Sunday, December 24, 2006

Galactic Gargle Warping

Christmas Greetings Star Trekkers. Its that time again to be happy and melt your brains out. The sparkling Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster is a tasty, intoxicating, drink eagerly sought after by earthers with a desperate need to get warped and wither in pleasure!



The Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster's whizzbang recipe in Douglas Adams Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy has driven demented fans and bartenders to create their own lively concoctions because the Gargle Blaster ingredients are fictitious! Its listed all over the Internet. Check this one out.

This Gargleblaster site analyses the official Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster ingredients and decodes the magic ingredients from sci-fi lingo into earthling language. (It also has a h2g2 section for aspiring writers.)

You can now make your own cocktail. Whoopee!! Lets get warped for Christmas! But be careful, this awesome green drink is potent and not for weakling earthlings either! Galactic Guide Project has a non alcoholic version for younger carbon based life forms. So go get warped. Its Christmas!

Live Long and Prosper Trekkers! Enjoy your Star Trekking!

Friday, December 22, 2006

Rocky Star System

In the constellation of Puppis beams the star called HD 69830 forty one light years away from earth. The stars faint lifesigns lights up the surrounding rocky asteroid belt of failed planet material which never joined to make a world.

Four and a half billion years later the clever eyes of NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has detected the heat sources created by smashing asteroids, warm dust and the glow of the star. Mr T. Pyles artistic creation of the Rocky Puppis find is thrilling. I can almost picture being there. It looks like the stars beam is calling the rocks home.


"Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech."

The smokeball on the middle-right depicts where two asteroids met and had an explosive disagreement. The U.S.S. Enterprise NCC 1701 crew have encountered asteroids before. Miramanee's Planet had a powerful Obelisk structure to deflect stray asteroids from a dangerous rocky belt surrounding the planet. The starship Enterprise failed to stop the approach of a large doomsday asteroid which Mr Spock tried to stop with the ships warp drive at maximum. The obelisk was malfunctioning, Kirk had amnesia and time was running out...

Regula - A Big Rock In Space

Earth's largest group of asteroids is situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Astronomers call it the "Asteroid Belt." You could nearly say that Jupiter and Mars are the natural deflector defence for earth's happy ball of beings...Its always a good idea to have a safety net. The dense mass of our moon has taken quite a few impacts too but I reckon asteroids are most likely attracted by the sun's gravitational pull. So you can sleep soundly in your bed tonight, LOL. You'll have to read my post on Asteroids from the Deep Dark. Watch those skies now!

Live Long and Prosper Trekkers! Enjoy Your Star Trekking.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Spock - Science Officer

Mr Spock is the responsible Vulcan Science Officer and second in command of the starship U.S.S. Enterprise NCC- 1701. Spock is a logical creature of science and trusted Commander. Our pointy eared friend is happy to analyze incoming sensor information and advise the captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise in his capacity as Kirk's First Officer.

Mr Spock is affectionately called Spock by the U.S.S. Enterprise crew. Pointy ears is half human and half Vulcan, born on Vulcan in 2230 and highly regarded right across the galaxy. In 2267, Spock earned the Vulcanian Scientific Legion of Honor, twice decorated by Starfleet Command and holds an A7 computer classification.


Star Trek. The In-Between Years

The Vulcan national symbol is worn by Spock on special occasions. The IDIC medallion means Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. It was designed by Gene Roddenberry and is the basis of Vulcan philosophy. Mr Spock wore it to honour Miranda Jones in Star Trek The Original Series episode "Is There No Truth In Beauty" but she felt a bit overwhelmed at the time if memory serves, hehe..

So what are Vulcanophiles? Sweet adoring female fans of course! According to Leonard Nimoy its the devilish eyes and ears that get females going. An actress visiting Star Trek's (The Original Series) set actually asked to touch Nimoy's ears while he was still in makeup! Isaac Asimov's essay "Mr Spock is dreamy!" is based on his daughters devotion and appreciation of Mr Spock. Apparently women are turned on by smart guys.




Copyright Belongs To
paramount Pictures.

Mr Spock leads a landing party mission in Star Trek' TOS "The Galileo Seven" surrounding the "quasar-like" phenomenon, Murasaki 312. Spock has much to learn about the emotional behaviour of humans preferring instead to steer them away from danger with his pure logical reasoning. The Science officers skills have saved the ship and crew from several life threatening interstellar encounters when pitted against crises situations....

Spock has brains, hidden human emotions, pointy ears, a fat teddy bear and several Starfleet decorations. Nimoy reaps the rewards with flocks of adoring Vulcanophiles fans. Spock's duties as First Officer includes taking command and ensuring the safety for his crew mates who sometimes challenge his commands to catch Spock offguard. Its fun seeing the human peeking through all that pure Vulcan logic verifying Dr McCoy's belief,

"Well.....nobody's perfect."

Our Vulcan friend is however, tormented by his half-human emotions which he failed to purge from his system under the guidance of Vulcan masters in 2270. Spock underwent the ritual after he resigned his Starfleet Commission. Kolinahr was the ultimate Vulcan Achievement in the pursuit of Pure logic just beyond Spock's grasp. Spock went back to his friends on the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701.

Dr Leonard H. McCoy, the chief medical officer of the starship Enterprise enjoys teasing Mr Spock on occasion over his rare emotional outbursts. To add salt to the vulcan's wounds McCoy calls Spocks brother Sybok a "Passionate Vulcan." Mr Spock counters the good doctor's jibes with anecdotes of pure logical reasoning followed with the famous arched eyebrow.



Star Trek (TOS) Amok Time.

Pon Farr occurs in stages. Spock has returned to his home planet Vulcanalia after seven years to mate with T'pring. Logic has gone out the window. The "plak-tow" awakens an illogical mating urge or " blood fever." The Pon Farr is part of the Vulcan males life cycle which releases the physical animal passions building up within body and mind. Females are unaffected by Pon Farr.

The Pon Farr joining cures all Vulcan males from their blood fevers. So too does the Koon-Ut-Kal-If-Fee which is a combat fight to the bitter end, usually instigated by the bride if her mind is set to marry someone else. T'pring bonded with Spock during childhood but now wants to marry her secret lover Ston. She holds up her hand to declare Koon-Ut-Kal-If-Fee pitting brother against brother.



