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STAR TREK: VOYAGER Salutes NASA With Special DVD Launch Event - TrekWeb Coverage Part I

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By Steve Krutzler / 09:52, 21 February 2004 / TrekWeb Features

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By Jacqueline Bundy
Photos by Eric Stillwell

On the evening of February 19th Paramount Home Entertainment and members of the cast of STAR TREK: VOYAGER held a special event in Los Angeles to celebrate the current success of the NASA space missions and support the future of space exploration. Among those attending the space age celebration at the California Science Center's Air and Space Gallery were Shuttle Astronaut Dr. Janice Voss, Astrophysicist Dr. Sallie Baliunas, Ethan Phillips, Robert Picardo, Tim Russ, Garrett Wang, Majel Barrett Roddenberry, Rick Sternbach, and Eric Stillwell. Several representatives from NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and The Planetary Society were also in attendance.

The Air and Space Gallery was the perfect setting for this event with its models of history-making air and spacecraft suspended above the guests. During the opening reception I was able to speak with Shuttle Astronaut Dr. Janice Voss who has flown on five shuttle missions conducting a wide variety of experiments as a mission specialist. A life long STAR TERK fan, Dr. Voss said, "STAR TREK had a huge impact on me as a child and I think that VOYAGER has inspired a whole new generation of children. STAR TREK inspires people to expand their horizons in so many directions."

One of the major topics of conversation during the evening was, of course, the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity and the invaluable knowledge they are providing. Robert Picardo, who was at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California the day that the Spirit Rover landed on Mars talked with obvious enthusiasm about the Mars Exploration Program. "It's been a tremendously successful mission so far," he said. "This is the most exciting time for the space program in recent memory."

A member of the advisory board of The Planetary Society, Mr. Picardo has been devoting quite a bit of time lately to promoting the Planetary Society's Student Astronaut Program. This unique program allows students with an interest in space and space exploration to work alongside the scientists and NASA engineers at JPL. "We had students from 27 countries, ranging in age from 13 to 17 apply for the program this year," Picardo stated. Sixteen young people were selected this year to work on the Mars Rover project and several of them were in attendance at this event.

The Planetary Society is the largest space interest group in the world. A non-profit organization with more than 100,000 members from 140 countries it was founded in 1980 by Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman to encourage the exploration of our solar system and the search for extraterrestrial life. Bruce Betts, Director of Projects for The Planetary Society feels that "the reason we are so large is due in part to the STAR TREK series. The interest that is generated in space through STAR TREK is something we definitely recognize." More information about The Planetary Society can be found at their web site http://www.planetary.org.

Following the reception Martin Blythe, Vice President of Publicity for Paramount Home Entertainment, introduced of Dr. Sallie Baliunas, who talked about NASA's current and upcoming projects. Mr. Blythe said that everyone at Paramount "stands in awe of NASA's achievements."

Tim Russ, an avid amateur astronomer and also a Planetary Society member, presented a special a STAR TREK: VOYAGER DVD plaque to Pasadena's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in salute of its recent remarkable achievements including the Mars Landing. Shuttle Astronaut Dr. Janice Voss accepted the plaque telling the guests just as STAR TREK inspired her as a child she firmly believes that "STAR TREK makes children think that they could do this too. It inspires them to study hard and fulfill the goals that it inspires in them."

Before presenting the plaque Mr. Russ spoke briefly about the importance of continued space exploration. "Given the vast number of stars and possible star systems like out own there is a good chance that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe. Perhaps they could be looking at our planet right now."

When asked what he thought about the idea of other life in the universe Garrett Wang said, "I hope whoever is out their makes their presence known soon." "How can there not be other intelligent life in space," he added. "Could we really be the only intelligent species in the entire universe? I say no."



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Thinking and Star Trek | Report this post to moderator
By: Jadzia-Dax (Odo's file, contact) @ 11:18:07 on Feb 21, 2004

From above:

Shuttle Astronaut Dr. Janice Voss accepted the plaque telling the guests just as STAR TREK inspired her as a child she firmly believes that "STAR TREK makes children think that they could do this too. It inspires them to study hard and fulfill the goals that it inspires in them."

And so I ask... WHAT in ENT today fulfills the above quote? What "lesson" can children today learn from Star Trek as it is now?

Think about it. It's deep.

--------

"I think the show talked to people through the characters. They're stories that speak to the heart. They talk about love, they talk about friendship, they talk about loyalty, they talk about patriotism, exploration, curiosity, reaching out... And I think all those things still touch people. Even when you look at a 30-year old show, it still has something to say." - D.C. Fontana, Sci Fi Channel Special Edition TOS 1998
----
"If the season finale involves the re-built USS Reliant coming back in time to the 21st Century crewed by Moogie, Dr. Selar, Morn, Transporter Chief Kyle, and the Salt Vampire, then we'll know that Coto has gone too far." - tomba1701


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  • RE: Thinking and Star Trek | Report this post to moderator
    By: Black Narcissus (Odo's file, contact, web site) @ 17:10:13 on Feb 24, 2004

    Star Trek of the past hasn't inspired me to do anything productive. In fact, it has done the exact opposite, encouraging me to sit on my ass all day long, unfortunately.

