Star Trek

Well, I suppose I have a nice story to share - the highlight of my time at the convention.

We arrived wednesday - I was very excited to be attending my first Star Trek convention, little did I know what was in store for me.  Earlier that monday - I'd applied trill spots, with henna, all the way down; and I'd gotten several comments, from people everywhere.  Only a few (pre-convention) knew what they were, but I had gotten used to being pulled aside and asked about them.

Well, thursday morning - we were up early, to head to the convention.  We arrived at the Hilton prior to the doors opening, so we decided to go eat breakfast.  Standing in line waiting for a table, I wasn't surprised when yet another someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around, prepared to explain again, that they were henna trill spots, and that I was going to the Star Trek convention. But before I could even get out 'hello' the older man standing behind me, said: "I'm Michael Westmore, I painted Terry's spots."

Oh. My. God.  Is this not every trekkie's dream?  I was completely astounded, we stood and talked for a few minutes - and enjoyed talking with him, he complimented what a good job I'd done on the spots, and said he'd seen people that did their spots...well...not so well.  I took a picture with him, and he gave me advice, and then we turned around, and continued in the line.  Now, this in itself, is a phenomenal story, I was literally just quivering with excitement! Not even to the convention yet, and I'd already gotten compliments and tips on my trill spots - from the CREATOR of trill spots.

We followed the hostess to the table and sat down, two of us - at a four person table.  My Mom (Who was joining me for the convention) looked up and noticed Mr. Westmore and his wife, still waiting for a table.  I think that's when the idea hit, I got up, and walked back over to them, casually and nonchalantly asking, if they'd like to join us for breakfast.  I think I was in shock again, when he followed me over, and sat down.  They sat with us for an hour and a half, and we had a very pleasant conversation - it was definitely the highlight of my trip.  Then, as we were all about to leave, another couple come up, and begin chatting - it took me all of about three seconds to figure out, that it was none other than Armin Shimmerman, and his wife.  That was it. I was done for.   About to explode with excitement, unfortunately - I didn't get a picture of this, since, I was afraid it would come across as too...fanatic. But verily, every time someone asks what the best part of my trip was - I, without hesitation, reply: "Having Breakfast With Michael Westmore."

Of course, to non-trek fans, they don't really 'get' the excitement of it all, so I figured this was the place to share my enthusiasm.

I have about 600 more pictures, that I'll share when they're all uploaded.

-Trill

Lol thats a cool picture.  My camera sucks so I dont have many

Good people, good entertainment.  Just a lot of fun.

Quote (mitaliano @ Aug. 21 2006, 3:35 pm)

We had a ball. ?My only disappointment was that a couple of the stars had to start bashing the president. I don't care what their politics are but this was a trek convention and it shouldn't be political. ?We walked out on George Takei when he got into his tirade. ?The guy in front of us just gave him the finger but he did have his cheers. ?Mostly the stars were terrific. ?Here are a few of my pics: TrekCon06

Love your pics! ¿They are great!

And I agree about the political stuff.  It should not happen.

I had a very enjoyable trip to Vegas. It was not inexpensive to attend this event . The best seats cost over 600. for all 4 days. I wanted the Gold or Captains chair package but only could find Preferred seating The next level is daily admission tickets and a long view to stage. Creation told of 20000 tickets sold on line. I saw many people all ages races small children even dogs .90% great people in Vegas that's extraordinary. I love Vegas I think this was my 5th trip. Part of that love is Trek" Quarks" the Rest the Adult Disney land aspect of Vegas. I'm a PG-13 person I do not get to bad in public but I sometimes swear.The Trek actors are very nice talented performers with great stage presence was lucky to run into Armin Shimmerman first I asked to take his photo and was treated to a nice chat .I was 14 for several hours .I later met more people I have watched for thirty years at least .I gathered several 8X10's autographed plus my own digital images. There were the guys with the Original series Wax museum setting up I enjoyed watching that come together. It had the Electronic Crickets sounds of the 1701 and when I would walk into ear shot it made me smile, I told the owner that I would love it in my living room but I do not live alone. The Convention center of the Hilton is a very impressive space and it was filled on one side with over 20000 seats and an acre of Vendors on the other side.If you are seeking something Trek or Sci-Fi related there's bound to be someone who can sell it or make it for the right price. I could have had a replica of Kirk's chair for 1000. and having to get it out of the room. It was a struggle to say no .If I could have put it in a vehicle I would have

I could go either way on this debate. SF is especially well situated to deal with our society in an allegorical way, so politics, etc. are fair game. SF has its greatest longevity when it is allegory, though, leaving us to interpret it differently from one generation to another.

One point though, from an international point of view. Have you ever been in a group or a party where people go on about their local political gripes? I certainly have my own, but nothing seems more petty and short-sighted to the outsider than this. These names will be irrelevant in only a few years, and we will have new people to gripe about. Star Trek is about the Big perspective.

Quote (Mandemus @ Aug. 27 2006, 1:06 pm)

I could go either way on this debate. SF is especially well situated to deal with our society in an allegorical way, so politics, etc. are fair game. SF has its greatest longevity when it is allegory, though, leaving us to interpret it differently from one generation to another. One point though, from an international point of view. Have you ever been in a group or a party where people go on about their local political gripes? I certainly have my own, but nothing seems more petty and short-sighted to the outsider than this. These names will be irrelevant in only a few years, and we will have new people to gripe about. Star Trek is about the Big perspective.

I absolutely agree with this. I didn't walk out on anyone but I did roll my eyes several times when I knew the rant was coming, although never having been to a con and not being one to really care very much what celebrities think about politics I was never sure until it started which direction the diatribe would take. Except for Kate Mulgrew-- seems like I read somewhere at some point that she was a Leftist.

But the strangest thing was that these "sermons" were always precipitated by the same guy from the audience asking the same question of each speaker, something like "given the current political climate, do you think Gene's vision for our future is more or less likely?" A shortened version but that was the gist. I couldn't understand why he thought that what was going on now was worse than the Eugenics Wars, also a part of Gene's vision of our future. Of course, what's happening now _is_ worse because it's real, but if you're going to juxtapose a vision with reality you should at least try and do it right.

As for Bush: He does some things I like and some things I don't. But I give him the same benefit of the doubt I gave Clinton in that I believe they both wanted to do what they thought was best for the country. I don't always agree with their decisions, nor do I always feel they live up to that ideal, but if we're going to throw bricks at every person who doesn't live up to what each one of us thinks is "ideal" every person on this planet will end up stoned to death.

Hello Trekkers,

I felt completely ripped off when they used the most valuable time on the insulting, gay bashing PUPPET SHOW!!
It was so bad, we and many other had to leave.  

I was the Lt. Commander Data look alike for the costume contest and was told by many, that I was robbed.

O well,

Dataest@sbcglobal.net