Copyright Belongs to Paramount Pictures.

Spock has a teddy bear pet called a sehlat! Its not any ordinary bear because it has six inch fangs! Growing up on Vulcanalia Spock used to travel into the mountains on his own with his pet sehlat. He used to journey out alone for days on end to the sacred mountain Mount Seleya to test himself. Sehlat was a perfect travelling companion for the vulcan's survival wilderness experience until it was severely injured.

Spock logically decided to have the creature put to sleep rather than watch the wonderful beast overwhelmed with pain and suffering. Dr McCoy would argue that the Vulcan's human emotions got the better of him and that he acted out of a sense of compassion and kindness towards his pet.

I bet you can see Dr McCoy now?

"Mr Spock, logic had nothing to do with it and you know it!"

Live Long and Prosper Trekkers!

Monday, December 11, 2006

Starship Warp Speeds

Helm warp 1 Engage! Captain Picard gave this order in the movie Star Trek Generations. The Enterprise NCC 1701-D escaped the deadly heat of the imploding Amargosa star and subsequent level 12 shockwave. The Enterprise which was in orbit of the Armagosa Observatory had only five minutes to reach safety.

The order "warp 1 Engage!" alerted the navigation officer. The fact Captain Picard said "Engage" meant " Now, on the double." instructing the helm to make it so. Picard usually does'nt stand up to give simple commands, so this only tripple emphasized the hidden meaning - Lets get the hell out of here!


Image Copyright Belongs To Paramount Pictures.

Warp Factor 1 is a unit of measurement determining warp speeds. Its been used since Kirk left spacedock with his galant crew on the first stardate 2323. On stardate 3045.6 the episode "Arena" TOS established for the first time that warp factor six was the normal maximum cruising speed of the Enterprise NCC 1701 and that its panic stations when you reach a maximum speed of warp 8.

Tv viewers also found out that the transporters don't work when the shields are up. The Enterprises encounters with various alien lifeforms enabled the ship to exceed warp 10 reaching warp 14.1. Scotty's complaining about the engines blowing up always prompted Captain Kirk to take corrective action.

Image Copyright Belongs To Paramount Pictures.

By the 24th century starships were bigger and faster. The Galaxy Class was luxurious and spacious compared to Kirks 23rd century Constitution Class where they packed the crew in. A new warp scale was introduced in Picards time, while still making warp 1 the equivilent to the speed of light, warp 10 was theoretically impossible.

Until Lt Tom Paris of Voyager NCC- 74556 ran some extraordinary tests in a shuttle craft and succeeded in reaching the Warp 10 speed. This placed him in all points in the universe at the same time. Had he achieved this record in federation space it would have made him famous.

Under the new warp formula Picard's U.S.S. Enterprise Ncc 1701-D cruising speed of warp 6 is equivilent to Kirk's Enterprise Ncc 1701-A of warp 7.3 on the old scale. The maximum normal warp 9.2 velocity is equal to 11.8 under the old warp system. Alot of advances were made in the last 78 years, starship technology being one.

Due to increased space travel, it was discovered that warp fields were wearing away the fabric of the space time continum. A new upper warp speed was established in " Force of Nature - TNG" for all starships. Unmodified warp engines were limited to warp 5.

I guess all they needed was a good catalytic converter. Problem easily solved for Starfleets Core of Engineers. Poor Geordi, stuck in engineering warping around at W5, man he must have been sooo depressed...wheres the fun, if you can't go for a spin anymore?

Live Long and Prosper Trekkers!

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Voyager I and II's Interstellar Journey

Mans thirst for knowledge of the outer planets, interstellar space bodies and our galaxy led to the approval of Voyager Mission in 1972.

The Voyagers probes I and II are nearly identical and were overseen by the engineers at the Jet Propulsion Labratory (JPL). Launched using Titan/Centaur rockets in August and September of 1977 these satelites are really big with 65,000 individual parts.

The satelites are able to generate their own electrical powered energy from the natural radioactive decay of plutonium into electricty to power the satelites instruments, computers, radio and other craft systems.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

How Satelites Work from Satelite to Ground


The Voyager spacecraft will discontinue around 2020 because its Radioisotopes will cease. Sad really because these machines are Earth's first spectacular interstellar explorers.

Voyagers Grand Tour Of Space

Above is Voyager 1's actual farewell view of the earth and its moon. This was relayed to earths ball of beings in a single frame on september 1977 as it continued on its journey into the vast expanse of space.


Image credit: NASA/ JPL-Caltech.

Voyager Specifications

Voyager Mission Satelites.

High Gain Antenna.
Wide Angle Camera.
Narrow Angle Camera.
Plasma Detector.
Cosmic Ray Detector.
Housing Electronics Bus.
Ultraviolet Spectrometer.
Infrared Spectrometer and Radiometer.
Low Energy Charged Particle Detector.
Photopolarimeter.
High Field Magnetometer.
Low Field Magnetometer.
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator.
Planetary Radio Astronomy and Plasma Ware Antenna



Image Copyright belongs to Paramount Pictures.

Voyager Finds Three Surprises

Spock goes on an adventure of his own. Spacesuited he leaves the Enterprise NCC 1701-A and investigates the unknown chambers of Vger. Inside the Vger vessel he finds to his amazement a world of the mechanical and organic beings. Llia is one of the organics stored as a perfect 3D electrical energy pattern.


" Jim, Vgers programming is incomplete. Vger is cold, barren. This simple feeling - not possible."
"Vger's asking questions, is this all that I am, is there nothing more?" - Spock

The poor machine was longing for human company all along.

Live Long and Prosper Trekkers!

Friday, December 01, 2006

Worf's Klingonspeak

The Klingon Language was invented for Star Trek The Motion Picture by James Doohan. He became famous for Scotty's highlands accent and getting the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 out of scrapes.

Except for peoples names the Klingon language was never spoken before Star Trek 1. In the Search for Spock, the linguist Marc Okrand developed James Doohans Klingon Language. The dialogue evolved.


Image Copyright belongs to Paramount Pictures
Worf and Martok in Deep Space 9's Holosuites

Taking half a dozen words Okrand identifed the command form of words. Core words were key. He was able to elaborate and add sounds and grammatical structure. Klingonspeak is a real Language with words and grammar not just sounds.

