Last week we picked your brain about your favorite fantasy world. This week, science fiction gets its day. What’s your favorite scifi universe, and why?

This isn’t a poll about your favorite science fiction movie, video game, or novel. It’s about the setting, the living, breathing world where the story takes place. Which one do you find the most intriguing, the most exciting? Which one would you most like to visit?

Vote in the poll above, and then if you like, head down to the Comments below and tell us why you voted the way you did. Or, if you don’t see your favorite universe listed in the poll, select “Other” and then write-in your vote in the Comments.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the poll:

• Alienverse: It’s yet to be confirmed that Ridley Scott’s upcoming Prometheus is a prequel to Alien, but it sure looks that way.
• The Forerunners’ Universe: The galaxy as built and influenced by the ancient Forerunner society in Halo.
• A Galaxy Far, Far Away: The setting of Star Wars.
• The Matrix: Both the scorched “real world” and the “interactive neural simulation” of The Matrix films.
• Pandora: The alien moon where Avatar takes place.
• Star Trek‘s Universe: Where starships and their crews boldly go and see what’s out there.
• The 13 Colonies of Cobol: The universe of the human and the Cylons as seen in Battlestar Galactica (either series).
• The Whoniverse: all of time and space as visitable in the TARDIS at the whims of Doctor Who.

[Image credit.]

As TV show/movie franchises go, Star Trek is pretty much high up on the list. Whether you are a fan or not, if you keep an open mind, there is a lot that is fascinating in Star Trek. Who would not want to have a tricorder? How much more can we discover and analyze with one in hand? I know I would not mind having a phaser (set to stun, most of the time, of course) handy!

These are only a couple of the “gadgets” that we love that are from Star Trek. And the technology – oh, the wonderful technology. Where does one even begin?

If you cannot help but marvel at – and desire – the technology from Star Trek, you will not mind spending some time looking at this infographic that tells us where we stand. Created by Sortable, the infographic takes a look at some of the most recognizable gadgets and technology from Star Trek and compares what we have in reality at the moment.

Sad to say, we are not quite there yet, but as the infographic says, it’s just around the corner!

Sortable’s High Tech

If memory serves me correctly, there was even a question (or poll) going around on Facebook asking people to indicate how many of the books they have read. Or maybe that was another list.

In any case, NPR’s best fantasy and science fiction books list is quite impressive, and I have to admit that I have a long way to go – both in terms of science fiction and fantasy. I do, however, recognize a vast majority of the titles and authors, so much so that I have an idea as to what book I might be interested in or what book I should not even think about opening. Now if you are new to science fiction and fantasy or you are only now discovering the wonders of these genres, then you might have been a wee bit overwhelmed with the list that NPR released.

Don’t be embarrassed to admit it. A hundred books seemingly randomly presented with only a brief description – anyone would be confused where to start!

You can thank the guys at SF Signal instead. They have taken a humongous task upon themselves and came up with an awesome flowchart that serves as a guide to NPR’s best fantasy and science fiction books. The cool thing about the flowchart is that it does what a flowchart is supposed to do – guide you step by step so that you will eventually reach an endpoint, which in this case is deciding on which book to read. It starts with asking you whether you want to read a fantasy story or a science fiction story. What better place to start, yes? You can even find a book if you can’t make your mind up!

Here’s a peek – the chart is too big to be seen on this page, so please click for the full size.

Flowchart for NPR's Fantasy and Sci-Fi Book List

So tell me, which book is next on your reading list after seeing the flowchart for NPR’s best fantasy and science fiction books?

You can always go back to reading the Battlestar Galactica Series Bible if you have some spare time. That should do the trick every time. Alternatively, you can join in on the discussion about the best characters of Battlestar Galactica. But here’s another cool idea. Why don’t you change your Facebook profile pic to reflect your passion?

I stumbled upon what might be the coolest profile pics ever: Cylon Facebook profile pics! These images are the creation of Kaitlin, who is 21 years old, born on Friday the 13th, and a self-proclaimed super nerd. Super nerd or not, I love what she has created: two Cylon Facebook profile pics!

