Hello Derek,

I know you’re probably going to get hundreds of these letters, but hear me out.

I’m from a small town in New Brunswick, Canada (Moncton, if you’re curious). Let’s just say
that here, Smallville fans don’t abound. I’ve gotten maybe 3 or 4 of my friends hooked
thanks to my DVD’s, but they are nowhere near as close to being as (pathetically) fanatic
as me. This being said, I have no one to discuss the previous night’s episode with, to argue
over plot lines or figure out cliffhangers. That’s what your show has been for me (and will
continue to be). It’s the Smallville fan I’ve never had as a best friend. I guess I’ve always
associated House of El with you, because this morning, as I was on my morning bus ride
downtown, when I heard you were leaving the podcast, it made me very sad (for lack of a
better word).

I just want you to know that for me, you are the voice of all Smallville fans out there. You’re
never too farfetched (Chloe is Lois what?) or never not enough into it (hey, I thought
Doomsday rocked, too). You represent what most of us are thinking, and it’s good to hear it
broadcasted. Smallville has just lost one of its best assets.

So, even though I know that you’ll be working on the show, it just won’t be the same. I’ll
gladly tune in though, because Steve is great.

I hope that my letter can make up for the negative stuff you’ve received, because I think
you deserve to know that even in Eastern Canada your hard work and dedication is greatly
appreciated. Thank you Derek for the past 3 years, and good luck in everything you do in
the future!

I’ll be listening,

Gabrielle R.

I’ll embed the actual thing when it’s available.

SHoE on WCBI from Derek Russell on Vimeo.

Footage from when they re-aired it; less of me talking = much better.

SHoE on WCBI 2 from Derek Russell on Vimeo.

And from the website http://titancast.titantv.com/p/wcbi/s/Podcasting-Worldwide-7309/12GI1ASI.aspx

Nobody outside of Steve and Kim really knew about this decision, and it’s one I didn’t enter into lightly. We recorded last night, had a few good laughs, a few long standing bits from SHoE’s history, and then it was time to say goodbye. It wasn’t as sad as I thought it would be. I had a ton of people to thank for the past three years, and that took most of my focus. Steve said some of the nicest things that have ever been said to me, the music played and we ended it, like any other show. Even during editing, I really didn’t feel much. I wasn’t thinking that would be one of my last times in front of a microphone in a long time, I wasn’t thinking a lot of things at all. People stared slowly listening today, I guess. I saw some posts on the site, some forum threads, and we got some emails. I don’t want to go reply to every single one and make it look like I’m waiting around on some feedback, but it’s hard not to wonder at the same time. I got some really great personal messages via email today, and even then I didn’t really get sad about what I’m leaving behind me after doing this every single day for the past 3 years.

I got home from work tonight, fixed dinner, turned on TV and there it was. The opening credits of Smallville. Silly, I know. Completely pathetic and even more so probably cliché, but when the theme song started it was hard not to think about everything. All the people I’ve met, the work I’ve done, and the folks who have touched my life. Not to mention the opportunities I’ve been given and am so thankful for on a daily basis. I think I’m writing this more for me than anyone else, no one comes here. But there’s one email I recieived today, that I want kept on this site for all time so I can be reminded that this meant something to someone. That’s all I ever needed.

Dear Derek,

I hope that you’re able to get this e-mail.  It’s now 12:30pm on Thursday, June 11, 2009 and I’m sitting here in my cubicle with a few co-workers that listen to the podcast.  I hope you know that you mean to world to people that you don’t even know. Even though it took a month for us to get a new podcast, we were all excited to hear it and as soon as we pressed play, it’s as if no time had really passed since the last podcast.  Everything was just like old times, and were enjoying every minute of it.  But I can honestly tell you that the room got super silent when you broke the news to all of us that you were not returning to do anymore podcasts with Steve.  By the end of the podcast, we were all sitting here sad and teary eyed. Of course we were wishing you the best in all your successes, but also we were feeling a sense of losing a friend.  Times have been very tough here at Long Beach Community College (where I work), and Shoe, 10^th wonder,  and Geek Out Loud are the 3 podcasts that all of us here look forward to hearing, mainly because it brightens up our spirits by the way you and Steve get along so well, joking around and making us feel like we’re all a part of a family.  Believe me your laughter and bits got us through some very tough times here when people were getting laid off left and right.  We’re all gonna miss you man, and we really do wish you would reconsider your decision to leave the podcasts.  I hope Steve finds a way to convince you to stay.  Maybe we should start a petition and see how many people I can get to try to make you stay on.  You are a very important part of the shows, and life without Derek just wouldn’t be the same.

On behalf of everyone here at Long Beach Community College, we wish you the best in everything, and we thank you for the time and dedication you gave to all the podcasts. Take good care of yourself man…

Gabriel

Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

-Thanks for being a good friend to us Derek…

The iPhone 3G S, the must have item in the eyes of every geek and wannabe geek this and that side of the Mississippi. (When did people WANT to be geeks? Damn you Battlestar Galactica!). I don’t really care about the 3G S, I mean, I want one but I’m not about to start looking for change in the couch cushions to find enough for it. There are some cool features but a lot of those lie within the 3.0 software update, which I already have so…why would I want to shell out money I don’t have for something I don’t need? Because, I wants it. And when you wants something it’s an adult responsibility.

