Gaming Center brought to you by the Celestial Defender Association and the Art Of Science Fiction Fan Circle!
THE CELESTIAL NOVA: A NON-PROFIT SCI-FI E-MAIL NEWSLETTER
Summer 1999 Through Summer 2004 Edition
********************
GIFTS FOR YOU
As a show of appreciation for your personal understanding and
spiritual support of our non-profit endeavors, the Celestial Nova
is including web-links in this newsletter to some great media
news and IBM-compatible gifts that you are welcome to review,
bookmark, download and enjoy! (See below.) Take care and have a
great 2003 season of holidays!
********************
FREE ONLINE GAMING MEETINGS
Public meetings can be very time-consuming and physically
demanding. Hence, starting in December of 2003, the CDA and Art
Of Sci-Fi fan club will be moving its free public meetings
ONLINE! (All for FREE to all newsletter readers and interested
parties!)
On the second Sunday of each month, starting PROMPTLY at
2:00 PM Central Time, all CDA and AOSF members and non-members
are invited to come online and enjoy the following official
gaming schedule with us:
1. "Diablo 2" online gaming. Four hour sessions. Going
from December 2003 to April 2004.
2. "Diablo 2-Lords Of Destruction" online gaming. Four
hour sessions. Going from May 2004 to September 2004.
3. "Starcraft" online gaming. Four hour sessions. Going
from October 2004 to February 2005.
Cool! All you need is a working copy of the pre-stated
games, a compatible computer, any Internet service provider
and the rest is completely FREE! No meeting places to drive
to! No online gaming subscriptions to pay for! Just create
your anonymous alter-ego character online and go!
In closing, know that if our new online gaming meetings
prove successful, the CDA and Art Of Sci-Fi fan club will be
looking to add more FREE gaming to our online schedule such
as "Warcraft II" and others. (Updates will follow as soon as
gaming sessions start and we have more news.) In addition,
understand that we may also have private gaming sessions (in
which "closed campaign" passwords can be exchanged through
e-mailing means) so that smaller, individual groups can
directly play together in their own separate games.
Well, now that we’ve told you all that we know, we hope
to campaign with you online, soon!
SPECIAL NOTICE: In the unlikely event of Blizzard server
difficulties or too many people gaming online on a specific
day, individual members or closed groups are welcome to
continue their campaign on any other date of their choosing.
We suggest networking with your individual group of friends
and privately exchanging e-mail address to exclusively keep
in contact with each other.
********************
TOYS FOR TOTS 2003 AND 2004
http://www.toysfortots.org
Once again, the Celestial Defender Association (CDA) will
be co-collecting new toys for the U.S. Marines and their
national Toys For Tots toy drive. Hence, these 2003 and 2004
Father's Day through Thanksgiving seasons, if you would like
to donate a new toy to a less fortunate child, please submit
your donation(s) to the CDA. Or, you can also drive to your
local Best Buy store and donate your new toy(s) between
November 20, 2003 through December 10, 2003 and November 20,
2004 through December 10, 2004.
The CDA’s own 2003-2004 deadline for the "no charge" PICK-
UP of your new toy donations will be December 5, 2003 and
December 5, 2004. And, all residents within thirty miles of
Milwaukee, Wisconsin who are interested in giving straight to
the CDA should e-mail us at cdga@hotmail.com.
Finally, know that while supplies last, individuals who
donate $20 or more worth of new toys directly to the CDA will
receive a free IBM CD Gift full of PC demos, desktop themes,
sci-fi art, script outlines and more as our non-profit way of
saying, "thank you for caring!"
Always, best wishes!
********************
PUBLIC SCIENCE FICTION MEETING RE-SCHEDULING
The next "in-person" meetings for the CDA and the Art Of
Science Fiction fan club are currently being put on HOLD due
to maintenance and response requirements. However, please
see our article on FREE Online Gaming Meetings for new
scheduling details!
********************
FREE NEWS AND MULTIMEDIA GIFT LINKS FOR YOU!
Fantasy & Sci-Fi Conventions
General Sci-Fi/Fantasy Conventions In The USA-
(Some With 2003-04' Directories)
http://www.sfsite.com/depts/cons-usm.htm
http://www.midfan.org/consmw.html
Comic Conventions-
(With Subscribe Link)
http://www.midwestcomix.com/
Gaming Conventions-
(Keep Checking Back For 2004 Convention News)
http://www.sjgames.com/con/
http://www.rock-con.com/
http://gencon.com/
Gift Software And PC References
AVG Anti-Virus FREE Edition-
(With Unlimited & FREE Anti-Virus Definition Updates!)
