Mercury Rapids Blog

'Dead Start'

2011-01-19T18:14:00.000Z

Added a new short screenplay, continuing my 'Dead...' series. :) It's called 'Dead Start' and can be found here: http://www.mercuryrapids.co.uk/mercshortscreenplays.htm

Thousand Oaks

2010-09-10T13:54:00.001+01:00

A California family are terrified by a disembodied scream
and more other-worldly phenomena in and around their home.

Click here for more.

THE SCREENPLAY IS A WORK OF FICTION THAT IS INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY
TOLD TO CANADIAN UFO RESEARCHER, BRIAN VIKE ON HIS RADIO SHOW.

AN ACCOUNT OF THE TRUE STORY CAN BE READ HERE.

The Stainless Steel Rat

2010-09-10T13:51:00.001+01:00

An original screenplay by STEVE JOHNSON,
based on the 'Stainless Steel Rat'
series of books by HARRY HARRISON.

This is my adaptation for the screen of the adventures of 'Slippery' Jim diGriz,
galactic crook and conman turned secret agent for the Special Corps.

In this adventure, we see how he was recruited to the Corps and how he is flung into an adventure that sees him and his partner, Angelina, battle to save present-day Earth from an aggressive, reptilian race, bent on galactic domination.

Click here for more.

Short Screenplays

2010-09-10T13:49:00.001+01:00

I have created a web page for my short screenplays. They can be read as PDFs here

"Tell Me You're In There!"

2010-09-10T13:46:00.002+01:00

I am extremely happy to report that "Tell Me You're In There!" is being brought to the screen by DRB Entertainment and is currently in development.

Click here for the DRB Entertainment website and more information.

2009-12-04T11:09:00.004Z

LIMITED FREE DOWNLOAD

FREE BOOK!!

For a limited period, I have made the pdf e-book of the complete Mercury Rapids Trilogy available to download completely free.

Yep, Free! No Charge! Nothing To Pay!

Click here to enter the Mercury Rapids Website

UFO DATA Magazine Conference 2008

2008-09-24T09:25:00.000+01:00

UFO DATA MAGAZINE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
‘CLOSE ENCOUNTERS’
PARKSIDE HOTEL, PONTEFRACT, WEST YORKSHIRE
25th & 26th OCTOBER, 2008

CONFERENCE LINE-UP

Saturday 25th October.

Doors open 9.00 am

10.00-10.15: Introduction.

10.15-11.15: Rosalind Reynolds
Rosalind Reynolds had her abduction experience in September 1983. Rarely has she spoken about these events in public. Her presentation will not only deal with the events in question, but the aftermath and how to deal with such experiences.

11.15-11.45: Coffee Break

11.45-12.45 Kevin Goodman
Kevin is the author of UFO Warminster-Cradle of Contact. Kevin’s presentation will feature the UFO events around the small Wiltshire town of Warminster along with his own experiences.

12.45-13.45: Lunch

13.45-14.30: Alan Turner MBE
Wing Commander Alan Turner (RAF retired) was a career RAF officer. Here he speaks in public for the very first time detailing his observations of numerous UFOs on several military radar systems while on active service at RAF Sopley in l971.

14.30-15.oo: Coffee Break

15.00-16.00: Russel Callaghan.
Russell is the co-editor of UFO DATA Magazine and his presentation will concentrate on the various UFO reports, video clips etc that have come across his desk over the last 12 months.

16.00-16.30: Coffee Break

16.30-18.00: Dr Roberto Pinotti
Speaking in the UK for the very first time since 1980 is one of Italy’s foremost UFO researchers. An international lecturer, author and broadcaster he is the head of the C.U.N. organisation in Italy. Dr Pinotti will be sharing highlights of his long standing research into the UFO subject.

20.00: Meet the speakers buffet (Ticket holders only)

Sunday 26th October.

Doors open 9.00 am.

10.00-10.15: Introduction

10.15-11.15: Brian Allan
Brian is one of Scotland’s leading UFO & Paranormal researchers. An established lecture and author. In this fascinating presentation entitled, 'The Hole in The Sky', paranormal investigator, Brian Allan, presents evidence that there a number of 'portals' and 'window areas' both here in the UK and in the USA.

