Newsletter/Winter 2007
Newsletter for the Star Trek: Freedom Wiki. Winter 2008 edition. To obtain a larger view of any of our pictures in this issue left click on the picture you wish to see. To post feedback click on the Discussion tab.
To see previous editions of the newsletter, visit The Archive
Fleet Update and Missions
- USS Boudicca
Mission: To Each His Own The end of the war found the USS Boudicca back at Spacedock Phoenix with the crew scattered to the winds. While the Federation rebuilds, the crew of the Boudicca found themselves doing a little rebuilding of their own. First the crew celebrated the nuptials of Matthew McLaren and Arania of Iradon and Eva Straton and Aleksander “Sasha” Stolev. While many of the crew tend to personal issues, Ensign Robert Lorimar is promoted to Lieutenant and spends his time proving that he earned it by getting the Boudicca back in shape.
In addition the crew slowly rebuilds its ranks. Ensign Detron Trei and Ensign Niles George arrived shortly after the war and are already hot on the heals of potential saboteurs. Ensign Carlyle Deston, and Commander Sprak do their best to rebuild the science department. Meanwhile to help temporarily fill the ranks, Intern Alejandro de Santa Pedro lends a hand in sickbay. Miandra Simmons has arrived to make sure the ship flies right when she finally leaves spacedock. The ship also welcomed aboard Evan and Aleksandria Stolev to the nursery.
Acting Captain Archibald Stakes reunites with his family at the end of the war and begins mending fences. At the same time Admiral Sevant works to help rebuild Star Fleet. Eventually he completes his works and is demoted for insubordination and is returned to the Boudicca as her captain.
The situation, like that of the Federation, improves day by day. At an ever maddening pace the Boudicca makes ready to depart, while within her walls the crew eagerly awaits news of their next mission.
- USS Spectre
When Poachers Come to Call The USS Spectre is currently in orbit of the Federation Dilithium trading world Ushar Prime. After trade dissolved between the Ushari and the Federation, the USS Spectre was sent to attempt to unravel what may have gone wrong and hopefully re-establish trading. However, Prime Minister Ung'Hst appears quite content with his new arrangement, albeit a little in the dark over the motives of his new found benefactor. There are strong indications that the Cardassians are in some way involved here and worse, quite possibly the Obsidian order itself.
- USS Dennison
Mission: The Scars That Remain As the Dennison undergoes repairs in space dock, the crew struggles to come to terms with the end of the war and the deep personal losses that they have all suffered. With some members of the crew suffering from various forms of depression, others struggle to recover from the terrible injuries that they received in the final apocalyptic battle. As the final repairs are completed and the prospect of a new mission approaches, it remains to be seen at how the Dennison and her crew will cope with the Scars that Remain.
- USS Hades
Mission: Down Time As the Federation cleans up the aftermath of the war, the crew of the USS Hades finds time to travel, visit family and friends and cope with their own inner demons. Ammon Ranae and Baylon Trinin go to Bajor to meet her family. Shayhiloosh goes to Geneva to take care of hir child. Maraht has an adventure of his own. Yeoman Denise Lebranski's family invites the Hades crew to New Orleans on Earth for a crawdad boil in their backyard complete with a jazz band.
- USS Rosenante
Mission: Picking up the Pieces As the battle for MDP came to a close the crew of the USS Champlain were forced to take cover in another ship, a new ship the USS Hypatia. The crew resided on this ship for several months, taking shore leave, visiting families and relatives while awaiting a new assignment. Well now it has come, the crew has been assigned to the newly commisioned USS Rosenante and as the crew come together for their first meeting on this wonderful ship, only visions of a new future awaiting out beyond the stars, waiting to be explored away from any wars or battles. What could they run in to...?
Upcoming Webisode Nightfall from Star Trek: Dark Armada
by herbalsheila
Set against the grim backdrop of the Star Trek universe of the Dark Armada, the USS Batavia has been traveling through space for several years, having seen hundreds of alien worlds, alien beings and some conflicts.
