Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with star

How much money does the gossip magazine / gossip blog / tabloid industry make?

Elle Vator — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:23:45 -0800

So, celebrity gossip is everywhere and lots of $$$ is forked out for images of famous babies, etcetera... BUT how much money does the gossip industry MAKE? I can't find any online statistics about Gossip Industry Revenues. It's actually very odd and mysterious.

I'm looking for numbers on gossip magazines, gossip blogs and/or the tabloid industry, with the goal of comparing the Gossip numbers to the Porn Industry and the Television Industry respectively. I could use global numbers, US or North American numbers.

It would be useful to find a webpage as comprehensive as this: http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/internet-pornography-statistics.html

...but I would take a single, high impact sentence about the tabloids and gossip rags (such as this gem: "US Porn Revenues are greater than the combined revenues of ABC, CBS and NBC"), which was properly cited and verifiable.

Anyone got anything?

Zig a zag ahhh!

Jubey — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:05:23 -0800

Help me dress as a rock star for Christmas! My office Christmas party theme is come as your favourite rock star and I need ideas! So, it's a fancy dress party and the theme is come as your favourite rock/pop star. For added excitement, it's also karaoke and there is an excellent chance we'll have to get up and actually perform as that star on stage in front of the entire company (I know, I know...I can't sing either and I hate being the centre of attention). Anyway I need ideas.

Additional information, I'm a petite white girl with long dark straight hair in Australia if it helps. It would be nice if I didn't have to spend a fortune on an outfit but I'm open to anything. Lady Gaga and the Spice Girls are already taken. I'm open to dragging in a few others and going as a group, and I'm open to dressing as a guy too. I was thinking Chrissie Amphlett from the Divinyls (Aussie band) as I can cobble together a school uniform from home, or Madonna from her dark haired Like A Prayer days but I was wondering if the hive mind had any other suggestions?

Did Dr. David Marcus know who his father is?

johngoren — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:42:33 -0800

Paternity question about the plot of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Spoilers inside about the movie and Nicholas Meyer's memoirs. My Trekkie friend and I disagree about whether we're supposed to think that David Marcus knows Kirk is his father. Our dispute was touched off after I read Nicholas Meyer's new book The View From The Bridge.

An intriguing passage describes how Paramount required reshoots on the grounds that Kirk came across as a deadbeat dad. In the original version, I think, Kirk knew he had a son, but hadn't bothered to check up on him any more than he had bothered to check local weather conditions on Ceti Alpha IV.

The reshoots changed that. In the version we know, Kirk is surprised to meet David, thanks to the added line: "Why didn't you tell me?" Which I guess means, "Why didn't you tell me I had a son?"

So much for Kirk knowing. But our question is this: Watching the movie these last 17 years, did you think David, himself, is surprised to find out who his dad is?

This is what I always assumed, based on the casual way he talks about the "overgrown boy scout" who dated his mom. But my friend takes the opposite position. He always assumed David grew up knowing about, and resenting, his dad. Which would mean the "overgrown boy scout" line was an ironic jab meaning "my dickhead father."

Is this something the movie fudges or do you think we're supposed to think one thing rather than the other?

Do men who date porn stars continue to use porn?

Sully — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:44:09 -0800

Do men who date porn stars continue to use porn? In a lot of advice columns, I keep seeing upset letters from women whose male partners use porn. Everything else in their relationship is great, except for that. So I was wondering if anyone here knew an actual person who was dating a porn actress, and had inside knowledge as to whether they continued to use porn.

So where can I go see the stars without having to sleep in a tent?

Lord_Pall — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:52:23 -0800

So where can I go see this Milky Way you speak of? More specifically, where's an awesome local place to go see the stars if I'm based in Los Angeles and with a wife who doesn't camp?

When did Roddenberry first condemn Star Trek V?

Kirklander — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:39:21 -0800

What is the source of the oft-cited complaint by Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry that Star Trek V is "apocryphal at best"? The first appearance I can find is in Michael and Denise Okuda's Star Trek Chronology (1996), but I wonder where Gene said it and to whom.

I'm basically looking for help finding the first public statement by Roddenberry that he didn't approve of Shatner's movie. Any help much appreciated.

