Subscribers: Please warp over to the *new* blog home of Trekland

Hey, loyal subscribers here to Trekland:  

Many thanks for keeping up with the blog and popping off! 


But you may have noticed there's been no new posts for a month now.

Truth is, my new larrynemecek.com FINALLY went live a couple weeks back— new look, new layout... and a new location for the blog!  All now on Wordpress instead of Blogger, if that means anything to you.
 

So, kindly point your browsers and redirect your RSS or other subscriptions now to www.larrynemecek.com/feed.  The nominal TREKLAND actual blog URL is now simply larrynemecek.com/blog.


But don't worry: Eight years of Trekland posts and vidchats are not going anywhere. I will be transferring most all the old posts to the new platform as the months go by.

For now, though, this original 2008-2016 site will stay on as a fully-indexed legacy archive, and "secret passage" links will be posted on both ends, oneto the other—as you can see in the margin here.

Happy aRSS-ing!

CYBER MONDAY Trek gift specials—EXTENDED !

UPDATE:All CYBER-MONDAY BONUS SPECIALS EXTENDED ONE WEEK, THROUGH MIDNIGHT MONDAY, DEC. 7!
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I started this blog and my website as an "entrepreneur," I had no idea that I'd have anything of my own to actually sell on it—besides some big, awesome, official, licensed product like Stellar Cartography.

But here it is 2015, and look:
Here's holiday gift ideas and CYBER-MONDAY specials just from me and my Trekland … and beyond!

Got a long-time Trekfan on your list who's been around the quadrant once or twice… or a newbie who wants to KNOW IT ALL RIGHT NOW… or even one across the miles who's pretty isolated? Well, may I suggest:

—For a stocking stuffer, the latest edition of TREKLAND: On Speaker, my remastered, theme-based audio chunks from my 500+ extended interviews with Trek’s actual creators —fresh from back in the day?  Volume 4 for 2015 spotlights four creators in Voyager’s premiere on its 20th anniversary, in CD jewel case with tri-fold photos and notes—and autographed if you like ($21.95 includes US/Canada postage; + $3.50 for foreign orders). And Volumes 2 and 3 are also still available, at a multi-discount.

—For a gift that gives a Trek fix all year long: My new PORTAL 47 deep-dive monthly fan experience —and right now with a couple of CYBER MONDAY special bonuses! For the cost of a movie for two each month, there is NOTHING like it in pop culture, much less Trek: A backstage pass live and online to the 24th century via my insider memories, archives and crew friends from the 80s, 90s and Aughts!  Your Trek insight goes to a new level, where no savvy fan has gone before! But hurry—these bonuses end at midnight Monday!


—And if you really want to mark Trek's big "5-0" with a big splash, can't beat  our Geek Nation Tours’ special extended 2016 edition of “LA2Vegas”Trek Film Sites tour with me as guide—ending at Vegas Trek, and this year adding an optional San Francisco leg to start.  


Or for the Trek tour experience in a one-day package: check out the Valley of Fire“Kirk Memorial” Adventure. 

If your gift hunches run to actual studio Trek production artifacts, just know we'll have more than the usual number of unique goodies in The Trekland Trunk as well the next few weeks—just check the Facebook page or Twitter ... or direct at eBay!

—Then again: For all those nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, fellow science geeks…or anyone who cares about kids, education, and our future in space:  Don't forget that a ticket to fly any name into space as "virtual crew" costs only $20 at  Enterprise In Space, the real-world, non-profit all-new space orbiter aiming to fly and return 100+ winning projects from students around the world, plus new aerospace tech and computer demos—paying homage to the best of inspired, future-leaning sci-fi and sci-fact.  

Your giftee's name is on a microchip, verified on a certificate and viewable on tour afterward as proof of their flying aboard the first true Enterprise in space!  I'm proud to be spokesman and lead outreach for EIS, reminding you that while a dozen space industry partners have pledged $27 million in in-kind donations, this simple $20 grassroots crowdfunding across the globe will let us get expenses covered right now as we build and contact more donors.



There you go—and for any Santa's budget! A batch of totally out-of-the-box gift ideas for that certain fan that take Trek, and the love of its vision for humanity, far off the retail path.

As always, for questions about any of my own or partnered projects, just email me at larry@larrynemecek.com.

Some new thoughts on thankful—Dateline: Trekland

Normally, any Thanksgiving post by me anywhere turns on a fun recall of the epic WKRP episode. You know.

But this year—and not through any trauma, or epic turn of life—I"m feeling my thankfulness in some all new ways. And no, not even for the 50th anniversary of this driving force that has entertained,  enraptured, inspired and even connected so many around the world in such good works and ideals.

And not even for a new series, finally... much less another stab at a feature film.

No, I'm feeling thankful for all of you out there who are reading these words, following my projects, sending good thoughts my way or even sounding off. And most of all, taking active part.

Because, bit by bit, that thankful feedback and my own slooow evolution of awareness has helped me to really, finally, figure out my place in Trekland...and the greater world today. Exciting wacky projects still come along out of the blue, of course, but the scariness of losing old "big box" bosses and paradigms has finally begun to yield to an excitement for the new world of DIY business ...and how that might apply to all things Trek.