Sins of the father in Star Trek's TNG was Worfs story and a relaunch of the Klingon Mythos. The Klingon Dictionary is the Official Guide to Klingon words and phrases. It explains how the grammar works for all you aspiring Klingons! The TNG used the dictionary.

Michael Dorn Flies a Military Training Jet F-86!

Michael Dorn has read the book. In an interview given by the actor, "Worf" happily mentions the Klingon Dictionary, its description of Klingons and their behaviour. Michael freely admitted that the book helped him develop his Klingon character and got him the part for the Star Trek's TNG. Marc Okrand can be pleased for his contribution replied Michael Dorn smiling. Its hard to picture, but yes, Worf was smiling!

Live Long and Prosper, Trekkers!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Scotty's Deep Space K-7 Shoreleave

Inside Star Trek's Deep Space Station K-7 bar a fight breaks out between weary Klingon Warriors and Starfleet Officers from the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701.

 It seems everyone is on shore-leave recharging with a variety of drinks while Trader Cyrano Jones and Bartender - Guy Ramon watch all hell break loose from the side lines.

Scotty is having a scotch whisky. Unfortunately for the Klingons, K-7's bar doesn't supply raktajino which is Klingon coffee. A drunken Klingon staggers over to Chief Engineers Montgomery Scott's and Ensign Pavel Chekov's table uninvited.


Image Copyright belongs to Paramount Pictures.
Trouble with Tribbles.



Lets be candid. Captain James T. Kirk's reputation suffers from shipwreck, given the vicious backlash from drunken warriors who compare him to a Regulan Blood Worm, an overbearing Tin Plated Dictator with delusions of Godhood and yeah..... a Denibian Slime Devil. The unwelcome goads don't seem to be having an effect on Mr Scott. So does Mr Scott react? Absolutely not. He keeps his cool...

Write and launch your tribute into space for actor James Doohan

Chekov wanted to fight to defend the captain. Scotty ordered him to stand down. Until the Klingon touched a raw nerve and slagged off Scotts pride and joy, the USS Enterprise 1701...comparing her to a sagging rust bucket designed like a garbage scow. Mr Scott was not a happy man.

Memorial Space Flights



" Laddie, don't you think you should rephrase that?"- Scott
" You're right, I should. I did'nt mean to say that the Enterprise should be hauling garbage. I meant to say it should be hauled away as garbage" - Drunk Klingon.



Live long and Prosper Trekkers!

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Tribble Trouble

Star Trek's Trouble with Tribbles was on. The chance to observe soft, fuzzy, little critters emitting charming purring sounds had a strangely relaxing effect on me. Filled with fun, wit, engaging arguments and action packed scenes, this episode is one of the favourites and left me in good spirits. The creature known as "tribble" had me mesmerised.






"They seem to be gorged!"






Copyright belongs to
Paramount Pictures and or CBS
Star Trek TOS
Memory Alpha.



KIRK: Good. Mister Chekov, this flight is supposed to provide both experience and knowledge. How close will we come to the Klingon outpost if we continue on our present course?
CHEKOV: One parsec, sir. Close enough to smell them.
SPOCK: That is illogical, Ensign. Odours cannot travel through the vacuum of space.
CHEKOV: I was making a little joke, sir.
SPOCK: Extremely little, Ensign.













Copyright belongs to
Paramount Pictures and or CBS
The Trouble with Tribbles.

Trouble with Tribbles is a great episode because this harmless little tribble critter is the center of much devotion on the USS Enterprise and the Deep Space Station K7. Spock being a vulcan, naturally, would'nt admit to being affected by the little animals trilling.

" Most curious creature Captain. Its trilling seems to have a tranquillizing effect on the human nervous system, fortunately of course, I am immune to its effects."
Spock's crewmates looked at him in amused, sheer disbelief.





"As captain. I want two things done. First find Cyrano Jones and close that door!"




Copyright belongs to
Paramount Pictures and or CBS
The Trouble with Tribbles.

Uhura was the first to be held in its spell at K7 in 2267.This warm-blooded little animal with no teeth had a special charm that Uhura found adorable. Born pregnant and reproducing a family of ten every 12 hours eventually became a problem aboard the Deepspace Station K7 where numbers jumped to 1,771,561. The U.S.S Enterprise NCC - 1701 too fell victim to tribble infestation where Uhura's pet had its offspring.

Interstellar trader Cyrano Jones removed tribbles from its predatory filled homeworld where this highly perceptive creature lived in persecution from reptiles. Sold as pets to unsuspecting earthers, these mites liked to eat and reproduce.


Image Copyright belongs to
Paramount Pictures and or CBS
The Trouble with Tribbles.
Memory Alpha.

Deep Space Station K7 had plenty of food. To be more precise quatrotriticale, a genetically engineered Earth grain crucial for the development of Shermans Planet which only the Federation had. This created a dispute in 2267 between Klingon and Earthling.

Under the terms of the Organians Peace Treaty, only the most efficient could assume ownership of the planet which was near the Klingon border. The tribbles soon discovered K7's quatrotriticale storage compartments and skillfully bypassed Kirk's clueless guards. The feasting was about to begin! Whoopee!



Image Copyright belongs to
Paramount Pictures and or CBS
The Trouble with Tribbles.
Memory Alpha.

Tribbles coo when their feeling happy, especially when around Humans and Vulcans. This moving, purring ball of fur is hard to ignore when seen ambling accross a counter top. Picking one up and patting it is generally the human response however you will never see a Klingon do this. The reason?

The little animal is a highly sensitive, perceptive creature and can detect unwellcome people in a flash. The poor mites become badly affected and scream their little lungs out with a high pitched screech, a definate sign of an agitated animal in distress and a warning to others.

When tribbles are near, klingons have plenty to fear. In 2267 Klingons looked human and some even behaved without honour but this was due to a Klingon Augment Virus developed in 2154 which spread throughout the Klingon Homeworld, Kronos. It twarthed Klingon DNA and affected facial features for over a century. (Read my post on Worf's Bumpyhead Secret)

Tribbles were good detectives. Spotting Klingons was easy. Spotting poisoned grain was not so easy ... but this discovery soon led to another startling revelation. A Klingon spy! Our furry friends are indeed resourceful.