I can't do it captain, I don't have the POWER

sourbrew — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:35:54 -0800

So a friend of mine asked me a question about the new Star Trek movie. (probable spoilers inside) Basically he wants to know if raising the shield during warp has been done previously or if it violates the principles of warp as established in previous Star Trek universes. I've done some google searches but have been unable to find a definitive answer, although there are apparently other people wondering this as well.

Star Trek IMAX details (pan and scan?)

null terminated — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:27:00 -0800

Will Star Trek on IMAX be shown in pan & scan or will there be bars on the top and bottom (I'd prefer bars)? Were any of the scenes shot for IMAX? I'm having trouble finding information online.

3-star ranking on mario kart for wii

crapples — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:20:06 -0800

So how on earth do you get a three-star ranking on Mario Kart for Wii? I am a pretty good racer on all of the grand prix courses. I routinely get 1st place in all four races, often by wide margins (yesterday I won Rainbow Road with a 32 second lead over the person in 2nd place), but I can't get more than a 2-star ranking! This drives me nuts because I've read that you can unlock certain things by getting 3-star rankings.

What are the main things I should try to do better, or avoid doing, to increase the probability of a 3-star ranking on any course?

Please help us, enthusiastic Star Trek fans!

Baby_Balrog — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:10:42 -0800

My gf and I are very exited to see the new Star Trek movie. Neither of us are, or have ever been, Star Trek enthusiasts. Prior to seeing the Watchmen, we read the book, and it was great. Help us prepare for this epic cinema experience. We have committed to watching four episodes of any Star Trek series and one movie. What should we view? This thread gave me some basics - but I want to plan our pre-movie viewing for the next couple of weeks. Unfortunately, I know that it would be worthwhile to read some of the books, but we're both graduate students so it probably won't happen.

Also, what's the best way to obtain individual Star Trek episodes for viewing?

We're not trying to become experts - but we both immensely enjoyed being "in the know" during our Watchmen experience and we'd like a cursory understanding before going.

Emotional state vs. DNA evolution in SW: ROTJ

parmanparman — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:36:23 -0800

Star Wars Filter: Does the Emperor not foreseeing that Darth Vader would kill him mean that all Jedi have lost this force ability and that midichlorians leave the body after death and have evolved as they drifted with innumerable species by finding an athletic host who would benefit from incredible power?

Ten movies, five plots

zompus — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:51:29 -0800

Does anyone remember an article discussing how of the 10 Star Trek movies to date, there have only been 5 plots? I remember an article that was posted on the internet around the time Star Trek: Nemesis came out that discussed how, out of the ten Star Trek movies to date, there were only five (or less) plots, and most of the movies incorporated two or more plots. For example:

1. Crew travels through time: The Voyage Home, Generations, First Contact.

2. One villain is pulling the strings in the background to destroy the Enterprise: Wrath of Khan, The Undiscovered Country, Generations, Nemesis

3. One villain is pulling the strings to change the galaxy in some way: The Final Frontier, The Undiscovered Country, Generations, First Contact, etc.

Does anyone remember this article, have a link to it, or remember the specific plot lines and examples? I've been trying to remember this info and can't remember exactly what the plots were, and google does not turn up anything on this.

I'd like to pay less money for clean clothes

saffry — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:09:49 -0800

Does anyone know details of the Energy Star rebate in the Stimulus bill? I was going to buy a new washing machine today, but I'm wondering if my purchase would count if the bill isn't signed yet. And knowing how much the rebate would be may make a difference in the model I pick.

I am not the CB Savage!

gjc — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:32:53 -0800

What do ham radio operators talk about on their radios? Spurred by this excellent response to a question, and more generally having known ham operators, I'm curious what the rewards of the hobby are.

One time, I was listening to Steve Dahl on the radio, and he had Joe Walsh (of Barnstorm fame, of course) on as a guest. Joe was talking about what he does in his down time, and it was ham. Being an indulgent rock star, he of course had a whole extra house filled with radios, dedicated to the craft. Then a caller called in, and they started talking 30 meter this, and long band that, and so on. It seemed quite enjoyable from an amateur radio engineer perspective. I think I would enjoy doing that.

I guess I'm not understanding the "point" of it. (Beyond the hobby process of constant tweaking and the joy of creating and all that.) If I build model airplanes, well, then I go out and fly them. If I restore cars, I have a sweet ride to cruise around in. If I build computers, now I have a computer.

