Hi, again. Welcome again to the World of Power Rangers! I hope you will enjoy your trip--just sit back and relax! Well, I have a lot to write today. I have soooo much new info. but I will not make it as long as the pilot issue! This issue is dedicated to A.J. Johnson!!! :) Okay, first off. Mighty Raw has informed me that Amy Jo Johnson is leaving the show. All I said was "Amy Jo is leaving???" I should have said a lot more than that: This newsletter is about MMPR. Pretty soon it will go wherever Amy Jo does :) (Just kidding. We may mention her new whereabouts in the MMPR nl though.) Most of you know that I am a BIG MMPR fan! Let me just say that I would not have started watching the show if I hadn't read a letter in TV Guide. It mentioned a girl who "always went to the mall and shopped." I went on a mission to figure out who this girl was. I saw a poster of Kimberly and knew it was her. Now, in my school, I have a reputation as the Kid Who Loves Power Rangers a.k.a. The Kid Who Is Obsessed With That Pink Ranger Girl. In my recent drama class, I pretended to be obsessed with her to get attention and I ended up being obsessed with her. I managed to work her in to any speech or skit that I was doing. So, when I just said "Amy Jo is leaving???", I couldn't express how much I was shocked with that news. If you ever watch "Day of the Dumpster" again, David Yost will be the only one you will recognize (hopefully.) Well, to add on to my love for Amy Jo, here are some details about her new movie. She plays the title character in it: Suzie Q. She plays Suzie Q, a girl who gets murdered at the prom in 1955. She comes back from the dead and goes to her old bedroom, where a teenage boy now lives. It's a horror movie (Unless I am missing something :) ) and it will probably be Rated R. I am sorry but I am not going to see a horror movie just because Amy Jo is in it. Especially not this one--at the end of these movies, the ghost always kisses the boy at the end and leaves. Then, when the boy misses the ghost, a lookalike moves in next-door. I'm sorry...it was bad enough seeing her kiss Jason David with a little peck--I'm not going to see her with some snotty nose wanna-be actor! :) Somebody tell me about it if they go to see it. Well, it's time for the Spotlight. This is when we focus on a character from the show. (It is not an interview, just written up like one, using the actor's own words.) Today the spotlight is on Steve Cardenas: ME: Steve, in your own words, explain how you got the part. STEVE: Last summer word went out that the producers of the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers were holding auditions all over the country for new cast members. Those applying needed "martial arts skills, gymnastic abilities, dance skills and positive personal values. At the time, I was living in Dallas and teaching martial arts at a karate school. I had heard from some buddies about the Power Rangers tryout, but I didn't pay much attention to it. I heard about it again, so I decided to call and see what it was all about. I thought, it could be bogus, but it wasn't. They told me where to go and what I had to do--just had some gymnastics and martial arts skills put together. So that night I put a routine together and went to the audition the next day. It was a Saturday. The following Monday they called and said they wanted to fly me out the next day to California. That was Tuesday and Wednesday I got the job!" ME: Until you auditioned for the Power Rangers, you hadn't considered acting as a profession, but were devoted to martial arts. As a second degree black belt, you spent eight years training, teaching and demonstrating the ancient craft. STEVE: I don't want to be considered a martial arts actor, but an actor who can do martial arts if the script calls for it. * * * * * * * S T E V E ' S P E R S O N A L S T A T S * * * * * * * Birthdate: May 29, 1974 Birthplace: Idaho Grew Up: Idaho and Texas Lives Now: Los Angeles, CA High School: Nampa High School in Idaho Extra Curricular Activities: Martial arts and varsity cheerleading Hobby: Drawing Awards: He's won martial arts state championships both in Idaho and Texas * * * * * * * R O C K Y' S R A N G E R S T A T S * * * * * * * * * Power Ranger Character: Rocky, the Red Ranger Power Ranger Sources: Tyrannosaurus Rex Power Ranger Duty: Pilots the Thunder Megazord Power Ranger Weapon: The Power Sword Power Ranger Vehicle: Red Dragon Thunderzord Hey, Karan Ashley fans--if you have the soundtrack