Image Copyright belongs to
Paramount Pictures and or CBS
The Trouble with Tribbles.
Memory Alpha.

Spock and McCoy are men of science. There is however a divide that can never be bridged that takes its shape in the form of cold logic (as Dr McCoy has described it) vs. human emotionalism. The following dialogue is hilarious and excellently performed by Leonard Nemoy and DeForest Kelley, classic Spock vs McCoy.

" Spock, I don't know too much about these little tribbles yet but there is one thing I have discovered.." - McCoy.
" What is that Doctor?"- Spock.
" I like them ... better than I like you." - McCoy.
" Doctor." - Spock.
" Yes?" - McCoy.
" They do indeed have one redeeming characteristic"- Spock.
" What is that?" - McCoy.
" They do not talk too much. If you'll excuse me sir." Spock leaves the room.

Live Long and Prosper, Trekkers!

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Phoenix Warp Ship

Dr Zefram Cochrane revolutionised space travel with the invention of the warp drive in 2061. This technology was integrated into Earth's first Warpship Protype built by the doctor and engineer Lilly Sloane. The story goes it was Cochrane's vision that inspired a handful of scientists and engineers to meet him in North America where they found an abandoned intercontinental ballistic missile silo in Montana.

The Phoenix was born using Earth's limited resources left over from WWIII and converted from an old Titan V nuclear missile, similar to Titan II. The warpship prototype, Phoenix became a symbol of hope for Earths beleaguered ball of beings and a springboard of salvation for all humanity.


Copyright Belongs to Paramount Pictures.
Voyager Drone.
Memory Alpha.

Galactic history was made on April 5th 2063, when Cochranes Phoenix launched from earth, she was the first spaceship to reach warp speed in earthling history. She travelled faster than light which successfully demonstrated to all extraterrestrials, earths knowledge of warpdrive technology and light speed.

The Phoenix was repaired by the Enterprise E engineering teams after the Borg's ship attacked with the intension to change the timeline. Cochrane's marvel of technology reached for the stars on schedule and escaped the earths gravity without any further Borg occurences from its North American, Montana launchpad.

Geordi La Forge was stationed at the Engineering console , Commander Riker was seated directly behind the pilots chair.

Zefram Cochrane controlled the ship as pilot with the warp drive activation unit on standby and monitored the ships systems using the pilots monitor.


This is the Phoenix Cockpit. The ship was one man's dream. Zefram Cochranes.

Length of Titan V Rocket prior to liftoff 35 meters. The rocket in the picture includes the Phoenix in two stages. Encased in titanium casing which Data described as imperfect, its outstanding features are easily identifyed by the cylindrical shape and painted star on its side.


Image Copyright Belongs to Paramount Pictures.
First Contact. Memory Alpha.

The first stage of the rocket (lower) carries the liquid fuel, such as liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. Using a combination of fuel can give a rocket more blast-off power which once ignited cases flames and pushes the Phoenix into Outerspace. The second stage of the rocket (top) carries the crew inside the Phoenix . Once in space the casing protecting the warp nacelles is discarded along with the second stage of the rocket which has run out of liquid fuel by now.


Image Copyright belongs to Paramount Pictures.
First Contact. Memory Alpha.

Length of Phoenix after seperation 20 meters. This pioneering technological advance of human engineering is now ready for its first historic spaceflight. Geordi, William and Doc are excited. The twin warp nacelles are deployed and charged. Their range will bring the spacecraft to the outersolar system and back before returning to sublight speeds in a controlled safe approach to earth.

In First Contact, Zefram Cochrane left Deanna's ears ringing goodo at liftoff and he actually did a Picard! or is it Picard doing a Zefram?


Various ship systems and criteria had to be checked and met before engaging the Phoenix's engines at warpspeed in the Star Trek movie, First Contact. These included:

1. Extending the Warp Nacelles.

2. Making sure the Plasma Injectors were online.

3."Everythings looking good. I think we're ready" Geordi making good on other system checks which he does'nt have time to mention.

4."We've got to break the warp barrier in the next five minutes if we're going to get their attension" - Commander Riker.

5. Nacelles charged and ready. This is the all systems operational and on standby signal to the pilot. The last of the initial checks before Cochrane did the Picard. He gave the verbal instruction "Engage" to alert the crew that he was activating the Warpdrive. To make it so.

6.Warp Field looking good - Geordi.

7.Structural Integretity holding - Geordi.

8. Speed 20,000 Kilometers Per Second - Commander Riker.

9. Thirty seconds to warp threshold - Commander Riker.

10. Approaching lightspeed, we're at critical velocity - C.R.

11 Warp. Horray!! Little did the Phoenix crew know that the borg Queen wanted nothing more than to blow them to smithereens.


Image Copyright Belongs to
Paramount Pictures.

Heres the Borg Timeship that tried to destroy the Montana Missle launch site and alter the course of earths history. Hero worshipped by Geordi La Forge and Reginald Barclay, Dr Cochrane confessed to Commander Riker as they sat in the Phoenix cockpit prior to the launch sequence.

"You want to know what my vision is? Dollar signs, money. I did'nt build this ship to usher in a new era for humanity. You think I want to go to the stars? I do'nt even like to fly, I take trains."
Commander Riker is enjoying the moment as the Zefran continues.
" I built this ship so I could retire to some tropical island filled with n---d women. Thats Zefram Cochrane. Thats his vision. This other guy, this historical figure, I never met him. I can't imagine I ever will."
Commander Riker makes a suggestion.
" Don't try to be a great man, just be a man and let history make its own judgements."
The good doctor is unconvinced.
" Thats rhetorical nonsense, who said that?"
"You did Doc."

Live Long and Prosper, Trekkers!

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Bring Back Captain Kirk!

Bring Back Captain Kirk has an awesome mix of dynamic characters
who fight the great cause of saving the Federation. The United
Federation of 150 planets now face a warring doomslayer. Who will
save them? The answer has been here all along! Will they succeed?


 


 This video has exciting imagery and special effects with a story to tell that'll bring you back in time. The movie is about to start. Enjoy the journeys which was never meant to end, so sit back and get strapped in for the thrill!