11.15-11.45: Coffee Break

11.45-12.45: Peter McCue
Peter McCue is a retired clinical psychologist who lives in Scotland. He has a Ph.D. based on research into the nature of hypnosis. In his talk, Peter will offer a critical appraisal of the way in which sceptics and debunkers deal with UFO cases and related anomalies.

12.45-13.45: Lunch

13.45-14.45: Gary Heseltine
Gary is co-editor of UFO DATA Magazine. He is a Detective Constable with the British Transport Police. Gary’s presentation will feature close encounter cases by UK police officers.

14.45-15.15: Coffee Break

15.15-16.15: Andrew Russell
Andy has been researching UFOs for the past 18 years and has had numerous sightings himself. His current research is using the Freedom of Information Act to elicit information from the MoD and is researching the abundance of sightings around South Wales and the Bristol Channel.
He is a clinical hypnotherapist/psychotherapist and has helped abductees regain hidden memories of their experiences.

His presentation follows the use of the FOIA to gain information on UFOs, the way the MoD bends the rules to not reveal information, the "two-track" system of information regarding UFOs within the MoD and finishes with the UFO activity within the South Wales and Bristol Channel area.

16.15-16.45: Coffee Break

16.45-18.15: Haktan Akdogan.
Speaking in the UK for the very first time is Haktan Akdogan. Haktan is Turkey’s leading UFO researcher. He is an international lecturer, writer and broadcaster on the UFO subject. Haktan will be sharing many new UFO cases and video film all of which are discussed in the UK here for the very first time.

NB: All speakers will take questions from the audience at the end of each presentation. There is an opportunity to meet a chat socially with many of our speakers on Saturday evening at our buffet (tickets holders only). Please be aware that there is no recording or filming permitted during any of the presentations.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day and you are advised to order your lunch well in advance if you intend on dining at the Parkside Hotel. If you require any further details on any aspects on the conference please do not hesitate to contact us at: conf@ufodata.co.uk or via the other contacts details on the UFO DATA web site: www.ufodata.co.uk

The conference organisers reserve the right to change the time of presentations and speakers without prior notification.

UFO DATA MAGAZINE,
PO BOX 280,
LEEDS,
WEST YORKSHIRE,
LS26 1AN

Tele: 0113 2865566 or 07957 223358

Click here for the PDF booking form

UFO DATA Magazine - Jan/Feb 2008

2008-02-06T16:28:00.000Z

The Jan/Feb, 2008, issue of UFO DATA Magazine is out now and it’s another packed issue. Everybody on the team would like to thank you all for contributing towards the magazine’s success in the last two years and into the future.

David Cayton looks at a UFO case involving the RAF from 1957.

Russel Callaghan talks with Martin Stubbs about the importance of his video collection

Philip Mantle puts the lid on events in an interview with the magical
Spyros...

Nick Pope finishes off his article from last issue, asking, "If Roswell Happened Today...?"

Our new Co-Editor Gary Heseltine presents his 6th PRUFOS Police UFO Sightings Report...

Plus all the usual news, reviews and correspondence from this fabulous world of ufology.

Subscribe now by dropping us a line at:

UFO DATA Magazine,
PO Box 280,
Leeds,
West Yorkshire,
LS26 1AN

You can also subscribe via our secure, online store, which can be found at http://www.ufodata.co.uk/

UFOData Magazine - July/August, 2007

2007-06-26T14:04:00.000+01:00

The July/August issue of UFOData Magazine will be out at the beginning of July and we have another packed issue for you.

This time, we focus on the enigma of the Flying Triangles. Omar Fowler delves into the mystery, including one report that is reminiscent of the recent ‘drone’ sightings in the States; Nick Pope shares his opinion on the Triangle phenomenon and Steve Johnson digs up some cases from over the years.

