GeekSugar

Leonard Nimoy Talks Tech, Star Trek 2, and Fringe

GeekSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:47:12 -0700

If you haven't been watching Fringe, you're missing out on a solid sci-fi thriller that will help fill a void where BSG left off. Sure, there's no space, but there are alternate universes . . . and Leonard Nimoy.

The original Spock made his appearance on the Fox series in last season's cliffhanger finale as William Bell, and will be gracing the screen again in tonight's episode. I can't tell you how excited I was to get an opportunity to talk to Leonard Nimoy himself in a conference call yesterday before his season two debut, but I'm sure you can imagine that I had to take a few deep breaths before dialing the number - come on, he's a geek legend!

Check out what Mr. Nimoy had to say about his sci-fi career, the state of the genre today, and what he's up to now when you read more.

G: Your body of work (even before Star Trek) leans heavily toward sci-fi, so I was wondering if you have always been a fan of the genre yourself?
LN: It's a good thing if you can find your niche as an actor. Back in 1951, I acted in my first science fiction project, which was probably not very well known (but I thought it was going to rocket me to stardom if you pardon my expression), and it was called Zombies of the Stratosphere. I was the third group of zombies that came to earth to take over earth's orbit, and it was a great project. But science fiction has been a fertile ground for the kind of work that I do, the kind of presence that I offer, and I'm grateful for the niche that science fiction has given me.

On if he's a "techie": I use a computer. I don't know if that qualifies me as a techie, but I'm pretty good on a computer!
On how he feels about the current state of the sci-fi genre on TV and film: I'm concerned about the positioning of story in terms of importance. When I see a lot of explosions and a lot of chases, I'm not terribly impressed. I think that there are three important elements that must be given priority position in science fiction (as well as any other kind of drama). The first is story, the second is story, and the third is story. If the story is compelling and interesting, all the other elements will find their place.
On other projects he's working on now: I'm doing a lot of photography work. That's one of my major creative outlets right now. I have an exhibition opening at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art next year that I'm really excited about.
On his relationship with J.J. Abrams and how he came into his role on Fringe: Well I first met him about three years ago when he first contacted me about the possibility of working together and I went to a meeting with him and some other production staff where they told me a very good, strong, and touching story about their feelings about Star TrekStar Trek series. I had a brilliant time working with them, so when they contacted me about working on Fringe - the same people, the same attitude, the same creativity - it was very enticing.
On if he'll be making a cameo in Star Trek 2: Frankly, I doubt that I'll be called upon again. I think I was useful in this last film to help bridge the original characters and the new cast, but with the new cast in place, I'm sure they'll move ahead with that. I don't see at the moment why they would need me, but I wouldn't hesitate if they asked.

Glow-in-the-Dark Star Trek Pillows

GeekSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:10:49 -0700

Geeky pillows are kinda like geeky cakes - they hold a special place in the hearts of techies. But these Star Trek pillows, which were made by ldhenson, are in a league of their own.

Trekkies and techies alike will agree that these felt pillows are pretty exquisite - they are not only made with love by hand, but they actually glow in the dark. Which means you can enjoy them by day, and by night.

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Vintage Geek: An Original Series Star Trek Tricorder

GeekSugar — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:47:36 -0700

Hold onto your spacecraft seatbelts, trekkies, because Amazon has got quite the Star Trek treat for you. For only $45, you can get your hands on an authentic Tricorder role-play replica.

This battery-operated handheld communicator comes with working lights and sound effects taken from the original Star Trek and includes a removable scanner accessory for far away missions. Used by Star Trek's Starfleet to check out unfamiliar territories and take examinations of living things, the mid-23rd century Tricorder was a paramount item in Starfleet travels.

Who Says Geeks Aren't Sexy? The Sexed Up Star Trek Corset

GeekSugar — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:06:16 -0700

It's not like Uhura's minidresses and gogo boots in the new Star Trek are making any statements about equal rights, but they're still light years more reserved than this Star Trek Corset, $200, from Etsy seller and apparent Trekkie EveningArwen.

I'm not saying I don't approve; I'm just saying that any males you sashay around while wearing this may need to be beamed away from you.

