Star Trek (2009): Spock, Meet Spock

Let me preface this by saying I am not a trekkie. I loved the old series, but never got into the Next Generation and all that. When I heard about the new Star Trek, I wasn’t really excited about seeing other people play the traditional characters. I was going more for my four year old than I was myself. But, when I left the theater, I found myself pleasantly surprised with the film! This film takes us back, way back. In fact, we see Kirk make the decision to join the Federation’s StarFleet and how he and Bones McCoy became … Continue reading

William Shatner and George Takei Spar over a Wedding Invitation

George Takei, better known to Trekkies as Mr. Sulu from the popular, but short lived Star Trek series from the ’60s, recently got married. After California decided to uphold the ruling that same-sex couples have the right to marry, Takei and his partner of 21 years, Brad Altman, decided to make it legal on September 14, 2008. They had a wedding ceremony at the Japanese American National Museum. They were joined by fellow Star Trek co-stars Walter Koenig (Chekov), who served as the best man and Nichelle Nichols (Uhura), who was the Matron of Honor. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Two … Continue reading

Celebrity Good News/Bad News: Winona Ryder and Wayne Newton

Die-hard Trekkies have yet another hint of what’s to come in the upcoming “Star Trek” film. According to “Variety,” Winona Ryder has just signed on to play the Vulcan mother of young Spock in the highly anticipated movie being directed by J.J. Abrams. The actress will reportedly squeeze her “Star Trek” scenes in between shooting another movie “Private Lives of Pippa Lee” and promoting her recently completed role in “The Informers.” If you haven’t been keeping up with my blogs then you might not know that the latest “Star Trek” movie takes place during the crew’s early days at the … Continue reading

Shatner Gets The Shaft

Star Trek fans brace yourselves… the original Capt. Kirk won’t be taking flight on the starship Enterprise this time round. In news that was as shocking to Trekkies as it was to “Kirk,” producers of the new “Star Trek” movie recently announced that actor William Shatner will not appear in the upcoming production. “I couldn’t believe it. I’m not in the movie at all.” Shatner told news reporters a few days ago. “I thought, what a decision to make, since it obviously is a decision not to make use of the popularity I have to ensure the movie has good … Continue reading

George Clooney’s New Gig

From Darfur to Switzerland? It appears hunky George Clooney is spreading his knowledge of all things environmentally and socially sound to a more neutral country. According Clooney’s rep, the handsome and still bruised actor has accepted the job of executive board member of a new Swiss energy company that will “develop environmentally friendly techniques for car motors and other devices.” The new company is being created by a Swiss billionaire who is interested in pursuing new advancements in the clean production of hydrogen, solar energy and fuel cells. Nicolas Hayek, chairman of the Swatch Group (the largest watchmaker in the … Continue reading

“Star Trek” Star Turned Heavenly Body

You know that you have really reached star status when you get an asteroid named after you. Just ask “Star Trek” actor George Takei. An asteroid between Mars and Jupiter has just been renamed 7307 Takei in honor of the actor whom many of us known best for playing Hikaru Sulu in the original “Star Trek” series and movies. “I am now a heavenly body,” Takei told reporters upon hearing about the honor. “I found out about it yesterday. … I was blown away. It came out of the clear, blue sky – just like an asteroid.” The 70-year-old actor … Continue reading

If The Shoe Fits

I would venture to guess that most Americans have donned a pair of Nike shoes at some point in their lives. I completed three marathons wearing Nike running shoes. The particular shoe I wear addresses my needs as a severe over-pronator. But, as I’m sure you are well aware Nike offers dozens of different styles of athletic shoes, and now their latest creation is making headlines. For the first time in the company’s history it has created a shoe specifically for American Indians. Designers say they did so in an effort to promote physical fitness in the population that is … Continue reading

Star Trek’s Scotty Goes Missing

We all know that space travel can be risky. After all, at least for me, the disasters of the Challenger and the Columbia are etched in my memory. But, you would think, if you were dead and having your ashes sent up into space, things might go smoothly. But, that is not necessarily the case. Michele and I have written a couple of blogs about the ashes of actor James Doohan being shot up into space in a rocket. Now, this is nothing new. Each year, many people pay ($495 each) to have their ashes taken into space on a … Continue reading

Scotty’s Ashes Beamed Up To Space

Okay, be honest. How many times have you used the phrase “Beam me up Scotty?” Whether you are a “Star Trek” fan or not, the iconic line from the original TV series is likely one you’ve heard or employed yourself since it was first used in the late 1960’s. Decades later, the line is taking on new meaning as reports confirm that the ashes of James Doohan, who played chief engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott on the original show, are one step closer to being beamed up into space. According to media reports, Doohan’s cremated remains were placed aboard a spaceship … Continue reading

Star Trek Hits the Big 4-0

For a little show that only lasted three years, Star Trek has certainly made a name for itself. Most shows that last such a short amount of time are lucky if they even make it into syndication. Today is the 40th anniversary of the first showing of Star Trek on NBC. Unlikely as it sounds, it premiered right after Daniel Boone. But if you doubt the cultural significance of Star Trek, consider the impact it has had on the entertainment industry. Star Trek has spawned four spin-offs (The Next Generation, Voyager, Deep Space Nine, and Enterprise), an animated series (The … Continue reading