to "Mo' Money", listen to the 15th track called "Let's Get Together (So Groovy Now)" by Krush. Karan sings the background vocals in that song. She sings with Christy Williams and Angie Smith. And, it is a REALLY cool song. The weirdest thing of all is her name is Ashley Jackson on the album--her real name is probably Karan Ashley Jackson or Ashley Karan Jackson. David Yost fans--this is your paragraph. A long time ago, David was in the circus--that's right, the circus. The Circus of the Stars to be exact-- he did a tumbling act with Adam Wylie (Picket Fences) and Zachary Ty Bryan (Home Improvement.) He did an excellent job. The only weird thing is that whenever he did a trick the crowd would gasp--what do you think, he's a Power Ranger! He performed in Disneyland's Toontown, in front of the Five O' Dime. Last time I went, I got my picture taken in the same spot that he stood! In my last newsletter, I mentioned this week's issue of TV Guide. I'm sorry, my sources were wrong. It had nothing to do with violence, just the MMPR Movie and money. In it, Jason David Frank gave a great interview. Read it below. THE LONE RANGER by James Kaplan How does it feel to be, arguably, the most popular member of the most popular band of live-action superheroes on kids' TV? Not to mention a soon-to-be major motion picture star? Ask Jason David Frank--a.k.a. Tommy, the White Ranger--what it's like to be a role model for millions of 3-to-10-years-olds, and he has a ready answer. "I've been studying martial arts since I was 4, and I've been teaching since I was 12," he says. "I'm used to being a role model. The kids used to call me 'Sensei Jason.'" He speaks in the accent of his native Southern Californian, sounding a little like a surfer-dude. Yet under his easy-going exterior is a disciplined 21-year-old. "I grew up in an atmosphere of dedication and respect, studying at the Red Karate School, in Covina, California," Frank says. "We learned the Eight Codes of the Dragon--brotherhood, dedication, respect, cooperation, discipline, confidence, attitude, and self-respect." When he was 18, he bought the school. It was the year before TV happened to him: he mortgaged himself to the hilt to own part of what he believed in so deeply. Becoming a Power Ranger, naturally, set him spinning off in another direction. But Frank, unlike many young actors in Hollywood, shows no sign of spinning out. "It's weird," he says. "All this hasn't changed my life at all. I stay at one level and give it my best. I don't go to clubs. I don't drink. In that business you can come and go like that." And he's seen it happen with the former Black, Red, and Yellow Rangers, who reportedly left the show over dissatisfaction with their salaries. Frank won't comment on his ex-colleagues' departures. But he does note, pointedly, sounding like a young man who knows exactly how his bread is buttered: "Just be happy with what you've got, is the way I feel. I'm grateful to Haim [Saban] and Shuki [Levy] for giving me a chance. People get too greedy sometimes. You know, in the show those characters went to a peace conference in Switzerland--that's how they covered their leaving. So there's a joke around the set now--they'd say, "You'd better be good, or you'll go to a peace conference.'" As for his own professional future, Frank, who says he admires Brad Pitt and Tom Hanks, is humble ("acting is an art I hope to advance in") and practical. "I used to break bricks with my head," he says. "I don't do it anymore. I might slip and break my nose." --J.K. Okay. I am now accepting MMPR profiles to print in the upcoming newsletters. Send in your info. and I will try and get it in. Here is mine: Screen Name: MAXMOUZE Real Name: Mark Oxman Residence: Bakersfield, CA Birthday: October 23, 1981 Fav. Episode(s): Different Drum, Peace Love and Woe, Calamity Kimberly, Foul Play in the Sky, Bloom of Doom, Power Ranger Punks, anything with Kim--of course Green With Evil Fav. Quote(s): "Will somebody come back to Earth and pick me up 'cause I am totally confused." "You know what, I don't need your help okay, because I think I can do it better myself anyway okay, so buzz off." "Let me out of here...NOW!...please!""You...and me...should get together on Saturday night and teaaarrrrr up the town!" "My balloons!!!" "Would you two shut up--I'm trying to think!" All said by Kim!!!! Also..."Give me the name of my best scam--friend." "Tommy, I know...I know you're the Green Ranger!" "What are you doing?" "I'm getting rid of you, you pathetic Power Ranger." "But, I'm not a Power Ranger." DON'T USE THAT MANY. THOSE WERE JUST EXAMPLES. USE ABOUT 2-3 QUOTES IN YOURS! Speaking of quotes, the answer to last week's ("Let me out of here...NOW! ...please!) was Kimberly is "Calamity Kimberly" with the Samurai Fan Man. Kimberly was trapped in the Samurai Fan Man's bottle and yelled that she wanted out--after a couple of hours she began yelling, then started begging. Nobody got it right--only RedRng even guessed (He was close: He said Rita in "White Light Part I.")