Star Trek Geekery Galore

GeekSugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 08:46:15 -0700

Since I'm still on a Star Trek high after seeing the glorious movie, I have to admit, I've been zeroing in on anything related to the film and Star Trek in general - obsessed much? Yes! I've already rounded up some of my past Star Trek stories, but for those of you who want to keep the Star Trek momentum going, I've got some Trek treats that you're going to love.
Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

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Geek Out With Star Trek Mania!

GeekSugar — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:45:04 -0700

I wouldn't call myself a Trekkie, but the new Mr. Spock is hot and it's hard not to get sucked in to the current Star Trek mania surrounding the film. Taking top spot at the box office, the Star Trek movie surpassed my expectations. Were you one of the millions that saw it?

How Well Do You Know Your Star Trek Trivia?	Following Up the Movie With the Game	Star Trek: Move Over Kirk, Spock Is Hot
Watch Full Star Trek Episodes on CBS.com	Star Trek Fan Creates Home Theater	Sophisticated Star Trek Wedding
Rosario Dawson Offers Klingon Phrases You Should Know	Surf Google's Klingon Search	Star Wars vs. Star Trek Costumes: Which Are Geek Chic?

Star Trek Finds Its Way Into the Fringe Plot Line

GeekSugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:15:48 -0700

Fringe creator J.J. Abrams sure knows how to make a girl totally geek out. I love the show, mostly because it's packed full of sci-fi themes and cool (although sometimes seriously vintage) tech, but also because of Walter Bishop, who never fails to completely steal every scene he's in. Last night's episode was especially entertaining, and I loved the scene that starred Clint Howard (Ron Howard's brother), which took a turn into Trekkie territory.

Is it just me, or is Joshua Jackson's character, Peter Bishop, getting hotter by the day? Maybe it's cause he knows all about Khan . . . or maybe he just knows how to play a hot geek. In any case, are you looking for a connection here? In case you didn't know, J.J. Abrams is not only the creator of Fringe, but is also the mastermind behind the new Star Trek movie, which hits theaters on Friday. Smooth, J.J., real smooth.

How Well Do You Know Your Star Trek Trivia?

GeekSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 10:10:31 -0700

The latest Star Trek movie to hit the big screen is being released this Friday (!) and I cannot be more excited. Hot gadgets, hot cast, and a bunch of sci-fi tossed in for flavor makes the perfect geek movie salad if I do say so myself. Are you a closet Trekkie? Even if you're a loud and proud Trek-aholic, take my Star Trek trivia quiz for a spin and see how well you know the legendary series!

Take the quiz

Get Your Star Trek On in May: First the Movie, Then the Game

GeekSugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:02:36 -0700

As if you can't tell, I'm pretty stoked to see the Star Trek movie next month, not only for the story, but for the eye candy as well. I'm already anticipating tons of futuristic gadgets to feast my eyes on. . . and let's be honest, the cast is too darn hot to resist!

So once you geek out at the theater, you'll also be able to get in on the action at home with Star Trek: D-A-C which will hit Xbox Live in May, followed by the Playstation Network and PC soon after.

Taking a cue from arcade style shooters, Star Trek: D-A-C will give you a top-down view of the action while you battle it out as either the captain of the Starfleet, or as a member of the Romulan Empire. Three different battle types (including a "winner-takes-all style" deathmatch) ensure that you stay in the game, and conquer the universe . . . or at least defeat your pals in some intense online play! Star Trek: D-A-C will cost you $10 or 800 Microsoft points, and is yet to be priced for download on your PS3 and PC.

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Daily Tech: Every Camera Interface You Can Imagine

GeekSugar — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:23:45 -0800

Sometimes a camera's interface is just as important as all of the other features. That's why I am loving the fact that Gizmodo has created this huge gallery of interfaces from all of the major camera manufacturers. Compare as you dare! - Gizmodo
Former President Bill Clinton's signed 8GB iPod Nano, which includes 10 of his favorite songs preloaded, will be auctioned off for the Gibson Foundation for Music Rising. - Cult of Mac
The Samsung Memoir from T-Mobile has been taken for a test drive. The results? Because it won't replace your digital camera , it's really not worth the hefty price tag. - Gearfuse
The trailer for the new Star Trek is revealing all sorts of interesting things. - Boing Boing
MOR TV stands offer a simple and modern way to prop up your television set. And with 33 colors to choose from, you can get one that matches your decor perfectly. - Unplggd