And, especially, to those who love, treasure, and unabashedly honor Gene's creation as a driving force of fun or even philosophy in their lives.

Some of you may recall I talked about a couple of major goals at the dawn of 2014... and how I had to make priorities, even among my beloved Trek projects. Now, almost two years later, I'm finally getting there.

Finding the ways that today's tech and culture allow me to freshen the old, uncover the forgotten, and help those folks connect the Trek dots even as new dots are being created .... well, I'm grateful and thankful for the sense to figure that out, and for all those who seem to want me to. Just about the time I decided that every story, insight or memento in Trek's First Fifty is moldy-old or just tired ... along comes a new fan who needs a new shot of Trekland goodness—or a whole generation who does, too. And they in turn regurge, and bring a shiny fresh take on it to entertain and inspire all of us. Especially me!

I love how Trek, via its fans, never grows old. What a core, future-leaning gift of intelllgence, love, fun and respect that Gene and all his collaborators left us in that silly little failed TV show.

So yes—thanks to you all for finding the worth and enjoyment of my experiments in bringing  the Trek odyssey to life in unique, all-new ways —my ways— with On Speaker, with The Trekland Trunk... and now, especially, the real cherry on top: Portal 47.

It's still a new, evolving experiment with a long way to go, but I'm thankful so many of you all feel the ride is worth it, and continue to jump aboard—and share the word.

In fact, I'll be sharing a word or two here tomorrow on my new Trek works—just in time for Cyber Monday. More on that then, but for now...

No, I've never felt a Thanksgiving like this before. With the new economy, new self-awareness, and Gene's vision still exciting all of us young and old, I look forward to moving on ... with many more thankful days to come.

PORTAL 47: Finally, my all-new deep-dive fan experience is ready

UPDATE: The sample "telebriefing" is done, and the whole program and two ways to get there are now online—plus some quick bonus goodies. Come be a Founding 47'er!

----------------------------------------------------

I almost forgot to post about it myself! 

But, yes, that all-new, boutique deep-dive fan experience I've been trying to develop …. to get you backstage in the 24th century using the best of the 21st century … it's finally here: PORTAL 47. 

Actually, it's not quite—not til tomorrow, Wednesday night, Sept. 9, anyway. A few early-birds already jumped in as Portallers, after seeing my sneak-peeks at San Diego and Vegas Trek. But for most of fandom, I finally draw back the virtual curtain tomorrow night—Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. Pacific/ 10 pm Eastern. (NOTE: The session is done, but see the UPDATE above, and permanent link!).

I'm so excited. It's like opening night!

That's when I invite everyone to listen in on our very first "telebriefing" for those first members —online or by phone. But it's also doubling as a sampler mashup for everyone still new to the package—so after "halftime" I'll briefly go over the features as well as a couple ways to take it—and I'll have all that, plus more one-time surprises for everyone actually with us that night.

If you're at the "shut up and tell me how" stage, then just go here and sign in for ongoing info! 

The truth is, I've been blessed and gratified to have had a front-row seat in many things Trekland for years now…as all you readers and listeners so kindly tell me you enjoy. I not only enjoy that, but feel compelled to keep connecting the dots for fans, and connecting them with voices they might never have heard from! For me, it's all about preserving and archiving as much as pundits and analysis. 

But so many of the conventional streams of "content" are either slow… or not very dynamic … or ignorant of current tech capabilities …  or not even a good business model for putting food on the table (mine!).  PORTAL 47 may yet evolve and get tweaked past what we launch with, but  that idea of a new kind of "deep dive" into insider insight … is exactly what I'm been trying to put together for several years now.

So! It's show time!  The PORTAL 47 public Facebook is up now (yes— Like!), and the webpage will be up in a couple days—but I'd much, much rather tell you directly than write you remotely. If you are not already on my news list (?!) and need the "coordinates," then please: 

Just sign in at this link here and get the details on how to listen in on the telebriefing…and decide for yourself. It's an hour call, no extra cost to you….and I still have a few goodies in my crew gift bag.   

Hope you can make it! 

"It's not for everyone.  But if you’re a new fan … a bored fan… or a fan who’s starting to realize just how much you don’t know … then my pioneering PORTAL 47 is for you!"

New 'On Speaker': The '95 VGR voices of 'Caretaker'!

If it's August and Vegas Khhaaann is past, that can only mean one thing: 

The latest TREKLAND: On Speaker remastered audio collection from my archives... is now out!  Fresh from its annual STLV debut,  I'm very proud of my latest deep-dive Trek interviews on collectible CD.

For our fourth annual volume, we continue marking anniversaries—and for 2015 that means the 20th birthday of Voyager's premiere, and thus the title: "Taking Care of 'Caretaker'."

On this disk you'll get the On Speaker debuts of the one and only Jeri Taylor (lower right), the co-creator, exec producer and mentor-creator of the Kathryn Janeway character... as well as Trek's other production designer and leader of 13 seasons of Trek art departments—the Emmy-winning Richard James (top right), who got to do this one from scratch. There's also segments from  VFX producer Dan Curry (lower left) and the late, great TV Trek director Rick Kolbe, who reveals why he got exec producer Rick Berman's hiring call for "Caretaker" in the middle of the night… in a Georgia swamp.

