Monday, September 12, 2016

Fifty Years of Star Trek, Underworld Blood Wars Trailer, IWSG Updates, New Releases, and CassFire Audio Book Winners

Fifty Years of Star Trek

On September 8, 1966, the first Star Trek show debuted. And life has never been the same.

Wikipedia had an entire page dedicated to the influence of Star Trek, stating Star Trek is one of the most culturally-influential television shows, and is often regarded as the most influential science fiction TV series in history. Many astronauts claim Trek influenced their career decision and George Lucas has stated that Trek was a big factor in the creation of Star Wars.

While I was a tad too young to watch the original series during its run, I spent many hours watching the reruns in syndication. The show broke through so many barriers, showing us a bigger and better world. I was captivated by the possibility of what existed beyond our solar system. It was the beginning of my love for science fiction, which would eventually lead to me writing in that genre.

There are a ton of events happening this month and hundreds of articles online celebrating fifty years of Star Trek. The LA Times has a ton of articles and you can find more news at Blastr.

Picking one favorite Trek would be impossible. I’m digging the reboot movies even as I still love the movies First Contact and Wrath of Khan. The closest I can come to a favorite is the series Deep Space Nine. There have been a few missteps (Star Trek V, the search for God?) but otherwise I’ve enjoyed them all.

What is your favorite Star Trek? And does anyone else own a bat'leth? Great for home defense!

Underworld Blood Wars

That’s right! Kate is back for another Underworld movie.



Insecure Writer's Support Group

Thanks to everyone for another awesome IWSG post day.

I try to get to as many as possible, but I hope everyone understands I can’t visit everyone. (That’s why we have co-hosts.) I’m making an effort to visit those I haven’t seen in a while though. Plus the newbies. I appreciate every single person who posts.

If you’ve missed posts in the past, make sure you’re still on the list. I visited several who were posting but they’d missed two in a row at some point and were no longer on the list.

And special thanks to all of the volunteers. Co-hosts are booked through next January now!

Don’t forget the IWSG Anthology Contest is now open! We have some great judges, an awesome theme, and we’re looking forward to reading the entries. You have until November 1, so get cracking.

New Releases

Baby Moo's Great Escape by Julie Flanders

Baby Moo has a dream. He wants to travel the world and sing on the stage of the Sydney Opera House!

Julie Flanders will donate $1 to Sunrise Sanctuary, home to Baby Moo and numerous other rescued animals, for each copy sold in September.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Desolate Mantle (Street Games Book 2) by LK Hill

Walking the Slip Mire nightly, dressed in her disguise and trying to infiltrate a homicidal gang, Kyra Roberts sees plenty of things she can’t explain, and begins to think a serial killer may be on the prowl...

Find it on Amazon

Winners of CassaFire on Audio

And the winners are…

and

Congratulations!


Are you a Star Trek fan? What’s your favorite show/movie? Ready for more Underworld? (I really need to get that outfit for my wife.) Enjoy the IWSG last week? Picking up some new books? Are your books on audio?

Last Friday I was a guest at Rebecca Bradley’s site for her First Draft series of interviews.

I’ll also be gone all day Friday for training, so I’ll catch Friday posters this weekend.

142 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Congratulations to the winners of your Audio book.
And huge thanks to all the writers with new works out.
I am really, really looking forward to reading the next ISWG anthology too.

nashvillecats2 said...

Congrats to the winners of your audio book.
Is it really 50yrs since Star Trek graced our screens?
Perhaps it was later in the UK AS THAT MAKES ME FEEL TERRIBLY ANCIENT.
Have a good week Alex.
Yvonne.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I watched Star Trek sometimes, but I found it kind of intense as a kid!

Congrats to the audiobook winners!

Mason Canyon said...

I'd have to say I'm a huge Star Trek fan. Wrath of Khan is one of my favorite movies and The Trouble with Tribbles would probably be my favorite episode. Looking forward to Kate's return in Underworld Blood Wars. Congrats to everyone with new releases and the audio winners of your book. They are in for a treat.

Thoughts in Progress
and MC Book Tours

Truedessa said...

Happy Monday Alex! Congrats to the winners of the audio books. I am sure they will enjoy listening to the adventure unfold.

I imagine it must be a very busy day of reading and commenting on IWSG days, thank goodness for co-hosts. We all need a little help from our friends.

I've always wondered about what is out there beyond the stars. Sometimes I would think "Beam me up" just for a glimpse. Lucky for me my imagination is willing to explore beyond the normal sphere of sight.

Live long and prosper!

Cathrina Constantine said...

Congratulations to the winners of your audio book, Alex.

I was also quite young to appreciate Star Trek, but I do remember watching it when I got older. So looking forward to the new Underworld movie.