In the year 2389, the Federation is threatened by an unknown enemy, which is destroying everything in its path, bringing chaos wherever it goes. The Batavia crew must find a way to stop this danger or face annihilation themselves. - NightFall
Robin Hiert, an imaginative writer and Star Trek fan in the country of Netherlands, along with a talented group of actors, computer graphic artists, make-up amateurs and costume designers calling themselves Fan Trek Productions, is working on a free Star Trek webisode entitled Nightfall. The story will be filmed in the English language as well as thier own native tongue.
“Most of us are indeed die hard Star Trek fans, at least those who do most of the work, and are willing to put a lot of hard work and time in the production,” said Hiert. “But we also have people, mostly actors, not that into Trek, who just want to experience what it's like to be part of a production like this and how it all works. We found most of our cast and crew at Star Trek/Sci Fi conventions and through the Internet, and a few were volunteers from some articles that were posted in local newspapers.”
The group is not limited by age either. “We're working with people of all ages. Some are in high school, others are students and some are older, the oldest around 53, and have jobs. Our director works at the high school where we're shooting.”
70% of the film will be green screen with the beautifully detailed CGI backgrounds of the ships’ bridges, engine rooms and starship outer profiles inserted. The rest of the film will be of the actors on location.
There are four locations for filming the shoots, one being a local high school in the small city of Bleiswijk for green screen filming. Three others are located in the surrounding countryside. The group is hoping to shoot additionally at a fifth site in Belgium but has not yet been able to obtain permission.
Having worked on this production from its inception since May 2005, Hiert himself developed and wrote the plot and backstory. Robin Hiert and his group are located in the Netherlands and Belgium. Together they have designed original details including weapons, uniforms, tricorders, commbadges, ships, and department rooms for each ship, which include an engine room and a bridge.
“The biggest challenge is to get everything done, with a very low budget; the equipment, the cast and crew, software, costumes, make-up, props, and locations. Working with a low budget is the biggest challenge so far,” declared Hiert. “Another challenge has been to keep the show original.
We want to be different from the other series, like having a new story, new type of uniforms, new props, but in the end it should be recognized as Trek. The challenge is to make things as new as possible but keeping it as close to Trek at the same time.”
That is quite a tough tightrope to walk from a creative aspect. The webisode will show the stunningly exhaustive and realistic technology, highlighting the creative talents of the group’s designers, prop makers, costumers, make-up and graphic artists.
Robin Hiert spoke enthusiastically about the talented people in his group. “The 3D animations are being done by Mark Rademaker. He has done a lot of work on modeling the backgrounds used for the green screen. Gwen Demulder has provided the group with a large number of Starship models. The U.S.S. Batavia, based on the Nova-class ships used in Star Trek, was one of many magnificent starships made by him from scratch. Gwen Demulder has also designed his own type of starships such as the U.S.S. Blue Star. Both of these ships are the main ships in the show. The rest of the special effects, such as green screen editing, phaser fire, transporters, and explosions are done by Martin van Buuren, Robin van Steenbergen, Albert Vis and others. The software programs used are FX Home Vision Lab, Pinnacle Studio 11 Ultimate, Vegas Pro 8, and 3D Studio Max for the 3D models and animations.”
The weapons and tricorders were designed and made by Marco Groen. Though the commbadges were designed by Hiert, Groen also created them. The phaser rifles, hand phasers, commbadges, medical and scientific tricorders were cast to shape in clear plastic and then carefully painted and detailed to look futuristically authentic.
Hiert, justifiably proud of his group, has become convinced that the work will have a loyal following. “Our 9 minute test episode has been downloaded over 20,000 times!” For thier test episode click on the folowing link http://www.darkarmada.nl/movie/S1/E0/Dark%20Armada%20-%2001x00%20-%20These%20Are%20The%20Voyages.wmv
In order to purchase the software, cloth for sewing costumes and other supplies, Fan Trek Productions had been making and selling Sci Fi wuppies, but are now selling mugs with their commbadge symbol on them. They are sold only in person when the group goes to conventions to promote. Understandably, they would rather work on producing and creating a Star Trek based show, instead of devoting time to running an Internet fundraiser. Much of their $3000.00 budget has also come from personal donations and out of their own pockets.