James T. Kirk hero worship burns in the blood of Star Trek Fans. The fans follow their stars. William Shatner's star is alive and Burning Bright waiting for Paramount to say All Right! You're in the Movie!!!

Live Long and Prosper.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Space Doctor Game.

Venture into the entertaining parameters of our universe on a 150 day mars mission with Space Doctor. Earthlings get to see mysteries in space and on other planets, all of which is filmed out of this world, maybe even by the astronauts themselves!

Watch the crew of the spaceship Pegasus working in space as the mission progresses towards mars. It's a fun way to learn about lengthy deep space missions, the effects on the crew, solars flares and radiation, and treatments used to keep the astronauts optimistic and well.

Play Space Doctor Game

At the start you will see NASA's Space Shuttle lifting off whereby you as the Space Doctor and the rest of the three astronauts will rendezvous with the Pegasus to live for the next 30 months. This will be your new home.

The game uses real video and real human images which give it a more thrilling appeal. The object of the game is to get your crew safely to mars. Illnesses and health issues will plague the crew. It is your duty as ships doctor to enjoy yourself and treat the crew keeping two alive to win.

Space Doctor keeps the doctor informed about the astronauts health status and mission status, volunteering information about the current video footage of the Pegasus crew, the spaceship, crew activities, crew quarters, experiments aboard the Pegasus, satelites in space and more which all makes for an exhilerating experience.

Mission Alerts will take you, the Space Doctor by complete surprise. This is an emergency situation. No communication will be possible with mission control. Oh no! This is a time when making medical decisions to save life and limb will involve relying on your gut instincts alone. I hope you feel up for the task. Have fun playing around with the game. Enjoy!

Live Long and Prosper Trekkers!

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Asteroids from the Deep Dark.

Duncan Steel, Vice President of Spaceguard has acknowledged that based on recent evidence the chances of an asteroid doing catastrophic damage in the next century are 1 in 5000 but theres no need to panic. Do earthlings live in a happy state of asteroid oblivion? Find out with Mr Steel.
BBC Asteroid Experts This website will get you amped! Its full of games and quizzes also. Check it out!


Image Credit: NASA/JPL-CALTECH
(Read my Post on the Vega Star System)

Seemingly, Earth has no international plan yet and governments are sadly lacking in this area. Asteroids are rocks and metal and comets are dirty snowballs which evaporate once they enter the earths atmosphere. Diverting an asteroid on a possible collision course would involve nuclear weapons to nudge it away from the planet gently. A global asteroid space search programme is required like yesterday.. Its possible to see asteroids from the day side of earth using telescopes in space

Funding doesn't exist to carry out ground based, telescope research, which is cheaper than space based telescopes. Spaced based are better because your can search with high technology, 24/7.

NASA's space "Spitzer Telescope" has an infrared multi-band imaging photometer, excellent for locating even the faintest sources of heat at long distances. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory(JPL), Pasadena, California manages Spitzer for NASA's - Science Directorate in Washington. This kind of telescope is ideal for discovering and identifying celestial bodies. The Hubble Space Telescope is another which has found 600 stars adrift in space between the Virgo Cluster galaxies. The vast majority of asteroid discoveries are made using telescopes which belong to the US Air Force.



Livescience.com's author Tariq Malik mentions a high ranking Federal Space Agency Official as having told reporters that Russia would step up to save the planet, but that the effort had to be an international endeavor. Theres an interesting link within Tariq Malik's article that leads to Space.com

The International Community involving Prague Astronomers, The International Astronomical Union, Nasa'a Space Guard, New IAU Task Force, U.S. Congress, and the National institute of Astrophysics are striving towards monitoring asteroids more closely and ultimately creating an early warning system. Warned in advance, the Earth can send up a rocket and deflect any intruder. Thats the theory. The demand for astronomers now is going to be greater than ever!



The largest Earth approaching asteroid is the EROS. It's 20 miles across. Nasa landed a spacecraft on it. It cannot hit Earth. Asteroids crossing the path of the Earths orbit do occur, the largest of which was 5 miles across. Asteroids orbit the sun, sometimes falling out of orbit and coming close to one of the planets. It takes time to plot the trajectory of an asteroid.

The largest group of asteroids is located between Mars and Jupiter numbering in their thousands. Astronomers call it the Asteroid Belt. Another group called the Apollos, orbits between Earth and Mars. One asteroid, Ida, has a satellite. The best place to look for asteroids is directly overhead at night, opposite the sun. We need more larger telescopes to scan the night skies, especially if we are to spot the smaller asteroids.

Its a small world in a big universe with the moon and the sun shielding earth. We've been lucky so far.... The flagship of the Federation won't be coming to our rescue when the big one hits our harmless little world. Instead, earthlings will be eating cookies and watching Star Trek on tv.

Live Long and Prosper Trekkers!

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Scientists Create A Cloaking Device

Will the Treaty of Algergon break the Federation? This agreement ended Romulan Wars and brought peace between the Federation and the Romulans.


Copyright Belongs to Paramount Pictures

However it forbid U.F.P. to develop cloaking device technology!! Those sly devils! (The Pegasus TNG)

The Klingons and the Romulans have had the upper hand in the galaxy for over 50 years!

Find out how 21st century experts are working to perfect a 24th century scientific miracle technology! Scientists are creating cloaks of invisibility that will effect change in our century!

Scientists Partial Cloak of Invisibility

Now what would Captain Picard have to say about that?
"Interfering scientists, now put away your butcher knives and let history take its course." Possibly.
The Klingons would say
"We have a weapon of ultimate power."
Star Treks United Federation of Planets would say
"We have the Treaty of Algeron, best not risk war with the Romulans."
The Marquis would probably say, "Lets go get those suckers!"

Live Long and Prosper Trekkers!

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Klingon Bird of Prey ( B'rel Class ) HMS Bounty.

The Bounty's Voyage Home in Star Trek IV, is a great story arc where the Enterprise crew find themselves in exile on Vulcan after destroying the USS Enterprise NCC 1701 in Star Trek III, The Search For Spock. Captain James Tiberius Kirk together with his gallant Enterprise crew mates, heroically decide to return to Earth in a Klingon B'rel-class, Bird of Prey to face charges of theft, damage to a starship, destruction of the USS Enterprise NCC 1701, saving Mr Spocks life, and the small matter of saving earth from the strange spaceship probe.

