Vegas 2006 - 40th Anniversary Convention

[Kor37 9]

Great pics from all of you! Sounds like you all had a great time!

[Mike 5]

Is that Cateaya next to Robert Picardo?

Yeah, that certainly is Chateaya! That took place 'upstairs' in Quarks during the Friday Night Captain's Chair party..Such fun..

[A l t e r E g o 9]

Well, maybe we'll all hook up next time!

 

Yeah ST, I was looking for you with a stach, big difference without it. You've seen it but for those who haven't, here is the back of who I thought was you.

 

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

 

So close... He must thought I was crazy asking him if he were Spacetigger.

 

Wow, you were practically ON the stage! We were about a quarter mile away, near the back. May I download your Star shots for our album?

 

Oh, and thanks Odo. Sorry you missed it Kor but I'm happy you enjoyed the pics.

[Mike 5]

 

Wow, you were practically ON the stage! We were about a quarter mile away, near the back. May I download your Star shots for our album?

Certainly AE..That would be fine with me..

[Chataeya 0]

Yep! that was me!!!

Wow Robert Picardo singing to me .

But I have some pic's too. Hmmmmm, Tigger a Chase Fan? Of, course he was caught in action,

I think this one will say it all, Me and RP.

[trekz 7]

For a nice synopsis of Scott Bakula's Vegas con appearance, see the thread here named "Bakula misses "Enterprise", Mocks Shatner" It's a very good summary of the highlights of his appearance imo.

[Kor37 9]

May I suggest that next time STF members want to meet at a con that you at least exchange cell phone numbers? Thats what MrPsychic and I did when we met at Shore Leave here in Baltimore. To try to just spot someone among the thousands of people there seems like a hopeless cause.

[Mike 5]

There are some people who don't own cell phones as surprising as that may seem..Like myself for example..I have thought about getting one but haven't seen the need for it yet..

[Kor37 9]

There are some people who don't own cell phones as surprising as that may seem..Like myself for example..I have thought about getting one but haven't seen the need for it yet..

 

 

No cell phone??........Talk about stone knives and bearskins.......

 

Anyway, I'm sure that some arrangement to meet could be made if enough effort was put forth. Its a shame to waste such a rare and unique opportunity to actually meet some of the folks we talk to every day on this site.

[Chataeya 0]

Here is another pic of V'ger and I done by a cartoonist.

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

I just Love this one the best, makes me look good,

[Mike 5]

There are some people who don't own cell phones as surprising as that may seem..Like myself for example..I have thought about getting one but haven't seen the need for it yet..

 

 

No cell phone??........Talk about stone knives and bearskins.......

 

Anyway, I'm sure that some arrangement to meet could be made if enough effort was put forth. Its a shame to waste such a rare and unique opportunity to actually meet some of the folks we talk to every day on this site.

 

I don't talk on the phone enough to justify owning a cell phone. And I did meet all the STF members who were at the convention except for AE..Looking back on it, it was probably my fault for not telling him where I was sitting ahead of time..Next time for sure..

[athena28 2]

I've got pics (prob. didn't turn out that great as my camera is only 3 pixels) and video of Chase & Bob Picardo (with our very own Chataeya). However, I don’t have the USB cable for the camera & won’t get it till sometime next week. I’ll post then – I promise.

 

It was great hanging out with SpaceTigger & Chataeya. They really made the con fun for me.

 

Also speaking w/Trekz was great. You really get to meet a lot of interesting people at these things.

 

Boy, that's a great caricature, Chataeya.

[Chataeya 0]

Thank you Athena28! It did turn out good.

[trekz 7]

Thursday Highlights from various speaker at the Vegas con - as noted at the time.

 

Armin Shimerman had some harsh words concerning his expeience appearing on the TV show Charmed. "There's good reason these particular "ladies" play witches" he said to gasps and laughter. He called them awful actresses who wouldn't read lines and act with him and the word unprofessional was used. In answer to a question, he called appearing in Stargate as one of the Nox a wonderful experience. In answer to other questions, he noted his friendship with Rene Aberjonois, and that Far beyond the Stars was his favorite DS9 episode. Armin appeared on stage with makeup specialist Michael Westmore, who spoke about his families long involvement in makeup in Hollywood.