Let me go back; I was moving from Starkville about a month and a half ago when I tripped and fell with my iPhone 3G in my pocket. Yes, I’m fat. Get your laughing out now. Done? Okay, okay, I’ll wait.

I hate you.

Moving on, there was a huge crack left down the middle of my screen, essentially splitting the thing itself into two. The phone works great, no problems whatsoever than me hanging my head in shame and demanding a strict diet of water and saltine crackers so I don’t do something like that again. I contacted AT&T to see what could be done about getting myself a new iPhone at the time: no dice. I wasn’t “elligible” for an “update” until “August” so I’d be paying an “arm” and a “leg” and stop doing “this” Derek. That’s fine, I’d go to plan B: the “friendly” people at the Apple Genius Bar. “Yes sir! We can fix that screen for you at the low, low cost of $199.99 + tax.”

::glares::

“Isn’t that what I paid for my iPhone 3G back last year?” “Yes sir! But it’s also what it costs for a screen replacement, unless of course you want a new iPhone, in which case you’d need to be ‘elligible’…”

“Yeah I got that Copernicus, thanks. So you’re just going to walk back there and open up a new iPhone box and give me a new phone if I want a replacement screen, and charge me $199.99 or I can ask for a new iPhone and that will be $375!?”

“Oh no, sir! We do replace the screen at the low, low cost of $199.99″

“And I still have to keep my old phone at that price?”

“Why yes sir, we only replace the screen at the low, low price of–”

“$199.99 – I got it Einstein – what in the hell kind of gambit are you running here?”

“You want to know a secret sir?”

“Yes, please – entertain me ‘Genius.”

“AT&T sucks. There’s a new iPhone coming out in about 2 months.”

“I realize this but that doesn’t aid me in the here and now.”

“Just wait, the 3G is going to go down on a huge price break and you won’t have to pay for an upgrade, you can just swap out your phone for a really low cost.”

“THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH, CHIP.”

Fast foward to Monday, June 8th. The iPhone 3G S is announced starting at $199.99 and the 3G will now only be $99.99. HUZZAH! So I figure my poor little cracked iPhone was worth getting a fresh new version for less than 100 bucks. So what do I do? Go to AT&T today for my iPhone replacement at a cool $99.99. Guess what? “Sir, you’re not “elligible” for an “upgrade” as of “today”.”

::glares::

I don’t want to upgrade you college reject, and stop looking at me like I’m the antichrist for already having 3.0 on my phone, it didn’t hurt anything. Give me my new 3G phone. “Oh yes sir that will be $199.99″. THAT’S THE COST OF A NEW IPHONE 3G S!!!.

“Well yes sir, but not for you, because you are not elligible for an upgrade your cost for a 3G S would be $499.99.”

After explaining to the gentlemen I did not want a 3G S next week, that I only wanted a new 3G at today’s price of $99.99, he seemed to understand.

“Oh, no problem then sir. That will be $199.99″

You see where this is going?

I read on Apple’s website that there would be NO upgrade charge from a 3G to a 3G but apparently AT&T felt differently about that. So even though the cost for the 3G has gone down, I’m still paying outrageous prices because I’m not “elligible” for an “upgrade” and “holy crap” there I go again.

So then the guy tells me (you’ll love this) there’s an authorized Apple repair place in Tupelo. Right here. And they replace iPhone screens. Under warranty. For $40.

::glares::

I never really understood the term “going postal” until today but after 90 minutes of standing in that place arguing with his acne faced/plauged self and two other girls that didn’t know the iPhone from a pay phone, I finally figure out where this retailier is and go see him. Oh it’s a world of difference there. There’s music playing and pretty girls greeting you and free beverages and no lines or waiting. Heaven.

“Yes sir I’m out of screens today but I can fix yours at 9am in the morning in less than 10 minutes and it won’t void you out with Apple or AT&T at all.”

Genius.

Hey AT&T – how about throwing a bone to some customers you already have instead of enticing just new people? $500 for the new iPhone for people who have been using you for years looks like a big “GFY” to some loyal customers.

If you’re an AT&T customer who wants what they deserve, check out these petitions and add your name. I doubt it will do a thing, but anything can happen and this is a huge mistake on AT&T’s part. A price break at the very least would be appreciated.

http://www.petitiononline.com/IPHONE3G/petition-sign.html

http://twitition.com/f96aq

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=knowledge_center&articleId=9134218&taxonomyId=1&intsrc=kc_top

If you’re interested, please email me at derek@smallvillepodcast.com with the subject line ‘Star Trek’ and make me an offer. I’ll be accepting the highest one I get. Hope this goes to some worthy fan who will enjoy this stuff, there’s a ton of it there. Thanks!