Klingon Empire Spaceships


The odds of returning in a rundown, clapped out Klingon ship did little to inspire Dr Mc Coys confidence. The HMS Bounty so aptly named by the good doctor, had all the toys of the 23rd century, courtesy of the Klingon Empire. A marvel of technology by today's 21st century standards, if we ever hope to power a ship without rocket technology, look no further. 23rd century inspiration has arrived over 200 years, ahead of our time! The year was 2285 and the earliest known bird of prey was the B'rel Class, D-12 Scout. Despite her chronic condition, it was a technologically advanced ship.


She was capable of carrying 12 to 36 crew.
Maximum speed of warp 9 for 6 hours.
Maximum cruising speed of warp 7.
Normal ships speed warp 5.
Landing Struts for set down; Yes.
One Tractor Beam Emitter.
One Cloaking Device.
No Hangar Bays.
No Separation Ability.
Armament defences: 2 disruptor cannons.
1 Photon Torpedo Launcher.
Deflector Shields and Sensor Array.
Maximum Core Output 32,350 Terawatts.
Tonnage 36,000.
Subspace Radio: Standard Klingon High Band.
Traditional Radio: RF Transceivers.
Escape Hatches and one Access Boom.
Ships Length: 109 metres long,
This early bird of prey was retired from service due to faulty plasma coils. Here she is with her wings lifted to enable her to set down.


Image Copyright belongs to
Paramount Pictures

Star Trek IV "The Voyage Home" is a light hearted popular Star Trek movie featuring time travel and a space probe as the random element in time. I enjoyed the wit and rhythm of the film. The movie is injected with considerable humor too which works. Kirks "double dumb ass on you" and Mr Spock's "the hell I can't" is the first time we get to hear the Vulcan use swear words which is quite funny coming from him. Even Chekov gets in on the action and in his heavy Russian accent asks a cop "We are looking for nuklear wessels?" Can you imagine what he was thinking? Together four groups set out to rescue "George and Gracie" whales living in 20th century San Francisco which will eventually determine the faith of all humanity. We get to see Spock render a particularly militant punk with his "screw you" attitude quickly silenced by the Vulcan Neck Pinch. Good one Spock!! Who's the best! Who's the best vulchie? Why Spocky is!!! Sorry readers.... Quickly moving on.

In Star Treks VI The Undiscovered Country, a prototype bird of prey launched in 2293 under General Chang's command, attacked the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 A with James Tiberius Kirk calling the shots. (I was shocked silly when Kirk surrendered the Enterprise to the Klingons!) General Chang was having too much fun practising his target shooting skills, blazing fireballs at the Enterprise from the safe comfort of his sophisticated, cloaked bird of prey. Aahh well Kirk, parting is such sweet sorrow but at least you got it together in the end.




Live Long and Prosper! Trekkers.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Star Treks 40th Year : Timetrek Video.



Celebrate captured moments in time with Star Trek's heros and villians. This nostalgic video illustrates over 40 years of Star Trek's hopeful, deepspace exploration adventures with five generations of crew.... Our Federation heroes overwhelm the firey flames of passion within all yearning hearts as they warp towards vast reservoirs of wisdom hidden beyond the Final Frontier.... Enjoy.

Live Long and Prosper. Trekkies and Trekkers!

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Pulsar Star Movie

Following up on my last Pulsar post I felt compelled to share this discovery. Here is an image of an artists creation which shows the interstellar remains of space debris, orbiting around the pulsar called 4u 0142+61. Over 100,000 years ago a massive star blew up giving birth to a baby pulsar. The explosion spewed forth a fallback disk of rocks and space dust captured in the orbit of the reborn pulsar. NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope discovered this space marvel 13,000 light years away in the Northern Constellation Cassiopeia.


Image Credit: NASA/JPL-CALTECH.

In Pulsar Rubble you will find fascinating details about the physics of this enticing space phenomenon, star composition, death and re-birth of planets plus a thrilling little space movie! Why didn't the supernova blast disperse all the planets debris and space dust? find out.

Its an awesome inspirational short movie giving an uptake on the unfolding of a giant star in our universe, beyond imagination. It can take 5 minutes to download in Quicktime player, but it is well worth the wait believe me.

How it works. You can see the short movie animation by clicking on the four thumbprint images within the above link, marked the birth of the "Phoenix Planets." Watch for yourself an electrifying rotating radiant super giant star..... well you didn't expect me to tell you the rest of it, did you?

Enjoy the movie, Live Long and Prosper!

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Pulsar Star System


Shining brightly, this pulsar PSR B1257+12 greets its neighbouring three planets every day. Alexksander Wolszczan discovered this extreme planetary system and pulsar in 1992 using a Arecibo Radio Telescope. The pulsar, once an impressive massive star is now a collapsed core of a rapidly rotating neutron star. This shadow of its former self is constantly rotating and pulsing radiation.

Pulsar Solar System

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech


Supergiants have a mass 10 - 100 times that of our own sun. The larger the star the faster the fuel burns. The nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium makes a star shine. When the fuel runs out and the star expands into a red supergiant, it has reached the latter stage of stellar evolution. The core cools and contracts suddenly causing an explosion, called a supernova which blasts away the star's outer layers.

This is one place you don't wan't to be when that happens.

"Mr Crusher, Warp 9 , Engage, Engage! Make it so! Comon Wesley, get us out of here!" Panics Picard.

"I Know, I know, captain, don't pressure me. It's that button is'nt it? " cries Wesley horrified.


If the core survives , which it did here just after the Enterprise made her lucky escape, the explosion cools and contracts further into a small, dense neutron star or pulsar. The pulsars three planets are most likely hatchling planets.

Pulsars

Its logical to assume the shockwave from the once mighty star, blew everything to smithereens in its path, leaving behind planet debris and space dust to form new worlds.

Live long and Prosper Trekkers! Star Trekking is fun.