 

Avery Brooks opened noting that Star Trek was a glimpse at the infinite. He noted the enormous potential of TV and the need to raise its standards. In answer to a rumor about his appearing in the next Rambo movie, he quoted Marvin Gaye who said believe half of what you say and none of what you read, and firmly stated that "Rambo is NOT in my future!" In answer to a question about his beliefs he noted that whereever African people reside there is a divine connection. He noted that his grandfather was a college graduate in the early 1900's and that "you must believe" that you can succeed. The Visitor was mentioned as a great episode about the bond between a father and a son. In answer to a question about Spencer For Hire he noted that when he left the show he asked for either the gun or the car... and he got a leather jacket that was too small! He noted how fond he was of Robert Urich. He noted the allegorical ressonances of history concerning the Holocaust and the Cardassian occupation of Bajor. He mentioned the episode What Little Ship Are You. He noted that "Alexander Robinson was one of the most interesting minds I'd ever encountered." He quipped that originally his contract called for "no facial hair and hair on his head so the viewers wouldnpt confuse me with Captain Picard!" Avery was very energetic on state and was warmly received by all.

 

Mariette Hartley appeared quite at ease. She talked about Shatner as "too short for me, with a tendency to take himself too seriously with women ... and he still does!" She talked about her son being best friends with Bill (The Incredible Hulk) Bixby's son Chris. Mariette stated that she was "very ADD and that being on stage was the way I learned." She noted her work in Children's Theatre in Connecticutt. She mentioned her love of reading books by Mary Higgins Clark. She noted the advice of Joel Macrea that he always reads the scene before the scene I do. She further noted that she used to live next to DeForest Kelley and that Leonard was a very serious actor.

 

Diana Muldaur noted that everyone should be celebrating Gene this week. She credited Gene R. for helping rediscover her and putting her in two episodes of the original series, and in a year of the Next Generation as Dr. Pulaski.

 

Brent Spiner and Jonathon Frakes appeared onstage together. Brent took a couple swipes at later series calling Voyager "Star Trek Light" and Enterprise "No Calorie Star Trek" to laugher. Frakes noted his involvement with the TNT project The Librarian. Patrick Stewart was, as usual, referred to as "old Baldy" to much laughter by the audience. They also talked about time spent at Marina Sirtis' with Michael Dorn and Skeelogy, Martina's dog.

 

Denise Crosby was the last guest of the day talking about her time on Next Generation, including coming back for Yesterday's Enterprise and as Sela. It was a wonderful conclusion to a great day!

 

I'll post more later. Trekz out!

[Kor37 9]

Wow! Thanks for keeping a log of the con. It sounded like a great time!

[trekz 7]

Friday Highlights from various speakers at 2006 Vegas Con - from notes taken that day. Hopefully these are accuate as to who said what when more than one person was on stage.

 

Robert Foxworth (Admiral Leyton of DS9) talked about working with Peter Falk on Columbo, including a funny story about Falk appologizing about needing so many takes. "Bobby, its the freaking eye. Just keep doing takes until I get the eye without the roll!" He praised Falk for doing "calculated work to make a slob character come out." He mentioned an acting job where he had to gain 30 pounds for the roll as the greatest month of my life because he could eat and drink anything! He called Falcon Crest a show that presented a physically attrative picture if not psychologically attractive picture. Foxworth said he grew the beard because he didn't like his face.

Jeffery Coombs (Shran), Marc Alaimo, and Aron Eisenberg also took the stage. Concerning work on Stargate, Richard Dean Anderson was called incredibly talented; a very deep fellow that impressed him, and that they spent time talking off camera. Candice Bergan was called a thorough professional. 6 Feet Under was very much like working on a feature. Foxworth said that he left Falcon Crest because "they made me say the same thing every episode. I got bored with it and wanted to expand the character." Jeffery Combs said he was staying busy acting. Marc Alaimo said he is basicly retired so he can do what he wants and be around his grandchildren. Aron Eisenberg talked about how DS9 was the best time of his life. He mentioned an addiction problem and how he continues to overcome it and about working to keep his wife and children taken care of.

 

Robert Picardo (EMH) and Ethan Phillips (Neelix) took the stage together, first reminiscing and then presented "House Call: a Theatrical Comedy." House Call was funny - a reunion of the Doctor and Neelix, coming about because of an illness of Neelix's child.

 

Connor Trineer (Trip) and Dominic Keating (Lt. Reed) appeared together. They were quite animated and big crowd favorites. Trineer spoke about appearing on Stargate SG1.