You know how some people pay a lot of attention to the picture they use on their Facebook profile? That’s quite understandable, and whatever people choose, that is their business. Of course, one cannot guarantee that other people will find your choice cool. If, however, your friends are huge Battlestar Galactica fans, then these two images will up your cred.

Here’s the first one:

Cyclon Facebook Profile Pic

And here’s the other Cylon:

Cyclon Facebook Profile Pic 2

Sure, she could have created profile pics that are more life-like (although I am not sure if that term applies to Cylons). That, would however, not be as cool as having a “default” Facebook profile pic, don’t you think? Kaitlin says you can use the images as long as you give her the credit. Now that is pretty cool of her as well!

Hunger Games

Now they’re making a movie, which is to be released in March next year, and a trailer has been released to whet our appetites. I guess I was expecting a lot from the sneak peek, but it is better than nothing. For your viewing pleasure – or frustration, whichever the case may be.

If you haven’t read The Hunger Games yet, you have months to do so.

Andrew Lancaster’s taxidermy creations are out of this world, and I really had to think long and hard if I should write about Lancaster’s work today. Basically, his idea is based on creating hybrids of creatures. He skins, preserves, and stuffs dead animals just like any other taxidermist, but he goes one step further by combining the animal parts. Sometimes, he uses “props” like dolls. Then it gets really weird. I know I keep using the “W” word today, but just take a look at these photos, and you’ll see where I am coming from.

Now is that weird or what? I particularly find the use of doll parts really, really disturbing, but I guess I am not alone in that.

In case you’re wondering if Lancaster is some sort of sick guy who takes pleasure in killing animals, think again. He has been doing this work for two years, but he has actually found a way to get his specimens without killing them himself. One word: roadkill.

He is British but moved to New Zealand 14 years ago. Upon moving, he narrates that he noticed a lot of dead things on the road while driving. Instead of leaving the carcasses there to rot, he decided to pick them up and make good use of them. Now he has gained a bit of following because of his work. As Lancaster himself says, some people think his work is sick, while others think it’s brilliant.

Personally, I wouldn’t call it sick, but I have to admit that I would not keep looking at the photos of his creation. I could very well imagine these creatures alive and scaring the living heck out of people in science fiction stories, though.

If you do want to see more though, visit his Facebook page. Oh, and yes, you can purchase Andrew Lancaster’s taxidermy creations in case this is your kind of thing.

Star Wars: The Blueprints

Star Wars fans, there is no other book that you will want to buy this year after seeing what the guys at Epic Ink have in store for you! They are releasing a collection of blueprints and photos of many of the things you have fallen in love with. The book is called “Star Wars:The Blueprints” and it comes with a custom made case and a a certificate of authenticity. (You never know – they can make copies of everything these days!) The case is actually beautiful – especially with the book inside.

Star Wars The Blueprints in Case

I have the feeling that what’s inside is what’s going to give you a serious case of goosebumps. Or whatever it is that you experience when overly excited.

Jedi Starfighter

Jedi Starfighter Blueprint

Is that impressive or what?

Millennium Falcon Blueprint

Millennium Falcon Blueprint

From cakes to beds, the Millennium Falcon has been the inspiration for so many creations. Take your creation (whatever it is!) to the next level by making sure it is based on this blueprint!

Yoda’s House Blueprint

Yoda's House Blueprint

In case you are planning on settling down and building your house in the near future – here’s an idea!

R2D2 Blueprint

R2D2 Blueprint

This is an image of actual pages from the book. I can already imagine countless R2D2 projects cropping up…

Now imagine hundreds of blueprint goodness in one book! Even a non-Star Wars fan would not fail to appreciate the craftsmanship epitomized by this book. And in case you are good with your hands, you might even be able to build something from the book!