Please note that the Star Trek: Avenger and Star Trek VI: Undiscovered Country Script Book that are pictured are NOT included in this set. *NOTE* Buyer will cover cost of shipping and handling in addition to offer.

Items for sell:

Books:
Star Trek: The Best of Trek (original)
Star Trek: The Entropy Effect (original)
Star Trek: Web of Romulans (original)
Star Trek: Memories
Star Trek: The Pandora Principle (original)
Star Trek: Doctor’s Orders (original)
Star Trek: Yesterday’s Son (original)
Star Trek: Chekov’s Enterprise (original)
Star Trek: The Next Generation – Crossover
Star Trek: New Frontier – Book One
Star Trek: The Fearful Summons (original)
Star Trek: The Art of Star Trek (Hardcover)
Star Trek: The Original Series Puzzle Book (Original)
Star Trek: Chronology (The Original Series thru First Contact)
Star Trek: Captain’s Log (empty Journal)
Star Trek: Unauthorized Guide to TNG & DS9
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Star Trek: Captain’s Log
Star Trek: The Return (Not Pictured)

Magazines:
8 Issues of Star Trek Communicator Magazine

Software/Music:
Star Trek TOS: Judgment RIghts: Collector’s Edition (in box w/ instruction manual)
Star Trek: Encyclopedia
Star Trek: Starship Creator
Star Trek: Captain’s Chair
Star Trek: Generations (original motion picture soundtrack)
Star Trek: Omnipedia
Star Trek: TNG Episode Guide
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

Video Cassettes:
Star Trek: First Contact – Widescreen Edition
Star Trek: William Shatner’s Memories
Star Trek: The Next Generation – Encounter at Farpoint
Star Trek: The Original Series – Where No Man Has Gone Before
Star Trek: The Original Series – The City On the Edge of Forever
Star Trek: The Original Series – The Ultimate Computer

Toys:
Star Trek: TOS Enterprise Alarm Clock
Star Trek: Mr. Spock Hallmark Ornament
Star Trek: Galileo Shuttlecraft Ornament
Star Trek: 30th Anniversary Convention Coasters
Mini DS9, Enterprise, Enterprise-E, Klingon & Romulan Ships
First Contact Figures: Picard, Riker, Crusher, Worf, Borg, Cochran, Alfrie, Geordi
Misc. Figures: Bashir, Admiral McCoy, Skydiving Kirk, Data, Geordi, Young Kirk
Star Trek: Terrace Board Game
Star Trek: Triazzle Puzzle

Trading Cards:
Complete set of Phase 1-3 Star Trek Reflections Set, in binder.

INCLUDING one uncut full sheet of phase three cards, rolled in tube! Plus a Phase 2 Retail Box!
TOS, TNG, & DS9 Trading Cards
Over 1000 TNG Card Game Cards
Metallic Collector’s Cards
Over 3000 Trading Cards Total!

SHoE vs. 10th Wonder

I knew something big was planned for the next film in the new Bond franchise when I saw Quantum of Solace, but I had no idea what I was in store for. Quantum of Solace (which takes it’s title only from a 007 short story from the book “For Your Eyes Only”) has everything that you can expect from the second film in a franchise. This is the Empire Strikes Back of Bond films.

And you can relax, this advanced review of the film is spoiler-free.

Few people probably know my love for James Bond; it started at a young age and was continually enhanced by my father’s equal fascination with the character. I have three great fictional characters in my life, however: Superman, Irwin M. Fletcher, and James Bond.

Every year Dad and I would catch up on the films that had been released to date, and as I’ve grown I’ve continued to do so each passing year. When Casino Royale was announced back in 2005, I was happy to see a reboot of the franchise, even though I was a bit reluctant to jump on board the Daniel Craig train, but I was pleasantly surprised when the time came for release. Casino Royale was the first Bond novel Ian Fleming ever wrote, so using it as a jumping off point for a new Bond franchise seemed like the right mode of transportation.  A fresh Bond, just christened with his liscense to kill and ’00′ status made for a great new story telling device, and one that differed from previous stories.

Casino Royale ended on a cliffhanger of sorts, something that hasn’t really been used in 007 films since “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (one of my favorite Bond movies, which didn’t really have a cliffhanger but could have been viewed as one). Bond films are usually stand alone, one-shot stories. A lot of reasons for that are due to changing writers, directors, and of course, the actors playing Bond. I had really hoped when Pierce Brosnan signed for 4 films, they would play off of each other and build a story. Alas, the only continuance we got was the story of Q progressing to that of John Clesse’s R.

In fact as I was helping my mother move this past summer, I found both items in my old closet.

They now reside with me in Starkville. What Ghostbusters toys did you have?

One thing that will be a frequent is some kind of daily feature. Tuesday’s are going to be ‘Tuesday Toy Commercial’, in which I’ll show you a commercial from your past you might remember, might have never seen, and will probably never want to see again. 

Beyond that I’ll be updating with my DVD shopping cart list on Tuesday’s as well as some BTS stuff on the podcasts as Steve and I do them from week to week. Nothing really to see here; move along, move along.