 

Kate Mulgrew took the stage to an ovation. She spole eloquently and from the heart about the recent death of her mother (who died in Dubuque, Iowa earlier this year) and how much she missed her, and thanked fans for their support. She talked about her role as Jameway and took pride in being able to portray a female Captain for seven years. She brought up politics, blasting the politics of PResident Bush. In her first question, she was criticized by a man who disliked her Bush comment, including her political comments in 2004, and felt that a Star Trek convention was an inappropriate place to make political comments. She replied, to applause, that some might not feel it was the right place to comment on the death of a parent, but that she felt it was appropriate and that she would contimue to speak out on issues and topics that she felt strongly about.

 

Finally Steven Novvick a dentist talked and showed highlights of his experience as an extra and actor in Star Trek.

 

(Some of these reports were shorter because of excessive time standing in autograph lines!) More to come. Trekz out!

[Kor37 9]

Its a shame that Mulgrew decided that a Trek con was the appropriate place to demean the President of the United States. My opinion of her has just dropped a notch.....

[Mike 5]

Its a shame that Mulgrew decided that a Trek con was the appropriate place to demean the President of the United States. My opinion of her has just dropped a notch.....

Actually Kate was rather low key about it compared to what happened when George Takei was on stage..I too don't like hearing political views at a Star Trek convention.. Aren't we there to have fun ??

[trekz 7]

Frankly I think guests should be able to talk about whatever they want. Kate talked about her mother's death and her feelings about that, which could have made some people uncomfortable too. I found her comments about her mother's death very real, eloquent and comforting to me, since I have lost both my parents years ago, but still find myself thinking and grieving from time to time. Her thoughts about the President and politics were her thoughts and I respect her for having the courage to state them in today's climate of intolerance concerning political views.

 

This makes me think of starting a topic that I think about from time to time: my ocassional shock here that all Star Trek fans are not more open and tolerant of differing views, considering that the Star Trek message seems to me to be about tolerance, about working WITH others, and about infinite diversity in infinite combination or IDIC. I know this is an ideal, but I would think that Star Trek fans would show more of this quality or at least be more open to differing points of view. I'm not trying to criticize others, or start a fight, just stating MY views.

[trekz 7]

For a full summary of Kate Mulgrew's statements at the LAs Vegas convention, see the thread at this site entitled: Mulgrew Would Love to Appear in Film With Other Captains. I highly recommend it!

[trekz 7]

PART I of Saturday Highlights from various speakers at 2006 Las Vegas Con, from notes taken that day. Fellow STF.net attendees should feel free to add additional info, comments or corrections! :P

 

First up was Andrea Martin who guest-starred on DS9 playing Ishka on the episode Family Business. She talked about the episode and reprised her character briefly on stage, saying a line to Quark that he should treat his brother Rom better and not be a bad older brother! She spoke a bit about SCTV and reprised her colorful character Edith with some appropriate remarks pretending to report on this Star Trek convention.

 

Appearing together were Nichelle Nichols (Uhura), George Takei (Sulu) and Walter Koenig (Chekov). The trio settled into chairs and began. George Takei talked about his experiences over the years on the Howard Stern show. Stern used to have people call George up and pretend to be someone else, one example given was a supposed phone call from Richardo Montaban (Khan) - then broadcast it on his show! He talked about being booked onto the Stern Show his first time and complaining about the station that was being aired in the waiting room. "It was rude, crude, vulgar...Can't we have some nice music?" George enquired. He was surprised when told that was Howard on air and he was going on soon! Howard complimented him on his deep voice and then made a crude remark assuming that meant something about his endowment (not a financial one!). Eventually George agreed to be an occasional announcer for a brief period on the show.

He mentioned that he greatly enjoyed the comedy of Artie Lang on the Stern Show.

 

Koenig talked about his experience appearing on the series Babylon V for 12 episodes as a recurring character. He complemented the show and actors as being very professional.

 

Nichols commented on appearing as backup for the incredible Diane Carroll. One day Carroll smilingly informed her: "I have no plans on being absent!" Nichols replied, jokingly, "I carry a bag of bannana peals!" "What?, asked Carroll. "Break a leg," smiled Nichols. Nicelle also recalled a Musicians strike on Broadway at that time and how she got payed by both the theater and the Playboy club lounge where she was appearing to sing.

 

Takei spoke with feeling about his experience, noted in his Autobiography, of the US being terrorized and his family and other Japanese Americans being rounded up and sent to camps during World War II after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, with "no trial, no attorney and no charges" being filed. He mentioned that his family spent part of the war in a camp in the swamps of Arkansas.