As always, you get the three-panel liner notes, my original photography, an audio introduction and intros to each segment, a maxed-out 1:20 of actual voices …and the option of an autograph on the cover panel.  

And, as always, it's all graced by the audio and art design talents of my friend and trek.fm podcast network founder-czar Chris Jones (or @cbryanjones for all you Tweetsters).

Check out the page, and even get a deal on prior-volume CDs in multiples—all of which I'll likewise be happy to sign.  Vol. 1 is sold out, but it's still on my to-do list to get up as an iTunes download and get started that library. Each CD after Vol. 1 will be limited to 100 disks, then kept up for digital downloading as well. 

I hope you enjoy our latest in this series of incredible e audio snapshots in time—fresh in the day, and yet fresh today too! 

2014 in Trekland: A bevy of crazy-busy new biz... and bub-bye Bones

You remember Janus, right?

No, not the mutual funds per se*, but the Roman god of time and passages, with dual "front and back" faces who could see into both the future and the past—and thusly the namesake of January, when we naturally catch our post-new-year selves doing the same thing: planning tomorrow, reflecting on yesterday. (I love it when I remember something like this from my fourth-grade language textbook.)

And looking ahead to the coming year I already know there's a boatload of things headed right at me—exciting things! I have three brand-new projects staring me in the face—two of them Trek, and the third a long-term date with a mic—but as usual I can't talk about them until they bloom or launch, hopefully by midyear. (Sorry, no links. Yet. And not a lot of fancy logos to break up this one: There's too many! I just want to get through all the words, okay?)

Now, that doesn't even count maintaining the Trekland Trunk after a fast start—I could use an assistant just for that—much less growing this blog and videos with some big overdue plans, and most of all getting our "Con of Wrath" documentary back on the front burner. It  took a back seat when 2013 turned crazy-busy—the long-planned home and office move, coupled with the unexpected joys of writing "Stellar Cartography" and stepping into the McCoy smock for Star Trek Continues.

I'm also proud of serving on boards for new exciting non-profit missions—and for one, I urge you to check out science-based Enterprise in Space project.

Toss in the LA2Vegas Trek film site tour for Geek Nation Tours, some big con trips including Germany's FedCon, another Trekland: On Speaker archival theme CD to come, and my column for Titan Trek mag....and again, it's an overloaded blue-plate special of a year.

But while my three new prospects are exciting, they are half or wholly all on me—meaning a ton of blood, toil, tears and sweat ahead in solo development work, otherwise known as "git'erdone." I'm excited for the challenge, and can't wait to talk about them when ready.

But thanks to Janus, I can learn from a 2013 look-back—and I can also learn from a fourth-grade textbook in another subject. Because, simply, the math "don't add up" when you tally up all this time and energy required—even more than it didn't add up in 2013. Many of my Vegas friends know the big cons were just a blur to me last year, and you readers know the blog has certainly taken a hit here at year's end as the Trunk got established. Well, there'll be even more like that unless we make a few adjustments and shifting of commitments—making way for some bold business ideas that have been long overdue around here... and, in fandom's case, an exciting addition or two to the Trekscape.

So, in the big mix of things, that's why for starters I have agreed to step back from playing Bones in STC as of now, and let that be the first relief valve. Just as it's no surprise that the opportunity was a dream come true for this McCoy/De Kelley fan, so too is the truth that the "gym time" I wanted to put in for the role took a big squeeze, in a production that had such a high bar to begin with. McCoy deserves better, the company deserves better, and *I* deserve better for work like that—but time is the fire in which we, uh, can't clone ourselves.

At the same time, STC has asked me to stay in the family as a creative consultant producer—and be involved in stories, Trek-vibe consulting, and a return to camera at some point when it can be done right (and when the big Tellar Prime script finally comes calling!) And nothing can take away the thrills of the great cast and crew, a jaw-droppingly beautiful Sickbay set on my very first day, and playing the good Doctor in these two episodes—one of which you still have to wait to see until Feb. 8-9!

And nothing can top the memory of our incredible Phoenix world premiere reaction—or that of the honest reviews across the spectrum, and much love shown to me from all the STC fans as I stretched muscles that hadn't been hit in a long time. A lot of work, a lot of love, a lot of good people: I support all the fans films, but Continues is a special group, and its product and my relationships there just got started.

I may make more shifts on my palette like this, as everything new before me is not only a creative challenge but a final product I can't wait to unveil in the case of the Trek plans—solo or not. You Con of Wrath supporters and donors have been patient as well, and I promise some new updates too—and there may even be an all-new newsflash on that score, as well.

Finally, an apology—for there was a time when anyone in creative development kept all their cards close to the vest... no jinxes! Knock on wood! But the revolution in 24/7 social media and crowdfunding has changed all that... leaving folks like me to be coy when I try to explain what the heck is going on right now over coming months. So my regrets, then, if this has sounded more like a fizzbin lesson than a log entry.

Meantime, among the fun Trek stories like this one and that famous backlog of vidchats I haven't really shared since April, I'll use Trekland The Blog keep you posted about my own headlines here first, as well via my newsletter—while also telling tales to those podcast hosts who keep having me on, for some reason. Fans keep asking me about doing my own podcast, but.... really? WHEN? Didn't we just have this discussion?

