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October 20th, 2004, 01:40 PM
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#1
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Great Honored Warrior (ret.) BG Fandom Leader (ret.)
 | Father of BG websites | | BattlestarGalactica.com(ret) | | BattlestarPegasus.com(ret) |
Join Date: May 2001
Location: San Jose, Calif., U.S.A
Posts: 702
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Chiming in about the ongoing BG series/saying hi
Hi everyone,
It's certainly been quite a while, since my last post about Tom DeSanto's success with the "Transformers" project for DreamWorks/Paramount and since my last regular post here. Methinks it's probably been over a yahren  since "Battlestar" consumed my thoughts. i've needed a break - desperately needed a break. I didn't realize how much I really had needed it until I took it. Life has revolved around my family, health and career, all of which are doing extremely well.
And, yes, if you've written me and not received a response, I do apologize. I've actually changed e-mail addresses in my quest for solitude and balance away from all things "Battlestar." Aside from posting some of Tom's production sketches on BattlestarPegasus.com, I've remained quiet on the BG front. What I saw as BG's potentially finest hour (between Richard Hatch's, Tom DeSanto's and Glen Larson's effort) has diminished into a soft glow of warm rememberance with the new series. I've moved on, to a certain degree.
Contrary to what I've stated in the past, I went ahead and watched the "Battlestar" pilot from 2003. I had sworn I would never do this. I was reminded by someone dear to me that I owed it to myself to see the fabulous work of CG artists I'd known who participated. I needed to see the show for myself and view the production team's translation from script form to live action.
After seeing it, I stand by my original review of the script, not as a badge of honor, but because I still believe this show could have been MUCH better. (I'm not saying "MUCH better" as in another person's version, but Ronald Moore's version could have been MUCH better.)
And last night, I saw the SkyOne presentation of the ongoing "Battlestar Galactica" series. Episode number one: "33."
THIS has the potential to be an outstanding science fiction series. (And frankly, it should have been renamed, not branded as "Battlestar Galactica.") I've been privvy to behind the scenes information which I've stayed away from. I actually wanted to stay clear of this production as long as possible. I'm glad I did. "33" shows that Moore and Co. understand what dramatic devices can build a good story. MAJOR kudos to Zoic for their ongoing f/x excellence, too.
What disappoints me most: The character chemistry. The lack of a cohesive family feeling. These people are forced together by circumstances; that's understood. But the new series lacks the connection that the original series characters forged/shared with their audience. In due time, perhaps the new series characters might become more accessible/likeable to me.
I want to finish with this:
Months ago, after learning that Richard (Hatch) had decided to accept the Tom Zarek, I talked with him. I've been keeping myself at a distance from everyone in "Battlestar" for my peace of mind as I focused on other things, but I felt this was important.
I wanted him to know that his decision to take the role was a good one. I could only imagine the fan community lashback that he might have been opportunistic or a sellout to further his career.
I'm not sure I will watch every episode of the new "Battlestar" show, but I will tune in to see Richard's Tom Zarek onscreen. Richard's passion for acting - and for "Battlestar" - may strike some as ego-gratification and self-serving. And I'm sure he's had earfuls of fan feedback on that topic. But Richard is doing what he both loves and does well: acting. And many thanks to Ronald Moore and Co. for giving Richard an opportunity with such a meaty, intriguing role on the new show.
And I honestly praise Dirk for taking a stance not to participate. Would it be fun to see him in a Buster Crabbe-like guest appearance (from "Buck Rogers")? Or playing Kara Thrace's long-lost father a la Chameleon? Sure! But Dirk honors his original role, as the legendary Starbuck we know and love. It's his choice, whether he gets an offer and rejects or accepts it. Frankly, I think the only way I'd want to see Dirk onscreen is in the "Starbuck" role. Damn the missed opportunity of Singer/DeSanto... Even one season (a la Firefly) with Starbuck would have been a true treasure.
Hope everyone is doing well,
Michael