! I would like somebody to come up with a quote and try to stump ME! Give it your best shot! This week's quote is much, much easier (Even though the last one was easy!) All big Power Ranger fans (Some aren't THAT big) HAVE to get this one right: "A tugboat!?!" It is soooo simple!!! Name the speaker and the episode (Or, describe it.) At least take a guess--the worst that can happen is you get it wrong! Almost nobody answered the poll except Randi Twin and me. FAVORITE RANGER: Billy the Blue Ranger got 1 vote (Randi Twin) Kimberly the Pink Ranger got 1 vote (MAXMOUZE) FAVORITE NON-RANGER(S): Bulk and Skull got 2 votes (Randi Twin and MAXMOUZE) WHAT I THINK ABOUT... V.R. TROOPERS: "Waste and no point." --Mikeeeo "I have all the titles and it's pretty good but it only has robots and almost never any plot. Power Rangers has silly monsters with cool powers I'm thinking of the 1st season with more selections) like the Gnarly Gnome and something is always going on that you can relate to. VR Troopers, I guess, just goes nowhere in the story, while in MMPR there are semiplots (Like the Green Ranger's powers). It has no long-lasting conflict and a tad on the boring side. But, there ARE some good episodes!" --MAXMOUZE TATTOED TEENAGE ALIEN FIGHTERS FROM BEVERLY HILLS: "I watched it once and didn't like it." Erbear53. "It is pretty entertaining if you think of it as a comedy!" --MAXMOUZE No other polls were answered! Come on guys! This is an interactive club-- just give me your opinion--even if you're not a Power Ranger fan, you still have opinions! Does ANYONE want to sign up for a Friday newsletter? Does anybody have the titles? Does anybody have a favorite Ranger, episode, non-Ranger or opinion on other Power Ranger wanna-be shows? I am not changing the polls this time--I want more answers! POLL 1-What does everyone think of VR Troopers, Samurai Squad, and Tattoed Teens From Beverly Hills? POLL 2-Favorite Ranger and favorite non-Ranger? POLL 3-Favorite episode (Answer in your profile!) POLL 4-What is the weirdest piece of Power Ranger merchandise that you've ever seen? Anyway, here is the answer to last weeks quiz: 1. True 2. Red 3. B 4. B 5. Angel Grove 6. B 7. Goldar 8. A 9. Thunderzords 10. A NOBODY even tried!!! Try this multiple-choice one! In the next newsletter, I'll tell you where you range in the MMPR fan club, according to Disney Adventures magazine, where this came from:1. A new Mighty Morphin' Power Ranger joined the show last season. What color did he or she wear? A. Fuschia B. Periwinkle C. Gray D. White 2. Rita Repulsa's favorite phrase is: A: "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." B. "It's very good to be very bad." C. "Come to the dark side." 3. Zack invented a dance/martial arts sport called: A: Karate Kicks B. Judo Jazzy C. Hip-hop Kido 4. Who is the only Power Ranger who ever understood Billy's techno-speak? A: Kimberly B. Trini C. Zack D. Tommy 5. Which of these Rangers has lost their powers last season? A: Billy the Blue Ranger B: Rocky the Red Ranger C: Adam the Black Ranger D: Trini the Yellow Ranger 6. Zordon's favorite phrase is: A: "May the force be with you." B: "May the force protect you." C: "Ding-dong, the witch is dead." 7. Which Ranger is the only one to have lost his/her powers AND been under Rita's evil spell? A: Trini B: Tommy C: Zack D: Kimberly 8. Which Ranger is mightily scared of anything fishy? A: Billy B: Jason C: Tommy 9. Which bad guy is half warthog, half blueberry, with a brain the size of a peach pit? A: Baboo B: A putty C: Squatt 10. Match the Power Ranger with his or her Power Weapon Blue Dagger Black Sword Pink Axe Red Lance Yellow Bow JUST GIVE IT A TRY!!!! I don't care HOW MANY you get wrong!!! What really happened to Thuy, Austin, and Walter? There are two stories: 1. Simply they hired a manager, wanted more money and were fired. 