Good Luck with training on Friday.

Just Keepin It Real, Folks! said...

I only watched Star Trek a few times. Crazy I know. But this is coming from the same chick who never saw a single Star Wars movie either. LOL. Congrats to all the new authors and winners of your audio book.

Leovi said...

Star Trek is a fabulous saga, but my favorite is 2001: A Space Odyssey!!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats to the audiobook winners and those with new books!

I used to watch TNG in college, though I've also seen episodes from TOS, DS9. and Voyager. Next Generation is still my favorite. I do have to catch up with the rebooted movies; I still haven't seen them yet!

Liza said...

I have to admit, we watched a few episodes of the original Star Trek marathon when it was on this weekend. I have always been a fan of Next Generation. We still watch that pretty regularly.

Pat Hatt said...

Star trek did break through a ton of barriers. I'm way more of a Stargate fan though. But without Star Trek may never have had that. Kate's about the only thing good left in that series, but I'm in too deep not to see how it ends lol watched all the other ones so may as well keep going.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Okay, you're making me feel a wee bit old. I do remember the original Star Trek series and used to watch it.

Donna K. Weaver said...

I've been a Trekker since I watched the first show (it was delayed since we were living in the Philippines at the times and Armed Forced Network always got thing a year behind). I was devastated when we returned to the States and it only aired for half a season because they canceled it. It was years before syndication brought it back again.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

Yes, yes, yes, more Underworld please! Me has likeyed Kate Beckinsale ever since 1998 when she starred opposite Chloƫ Sevigny in The Last Days of Disco, one of my favorite movies of all time. Both women wowed me and both are on my bucket list as future Mrs. Shadys. It always amazes me how actresses like Kate, Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman can shed their accents and deliver dialogue in perfectly Americanized English.

Bob/Sally said...

Couldn't agree more, Alex. DS9 doesn't get nearly enough love or respect. Yes, it had a rough start, but the Dominion War seasons were the best Trek on TV, and Garak was the best supporting character since Q.

H. R. Sinclair said...

I wanted a tribble for years. :)

Tonja Drecker said...

:) Great outfit for the wife (Underworld)! Ugh...there's no way I could pick a favorite Star Trek show/movie. There were a few I didn't care for but not many. Enjoy your training--I have the image of secret ninja facilities running through my head.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Yvonne, it's been that many years.

Mason, thanks!

Truedessa, I'd like to go see, and yet part of me enjoys just imagining.

Deb, that is so alien to me...

Sandra, Next Gen started it all over again.

Pat, Stargate was awesome. Well, the first two series anyway.

Donna, we were in Japan at the time, so I wouldn't have seen it anyway.

Shady, I'll fight you for Kate!

Bob, Amen!

Holly, if you have dust bunnies you can pretend they are tribbles...

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I remember watching Star Trek: The Next Generation more than any of the other ones. I get a huge kick out of Will Wheaton being on The Big Bang Theory now. :)

I'm ready to co-host IWSG next month!

M.J. Fifield said...

My mother used to watch the original Star Trek series reruns, so I've seen a few of those. I've really enjoyed J.J. Abrams's reboot movies, though. My significant other calls me a trekkie now.

My favorite (current) TV show right now is probably Game Of Thrones.

Jennifer Lane said...

Hi Alex, thanks for educating me on the influence of Star Trek--I didn't know all that. Science fiction isn't my favorite but I still enjoy the Star Trek movies (mainly because of Chris Pine ha ha). And I just recently rewatched Kate Beckinsale in Serendipity, such a cute movie!

Nick Wilford said...

Half a century of Star Trek, wow. I was obsessed as a kid and I would still say TNG is my favourite, because that was my first introduction to it. Haven't seen all of the movies, but First Contact is a good one.

Charles Gramlich said...

Wow Kate Beckinsale doesn't ever seem to change.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I started to type which was my favourite Star Trek, and realised I was listing most of them - Deep Space Nine was my least favourite. I even enjoyed Enterprise, I loved the concept, although no one seems to talk about that one.

Shell Flower said...

My mom and older brother are huge Star Trek fans. I mostly remember the Trouble with Tribbles episode. The USPS has a new Star Trek page of stamps. I just bought a ton for work. Also, I just started a new blog in Wordpress :) Still figuring it all out, though. shellphilhower.wordpress.com

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I love Star Trek. I also watched the old ones in reruns having missed the first showings. I like the reboot movies too. Can't pick a favorite version or movie for Trek. But I think the show that made me a syfy lover was Stargate.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Happy Anniversary to Star Trek!

I was recently reading an article about how Lucille Ball was instrumental in getting this show on the air. So, hurray for Lucy, as well!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Alex! WOW! THANKS! I am really thrilled. When I take my long trek down to Florida in November, I will have Byron to keep me company!!!! Thanks so much! Really looking forward to hearing it! I LOVE audio books. since I have so little time to read these days....