Dr Peter McCue has written two fascinating articles for this issue, the first being about ‘the psychic internet’ and how it might affect the UFO subject and the second exploring the ongoing activity in and around Rendlesham Forest; NASA advisor, James Oberg, offers his opinions on the validity of pilots reporting UFOs; Andrew Pike has written a hugely entertaining article about astronomical events over the years; Brian Allan takes a look at the notion that there may be more to the UFO subject than the extra-terrestrial hypothesis; Russel Callaghan gives his opinion on the recent ‘drone’ photographs from California; the UFOs sighted over Guernsey have been all over the news lately and we have a full report; Irish film-maker, Ronan Gallagher, describes the inspiration for his latest documentary, Loving the Alien; Peter Robbins takes us on an investigation in Kentucky, seeking out an alleged UFO crash site; Philip Mantle gives us an update on the alien autopsy film; Sam Willey reviews the recent LAPIS Conference in Blackpool.

Of course, there is also the latest news and reviews from around the ufological world. This issue also has two very exciting competitions for you to enter:

You can win a copy of Witness to Roswell, the excellent new book from Tom Carey and Don Schmitt by answering a simple question.

Want to attend the International UFO Congress event in Laughlin, Nevada, in March? Well, we have a pair of tickets to give away! The winners will receive 8 days and 9 nights of hotel accommodation, as well as a full pass to the conference, ticket to the Cocktail Party, Film Festival Entrance every night, Keynote Speaker Dinner and EBE Awards Banquet ticket, all courtesy of our friends at The UFO Congress and Film Festival. In total, the prize is worth almost $1400!

Subscribe now by dropping us a line at:

UFOData Magazine,
PO Box 280,
Leeds,
West Yorkshire,
LS26 1AN

You can also subscribe via our secure, online store, which can be found at http://www.ufodata.co.uk/

Don’t forget that the Roswell 60 conference will be held at the Parkside Hotel, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, on October 20th-21st, 2007. Tickets are still available and full details are in the magazine or on our website, http://www.ufodata.co.uk/

May/June, 2007, Issue of UFOData Magazine

2007-04-26T10:27:00.000+01:00

UFOData Magazine is pleased to announce that the May/June edition of our 68-page, full-size, glossy issues will go on sale at the beginning of May, 2007.

If you haven't subscribed yet, don't waste time searching the shops, visit our online store at www.ufodata.co.uk and order your subscription online, safely and securely. You can also purchase individual copies of the magazine to plug any gaps in your collection.

If preferred, you can order by post, by sending a cheque or postal order (payable to UFO DATA) to:

UFO DATA
PO BOX 280
LEEDS
LS26 1AN

Don't forget to tell us which issue you require or which issue you want your subscription to start from (e.g. May/June 2007).

If you have a PayPal account you can simply send a payment to
pay@ufodata.co.uk (Don’t forget to tell us your name and address and issue/subscription requirements).

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Roswell Incident, the May/June issue of UFOData Magazine features many articles about the world's most famous UFO crash.

Dennis Balthaser tells us about the 2007 Roswell UFO Festival.

Neil Morris, of the Roswell Photographic Interpretation Team, examines the famous images taken in General Ramey's office.

Dr Kevin Randle gives his overview of the current state of Roswell research.

Philip Mantle interviews Ray Santilli about his infamous alien autopsy film and what the future may hold for this controversial footage.

Ed Gehrman visits one of the alleged Roswell crash sites.

Nick Pope looks at some of the 'side issues' that have arisen with regard to Roswell.

Also in this issue, Steve Johnson and Chris Rolfe investigate an encounter by two American F-15 fighters with an unknown object in January, 2007; Robbie Graham describes his experiences with DI55, the 'real' British government UFO desk; UFOData looks at other UFO crashes over the years; David Cayton describes an incident from 1958 when a UFO was detected on radar in the Mediterranean; Malcolm Robinson explores military abductions (MILABS); Kevin Goodman looks back at the mysteries of Warminster; Brian Vike provides details on a creepy encounter in California in 1975; Joe McGonagle and Gary Anthony cast a critical eye over The Cosford Incident; plus all the usual news and reviews.

This edition of UFOData Magazine is not to be missed!

Strange, Bright Object Photographed Over Leeds, UK

2007-02-04T14:46:00.000Z

On Thursday, February 1st, 2007, a video recorded on a cameraphone was sent to Russel Callaghan at UFOData Magazine. It also appeared on local BBC TV news programme, Look North.

