Kate is a freelance writer who offers her advice on a wide range of subjects drawn from her own Trek life experiences. The views and opinions expressed by Kate are hers and hers alone... and trust us, she has opinions! Click here to send your question to Kate.

Hey Everyone!

Now, I know it's been a while since I have done one of my little "Kate's Curious" segments... Well, the other day I was talking to a friend who is looking for a new job and I was telling her the importance of a good benefits package including health care, retirement — I won't get into my envy for Canadians, and Brits, and... Anyway, she went on to tell me that most employers offer dental but few offer vision. Obviously this made me curious... (hence the name of the segment). Seriously though, is that why almost all Starfleet officers have really nice teeth, because they have a dental plan? Actually, the Vulcans and Romulans seem to have really nice teeth too ... come to think of it, they all have pretty much have the same hair too — I wonder if that means they have Planetary Health and Hair Coverage? So that kinda makes me wonder about the Klingons and the Ferengi... Don't they have some sort of coverage or even an option to add on dental? Okay, so maybe it's just a cultural thing. Sure, it's kinda cool that you don't have to have perfect teeth and that in their society one is assessed by more than just their molars. But all those things aside — doesn't it hurt? I mean, the way their teeth angle this way and that — OOUCH!! Are there some races that don't have any nerves in their teeth? Nothing makes me cringe more than dental work — EEK! Okay, I really need to move on to your questions before I pass out from thinking about the buzzing... and the drilling... and the scraping... and the poking... I see the appeal to being a Klingon or a Ferengi...

Hi Kate,
I need to confirm a rumor circulating that says Tom Cruise had been asked to play the role of a young Capt Kirk. I would hope that this is NOT SO! A) I have not yet seen a film in which Tom Cruise looks good (without a great supporting cast) and B) I would think he would now be too old for the role... Have you by any chance caught wind of these things in your purview of the Con? I would ask Section 31 but of course we all know they do not exist...
Thank you
Admiral Jim

Hey Admiral Jim,

Funny you should mention Section 31 — more about them later... Well, as much as I am part of the super-cool "in" crowd, the actual factual info about Kirk is being kept even from me. However, I did hear the rumor that supposedly Tom Cruise was asked to be involved somehow. But as we all know, this is a rumor, and rumors are just stories made up by unfriendly people to mess with us! Besides, I like to think J.J. and the production gang are smart enough to not cast someone like Tom Cruise for Kirk (you are right on, Jim!). Could he turn up in a cameo as Captain Pike? Who knows. Although, it would be interesting and kind of amusing to see him under a ton of makeup trying to fight a Gorn.

Come to think of it, even the lizard guy had perfect teeth ... who is his provider? Okay, maybe not such a great fashion sense, but he had really nice pearly whites... Moving on!

Hi Kate,
Being a fan of both Star Trek and Dr Who, I've always longed to see them come together to do something. I still think it would be great if a CGI adventure would be done.
DScott750

Hey Dscott750,

Umm, I just wonder if England still exists in the realm of Trek... Hear me out! Captain Picard is French but he has a British accent. So where is merry ol' England in the scheme of things? Besides, can the Doctor's phone booth thingy travel to the proper time? Hey, it's sci-fi, anything is possible I guess when you cross circuits A and B, and compensate, and reverse the whazzits of the deflector dish and all the other techno-stuff they do.

Hello Kate,
My name is Anisrep and I need to ask you two questions. I have been a Trekkie since 2004, my friends really got me into it. Anyway to the point, I have been searching for Star Trek conventions around my native Pittsburgh, but can't find any. Is a con going to come to Pitt or anywhere around here anytime soon? And has Starfleet gone to hell considering many episodes where the admirals are crazy and where a captain thinks he is immortal (TNG and TOS)?
A toast to Starfleet (and to the Steelers),
Anisrep

Hey Anisrep,

I'm sure there must be conventions in Pittsburgh or even nearby... I just don't personally know of any. But you could check the Conventions page on this site, or google it, or boogle it, or something like that.

But as for all the crazy Admirals, I've got four words for you: Section 31 cover-up! Trust me, if I told you any more, they'd have to kill you... or me... or my cat...

Dear Kate,
I just watched Star Trek III, the one where McCoy has Spock's katra. I was just wondering, if you had to leave your katra with anyone in the Star Trek universe, who would it be?
Mike

Hey Mike,

Hmmm, that's a tough one... I must admit, Captain Janeway would be awfully tempting. Then again it would be kinda cool to get inside the head of Lt. Uhura. Or even to experience the dilemma that Spock goes through between his Vulcan and Human sides. Oh, and the flamboyant Lwaxana Troi would be so fun, and all those great clothes! But y'know, the truth of the matter is, I guess it would depend on what my options are at the time. I mean, maybe my only choices are Rom and Spot. Well, I'm sure I don't have to tell you which I would choose in that situation. (The one with better teeth!)