Star trek... 50 years. WOW! I was never a huge fan. As a I kid I was more into Lost in Space.

YAY UNDERWORLD! LOVE KATE! Looking forward to another segment....

Congrats to LK and Julie!

THANKS again! You started my week off GREAT!

Christine Rains said...

I grew up watching Star Trek too. Deep Space Nine was my favorite. And yes! More Underworld. Have a terrific week. :)

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

I haven't seen many of the Star Trek movies, but really need to take a look because I enjoyed the one this summer. I don't remember the titles of the ones I've watched.

Congratulations to the winners. Happy listening.

Last week's IWSG was fun. Met some new people.

Have a nice week.

Nicola said...

Love Star Trek - from original series to the new ones. I think Chris Pine does a great job of being a young William Shatner :) Have a great week, Alex!

kjmckendry said...

Yay!!!! OMG! I can't believe I won! I'm so happy right now, this is a great start to the week! :)

I loved watching Star Trek as a kid with my dad and brother and have passed that sci-fi love on to at least two of my kids, can't believe it's 50 years old!

Congrats to Julie and LK on their new releases!

kaykuala said...

Winners of your audio books did very well, congrats. Remembered Star Trex very much so. It was fascinating!

Hank

kaykuala said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chrys Fey said...

And Star Trek is going strong!

I love the Underworld movies. It's funny...just yesterday I wad wondering when a new one would come out. I hadn't seen or heard about this one yet. Thanks for sharing!

Sandra Cox said...

You piqued my interest, Alex. I watched the trailer to see what outfit you wanted to get your wife:)
Have a great one:)

stephen Hayes said...

I remember watching that first Star Trek episode in 1966. It was the one where they beam down to a colony on a planet and the people had all gone insane; some were dead in the shower with their clothes on. I was totally captivated.

Juneta key said...

Of course Star Wars is my heart, but I do love Star Trek too. My favorite series to date is Voyager and then DS9, but I love and watch them all, even the old ones.

They have a new Star Trek series releasing and I will be watching, airing in 2017 Star Trek Discovery. Wikapedia

I can't wait.

Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

Stacy McKitrick said...

I've watched all the Star Trek shows and all the movies (except for the latest--just haven't gotten around to that yet, my bad). Watched TOS with my dad and fell in love with Dr. McCoy! So hard to pick a favorite. Okay, maybe not. I love #4, Star Trek: The Voyage Home. The funny ones were always the best.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I know there was a marathon of TOS this weekend due to the 50th anniversary. Unfortunately, I forgot to tune in. I should have, but Lord of the Rings on TNT distracted me.

cleemckenzie said...

I have to admit, Star Trek did really keep me entertained. I couldn't wait for the weekly episodes.

It was great to co-host IWSG last week. I met a lot of new people and that's always really exciting.

Congrats to the winners of your book!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

T, that would be much cooler than what I'll really be facing.

Madeline, thanks!

Nick, First Contact hit all the right notes.

Charles, she doesn't! Hopefully it's not due to plastics.

Annalisa, and it didn't even get its full seven year run.

Shell, good to know.

Susan, Stargate is also awesome.

Michael, you're welcome! Thank Mr. Random Rafflecopter.

Nicola, which is good, because Shatner can't be a young Shatner anymore.

Kathy, glad to kick off your week right!

Chrys, now you know.

Sandra, black and skin tight!

Juneta, you know I'll be watching.

Stacy, that's my wife's favorite.

Michael, I caught some of both, but football won overall.

Tamara Narayan said...

I never was a Trekkie. I guess Star Wars was my defining sci-fi experience as a child. As a teen, I loved Dune (both the movie and the book).

Arlee Bird said...

I was in high school when Star Trek debuted. To my great disappointment, for some reason our local station in Knoxville, TN did not run the series. I was able to pick up the broadcast from the Chattanooga station though it was very snowy. A few years later they began to broadcast the episodes of Star Trek in syndication every evening at dinner time. By that time I was in college and watched at a friend's house nearly every evening. I guess at the time we would have been considered "Trekkies" to some extent.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Ann Bennett said...

I was ten when Star Trek debuted. I watched the series with my family. As a young adult working, I followed the series and saw every episode. When the other shows happened, life moved on for me and I did not watch anymore. What has stuck with me through the years is the idealism. It is American, yankee culture at it's best. You get all that great idealism and none of the preachiness. I could go on; but -

Cheers.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - so pleased you're enjoying all the hullaballoo re Star Trek and its 50 years ... which then inspired your entry into SciFi ...