The group hopes shooting for Nightfall will be completed around September 2008, with a tentative projected Internet publishing date of Christmas 2008. Hiert said with a chuckle, “Post production will happen in, around, and after shooting.”
The main characters and cast (USS Batavia):
Captain Alexander Richardson (Human) played by Robin Hiert
Cmdr. Fina Matrin ( First Officer, Bajoran) played by Melissa van der Berg
Lt. Cmdr. Celissia Katina (Chief Security Officer, Ethernitan) played by Iris Janse
Lt. P'Daal (Chief Science Officer, Vulcan/Betazoid) played by Martin van Buuren
Lt. Pierre du Pain (Chief OPS/Tactical Officer, Human) played by Jonathan Oppeel
Lt. Ayana Preck (Chief Engineering Officer, Trill) played by Angelique Johnston
Lt. Alan Parker (Chief Medical Officer, Human) played by Daniel Brongers
To view progress on production and eventually to see the webisode Nightfall, visit the Dark Armada website at http://www.darkarmada.nl.
Update on Star Trek: Of Gods and Men
The Part 1 release date for online viewing was scheduled for December 22, 2007 and was highly successful. Work has begun on Part 2 and Part 3 in post production.
The special effects look really good. The acting is of course wonderful since it is done by professionals. It is an exciting show. To see it go to http://startrekofgodsandmen.net to view it directly on the site. You must enter your email address and then click on the link sent to you.
The new release date for Part II has been set as Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 5:01pm Eastern Time. Oh happy day!
Get to know: Chris Barton
Our featured player this issue is Chris Barton. She lives in Northampton UK and plays an American Indian named Taya. She has just been assigned to the Spectre after a hiatus away for school and had played here on ST:F on the Mystique/Hades.
1. What is your favorite food, drink, color and play?
Sweet and sour chicken, coffee and red/black. I can never decide between the two colors. Though I like The Exonerated by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen because its really very moving, I have to say my favorite play is either Macbeth by Shakespeare, Measure for Measure by Shakespeare or The Rover by Aphra Behn.
2. When and how did you first hear about Star Trek in general?
My dad used to watch it when it was on, so I grew up watching it with him.
3. How did you find out about Star Trek: Freedom and when did you join?
I was looking for Star Trek games online when I stumbled across it and thought, “That looks good,” in 2004/5, lol. I believe I played it for a good year or two before school took over and just recently rejoined.
4. When not writing posts or keeping yourself updated on current storylines, what do you do for a living?
I am in college classes. Spare time is a bit of a luxury for me. I am doing English, Maths and History, but I work part time at my local pub.
5. What degree are you shooting for in your academic pursuits?
Well I have decided not to go to university, but I want to get into Guildhall which is a music and drama school. l want to get a BA in acting as that would enable me to perform in front of directors, casting agents, and agents etc.
6. So many of our players are creative and expressive people. What else do you like to do with your time?
I started writing a couple of novels but then I branched out to scriptwriting. I also do a bit of acting and scriptwriting. I love my scriptwriting. Sadly, I don’t really get paid for the scriptwriting though. I love to read and watch fast cars and motorbikes. When I have time, I also spend time with my friends.
7. If there was any one thing in the world you could change, what would it be?
I would change the fact that some people refuse to see people as people. They use and abuse people, their friends, and themselves. If people could give everyone they meet a chance, the world would be a happier place. I think its all well and good asking for world peace but before that can happen people’s perceptions, perspectives and stereotypes need to be changed.
8. Which Star Trek character in any of the series or movies did you like the most and why?
Captain Janeway - as the first female captain that they really focused on, she became a particular idol for me and I think for them to show a woman go through all that Janeway had to endure, they created someone all women could admire.