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
Anti-SpyWare Software-
http://security.kolla.de/index.php?lang=en&page=download
Report Unfriendly Outside E-Mail Spam-
(Bookmark This Page!)
http://www.spammingbureau.com/email/smallwindow.php
WinZip IBM Unpackaging Software-
http://www.winzip.com/tw01/ddchomea.htm
FREE Hidden & Dangerous Video Game-
(Full Version With Expansion Pack!)
http://www.game-revolution.com/download/pc/action/hidden_and_dangerous.htm
Bonus Gift Media - Season's Greetings!
[Most Should Be Available By Sept. 2003]
Cool IBM Screen Saver-
"Battlestar Galactica"
http://www.themeworld.com/cgi-bin/preview.pl/themes/bg2k2pc.zip
Cool IBM Desktop Software & Themes-
IBM Desktop Theme Management Software
http://www.themeworld.com/cgi-bin/preview.pl/themes/da211.zip
"Blade"
http://www.themeworld.com/cgi-bin/preview.pl/themes/bladepc.zip
"Debra Black"
http://www.themeworld.com/cgi-bin/preview.pl/themes/pfwoman.zip
"Denzel Washington"
http://www.themeworld.com/cgi-bin/preview.pl/themes/dwtworks.zip
"Drakan"
http://www.themeworld.com/cgi-bin/preview.pl/themes/drakanpc.zip
"Honda Motorcycles"
http://www.themeworld.com/cgi-bin/preview.pl/themes/hrwburn.zip
"Inner Realm"
http://www.themeworld.com/cgi-bin/preview.pl/themes/irtw2k3.zip
"Lord Of The Rings Trilogy"
http://www.themeworld.com/cgi-bin/preview.pl/themes/sklotr12.zip
"Professor X"
http://www.themeworld.com/cgi-bin/preview.pl/themes/prfsrx2k.zip
"Space 1999"
http://www.themeworld.com/cgi-bin/preview.pl/themes/alphapc.zip
"Star Venture"
http://www.themeworld.com/cgi-bin/preview.pl/themes/svdw2k3.zip
********************
CLASSIC MULTIMEDIA NEWS [by The Klingon and Star Knyght]
We're sorry that additional sources were busy and this article is
late. <> Toho [Japan] reports that the original Godzilla IS back as
they are now working on definate plans for a new Godzilla movie! <>
Because of recent reports concerning new computer/internet virus
problems, the Celestial Defender Association humbly encourages everyone
to run an anti-virus computer scan (with Norton or any other virus
cleaning program) on their hardware and software once every month. <>
Sources note that Edios (creators of the Tomb Raider series) is now
cracking down on unofficial Tomb Raider and Nude [Tomb] Raider "wannabe"
web-sites. Thus, in response, the "unofficial" FAN-made sites are
asking other fans for help in endorsing their rights to non-profit
freedom of speech and expression. <> No more Resident Evil titles for
the Sony PlayStation? Sources abruptly claim that Capcom will not be
delving into the Resident Evil universe anymore until the ENHANCED
PlayStation 2 or Sega Dreamcast game consoles come out. <> Sega's
Dreamcast game console seems to really be shaping into the new
millennium's video game dream machine! Predicted for a $200 release in
America this year, Dreamcast has many of the same specifications
(including a Modem) as a decent Pentium computer. It already has over
fifteen "arcade-perfect" and other games available in Japan. And, with
software prices estimated at only $50, Sega may well become a household
name, again. <> By April of 1999, Studio Iron Cat should be starting
its new line of action figures, trading cards and other collectables
based off of Japanese Animation, video games and SNK licenses. <> Have
you bought your Vulcan Raven from Todd McFarlane's "Metal Gear Solid"
toy line, yet? How about your Vampire Hunter Blade from Toy Biz's
"Marvel" action figure line? Well, look for these gems now, because
they're currently some of the hottest items out on the collectable
market! <> Sources say that Wall Street is presently estimating Star
Wars collectable merchandise at high price values this summer. Already,
the "Star Wars: Eps. 1" electronic-talking action figures are
suggestively retailing for $8 on the primary collector's market. And,
with the '99 movie craze not yet at its fullest height, these same
sources believe that the secondary collector's market will potentially
drive general supply-and-demand prices up on Star Wars merchandise even
further. <> Finally, the Celestial Defender Association has a FREE
sci-fi, fantasy, Japanese Animation and video game art gallery available
for ALL amateur through professional artists to display their work in!