I never got into it - in fact fell asleep?! I had taken my baby brother to see it in Leicester Square ... and had driven in from the Midlands ...

Great to see Julie's new book "Baby Moo" - and congratulations to you for getting your book into Audio ...

Cheers to one and all - Hilary

Diane Burton said...

I've only seen the original Star Trek episodes on DVD or reruns. Not because I wasn't old enough to watch them, but because I was living at home and Mom didn't like sci-fi. LOL I credit ST and Star Wars for my love of science fiction--reading & writing. I love the adventure and possibilities. I'm enjoying the reboot movies, too. The Voyage Home (ST IV) is still my fav.

Andrew Leon said...

Trek never grabbed me. Not that I dislike it, but I don't love it.
I did like the Enterprise series, though, although that may have had more to do with Scott Bakula than anything else about the show.

Unknown said...

Maybe it's sad, but Kirk yelling "Khan!!!!!" is my fondest memory of Star Trek. I always loved it, but then my husband and I saw it during an outdoor film festival and it was a fun and romantic night.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I love Star Trek. Worf will always be my favorite character.

Bish Denham said...

I'm definitely a Star Trek fan and old enough to have seen the series when it came out in 1966. We were all fascinated by it, even my father the scientist who had this gift of spoiling certain things by saying, "That can't happen because..." Even so, he could suspend belief, and get into the stories which touched on so many issues from those turbulent days.

I'm with you, Alex, although my first love is the original, of the series Deep Space Nice is my favorite because of the opportunists it gave for sup-plots and continuing story lines. As for the movies, The Journey Home when they "invade" San Francisco to bring back whales will always be my favorite. "There be whales here!"

Sherry Ellis said...

Hard to believe Star Trek is 50 years old! I enjoyed watching the shows. I enjoy playing the music even more.

Cherie Reich said...

I think my favorite Star Trek episode is the one with the tribbles. They're so cute and take over everything. :)

alexia said...

Yeah, I can't pick a fave Star Trek... I watched both Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. I like the whale movie from the original ones. Love the new movies, though the first was the best.

I love Underworld the original, but have not loved any of the ones that followed... though I do love Kate. I know you do too, Alex :)

Julie Flanders said...

Thanks for sharing about Baby Moo, Alex! And congrats to the winners of your audio books. :)

Carrie-Anne said...

I've been so caught up in the 50th anniversary of The Monkees, I'd forgotten it was also the 50th anniversary of Star Trek. The local indie theatre had a documentary about Spock last week, along with the 1979 Star Trek movie, another documentary, the 1986 Transformers cartoon (with Leonard Nemoy doing voicework), and 2001: A Space Odyssey (which I caught at the 35-cent matinƩe yesterday). It really is something how Star Trek turned out to have so many more incarnations, and such a wide-ranging cultural influence.

The Cynical Sailor said...

I love, love, love Star Trek and own all of the series on DVDs. I'd be really hard pressed to pick a favorite, but if I had to, I'd probably go with DS9. Thanks for the tip on the LA Times articles - I'll check that out. Cheers - Ellen

Liz A. said...

I've been seeing the 50th anniversary remembrances everywhere. I have a hard time picking a favorite series. I never saw the original. I was into TNG. I watched DS9 and Voyager, but I didn't follow them as closely. I think my favorite would be whatever I was watching at the time.

Joanne said...

I was 7 and remember Star Trek at my cousin's house. It has been fun and corny thru the years. Have a great week. Ray and I are still in Alaska. It is rather Star trek- like that I can send this from Denali wilderness.

A Beer for the Shower said...

Cheers to the winners!

I was always a huge Deep Space Nine fan. Then again, it's what I grew up with, since, like you, the original was before my time.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Have a bunch of pre-orders on my kindle and of course always paperbacks coming in via the love TBD and my mailman. Strak Trek: The Next Generation series is my favorite. Forever. Picard, Data...awww. Cool that Star Trek is so beloved and helped your love and entry into sci-fi Alex. I'll try to get Baby Moo's Great Escape as soon as I can. Yup IWSG is wonderful and so glad I volunteered to co-host in January. :)

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I wish I was more of a Trekky, because it was and is such a classic. I know a woman, Margot Rose, who appeared in one dramatic episode of Star Trek, and she said it was her best scene ever. She's very grateful she got the role. (She's a writer too, and I met her at Cheryl Strayed's writing retreats.)

So nice of Julie to bring awareness to animal's rights with Baby Moo. Congratulations, Julie, LK, Michael and Kathy.

May the force stay with you, Alex.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tamara, not many say they liked the movie Dune.

Lee, yes you were.

Ann, yes!

Diane, my mother doesn't like it either. In fact, she's never read any of my books.

Libby, that would've been cool.

Bish, DS9 allowed for so much more because it was stationary.

