"Welcome one, welcome all to [the 13th edition of the newsletter]." I do hope you will all enjoy what's in store for today. We will have a new spotlight on Amy Jo Johnson, a new interview with Jason David Frank, a review on MMPR soap, a story on the Power Rangers future, Ask Max, new polls, a MMPR joke column and much much more. So, open your eyes, turn on your ears, and prepare for one wild night... PEOPLE--SEND IN YOUR SAVE MIGHTY RAW LETTERS NOW! HE NEEDS PEOPLE TO HELP SABAN CHANGE HIS STYLE OF MUSIC!!!!! SEND THEM IN NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KibaRanger instead of CarsonH ASK MAX 1. Why did I receive 2 MMPR Issue 12 newsletters in my mailbox? MAX'S ANSWER: Well, I had put two new Internet people on the list and usually when I put Internet people on the list, something goes wrong and the MAILER-DEAMON tells me that I can't send the mail. Well, a couple of minutes after I sent it, the MAILER-DEAMON wrote me about something from the nl and I thought, "Oh no. It didn't work." So, I sent another one when I learned that the MAILER-DAEMON sent that one back too. I was about to send a third one when I started thinking, "What is wrong with these?" So, I didn't send out a third one but did send out two and now realize that even if the MAILER- DAEMON writes you, it doesn't mean it won't send. 2. Do you know where I can get the lyrics to Mighty Raw's songs and where I can find "The Album: A Rock Adventure" and "Sweet Valley High Soundtrack?" - -Tien CO MAX'S ANSWER Well, I talked to Mighty Raw and he said if you have access to the Internet (AOL people have to have 2.5) then go to the site "http://www.cyberverse.com/~piero/prmusic.html". Also, the soundtracks are found in the Kids' Section of music stores, and the music department in toy stores. Even though Mighty Raw doesn't write childrens' songs (A long time ago I compared "5-4-1" to "When You Wish Upon A Star") but it's for MMPR and the cover does not have blood or nudity on it, so you can find it in the children's section. ;-) 3. Can you send me the AJ Prodigy chat transcript? MAX'S ANSWER It hasn't come out yet but when it does, I'll be happy to give it out. YOU CAN QUOTE ME ON THAT... NOBODY answered this except for STHJ@MARISTB.MARIST.EDU, who had two lucky guesses (Got both speakers right) but didn't know the episodes. The first quote was "How tall is the tallest building in the world?" This was said by Bulk in "When Is A Ranger Not A Ranger?" Adam had just given a report on how a kaleidoscope works and Ms. Appleby asked if anyone had a question. Bulk said, "I do. How tall is the tallest building in the world?" And through gritted teeth, Ms. Appleby tells him, "Questions about Adam's report, Bulk!" I love this quote! I thought it was rather funny! The second quote was "Shut up, you big Pompom Head!" I love this one too. It was said by Baboo on "Enter...the Lizzinator." Kelly was being trapped in a cave, guarded by Squatt and Baboo. Kelly used her brain and taught them some cheers until they got so dizzy that they had to leave. When they were just about to vanish because of diziness, Baboo and Squatt start arguing about whose fault it was that they got dizzy. Squatt said, "Well, it was your idea!" And, Baboo replies, "Shut up, you big Pompom Head!" Then, they disappear. I guess the joke had to do with the bump on Squatt's head and the cheerleading reference. QUOTE 1-"You guys, I don't like this. Something is really wrong." QUOTE 2- "Pschh...not in this lifetime!" TRIVIAL PURSUIT I forgot last week's trivia (I always do) so here are two: TRIVIA FROM MONDAY: Name the three monsters that were defeated because of their vanity? TRIVIA FROM TODAY: Who played the organ at Zedd and Rita's wedding? Here's the scoreboard: Jojo Stix: 6 points RedRng: 5 points DavrosPrm: 3 points Chris7118: 1 point WhiteRng: 2 points Randi Twin: 3 points DarwnONeil: 2 points CV Adam: 6 points XSENTAIX: 8 points Ami Ree: 2 points Tien CO: 6 points STHJ@MARISTB.MARIST.EDU: 6 points Patri56297: 4 points WBarezz: 2 points tguingab@vms1.gmu.edu: 1 point R Donnely: 3 points HA HA...MY SIDES ARE ACHING The following come from "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Magazine" Winter 1995 . Why did Kimberly gave Rocky a pair of bunny ears? So he could have a hoppy birthday. Why did Billy take a