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October 20th, 2004, 01:51 PM
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#2
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out there somewhere
 | Former Admin (ret) | | Colonial Fleets | | BattlestarGalactica-Fleets.com | | Owner | | Ship Of Lights Forum |
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: The Ship Of Lights
Posts: 5,517
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MIIIIICHHAAAELLLL!!!!!
I have missed you so damn much!!!!!!!!!!
It is so damn good to hear from you!!!
What['s been up sir?
(tom is going to read your post now. I just wanted to make sure you saw the HI first. 
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October 20th, 2004, 02:03 PM
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#3
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out there somewhere
 | Former Admin (ret) | | Colonial Fleets | | BattlestarGalactica-Fleets.com | | Owner | | Ship Of Lights Forum |
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: The Ship Of Lights
Posts: 5,517
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*done reading*
Good Post michael!
I concur with every single point down to the last T!
I'm really sorry you had to leave fandom forawhile. But after weathering the last year I more than understand that. It was a good choice. But you were missed. As far as I am concerned you ARE BG fandom.
Don't stay away if you can. The Fleets are much saner than when you left. And its much nicer and friendlier than after the bad news hit us.
Give me a call if you can. I pMed my phone number. And I would like very much to talk to you of BG and purple feathered boa girls.
-Tom
http://www.colonialfleets.com/forums...?t=7330&page=2
http://www.colonialfleets.com/forums...ead.php?t=7486
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October 20th, 2004, 02:13 PM
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#4
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Stablemaster, Livery Ship
 | Fleet Modertor | | Colonial Fleets |
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Wandering Indiana
Posts: 5,101
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Michael!!!!!!
((((((((((((hug tackles)))))))))))
MUFFIT lock the doors, he's not allowed out this time.
It is good to see you, my friend. Soooooo very glad that you and the family are well and especially that you are in good health.
My email has changed also. Use what you have only replace cinci with indy in the domain side of the addy.
So good to see you!
Jewels
__________________
"We feel free when we escape – even if it be but from the frying pan to the fire." Mozzie on White Collar
"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one." Malcolm Reynolds [/color]
"We don't dictate to countries, we liberate countries." Mitt Romney [/color]
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October 20th, 2004, 02:17 PM
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#5
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Great Wise Guru
 | Admin | | ColonialFleets.com |  | Co-Owner | | TombsofKobol.com | | Owner/Webmaster | | DirkBenedictCentral.com |  | Co-Founder | | Colonial Fan Force |
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Pacific Northwest, USA
Posts: 5,009
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Hello, Michael! Long time no see.
You should have heard the pining during your absence...
Hope you can show yourself around here every so often.
Thanks for your input on the ep, too.
I am
Dawg

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October 20th, 2004, 02:24 PM
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#6
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Snowball, My Angel Baby
 | Admin | | Colonial Fleets |
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Somewhere across the heavens... aka Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 9,191
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Michael!!
Good to hear that all is well with your health, family, and career.
Don't be a stranger, pop in and say hi when you can. The door's always open and the lights always on (as long as we don't forget to pay the electric bill).

__________________
Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
The night is falling
You have come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore .
Children are a message that we send
to a time that we will never see.
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October 20th, 2004, 02:25 PM
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#7
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Bad Email Address
 | Owner/Admin | | BattlestarGalacticaClub.com |
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Death Proof
Posts: 2,252
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Hi,
Woo Hoo! It's awesome to see you posting Michael, and I'm very happy that you are doing well. I hope you can visit more often.
Regards,
Nathan
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October 20th, 2004, 02:25 PM
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#8
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Bad Email Address
Join Date: May 2004
Location: colorado
Posts: 2,915
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Michael,
You don't know me but I have heard of you in the circles I now travel in....
I wanted to say Hi, and please continue posting...I know all too well about needing balance in one's life(I am striving for that myself). I am glad things are going well for you.  I always like posts that make me think, and I agree with a lot of what you said. It was a painful time when reality came down for a lot of us and time has mellowed me a little(and the discussions with a certain klingon mod....  ) I never thought of Richard as a traitor, it is a part he felt he would like to play and I will be watching to see those episodes. Some of us here have gotten to know Tyrol(Aaron) who is a very cool guy and one of the bright spots in the mini...I like his acting as well! Hope to see ya around the fleets!
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October 20th, 2004, 02:39 PM
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#9
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Strike Leader
 | Administrator | | Battlestar Pacifica | | Battlestar Rycon |
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Delray Beach, Florida
Posts: 2,949
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Welcome back.
Paul
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October 20th, 2004, 03:26 PM
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#10
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Warrior
 | Founder/President | | Colonial Fan Force |  | Co-Owner | | TombsofKobol.com | | Webmaster (Retired) | | Laurette Spang.com |
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts: 422
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Michael... we've never "met," but I am well aware of what you have contributed to (and meant to) BSG fandom, and after organizing the CFF effort, I can understand the need/temptation to walk away from such deep involvement. I'm not at that place yet, as my foolish heart still believes... but it is good to see you back in the fold, and I'll look forward to future posts.
Warmest regards,
Bill
__________________
Our time is at hand. WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!!! http://www.colonialfanforce.org
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October 20th, 2004, 03:37 PM
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#11
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Retired or am I?
 | Special Effects Artist | | Battlestar Galactica 2003 |  | CoFounder | | Colonial Fleets |
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,527
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Good god my friend! Thank you for posting, you've had me very very worried about you!
YOU PUTZ!
And a certain man named Tom!
Glad to hear your ok.