Alexia, she's a favorite of mine.

Julie, you're welcome!

Carrie-Anne, your local theater gave everyone a treat.

Ellen, you rock! And I own all the DVDs as well.

Joanne, that is wild.

Brandon and Bryan, it was the best of the series.

Sheena-kay, appreciate it.

Robyn, that's cool.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Congrats to the winners of the audio book, and to the authors with new releases. Family are great fans of sci-fi, so I get to watch the remakes/reruns, like or not :)

Enjoy the training, I hope it's something musical!

J E Oneil said...

First Contact and Wrath of Khan are totally my favorites. How glad I am that Lucille Ball pushed it onto TV. I totally need a bat'leth.

Jemi Fraser said...

Star Trek has been a big influence in my life as well. It made me see the world as bigger and smaller at the same time. There are so many favourites (although I totally agree with V!)

Leandra Wallace said...

I was first introduced to Stak Trek when I'd go visit my grandparents. But to be honest, I way prefer the two newer movies they produced in the last couple of years. I'm excited to see the third when it comes out on DVD! And my husband will be happy to know about the new Underworld, he really liked those.

Jenni said...

I was never much of a Star Trek fan until I got married--then I got hooked on the newer series because my husband was always watching. I really enjoyed ISWG--and Baby Moo sounds like a super cute book!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I'm a huge Star Trek fan. I watched the original show as a kid. Even when I had children of my own, I still dropped everything to watch Star Trek at 4 pm. Sorry kids, supper's going to be late.

DL Kennedy said...

Everything Joylene just said. Word for word. Live long and prosper.

Karen Lange said...

Hard to believe that Star Trek has been around that long. Thanks for all the info this week!

Mark said...

Luvin the 50 years of Star Trek anniversary...especially the working communicators they've made for phones now. So cool!

Liesel K. Hill said...

Thanks again, Alex! (And hooray for Star Trek!!!) ;D

Birgit said...

I love Star Trek! I love Balance of Terror, I love the episode when we meet Spock's parents, I love the episode whe. They go back in time to save McCoy and Kirk falls for Joan Collins. I love the Wrath of Khan and the whale one. I love ST: The Next Generation and one of my favourites is when Picard lives a life but nev leaves the ship. I love Yesterday's Enterprise and any episode with Q. I am one who also enjoyed Voyager and many men drooled over Seven of Nine.

Angela Brown said...

I love Star Trek, the original series and all the follow ups, as well as the recent reboot movies.

I'm excited for the latest Underworld installment. It was fun referring to This character in my FOTB short :-)

Tony Laplume said...

I'm a Deep Space Nine guy.

SpacerGuy said...

I confess I'm a Star Trek fan. I've written tons of star trek TOS and TNG episode reviews on my blog and I've probably forgotten half of what I've written now, but even so I did build Captain Kirks USS Enterprise NCC 1701 once. I had it all perfect, LED's worked with sound effects and I had to paint the thing too. It took me two weeks.

Yess finally the grand opening, I had her high on a shelf - safe and sound covered by a sheet. Everyone (Well, mom and dad) were waiting so I yanked the sheet off and down she sailed like a true bird, I was gobsmacked. My beloved Enterprise smashed onto the floor and I could have cried.... it was practically game over. Part 2 The Enterprise didn't go down without a battle to be sure..

Anonymous said...

I'm behind on the Underworld movies. The last one that was out I never got around to seeing in theaters and then I put off watching it because I should be writing. Maybe I should spend my time off this month catching up on movies.

Jo said...

Well of course I watched all the original Star Trek TV shows when they first came out. I am that ancient. I can't remember the title but my favourite movie was the one about getting the whales back into their own time. I have a copy of it on my laptop but my laptop is having hot flashes so I am not using it at the moment.

Debating whether to clean the cooling system myself or pay someone to do it for me.

Botanist said...

Star Trek was a must-see when I was at school, which kinda dates me a bit :) It reached the UK a few years after starting in the US, but I can still remember the trailer for the first episode when it aired there and the effect it had on people back then.

LD Masterson said...

I was a fan or the original Star Trek but when The Next Generation came along, I became a total convert. It's still my favorite.

Congrats to the audio book winners.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I liked Riker because he was more like Captain Kirk. Every time Picard got in a life-threatening situation, I was pulling for the villain! I know both winners of your audio book, and I am sure they will love it. :-) Of course, what can I say about the return of Kate?!

Fundy Blue said...

Hi, Alex! I've been a Trekkie from the beginning! I can remember sitting in my university residence common room with dozens of girls watching the original Star Trek on a small black and white tv!!! WE LOVED IT! I've enjoyed all the series, but I especially enjoyed Captain Picard and TNG. Terry's was Seven 0f Nine inVoyager (No surprise! LOL). I can't believe it's been 50 years!!! Have a good one!

