Jack Gray
AC360° Producer/Writer
So apparently there’s a Star Trek movie opening this weekend. I know this not because I’m a fan of the franchise, but because Lou Dobbs keeps giving me the Vulcan salute.
Now, I’ll level with you, I’ve never actually seen an entire episode of Star Trek. Not the original. Not Star Trek: The Next Generation. Not even Star Trek Saves Christmas.
All I know is what I've pieced together by flipping through the channels in between Ron Popeil infomercials. From what I've gathered, the whole thing was based around a group of guys – Captain Kirk, Scotty, and Spock – who met at Gamblers Anonymous and later moved into a spaceship/meth lab.
Now, just because I’ve never seen an episode or any of the movies doesn’t mean that I have anything against Star Trek. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, quality television begins and ends with two words: William Shatner. Hell, I named my guinea pig T.J. Hooker. Sure, he died of malnutrition but that’s beside the point. I’ve just always had a tough time wrapping my mind around science fiction characters. Which explains my aversion to the cast of MTV's The Hills.
Anyway, William Shatner and the rest of the Star Trek gang all lived together on this thing called the Starship Enterprise. Their only neighbor was Sam Donaldson. Sam and Spock bought their hair at the same outlet mall.
Ratings for Star Trek were initially low, likely due to Captain Kirk’s habit of sunbathing in a teddy. But producers, to their credit, quickly realized the secret to ratings success. Prostitutes. And lots of them.
So, from that point on, the Star Trek crew sailed around in outer space with their cadre of call girls, frequently welcoming guest stars like Kermit the Frog and Florence Henderson.
Ratings were additionally boosted by those legendary dance-offs between the Vulcans and the Klingons.
And, of course, like it’s spin-off series, Full House, Star Trek was known for its “very special” episodes. I know I speak for the entire nation when I say we held our breath when Scotty thought he was pregnant.
Now, as I said, there’s a new movie version being released. It stars Kathie Lee Gifford and Nicolas Sarkozy. I also know that Leonard Nimoy is in it because, well, who among us doesn’t have a Google alert set for Leonard Nimoy?
I don’t know much about the plot of the film, except for one scene where Captain Kirk gets into a dispute with the night manager of a Holiday Inn Express and a subsequent melee winds up in full-front nudity.
And, obviously, I would never reveal anything about the ending. Let’s just say you Courtney Love fans won’t be disappointed.
So, here's to Star Trek and all the Trekkies out there. I hope this weekend is a blast.
In the meantime: Live long and prosper, Lou Dobbs.
| Lori |
May 6th, 2009 12:53 pm ET Hey, great Funny! haven't laughed like that for a week` |
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| Linda |
May 6th, 2009 12:53 pm ET Oh my...now thats the funniest take on Star Trek I've seen yet. I'm definitely a Star Trek fan...If I start seeing visions of Lou Dobbs in my Star Trek reruns..It's all your fault Jack Gray! LOL |
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| shelly drori |
May 6th, 2009 12:54 pm ET on a wet wednesday when my washing machine has packed up, my four kids are whining for more food, and suze orman sits on my shoulder twittering at me not to spend any more money, Jack is the only one who can make me laugh. thanks for your twitters and your blogs, and for reminding us all that life is funny. live long and prosper, jack gray. |
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| gayle mccauley Malden,Mass. |
May 6th, 2009 12:55 pm ET You know Jack..I never cared much for Captain 'Jirk ' myself..He thought he was all that..Star Trek TNG was much more my style.They were all so humane to each other..Nice : ) And that Data: I'm a sucker for a smart man! *swoons*. You should know though,that along with Sam Donaldson and Spock,I have spotted Florence Henderson and your grandfather together!Looks like they all meet for coffee and then go hair shopping at the same place.Just thought you might want to know......: ) |
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| Cassie, Minnesota |
May 6th, 2009 12:55 pm ET I love all your blogs, but this one in particular had me laughing out loud in my office. I'd prefer if you'd sleep less and write more. Thanks! |
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| @chrisl2001 |
May 6th, 2009 12:55 pm ET Ah, my Jack Gray fix for the day...now I can stop shaking and get on with life... |
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| Jayne52 |
May 6th, 2009 12:55 pm ET Love it Jack, you have done it again. Just write more and more often. |
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| vanessa from silver spring, MD |
May 6th, 2009 12:55 pm ET I use to watch Star Trek Generation. It was good back in the day, but I don't watch Star Trek stuff anymore. Not really interested in seeing the movie either. Funny blog today. I didn't know Full House was Star Trek's spin off series. Explains a lot.lol |
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| InsaneLoon |
May 6th, 2009 12:55 pm ET Hilarious piece. I'm sure an army of Klingons are heading towards your door to destroy you. |