9. Have you gotten to meet any of the actors from Star Trek?
I met Kate Mulgrew. She was great when I met her as well. I have met her a fair few times and the day it was my birthday she sang me happy birthday with the rest of the crew of The Exonerated and even had a piece of my cake. The first time I met Kate Mulgrew at a London convention, but I can’t remember what year and then the second time at The Exonerated, the play about Death Row and Sonny Jacobs, and then the day after seeing The Exonerated, at a convention near me.
10. Are you a proponent of Women’s Lib?
I am more of a post feminist. I am not sprouting Women’s Lib all the time but I will make sly comments from time to time and I enjoy women’s literature on the subject.
11. What do you like the best about Star Trek Freedom?
Oh this is a tough one. I like the fact that you can combine making friends, being creative and be in your own Star Trek world all at once.
USS Rosenante - A New Departure
by Liz Geuken and Daniel Greene
The USS Rosenante is the latest ship of the line, the first of her kind. She is to be the symbol of the renewed Starfleet, marking the return of its proudest traditions. Exploration and discovery.
Her roots, however, were in a darker time. Originally conceived as a black ops ship under the Doenitz regime, she was under construction at the Mars shipyards at the time of Doenitz’s fall. In the aftermath, the project was heavily scrutinized and after much review was selected to undergo design revisions.
As a priority project under the Doenitz government, the Nightmare Project was given access to the latest technology that Starfleet had access to. Following the victory of the 52nd and the downfall of Doenitz, her specs were scrutinized and revised. Renamed the Crystal Project, Starfleet decided to incorporate technology that had been developed with the 52nd Fleet during the conflict. Therefore she boasts two distinct warp drives – the first a traditional drive and the second an experimental spiral drive bought to the 52nd by Remae Ktell.
The Spiral Warp Drive creates a subspace "tunnel" or "wormhole" through which the Rosenanté may then travel, the tunnel integrity being maintained by the main deflector dish. The tunnel basically allows the ship to drop into subspace, effectively disappearing from normal space for a short period of time. The speeds that are achieved through the use of this drive are akin to those used by the Borg when using transwarp conduits. Unlike transwarp conduits, however,the tunnel being opened by the Rosenanté dissipates as soon as the ship moves through it. In a similar manner, the spiral drive can only be used to travel in straight lines. This means that the vessel may make a periodic series of short hops to correct course when using this system.
She has an unique hull design which allows an immediate reduction in stresses generated by high warp speeds, while allowing greater manoeuvrability at sub-light speeds. The hull design concept has its drawbacks: high speed warp manoeuvrability is reduced in favour of speed. The exterior hull material is stronger, lighter and more durable than that used in standard starship production. This reduces the need for otherwise necessary supports and braces, leaving a greater interior volume for habitation. This material used on the ship's hull is more difficult to reproduce and repair, as specialized facilities must be implemented to perform these functions. The hull, remarkably birdlike in its strong, hollow construction, is reinforced against flight stresses by active energy fields that tighten and flex where required to compensate for natural and artificial internal and external forces.
Internal features unique to the Rosenante include the Self-Replicating Damage Control System (SERDACS), whose components are present in all non-integrity dependant systems throughout the ship; a new programming language known a Bilinear Unilateral Networking Code (BUNC) which allows data to be stored in a temprometric tagged holographic string, thereby decreasing retrieval time; the Deflector Emitter Cluster System, or DECS, representing the newest Federation breakthroughs in Federation tactical shield technology; the Hull Integrated Stealth System, or HISS (highly classified), a series of alterations to the ships exterior hull and systems to create a reduced sensor and visual silhouette. Other inovations such as the ISIS (Improved Sensor Integrated System), which utilizes the newest development in sensor technology to quantum phase the active and passive ship's sensors to greatly reduce detectability, and the Sensor Displacement System, Or SEDIS, which allows the Rosenanté class of starship to offset its actual energy signature, and even produce an additional energy signature, will enable the Rosenante to observe pre-warp civilisations undetected.
The ship boasts holo-emitters throughout, allowing the EMH and other holographic experts free reign. Each department is fitted out with the latest technology, making the Rosenante the most advanced ship of her kind. In addition, the oversized personnel quarters offer the most luxurious and spacious accommodations aboard any Starfleet posting, while unique interaction software insures crewmembers peace of mind. The designers felt that crew morale would also serve a very integral role in the operation of the starship, so the interactive systems and habitations have been designed to provide a reassuring and relaxing environment for the ship's crew.