L.G. Keltner said...

My husband and I re-watched First Contact to celebrate the 50th anniversary. I love that movie! I grew up watching TNG when it aired, so I feel a special affinity for that series.

Leslie S. Rose said...

I remember the reruns of Star Trek would be on at dinner time every night. We were a have the TV on during dinner type family. At least the show was good! LOVE Wrath of Khan.

Helena said...

I watched Star Trek as a kid and fell in love with it and especially with the characters. Only as an adult did I learn that Rodenberry hired the top sci fi writers (Harlan Ellison, Sturgeon, Asimov, and so on) rather than standard TV writers, and it showed. What's especially remarkable is that it debuted only one year after Selma--that bloody climax of the Civil Rights movement. I remember being inspired by the positive vision it had of humanity's future, in contrast to what I was seeing around me. It gave me hope. That and I had a crush on Chekhov.

Unknown said...

I remember the original Star Trak series and loved it. Not surprising it inspired so many people.

Rhonda Albom said...

Funny, just before I opened your post there was TV commercial for Star Trek 50. It really is a world wide phenomena. Congrats to your book winners, and I am excited about Baby Moo's book.

mail4rosey said...

My SIL went with us to the movies. We were going to see Pete's Dragon (loved it!). She said no way and went to Star Trek (she loved it). :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

JE, it's a cool weapon.

Joylene, funny!

LK, you're welcome.

Birgit, I think you like Star Trek...

Spacer Guy, that's awful!

Patricia, as good a time any.

Jo, that would be IV - The Voyage Home.

Fundy, Seven of Nine was hot.

Misha Gerrick said...

I've missed most of Star Trek, since I grew up in a home filled with people who don't enjoy Sci Fi. (NO idea where I came from.)

I do enjoy the reboot movies, though. :-)

Crystal Collier said...

I'm SO stoked about the new Underworld movie. Why can't it be out already? The last one was SOOO good.

Jay Noel said...

I grew up more of a Star Wars fan, but when I was in college, it was weird how all the kids around me gathered to watch TNG. So I got hooked.

Wrath of Kahn in still my favorite ST movie.

And congrats to Julie Flanders! So glad I got to meet you last year. Best of luck with Baby Moo!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Congrats to Julie and best wishes on her new release. Star Trek lasts the generations. I've seen every episode I'm sure and all of the films. Not like I'm going to conventions or dress up in the clothes or anything, but I have always enjoyed the show.

Kathryn Thornton said...

We watched the BBC weekend marathon to celebrate Star Trek's anniversary. It is amazing how progressive they were for their time. The jobs women were working and the mix of races. Pretty awesome.

Anonymous said...

Happy 50th to Star Trek! I'm a fan of the original series. I never could get into the other series. Wrath of Khan is my favorite ST movie. My favorite episodes are the Trouble with Tribbles and the Doomsday Machine. It's amazing how much influence Star Trek had. I did a college research paper on the influence of science fiction, including Star Trek, on science and the world. Fascinating stuff.

Congrats to the new releases and the audiobook winners!

Tony Van Helsing said...

I remember Star Trek being on telly every Monday night back in the 70's. At school the next day it was all everyone talked about.

dolorah said...

Hey Alex. Nice to see you as the guest post for your own blog, lol.

I love Star Trek, and did watch in syndication too. Many many times. I didn't watch all the marathon episodes, but did manage to see a few I don't remember. It was a great show; still is.

Congrats to the winners :)

Tara Tyler said...

happy 50th star trek!
i know you're psyched about Kate back in Underworld =)

yay for the showcased authors!
and i hope i can find time to write a story and enter the anthology!

H.R. Bennett said...

I will say that I've always been a HUGE fan of Star Trek (was raised primarily on the original, TNG, and Voyager). With regards to Underworld, I unfortunately don't share the excitement but I think it's because I saw the second one and stopped there.

Cathy Keaton said...

I watched Star Trek: The Next Generation as a teenager and loved every second of it. Epic TV series! Maybe not Season 2, but everything else was so great and the series ended on a high note. I still love the show to this day. It never seems to get old.

T.F. Walsh said...

Huge Underworld fan.. CANNOT WAIT!!!!

Anonymous said...

This explains the Star Trek pics and memes I saw. I didn't know it was the anniversary. I'd like to get into Star Trek. I caught a few episodes when I was young. I remembered them being enjoyable.

Sandra Cox said...

Congratulations to the wonderful authors with new releases, and again,that is so exciting about you having an audio out.

Beth Ellyn said...

would you believe I've never seen it?? Crazy, I know!! My brother lovvveedd it and all sci-fi stuff so actually I might have seen one or two when we were kids but I don't remember it too well.