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| jenn nixon |
May 6th, 2009 12:58 pm ET (.(.(..).).) They are coming to get you. |
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| eric klein |
May 6th, 2009 1:00 pm ET What is with all these prequeals of tv and sci-fi shows. I feel these back tracking is ridiculous stuff |
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| Chip |
May 6th, 2009 1:06 pm ET I'm laughing so hard I'm starting to cry. |
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| Vesta Schindler |
May 6th, 2009 1:08 pm ET Good piece....enjoyed it.....Y....nice. |
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| Michelle D . Fonthill. Ont |
May 6th, 2009 1:11 pm ET Hi Jack Live long and prosper ! |
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| Anne |
May 6th, 2009 1:12 pm ET Jack – I'm one of your faithful Twitter follower and I have to say, you make my day. For a friend's 50th we're going to see Star Trek Saturday. |
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| Mike Syracuse, NY |
May 6th, 2009 1:19 pm ET Jack, just a word of advice. If you are ever offered the chance to beam down with Capt. Kirk to another planet while wearing the red jersey of a security guard, run, don't walk the other way. Otherwise your will be killed within the first 30 seconds of the episide by an amorphous blob resembling Rosanne Barr. |
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| michaelette sanders |
May 6th, 2009 1:19 pm ET Jack, you need to write a book. You are so witty! I always look forward to what you have to say!. I also follow you on twitter..LOVE YOU |
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| Kelli |
May 6th, 2009 1:22 pm ET Funny stuff!! Thanks for summing up the whole Star Trek phenomenom for someone who has never seen it |
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| Isabel |
May 6th, 2009 1:23 pm ET Hi, Jack! So, did you never "stick one's neck out where nobody Excellent post! Congratulations and thank you! |
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| Maren in Oregon |
May 6th, 2009 1:27 pm ET As an original Trekkie, having seen the entire, if limited, original series in its debut performance, virtually my entire conscience is based upon the wisdom of Gene Roddenberry's "First Law" basically an insistence on noninterference and, if necessary, no contact at all with newly emergent species encountered along the way. None of the spin-off series lived up to the original, and certainly not up to the cheesy set decoration! Will.i.am Shat.t.ner (the way he would poronounce it) was glorious in his day. You would do well to treat Sammy with a little more respect. The crew of the Enterprise encountered a number of species who seemed to be dogs; and weren't. Live long and prosper, Jack. And look into Pon Far. |
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| GIl Gonzalez |
May 6th, 2009 1:27 pm ET Maybe it's just me, but I don't get your column. What does it have to do with the title? Are you providing a review for the upcoming movie? Have you seriously never seen an episode of Star Trek? I guess I don't understand what part of your column is actually funny. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a die-hard Trekkie by any stretch of the imagination. Still, I just don't see the point of what you've written. |
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| Michelle Johnson, Lomita, CA |
May 6th, 2009 1:29 pm ET Jack, have you given the original Star Trek series a try? Check it out–one of the best TV series ever made, not like other SciFi at all. The series made after are no good, though. Don't know about this new movie; I might see it, the actors seem interesting, but will be hard to live up to chemistry of the originals. |
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| Marlene Russell, Erin, Ontario |
May 6th, 2009 1:30 pm ET If you're home alone and laughing out loud you know you're reading something written by Jack Gray. |
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| Rob |
May 6th, 2009 1:34 pm ET That was really witty and funny. Good stuff!! I loved the info on the new movie starring Kathy Gifford and Nicolas Sarkozy. I'm still laughing my ass off! |
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| supergirllondon@twitter |
May 6th, 2009 1:34 pm ET Lost in Space the tv series was way better than Star Trek..oh and V – do you remember that show where they were like lizards? but that was kinda scary, whereas LIS was much cooler and mischevious. I only used to watch ST in order to watch Dr Spock's ear's. |
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| Lilibeth |
May 6th, 2009 1:36 pm ET Hi Jack, I’m not a big fan (I know, what’s wrong with me?), but I have co-workers who are trekkies and they even go to the conventions. Then they come back to work and tell me all about it, and I pretend to listen. Do you have people like that at your work, Jack? I don’t have anything against Star Trek; I just don’t make a big deal of it. If it makes them happy, then that’s great. Take care, Lilibeth |
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| Cathy F |
May 6th, 2009 1:41 pm ET This is by far, my favorite blog so far. I laughed, cried and I even peed my pants a little bit. [I am a Trekkie as you may (or perhaps in your case may not) be able to deduce from my oh so subtle email address.] LLAP \V/ |