Friday, November 10, 2006

Men In Black Mystery

Albert K. Bender was a flying saucer enthusiast and director of the International Flying saucer Bureau. The I.F.S.B. was his brainstorm and one man show. Albert trusted his gut instincts about earths visitors violating the boundaries of our little world. He published his discoveries through his "Space Review" news publication of the I.F.S.B. whose reports inspired aficionados to take a keen interest in the planetary invasion of the Flying Saucers.

The Saucer buzz was immediately accepted by locals in the community. It was the latest, thrilling, craze of the 1950's. In 1953, Albert Bender was ready to break with a new discovery which would have exposed the truth about the flying saucer phenomenon. Except something stopped him.

The men in black appeared. Three sinister humans dressed in black suits with hats communicated with Albert Bender. Albert learned from the men in black that a highly advanced civilization was responsible for the latest U.F.O. crisis... If word got out about an invasion, panic would spread fear right across the globe. The uninvited visitors told Bender the entire facts relating to the recent flying saucer sensations. But there was a price. Bender had to give his trust and solemn oath never to reveal the secrets about Flying Saucers to anyone.

Other sightings of the MIB have been recorded throughout history. Robert Richardson was paid a visit by the MIB. They drove a 1953 Cadillac. When the car licence number plate was checked out, it drew a complete blank.Who were the MIB? Were they secret government agents? extraterrestrials from outer space? Theres still a matrix of mystery concerning the MIB whose influence has silenced and altered the lives of many on planet earth. Still, we know where they got the title for the movies from.

Albert Bender and Men In Black Mystery


Live Long and Prosper! Trekkers.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

California's Lassen Park Star Tree.


corkscrew
Originally uploaded by ehoyer.
Heres one of California's natural skyscrapers in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Its the same star tree i mentioned in my previous post (pictured at night) only here it is, standing proud in daylight. it has victoriously, endured the test of time and weathered many wicked storms throughout the ages. Three cheers for the star tree!

Featured by Ehoyer

Lassen Nat. Park California

Surrounding the old tree are the star trees sentries, all gathered around. In this pocket of forest they seem to be guarding the old one, which is exactly whats happening. Without the surrounding peaceful Lassen forest, trees like this would'nt survive as long. The natural environment protects and supports itself.

Live Long and Prosper!

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Lassen Volcanic National Park's Star Tree


reaching for the stars
Originally uploaded by ehoyer.
Here is a tree hundreds of years old in California's Lassen Park. Its reaching up into the stars to the celestial heavens above where only humans can gaze and wonder, what if..

On the left is the light from someones campsite and on the right is the glow from a candle on another trekkers table.

Conifers such as these protect the watertable, mountainside and provide recreation spots for humans and shelter for wildlife. The glow from the nightsky can be seen eeking through the rooftops of the trees, which is kind of exciting, imagine being there at night.

Lassen National Park

Thats if you're not afraid of being in the woods in the dark. This photo really gives you a pretty good idea of what that might be like! Look closely at it. The Lassen National Park has over 106,000 acres of land in north California.

This is a great place to explore and become one with the trees. Many of the mammals make Lasson Park their home and why not? its a beautiful place. The glacial lakes help sustain these critters and the plants.

In my next post, i'll show you what this tree looks like in daylight.

Live Long and Prosper!

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Worf's Bumpyhead Secret

During my research, I have discovered why Klingons of an earlier era, stardate 3198.4 had the exact same facial features as Humans and why they displayed Human tendancies. I hope Worf is'nt growling, if he ever gets to read this. I'll have to start at the beginning.

In "Trial and Tribble-ations" (DS9) the crew of the Defiant, Sisco, Worf, O'Brien, Odo, Dr Bashir, and Dax head back in time to apprehend Arim Darvin and prevent him from altering time. A device called an Orbe enabled them to timetravel.


Copyright Belongs to
Paramount Pictures
Trials and Tribble-ations
Memory-alpha

With a mix of Star Trek TOS and DS9 actors in this episode, the crew of the Enterprise and the cloaked Defiant crew, clearly enjoyed themselves in the filming with our cooing, furry, fuzzball, fluffy friends aboard the old deep space station K7 with neighbourly Klingons stopping by for Eractagino.

Copyright Belongs to
Paramount Pictures
Trials and Tribble-ations
Memory Alpha

Aboard the K7 spacestation in the lounge section of the bar a conversation starts off between Dr Bashir, Worf, Chief O' Brien and Odo. Everyone is seated and the bar waitress heads over.

"What'll it be boys and don't ask for Eractagino, if I..."
Suddenly Odo's interest is sparked.
Who ordered the Eractagino? the Security Chief waits in anticipation.
" The Klingons " answers the waitress.
Odo is confused. " Klingons?"
" Over there and over there" the smile vanishes from her face.
" Those are Klingons?" enquires Dr Bashir, equally dumbfounded.
The waitress figures that either shes being toyed with or these guys are drunk. She gathers up the glasses and says
" All right boys, you've had enough" and leaves.
" Mr Worf?" prompts Odo, hoping Worf will shed light on the Klingon situation.
" They are Klingons and it is a long story" explains Worf.
"What happened, some kind of genetic engineering?" suggests O' Brien.
" A viral mutation" hints Dr Bashir.
Worfs anxiety takes over and he has no intension of explaining.
" We do not discuss it with outsiders"

In 2154 Klingon scientists accidently created a Klingon Augment Virus. A test subject had the Levodian flu and was combined with enhanced augment DNA. Eventually the mutant virus escaped causing a global epidemic on the Klingon Homeworld that threatened to obliterate the klingons during the 22nd century. The ultimate goal was of course to engineer enhanced warriors using genetically altered DNA obtained from Earth's Eugenic Wars.

Copyright Belongs to
Paramount Pictures
Trials and Tribble-ations
Memory-Alpha

During this time Klingons were fearful, humans would create augments and overthrow their empire which is why Klingons decided to create some of their own. Scientists recovered DNA and began experimenting with test subject augments. The experiments were a disaster. Augmented Klingon demonstrated enhanced strength and intelligence but they were also afflicted with human characteristics.

Their suffering included the dissolving of their cranial forehead ridges and human personality traits. Numerous Klingons d--d agonizing d--ths from incompatible DNA resulting in neural breakdown. What started as a controlled experiment with promising results was actually a complete failure. A cure for the neural breakdown was desperately needed. Further tests were conducted on a new Klingon subject who unwittingly had the Levodian flu. This experiment created an awful epidemic (Augment Virus) that spread fast on the Klingon Homeworld.