Shadow said...

I was aware of Star Trek/Wars but didn't follow TV in general. Still don't. Which means Underworld? Dunno... The clothes are pretty cool, I must admit hee heee hee
Desolate Mantle sounds interesting, I shall Amazon, thank you.

Al Penwasser said...

Favorite Star Trek captain: Kirk (both versions)
Favorite Star Trek TV series: Next Generation (maybe because production values were better than the 60s...?)
Favorite Star Trek movie: Wrath of Khan (enjoyed First Contact immensely, though).
LEAST favorite Star Trek movie: Star Trek V YECCCCHHHHHHH
I also like the reboots, although I wish they didn't have to go and destroy the Enterprise (I do admit the way they did it was pretty badass).
I despised Deep Space Nine (sorry). Almost as much as Voyager.

Loni Townsend said...

I'm still a big fan of Star Trek, though perhaps not as fanatic as I used to be. I recall for my 17th birthday, my dad took me to the video store to buy all the movies in VHS as my gift. I also really like the reboot. Sadly, I haven't watched much beyond the original series.

Denise Covey said...

IWSG is always a blast. Best blogging time of the month. Congratulations to those who won the audio!

DMS said...

Congrats to the audio winners! I can't believe it's been 50 years since Star Trek began. I wasn't born when it started- but I have certainly seen many episodes in my life. :)
~Jess

Stephanie Faris said...

I just realized I totally forgot to send you my list from IWSG. Will send asap. This past month has been craziness!!!

I didn't know there were still Underworld movies coming out. I thought it was just one years ago. I'm so out of touch!

Cindy said...

I believe it's been 50 years. I tried a few times to show my kids an original episode, but they're like "This is so fake" and I'm like "Well, you have to pretend." They're so spoiled by the technology we have now, they don't understand that. I started watching the original Star Trek reruns when I was in the second grade and I still like it. I also like the Next Generation and the reboots. It's fun to see the original characters with all the advances in special effects.

Katherines Corner said...

blood wars is on my hubby's radar. so it is on mine too. We will be waiting a while longer than most but eventually we'll get a chance to rent it. Alex I have a question for you. Do you think it is wise to advertise a movie or tv show months and I mean months before it is available. I know expectations need to be met and the constant tease makes most curious but it is maddening to me. It is almost as bad as seeing Christmas things in the shops already. Smile often my friend. HUgs

Katherines Corner said...

p.S. I've been treking out, I love seeing all of them.You know I am a trekkie :-)

Anonymous said...

Ah, training. Always good to have but it can be mentally draining. Our brains can only hold so much at a time. Maybe mini-Alex can fill in for you on Friday? Although his hands are tiny, not sure he'd be good at typing.

Let me know when you need another co-host for IWSG. I'm happy to help.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Misha, that's so alien...

Crystal, yes it was!

Karen, I've been to a convention but no way I am dressing up.

Kat, yes it was.

Donna, it happens sometimes!

Tara, yes I am.

Cathy, I'm surprised they got past the first couple seasons. It got better.

Medeia, watch some!

Beth, the horror!

Al, DS9 had its detractors.

Stephanie, no worries! I've already culled the list.

Cindy, the show might be dated, but it's still very relevant.

Kathrine, one year ahead for movies. But longer is a tease. The teasers for the next Guardians movie have been driving me crazy and we still have a year to go. And you are uber cool.

Elsie, thanks - maybe next February?

Ellie Garratt said...

My favourite Star Trek? Wrath of Khan and First Contact. TOS and Voyager are my two favourite series.

Sandra Cox said...

It's hard to believe Star Trek has been around fifty years. Time is moving just a little too fast.

Hart Johnson said...

Have you seen the story of Lucille Ball and how she had to fight to get Star Trek on the air. Desilu productions spent a bunch of money producing episodes before they really had a taker on it because they believed in it so much. It truly was an iconic groundbreaking show.

Tess Julia said...

A lot of my friends growing up were Star Trek fans, I definitely watched the reruns and some of the movies, but lately I haven't seen much of anything, mostly because of our home situation with my daughter. That's why books are my best option right now- easy to put down and pick up again!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Star Trek always, always reminds me of my dad. Any time a new one comes out, I get just a little bit teary-eyed. I remember watching all those old episodes, probably on re-runs. I don't think I was old enough for them on prime time either. And for some reason, The Wrath of Khan at the drive-in sticks in my head clearly. I think it was the worm through the ear to the brain. Creepy.

Lynda Dietz said...