Stay tuned! It's going to be an incredible 2014... and I'm glad you are aboard.


________________
*OR the primary star to Horta home on its planet VI.
YES, me of all people—I get it.

Big-con blur: The kind of "moving" summer that ain't glam

Infamous Box Forest—thicker than the Crosstimbers

(UPDATE: A wrong link re: the Lou Trek Show episode has now been fixed.)

All right, it's been long enough. Hell, even DragonCon has gone by, by now (though once again I was an absentee there).

No, those of you watching my tweets or other posts fly by—everywhere but here on the blog—know that I've just survived an insane summer. As if a big ComiCon San Diego and biggest Vegas Khhhaaan ever were not enough, we tossed in a big home and office move in the middle of it all. I'm frankly amazed I'm still standing here—even with paid movers (who, if you'll note, by definition do the day of moving and not the weeks of packing/unpacking). But I owe you something after this summer of silence—as we get back to remedying that. So here it is:

Life changes can be joyous, as with a wedding or a baby's birth. Or they can be devastating, as with a close loved one's death, or an insane turn of Mother Nature, or even an "act of God," that literally upends your life and home. A move seems like a rather blasé hit on one's emotional equilibrium... but who cares when it takes such a hit on your sanity and energy?

Yes, a move is hardly a glam thing, and those whom I've bored at home and con alike with the topic this summer can hardly be blamed. Let it just be stated for the record that in today's world, though, a home move is not simply that; likely it is also—as with us—an office move, as well. Okay, so expand an office to include "archive" or "library" and you get the picture. Moving furniture was easy; thinning out housewares was easy. Now, boxing up yet-unsold scripts and goodies from 20 years of pro Trek, much less my other passions? Now THAT was a job.

If you are lucky enough to have been on my Twitter feed, even more than Facebook, you may have caught the glimpses of the so-called Box Forest in my virgin office (above), or even Mount Ivar as it slowly erected itself around lost pieces and other pressing projects and deadlines. Even now I'm only back to about 60% finished, but we at least have Internet and storage in place, shelves ready if not fully filled, and a fresh way of arranging the tech and neediest handiest books. My goodness, technology turned over 3 times since the last time we moved; how many modular phone jacks and floppy-disk holders can one still use (left)?

Ahhh... from the good ol' quantity days of Trek...

On the good side, you also realize just how little you've been working on friendships, as niche-building work takes over...and it is good food for thought. Better yet, you open up the backs of drawers and come across forgotten gems like this (right):

But make no mistake. There was an emotional toll as well. The packing and planning distracted me from my San Diego optimum... the physical move and moving deadlines wiped me out before I even set foot at the Rio in Vegas. I didn't hit the road from L.A. until 8 p.m. Wednesday because of final-day storage and key errands, and there were fears for my alertness on that 15 Freeway slog. But we got'er done. Had out Trek Tour not gone bi-annual and in effect skipped this year.... I shudder to think about it!

So, apologies for this scintilating post today. I rarely do therapy rants, but this is an exception—and I needed to acknowledge the big drop-off in all things Trekland to you guys, even as on paper I'm attached to more projects this year than in ages, yes.

I'll get the Vegas and San Diego recaps up soon—colored as much as they are this year by the big "distraction." But it's a fresh world in Trekland HQ, a new world—and I'm about to share a new big chunk of it with a big chunk of you all—whoever is interested. Meanwhile, I have more reshelving, rewiring and rethinking to do .....and some lines to learn!



Oh, and keep your Romulan ale; I give all credit to the cordrazine.

Progress! All kneel to the Great God Ivar ...

Win tickets to TNG's "Best of Both Worlds Movie" night from Trekland !

UPDATE: The contest is officially closed, but it will be 3-4 hours until I start sorting entries. If you want to take the chance, I will consider entries that come in during that time, until 10 pm EDT/ 7 pm PDT.

------------------------------------------------------------------
So here we go again!

Are you ready to shoot for a pair of free tickets to see TNG's remastered "The Best of Both Worlds—The Movie" next Thursday, April 25? At a Fathom Events theater near you?

Near you, that is, IF you live in or near Phoenix, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Cleveland ... or Boston. Those are our Big Five this time around.

Once again, I'm thrilled that Fathom and Allied-THA have been gracious enough to let TREKLAND sponsor 10 lucky winners to this event in five cities around the country. The night, of course, is to promote the sale of the much-anticipated 3rd season set of the ongoing TNG Blu-ray remastered project by CBS that has been such a hot seller and godsend to Prime-starved Trekfen the past year. And this special "movie" version of BOBW will be available as well! More on that below the fold, but first:

Entering Trekland's "Best of Both Worlds Movie" ticket contest, as with our Season 2  theater event last winter, is simple—but do it fast!

The only caveat is you have to be situated and able to attend the screening in one of those cities, of course: all are new this time around except for Boston—I just couldn't resist a little nod to their city this week.  You need only send your email, your mailing address for the ticket delivery from Fathom, and your answer to this question:

In "The Best of Both Worlds" (parts 1 and/or 2), what is the character name of the actor/actress who also played a senior member of the crew of the original Battlestar Galactica?

