Musician Ben Folds is pushing back the release of his own upcoming solo album in order to concentrate on an album of songs performed by William Shatner ("James T. Kirk"). The collection, entitled "Has Been," is being targeted for a September release on the Shout! Factory label.

"It is a great record and it is really worth going out and doing some shows in major cities," Folds said in an interview with Billboard.com. "(Shatner) is not a musician at all — he's not rapping or singing — but he is still part of the music. I've never heard a record quite like it."

"Has Been" was produced and written mostly by Folds and includes cameos by singers Henry Rollins, Aimee Mann and Joe Jackson, who duets with Shatner on Pulp's "Common People."

Shatner previously made a guest appearance on Folds' 1998 solo album "Fear of Pop, Vol.1."

"What the #$*!" is Happening with Armin Shimerman

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine star Armin Shimerman ("Quark") appears in a unique new film called "What the #$*! Do We Know?" (also known as "What the Bleep Do We Know?") that explores life on various levels, including the molecular and quantum levels, utilizing a blend of amazing special effects and humor.

In the film, Amanda (played by Marlee Matlin), a divorced photographer, finds herself in a fantastic Alice-in-Wonderland experience when her daily, uninspired life literally begins to unravel, revealing the cellular, molecular and even quantum worlds which lie beneath.  Shimerman appears as a stranger with some words of wisdom. 

"What the #$*! Do We Know?" is rolling out at limited venues across the country.  For more information visit the film's official site at www.whatthebleep.com.

Alums Alley and Smitrovich Team for CBS Telefilm

Star Trek alums Kirstie Alley (Saavik in "Star Trek II : The Wrath of Khan") and Bill Smitrovich (Michael Webb in both parts of the DS9 "Past Tense" episodes) are both teaming up to appear in "While I Was Gone," a television movie for CBS. Based on a book by the same name by Sue Miller, the pair play a couple whose beautiful life is thrown into disarray when an old friend of Alley's character returns into her life.

Chase Masterson on DVD and in Production

DS9's favorite Dabo Girl Chase Masterson ("Leeta") is keeping busy these days, with multiple projects in the works. Her feature film "Creature Unknown" comes out on DVD next Tuesday, June 29. A blend of sci-fi and horror, you can find out more about "Creature Unknown" at the film's official site at www.creatureunknown.com.

Masterson is also about to start shooting a new movie for the SciFi Channel called "Manticore,"  co-starring Star Trek: Voyager's Robert Beltran ("Chakotay"). The film is being produced by Creative Light Entertainment, the company that brought you "Comic Book: The Movie."