 

Things got a bit politically heated as comments were made on stage about parallels between then and now, with reference to current national policy, including the war in Iraq and attitudes toward peoples of a certain nationality or religion. Real intelligence from leaders was aksed for, as well as the need to embrace diversity and not reject it. A need for tolerance was noted. Hope for continued work toward living in a world where we all live together was stated, as well as a unity of purpose to bring us into the future. * (*My notes were written quite fast and so I will sometimes give quotes and comments generally, trying to avoid wrongly attributing remarks, where my notes are not clear as to whom was speaking!)*

 

The topic of Walter getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame came up and it ws mentioned that a former chairman of the committee feels that there are enough STar Trek people with stars. This person was referred very negatively and fans were told to write him to tell him how dumb he is, along with a colorful adjective!, by, I believe, Nichelle. The comment was made that someday people could "walk all over Walter's good name!"

 

Nichols talked about being told she inspired others by her portrayal of Uhura, and told the story of Whoppie Goldberg yelling to everyone in her house when a child while watching Star Trek: "Come Quick! There's a black lady on TV and she ain't no maid!"

 

More political thoughts followed. Having the US reach its highest potential was hoped for. It should not be one person's idea of democracy, but a collective vision. The statement was made that degrading words should never make me less.

 

In the course of the hour George was referred to by an audience member as a "left coast liberal." Also about this time Nichelle said the discussion made her upset enough that she had to leave the stage for a while, which she did.

 

The session eventually wrapped up a little later with Nichelle coming back on stage. Everyone sang "God Bless America" and the three Star Trek veterans left the stage to applause after a MOST spirited appearance!

 

TREKZ: Remarks, including controversial ones, noted here are intended to inform, not inflame, Star Trek Fans. I look forward to a FULL transcipt of this myself! Again - conference attendees with a faster pen should feel free to add, subtract or correct these quickly copied notes! More to come on Saturday's speakers! Trekz OUT!

[Kor37 9]

I'm not gonna flame about it but I have to say that its really sad that at a Trek convention, the conversation got so heated that it upset Nichelle Nichols enough to actually leave the stage. Trek cons are supposed to be fun where you discuss the love of the show and the careers of the actors. This other stuff is pure nonsense.

[Chataeya 0]

I agree with you Kor37........Star Trek Con's are for Star Trek! Not for anything else. I don't like Politics or talking about it. Gets to confusing for me. Yes I do vote and I do listen to there ads, then vote for who I think is the lesser of the 2 evils and pray they don't put us into WW3.

[trekz 7]

Part II of highlights of various speakers of 2006 Las Vegas Con from notes taken at the time. Fellow STF.net or other attendees should feel free to add, subtract or comment.

 

(One of my favorite groups onstage from one of my favorite TOS episodes!)

William Schallert (Nils Baris), William Campbell (Koloth, not Kor) and Charlie Brill (Arne Darvin) all appeared in the TOS classic episode "The Trouble With Tribbles" and on DS9 30 years later. Appearing together onstage, Charlie Brill, who appeared in a comedy act with his wife, told of "my friend Lenny" (Leonard Nimoy) wanting to help him when he needed work while Charlie's wife was pregnant. Nimoy told him to go down to the studio and try out for a part. He did, walked into a room and someone doing casting immediately said "Arne Darvin!" Brill quipped that the first time he heard that, he thought "What's Arne Darvin, some Jewish holiday?" While filming the Tribbles episode Brill first saw Nimoy in makeup and immediately asked, "What's with the ears?"

 

William Schallert told of having 100's of fans start shouting "Nils Baris!" to him at an early convention, turning around and looking behind him, and then realizing that HE was Nils Baris! He also talked of working on Get Smart as the old man falling down alot and of being Maxwell Smart's best man.

 

William Campbell told of auditioning for the part of Kor and having the writer say "That's exactly what the character would say" several times before he realized that Campbell had seen the script beforehand! Gene Coon had given it to him because he thought he'd be perfect for the part of Kor. Campbell also told of having an autographed picture of Elvis that he'd had in a drawer for years that he offered on e-bay and received a bid of $15,000 for! He took it off e-bay and locked it in a safe!

 

Brill told of his appearance with his wife (The Comedy of McCall and Brill) on the historic night the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. Brill and his wife appeared right after the Beatles! Brill called it "a (I'm trying to misspell a badword but can't) nightmare!" with everyone screaming during their act. Brill mentioned that THe dressing room he used that night was where the soda machine was. After opening the door after a knock, John Lennon was there and asked, in a strong English accent, "Canya Give us a Coke, love?" Brill said WHAT? and Lennon repeated his request. Brill's wife asked who is it and Brill replied, "Some guy who wants a Cokelove!" Ringo soon appeared asking John "What are ya doing?" They ended up sitting on the floor and talking for some time. After the show, Brill first thought that the Beatles had destroyed his career! He and his wife refused an offer to go down with the Boys to Miami.

