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The Life of Starlog Magazine
In the days before the internet and social media, one of the means for fans to stay informed was to subscribe to print media. While commercial TV and radio produced some news coverage for fans, the amount of time was limited. Therefore fans could get more in-depth coverage by reading a print story on their favorite movie or show. There were many different fan-oriented magazines back in the day, but one does stand out as being very popular during the 70s and 80s. That was Starlog Magazine.
Edward GermanPublished about 4 hours ago in Geeks
Missing Endings
It was just another ordinary day. Just another ordinary day until... it wasn't. The raindrops raced each other down the foggy window, like tears caressing the glass. Theo watched them hypnotically, letting all other thoughts empty from his head, quietening as they did so.
Karissa E.L. CuffPublished about 4 hours ago in Fiction
My Picks From Bloomingdale's
Late night “window shopping/ what’s in my cart” from Bloomingdales. Every time I visit LA I go to Bloomingdale’s. I always see celebs when I am in there. It’s great for shopping and people watching, that I don’t get in Houston. Since it’s one of my favorite places to shop in person and I haven’t been in a while I thought I’d take a look and see what’s new. They have some great brands like Aqua, Sandro, Sept a Cinq and so many more. Here’s my current wishlist plus some things I have in my cart.
Ashlee FrazierPublished about 7 hours ago in Styled
Life is a silent illusion
Life is a silent illusion. When I wake up, in the gap of time, I think of those past events that seem far away again. Perhaps everyone has a city in their heart, where the undead are buried. There are their own stories, their own scenery, far or near, happy or sad, and then choose to forget or bury.
Saleha NovaPublished about 16 hours ago in Poets
Not Lamb Brain Fritters
Hello Mum, As May is the month of Mother’s Day, Vocal has a new challenge for writers to conquer. It asks that we write you an open letter and confess to something we never planned to tell you and that got me thinking.
Colleen MillsteedPublished a day ago in Confessions
From Outcast To Clown - The Tragedy Of Jar Jar Binks
More than two decades after the debut of Jar Jar Binks in The Phantom Menace, the Gungan remains a divisive character in the community. However, whether you believe Jar Jar is a Sith Lord or just an annoying addition to the story, the Gungan has an interesting history from his conception by George Lucas until his character arc was closed in Aftermath: Empire’s End in 2017. Here we explain the history behind Jar Jar’s character archetype and the meaning of his complete story arc to date.
Culture SlatePublished a day ago in Futurism
Friday the 13th: Impact of a Legend.
On May 9th, 1980, Friday the 13th made it's theatrical debut across the country. Written by Victor Miller and directed by Sean S. Cunningham, critics labelled it the most definitive slasher film in horror. Though Friday the 13th was not the first slasher film ever made, having been preceded by Psycho (1960), The Last House on the Left (1972), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), and Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th was the first of it's horror kind to have the moniker of "slasher" tied to its identity due to its exploitative nature displayed by a slasher-killer. Friday the 13th would not only become one of the most beloved horror classics of all time, but would influence many other slashers in the genre it pioneered down the line. In addition to it's status as horror royalty, the Friday the 13th film series would also become a staple on the identity of American pop culture.
Joe PattersonPublished a day ago in Horror
Zoo Animals and the Effects of Captivity
Zoos are places where people maintain animals for their entertainment. People adore animals because they are attractive, which is why zoos were developed so they could admire them from a safe distance. Nonetheless, the poor caged animals suffer greatly and have mental disorders as a result of this.
The Kind of Man I Waited For
Growing up I was always told the same few things about marriage. “Wait for the man who brings home flowers to you!” “Wait for the man who always holds the door open for you.”
Caitlin FladagerPublished a day ago in Humans
Doctor Who: The Companion Chronicles: The Time Vampire Review
Before 2012, and Tom Baker's return to the part of the Fourth Doctor, the Companion Chronicles were the only way to enjoy new stories with one of the most-beloved Doctors in the show's history. One of the most highly-acclaimed releases during this time was "The Catalyst", the first story in the range to feature Louise Jameson as Leela. This was followed by sequel story "Empathy Games" and then, in 2010, the trilogy was completed with "The Time Vampire". Stepping up a level from the previous two stories, this one reunited Louise with John Leeson as the voice of K9 in a time-twisting narrative that really demands the listener pay attention. It's an incredibly complex story, and I'm not entirely sure I agree with everything it does regarding Leela. However, I do admire this release's ambition, and I think it ties together a number of plot points from the previous two releases really interestingly and satisfactorily.
Joseph A. MorrisonPublished a day ago in Geeks
Challenges
Enter themed storytelling contests to put your creativity to the test.
Mother's Day Confessions
Write a letter to your mom and confess something you’ve never shared before.
$2,500 Grand Prize14 days leftThe Fantasy Prologue
Write the first chapter of a fantasy fiction story. We’ll give you the first sentence.
$10,000 Grand Prize21 days leftThe Moment of Freedom
Write about freedom. Do good for Ukraine.
$10k donation Grand PrizeClosed
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Resources
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Introducing Comments on Vocal
Over the last 5 years, creators on Vocal have shared nearly one million stories that have attracted, inspired, and entertained hundreds of millions of readers around the world. In response, readers have provided creators with valuable insights and feedback via Likes, Tips, and Pledges to show their support.
Justin MauryPublished 4 days ago in Resources
Announcing the Ship of Dreams Titanic Challenge Winners and Runners-Up
Congratulations to Harmony Kent, author of “Lifeboat Seven” and to Ryan Smith, author of “No Man’s Land” — both worthy winners of our Ship of Dreams Challenge here on Vocal.
Erica WagnerPublished 6 days ago in Resources
The Moment of Freedom: A Collection of Stories
In peace, continue your art; in war, continue your art; in freedom, continue your art; in captivity, continue your art! -Mehmet Murat ildan
Vocal TeamPublished 27 days ago in Resources
From Across the Room Poetry Challenge Winners
From across the room (or rather, the screen), the Vocal Team fell head over heels in love with nearly 3,500 poems submitted to the Vocal+ “From Across The Room" Challenge. Inspired by the idea of love at first sight, the Vocal creative community once again delivered with heart and soul. After a month and a half of reading love poems, and with final judging by Kirun Kapur, esteemed editor of the Beloit Poetry Journal and creative writing professor at Amherst College, we are thrilled to announce our winners.
Vocal TeamPublished 2 months ago in Resources
Introducing Reader Insights
Having access to unique and informed statistics is a key part of the Vocal experience. We use data to run our business, and we know you use data to run yours. Whether that means using readership stats to determine which of your stories are the most relatable, earnings to determine where the highest returns are, or subscriber stats to determine how wide your reach is, we want you to have access to the data you need to succeed.
Justin MauryPublished 2 months ago in Resources
Vocal Stands with Ukraine
As chaos, fear, and tensions mount during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, people all over the world are looking for ways to help. We've all found ourselves talking about this war with friends and family, and there's a big reason for that: those conversations bring visibility to the things that matter and make room for change. They allow us to hope and imagine a future where peace, unity, and safety are accessible to everyone.
Vocal TeamPublished 2 months ago in Resources
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