HOW TO ENTER:

Once again, we're doing this simply—so pay attention to this quickie entry process and its quirks:


—Go to my website, larrynemecek.com, and click on the yellow Newsletter box at left.

— In the "First Name" box, ignore that label and write your FULL NAME and complete mailing address: street, city, state, zip code.

— In the "Last Name" box, ignore that label as well and type one of the five "TICKET CITY" listed that is proximate to you—Phoenix, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Cleveland, or Boston ... followed by the two-word answer to the above question. (Example:  "Boston — Wil Wheaton". (Sample only:Wil was many things but he was NOT Boxey. Or even Muffet.)

Again, fair warning: Unless you want to spring for a plane/train ticket or long-haul it, please do not enter unless you are in or near one of the five metro areas listed. Sorry, Rest of America (including my native and adopted homes)—We went into new cities, and we'll get even more of you next time.)

That's it!

ONE entry per person—thanks!

ENTRY DEADLINE is 6 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time/ 3 p.m. Pacific on Sunday, April 21!


Five winners will be announced by Monday night, April 22—after I draw from among all those submitting both the correct answer AND a complete, useable email and mailing address; both are required in order to win. Fathom Events will be provided the five winners' addresses, and will supply the prize tickets directly to them. Also, Fathom will award the specific theater passes as close as possible based on geography.

NOTE: Aside from the five winners, all email and address data is seen and retained only by me and does not go on to Fathom or any other corporate entity.  If you wish to opt-out of my list, write "opt-out" after your trivia answer. Otherwise, I hope you stay in for my low-key monthly contact through the year of rare goodies, sneak peeks, front-row insights, con travels and project updates from all over Trekland.

Meanwhile, if you want a sure thing for "TNG 'Best of Both Worlds' Movie Night" tickets next Thursday, April 25, go here to go ahead and order yours. Ever since the Fathom/CBS hookup began for TNG, people have been looking forward to THIS one—and some theaters are already a sellout. But just call first: tickets are still available in dozens of sceening theaters across the country that will actually be beamed the program as part of the exclusive National CineMedia Digital Broadcast Network —check out the theater list HERE.  And if you do come across a sell-out, let us know ASAP here, or on Trekland Facebook or Twitter, will you?

Last DVD generation (above); remastered clip (below)

Of course, the movie hoopla calls attention to the latest amazing season of Blu-ray return-to-film HD remastering (see at right), added footage, and all-new bonus documentaries from CBS (plus all those  released before) that goes on sale everywhere Tuesday, April 30 —or in advance now.  The movie night this time spotlights a special special "polish" version of the classic cliffhanger and conclusion that changed Star Trek forever—and even U.S. television!



For truly, if you are a Trek fan, you should indeed know how "The Best of Both Worlds" changed Star Trek—and not just TNG ("Cliffhangers and sweeps-event two-parters for everyone!") ... AND that the astronomic reaction to the summer-long wait for the conclusion to "Mr. Worf—fire!" generated so much heat across the industry that season-finale cliffhangers came back into vogue across all genres, including network shows. "Who Shot J.R?" may have been the question of the summer in 1980, but it took Locutus of Borg to make it stick 10 years later. I'm just sayin.'

And once again—send us your pics of the April 25 crowd and/or cosplayers from TNG movie night wherever you see it (to larry@larrynemecek.com), and we'll share them with everyone!

See the entire press release for the night below...but first:


CANADIAN FANS: No ticket giveaway for you here, but you do have the chance to also catch the movie version of this classic on a big screen. As my onetime ST Communicator writer James Careless tells Trekland:

Fortunately for Canadian Star Trek fans, April 25 is springtime in the Great White North. This is why Canadian Trekkies will flock to theaters to see the one-day-only showing of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation: Best of Both Worlds ’ at any of 50 movie houses nationwide. It is being hosted by Cineplex Entertainment as part of the company’s Front Row Centre Events (FRPC) package.

“FRPC is designed to really utilize our theatres on quiet days with unique events,” explains Brad LaDoucer, Cineplex’s VP of alternative programming. “We did a 25th anniversary event last year to mark the original launch of Star Trek: The Next Generation, featuring some of the series’ most-loved episodes, and it was very well received.” Cineplex also enjoyed similar success when it screened Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

As for fans wearing costumes on the big night? “We encourage our guests to come in their favorite Star Trek regalia,” says Mike Langdon, Cineplex’s director of communications. However, phasers and Klingon bat’leths should be kept at home – and fans are asked to turn off their communicators for the duration of the movie.

Tickets for the Canadian April 25 screening of "Best of Both Worlds" can be bought online now at www.cineplex.com.

