The largest annual event in the country celebrating comics and related popular art forms inevitably has a number of Star Trek connections, and this year is no exception. Among the massive guest list and 600 hours of programming over four days, Trekkers will have plenty to occupy their attention at the Comic-Con International convention, taking place July 17-20 in San Diego, California.

On Saturday, July 19, a panel specifically devoted to a Star Trek topic is scheduled at 1:30, called "Do You Have What It Takes to Pitch and Write for Star Trek?" Several prominent writers from the Trek universe will speak, including Dorothy (D.C.) Fontana, the Original Series story editor who wrote several classic episodes ("Journey to Babel," etc.) that helped define the show. Other writers on the panel include Eric Stillwell ("Yesterday's Enterprise"), Harry "Doc" Kloor ("The Raven," etc.), Jimmy Diggs ("Elogium," etc.), Jack Trevino ("Little Green Men," etc.), author Keith de Candido, and others.

On Friday, there are two panels with Trek-specific themes. At 4:00 there's "Starship Smackdown II" which asks the eternal question, "Ever wonder who would win in a battle between the Starship Enterprise and an Imperial Star Destroyer...?" Daren Dochterman is among the "spaceshipologists" on the panel — he created the Caretaker Array for "Caretaker" and was visual effects supervisor on the Director's Edition of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." At 7:00 there's a "Klingon Lifestyles Presentation," an experience of life onboard a Klingon vessel.

Trek stars scheduled to speak on various panels include Wil Wheaton ("Wesley Crusher") at 4:00 Friday; Chase Masterson ("Leeta") at 10:30 Friday and 4:30 Saturday; and Nichelle Nichols ("Uhura"), on a panel about exploring Mars, at 12:00 Saturday. Various guest actors such as Gary Graham ("Soval") will be signing autographs, and a number of book authors and others from the Star Trek world will be in attendance in various capacities. And that's just scratching the surface. Visit the Comic-Con site for all the latest details. (All scheduling information is subject to change without notice.)

"Groom Lake" on Sci-Fi

If you haven't caught William Shatner's "Groom Lake" yet, now's your chance — the film airs on Sci-Fi Channel later this month. Shatner starred, directed and devised the story for the movie, which also features a screenplay by one-time Star Trek: The Next Generation co-executive producer Maurice Hurley. "Groom Lake" airs on Sunday, July 13. Check your local listings for times. The movie also stars Dan Gauthier ("Sam Lavelle" in TNG's "Lower Decks") and Tom Towles ("Hon'Tihl" in DS9's "Dramatis Personae" and "Dr. Vatm" in Star Trek: Voyager's "Rise"). You may also purchase the "Groom Lake" DVD at the WilliamShatner.com store (although it looks like it's temporarily sold out!). In other Shatner news, Billboard.com reports that singer Ben Folds is producing an album for the actor, due in stores next year.

It's Spike TV

Cable net TNN, home of TNG reruns, will be re-named Spike TV after all. According to Variety, director Spike Lee and Viacom (which owns TNN) have settled their legal battle, prompting State Supreme Court judge Walter Tolub to lift his injunction preventing Viacom from using the name Spike TV. Lee filed suit in early June, arguing that the name would cause people to associate him with the channel.

"TMP" is Tops

DVD Etc. magazine recently conducted a readers' poll to determine the top 100 DVDs of all time. "Star Trek: The Motion Picture — The Director's Edition" made the list. "Unlike a certain fantasy film, this restoration actually helps the film and doesn't ruin the film with flashy modern CGI that doesn't fit the look of the film," writes Mark Kalze. The list appears in the June 2003 issue of the magazine, which also features an interview with "TMP" director Robert Wise.

Burton Onhand for Soccerfest

LeVar Burton ("Geordi La Forge") will appear at Major League Soccer's "Soccerfest" in August. Soccer players plan to show their support for "Read Across America" at the event by reading to children in English and Spanish. Burton, host of the PBS series Reading Rainbow, will be onhand for the festivities. Soccerfest will be held in Long Beach, CA in conjunction with 2003's Major League Soccer Pepsi All-Star Game scheduled for August 2 at the Home Depot Center in Carson. For more information, check out this news story from the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

Cromwell Seeks SAG Post

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Screen Actors Guild board member James Cromwell ("Zefram Cochrane") will run for the newly-created SAG position of secretary-treasurer. Cromwell will run on the same ticket as current SAG president Melissa Gilbert, who is seeking a second term.

Trek Stars in Summer Blockbusters

Try to spot these Trek guest stars at your local multiplex this week. Lee Arenberg, who boasts multiple Trek credits, plays "Pintel" in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," opening today. Arenberg portrayed "Pelk" in the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Juggernaut," "DaiMon Bok" in the TNG episode "Bloodlines," "DaiMon Prak" in the TNG episode "Force of Nature" and "Gral" in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "The Nagus." Also, John Fleck, best known to Trek fans as the villainous "Silik" on Enterprise, is featured in the indie film "On_Line," currently playing in limited release. Fleck also played "Taibak" in the TNG episode "The Mind's Eye," "Ornithar" in DS9's "The Search, Part I," "Koval" in the DS9 episode "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" and "Abaddon" in Voyager's "Alice."

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