Hello Kate, it's Q calling.
Never mind giving me a gracious welcome to your column--the hugs and kisses can wait. It's time to get down to business.
I noticed that you are consuming yourself with trivial matters these days, Kate. Writing these purposeless columns, giving advice, helping others! Why do you condemn yourself to a life of utter servitude, sending electronic messages around this world to strangers you've never met who are crying in despair for a Vulcan mate or the finite company of friendship? It must be the essence of what you call "Star Trek" rubbing off on you. It's a bad habit, you know, Kate. Stop this nonsense and join me. Together, we can rule the stars and be king and queen of the interdimensional realm. You can't possibly pass up an opportunity to become an omnipotent Q, can you?

First let me say, Mr. Q ... "calling"? What's up with that! You sent me an e-mail. The phone is that thing you hold to your ear and talk into. But no, really, what's the deal with sending me an e-mail? Can't you just fold your arms and blink, or wiggle your nose and make things happen? Umm, anyway, so thanks for the offer, but I'm rather enjoying things as they are and besides, I like making the world a more fashionable place to live in.

P.S. It's a nice touch, y'know, aging a little every time you show up — helps us to identify with your eternalness.

Hi Kate,
I noticed in the series "The Trek Life" that Eve was introduced wearing glasses. Soon after, though, she stopped wearing them. I also noticed that the pictures of you that head your column often show you wearing glasses that I hadn't seen on you prior. Are these glasses necessary or are they affectations of projecting intelligence?

Actually, that is rhetorical. My actual question is far more basic. What is it about glasses that makes a woman prettier? It's not just you and Eve but also every woman I've known. For example, I work with a woman. She has always seemed pretty but when she puts on her glasses she becomes sexy. Why should the addition of her visual aid enhance my sexual desire?

Is it the thought of one more covering to undress? Is it that she looks smarter with glasses? Is it something else? It's something I can't figure out but I've felt it all my life. A woman in glasses touches me, profoundly, sexually.

As a follow up, is it the same for women? Does a man in glasses provoke more admiration?

Thanks for your time,
raVen

Hey RaVen,

I think many of the things that you said play a part in your feeling this way. Allow me to explain. Ever since I was little, I wanted to wear glasses. Not so much to help me see — although they do that too — but because in a lot of old movies there is always the scene where the guy removes the girl's glasses, and eventually kiss. One of my favorites of this: Rocky and Adrian in the first Rocky movie. Okay true, glasses can make some girls look smarter but I think you can tell when a girl is wearing them just for that look. I think for you, and a lot of people, the glasses help add to the mystery, and reaffirms that there is more to the person — especially women — than just a pretty face. These extra little bits of plastic and metal act as another visual aid to tell you that this person should have at least three-quarters of their brain. I know I've met a few guys that were really good-looking but then they opened their mouth and instantly I couldn't help but think, why did you have to speak?

Do glasses do something for me and other women? Sure, I think glasses (if the style and shape are right) can really enhance the face. Actually, you know what, I'll bet it is the same for some women — I have a friend who adores the guy on that StarGate show with the glasses and how he looks better with his glasses. To be perfectly honest, I have seen many guys where the glasses just really work on them. For me it's all about charm, personality and sense of humor in a guy. Looks are actually down a ways on my list. I will say this though, if it's worn right, facial hair and sideburns can leave me a little weak in the knees. But only if it suits the person and it's worn right! Oh and let's see, taller than me is a plus, and I don't like those muscley guys, often they're such jerks! Nope, just fun, average, nice guys are totally my preference — with or without glasses.

Wait a minute! When did this turn into Kate-talks-about-what-she-likes-in-a-guy? Okay gang, I think I better end this here before I start going into hair and eye color. So I'll chat with everyone later. And to everyone who is returning from vacation and traveling, have safe trips back to whatever solar system you call home.

Later!

If you wish to ask Kate a question or need some advice on your own Trek life, you can write to her at columns@startrek.com with the subject "ASK KATE." (Letters are subject to editing at Kate's discretion.)

Letters to Kate become Kate's sole property. Submitting to Kate relinquishes all ownership rights to, or any claims for financial or other consideration in connection with the submitted material, including any ideas, suggestions, script ideas, anything. This goes for you too, Carl!