------------------------------------------------------------------

And meanwhile back in the States, here's the full press release on the event—where profits, by the way, as a promotional event, will be donated to the American Red Cross:

“Star Trek: The Next Generation® – The Best of Both Worlds” Event Transports into Cinemas on April 25 

NCM® Fathom Events, CBS Home Entertainment and IGN Present a One-Night Event Featuring the Classic Series’ Third Season Finale and Fourth Season Premiere Remastered into a Feature-Length Presentation

Special Event Will Precede “Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 3” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Best of Both Worlds” Blu-ray Releases on April 30

Centennial, Colo. – Feb. 27, 2013 – “You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.” Trekkers nationwide will soon heed those commands as NCM® Fathom Events, CBS Home Entertainment and IGN present “Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Best of Both Worlds,” which beams into select cinemas on Thursday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. local time. The fan-favorite two-part episode – "The Best of Both Worlds" – is comprised of the third season finale and the fourth season premiere, with Part 1 making TV Guide's list of "TV's Top 100 Episodes of All Time.” The episodes have been remastered into a feature-length presentation and will be presented on the big screen.

Tickets for “Star Trek: The Next Generation® – The Best of Both Worlds” are available at presenting theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. The event will be broadcast to more than 550 select movie theaters across the country through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Fans will enjoy this digitally restored and gloriously remastered presentation in high definition. The fascinating storyline follows the cybernetic alien race, the Borg, as they abduct and transform Capt. Picard into a half-Borg, half-human called Locutus.  Meanwhile, the Enterprise crew must race against time to intercept the nefarious Borg cube before it reaches Earth to enslave humanity.

“Fans have been discussing these historic episodes since they first aired, and we’re excited to present them like never before, newly improved and on the big screen,” said Ken Ross, executive vice president and general manager of CBS Home Entertainment.  “This special event will ensure that ‘The Best of Both Worlds’ will remain a classic throughout the 21st Century — and beyond.”

Created by Gene Roddenberry as part of the “Star Trek” franchise, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” premiered 21 years after the debut of the original “Star Trek” series. Featuring one of the most endearing ensemble casts in television history, with seven seasons and 176 episodes, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” took fans on the remarkable continuing voyages of the Starship Enterprise, set in the 24th century.

“After the success of the first two ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ events, we couldn’t wait to bring additional seasons back to the big screen for fans to enjoy,” said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events. “Fans will be absolutely thrilled with the presentation of these ‘Next Generation’ classics.”

“Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 3” and “The Best of Both Worlds” will be released on Blu-ray on April 30.

CBS is a proud and long-standing supporter of the American Red Cross and will continue to show its support through this event. CBS will make a financial donation to support the Red Cross which shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.


About National CineMedia (NCM)
National CineMedia (NCM) operates NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology. The NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom Events present cinema advertising and events across the nation’s largest digital in-theater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) and other leading regional theater circuits. NCM’s theater advertising network covers 183 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50) and includes over 19,300 screens (approximately 18,500 digital). During 2012, approximately 710 million patrons attended movies shown in theaters in which NCM currently has exclusive, cinema advertising agreements in place.  The NCM Fathom Events live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is comprised of over 740 locations in 172 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). The NCM Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 41 entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications.  National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 48.6% interest in and is the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information, visit www.ncm.com or www.FathomEvents.com. (NCMI-E)

About CBS Home Entertainment
CBS Home Entertainment manages the worldwide DVD and Blu-ray businesses for the CBS Corporation across all lines of content including current hits and classic series from the vast CBS library, as well as new releases from Showtime Networks. CBS Home Entertainment products are released on the CBS DVD and CBS Blu-ray labels.  

About IGN Entertainment
IGN Entertainment is the leading Internet media and services provider focused on the video game and entertainment enthusiast markets. Collectively, IGN's properties reach more than 57 million unique users worldwide, according to Internet audience measurement firm comScore.  IGN's network of video game-related properties (IGN.com, 1UP.com, GameSpy and others) is the Web's #1 video game information destination. IGN also owns the world's largest men's lifestyle website, AskMen.com, and men's entertainment site UGO.com. IGN is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, with offices across North America, Europe and Australia.

- 30 -


-----------------------------------------

Note: This story's initial post did include one difference in the cities covered, but now reflects the final list of those involved.

FLASH: Austin, here we come—Trekland hits Texas

Well, it's short notice, so it's doubly exciting to announce:

I am indeed headin' to Wizard World Austin for that next big TNG reunion clambake OCt. 26-28.

Yes, you Texas Treklanders—or anyone headed mid-country for annother TNG anniversary get-together, including Sir Patrick—are also now next on MY list.

And I'll have the whole Trekland roadshow, plus some stage time with the TNG cast at the invite of the WW folks ... since so many of them have been friends of Trekland. PLUS one of our patented after-hours meet-up/fundraiser parties for THE CON OF WRATH.

AND, of course, my chance to chat up a new chunk o'Texas come to visit at the table: new photos, and old goodies of mine from the attic. That includes the debut CD of TREKLAND: On Speaker, the first dig into my audio archives to expose some long-buried chats with Trek legends...fresh from back in the day.

All this in party town Austin—which, you football fans have to admit, is a big Longhorn concession for this ol' Sooner. See how Gene Roddenberry has brought us all together despite our differences?

With Austin only three hours from Houston, we're also bookending the con weekend with some shoot days for the doc while we're in-state. What I really want to hope to find are a few more Survivors from our subject matter. Are you out there?

Overall, though, remember this is a comic-con show, so this TNG reunion is attracting Trekkies who'll be elbowed by all the usual comic and gaming and anime throng, with cosplay thick as Tellarite stubborn. I'm lookin' at you, Trek fans, to hold up your end of the deal here and show a little franchise frenzy.