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| shara |
May 6th, 2009 1:41 pm ET I've never enjoyed Star Trek... until today. You did it, Jack. Yes, you did. Now I feel like walking up to the Leonard Nimoy theater on the Upper West Side and pay homage... My Google alert went off surprisingly went off after reading this. |
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| Veronika |
May 6th, 2009 1:43 pm ET LOL @ Jack Gray!!! Yeah, I never got Star Trek either. Even though Spock's pointy ears, weirdly spooky slanty eyebrows turned me on (no not really), the theme kinda got old. Why were there were so many enemies in the galaxy to fight and conquer? Were there no cute, cuddly, fluff ball creatures out there to join forces with? I always hoped that Captain Kirk and his mates would crash into an island like Jamaica where they would learn to take off those tight, shiney, way-too-short-pants and learn to relax on a white sandy beach drinking out of coconuts. Kirk and the boys would spend their time working on their tans, playing guitar around bonfires and climbing up palm trees like Keith Richards did (well, without falling on their head). Just one episode of them chillin' was all I was asking. Ahhhh I can hear the island music in the background now... Call me Jack Gray if you want to write this episode together and put it on YouTube. I have a way-too-short skirt and huge, up-do wig ready to go!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!! Veronika |
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| @HiyaCher |
May 6th, 2009 1:48 pm ET Totally brilliant, Jack! There's no doubt you will probably get "hate-mail" from those who don't understand humour at it's best . Keep up the good writing! Love it! |
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| Presley |
May 6th, 2009 1:50 pm ET Now ok, I am from the Star Trek re-run generation. I have also seen the movies that had the original cast...KHAAAAAAAAAAN! Righteous! XXO ♥ |
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| Krasi, Houston |
May 6th, 2009 1:54 pm ET Love the comment about the HIlls |
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| Tracy Solomon |
May 6th, 2009 2:01 pm ET Hats off! Cheers to you! I'd even be willing to hear your negative opinion on a show I like because I know you'd make me laugh:) |
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| Jacqueline, NY |
May 6th, 2009 2:19 pm ET Finally, my opening! What I mean is, I have been waiting for quite some time to mention this, but it never seemed to be the right time. So, thanks, Jack for the topic of Star Trek and it's characters. Now, don't laugh, but does anyone else notice the resemblance Anderson has to Spock? LOL! No, really, don't they look somewhat alike? Particularly about the ears. Or is just me? I've always want to that. And that's not a dis. Spock was always my favorite because he's so smart. Or maybe it was the ears. I don't know, but there, I said it. Whew! Finally, a load. LOL! |
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| Dianne |
May 6th, 2009 2:20 pm ET So, Spock had the same haircut for well....ever? Isn't Star Trek about variety? I was expecting perhaps, a side part or at best or perhaps long hair in a ponytail? I guess the bowl cut shows off his awesome ears. |
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| Jacqueline, NY |
May 6th, 2009 2:21 pm ET P.S.: That would be Leonard Nimoy's "Spock." I have never seen any other Star Trek, beside the originals. |
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| Pamina |
May 6th, 2009 2:24 pm ET OHHHHHH boy Jack! I think you may be in for a war with Trekkies! Very funny, but oh boy!!! |
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| Jennifer - Michigan |
May 6th, 2009 2:26 pm ET Hi Jack, |
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| Daneda |
May 6th, 2009 2:27 pm ET Star Trek saved Christmas? |
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| concern/denver Colorado |
May 6th, 2009 2:30 pm ET You think we should call up Eddie Murphy he is a treky |
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| Terry Washington State |
May 6th, 2009 2:30 pm ET Jack.. URG!! my partner is a MAJOR sci-fi viewer AND reader. I finally got to the point where I buy the dvd's, download it to IPOD and it's packed to view and enjoy at 30,000 ft. (weekly bi-coastal flights) I've seen enough of it by passive watching or forced "you'll like this one" shows that I followed everything you said, and had to run to the can so I wasn't relegated to wearing a Depends. Hillarious stuff, man. Keep it coming. Have to admit, don't know how it happened, but I liked Farscape and was bummed when it stopped. Damn, man.. where'd ya find the tylenol gear? LMAO |
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| Cindy |
May 6th, 2009 2:31 pm ET Gil-chill out man Jack–keep these hilarious blogs coming...they make my day everyday O_o |
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| CWhoa |
May 6th, 2009 2:47 pm ET I saw a screening of Star Trek last weekend, and enjoyed it despite having never seen a full show. And I drooled over Spock, that dude is a fox. |
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| Ruben |