The clip can be found at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MArCbVRiQVw

By a remarkable stroke of fortune, UFOData Magazine researcher and features writer, Sacha Christie saw the object and took a great photograph (close-up enclosed). It can be found in the 'General UFO Discussion' section of the UFOData Forum ( http://www.ufodata.co.uk/forum )

The clip was shown for a second time the following night and that clip can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzI8_iDKM3s

Enquiries have been made into what this could be, including contacting RAF Fylingdales, and UFOData Magazine will publish the findings when we learn more. It could be a piece of debris entering the Earth's atmosphere, either natural or man-made.

The object is somewhat similar to what was photographed in Wales in 2003. That was initially thought to be a meteor or bolide exploding in the atmosphere and it made the Astronomy Picture of the Day for 1st October, 2003. That was eventually explained as an aeroplane contrail illuminated by the setting sun. What was seen today, however, does not seem to be the same, as the object was seen to move across the sky.

Hopefully more answers will emerge soon.

Thanks,

Steve Johnson
Features Writer
UFOData Magazine

UFOData Magazine Issue 6

2006-11-01T09:12:00.000Z

UFODATA are pleased to announce that issue six of UFODATA Magazine goes on sale soon.

This issue, the last in its A5 format before we go to the 68-page A4 size, concentrates on man-made UFOs, ranging from misidentifications to hoaxes and everything in between. Also taking up a large part of this issue is the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle and similar regions around the globe. We hear from Roswell researcher, Kevin Randle. American writer and former federal investigator, Joseph Guthienz, has written a great piece about the thefts of prized Moon rocks. Dr David Clarke, tells us about some of the difficult to explain cases he has come across. Russel Callaghan writes about the strange, deep sea creatures that were washed ashore during the terrible Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 and also explores a famous 'boomerang' UFO case, with a possible explanation.

Also in this issue are articles by UFO researchers, Brian Allan and Ed Sherwood, Irish researcher, Dermot Butler, writes about a case from the Emerald Isle and regular contributor, Steve Johnson, has some stuff in there too, including a full review of The Second Great British UFO Show.

SUBSCRIBE See website for details www.ufodata.co.uk

UFOData Magazine Issue 5

2006-09-07T18:13:00.000+01:00

UFO DATA are pleased to announce that issue five of UFO DATA Report goes on sale from Monday 4th September 2006.

This issue concentrates on NASA's association with UFOs over the years. We hear from STS-48 UFO footage analyst, Dr Jack Kasher. American NASA video collector, Jeff Challender has written a great piece about anomalous objects being captured by NASA cameras. We remember the late Colonel Gordon Cooper, Right Stuff astronaut and outspoken proponent of UFOs. Russel Callaghan writes about the 'Smoking Gun' film and the documentary itself is included on the FREE DVD!

Also in this issue are articles by UFO researchers, Brian Allan and Tony Topping, American researcher, Dennis Balthaser, recounts his experiences at Area 51 and
Michael Horn offers his expertise on the Billy Meier case.

SUBSCRIBE
You can subscribe on line or by simply sending a cheque for £18.00 to UFO DATA PO BOX 280 LEEDS LS26 1AN Single issues can be ordered on line or direct from the address above. Issue two features a free DVD and higher costs mean a single issue with DVD is £3.50. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the magazine. See website for details
www.ufodata.co.uk

Advertisers can make use of our classified service, we have free limited space for individuals or organisations who can place up to 25 words free of charge. Webmasters you can advertise your websites for just £2.50 per issue by way of a banner advert right along the bottom of our magazine pages.

For further details or to place an advert simply Email

ads@ufodata.co.uk

Special Offer in the Mercury Rapids ShopZone!

2006-06-21T10:13:00.000+01:00

SPECIAL OFFER!!

Until July 31st 2006, order Mercury Rapids and Mercury Rapids: The Thoth Imperative and receive Mercury Rapids: The Mountains of Tomorrow FREE!