Accordingly the Rosenante is the pinnacle of Federation design and technology, making her largely self-sufficient for long-range exploration. The Rosenante's new crew (hand-picked by her captain, Susan Rivers) are preparing to take her out into the unknown. The ship's motto Second star on the right, and straight on 'til morning! promises interesting adventures lie ahead. To quote a phrase familiar to all of us, she will boldly go where no one has gone before.
Ion Drive Works Well for Dawn Explorer
by herbalsheila
Talked about in theory for many years in science fiction by writers such as Isaac Asimov, the ion drive is now a practical reality. An ion drive engine was first constructed by Glenn Research Laboratory back in 1960 and has been in development by various agencies and laboratories for over 50 years.
The exploratory remote robotic vessel Dawn was launched on September 27, 2007 and its ion drive was tested successfully the following October 4-7. The tests included assessment of idle, slow speed, faster speed and full throttle. As of December 18, 2007, the Dawn spacecraft has successfully completed the initial checkout phase of the mission. It has begun its 8 year interplanetary cruise phase, which is highlighted by nearly continuous thrusting of its ion propulsion system. It’s mission is to explore the dwarf planet Ceres and the asteroid Vesta, two of the largest asteroidal bodies in our own solar system.
To cruise from Earth to its targets, it will use three Deep Space 1 Heritage Xenon Ion Thrusters built by NASA's Jet Propulsion
Laboratory, by firing one at a time to take it on its course in a long outward spiral. An extended mission in which Dawn explores other asteroids after Ceres is also possible, depending on available fuel and mission objective. Dawn's ion drive is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4 days.
That may sound like a slow speed to us, but the drive itself is highly cost effective. The testing over the weekend in October 2007 used only 10 oz or .28 kg of fuel in 27 hours. Though the power consumption and cost is low, the acceleration curve is not as immediate and takes time to build up with continuous thrusting.
Dawn’s fuel tank carries 425 kilograms or 937 pounds of xenon propellant and will power it for 50,000 hours of thrust during its 3 billion mile journey.
Basically an ion drive, also called an electrostatic engine, works by using ionized gas to propel a craft. Instead of a spacecraft being propelled with standard chemicals, the generally inert gas xenon, like neon or helium but heavier, is given an electrical charge, or ionized. Electrical current is shot through the gas to accelerate it to a speed of about 30 km/second. When xenon ions are emitted at a high speed as exhaust from a spacecraft under low or no gravity, they push the spacecraft in the opposite direction.
When compared to standard chemical propulsion used in the Mercury and Apollo missions as well as the shuttle flights, the ion drive is actually faster, though the speed needs time to accumulate. Since the thrust is more gentle, it does not work well against Earth’s gravity and is more appropriate for space outside of celestial gravity wells. Technologically at this time, the ion drive cannot be used as a way to escape Earth’s gravity. Until advances have been made, chemical propulsion will still be a standard part of space exploration.
Fun fact: The word "cereal" comes from Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain (or agriculture).
Counselor's Corner
Featuring Laan A’Ders
Do you have any problems? Do you want advice on anything plaguing your honour? Write to our resident Klingon Counsellor.
Dear Counselor Laan A'Ders
What is true courage? How does one know if one has it?
Quaking
Update on Paramount's Star Trek XI
The cast is complete for this reimagining of the famous 1960's series and it's first resulting movie. Filming is proceeding through March 2008. The final complete cast listing as of December 2007 is now in.
Eric Bana (The Hulk) will be playing Nero, the film’s main villain. His cohort in crime will be Clifton Collins (Sunshine Cleaning) as Ayel.
Chris Pine (Just My Luck) will be playing James T. Kirk. Zachary Quinto (Heroes) will be playing young Spock with Leonard Nimoy playing an older Spock.