May 6th, 2009 2:58 pm ET Ummmm.... I was thinking you were trying to be funny. But I didn't laugh, chuckle or even smirk while I read your "Article". Better luck next time. |
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| Alyzabeth |
May 6th, 2009 2:59 pm ET Ohhhhh, I am envisioning the nerdy hate mail right now! |
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| Elaine |
May 6th, 2009 3:12 pm ET I don't consider myself a "Trekkie" even though I have been a fan since the beginning, ST-TNG being my favorite. Your take on all things Star Trek is one of the funniest pieces I have read of late and I am not offended at all. I bet Wil Wheaton and Brent Spiner (both on Twitter) would be laughing along with me right now! |
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| Samantha |
May 6th, 2009 3:14 pm ET Your post was loaded with movie spoilers for sure, but at least you didnt let slip about Ashton Kutcher and the tribbles– woops, never mind, nothing to see here.. |
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| Rikki, Fargo, ND |
May 6th, 2009 3:16 pm ET You know, Jack, I've never seen Star Trek either...but thanks for catching me up! |
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| Samantha |
May 6th, 2009 3:19 pm ET Oh and as aside, I am already picking up vibes of nerdy wrath right here in this thread |
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| ceecee57 |
May 6th, 2009 3:20 pm ET Live Long and Prosper Jack! I love all the stuff you post on Twitter and on this blog. I've been a Star Trek fan for years and love this piece you wrote! |
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| Chris Sosa |
May 6th, 2009 3:21 pm ET I saw the original series once when I was a child, and I didn't get it then. Don't really get it now either. I think your blog post about summed up my feelings toward the entire franchise, but with much sharper sarcasm. |
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| Ellenzee, Cherry Hill, NJ |
May 6th, 2009 3:36 pm ET . Enjoyed this tremendously. CNN & YOU make coming on Twitter worthwhile!!! Thanks for the Great Humor! You have got to get published |
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| Vanessa, TX |
May 6th, 2009 3:36 pm ET Hiya Jack..um, I've never seen this Star Trek you speak of..By reading your blog I kinda got an idea of what the show was about..Did it also involved Bob Saget being a clean freak? lol |
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| Barbara in Boston |
May 6th, 2009 3:44 pm ET I love all things Star Trek - including this blog. Jack, you can't tell me you never saw any shows if you know about the Vulcan – Klingon dance-off. It was pon-far night at the Borg assimilation club, doncha remember? And don't forget that BOTH Sam and Spock's hair was donated by Captain Picard, who lost a shave-off bet with the Grand Negus. And I'll bet your Sammy would love to knock back some margaritas with a Tribble or two. Resistance is futile. |
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| Eleanor Coombs |
May 6th, 2009 3:46 pm ET Job well done Mr. Gray. I'm not a fan of Star Trek either....try not watch any science fiction. But, your commentaries makes me giggle even though i know that most of it do not represent the Movie. I am, however will watch this episode , when it gets to DVD....don't know if I can sit through a .......fiction for a couple of hours; it'll take me a few days. Iawait your next blog for a good laugh....make it good day. |
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| @radrc |
May 6th, 2009 3:47 pm ET @jackgraycnn, Yet another fabulous blog (or should I say "borg"?)! This is just what I needed to make it thru this crazy, crazy Wednesday. Thanks, Jack! |
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| Dulcie - Denver |
May 6th, 2009 3:47 pm ET Hahahaha! This had me laughing like a loon. All my workmates think I've lost my mind. It's probably an improvement. Great blog entry. Thanks for the laugh. |
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| Ramone Diaz, Venezuela |
May 6th, 2009 3:48 pm ET Live long and prosper, Jack. |
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| Christine |
May 6th, 2009 4:27 pm ET A classic, as always Jack. Has anyone ever told you that you'd look cute in vulcan ears? |
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| Tammy, Berwick, LA |
May 6th, 2009 4:33 pm ET OK. The Trek baby speaks. I grew up watching the original series with my dad over the years, watched TNG in college, and still am a fan. Two of my college TNG buddies and I are going see the new movie this weekend just to compare notes. The original series was written to show that people from different walks of life could learn to get along. It was very appropriate for its day and time. It's still relevant today. A new generation of fans to keep the money making machine going is never a bad thing... |
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| Angie -West Chester is the Best Chester |
May 6th, 2009 4:37 pm ET Don't lie Jack, don't lie- you know you ordered a Tribble from thinkgeek and it's on your desk right now! PS Ron Popeil is the best! |
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| Dan Glenn |
May 6th, 2009 4:46 pm ET I must be getting old or am I part Vulcan? I failed to see the realy humor. |