Click For Details

A Couple of new articles

2006-04-30T13:45:00.000+01:00

There are a couple of new articles in the 'Articles' Section of my website:

Weird Travels - UFOs & Alien Encounters

Alien Contact - Has It Already Happened?

Cheers,

Steve

UFOData Report No 3

2006-04-30T13:41:00.000+01:00

UFODATA DVD ISSUE THREE

UFO DATA are pleased to announce that issue three of UFO DATA Report goes on sale from Friday 5th May 2006. Our featured theme in this issue is ‘Critters’. There have been many reported cases from across the globe, where individuals have not only experienced a close up UFO encounter, but claim face-to-face contact with the occupants of these craft.

CONFERENCE We are also able to confirm our speaker line-up for the second Great British UFO Show, to be held in Leeds in October, so with limited seating we suggest you book early to avoid any disappointment.

SUBSCRIBE You can subscribe on line or by simply sending a cheque for £18.00 to UFO DATA PO BOX 280 LEEDS LS26 1AN Single issues can be ordered on line or direct from the address above. Issue two features a free DVD and higher costs mean a single issue with DVD is £3.50. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the magazine. See website for details www.ufodata.co.uk

Advertisers can make use of our classified service, we have free limited space for individuals or organisations who can place up to 25 words free of charge. Webmasters you can advertise your websites for just £2.50 per issue by way of a banner advert right along the bottom of our magazine pages.

For further details or to place an advert simply Email ads@ufodata.co.uk

Mercury Rapids Shop Zone!

2006-02-17T17:52:00.000Z

I've added a safe and secure way of buying the Mercury Rapids paperbacks/ebooks to the main page. Payments are made via PayPal.

Click here for the Mercury Rapids Shop Zone

If you prefer a different method of payment, just drop me an email at the address given in the store.

The Stargate Chronicles

2006-01-02T16:03:00.000Z

I just want to tell you about a great website set up by NASA employee, Clark C. McClelland, it's called 'The Stargate Chronicles' and can be found at http://www.stargate-chronicles.com/home.html

Bookbooters Closes Down!

2005-11-26T11:25:00.000Z

The publisher of my first book has closed down

http://www.bookbooters.com/index.html

Still, you can still buy it in ebook form from UFOData.co.uk or my website plus I have a few copies of the paperback knocking about in a box somewhere...

UFO Monthly.com

2005-10-23T14:05:00.000+01:00

On the main page of my website (www.mercuryrapids.co.uk), I am promoting Gary Heseltine's excellent UFO Monthly.com e-zine.

From there you can download the first FREE issue of the magazine in pdf format.

Mercury Rapids

2005-10-05T14:57:00.000+01:00

The Mercury Rapids trilogy is now available as a single volume Adobe Acrobat pdf file to download from The UFOData Ebook Store. It is also available on CD-ROM from the same e-store...

The Great British UFO Show

2005-09-28T14:34:00.000+01:00

On Saturday, 1st October 2005, The Leeds Rugby Supporters Club, in Headingley, Leeds, UK, hosts the inaugural Great British UFO Show.

Top researchers from the British UFO community will speak for the whole day, giving us a terrific snapshot of the current state of ufology in the United Kingdom.

I shall be attending this major event, so expect a full review soon.

Update:

My review for the show can be found in the Articles section of my website or by clicking here

Update 2:

The review can also be read at the UFOData website.

NASA back on the Moon by 2020

2005-09-19T20:51:00.000+01:00

NASA have announced that they plan to put four men on the Moon in one go by the year 2020.

This is exciting, if only for seeing men walking on the Moon again. The scientific aspects of the mission probably won't be much different to what happened during the Apollo era:

Four men on the Moon for seven days - I can't see much to be learned more than we already know, to be honest.

How many missions will there be?

The modus operandi seems very similar to the Apollo moonshots of over 30 years ago.

Going all conspiratorial for a second, I wonder if reserves of hydrocarbons have been located on the Moon? Everybody knows that we'll soon have a major energy crisis soon, as oil stocks begin to dwindle. We've already hit peak production and extraction of our oil reserves worldwide, so less oil will be produced with demand ever increasing.