2. At a press conference, they said "After two seasons as Power Rangers, we would now like to move forward to the many new opportunities that have been presented to us. Out Power Rangers experience will always remain an exciting and important part of our lives and careers, and it is gratifying that through our participation in the show, we were able to touch the lives of so many young people. We wish to express our deep appreciation to the many millions of children and parents who have supported us. We are thankful for having been given the chance to be Power Rangers." POLL 5-What do YOU think happened? 1 or 2. I think that they were fired and gave that speech to cover up the terrible truth. But, I don't think I can just make accusations. There are two strong pieces of evidence backing 1 and 2 up. 1: Jason David Frank said "No comment" in the TV Guide interview and told about a joke about 'being good or being sent to a peace conference.' Why would he have no comment or why would he have to be "good" if they had left? 2: This was a speech given by Thuy, Austin, and Walter. So, they didn't mention how they decided to try new things. They just kind of said "NOW, we can try new things." Anyway, my opinion is not good enough. Let's hear what you think really happened. SO, WHERE ARE THEY KNOW... Austin St. John was last seen in "a wretched karate kid rip-off called "Showdown." He had a two minute part in which he got killed in a fighting tournament." Thanks to ServoZord for this information. Walter Jones was last seen by me on "Step By Step" as Joe. He was in a summer school and had to learn about the Civil War in time to compete on a school quiz show and he answers the final question and wins the game! Thuy Trang has not been spotted yet, but she is attending the University of Irvine right now. That's where my father lives! (I hope to run into her one day :) ) I know nothing about her future TV and movie career but I hope to see her soon! DID YOU KNOW... that Johnny Yong Bosch (19) was a bully??? It's true. When he was little, people would pick on him in Garland, Texas. So, sometimes he went around looking for trouble. But when he started Kung Fu classes, his instructor, James Clark, turned him to the forces of good and even changed his life by telling him about the Power Ranger audition in Dallas! The answer to last week's trivia contest was Mordant: the brown creature in the movie who lived on Lord Zedd's palace and resembles Squatt and Baboo. Nobody even guessed but it WAS a hard one TRIVIA: Which actor/actress of Power Rangers calls himself/herself a kamikaze? This is easy!!! In the last newsletter, I forgot to mention that Shuki Levy is online. He is the executive-producer of the TV series and the producer of the movie. He wrote "Crystal of Nightmares," "Day of the Dumpster," "Foul Play in the Sky," "Island of Illusion Part I and II", "A Pig Surprise," "The Mutiny Part I-III," "The Song of Guitardo," "White Light Part I and II," "The Ninja Encounter Part I-III," "Rangers Back In Time Part I and II," "The Wedding Part I-III," "Return of the Green Ranger Part I-III." He directed "Foul Play in the Sky," "The Mutiny Part I and III," "The Ninja Encounter Part I and III," "The Wedding Part I-III," and "Return of the Green Ranger Part I and III." And, he even sings! And, if I left out any of his scripts or directions (?) , I'm sorry. I can not give out his screen name, of course, but I just wanted you to know that he was there. Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers are online! Go to keyword: Hollywood and look around. Get the Power Ranger screensaver, pictures, sounds, info., and movie previews on Multimedia. DEFINITELY GET THE SCREENSAVER--IT IS SOOOO COOL! Remember--Hollywood Online. Thanks for XSENTAIX for informing me about this MMPR: The Movie board! DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHAT MONSTER TOMMY HAD TO FIGHT WITHOUT HIS POWERS IN "THE GREEN CANDLE." If so, please e-mail MAXMOUZE. Well, that's all for now. Answer all the polls, the trivia, and the quote ("A tugboat?!?"). Look for Monday's newsletter. Hear about the top story, "KARAN ASHLEY LOSES HER COOKIES/BLOWS CHUNKS FOR THE CAMERA!!!" Read all about it in the next newsletter, where the spotlight will be on David Yost!!! Also, look for what the Power Rangers's actors/actresses say about the movie. Also, the ALL-NEW "Things you never knew" column! More polls (Hopefully), more trivia, more quizzes, more fun!!!I'm Mark Oxman saying "Well, it's time to morph out and save the world! It's morphin' time..." (No Ninjetti until the 30th!) MAXMOUZE