painting class? He wanted to be a martial artist. The following come from Marx Okman: Why isn't there a Purple Ranger? The Rangers were never oozed. Why did Tommy act like a fool? He wanted to go to a peace conference. DID YOU KNOW... At the time of the LA earthquake last winter, the Power Rangers were due to make an appearance in a Santa Monica toy store. Most parents and kids didn't want to leave, even when the earth started shaking--and some came back later to make sure they didn't miss anything! Here is a poll update: POLL 1-FAVE RANGERS BLACK RANGER-1 point BLUE RANGER-4 points GREEN RANGER-2 points PINK RANGER-8 points RED RANGER-3 points WHITE RANGER-3 points YELLOW RANGER-2 points FAVE NON-RANGERS: BULK & SKULL-10 points RITA-1 point FINSTER-1 point ERNIE-1 point RICHIE/CURTIS-1 point LORD ZEDD- 1 point ZORDON- 1 point POLL 2: WEIRDEST MERCHANDISE Trini and Kimberly Barbie Dolls The Gummy Rangers Mac n Cheese ALL OF IT the Swiss Army Pencil Box Parachuting Ranger and the Punching Bags POLL 3- BEST & WORST OF BEING A POWER RANGER FAN: BEST: "You get to see you're favorite ranger in action." --Patri56297 WORST: "You don't get to meet some of them." --Patri56297 POLL 4-NOBODY'S PERFICT This poll hasn't changed...you guys have HAD to notice at least one mistake. Oh well...nobody's perfict. POLL 5-WHO IS MAX MOUSE? I want you to draw a picture of what you think I look like. Just take a guess--the only hint you get is that I'm 13 and I'm a male. JUSTIN, YOU CAN NOT ENTER--YOU HAVE MY PICTURE!!! Anyway, color in your picture and then either scan it if you have a scanner and e-mail it to me or you can mail it to me and I'll give you my address! Later on I'll find a way to print my picture (The same one Justin has) so you can see if you guys where close or not! REMEMBER...be creative!!! You don't necissarily have to draw or anything (That is the best because you can actually draw how you think I look) use your computer in some way, cut out magazine pics, etc. After this we'll do this with more members and it will be cool! ;-) So, draw your pics of Mark (Not, Marx Okman) now! I'd like to see how everyone pictures me! NEW POLL: POLL 6-CREATE A CREATURE This is your chance to outdo Zedd by making monster masterpieces! Name the monster and tell what it can do, it's powers, weapons, etc. Don't forget to submit your things (stories, songs [what was the name for it], drawings, etc.) for Ami Ree's fanzine! I drew a picture but haven't sent it yet (I'm lazy, okay?) E-mail Ami Ree for more info. when you're done! NICE TO MEET YOU... Here is today's MMPR profile. SCREEN NAME: WBarezz REAL NAME: Kirk Taskila CURRENT RESIDENCE: Lansing, MI BIRTHDAY: 9/29/68 (I'm 27) FAVE EPISODE: "Green With Evil Parts 4 & 5" FAVE QUOTE: From the movie.... "I'm a frog." I love the MMPR. Lors of people at work say "That's really sad." Big deal. I personally thik that most people are turned off by MMPR because of the markerting blitz. Few things are more annoyinng than little kids in a store screaming and crying over this toy or that toy. I forced a friend of mine to watch a show and he liked it. Is the acting good? Not really. Plots? Not very strong. Special effects? Those are the greatest either. What makes this show good is the fact it borrows somany elements from different genres. Dinosaurs, Giant robots, old Godzilla movies, Martial arts movies, (the villains remind me of H.R. Puff N' Stuff) etc. The show is a simple story about good vs. evil. The MMPR do not go out looking for a fight and they are always willing to defend others or promote positive values. Personally, I love the show & people in real life could learn a lot by trying to follow the attitudes and behaviors of the Power Rangers. If people want to rip on me that's fine. I've got big shoulders and I'll still proudly admit to being a BIG MMPR fan! I hope this inspires some of you readers to admit and proclaim why you love the show.) MAX'S NOTE: I like the characters. They seem like my big brothers and sisters. And, I like the classic plots...a deaf girl copes with being different, the episode takes place on a plane, a day at the fair, a girl loses self-confidence, a Ranger is afraid that he will be konwn as a quitter, etc. And, some of the early monsters were cool...Shellshock Turtle, Genie, GNARLY GNOME, Madam Woe, GNARLY