Copyright Belongs to
Paramount Pictures
Trials and Tribble-ations
Memory-Alpha

Dr Phlox from the first "Enterprise" found a cure but it meant human looking de-evolved Klingons would'nt be fully restored to their proper appearance, while cured of the virus they still looked like humans! How humiliating for them. Klingons for generations bore this discrace for over a century before scientists discovered a method of full restoration.

In Trial and Tribble-ations stardate 4523.3 Worf is forced to admit that the human looking Klingons without cranial ridges are in fact Klingons. Their human characteristics are painfully evident. Even the Klingon villian insulting Scotty's Enterprise NCC 1701 and captain Kirk was behaving in a fashion very unbecoming to klingons, whom we know to be highly honourable and tradition bound.

Klingon Virus

Poor Worf. He must have been cringing from within his own skin. To have to explain all of this and the failed genetic engineering experiments, the global epidemic on the Klingon Homeworld, Generations of human looking klingons, the tragic d--ths and dissolving cranial ridges, this would have been too embarrassing to explain to outsiders.

It also portrayed the Klingons in a " human weakling" fashion which is a description reserved for true humans (read my post on Commander Kruge is a Dynamic, Powerthirsty, Merciless, Klingon Warrior)

Copyright belongs to
Paramount Pictures
Trials and Tribble-ations
Memory-Alpha

Soon after the conversation with Worf, a Klingon renegade fires insults at Scotty, laughing at him in his face and slagging off Kirk and the Enterprise. Chief Engineer Scott restrained himself quite well considering, which is why he asked him nicely to rephrase.

Meanwhile the crew of the Defiant are seated accross the Lounge watching all of this unravel. Odo is horrified. Bar fighting scenes run amok with flying chairs and people landing all over the place. Not hard to guess who threw the first punch? I have in essence discovered and revealed Worfs hidden Homeworld past. Your big bumpy head secret is out. Sorry, Worf but it had to happen someday!

Live Long and Prosper!

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Spocks " Live Long and Prosper " Greeting.

Leonard Nimoy, our favourite alien in the Universe, Mr Spock, asked his director one fine day,

" What can I introduce into the show (Star Trek T.O.S.) about my my character? -What are we going to discover about vulcans?- What will we learn about them? We need to do something special when vulcans meet each other"
"Well, what do you suggest?" asked the director
"Well we have this greeting scene, T'Pau meets Spock on Vulcan. (Shes the Matriarch) Military people salute, people shake hands, what do vulcans do?" stated Leonard.

Have you ever wondered where the "live long and prosper" Vulcan Greeting, Earths equivalent of the handshake originated from? Leonard Nemoy described how when, he was a kid between 7-8 years old, he used to go to the synagogue with his parents during the high holidays and sit with his father, grandfather and brother downstairs in the in the orthodox hall.

(He was at an assembly of people where he was the honoured guest speaker.)

"There was a point in the ceremony when the Kohen (Priest) got up to bless the ceremony. Then 6 to 7 men, the Kohanim (Priests) got up on the Bimah (location from which worship is led) to bless the congregation. But they did'nt just bless the congregation, they blessed the congregation!"

"The chanting began and the Kohanim with their special cloaks over their heads blessed the congregation. This was a very special occasion."
Leonard demonstrated this for everyone at the gathering. It was very unexpected.



He had a special cloak on standby which he put over his head and held up his hands with the cloak resting over them. He made special sounds and gave the blessing. (I felt genuinely awed to have witnessed this. I watched something of such special, deep significance to Leonard Nemoy and he chose to share it with the fans, so openly. Wow. This was a rare occasion. The video had drawn me in and I actually felt part of something special.

"It was quite an event." Nimoy's dad said "don't look " and of course Leonard being a curious kid naturally did and survived.

"The belief is when the Kohanim do the incantation of prayer the Shekinah (Divine Presence) enters the hall. Everybody in the hall had their heads bowed over so they could'nt see. The image is so powerful, Shekinah, you don't look, dare look to save your life. This is a very important ceremony. I peeked and survived".

-What Leonard saw was these guys standing, cloaked, holding out their arms and hands with splayed fingers ( he demonstrated the Live Long and Prosper greeting with both hands) moving around incanting. -

-So from that day forward Leonard Nemoy our Mr Spock practised these hand gestures until he got it perfect- So how long did it take? The host used the words

"Diligent practise and self denial" and smiled with a pleased look on his face. They say seeing is believing well, I'm guessing that our Science Officer practised the Vulcan " Live Long and Prosper" splayed fingers until he had it down pat.

Even though i could'nt see the gathering of people on the computer screen from where i was smiling, i could tell they were doing it too and i could hear laughing. Leonard Nemoy was so genuine, only he could have enlightened people, entertaining and expanding their minds in such an enjoyable way.

By the time Star Trek came around the famous " Live Long and Prosper " Vulcan greeting was perfected for Mr Spock. So Leonards talking to his director and says

Image Copyright Belongs to
Paramount Pictures
Star Trek T.O.S.
Memory Alpha

" Suppose we do this" ( Leonard demonstrates the splayed finger gesture to his director, presumably) and his director said

"Okay" was the green light. The big go-ahead.

Leonard Nemoy recalled what happened next, rather emotively.


" So we had to get it into the show, this felt right, we just had to get it in there. So we went to Celia Lovsky ( actress playing T'Pau, the ruling matriarch of Vulcan. At the time she met Spock in " Amok Time " she was a high priestess carried in on a chair. This was the episode Leonard spoke of. The first ever greeting between vulcans was premiered here. ) and we told her what the plan was, Leonard will do this and you'll do this. She could'nt do it!"

"Not everyone could, she did'nt have the years of diligent practise and self denial like I had" jested Leonard.

"We showed Celia how to do it, (The Vulcan Live Long and Prosper Greeting with splayed fingers), with the help of her other hand, out of sight of the camera. When i raised my hand she raised hers. Thats how we got her onto the show."




Image copyright belongs to
Paramount Pictures
Star Trek T.O.S.
Memory Alpha.

Thanks for reading this far. Live Long and Prosper!

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