Here's my corner of it all—it's a full weekend....

FRIDAY:

6:00-6:45 PM

"The Women of Star Trek"—moderating for Marina Sirtis and Gates McFadden
Ballroom FG

SATURDAY:
3:00-3:45 PM

"Trekland: Between the Cracks" — My center-ring slideshow of note, Austin edition

Ballroom E

CON OF WRATH Meetup-Fundraiser, Austin Edition 
10 pm-midnight, adjacent site TBA
If you've not heard of our "live tour" to support "The Con of Wrath," check out those who plunk down coin for trivia prizes, rare Trek video,and sneak peeks from the doc—and STILL get their screen credit like all other donors. We'll announce the site ASAP—it's a good time to follow me on Twitter @larrynemecek or Trekland's Facebook!

SUNDAY:

2:00-2:45 PM

"The Men of TNG": Moderating  for Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Brent Spiner and Michael Dorn Q&A
Ballroom FG

3:00-3:45 PM

"The State of Trek"—(Whew! No break!) But YOU and I and some other Trek mob have a forum on where we've been, where we are now and what's ahead—fan-wise and biz-wise. Or do we even know what do we want? I highly recommend this session to either learn some new insights—or to just come vent a lot.

Ballroom FG


What happened at Phoenix Comic-Con was tame compared to this...!

Trekland in Vegas—and a blast from the past

As if this wasn't enough to get you in the mood for Vegas Khhaaan—and don't forget: this year you can pay-stream the big acts if you can't make it—I thought I'd toss out another goodie... and let you know where to track me down and bend an ear, if you are so inclined.

First the goodie: here's Keep on Trekkin' .... one of the dozen cloth patches officially licensed by Paramount to the old Star Trek Welcommittee as a fundraiser for the non-profit info service. Pretty groovy in all its mid-70s glory, eh? The Welcommittee was how hungry new Trekfans got info in the pre-Internet days... by mail...!  (more below the fold*).

Meanwhile, truck on into Vegas this weekend and catch what just might be the biggest annual Star Trek blowout Creation Vegas ever—and in new digs, at the Rio. Here's one clue to our curiosity: To meet huge demand, dealers and signers were advised that their area would open up an HOUR EARLIER both Saturday and Sunday—to 7:20 a.m.!

TREKLAND THURSDAY:
—2:50 pm: "1986: The Lost Anniversary"—World premiere topic—and I actually do a real "show" for Creation at Vegas.
—7-11 pm, McFadden's Bar: "Spockstar Party" meetup, co-sponsored by Trekland with Treknews.com and DVDGeeks—we'll have prizes, games, trivia and you get your own tab—ordering old-time Quark's specials at prices cheaper than the Hilton's!

TREKLAND FRIDAY:
—2:45 pm: "Rapid-Fire Trivia," for the third year, my tribute to our old startrek.com event
—5:15 pm: "Captains Smack-down" panelist on startrek.com's panel

TREKLAND SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
— Table times and party/events TBA: I will UPDATE here and Facebook/Twitter with daily tentative table times, since as usual I will not be there 24/7... just out and about. Unless I'm on a mission with a bullet at the moment, stop and say hi when you see me. But I do look forward to meeting all the new fans, seeing you oldsters, offering my works and telling you all about The Con of Wrath this year and our fan-donor opportunity for a credit and gift package. 

It's gonna be a whole new feel this year—fans, staff, actors, handlers, dealers, EVERYBODY will be busy "learning" all the ins and outs of the Rio... much less looking to see what the numbers, and the makeup of vets/rookies, will turn out to be... how the economy affects sales ... how many fans at home try the live streaming ... and if the recent TOS era in costuming  trends still pushes on, or if ST09 makes any inroads. Plus— just what kind of Trekkers will Shatner latch onto for his new film Fan Addicts with Creation about Trek fandom? And just what will author Dayton Ward think of his FIRST Trek trip to Vegas—with co-writer Kevin Dilmore in tow. Among the many fine special events, DON'T MISS Jeff Combs' free performance of his Edgar Allan Poe one-man show, either—catch our original Trekland preview here.

As usual... I just hope we all survive it again. Vegas KHHAAAAN, indeed!

*BTW, back to this mid-70s phrase and groovy font are not just a creation of Trekfen: it plays off the iconic 1968 R. Crumb comic book illo and catchphrase "Keep on Truckin' "—pirated famously for years on posters and T-shirts—that, crazily, in turn inspired two totally different hit same-named singles: soul-funk from Eddie Kendricks, and trucker-country from Dave Dudley. (And to think its roots are as a jazz-underground phrase from the '20s!).

Back on-line... and see what's in store

Sorry to have been in cloak mode.... but there's plenty on line in TREKLAND: Fun faces coming soon, and some sad news too.

Plus, stay tuned in just a few minutes:  just couldn't let this anniversary go by without context ...  er, comment ...

Trekfans lean to the left?

Maybe it's just MY peeps from Trekland...

But reports of the militaristic bent of Starfleet attracting a similar slice of fandom since the 1980s may be highly overrated—at least, according to the FEEDBACK LOOP poll at larrynemecek.com we recently retired.