Hence, please check it out at: https://members.tripod.com/~CDGA/artist.html
Also try:
http://www.sirstevesguide.com
http://aircastle.anime-manga.net
http://www.scroll.simplenet.com
******************************
CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEWS
"Wing Commander: The Movie" is best described as a visually exciting
World War II drama set in outer space. The character interaction and
special effects are both well done. However, the overall action, plot
and beloved references to the inspirational video game series often gets
distorted due to unrevealed big screen adaptation decisions. Thus, Wing
Commander only receives a three out of five star rating. (Try renting
this movie and saving a few bucks). <> "Cube" is a VERY interesting,
straight-to-video movie of intense drama and suspense. The characters
are all believable with enough story twist and turns to have Outer
Limits and Twilight Zone fans screaming for more! Hence, Cube receives
a four and one-half out of five star rating.
******************************
MIDWEST CONVENTION NEWS
None Received...
******************************
DISBANDING MYTHS
The other day, the Celestial Defender Association and the Celestial
Nova received an anonymous (and legitimate) e-mail regarding ongoing
sci-fi fandom problems and concerns. Hence, to respond to any and all
potential fandom questions ON THE CDA'S END, we are openly publishing
this Question and Answer (or "Q&A") article in the hopes of bringing
additional sci-fi fandom tranquility, neutrality and peace.
Q. JUST WHAT IS THE CDA?
A. The Celestial Defender Association is a public-oriented,
science fiction and fantasy activity organization. Thus, humbly due to
Mr. Reed's preceding affiliation with many Midwest organizations, we
equitably network out with non-bias information and/or impartial
assistance to/for other sci-fi/fantasy entities and/or organizations.
<> To continue, the CDA humbly notes that we are not a Ship, chain of
Ships, Club, money-making Business, or a Political Statement. (Nor are
we trying to aggressively imply that any other entities or organizations
are.) However, the CDA has often used the word, "Club", to quickly
describe our Midwest community-based, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT efforts.
Therefore, we non-sarcastically apologize for any misunderstandings that
this general term may have caused.
Q. WHY DOES THE CDA HAVE NUMEROUS INTERESTS?
A. The CDA is an Arts & Entertainment organization that wishes to
make all of our regular meetings available and accessible to the general
public. Thus, limiting our interests to only one subject or title would
go against our foundational policy of open-door and non-bias events.
Q. WHAT HAPPENS AT NON-ONLINE CDA MEETINGS?
A. CDA meeting offer EVERYONE the same benefit of quality science
fiction, fantasy and widespread entertainment in an open, equal,
non-threatening and non-demanding atmosphere. Game Judges and Video
Gamers are encouraged to bring in games, equipment and/or their gaming
group. Game Players are encouraged to come and experience old and new
gaming titles. And, general sci-fi/fantasy buffs are encouraged to
visit our meetings and enjoy old and new TV/Movie favorites -- along
with the chance for EVERYONE to win prizes, sign-up for public field
trip and receive CDA store discounts.
Q. WHAT FEES ARE AT NON-ONLINE CDA MEETINGS?
A. CDA general/monthly meetings are FREE and open to the public!
(Donations aren't even required.) Nonetheless, a non-obligatory group
Membership Card is available for only $3 per year -- allowing the card
holder to receive/achieve selected store discounts, exclusive
sci-fi/fantasy field trips, and other special privileges. <> However,
take note that many less-fortunate individuals need EVERYONE'S help in
just making it to the next day. Therefore, the CDA will also be hosting
non-obligatory FOOD, CLOTHING AND/OR OTHER CHARITY DONATION DRIVES at
all of our general meetings to assist the Central Cities Catholic
Perishes (and other organizations) in providing relief. <> Hence, if
possible, please bring in a can of food, a single pair of old clothes,
50 cents, or just yourself to help inspire other people to contribute
back to the Midwest community.
Q. DO I HAVE TO VOLUNTEER OR WORK FOR THE CDA?
A. No. But if you are interesting in volunteering and helping our
public causes (i.e. "Volunteers, Not Recruits"), know that volunteer
work is always kept as simple and flexible as possible. Our e-mail
newsletter is a "truthful" and "straight-forward" publication. And, our
group's well-used motto is, "Sci-Fi and Fantasy for the BUSY World of
Today." Hence, believe that we too understand that YOUR time and
resources can also be limited. <> However, don't impartially take our
word for this. Just read over our CDA Membership Handbook and E-Mail
Newsletters. Or feel welcome to additionally visit one of our public
meetings to effectively judge for yourself.