    --------

    "The only possible ETHIC is to do what one wants to do."


    - William S. Burroughs


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  • RE: Thinking and Star Trek | Report this post to moderator
    By: AndorianBlues (Odo's file, contact) @ 15:56:11 on Feb 21, 2004

    Um ...

    It's cool to run around naked when you're home alone?

    Erotic massage is the best way to deal with grief?

    Using force gets the best results when you're trying to get information?

    In all seriousness, despite how much I like the show this year compared to the year before ... these characters aren't role models. Sure, Archer may be rough and tough, but the fact that he's left his sense of ethics and principles behind to fight off the Xindi now is a little saddening; actually, a LOT saddening. What's even more saddening is that no one really seems to want to deal with the repercussions of that.

    I hate to say it, but Deep Space Nine may have set a dangerous precedent for Enterprise in 'In the Pale Moonlight,' where Sisko abandons his own sense of ethics for the greater good. What was wonderful about that episode was the fact that we actually saw Sisko struggle with his conscience for the whole hour. If Archer has had struggled with his conscience at all, we haven't seen it at all. To date, he's basically told Phlox to abandon medical ethics, threatened to kill Trip's clone, and throw an alien into an airlock all in the name of saving Earth, and not once have we seen him deal with any of the emotional aspects of these situations. It's as if his morals have just become disposable when there's a job to be done.

    I think it's become apparent that Enterprise would like to be a sign of the times, especially given the blatant analogies to 9/11 with the Xindi storyline, but what the producers have failed to realize is that Star Trek has always represented humanity living on past tragedy and striving to co-exist peacefully in the galaxy. That's the message that Enterprise really needs to put across at the end of the day, especially during the times we live in now.

    --AB

    --------

    Stupid is as stupid does. :)


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    • RE: Thinking and Star Trek | Report this post to moderator
      By: Jadzia-Dax (Odo's file, contact) @ 17:41:16 on Feb 21, 2004

      Quote:
      Um ...

      It's cool to run around naked when you're home alone?

      Erotic massage is the best way to deal with grief?

      Using force gets the best results when you're trying to get information?

      In all seriousness, despite how much I like the show this year compared to the year before ... these characters aren't role models. Sure, Archer may be rough and tough, but the fact that he's left his sense of ethics and principles behind to fight off the Xindi now is a little saddening; actually, a LOT saddening. What's even more saddening is that no one really seems to want to deal with the repercussions of that.


      Well... supposedly next week's episode ENT "Hatchery" is going to cover that (mutiny?)

      Although it seems that it is going to be him against the crew with respect to valuing life. Which really shouldn't be. The way Archer has been shown this season, after all the lines he has crossed, HE should be the one to attempt to destroy the eggs and have some "conscience" (although now, that's hard to find, what with the pseudo-Vulcan waffling with emotions and the Doctor no longer strongly arguing his ethics) have him reconsider.

      This could have actually been a good place to stick Gralik to be that "conscience". In TOS "Devil in the Dark", which this is sounding more and more like (what, with Sussman as the writer of ENT "Hatchery"), Kirk is insistant on destroying the Horta (considered the "monster") until Spock, who was fascinated by the small silver spheres that the miners had found all around the mine tunnels, realizes they must have been eggs, convinces Kirk to reason with the creature (through him and a mind meld), and at that point, Kirk quits with destroying creatures (as had been done in TOS "The Man Trap") and starts reasoning with them...

      But I know at that point in TOS, Gene Coon came in (and wrote that ep) and changed the way that our gallant TOS crew would react. And the question here, for something that is supposed to be "prequel", was Kirk the "first" to reconsider destroying rather than reasoning, or should Archer be that one. And that is diffcult to reconcile. If we ignore the change in writers and thought for TOS, which could be done, and redefine Humanity based on post-Gene Coon TOS, then such thinking could have conceivably been back as far as Archer...

      But yes, this season was to supposedly address making Archer less of a "weakling" and "grow balls" or whatever. If you wanted to compare him to the other male Captains, he was not quite a Picard because he wasn't "cerebral" like Picard but he wasn't a supposed "action hero" like a Kirk. Nor was he a highly controlled guy like Sisko, although he actually showed shades of that in ENT "Shockwave I & II". And the one thing that I gave ENT "Shockwave I & II", was that they showed an Archer who accepted responsibility over something he felt his crew had done and he essentially grieves over the masive loss of life, his career, and the whole Warp program.... And time is spent to show him mull over it and then have to deal with his senior staff regarding their "change in plans". Even in ENT "Silent Enemy", Archer was shown as realizing they were way over their heads.