John Cho (Harold and Kumar) has been cast as Sulu, with Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead) cast as Scotty. The lovely Zoe’ Saldana (Pirates of the Caribbean) will reprise the role of Nyota Uhura. Anton Yelchin (Hearts of Atlantis) will be playing a young Chekov.
Bruce Greenwood (National Treasure: Book of Secrets) has been cast as Christopher Pike with Winona Ryder (Beetlejuice) as Amanda Grayson and Ben Cross (Species: The Awakening) is slated to play Sarek. Chris Hemsworth (Home and Away) has the role of George Kirk with Jennifer Morrison cast as Winona Kirk, James Kirk's parents. Other cast members are to include Rachel Nichols (Charlie Wilson's War) as an Orion, and Tyler Perry (House of Payne) as the Starfleet Academy Chief.
Paul McGillion, Sonita Henry, Jeffery Hauser, and Greg Grunberg all have small parts in the film, but it is unknown as to what parts they will play.
May God have mercy on their souls. Let's all hope that it will be well worth it.
Enterprise picture from http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35304
Determined Fans Make Roddenberry’s Dream Continue
by herbalsheila
The Star Trek New Voyages website, http://www.startreknewvoyages.com/ now has live streaming video of the new webisode, World Enough and Time guest starring George Takei as an older well-aged Hikaru Sulu.
This particular webisode is directed by Marc Scott McCree, and was written by him and Michael Reaves.
Though the episode can be still be downloaded utilizing Bit Torrent as a QuickTime .mp4 file, the online video has been provided by Dragonfly at http://stnv.dragonfly.com/# as an Adobe Flash video stream and requires an updated Adobe Flash player.
James Cawley again plays Captain James T. Kirk, with the lovely Julienne Irons as Lt. Nyota Uhura, John Kelley as Dr. McCoy, Jeff Quinn portraying Commander Spock and also guest starring Christina Moses as Alana Sulu, Hikaru Sulu’s daughter. Grace Lee Whitney has a cameo appearance as an older Janice Rand.
The plot hangs together fairly well and is complimented with reasonably decent acting by Jeffery Quinn, James Cawley, Christina Moses and George Takei. The special effects are spectacular and well executed, but do not overshadow the plot. World Enough and Time is a far better piece of filming than Come What May and is light years beyond it in screenplay and acting.
Upcoming webisode Blood and Fire featuring guest star Denise Crosby, completed shooting in June 2007. Written and directed by noted Star Trek author David Gerrold, this episode by the New Voyages cast and crew looks to be even better. As of this writing January 2008 it is still in post production.
According to a recent interview given by James Cawley, each webisode has cost around $70,000 to produce and he has himself supplied more than half of the money, presumably from his work as an Elvis Presley impersonator. Other fans that have participated have done what they could to contribute. The group now calls itself the Cawley Entertainment Company. They seek to continue the rest of the original 5 year voyage of the Enterprise.
Much of the rest of the behind the scenes work, including makeup, lighting, camera work, and special effects is supplied mainly by volunteers and fans who have joined together out of love for the dream of a better tomorrow started by Gene Roddenberry back in 1966.
Starfleet Chef's Corner: Federation Vegan Fluffballs
submitted by Aragorn of Vega 13
Dough
1kg plain white all purpose flour (2.205 lbs)
850ml tepid milk (3.61 cups)
150ml lager, (5.08 cups) beer at room temperature, for flavor
40g dried yeast (2.8 Tablespoons)
10g salt, (2.11 teaspoons) for flavor
3 eggs
Vegetable oil for deep frying
3 teaspoons sugar
Fruit
225g currants (15.06 Tablespoons)
225g raisins (15.06 Tablespoons)
For the finishing touches
Powdered sugar
Directions
First soak the fruit in tepid water for a few hours and strain the fruit with a sieve.
In a separate bowl, dissolve 3 tsp of sugar in 450 ml (1.92 cups) of tepid milk in a bowl. Sprinkle with 3 Tablespoons of dried yeast and whisk thoroughly. Leave in a warm place for 10-15 minutes until the surface is covered with approximately 2 cm (.787 inches) of froth. Then whisk again for only a few seconds.