OK, so you get the soldering iron, build the radio and the antennas and the plywood shack in your basement. What then? Who do you call, who do you talk to? What do you use it for?

cards! get your cards here!

lou — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:07:17 -0800

What do I do with thousands upon thousands of collectible trading card game cards? (Mostly from the Star Trek TCG.) (Boy that's an awkward use of the word "card"...)

So I inherited six or seven very large boxes that each hold thousands of cards from several collectible trading card games, most of them being Stark Trek, and also a some boxes of a few other games I've never heard of (WARS, The Spoils, and another one I can't remember). Since I'm actually a Trek fan I got together some buddies and we gave it a shot, but gave up halfway through skimming the manual, and it turned into Calvinball-style card playing for a little while before we decided we did have better things to do in life. So much for that.

Now I have to figure out what to do with all these cards. Does anyone actually still play with these anymore? Is there a market for it? (My geekiness is in video games, not card games.) From what I can tell the Star Trek cards are first edition and apparently they're on second edition now, and the rules are completely different, but does anyone still want/play first edition?

I can probably just sell the whole thing, but I don't know where to start, and I'd prefer to sell or give it to someone who can actually use it, not just a reseller. I can probably sell pieces of it myself via ebay or whatever, but that takes time I don't have. I can probably use them in some kind of magnificent art project; anyone have any ideas? or anyone have an art project in dire need of some nerdy cards?

As far as selling goes, I think it would be fun to take these to a local comic book convention (or similar) and set up my own table for a couple of days. Anyone try this before?

Help me duplicate this unique trophy

Flying Saucer — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:48:25 -0800

I am trying to duplicate a unique trophy any way possible. I recently won this trophy.

I'd like to share it with some other people involved in my success by making as close a copy as possible -- multiple copies, in fact.

I'm asking Mefites for any method they can think of, from creating it myself to hiring a trophy manufacturer. Cheap, reasonable, or expensive; it doesn't matter. I'd like to hear all options.

Thanks.

Several Star Trek Episode Names

libraryman — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:37:03 -0800

How do I find the names of several Star Trek Episodes? I know what happens in the episodes, but I don't know the names of the actual episodes. ex: In one TNG episode, 4 or 5 crew member go to the holodeck and have the computer make a table or bed they all dreamed they were tortured on. I've got several questions like this! Another ex: Captain Picard debates in court the status of Data's humanity.
And again: The LCARS computer system is introduced and demonstrated. Heavy use of the computer to do research.

Please help ID an old toy!

BrodieShadeTree — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:07:05 -0800

Help identify this old space themed action figure. My parents are cleaning out closets. Throwing away TOYS! OH NOES! I cannot place this one. It might be Star Trek. Possibly Vulcan. Can anyone ID it?
Photo 1. Photo 2.

Best HCI Examples In Pop Culture

libraryman — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:09:26 -0800

What are the best examples of human/computer interaction in tv and movies (please mention specific scenes and episodes if you can). ex: HAL in 2001, The touch screen in Minority Report, Scotty talking to the mouse in Star Trek IV -lol, etc...

I need to identify this logo!

stormygrey — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:51:50 -0800

Logo search, can you help me find this logo? Its basically a star, the star is made out of five or so stylized "people", where each person is a dot for a head and then a v or checkmark for the arms, which make up the star.

That is all.

Retcon of the Jedi

Ndwright — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:22:27 -0800

Does the continual revision of Star Wars have any artistic parallels in any medium? In having an argument the other day over the merits of the new Indiana Jones film, I made a strong case for not being too hard on it. While it was certainly the weakest of the franchise, it did none of the things that the Star Wars prequels did to not just screw up the mythology, but retroactively screw up the films that preceded it.

As I made my case, I came to realize that I couldn't think of any filmmaker that had so extensively retconned his/her work as George Lucas. Chaplin did some rescoring, and director's cuts of other films abound, but nobody in cinematic history has so marred their own work and what made it special in the way that Lucas did.