      Both of those eps showed contrast. But now this 3rd season, there is no contrast. All of the characters act the same and no one questions or only weakly questions what is going on or ignores it all. And the only way to even indicate drama through contrast, is to do so by either going very far over the line (ie., have Archer literally kill someone without a care) OR have Archer back off like what seems might be the case in ENT "Hatchery" - and then people would complain that he lost his "balls" - IF it isn't done thoughtfully and with some sense to show how their behavior is just so unjustified. Ie., the consequences of revenge - because this is what is happening and revenge is a valid Human reaction... But in the context of Star Trek, there was some message that showed the consequences of revenge. And that requires that the creators and writers have some strong sentiment regarding this... And obviously it leads back to the sentiments that many people are familar with regarding Roddenberry and his staff's visions of such.

      But be that as it may, he's "on a mission", where there is literally dialog that SOME character will repeat and remind the audience of in each and every episode this 3rd season, like a broken record. Image

      Quote:

      I hate to say it, but Deep Space Nine may have set a dangerous precedent for Enterprise in 'In the Pale Moonlight,' where Sisko abandons his own sense of ethics for the greater good. What was wonderful about that episode was the fact that we actually saw Sisko struggle with his conscience for the whole hour.


      Well most of the previous Treks, save VOY, seemed to revel at showing contrast to heighten the drama. DS9 "In the Pale Moonlight", like TOS "A Private Little War", had your Captains literally dictate - through a voice-over log, how they were going to break the law and why. And it is the WHY which makes a Trek. What is it about Humanity that causes them to do what they do. Not just the ends justifying the means, but WHAT drives someone to do what they do. And this has been missing from Archer.

      In his case, there's really nothing personal deep down that should be driving this behavior. If he had BEEN THERE on Earth when the Xindi weapon was let loose, that's one thing. But it took them 6 weeks or thereabouts, travelling at Warp 5, to get home to see what happened.

      Quote:

      If Archer has had struggled with his conscience at all, we haven't seen it at all.


      Oh it hasn't been shown. Not at all. He is the anti-hero "on a mission", without even a Charles Bronson ("Death Wish") personal reason for it. If Trip had been Archer, then it would make sense. But Trip has apparently gone on about his life like nothing happened. And even in ENT "Proving Ground" when Shran asks him about his sister (thanks to fans here... ;-)), what does he do? He talks about how "important" the "mission" is.

      Oh well. Image

      Quote:

      To date, he's basically told Phlox to abandon medical ethics, threatened to kill Trip's clone, and throw an alien into an airlock all in the name of saving Earth, and not once have we seen him deal with any of the emotional aspects of these situations. It's as if his morals have just become disposable when there's a job to be done.


      Kick-ass.

      Image

      Quote:

      I think it's become apparent that Enterprise would like to be a sign of the times, especially given the blatant analogies to 9/11 with the Xindi storyline, but what the producers have failed to realize is that Star Trek has always represented humanity living on past tragedy and striving to co-exist peacefully in the galaxy.


      Well... I think that was the gist of ENT "North Star", but people so trashed it with respect to it being a "bottle episode" within this arc, and with respect to it having a "western" setting, that who knows how one can put a modern "message" in this show anymore.

      Quote:

      That's the message that Enterprise really needs to put across at the end of the day, especially during the times we live in now.


      Yes, hopefully. If the show ever gets the chance to exist past this season.

      --------

      "I think the show talked to people through the characters. They're stories that speak to the heart. They talk about love, they talk about friendship, they talk about loyalty, they talk about patriotism, exploration, curiosity, reaching out... And I think all those things still touch people. Even when you look at a 30-year old show, it still has something to say." - D.C. Fontana, Sci Fi Channel Special Edition TOS 1998
      ----
      "If the season finale involves the re-built USS Reliant coming back in time to the 21st Century crewed by Moogie, Dr. Selar, Morn, Transporter Chief Kyle, and the Salt Vampire, then we'll know that Coto has gone too far." - tomba1701


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  • RE: Thinking and Star Trek | Report this post to moderator
    By: Capt. (Odo's file, contact) @ 11:54:51 on Feb 21, 2004

    Please, many trek fans haven't learnt anything, like they see relationships on VOY, ENT as some sort of weakness. Maybe I need to teach some trek fans a few lessons with my fists.

    --------

    ALL NEW SCI-FI... coming to you on FRIDAY 16 JULY 2004...


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    • RE: Thinking and Star Trek | Report this post to moderator
      By: Jadzia-Dax (Odo's file, contact) @ 17:48:05 on Feb 21, 2004

      Hi Capt. So how are you doing otherwise? ;-)

      When is Stargate: Atlantis supposed to start?

      --------

      "I think the show talked to people through the characters. They're stories that speak to the heart. They talk about love, they talk about friendship, they talk about loyalty, they talk about patriotism, exploration, curiosity, reaching out... And I think all those things still touch people. Even when you look at a 30-year old show, it still has something to say." - D.C. Fontana, Sci Fi Channel Special Edition TOS 1998
      ----
      "If the season finale involves the re-built USS Reliant coming back in time to the 21st Century crewed by Moogie, Dr. Selar, Morn, Transporter Chief Kyle, and the Salt Vampire, then we'll know that Coto has gone too far." - tomba1701


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