If the Moon is a vast untapped resevoir for usable hydrocarbons, it could make such missions highly profitable (albeit very difficult and expensive in and of themselves) for the USA.

With China planning unmanned missions to the Moon, and not entirely ruling out later, manned missions, could we be seeing the beginning of a new Space Race?

Review of Mercury Rapids: The Mountains of Tomorrow

2005-09-15T09:10:00.000+01:00

Katherine Reece, owner of The Hall of Maat Website, has kindly written a review of Mercury Rapids: The Mountains of Tomorrow. It can be found at Amazon.com and also on my Reviews page.

Thanks, Kat!

2005-09-06T14:42:00.000+01:00

A great write-up at AICN by Harry Knowles of his trip to watch a Spielberg flick marathon at Devil's Tower, Wyoming:

Click here

I bet it was awesome watching one of my favourite films at the actual place where the movie climaxes!

Hurricane Katrina

2005-09-05T19:03:00.000+01:00

A little belated, I know, but my thoughts go out to everybody caught by the disaster in the US Gulf states. It's a terible disaster that hasn't been helped by the Bush administration's complete ineptitude.

I dearly hope that the 50,000 body bags that were ordered on Tuesday 29th August won't be needed, although reports are suggesting that there may indeed be tens of thousands who perished to nature's fury.

But rather than blaming nature, the responsibility should be placed squarely on those in authority that did not get those people out who had no transport of their own.

That something like this could be allowed to happen in the world's premier democracy stinks!

Moonbase Alpha - rethink

2005-08-12T13:52:00.000+01:00

Well, our (Edd and I) Moonbase Alpha project got rejected - AGAIN! It's not what you know, it's who you know in this business. And we don't know anybody! Sheesh!

Anyway, we've decided to have a rethink and perhaps rework the script into a tighter, more exciting, self-contained movie format. We had a lengthy brainstorming session and came up with some good ideas, so it's time for me to get busy!

I'll keep you posted...

Update (28th August 2005):

Sorry, still haven't started! I've been a bit sidetracked recently. I have been pottering about with the notion of doing an update of another sci-fi classic. I think it has great relevance to today's violent society, so I'll keep you posted on that one. Probably.

p.s.

Clue: It's a TV serial from the 50s that was made into a movie in the 60s and was written by 'the grandfather of British science fiction'. I also paid a hefty homage to it in Mercury Rapids: The Mountains of Tomorrow.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter

2005-08-11T12:53:00.000+01:00

The largest spacecraft ever sent to Mars blasts off from Cape Canaveral today. The Mars Reconnaisance Orbiter's mission is to study the history of water on the Martian surface and also to find possible landing sites for future missions.

A side-mission is to discover, if possible, the fate of the ill-fated Beagle 2 probe that slammed into the Red Planet in 2003. If the imaging systems on MRO are so good that a lost probe can be found, then I hope that it will be used to photograph areas of interest to us 'nutty' people, such as the Cydonia Face, the D&M Pyramid and other areas that suggest that there may have once been intelligent life on Mars.

The Cydonia Face

The D&M Pyramid

Update:
Launch scrubbed until 12th August due to a fuel sensor problem... Having a lot of fuel sensor problems lately, aren't they?

Update:
The probe was launched today (12th August) and will arrive at Mars in seven months.

Welcome Home Discovery

2005-08-09T13:28:00.000+01:00

Thank goodness the space shuttle Discovery has returned safely to the Earth.

Unfortunately, STS-114 could be the last ever space shuttle mission. Atlantis was due to be used on the next flight, and indeed the Space Transportation System was supposed to be phased out in 2010, but with the Columbia tragedy and the problems during this mission, where astronaut Steve Robinson had to make an unprecedented EVA to remove protruding gap fillers from beneath the nose of the shuttle.

If the shuttle fleet is decommissioned, I hope that NASA have a worthy succesor in store. Surely reliance upon the Russian Soyuz system is unacceptable to the proud American public!

'Contact'

2005-08-07T21:28:00.000+01:00

I just watched the Robert Zemeckis movie, Contact, again(!) and never has a movie filled me with such a sense of awe concerning the nature of the universe and ourselves as human beings.