Woody Allen's later comedies may have stank, but he didn't CGI Scarlet Johansson into the final shot of Annie Hall. The Richard Donner cut of Superman 2 was done because another director took over halfway through the film. The Donnie Darko director's cut, while altering the delivery of the film, added content that had already been shot and edited. The closest parallel I can think of is Blade Runner, but the original cut of Blade Runner was messy and financially unsuccessful, about as far removed from the reception of the Star Wars Trilogy as is imaginable.

No filmmaker has so extensively revised his or her popular, successful work in such ill-conceived, extensive ways. Lucas not only despiritualized the entire saga (Midichlorians!) and corrupted our conceptions of the characters ("Noooooo!") via the prequels, but also re-edited the existing films twice.

In dwelling of this, I realized I couldn't think of ANY other artist in all of art/literary/theatrical history who has done this. Art history is filled with examples of other people editing an artist's work and artists revising their own work due to censorship or poor reception, but has there ever, ever been anyone who has produced an immensely successful, popular work and retconned it as extensively as George Lucas?

The Vatican, after Michelangelo's death, decided to paint fig leaves over all the Sistine Chapel nudity. This would only parallel Lucas if Michelangelo himself had done it after deciding twenty years after the fact that it was the way he'd intended it from the get-go. Again, the closest parallels I can think of, Leaves of Grass and Six Characters in Search of an Author, don't come close. Whitman continually revised Leaves of Grass, but IIRC his revisions were mostly additions. I've been unable to find much information about Six Characters, but from what I've gathered the 1925 revision is considered to be far superior to the original and keeps the majority of the existing content of the play intact.

IANA art/literary/theatre historian, so go nuts.

Appealing, school-appropriate video game clip?

daisyace — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:00:02 -0800

I would like to find a link for a short video clip of a video game that meets certain criteria. It will go into a presentation to elementary school teachers, as a quick backdrop to a point about interactive games that will be used in school, and that will be fun while challenging kids to think and learn. (It won't itself BE that game; it just has to plausibly look the part.) It needs to have some connection to an outer space theme. So to recap and clarify the criteria:
* At least a 5-second, decent quality clip available online.
* Looks appropriate for kids younger than 12.
* Looks appropriate for a school setting (so, no shoot 'ems, etc.).
* Look like it helps kids think and learn, but preferably not as explicitly as math sums that appear on screen or something - think more like 'puzzles and challenges,' less like 'pick the word that starts with A.'
* Looks interactive.
* Some connection to an outer space theme.

Suggestions would be great, links even better.

What does a star on the side of a house mean?

i love cheese — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:45:25 -0800

Is there any meaning associated with stars on the sides of houses? On Virginia's Eastern shore, I saw a bunch of houses with 5-sided stars like this one on their sides. Most were black, but some were more muted colors. Do they mean anything? These weren't flags, like those hung by Blue (or Gold) Star Mothers. I haven't seen any similar stars around DC or its environs (but I may not have noticed).

What cartoon did I see?

popcassady — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:46:16 -0800

When I was a kid, I saw a cartoon that featured robot sex and Star Wars rip-offs. What was it? I have an extremely vague memory of this cartoon. We're talking 1986-ish.

It was a feature length animation. There may have been two characters that were similar to R2-D2 and C3PO -- I'm pretty sure there was a golden robot at least.

The main character was very Han Solo-esque. He might have worn a cowboy hat, I think he stole spaceships.

The strongest, lasting memory I have of this film -- the one that made an impression on my six year old mind -- was of the Han Solo character trying to have sex with a pink android.

Does it ring any bells?

Need audio clips for samples from Sci-Fi Channel, and The OC

mediocre — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:58:25 -0800

I am looking for a specific ad for Star Trek: Enterprise's Sci-Fi Channel reruns.. Also a question for fans of The OC. For reasons too long and boring to go into, my friends all call me The Captain, or any variation thereof. There is an ad that runs during the end credits of various programs on Sci-Fi that tries to illicit nostalgia, a sort of "Remember when...?" type ad, and at the end it says "And The Captain gets all the ladies"

I am looking to use the sample in a hip hop song. Anybody have a programmed TiVo'd with the ad, or somehow have it otherwise?

Also, there is an episode of The OC that I am told has the line "Welcome to Portland, bitch" when a rich kid moves to Portland where people are "real".. does anyone know specifically which episode this is, or could they even rip the sample out of the episode for me?