GNOME, Ticklesneezer, , and GNARLY GNOME! The Gnarly Gnome is soooo cool! Maybe because that was the one episode I always wanted to see and I finally got to. Also, he hypnotizes girls and takes them over Angel Grove...somewhere else besides the Juice Bar, school, and park is rarely seen on MMPR. Next we'll hear from Psyclone12 and then Patri56297. Today's spotlight is on AMY JO JOHNSON/KIMBERLY HART. The only thing different between the last one and this one is the last one came from me and this is from Terri Ann C.'s FAQ guide. Enjoy! ;-) _Amy Jo Johnson_ Birthdate: October 6, 1970 Birthplace: Cape Cod, Massachusetts Age she began studying gymnastics: 7 Gymnastics history: Has competed in the U.S. and Europe in events including uneven bars, vault, balance beam, and floor exercises. Biggest phobia she used to have: Stage fright ("I used to get so nervous before going on-stage that I would cry. I even threw up." _TV Guide_) Life before becoming a Power Ranger: Has competed at the international level in gymnastics, also was a finalist in the Miss Teen Massachusetts competition. Attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in New York City after high school. Hobbies: Currently learning how to sing and play the guitar, also loves to paint. Favorite Color: Likes all colors of the rainbow, but loves purple the most. Nickname: A.J. Latest Project: She's set to star in the movie "Suzie Q", where she will play the ghost of a teenager who dies on her Prom night in 1955. She comes back to haunt a young teen-aged boy in the present when he moves into her old room. No release date has been given. From MovieWeb: Born in 1970, Amy Jo Johnson (Kimberly, the Pink RangerTM), known affectionately to fellow cast and crew as "A.J.," began gymnastic classes at the young age of seven. She was a finalist in the Miss Teen Massachusetts competition. Upon graduating from high school, Amy Jo moved to New York to pursue her thespian training and studies at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy as well as at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. Amy Jo also enjoys painting, singing and learning to play the guitar. From Hollywood Online: Born in 1970, AMY JO JOHNSON (Kimberly, the Pink Power Ranger), known affectionately to fellow cast and crew as "A.J.", began gymnastic classes at the young age of seven. Upon graduating from high school, Amy Jo moved to New York to pursue her thespian training and studies at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy as well as at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. Amy Jo enjoys painting, singing and playing guitar. She hopes to have a career in the music industry in addition to her current work in film. _Kimberly Heart_ Age: 17 Birthday: February 14 Interesting Fact: Her parents are divorced. Sign: Aquarius Height: 5'2" Weight: 105 lbs. Birthplace: Seattle, Washington Favorite Food: Frozen Yogurt Favorite Subject: Theatre Arts Hobbies: Shopping, Archery, and Gymnastics Achievements: Was AGHS' Homecoming Queen by unanimous vote. MAX'S NOTE: Actually, it's Hart. People get it confused with heart, like I did. But, Hart is a real last name and Heart isn't. That's the only difference. --Teen Beat ("The Power Rangers Get Personal!".) _Teen Beat_. New York: The Sterling/McFadden Partnership, September, 1995. Pg. 86) Now here is the interview with Teen Beat (TB) : Now, for an article submitted by Oshaun. It is about The Future of the Power Rangers. _The Future of the Power Rangers_ by Teresa Watanabe (Los Angeles Times) THEY LOOK LIKE Power Rangers. They fight like Power Rangers. They even morph like Power Rangers. But these heroes battling five sword-wielding females in gray masks and miniskirts during a TV shoot on a recent winter day in Yokohama, Japan are arguably better than the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. "They are Ninja Rangers -- the next generation of America's hottest youth heroes from the people who created them in the first place --Toei Studios of Japan." Unbeknown to many Power Rangers fans, the Japanese film company created the original characters and licenses their use to Saban Entertainment of Burbank, Calif. Saban, in turn, mixes the Japanese action clips with its own footage featuring the familiar American teenagers who transform into heroes