Usually you regulars will notice we rotate polls in and out much more often, at least every 2-3 weeks. But in honor of last fall's mid-term elections, we had politics as the name of the game at Feedback, and left it up until just last month. It was HARDLY scientific, mind you.

The results? Per the pre-worded options and replies, in major clumps we had about 42% self-identify as some flavor of liberal, 21% as moderate, nearly 16% as some conservative stripe ... 5 % as "write-ins" and 16 % as apolitical geeks. See for yourself:

 And yes--we'll bring it back for a Round 2 sometime down the line!

Back from hiatus soon. Really. You'll love it.

Okay, gang—my apologies for seeming so dormant on the world's longest hiatus here the past few weeks, since the Alaska trip.

Lots of stuff happening on the home front and that's been distracting—but that's no excuse when there's so much Treklandia piled up and sitting in drafts to display, pass along, share.

Also, it's about time to replace the last-generation PowerPC G5 Mac tower—sadly, it cannot be upgraded—so I can do decent modern editing and use the high-fallootin' HD video off the new Canon Vixia I finally bought this summer. Both of which are key to the TREKLAND "Switching to Visual" bits you know and love.

All this to say—thanks for your patience and indulgence. ...

Vegas late wrap: Here's to the winners—with thanks!

Still catching up... but I did finally want to thank everyone who came by the ever-busy table at ever-crazed Vegas Khaaan!, Creation-style. For the last year at the Hilton, the show went out in style—as you can see below: my prize winners!

Once again, I offered folks who signed up to larrynemecek.com the chance at a big prize drawing, which we held twice at close of day:

Alice Znelka was our winner for the Sunday prize pile ...

And Christy LaGuardia won the re-draw for Saturday's goodies:

(Attention 2009 winners: hate to say it, but your names got misplaced soon after the con. Write to me with what you won, and I'll get those pics up, too....)

We're not dead, Jim

Sorry for the lag here in posts. We are not going away quietly into that good night, by any means. House, family, career and yes holiday concerns really ganged up on us.

What's really frustrating is that I have tons of video to put up, and a few interviews to transcribe as well. As well as some pending thoughts I know you're just dying to hear. And yes, some "Ask Dr. Trek" replies to share.

For now I'll leave you with some holiday cheer... and I don't mean Dr. Helen Noel!

Here's hoping you have a restful, fun and reflective season.

Grand Slam & cast reality: it's a movie world

Almost let this get by, but Creation's recent regretful announcement postponing of the Trek side of its planned new "Grand Slam" show move to November due to a lack of ST '09 cast coming aboard was ... well... too bad, but not totally unexpected.

Kudos for Creation for trying for an event that would make sense after a blockbuster June opening, of course.

But as we wondered aloud a year ago—a movie-only franchise cast is different than a TV franchise cast:

... For now, anyway, while you’ll see their beaming faces all over at promo time next May, I’m betting they’ll be absent from standard convention slots fans are so accustomed to. They will likely love this movie—and the next ones—and their fans, and what they do for their careers… But as film actors they will likely be out doing just that, trekking the studio/meeting circuit, rather than the con circuit.

I’m just sayin.’

Zack Quinto had a bit o' fan background, and had his Heroes genre experience going in; he's been a Vegas visitor more than once. Give the rest of 'em time. Meanwhile, Adam and Gary, we still think a fall L.A. media con is still a great idea, down the road.

Whither Today's Trek?: More Trekland "Greatest Hits"

We all know Trekland is in a field of flux, but from how many different angles?

From my perch, I’ve been moved to muse about a lot more than whether or not Canon Point "A" exists in Timeline "B"— or whether JJ or "ZZ" is in charge. You try to get beyond the day-to-day newsflash and red-carpet quote machine ...and the big questions marks still remain. Maybe not *if* so much, as *how*. Or even *when*.

With so many new folks checking out Trekland here now that our website and Facebook page are running live ... and with so much headline candy out there taking up your brain space ... I thought this would be a good time to revisit some of my past ponderings where we talked about the "big picture" for Trek, the fandom and the biz alike. Maybe they'll be new to you.

Hindsight means you can even see how my predictions came out!

So, here's where I’m coming from—take a second for some talkback, too, and let all of us know where you are coming from.

8/5/08: We’ve Never Gone This Way Before

1/19/09 TV vs. Movie: Think about this

4/19/09 Trek’s Future: The Big Question


Also:

“Déjà vu All Over Again”: one of my 2006 Endgame columns for the Titan UK Trek magazine

“Switching to Visual”: Greatest Vid Hits (So Far)

Hey—For everyone just tuning in to Trekland:

The website may have just gone live, but Trekland has been in active stealth mode for MONTHS!

We call our video offerings “Switching to Visual” — and you can easily scan back to see past STVs since March 2008 and comment away at will—including comments below. Meanwhile, with more on the way, may we suggest these favorites from the menu?

Jonathan Frakes



Manny Coto and Brannon Braga



Bob Picardo



Michael Westmore



Ethan Phillips



Robbie McNeill at CHUCK



J.G. Hertzler as Martok!



John Billingsley and Bonita Friederichy



But keep scoping—there’s lots more STV videos among the posts …

...including Marina, just below...!