Jodie Foster's closing speech always brings tears to my eyes:

I had an experience I can’t prove, I can’t even explain it, but everything that I know as a human being, everything that I am tells me that it was real. I was part of something wonderful, something that changed me forever; a vision of the Universe that tells us undeniably how tiny, and insignificant, and how rare and precious we all are. A vision that tells us we belong to something that is greater than ourselves. That we are not, that none of us are alone. I wish I could share that. I wish that everyone, if even for one moment, could feel that awe, and humility, and the hope, but... that continues to be my wish.

A truly wonderful movie based on a great book, although I actually think the movie is better at bringing across that sense of wonder of the great unknown than Sagan's novel. But that's just me...

GoogleEarth

2005-08-06T16:03:00.000+01:00

A while back, I discovered the wonders of Google Maps, an amazing online resource with which you can explore the surface of our planet through satellite imagery and/or local maps.

Then I found out about Google Moon, with which you can explore the lunar landscape, albeit not with as much resolution as its earthly sibling.

Then I installed GoogleEarth, an absolutely fantastic program that allows you to glide over the world, with the landscape terrain-mapped in 3D, and visit places you could only dream about.

Now I have learned that Google has reserved domain names for the other planets of our solar system! I can't wait for Google Mars! Will it be possible to fly through the huge Mariner Valley, glide around Olympus Mons or even get a close-up of the Cydonia Face?

C'mon Google bods! get your fingers out! :)

NatGeo - Paranormal? - UFOs

2005-08-05T11:36:00.000+01:00

I just watched the National Geographic programme, Paranormal?. This episode was about the UFO phenomenon and I was looking forward to it as the other programmes in the series (about stuff like lake monsters, ghosts etc.) had been very good and pretty much impartial, giving both sides of the relevant arguments.

Unfortunately, the episode about UFOs was just taking the p**s, in my opinion. They did nothing but debunk everything from the Mexican Eclipse UFOs (saying they were Venus) to the recent Mexican airforce IR sighting (saying it was distant oil platforms) to a UFO video near Mt Popecatepetl (saying it was a bird) [in fact Mexican sightings featured almost the entire programme!] to abductions (saying that they were nothing more than sleep paralysis and/or hypnotic suggestion).

It was a truly diabolical programme.

I'm in agony.... :(

2005-08-05T08:20:00.000+01:00

After feeling better yesterday, my lower back has gone through something of a relapse and I'm suffering today (tunes up violin and casts about for sympathy... heh heh). Too late to cancel my son's dental appointment now, though. I'll just have to grit my teeth and get on with it.

Ah well...

The joys of parenthood

2005-08-04T16:01:00.000+01:00

I put my back out the other day doing the shopping. It's only just getting better and tomorrow, I've got to drag my son up to the hospital for a dental appointment first thing in the morning.

Ah the joys of being a lone parent! :)

Moonbase Alpha

2005-08-04T15:14:00.000+01:00

I recently sent of my proposal for a rejuvenation of the beloved '70s TV series, Space: 1999 to a top London agent. I'm not building up my hopes, but I have my fingers, toes and eyes crossed!

You can read my script and other stuff at my Moonbase Alpha page.

Mercury Rapids: The Mountains of Tomorrow

2005-08-04T15:03:00.000+01:00

At long last the final chapter of the Mercury Rapids trilogy is available to buy!
Published by iUniverse, Mercury Rapids: The Mountains of Tomorrow can be purchased from all good online retailers or through my own website ( http://www.mercuryrapids.co.uk )

The countdown has begun and Earth is in jeopardy once more!

Bill Lewis is once again flung into events beyond his control when he learns that the evil, reptilian aliens known as the Others have begun construction of a devastating weapon on the Moon.

Can the combined forces of Earth's secret UFO agencies defeat them as they did once before? What part will Bill Lewis play in this terrifying 'war of the worlds'? And why do the enigmatic Greys continue to probe his mind?

Mercury Rapids: The Mountains of Tomorrow explosively concludes the trilogy that began with Mercury Rapids and continued with Mercury Rapids: The Thoth Imperative.