against the dastardly Lord Zedd and Rita Rupulsa, Empress of Evil. But in Japan, where new products and programs are cycled in and out numbing speed, the Ninja Rangers are already passé. Just a few days earlier, Toei has given the Japanese media a sneak peak at the next, next generation of Rangers: King Rangers -- or Hyper Power Rangers (Toei hasn't yet decided on the English name.) These are dashing young fighters of a global peacekeeping brigade endowed with mystical powers gleans from a pyramid. They are set to debut in May. In fact, while Power Ranger mania may have hit the United States just 18 months ago, Toei this year is marking the 20th anniversary of its heroes, who, despite the passage of time, still rank as the most popular children's program in Japan. And thanks to Saban, the Rangers -- now broadcast in 20 countries -- are well on their way to becoming Japan's biggest international screen stars since Godzilla. "We never dreamed it would come to this, " said Susumu Yoshikawa, a Tori TV division chief in charge of the Ranger series. "But as long as the Rangers are popular, we'll do it forever." That would be no easy task. One reason the Rangers have stayed as popular as they are for as long as they have is because Towi dreams up a new theme for them each and every year. King Rangers is the 19th version of the original heroes, known simply as "Five Rangers." "It's really tough to keep coming up whit new ideas," Yoshikawa said. "We always have to look ahead of the times." The "Five Rangers" was created in 1975 when Toei was casting about for a group of heroes. The studio hit on the idea of having each Ranger wear a bright, distinctive color to take advantage of the color TVs sweeping Japan. Although the "Five Rangers" lasted two years, Towi decided to replace them with a new version every year after that. Since then, there have been Turbo Rangers, Bioman, Flashman and Liveman Rangers. Goggle Five Rangers. Battle Fever J Rangers. The Power rangers that American children know and love are fashioned after No. 16, formally known as the beast Rangers of the Dinosaur Corps. Yoshikawa said the studio chose that theme to ride on the dinosaur fever generated by the movie "Jurassic Park." King Rangers were created with two trends in mind: Japan's growing participation in global peacekeeping forces and what Toei producer Shigenori Takatera called an increasing interest in "strange and mysterious power." Takatera said amulets from Easter Island and other talismans have been selling briskly in Japan, suggesting growing interest in the psychic and spiritual realms. "We thought this might be a major theme and target of interest for the 21st century," he said. Although the U.S. production of Power Rangers is not expected to undergo such rapid changes, the Toei team said some elements of the new version may gradually be introduced. As a result, they are consulting with Saban over their program content. So far, Saban has made two requests: Less violence and at least two of the Rangers should be girls. Asked how long the rangers will last, Takatera smiled. "As long as there are children," he said. Thanks, Oshaun for that morphinomenal article! Now, today's interview is with JASON DAVID FRANK! FRANKly, I think you'll enjoy it! --Disney Adventures ("Our Lunch With The White Ranger".) _Disney Adventures_. New York: Disney Magazine Publishing, Inc., August 1995. Pgs. 18-19) Here is the interview with Disney Adventures (D.A.): MORPHIN MADNESS! (Intro.) Thousands of fanatics are standing in loooooong lines to see Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie. But D.A. didn't want to wait in line--we wanted to dine. And guess what? Dine we did, with none other than the White Ranger. Exclusive invitation, we must brag! And then the nasty new villain, Ivan Ooze, tried to have US for dessert. But we survived! Read all about ir as D.A. becomes a mighty morphin magazine. OUR LUNCH WITH THE WHITE RANGER By Junior Reporter Adam Kogeman D.A. handed me the assignment: Interview Jason David Frank, the former Green ranger who now plays the White Ranger on "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." Jason met me a a restaurant for lunch. He was really nice and cool, and he joked around a lot. He taught me some Toso Kune Do (Pronounced Toso Kwan Dough) moves