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,

Wow, it's June already and this year is almost half over. Can you believe it? Where is the time going? I mean, it seemed like only a few weeks ago we were welcoming the New Year and still bundling up in sweaters. But now summer is here and that means vacation time! Time to relax, take life a little slower, get out in the fresh air, enjoy the beach and pools, have a barbeque... Oooh! And Summer Sales! Did you really think that I would forget about those? C'mon, you guys know me better than that! Besides, whenever planning a trip, people often feel the need to go out and get something new for the occasion — and of course, I'm no different! With the trips that I have planned for this summer I will definitely be hitting the sale and clearance racks! What can I say, I'm a girl who likes a bargain. Besides, the more I save the more I can buy, right? So here is a little tip for all the shoppers out there and even the people who hate to shop (oh, how sad a statement): Don't be fooled by the idea of an Outlet Mall or Store. Sure, the prices can be very good. However, often times the Outlet Stores only offer a small discount off the original price and not as big a savings as you would expect — considering that before the merchandise goes to the Outlet Store it more than likely was discounted far more at the end of the season in the regular store. Which means that a lot, not all, but a good portion of the items in the Outlet Stores are last season's fashions and who wants to pay top or middle dollar for something outdated? So with that being said, your best bet is to shop in your favorite store keeping an eye on the patterns of discounts and if you really want the best deal, keep your wits about you and be sure to always check the clearance racks in the retail store when they are trying to make room for the new, which usually will lead to further markdowns. Whereas the Outlet Store is built on the idea of hanging on to things longer so the rate of reducing the price can be slower. Oh, and discount stores are always a good way to go to — never forget about those!! But if you take one piece of info from this — that is, if you're still reading about my shopping antics — look to the clearance racks first no matter what store you're in, and always! always! always! only pay a price that you are comfortable with and can afford. Shopping isn't fun if you're not getting a good deal and you can't afford it. Gee, I wonder how "Borgqueen" (who wrote in last time) did at the Mall... If you see her there, maybe you can help her assimilate something that better suits her complexion...

Oh yes, questions! You know me and shopping, Resistance is Futile ... Okay, okay, let's get to it!

Hi Kate!
Congrats on the column! I have been a Star Trek fan for many decades now, but this is not a ST question. Like you, I am a smart blonde, and I get very tired of the misconception that all blondes are dumb! How do you deal with this problem?
Thanks, PM

Hey PM,

Yeah, it's tough at first, but then I learned the power of allowing people to underestimate you. Now hang on a minute, don't go thinking I'm saying you should act dumb — because that is not fair to yourself! I mean taking the chance to shake up people's assumptions. Let them look at you and upon first glance see a blonde, and then when you speak let them see your mind and the ability that is within. Never consciously set yourself up as being dumb, that's just giving the people who like to make assumptions exactly what they want. But it's kinda fun — when appropriate — to surprise people with some profound statement about astral physics or whatever when it's not expected. Just keep in mind that you know you are smart and that you can't hold yourself responsible for what others think, but only for the thoughts which you are creating. A person of fewer words gives people less to question.

Heya Raven here I have been trying to look up dates for any future star trek conventions in the UK but I am having very little luck. I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction like any mags that might list or sites? shame that startrek.co.uk isnt up anymore or id look on there lol
Anyway many thanks
Raven

Hey Raven,

I looked at the Conventions page on the site that lists some events, however I didn't see any for the UK at this time. I do know that there are smaller fan-run (and usually more fun) events all over the place. I would suggest checking with your local sci-fi/comic shop, or Googling a few keywords that may direct you to these events, or maybe to some local fan clubs/groups that would have this info. Oh! Maybe you could post something on the Message Board asking for info — that's always a good idea.

Dear Kate,
My best friend and I were hoping that you could settle an argument over who could win in a tag team wrestling tournament, Kirk and McCoy, or Picard and La Forge?
Live Long and Prosper,
Eric

Hi Eric,

Hmmm.... Let's see, well, I stand by my original opinion that Kirk would be able to win over Picard. But as for McCoy and La Forge... hmmm... Geordi would have the advantage of youth (I love ya Bones, but it's true) and his Visor could come in handy... But since it's a tag team event, and we all know how Kirk likes to be front and center, I see Kirk being more in the ring and not tagging McCoy. Besides, Kirk has a stronger motivation — more victories, more ladies.

Dear Kate,

Ever since I started watching and loving Star Trek I have been pretty much obsessed with the idea that Jean-Luc and Beverly NEED to be together. I hang on their every interaction in the hopes that someday they will get over their "we're just good friends" and "I don't want to ruin anything" excuses and finally see the light. At least, that was until I read "Death in Winter". As soon as I saw the cover I was excited and when I read the inside of the cover I was ecstatic. This was the book that I'd been waiting for forever without even realizing it. The end made me really happy, but what about the rest of their lives? It said that there would be a sequel called "Resistance" and I've been waiting for it to come out for almost two years. Do you know anything about when or if it is being released?

On a different topic, I think that it's really nice of you to be such good friends with Carl and spend so much time with him despite his exuberant and geeky love for all things Trek. I know from firsthand experience that even those who are Trek fans are sometimes turned off by Trek-obsessed people, such as myself. So, 'thanks' from all of us exceptionally passionate Trek followers.

-- A Dr. Beverly Howard Crusher Picard advocate

Dear A Dr. Beverly H. Crusher Picard advocate,

Yeah, I'm one of those people who really liked the idea of Beverly and Picard being a couple. Especially during the later seasons when the episodes gave us tidbits, hinting that they were maybe starting something — remember when Beverly and Picard were supposed to have a tea date? And I'm sure I wasn't alone when I heard the rumors for 'Nemesis' about one of the crew members getting married, I thought, oh how cool, I wonder if it's going to be Beverly and Picard since the Riker/Troi relationship kinda went all over the place and so many things weren't dealt with between those two. Anyway, according to amazon.com the book you're looking for, "Resistance," is due out around the end of August.

And about Carl, yeah, Carl will be Carl. It's just one of those things in life you accept — y'know, like the sun shines in the daytime and the moon at night... unless you live in Alaska... Yeah, I'm really glad Carl has Eve now, gives him someone else to tell his stories to.

All right gang, I think that's gonna do it for this week's installment. But just one more thing, it seems that my point of view on the Enterprise theme song has stirred up a bit of mixed emotions among my readers. Some people are saying, "Hey Kate, you're totally right," and others wrote in to tell me I've got it all wrong and they love the song. Well, you know what this means, don't you? Two things: One, people are still very passionate about Trek, which is a good thing! And two— Woohoo, I've stirred up some controversy, I've hit the big time! Look out paparazzi here I come! Okay, back to Earth now— So till next time enjoy life, be sure to wear your sunblock, and your sunglasses... Of course, you wouldn't want to wear your sunglasses at night... not unless you have moonglasses... or you live in Alaska...

Hmmm, moonglasses ... sounds like a gap in the fashion market ... I wonder...

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!