jlc

Yes, I liked that part too.

Jan

And what we need to evaluate here is if the people who are genuinely too disabled to work constitute a small enough number of people that private charity can support them.

Jan

As well as our aid to foreign countries. I am not opposed to foreign aid but we have to set our own house in order before we make donations to someone else.

Jan

AJA -

See my post to XenokRoy - Britain managed to put a dent into the dole just by having people sign contracts that they promised to look for work.; also, paying benefits monthly seems to be better than paying every two weeks. Such little changes...

Jan

My reaction as well. I have known people with little education who are very self-sufficient. And I know a man who has dyslexia who has written two books.

Jan

Britian's Welfare reform - over 1000 new jobs per day: http://rationaloptimist.com/blog/welfare...

It can be done.

Jan

One of the things that the superhero movies have done is establish that you can make a lot of money on SF (and heroic, optimistic SF at that).

Perhaps we will circle back around to Heinlein someday.

I am looking forward to seeing The Martian this November. The story was akin to the old SF by Clark and was totally engrossing.

Jan

I have that up on a tab...but am at work...

Jan

Yes, I noticed that. But the central story as far as _I_ am concerned are the 3 plot arcs of Freedom. I am not going to dispute that there could be a lot of spin-offs...including the adventures of an Explorer class ship...exploring strange new planets...

Jan

He's still alive...we can have him back.

Jan

Wow. It does sound like an Avengers takeoff: Mrs Peel, "talented amateur" and quasi-widow. I will remember to take a peek at it.

Jan

I am watching one right now - Thirdspace.

Jan

I will certainly check this out!

Jan

We will disagree on this then, nickursis. While I agree with you on much of what you say (groundbreaking; Lando; Lando and bugs) there are some episodes that I skip when re-watching the series. When Star Trek tried to be 'topical', it generally succeeded; when B5 tried to be 'topical'...well, those are the episodes I skip. The two that come to mind are the "AIDs" episode and the "Christian Science" episode. Mind you, I agree with JMS's message in those episodes, I just find them blatant and uninteresting. I have watched the 5th season once, and while there were some excellent scenes therein I found the plot arc so weak I did not want to watch it again. One of the things that I feel could be 'fixed' in a remake would be to give the Shadow War and the Liberation of Earth the amount of time and attention that JMS had intended (and make use of some of the plot threads he included and did not take up in the shortened time allotted).

Jan

Thank you.

This label does not sound like a compliment.

Jan

Moon is a Harsh Mistress could certainly be a fine movie...though one would have to wonder if publicizing the idea that if we settle the moon the settlers will revolt against Earth control would be a good idea at this time.

Jan

Polaha might make a good John Sheridan...

They won't. I have seen many people in their 30's cringe when we older folk began talking about the original ST. Now TNG - that is a different matter (to them)!

I could not cast a replacement for Gkar - but there are professionals who can do this. Sometimes. One could hope.

Jan

Ha. I do not think you would be capable of writing an article that did not address facts as well as opinions. (I might be incorrect when I cite facts, but I base my opinions on them - or state to the contrary. See your above statement for evidence that you operate in a similar manner.)

Jan, occasionally acts on spidy sense

BradA -

The purpose in a reboot would be to get B5 on the screen again with new CGI and a smoother plot arc. The reason to choose B5 is _because_ its superb quality would be worth the effort - but few new people will watch the old series because of its dated Fx.

The purpose behind this is not just to gratify the fans, but to enhance the trend promoted by "CA: Winter Soldier" to heighten awareness of freedom and the costs of freedom. B5 is an excellent vehicle for this purpose because you do not have to 'warp' it (forgive me the pun) to make it have that message - the message is inherent in the plot arc.

In short: B5 is not a viable production as it is because it is 'dated'. It would be worthwhile to reboot it - and you can establish an economic value to doing so because (like comic book movies) it has an established fan base. It has a message we want to promote.

Jan

Geeze, Thoritsu. Can you just stop being reasonable and rational? You are coming up with plans that would Work! Please study your 'Government Dysfunctionality Manual v87.2' and try again.

Jan

You would have done a far better job of reporting this.

Jan

This is what we have found in the medical industry: ISO 15189 says: have written procedures and document that you follow them.

Jan

This is my main gripe about liberals: I do not dispute their right to spend their money in any manner they desire. I do object to their voting to spend MY money that way. IF this were the one thing that was changed, a large number of government programs would just 'go away'...because they rely on 52% of 55% (average turnout) of the people voting 'someone else's money' to fund them.

Grrrrr.

Jan

Most of the follow on stories that I have seen for B5 seem to lack 'the Muse'. The main arc has a real purpose, but the B arcs are somewhat lacking.

That having been said, I would love to follow the other worlds, and other threads, if a writer could be found to take up the baton that JRS passes to them.

Jan