on a hill outside the restaurant where we ate. And he told me about Mighty Morphin Power Ranger: The Movie. D.A.: "Are the Power Rangers in the movie different from the ones on the TV show?" J.D.F.: "The movie is totally different from the TV show. It's got bigger everything--bigger special effects, bigger monsters, bigger budget, stuff like that. We have new zords and weapons. We lose our powers, and we have to find a new power." D.A.: "What's the new villain, Ivan Ooze, like?" J.D.F.: "Ivan Ooze is the best monster I've seen so far. I think the Power Rangers movie should get nominated for an Academy Award for the best makeup on Ivan Ooze. He's so cool." D.A.: "Do you like playing the White Ranger better than the Green Ranger?" J.D.F.: "Yeah, but I like the Green Ranger too. I like them both. The Green Ranger was more sensitive, I think, more independent,--you know, he was always out there by himself doing things. Now, being the White Ranger, being the leader, it's a whole different character." D.A. "Were you recognized in Australia?" J.D.F.: "Not so much, no." D.A. "What martial art do you use on the show?" J.D.F.: "On the show and in real life I study Toso Kune Do. It's a combination of every martial-art style mixed together." Okay, here's today MMPR merchandise review--on a product I haven't even seen in the store (Or, if I did, it was a long time ago). It's on MMPR SOAP! PRODUCT TESTER By David Lynch (eraserhead@iglou.iglou.com): I recently purchased a bar of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Moisturizing Bath Soap. Personally, I don't care for the Power Rangers. They're false Conspiracy bulldada of the worst sort, kind of like "Lobster Man From Mars" or Nick at Nite ads. But my opinions on entertainment have no bearing on soap, which is what I intend to review. Unlike most other soaps I have reviewed, MMPR Bath Soap is not packaged in a box. instead, it comes in a plastic tray which holds the soap, and a plastic wrapper to hold the soap in place. I find the packaging reminiscent of convenience store snack cakes, but I can't pin down exactly which one. Due to the nature of the packaging, completely accurate measurements are impossible, but it is approximately 6 1/2 by 3 3/4 inches wide, and 1 1/4 inches thick. The top two inches of the wrapper are forest green with clunky gold lightning bolts on the left and right. Beneath that is a clear 3 1/2 inch band. Straddling the upper green and the clear band is the MMPR logo, which I'd estimate 9/10ths of you are familiar with. Still, for the sake of accuracy, I'll describe it. The logo is basically a purple circle with a large, yellow stylized lightning bolt similar to the ones on the left and right of the green band penetrating it, with little blue sparks at the tip. The lightning bolt divides the phrase "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" neatly in two, with "Mighty Power" written on the left side of the bolt, and "Morphin Rangers" on the right. "Mighty" and "Morphin" are written in yellow on a purplish/maroon background, and "Power Rangers" is written in yellow which progresses to green as it nears the bottom. the sides of "Power Rangers" are blue, and the phrase is undrlined in a green/yellow horizontal progression. Beneath the logo, "Moisturizing Bath Soap" is printed in white with a blue border. The bottom 1 1/2 inches (Yes, I know that adds up to seven inches, I told you the package was impossible to measure) is green again, and features the same yellow stylized lighning bolts seen elsewhere on the packaging. Between the lightning bolts is a bold depiction of 5 Power Rangers, with the Red Ranger standing in the center. He is flanked to the left by the (L to R) Yellow and Blue Rangers, and to the right (L to R) by the Pink and Black Rangers. "NET WT. 4 OZ. (113 g)" is emblazoned over the crotches of the Blue, Red, and Pink Rangers in black letters. Zach and Jason, the Black and Red Rangers, are printed on the left of the wrapper along with a their name and logo. Billy and Kimberly, the Blue and Pink Rangers, are printed on the right side of the wrapper, and are accompanied by their respective logos and names. Trini, the Yellow Ranger, is separate from the rest of the Power Rangers on the back of the package, right above the bar code which is printed on the right