Q. DO I HAVE TO ATTEND EVERY NON-ONLINE CDA MEETING?
A. No. But if you are a $3 CDA card holder and you attend 70% of
a full year’s meetings, your next card holder year (minus all
fee-related field trips and special events) is free!
Q. WHAT ABOUT 'MY' PRIVATE LIFE?
A. As noted in our original CDA Membership Handbook: 'The CDA is
here to run games and not people...personal lives will remain private
and sacred.' <> The CDA cares about the meaning behind all good
sci-fi/fantasy tales and the hope for the future that the Midwest fandom
community can bring. Therefore, as long as Mr. Reed is the group's
founder and CEO, the CDA we NEVER control or unjustly dictate what any
person or persons MUST or WILL do.
Q. WHY ARE SO MANY NON-ONLINE CDA MEETINGS OFTEN CANCELED?
A. Besides the All Saints Church currently requesting that the CDA
also donates directly to them (for the use of their facilities), know
that there is only ONE volunteer available for meeting set-up and clean-
up duties; Mr. Reed, the Association's CEO. Thus, in addition to the
CDA's administration work, executive responsibilities keep Mr. Reed's
business schedule stretched to the maximum. <> Further, please consider
that without non-online meeting attendance confirmations, the CDA non-
productively expends already limited time, money and resources.
Q. WHICH CDA E-MAIL ADDRESS SHOULD PEOPLE USE?
A. Either the cdga@hotmail.com mailbox or the jk_er@hotmail.com
mailbox. Our webmaster(s) is/are allowed to utilize our CD[G]A mailbox
for group related correspondences. However, Mr. Reed (organizational
CEO) also uses, monitors and controls both CD[G]A mailboxes!
Finally, the CDA is not, "deader than a three dollar bill." Current,
our non-internet workings are simply undermanned and under supported.
Thus, please help to back our public-rooted efforts up.
For CDA volunteering, leaving a non-online CDA meeting confirmation,
requesting the latest status on CDA public events, reporting news to
the Celestial Nova Newsletter, and/or acquiring a free CDA [e-mail]
Introduction Pamphlet, please contact the CDA at: (PHONE) 414/871.
5188, (E-MAIL) cdga@hotmail.com, and/or (WEB) https://cdga.tripod.com/
Best wishes!
The Celestial Defender Association
******************************
STORES TO VISIT [Reprised; Also, See NEW Notice, Below!]
For a great selection in Drawn Books, Comic Books, Magic The
Gathering, Non-Sports Cards, Sports Cards and Action Figures, visit:
LOST WORLD OF WONDERS, Mr. Wagenske (Owner/Manager)
6917 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
(414)328-4651
WEB: http://www.lostwonders.com
Lost World Of Wonders is NOW giving the Celestial Defender
Association 20% off of their purchases when affiliates show their
membership card(s)!
Finally, all DC, Image, Marvel, Star Trek and Star Wars collectors
will be amazed when they visit Milwaukee's new Action Figure Head-
quarters of:
TOY DIMENSION, Mr. Smith, Jr. (Owner/Manager)
5925 W. North Ave., Milwaukee, WI. 53208
(414)476-5596
HOURS: Wed. through Fri. and Sat.
Check them out!!!
******************************
DISCLAIMER: The Celestial Defender Association and the Celestial Nova
are in no way affiliated with or trying to post, use, or plagiarize any
names, title, images, news, or events for "self-profit" reasons. More,
the Celestial Association/Nova is here to report and inform in an open
and non-bias way. <> The Celestial Nova is a non-profit Arts and
Entertainment newsletter that's strictly dedicated to sci-fi and fantasy
appreciation and multimedia information. <> Our small staff does NOT
want to clutter up your mailbox with unnecessary information. Thus,
only the most useful data that is available to us is picked for this
intermittent publication. <> YOU are also welcome to contribute news,
reviews and updates at: cdga@hotmail.com. <> Finally, please respect
the privacy of all non-CDA e-mail addresses and only mail responses out
to indicated Celestial Nova newsletter focuses.
Need more information about the CDA?
Do you want to confirm a meeting?
E-MAIL: cdga@hotmail.com
WEB-SITE: https://cdga.tripod.com/
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