Take note of the important details: only 5,000 copies will be printed – each and every copy hand-numbered. Furthermore, the first 125 copies are signed by Academy-Award® winners for Best Art Direction (Star Wars, 1978): art director Norman Reynolds; art director Les Dilley; and set dresser Roger Christian. Naturally, these signed copies cost more than the rest at $1,000. Unsigned copies will go for half at $500.

Serious Star Wars fans with dough to spare – head on over to Epic Ink and pre-order your Star Wars:The Blueprints now. They will ship starting the 15th of September.

As children, those with children, and star gazers everywhere, a planetarium is a magical place.  The theater-style structure concerning all things astronomy and the night sky, typically takes the form of a large, dome-shaped, building with a projector and screen where stars, planets, and other celestial objects are visible, even moving in a realistic fashion to simulate outer space.

A structure with a similar shape but with a different, sinister, purpose, The Death Star, from Star Wars films is another magical place.

In the Star Wars series, the Death Star is portrayed as a fictional moon-sized space station/superweapon capable of destroying a planet with a single destructive beam.  To the best of my knowledge, no planetarium is capable of making a similar claim.

Moreover, the Death Star is a structure has a crew of 265,675, 52,276 gunners, 607,360 troops, 30,984 stormtroopers, 42,782 ship support staff, and 180,216 pilots and support crew.  Weapons on the Death Star include: assault shuttles, blastboats, strike cruisers, land vehicles, support ships, 7,293 TIE fighters, 10,000 turbolaser batteries, 2,600 ion cannons, and at least 768 tractor beam projectors.  To say the Death Star was a massive item and a formidable weapon of intergalactic war is putting it mildly.

For those that love planetariums and Star Wars, particularly the Death Star, alike, there’s a new item you’ll want to own.  From the Neatoshop comes the “Death Star Planetarium!”

What will your $29.99 get you?  Features include:

• Transforms darkened room into a planetarium
• Table top unit projects the star map of the Star Wars galaxy and Earth’s own night sky
• Learning guide / instructions included

While not as large as a traditional planetarium or the Death Star, look at the joy on the young man’s face above.  Don’t you want the same for you and/or your children?

If so, will you pick up a Death Star Planetarium and explore the wonderful world of Star Wars in the privacy of your own home?

It is the future, and it seems that Back to the Future has not lost one bit of its luster. Late last year, Universal decided to re-launch the movie in the theaters. Earlier this year, news about a Back to the Future game was released. And some time last month, designer Dave Williams revealed the design for his latest Back to the Future poster.

This poster is still in the works – mainly testing at the printer’s for colors and such. Dave announced in his blog, however, that only 50 posters will be released – each numbered and signed. You can pre-order your poster for GBP14.99 if you’re in the UK, GBP19.99 for the rest of Europe, and GBP24.99 elsewhere.

Just like Dave’s other posters, this one measures in at 24 x 18 inches. Speaking of the other posters…

Here is the Back to the Future 2 poster.

The pricing is the same as mentioned above.

And here is the first of the series.

It’s the simplest of the three, but one can’t help but appreciate the colors used – very true to the movie’s logo. The DeLorean may not be in the poster, but those yellow “flames” say it all. Understandably, Dave quickly ran out of the original prints, but due to popular demand, he decided to re-print of the design, so you can still get your hands on one to make the collection complete.

Definitely worthy of our Dept. of Want It! Now this all makes me want to start a BTTF marathon!

To add to the fun, Google has added interactive elements to the Doodle. You can mess around with the handle with the red knob that can be found at the right side of the Doodle. Doing so will change the angle of your view.

To be honest, I wish that Google could have added more interactivity to the Doodle. After all, if Jules Verne had been alive to design that Doodle, I think he would have done more. I still think the Pac-Man Doodle beats all the others, don’t you agree?

In any case, playing with Google’s home page is still worth a few minutes of your time. When you get bored, grab your old copies of Verne’s works and you’ll be transported to more fascinating places in no time.