of the back. It appears as if the heads of the Power Rangers had been pasted on after the intitial work, and may be from live-action photos. The left side of the back has ROVAR printed vertically by the bar code, and has an umlaut over the "O". "Biodegradable" is printed above "ROVAR", and "Mild Formula" is printed above that. "TM and (C)1994 Saban Entertainment Inc. & Saban International N.Y. All Rights Reserved" is printed to the right of the bar code, and it should be kept in mind that everything but the Yellow Ranger is printed vertically. I find the packaging to be cheap in appearance and unpleasant to the eye. It is, however, extremely effective at containing the soaps odor, which is undetectable as long as the package is sealed. Of course, the soap also has a very weak scent, which I consider to be a drawback. The soap is light blue, and shaped to resemble the mask of the Blue Ranger. It is the size of the palm of my hand, and is flat on the back, like a door stop or paperweight. I'm no expert, but the soap seems to be a pretty fair match for the actual Blue Ranger's face and is well-sculpted. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the back. It features a mottled Blue Ranger logo which bears almost no resemblance to the logo printed on the wrapper. It looks like a defect, or a botched wax seal. It also bears the logo of the Rovar soap company, which came through much clearer than the MMPR logo. (If anyone knows of other Rovar soap products, let me know.) It's an extremely soft soap, and I had to be careful not to gouge out chunks with my relatively long fingernails. This is probably very nice in a bathtub, but it's an inconvenience when washing your hands. When wet, the soap becomes EXTREMELY greasy, almost Crisco-like in nature. The lather, which also has a lardish quality to it, is very thick and a light, almost imperceptible blue. I personally enjoy the lather, and think it would make a good lubricant; however, I could easily see someone turning away from it in disgust. The lather rinses from the hands easily, but gets into the crevices of the face and looks really disgusting. When the soap dries again, it is coated with a milky film, and I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that it will leave a huge helping of soap scum. It did leave my hands vey soft, though. As per usual, I tested the soap's cleaning ability by writing "MMPR" on my right palm with a Scripto Super Stic Med Pt red ink pen, which was produced in Mexico. It was washed clean in one minute and 46 seconds, which is about average, and pretty much what I expected. On a cleaning scale of 1-10, with Lava as 10, I'd rank it a 5. All in all, I'd say this soap is a little worse than average. The packaging is ugly and unoriginal, the design is ill-conceived, the lather is fatty, and as far as cleaning goes, it's mediocre at best. The price was something like a dollar, which is about what it's worth. I don't think I'd recommend it to anyone who wasn't a die-hard MMPR fan, and even then, I'd recommend just buying a bar of Lever 2000 and whittling it to resemble the /<-Rad White Ranger. I suspect if you found an old bar of Star Wars or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles bath soap, the MMPR bar would have the same soapy qualities. Like so much else surrounding the Power Rangers, this soap is truly mediocre. Pass on it. PASS ON IT? A normal human could pass on it. But, you just asked Marx Okman. Well, that's all for today. I NEED REVIEWS ON THE MOVIE, VIDEO GAMES, MERCHANDISE, EVERYTHING!!! So, send in your articles, profiles, and everything else! I'll be checking my mailbox! ;-) Well, I tried my own hand at fanfiction with my first story, "The Experience of Agony." Tell me what you think! ;-P Next time, we'll have info. on the stage show, we'll have an interview with Paul Freeman, the spotlight on Jason David Frank, we'll have info. on MMPR online merchandise, an article on MMPR merchandise (I just read it--it's really cool!), a story by mlhttu about a "friend of hers" who is obsessed with Power Rangers, and much, much more. More humor, more education, more entertainment! So, I'll see you Friday for morphinomenal excitment. Well, gotta go... "Ninjetti................................the penguin!" "I am an animal..........cold-blooded!" Mm__)