Sieve the flour in a 10 liter (3 gallon) plastic bowl and make a well. Pour the yeast mixture in the well and mix gently with a long wooden spoon. Do not beat or the flour will be incorporated too quickly.
Once mixed, add the beer, the eggs and the remainder of the milk and stir until a smooth paste forms. You may need to add a bit more milk or leave out a bit of the milk to get the right consistency, a loose stringy dough. This depends on the batch of flour used. Do not make the mixture too liquid as that will make the cooked dough ball very oily. Do not make the mixture too dry as it will not 'glide' off the spoon when cooking.
Make sure that the fruit is dry and add it to the mixture, stirring slowly while adding and keep stirring until completely mixed.
Finally add the salt and stir until it is well mixed in. Wet a tea towel and drape it over the top of the bowl and place the bowl in a quiet place near 30°C (86°F) heat.
Let the dough rise for an hour and knock it back by stirring gently a few times. After rising, the dough should be roughly one and a half or twice the original volume. Since the dough will be somewhat gooey, it is advisable not to punch it down using your hands as when making bread loaves.
Let the dough rise for an additional hour and knock it back again. Let the dough rise for a third hour and once done, do not knock it back but bring to the deep fat fryer, which should be heated up to approximately 180°C (356°F).
Use two tablespoons to scoop out the dough and let it glide into the heated oil. It will form a rough ball shape if the consistency is right. Cook only so many dough balls at one time so that each can still float and rotate freely. If the dough is of perfect consistency, the ball of dough will turn itself after it has cooked sufficiently, to cook the top. If not, use a pair of tongs to flip them over.
Cook until the whole dough ball is golden. Flip them over with a pair of tongs if the bottom is lighter in color.
Place the just cooked dough balls on two layers of paper towels to drain the oil, then transfer to a large bowl lined with fresh clean paper towels. Check from time to time to see if the dough balls are done on the inside. If not, then either the dough was too big or the fat too high in temperature.
Serve cooled with a coating or sprinkling of powdered sugar and enjoy.
Note: For a beer-less version, replace the beer with tepid milk and increase the amount of dried yeast by half a teaspoon since beer contains yeast.
Trek Book Review
Book reviews and a chance to air your opinion
The Klingon Dictionary by Marc Okrand 191 pages, Cover price $12.00 US, 16.00 CA, 5.83 pounds UK, ISBN 0-671-74559-X, Published by Pocket Books, a division of Simon and Schuster
Have you ever wanted to learn to speak the Klingon language? If you play a Klingon on your ship or in any roleplay situation, then this book could be useful for you. This is a comprehensive sourcebook for Klingon language, syntax, fundamental grammar rules, and expression. Included are a precise pronunciation guide, commands in clipped Klingon, proper uses of suffixes and affixes, conjuctions, exclamations and superlatives, and both simple and complex sentence structure.
As an extra added bonus, if you are having trouble mastering the basics, there is a translation and pronunciation guide of important phrases such as "Success!" "Surrender or die!" and my personal favorite, "Where do you keep the chocolate?" Chapters cover syntactic markers, possession, simple and complex nouns and verbs, compound sentences, subordinate clauses, questions, honorifics and much more.
The author, Marc Okrand, designed and developed the Klingon language and culture for the Star Trek feature films and Star Trek: Next Generation. So this book is straight from the mouth of the targ.
Its companion piece, a recording entitled Conversational Klingon ISBN- 13: 978-0671797393 is very amusing and is narrated by Michael Dorn and features the author Marc Okrand. It is available only as used in both tape and CD and is helpful for perfecting speaking this guttural yet disciplined language. Look for it wherever The Klingon Dictionary is sold to obtain a copy.
Words of Wisdom
Anyone have any pearls of wisdom they might like to post here? Please, feel free to do so!
What profits a man if he has wisdom and it brings him no joy? From Angelheart -Jim McCrary
True happiness is not having what you want but wanting what you have. -GrannyGM
Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen. -GrannyGM
