09, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:42 EST Don't have a clue; those are Ron questions, and beyond my ken. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 3 Message 248 Mon Jan 10, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:38 EST This kind of comment is really pointless now because the show is about to hit the air. Lots of people have been badrapping it during the months of waiting. Now you get to see for yourself, and all this "it ain't great" stuff will be shown for the BS it is. If you've seen it, judge for yourselves. They're full of it. It's dismaying that we've gotten to this point of, if we're not wasting millions of dollars on EFX, it can't be any good. Wrong. jms ------------ ************ Topic 4 Tue Nov 03, 1992 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:12 EST Sub: Babylon 5 - Cast & Characters For discussion of the actors who will be bringing BABYLON 5 to life with their performances...for information before, and discussion after the airing of "The Gathering" pilot. 531 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 4 Message 499 Wed Jan 26, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:16 EST Ko'Dath met with an unfortunate accident with an airlock. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 4 Message 503 Thu Jan 27, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:45 EST In a tip of the cap to an SF writer, the Koenig character in "Mind War" is named Bester. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 4 Message 512 Fri Jan 28, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:31 EST Gold bars on the chest are for command staff, silver bars are for lower command staff (i.e., Sinclair has gold, the techs in the observation dome have silver). As 2nd, Ivanova's bar is split, half gold and half silver. Medical division gets a red bar, Security gets a green bar. Rank are denoted in the brass pieces on the shoulder. jms ------------ ************ Topic 6 Tue Nov 03, 1992 T.ORTH [Mr. Rico] at 06:43 EST Sub: Where is Babylon 5? TV stations... Babylon 5 is a cornerstone of Warner's new Prime Time Entertainment Network. Here is where one can find and post station information. 546 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 6 Message 424 Thu Jan 06, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:10 EST I've seen a nearly-finished cut of the Making Of piece, and it's pretty good. Could be a bit smoother here and there, and we had a few notes, which I hope will be taken care of, and there's a lot more shown of forthcoming scenes than I'd like, and not nearly enough of the interviews, but overall, I think it's okay. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 6 Message 538 Sun Jan 30, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:17 EST Bastards. jms ------------ ************ Topic 8 Mon Jun 14, 1993 C.STOBBE [Colin] at 19:16 EDT Sub: First Amalgamated Church of Joe A place where we can gather to worship Joe, the creator, praise his creations, and buy t-shirts from me! :) 195 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 86 Thu Jan 06, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:14 EST Go toward Los Angeles, and stick the pin in about 10 miles offshore. If the show isn't a hit, that's where you'll find me. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 111 Sat Jan 08, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:30 EST Got my cap today. Thanks. It will now go into a place of honor at the B5 offices. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 187 Sat Jan 29, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:37 EST Yes. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 190 Sat Jan 29, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:45 EST Shane: not good. jms ------------ ************ Topic 10 Thu Nov 12, 1992 SANDMAN [Henry] at 19:25 EST Sub: Sex in Babylon 5 Can't do without this one!! 324 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 10 Message 289 Sat Jan 15, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:24 EST Travis: You're wrong. I've announced my plans in this regard before. jms ------------ ************ Topic 11 Sat Nov 14, 1992 J.SHEEN1 [Leviathan] at 18:09 EST Sub: B5 Adrift! BABYLON 5 Topic Drift If you feel like talking about it, but it doesn't fit anywhere else... If its only connection to B-5 is that you thought of it in this CAT... This is where to come and get it out. 303 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 11 Message 223 Sat Jan 01, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:45 EST Hey, you brought it up. We just took a picture of it. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 11 Message 287 Mon Jan 24, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:49 EST Re: magazines...I'm actively not cooperating with Starlog, so that takes care of that venue. There's deals in process for a comic, and for novelizations, but I've kinda urged people not to hurry that process too much, on the grounds of, "Let's do the *show* first, and make it as good as we can, and *then* worry about the merchandising." Too often people in this business put the merchandising cart before the horse. If we do our job right, then there'll be plenty of all that down the road. If not, why jump in and try to exploit it? jms ------------ ************ Topic 12 Wed Nov 18, 1992 B.WIST [Brad] at 18:12 EST Sub: Babylon 5 Sightings Post here when you've spotted Babylon 5, whether it be on Television, Magazine, or somewhere else. Let us know where we can find it/see it, too. 440 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 12 Message 271 Sat Jan 01, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:48 EST BTW, in Larry DiTillio's latest edition of the "Scripts" column, in Writer's Digest Magazine, there's a fairly lengthy section on B5. For those interested in hearing some stuff from another viewpoint than mine. Also look for some syndicated articles to appear in newspapers over the next week, including the Tribune News Service, and the Teledata News service, which between them cover something like 2,500 newspapers and magazine. Also the Boston Globe will have a piece on B5, as will Entertainment Weekly. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 12 Message 279 Sun Jan 02, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 19:03 EST Haven't heard otherwise, so I assume so. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 12 Message 289 Wed Jan 05, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:48 EST Don't know if Ron's named that ship or not; will try to remember to inquire. Advance word: look for a big story in Entertainment Weekly, probably hitting the stands next week (the following week latest); stories via the Tribune and Teledata syndicators; we got the cover in the L.A. TIMES Sunday color TV magazine for the week we air; other newspapers will be doing the same (specifics when and if I get them). Expect to see pieces on CNN and Showbiz Today over the next 2 weeks, and Starburst should have a very long piece on the show sometime soon. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 12 Message 301 Fri Jan 07, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:47 EST Did we save anything for the rest of the season? Lemme put it to you this way...you ain't seen *nothin* yet. "Midnight" makes just about everything done before for TV look lame...but there's stuff coming down the pike that'll make "Midnight" look pale by comparison. With each show we get better, we learn more, and we can *do* more. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 12 Message 326 Tue Jan 11, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 14:38 EST Apparently they're going to have me, and probably Claudia, doing one more of these satellite-interview things, probably on the 25th. Oh, but my life is a festival of joy.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 12 Message 355 Sat Jan 15, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:43 EST I was told this stuff would be uploaded to GEnie at the same time; I don't yet have this stuff myself. Will bug the right people. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 12 Message 406 Fri Jan 21, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 17:08 EST Here is the one and only thing I really have to say about critics (at least until otherwise provoked). When "Lost in Space" went on the air, every critic hated it; they hated the cast, they hated the writing, they hated the sets...they panned it royally. About a year later, when LiS was a big hit, and was selling magazine covers, a lot changed. Then "Star Trek" appeared...and was crucified by the critics. They hated the cast, they hated the writing, they hated the sets...TV Guide in particular. They roundly dismissed it as an attempt to cash in on "Lost in Space"'s success. Critics attacked Patrick Stewart in TNG for being stiff and unappealing, attacked DS9 on similar grounds..... They *always* attack SF. Always have, always will. And always unfairly. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 12 Message 410 Sat Jan 22, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 19:59 EST FYI...the L.A. Times and Orange County Register both have cover stories on B5 in their respective TV magazines. jms ------------ ************ Topic 13 Mon Nov 23, 1992 T.ORTH [Mr. Rico] at 21:00 EST Sub: Babylon 5 - Science & Technology Jump gates, nanotech, high-tech weapons, starship drives, sound in space, and other subjects of science and technology in Babylon 5. 400 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 288 Sun Jan 09, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:45 EST Actually, I'd argue that there's a difference between FTL travel, and removing oneself from the standard reference by entering hyperspace. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 326 Fri Jan 14, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:59 EST We'll imply some of the geography in the series, but the interactive computer program coming out soon has a map of the station, and shows where what is in relation to everything else. As for the fighters, they wait until they clear the arms to launch. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 335 Fri Jan 14, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:52 EST Since I sat on a panel with Niven, who said that in his view nothing good is written for TV, and implied basically that TV writers were people who'd sold out and were just a shade above prostitutes in the food chain, I doubt very much that Niven would be interested in writing scripts, nor would I be terribly much inclined to ask. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 342 Sun Jan 16, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:09 EST It's a tachyon channel. jms ------------ ************ Topic 17 Tue Jan 19, 1993 C.STOBBE [Colin] at 21:02 EST Sub: Babylon 5 - Merchandising A place to discuss all the neat Babylon 5 merchandising coming out (hopefully) soon 464 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 17 Message 448 Mon Jan 24, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:05 EST Understood. But I don't want the full script out there being sold at conventions, also because I eventually would like to novelize this thing, when I have time.... jms ------------ ************ Topic 25 Fri Mar 12, 1993 S.SHELLENBAR [>> SHANE <<] at 08:47 EST Sub: J. Michael Straczynski Speaks in Public This is the place to find out where and when JMS will be appearing next. JMS has honed his skills as a public speaker and is taking his act on the road. 410 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 25 Message 399 Sat Jan 29, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:50 EST I still plan to continue to go to cons, but probably at a somewhat reduced level, simply due to the requirements of exec producing this show and writing a smidge over half the episodes. Probably hit the major cons, WorldCon and the like. And always, *always* ComicCon. Quake...ehhh. Yeah, had some damage. The fireplace in the living room is now *IN* the living room...the chimney/fireplace has to come totally down...a wall or so is going to be knocked out...there are cracks all over the place...the sun deck is now separated from the front of the house, the stairs leading up to the house are separated at one point... a closet is pretty much demolished and will have to be yanked and re-done...lots of other minor damage...couldn't get into my office for about a day because of the debris piled up in front of the other side of the door...didn't have power from Sunday night through Thursday, only today was told that the water's okay...spent most of the nights writing scripts on a notebook computer by flashlight.... It hasn't been pretty around here for a while. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 25 Message 404 Sun Jan 30, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:06 EST Last anyone talked to me, it was me and Larry being interviewed by David. jms ------------ ************ Topic 26 Sun Jun 06, 1993 G.PLANA [Gary] at 01:51 EDT Sub: Babylon 5 - Episode titles and info This topic is for information about individual episodes -- their titles, writers, and any other information JMS may leak! 191 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 26 Message 177 Thu Jan 06, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:18 EST Yes, that is the plan, though we're still trying to work out how it can be done without violating the integrity of either universe; if we can do so cleanly, we'll do it; if not, we won't. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 26 Message 179 Fri Jan 07, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:51 EST Just completed another script, "The Quality of Mercy," which I wrote almost entirely while down with the flu, and can literally not remember writing any of it because of that. Totally on autopilot, though it seems pretty good. (Might've been in Flemish, for all I knew.) Also, we just cast Gerrit Graham in "Raiding Party," which starts shooting next week, by which time I hope to have "Babylon Squared" completed in first-draft form. jms ------------ 1. CATegories 10. INDex of topics 2. NEW messages 11. SEArch topics 3. SET category 12. DELete message 4. DEScribe CAT 13. IGNore category 5. TOPic list 14. PROmpt setting 6. BROwse new msgs 15. SCRoll setting 7. REAd messages 16. NAMe used in BB 8. REPly to topic 17. EXIt the BB 9. STArt a topic 18. HELp on commands Enter #, or p 18 ? ************ Topic 3 Sat Oct 16, 1993 STARR [Arne] at 10:43 EDT Sub: The Gathering -- the pilot film This topic is for discussion of the 2 hour pilot film. 89 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 19, Topic 3 Message 39 Tue Jan 04, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:14 EST No, for which I give some measure of thanks. Eventually, though, I'm confident it'll be rebroadcast. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 3 Message 44 Wed Jan 05, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:50 EST We've re-lit and touched up the forced perspective to make it look better. Also, Ron did *substantial* modifications to the B5 station itself, making it the biggest single object to render. It has something like (and this is only my memory) 100 times the resolution of the station used in the pilot, so you can get right in close for paint-scraper shots. It's much more detailed and substantial looking. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 3 Message 47 Wed Jan 05, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:42 EST Not necessarily...it may have been 100-times in resolution, or it may have been 1000-times in resolution...actually, as I think of it (via the fog that's in my head) I think you're right...I knew there was a 1 and some 0s involved in it...and it was a big deal...so maybe it *was* 1,000x. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 3 Message 55 Thu Jan 06, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:20 EST The forced perspective is inside the station, not in the CGI outside. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 3 Message 87 Sat Jan 22, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 17:51 EST The smuggler was not gunned down. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 3 Message 89 Sat Jan 22, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:33 EST PPG = Phased Plasma Gun, and yes, the settings work about the way you describe. At full settings, it burns right through the body (and you can see this in some shots, albeit briefly and discreetly). We also deal with the reality of what such a weapon *does* to you...internal burns, clothes melting into the skin, that sort of thing. We don't get gross about it, but we try to stay with the reality of what we're creating. jms ------------ ************ Topic 4 Sat Oct 16, 1993 STARR [Arne] at 10:46 EDT Sub: Midnight On The Firing Line (#103) The first episode of the new series appearing in late January. 137 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 19, Topic 4 Message 24 Sun Jan 23, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:34 EST In the "Midnight" teaser, Garibaldi mentions that Ivanova's "new here." Also in "Midnight," Talia introduces herself to Ivanova and mentions that she was "assigned here a few weeks ago." In "Soul Hunter," Franklin arrives to take on the task of chief of medical staff. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 4 Message 31 Sun Jan 23, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:45 EST My thought, at the time, was that if we play the reality of this for a moment, probably *all* of the ambassadors have some kind of weapon, smuggled in via diplomatic pouches. Garibaldi and Sinclair know they're there...question is, is it worth starting a diplomatic incident over, as long as they're not being used? Garibaldi is saying, in essence, "Okay, you know it's there, and I know it's there, but now you've made a point about it. Lose it or hide it, or I'm going to have to charge you, and we're BOTH going to be up to our ears in it." If Garibaldi confiscated it, there'd be a whole diplomatic hassle...and Londo would just have another one sent to him via diplomatic pouch. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 4 Message 46 Wed Jan 26, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:30 EST You may think it was obvious that the nephew was reading at gunpoint, and in fact, he was...but thinking something or suspecting something isn't the same as proving it. Londo could say, "He was reading at gunpoint!" And G'Kar could say, "No, he wasn't." Where do you go from there? (And, in fact, that's *exactly* what Londo said...only to have G'Kar deflect it.) Re: why Londo didn't show the clips...at this point, there's not any question in anyone's mind about the attack taking place. The Narns say they were invited in to help quell internal strife. That the events took place isn't at issue; it's *why* and whether or not they were invited in. (As with Germany in WWII indicating that some places "invited" them in.) Had Sinclair shown the evidence, it probably would've just hardened G'Kar. Also, most politics is back-room dealing. You do this in public, and you make a terrible enemy who'll strike back as soon as he has a chance. Let him have his dignity, save face, BUT get what you want, and there's room to maneuver in future. It's the difference between being a punch'em-out hero, and someone who has to be diplomatic, within limits. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 4 Message 60 Thu Jan 27, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:59 EST Which episodes are central to the story arc? I'd say the episodes that you should keep in that regard would be "Soul Hunter," "The Parliament of Dreams," "Mind War," "And the Sky Full of Stars," "Babylon Squared," "Chrysalis," and maybe "Legacies" and the two-parter, "A Voice in the Wilderness." jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 4 Message 90 Fri Jan 28, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:34 EST Yeah, the Sea Witch is the one that rotates and fires at one of the Raiders. It's a woman's face in a green and blue background. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 4 Message 94 Sat Jan 29, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:38 EST Sounded cooler. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 4 Message 115 Sun Jan 30, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:40 EST There is some history there with Sinclair's father, but I'm not getting into it this season because there are some other family issues involving our characters that I want to delve into initially, and I don't want to step in the same stream too many times, as it were. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 4 Message 117 Sun Jan 30, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:18 EST No, nothing autobiographical in it. Vir calms down. Trust me. He even manages to nail Londo from time to time...as he does when Londo suffers a rather nasty hangover in "Born to the Purple." jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 4 Message 120 Sun Jan 30, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:08 EST No, just two: reddish/orange (red shift) when entering a gate, and blue (blue shift) for emerging. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 4 Message 128 Sun Jan 30, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 17:42 EST No, the Takashima character did not have a problem with the Psi Corps. This would have been part of a different thread. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 4 Message 130 Sun Jan 30, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 19:38 EST When Doug and I, to simplify things, created a separate corporation to handle the massive paperwork of a series. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 4 Message 133 Mon Jan 31, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:23 EST She was kidding. Typical Russian humor. jms ------------ ************ Topic 5 Sat Oct 16, 1993 STARR [Arne] at 10:49 EDT Sub: Soul Hunter (#102) by JMS. The second sheduled episode of the new series. 25 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 19, Topic 5 Message 14 Sat Jan 29, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:05 EST You'll find out by the end of this season. jms ------------ Category 19, Topic 5 Message 16 Sun Jan 30, 1994 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:57 EST Snakes generally move slowly...until they strike. Re: the medical tools...we brought in a medical science consultant, who helped us design our instruments. His sense was that we're moving more and more toward light as a system of treatment, non-invasive procedures, that sort of thing. No, there aren't anything like those devices in today's operating rooms...but this is 250 years from now. In any event, it *is* based on the latest info we're getting on new science from our medical advisor. jms ------------ 1. CATegories 10. INDex of topics 2. NEW messages 11. SEArch topics 3. SET category 12. DELete message 4. DEScribe CAT 13. IGNore category 5. TOPic list 14. PROmpt setting 6. BROwse new msgs 15. SCRoll setting 7. REAd messages 16. NAMe used in BB 8. REPly to topic 17. EXIt the BB 9. STArt a topic 18. HELp on commands Enter #, or p 19 ?