I don't know that I've ever met a Star Trek I didn't like. ST: TNG was my all-time favorite, but I loved TOS and DS9, the movies old and new, and everything in between. Currently I'm catching up on ST: Enterprise on Netflix and enjoying having episodes of a series I haven't seen.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Congratulations to Michael Di Gesu and Kathy McKendry for winning the audio book. I'm not much of a Star Trek fan. Have seen Julie's book on Facebook. Will hop over to Rebecca's blog now.

Blue Grumpster said...

My favorite Star Trek is Star Trek II. THIS one, not THAT one with the kids pretending to be a crew.

Mason T. Matchak said...

I've never been hugely into Star Trek, but it's had a huge impact on sci-fi and culture in general, and that's something to be proud of. I know there are a lot of people who got into actual science and tech jobs because of that show. ^_^

Steven Arellano Rose Jr. said...

My favourite ST is still the original series. I also grew up watching the syndicated reruns and so the original crew and style of the episodes are iconic for me, aside from the fact that I love,'60's Sci fi. As far as spinoffs go, I like Next Generation best, mostly because of the characters especially Data.

Michelle Wallace said...

Congrats to the winners of the Audio CassaStar!
Congrats to all the authors with new releases.
I'll pop by Rebecca Bradley's site to read the interview...

Tyrean Martinson said...

Star Trek was one of my favorite tv shows when I was a kid, and I've definitely seen all the shows and the movies. I know it has influenced my imagination, and I think it's one of the reasons that my husband is an engineer and an all around fix-it guy.

Loved IWSG last week!

I need to work on audio, but not this week. :)

BTW - shoule we all have a Star Trek blogfest to celebrate the anniversary?

Morgan said...

Ooo... a clue to the mysterious Alex's age...

And training? Also intrigued! Hope it goes well, Alex. :)

Susan Kane said...

was a teenager when the first ST aired. Watched it avidly, over and over. When ST:NG began I made the leap, and I believe it is my favorite.

Eager to see Underworld!

Unknown said...

I adore Star Trek. Even though it's dated, the original is my fave. I'm a huge Spock fan!

I like the Underworld series and am glad there'll be a new one.

Congrats to Julie and LK on their releases and to Michael and Kathy for winning your audiobooks!

Heather R. Holden said...

Another Underworld movie? Wow, I'm so behind. I've only seen the first two, I think!

Toi Thomas said...

Like you, I think I like them all, but Next Generation is the one I relate to most. I got to see many of them when they first aired.
Not sure how I feel about another UnderWorld movie after the last one, but I'll probably see it at some point.
Haven't tried to pursue audio books yet, but you never know.

Theresa Milstein said...

Congratulations to Michael and Kathy!

50 years? Wow, Star Trek has been around a long time!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hart, I have!

Elizabeth, that was creepy.

Lynda, that was a great show. Cancelled before its time.

Mason, they did.

Tyrean, we should've! I wonder if it's too late...

Morgan, no mystery - this dude is over fifty.

Heather, skip the second and go straight to the next one.

The Happy Whisk said...

For me, it's the original Desilu production. The rest, never really caught on for me. But the original .... I FLIPPIN' love it.

PS: Tim's happy the Steelers won, even if they weren't all that with it, today.

HAPPY NEW WEEK!

J.H. Moncrieff said...

IWSG was such a good idea. I always enjoy writing the posts, as well as reading everyone else's and chatting with them.

It always gives me a boost.

Denise Covey said...

I'm sure I'd love Sean's book. Have travelled Morocco, and been to Tangier, so can see what a great setting it is for the story.

Jeffrey Scott said...

Alex,
I'll be posting IWSG article in October. I'm sorry for missing the past few. Was dealing with some personal issues.
I love Star Trek. I'm still of two minds regarding the reboots. But at least the way they reboot this, made a lot of sense to me. The reboot is essentially an alternate timeline. I can live with that. This way, it does not make me feel like my favourite Trek episodes never happened. I'm in love with DS9 also. Sure, you had to skip endure the first two series, but after that it was spectacular. Incidentally, I'm rewatching the first series of The Next Generation and am amazing how many of these episodes I really didn't like. Like the other series, I guess this one got better with time. And after Tasha Yar died. Yes, I just said that. ;)

Deniz Bevan said...

I guess it all depends on which Trek a person grew up with -- I watched all of The Next Generation when it was first on tv, and those are the episodes, and ideas, that stick with me. Q, and that guy that wiped out an entire species, and that revolving door planet/time trap and so many others...

Pat Tillett said...

Star Trek really did have an impact on what we do and see on a daily basis. Talk about staying power! Congrats to the winners...

Heather M. Gardner said...

Alex!
I'm such a putz! I didn't visit the whole month, but I'll catch up on all your posts right now!

I watched lots of Star Trek episodes in their syndication. Always cheesy, but always good.

I knew you'd love that Kate was back at it!

Congrats to the winners!