WIN: Digital Stoners
Rejoice, everyone who’s ever dreamed of recreating laser light Pink Floyd bowling with a Wii, the entire inventory of Spencer’s, and an iPod: the band has finally caved to digital downloads of individual tracks. They have hitherto bitterly fought such an arrangement, citing single track downloads as being detrimental to the artistic integrity of their work as experienced on entire albums. But this week they reached an agreement with EMI to allow their work to be sliced, diced and, presumably, someday sold on iTunes for $.99 a pop.

FAIL: Plausibility
To paraphrase a tweet from Drew Carey, 2012 was a film about special effects in the future. And now NASA has named it the least plausible science fiction film in history. Considering its pretty stiff competition, that’s an especially dubious honor. Whether NASA’s main beef with the movie is its faulty science or the fact that they were bombed with so many panicked letters in the wake of it that they had to draw up a special web site to combat the 2012 mythology, is not entirely clear. The Day After Tomorrow, The Sixth Day, Chain Reaction, The Core, What the Bleep Do We Know? and Volcano also made the list. Along with – surprisingly, given NASA’s initial, albeit puzzling support of it – Armageddon. Perhaps they wanted to distance themselves from Ben Affleck’s career, like everyone else except Ben Affleck.

WIN: Pressure Sensors
Well, if you are a pressure sensor, you might think this story is a fail. SEGA is implementing “Toylets” in select restrooms across Tokyo. A “Toylet” is an interactive video game that uses pressure sensors to determine the strength and placement of a stream of urine, and lets the stream control any of several video games. If you are the sort of person so starved for constant stimulation that you can’t even tolerate the boredom of a minute or two to do your business, then this is a major development for you!

FAIL: Integrity. Period.
The British Medical Journal blew the lid off a massive fraud that may have harmed public health immeasurably in the years since its publication. The now-infamous retracted British study declaring an alarming correlation between vaccines and autism in children has been proved little more than a hoax, with “evidence” deliberately faked (or dare I pun – “doctored”) by the study’s conductor, Dr. Andrew Wakefield. While this isn’t breaking news (Wakefield was stripped of his medical license last May), the implications of the study with respect to cases of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles on the rise are ever-developing, and continuing to garner scientific and public attention. For the curious, and pertinent to this week, Anderson Cooper interviewed Wakefield on Wednesday. Clips can be seen on AC 360.

WIN: Regeneration
While for some the jury’s still out on David Tennant’s regeneration into Matt Smith, all Whovians can get behind the black-and-white-to-color regeneration of archived episodes of the series by the Doctor Who Restoration Team. In 1967 the BBC scrapped its Doctor Who archive, but since 1978 a number of the missing 108 episodes have been discovered in black-and-white, as they were presented in grayscale to countries still broadcasting sans color. The BBC has contracted the Restoration Team to breathe the life of color back into these classics. “It’s very, very labor intensive — several hundred man hours’ work every episode,” said Steve Roberts, a senior engineer at the BBC. It probably takes more effort to colorize a single episode than it did to dream up a plunger for a Dalek’s “intimidating” arm, but it’s a noble effort indeed.

The museum has a two-fold goal. EMP focuses on popular music – the creativity and innovation behind it, while SFM focuses on science fiction in various media. Needless to say, their exhibits are bliss for science fiction fans.

Now I don’t know about you, but I have been needing my dose of Battlestar Galactica for a while now; and when I read about one of EMP|SFM’s latest exhibit, I couldn’t help but wish oh-so-hard that I were in Seattle. Battlestar Galactica: The Exhibition opened on the 23rd of October in partnership with Universal Cable Productions and Syfy. It features a ton of props, music, costumes, and more from both the original TV series and the re-imagined version.

What’s really exciting is that they have three full-sized prop spaceships: Viper Mark 2, Viper Mark 7, and a Cylon Raider. While you probably will not be able to go anywhere in them, it would still be a geekgasmic experience for sure.

Just to excite you a bit more, here’s the trailer released for the opening of the exhibit.

If you want to get a glimpse of what went on behind the building of the exhibit, watch this.