 

Schallert told of appearig in the movie Speedway with Elvis Presley. They had to sit in a car together for 2 hours for a process shot where a rear picture appears behind them to show motion. He siad he felt crowded because Elvis was leaning in talking right into his ear.

 

Brill mentioned that he and his wife were the opening act for Ann Margaret when she appeared at the Hilton in Las Vegas back when it was called the International. Elvis enjoyed their show, sitting ringside and asked them to come see him. They did and Brill was amazed at how the women went wild over Elvis. He claimed he turned to his wife to say how crazy these women were, and SHE was throwing clothing at Elvis!

 

Campbell told of visiting his friend DeForest Kelley before his death and of hisl friendship with Kirk Douglas.

He also used the catchphrase "Tally ho!" a reference to his appearance as Trelane on the TOS wpisode The Squire of Gothos.

 

The three veteran actors left the stage to huge applause. (After one of MY favorite convention appearances ever!)

 

More of Saturday highlights to come. For now, Trekz out!

[Kor37 9]

William Schallert and William Campbell are two of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. BTW, not to be not-picky but Campbell played Koloth, not Kor... :P

 

I met William Schallert just recently at Shore Leave here in Baltimore. He was extremely nice and I got his autograph.

 

I first met William Campbell about 30 years ago at a Trek con here. I couldn't believe this guy. I was about 15 years old at the time. Back then, the actors often sat at tables in the dealer's room and were very accessible. I got his autograph and he looked me in the eye and actually had a conversation with me. He made me feel like I was actually important! Its gets better. Later on, I had just bought a sandwich and with no tables in sight, I had sat down on the floor against a wall to eat it. Campbell came walking by and spotted me. He actually approached me, remembered my name and introduced me to his wife!!! I was speechless and awestruck by the humbleness and niceness of this man. I'll never forget it.

 

:P

[trekz 7]

Thanks Kor for correcting me on Campbell playing Koloth, not Kor. I must have had too much bloodwine! :P I totaly agree with you as far as Campbell being a wonderful actor AND a thoughtful caring person, as far as everything I have heard about him.

 

Marc Alaimo made me feel great by telling me in line that he remembered seeing me at the DS9 themed breakfast I attended in Vegas when I thanked him for his remarks he made there when I got his autograph later. Touches like that mean a lot to me as a fan.

 

Schallert was very nice in Las Vegas. A friend traveling with us had a long conversation in the alternate signing room with him about various roles he played. The actors in this room also sat at tables and were very accessible to fans. They included Suzy Plakson, Barbara Luna, Lee Merriweather, Charlie Brill and many others. They were of course selling pictures and autographs and having pictures taken with the fans. Despite the capitalistic part of the equation there was still a very good feeling regarding appreciation for these actors and their appreciation for the fans. I wish this was done more often for all the actors, although it could create huge lines for the big stars. Nevertheless, anything that woud help bring the actors and the fans together in a less regimented manner would be a huge improvement imo. Perhaps this is more a problem with Creation conventions.

[athena28 2]

Am having all sorts of trouble w/my pics because my computer is on the fritz. Maybe a virus, we're just not sure yet. However, I can post something:

 

Here are 3 videos taken 8.18.06 at the Captain's Chair Dinner at Quark's Restaurant. I tried to take them vertically so there'd be more to see -- unfortunately, that made them come out sideways...

 

Chase Masterson/Las Vegas Trek Con/40th Anniversary/8.06 (No sound)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DmumnfD-Ro

 

Bob Picardo & Chataeya/Las Vegas Trek Con/40th Anniver/8.06 (No sound)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK8UTn5UHvA

 

Robert Picardo/Las Vegas Trek Con/40th Anniversary/8.06 (No sound)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9XvPMk0l48

[Kor37 9]

Great videos Athena! Too bad there's no sound though. I wanted to hear Chataeya sing... :P

[athena28 2]

LOL, are you kidding, Kor?

 

They would've kicked me out if they knew I was filming at all! Only still photography is allowed. I had to sneak this.

[trekz 7]

The videos are great, Athena28. Hope you can get the sound but they're still entertaining. You may have to do a voiceover! Thanks for sharing them.

:P