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| BettyAnn, Nacogdoches,TX |
May 6th, 2009 4:49 pm ET I Don't Like Frickin' Sci-Fi Either Jack! |
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| Kim |
May 6th, 2009 4:50 pm ET After living with and marrying a trekkie. I LOVE this blog. My husband and I constantly joke about the "space hookers" from the original star trek. Kirk didn't hate.. he loved them all. lol Too bad he never came across a preying mantis like species and got eaten.. that would have been worth listening to his over dramatic acting. No wonder spock was so monotone.. to make up for the extra EMO from the capt. |
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| Bonnie |
May 6th, 2009 5:22 pm ET I think you are hilarious Jack! Love your blogs. . . |
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| Zaza |
May 6th, 2009 5:40 pm ET This made my day! |
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| Don, WA |
May 6th, 2009 5:48 pm ET Scotty was great, he always beamed them up just in time, and he always fixed the warp drive just in time. And was consistantly on the bridge exclaiming, "she can't take much more of this captain!" (Which, before reading this very funny and informative blog, I had always assumed was in reference to the enterprise ship). |
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| Kathy Bradley |
May 6th, 2009 6:03 pm ET Anderson must keep you out of sight during his show. You can tell he thinks you're hilarious and so do I. I'll never be able to think of star trek again without thinking of Lou Dobbs and Sam Donaldson! |
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| Stara |
May 6th, 2009 6:14 pm ET lol your blogs are always great to read , keep up the great work |
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| John Hobarth |
May 6th, 2009 7:06 pm ET Jack, As always you rock. Thanks for ending a very stressfull day with a laugh. Keep up the good work and tweets. |
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| deb |
May 6th, 2009 7:38 pm ET Hilarious Mr Gray; Best take I've read in a long time. Thanks for a laugh. Mr. Shatner also amuses ; I find his every incarnation intriging. |
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| Annie Kate |
May 6th, 2009 7:45 pm ET Jack I'm a trekkie – the original show type with Nimoy and Shatner, Scotty and McCoy (he's dead Jim). You should try to watch some of the original shows – they are campy at best now but still fun. (I think Nick at night has them on). I do think Anderson looks a lot like Mr. Spock, especially in the ears. If they were just a little bit more pointed he'd be almost a perfect match (Silver Vulcan Fox?). He has the serious face Spock used and he can lift his eyebrows to convey different expressions. Until his ears get more pointed though he looks like an Irish leprechaun. And no, there weren't any of those on Star Trek. Funny post. Live long and prosper. Or maybe in these hard economic times I should say Live long and break even. |
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| starshadow |
May 6th, 2009 8:03 pm ET OK, I am laughing more than I should be on a rainy morning! As one who grew up with the original series, I was probably the only fan in my circle of fellow Trek-watchers who loved Dr. McCoy. DeForest Kelley was an absolute darling in my eyes, with his recurrent disclaimers: "I'm a doctor, not a...!" Loved this entry! |
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| Helen, Reading, UK |
May 6th, 2009 8:25 pm ET Hey Jack and everyone! I'm blogging from what has been my sick bed for the last day or two. Don't want to get too graphic, but I had a bad case of Klingons on the starboard bow.. Enjoy your dinner peeps x |
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| Helen |
May 6th, 2009 8:51 pm ET The post made me laugh and cringe! I can't wait to see the new movie and I hope you do to Mr. Gray, just so you can see what the fuss is about! |
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| Carol B. in MD |
May 6th, 2009 9:16 pm ET Unfortunately, I got stuck watching this show several times but parts of it are hilarious (whether intentional or not.) Yes, there's the Vulcan salute, but there's also the corny, telepathic, mind-meld. Two brains become one through skull massage & frequency. Hopefully, you'll never hear those now famous lyrics,"What's the frequency, (Jack)?" |
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| Shirley |
May 6th, 2009 9:58 pm ET LOL!!!!! I love Star Trek (the original) but this was hilarious. |
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| Eun Hye |
May 6th, 2009 10:05 pm ET Oh Jack! I love you, I really do! |
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| Jolene, St. Joseph, MI |
May 6th, 2009 10:33 pm ET Hi Jack: So you are not a "trekkie" eh? Well, whenever I say "Beam me up, Scotty", it means give me a shot of Jim Beam fast! Of course, Scotty, being the name of my favorite bartender.....afteralll how else are we to deal with the fact that there really is “no intelligent life down here”. At least in my world, there isn't.... It really didn’t occur to me but after thinking about it, I do agree with some of the other bloggers, Anderson does look a bit like Spock! Thanks for blogging today! |
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