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!

So, the other night I actually got the chance to kick back, put my feet up and watch some live TV and not let it get filed away on my Tivo and never get watched. Well anyway, I instantly became bombarded with commercials! And not the fun "How many licks does it take to get to the center" cute cartoon commercials that are actually enjoyable. No sir! (Although, I did see a great one with Bill Shatner...) But, just once I'd like to turn on my TV and not see a commercial for some prescription drug to treat arthritis whose side effects may include "liver problems, headaches, frequent bathroom visits or death — but many sufferers feel the benefits outweigh the risks." WHAT THE?!?!?!?! Are they serious? Okay, so I don't have any of those problems that the prescription is supposed to treat ... but c'mon— Death... is worth the risk? I can just hear some medical company saying: "Well, at least they won't be suffering any more." I'm just really getting annoyed that every time I change channels I'm doomed to discover a commercial for prescriptions, or weight loss stuff, or some cheesy product being sold by some fast-talking "And if you call in the next 15 minutes we'll double your order" voice! Wait— or worse yet, "clinically proven" something-or-other with itty-bitty fine type on the bottom that says "dramatization" or "paid endorsement"! Why not just put on the bottom: "Fake people who were paid to say this stuff"? Whatever happened to the playful commercials that just had some cute kid eating a bowl of cereal, or those silly jingles, or twins chewing gum? Now every product is extreme this or ultra-mega-extreme that. I don't know about you guys, but I have plenty of coffee in my life that I don't need commercials all buzzed up too. Well, all I can say is— Hey, advertising companies, I know you want us to spend money — and there is no doubt about my shopping skills — but couldn't you bring back some of the charm, some of the fun, some of the spontaneous singing and dancing, when you ask us to give you our money?

I know, I know, there are questions to be answered. But you know me, when I get on anything related to shopping, I just keep going, and going, and going...

Hello!
Star Trek glorifies all that is good in the hearts and minds of mankind, and that is no small feat. Please settle an argument between my wife and myself -- Who wins in a fistfight, Kirk or Janeway? :)
Thanks,
Bubba M.

Hi Bubba,

What an interesting way to lead into a question about mindless violence for the sake of seeking superiority... Hmmm, a fistfight huh? Well, that doesn't really sound like the behavior of a Starfleet captain. But, when it comes to the ladies, Kirk is definitely more of a lover than a fighter. I really don't see Kirk as the type of man who would ever hit a woman, and even if he would try, Janeway would have not only her fist about her but also her feminine wits too! So with a strategic wiggle of her hips (for distraction purposes only), Janeway would come out victorious.

Hello Kate,
I would like to know if there are any plans to release voyager on dvd?? I already have next generation and all the star trek films and would like the icing for my cake!!
Gary

Well Gary, consider your cake iced! The Voyager DVDs have been available for quite some time. However, you might have to order them from a website, rather than hoping to find them in a store, since many of the DVD shops around me are starting to only carry the newest stuff or the most popular. But trust me, they're out there! [Gary, you might want to check out this Store page. —Ed.]

Dear Kate,
I love your column and hope you can help me with a problem. I am a Starfleet science officer currently stationed on Vulcan, where I have been studying the flora and fauna of the Forge. My husband was lost a few years ago in the Dominion War, and in an effort to help my two children cope, I acquired two cuddly miniature sehlats from one of the Vulcan scientists I work with. Since we live in such a remote area, the sehlats are used to roaming around outside whenever they want to. However, I just recieved new orders. I am being transferred to Deep Space Nine in six weeks. My children are excited about going to a new place and naturally assume the sehlats will be coming along. The problem is that we will be living in rather cramped quarters compared to where we are now, and though the sehlats are litter box trained, having them inside all the time doesn't seem right somehow. But then again, neither does taking the sehlats away from my children. My youngest child has special medical needs and the sehlats mean the universe to him. Do you think I should leave the sehlats on Vulcan where they can be free to roam, and try to get new pets that can be in a smaller space, like a Pyrithian bat or a Tarkalean hawk, or do I take the sehlats along and just hope for the best?
Sincerely,
Lt. K

Dear Lt. K,

I'm so glad you like the column! And I think it's great that you and your kids are looking forward to your transfer — that should make the transition a lot easier. Being the animal lover that I am, I realize that it's not easy to give up your pets and it's easier for some animals than others to adjust to their new surroundings. But as you mentioned, of course, there are the kids to think out. So, here is what I would do: take the little guys with you (I'm talking about the sehlats), but before you actually leave Vulcan, the logical thing to do would be to make arrangements with a friend that if the sehlats aren't happy on Deep Space Nine you can send them back to Vulcan knowing that they will be well cared for. One of the key things you have to do is explain to the kids that the sehlats will come with, but there is the chance they might not be happy without being able to roam around. And if that's the case you'll send the sehlats back to Vulcan to live with your friend who can let them continue to frolic freely. Having this explained to them, the kids will want what's best for their cuddly sehlats, and if they have to give them up, it should be a little easier for them knowing that they are going to be happier. Hopefully, things will work out and everyone will adjust nicely, but at least this way your kids will know that you really tried to take the little guys with you and that you're not just giving them up.

Hey Kate,
what do you think of Trekies that also like Star Wars?

You know, I think there is nothing wrong with liking Trek and Star Wars. Let's be honest, it's just another version of Sci-Fi. The thing that I do have a problem with are those people who say you can't like both. That's like saying you have to choose chocolate or vanilla. What's the deal with that?! Geez! Hey people, ever heard of swirl?

Dear Kate,
When I picture someone playing a young Kirk, I picture Wentworth Miller (Prison Break, The Human Stain). Do you have any thoughts on this? I'd really love to hear them.
Thanks,
Kate

Hi Kate,

I don't know about you, but I always find it kinda odd when I meet people who have my name. Makes me wonder if other Kates feel the same way... Anyway! In answer to your question, I've got one word for you— Eww.

Okay gang, I think my work here is done for this week. So, keep dreaming, keep questioning, keep your heart open, keep your head up, and remember to wear sunscreen... oh, and it's probably a good idea to wear a shirt and shoes if you expect to get service. 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!