Sucks to be oceans away from Seattle right now…

Photo via Wired

Together with Subterranean Press, the two guys worked on this project, which is interestingly quirky – to say the least.  It all started earlier this year when Scalzi had a “vision” of himself as an orc and Wil Wheaton as a warrior in a clown sweater, riding a unicorn pegasus kitten.  You see where this is going?

That vision has since then turned into a reality, with several well established authors joining the fray.  What Wheaton and Scalzi did was to ask artist Jeff Zugale to put the mental image to paper, so to speak.  The result? That image up there.

The fun doesn’t end there, though.  They made an “appeal” to authors to dig deep and share what they think it happening in the photo.  One author who took on the challenge makes the chapbook particularly enticing – Pat Rothfuss, author of Name of the Wind, easily one of the best fantasy reads today.

You can download the e-book for FREE from the web site, but make sure you make a donation.  Proceeds will go to the Michigan/Indiana affiliate of the Lupus Alliance of America, a non-profit organization. Now I gotta go and check it out myself.

It’s time to mark our calendars, though. Season 1.5 of Caprica is going to be aired on the 5th of October on Syfy Channel.

I don’t know about you, but as much as I enjoyed (am enjoying) watching Caprica, I still miss some elements from BSG. I suppose that 4 seasons of the Adamas and Kara Thrace, et. al. cannot be shaken off that easily. In any case, from what I have seen in the teasers that Syfy has seen fit to share with us, the second half of the season is going to give us more of these elements.

Here’s one teaser – complete with Cylons and ships:

There’s more trailers where this came from – TV Overmind.

In other news, did you know that there is going to be another BSG spin-off? Admiral Adama himself (otherwise known as Edward James Olmos) has said that the new series is going to focus on the period of his life when he was around 20 years old.

There’s more! Edward James Olmos also says that he is hoping to work on a BSG graphic novel. The storyline? It will pick up where BSG ended. Should be interesting. For now, I shall count the days till October 5.

When I was a kid, my parents used to buy me Underoos underwear. Remember those? Back then I had one for Batman, Spider-Man, and my favorite at the time was Superman. I wore those things all the time, pretending to fly around the house like a superhero.

One day, my mother was walking to the kitchen and saw me standing on the edge of our second story patio, wearing nothing but my Superman Underoos and a red towel around my neck like a cape. She ran out, scooped me up and asked me, “What were you doing?” I responded, “Mommy, I just wanted to fly.” Apparently, I needed a head start.

True story.

Turns out, I’m not the only one who has dreams of flying. Check out the bad boy pictured above. That’s the Martin Jetpack, a personal flying device made of carbon fiber and kevlar composites. The thing is pretty amazing looking, It functions similar to a helicopter, but doesn’t have any tail rotor to balance it out. Instead, the rotors turn on their own, controlling forward flight. They say it’s got some pretty basic controls, so it’s not that bad to learn.

Of course, the big question is the price, and Martin Aircraft isn’t talking. What they do say is this:

Martin Aircraft has built several prototypes so we have a good idea how much they cost to manufacture. Depending on production volume,  the initial cost will be about the same as a high-end motorcycle or car. As volume increases this will drop to be similar to a mid-range motorcycle or car.

Or, if you need to ask, it’s probably too much.

But in a few months we’ll be getting what we want. a Galactica spin-off is already being filmed as we speak. Caprica is a new sci-fi series that is set within the Galactica universe. The new series is set 50 years before the events we see in Galactica. We will finally see how the Cylons came about and all of the events that led to the invasion.

The pilot of Caprica is already out on DVD to give fans a taste of what to expect in the series. I’ve seen it and it looks very promising. The creators may have created a new genre — science fiction soap opera — in creating Caprica. It is deep, full of intrigue, there’s even family dysfunction to propel the whole plot. Hopefully, Caprica will be handled as well as Galactica and we’ll get to watch this series for a long time — possibly longer than Galactica’s four seasons.