__________________
www.colonialfleets.com
THE ART OF GALACTICA!
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October 20th, 2004, 03:42 PM
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#12
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out there somewhere
 | Former Admin (ret) | | Colonial Fleets | | BattlestarGalactica-Fleets.com | | Owner | | Ship Of Lights Forum |
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: The Ship Of Lights
Posts: 5,517
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Titon
Good god my friend! Thank you for posting, you've had me very very worried about you!
YOU PUTZ!
And a certain man named Tom!
Glad to hear your ok.

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And this other TOM too!

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October 20th, 2004, 07:13 PM
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#13
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Also Present
 | Owner: | | BattlestarFanFilms.com |
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Newcastle, UK
Posts: 2,065
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Dear Michael,
Aside I believe, one e-mail when you were doing bg.com, I don't think we have ever spoken online.
I wasn't a member of fleets or anywhere else when there were the problems I keep seeing references to. But I am a member now, and have seen so little turmoil, that I hope you will stick around to make more contributions...
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October 21st, 2004, 04:04 AM
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#14
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Strike Leader
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Among the 13th tribe....
Posts: 4,579
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I'm glad that your doing well Michael, and decided to post 
I joined the online fandom shortly after you left, but I do enjoy reading when you post. Hope you find time to keep coming back.
__________________
" KEEPING THE FAITH"
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October 21st, 2004, 06:38 PM
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#15
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Guest
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Hi Michael!!!!!
SOOOOO glad to hear you're doing well! I've kept you in my prayers.
Wonderful to see you popping in. Was thinking yesterday it's been nearly a YEAR since I hugged this big giant of a man at Galacticon!
Wishing you continued good health for you and your family and I *hope* you see you around more often!
You've been missed
Tracy
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October 21st, 2004, 06:45 PM
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#16
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Warrior
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Toronto
Posts: 393
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Welcome back Michael!
Quote:
And, yes, if you've written me and not received a response, I do apologize. I've actually changed e-mail addresses in my quest for solitude and balance away from all things "Battlestar."
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Your privacy is paramount. All the same, pop me an email for old time's sake...
Agreed with your comments on Richard Hatch. He's taken a lot of hits from fans ever since he decided to interact with the BSG community. I have a lot of respect for him as a fellow fan. On the whole, he's done a lot of good for us.
My favorite characters in the pilot episode were Baltar and Number Six and I thought the chemistry was weak between Tigh and everybody else. In this episode I was rooting for Tigh (a pleasant surprise).
Anyway, glad you stopped by
(a fellow fan)
John
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October 21st, 2004, 06:46 PM
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#17
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Strike Leader
 | Fleet Moderator | | Colonial Fleets |
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Citrus Heights, CA
Posts: 3,544
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Hi Michael!
It's nice to see that you've started posting here again! I hope that things are going well for you at your end and that you're able to stick around for a while this time.
Best regards,
Bryan
NOTE TO TOM - You should add Space1999.org to Michael's list of "credits"!
__________________
"When Commander Adama sees these, he's gonna go crazy!" - Col. Tigh - "Saga of a Star World"
"If you love long enough, wish hard enough, anything is possible" - From The Boy Who Could Fly
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October 21st, 2004, 09:12 PM
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#18
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Warrior Ace
 | Artist | | Colonial Fan Force |  | Battlestar Galactica | | Revivalist |
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: My House
Posts: 653
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Michael,
So glad to hear from you, and very happy things are going well.
I can more than understand needing to get away from it all.
I too have been concerned in not hearing from you in so long.
All my best wishes to you and your family.
Dave.
p.s. If you get the time drop a line some time. There's something completely separate from BSG that I'd love to hear your thoughts on. There's even a splash of 1999 involved. Not directly, but inspirationally. And the basement.... not to mention the basement... It's like being a kid again...
Oh no... I've said too much.
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October 21st, 2004, 11:05 PM
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#19
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Bad Email Address
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Vancouver, Wa USA
Posts: 1,874
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October 31st, 2004, 01:11 AM
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#20
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Demonslayer Vulcan Torturer
 | Digital Artist | | BG: The Second Coming |  | Special Effects Artist | | Battlestar Galactica 2003 |
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: TX, USA
Posts: 295
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Quote:
Originally Posted by michaelfaries
Hi everyone,
And, yes, if you've written me and not received a response, I do apologize. I've actually changed e-mail addresses in my quest for solitude and balance away from all things "Battlestar." 
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Michael,
Nevermind BSG, just call me up sometime, I want to chat other things, bud! I am really glad to see you haven't dropped off the face of the earth!
Ken
Still Raymar3d@aol.com....
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October 31st, 2004, 09:55 AM
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#21
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Strike Leader
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,425
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Hello Michael.
Great to see your still about! Hope your well and all.
KJ
__________________
Kneel before Zod!!!
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