"We Are Klingons! (Aaarrrrr!!)"

I know that this post will be completely uninteresting to those who don't watch any "Star Trek", but I was thinking randomly this morning while working on another used car ad, and my mind turned to last week's episode of "Enterprise".

You know, I became quite weary of Klingons during the late seasons of "Next Generation". It's not so much their politics, cultural attitudes, manners etc. that I directly mind - it's just that I wonder how the heck Klingons ever managed to become a space-faring race with a large empire.

I mean, is it only humans that actually face risks and difficulties in space travel? Imagine, if you will, "Next Generation" as a series about a Klingon ship, maybe the "Battlecruiser Vengeance" (that's an in-joke, btw.)

"Encounter at Farpoint" - the crew of the Vengeance meet Q, who challenges them to prove that they aren't a savage, child race. They fail, and in pique, he curses them with the inability to actually die permanenly. (They'll need that curse.)

"The Naked Now" - Investigating a lost ship near an unstable star, the Vengeance contracts the "drunken" virus. The crew start slaughtering each other, until the last two or three are killed by the explosion of the star.

"Where No Klingon Has Gone Before" - An alien Traveler accidentally gets the resurrected Vengeance crew lost in another dimension. After his first attempt to get them home fails, they kill him, and wander uselessly in this dimension until they starve to death.

"Q Who?" - The captain of the Vengeance is too proud to ask Q for help against the new race he has introduced them to - the Borg. The Klingons shoot the Borg a lot, and the Borg effortlessly snuff them out.

You see the pattern? All Klingons know how to do is shoot and bully, and you'd think that in the Star Trek reality of the 22-24th centuries, that wouldn't keep them going too long...

Sometimes I can't help but start thinking about these things. I don't think even medication would stop it. :)

On a sadder note, condolences to you, Barb. I only met Dan a couple of times, but I really enjoyed his Zetra-stuff. He will be missed!

Open the iPod connection, Hal...

Apple introduces iPod, a FireWire-equipped digital audio player (MP3, MP2, more) with a 5GB hard drive (1000 songs). iPod is the size of a standard deck of playing cards, and includes: 20 minute skip protection; FireWire connection; a 10 hour lithium-polymer battery which charges in 1 hour; backlit LCD display; playlist support; ID3 tag support; a scroll wheel for fast song access.

iPod will ship November 10 for $399.

Here's a look at it.

I really wanted one of these for about 15 minutes, until the price got posted. I can think of other things to do with $400. If this is the beginning of Apple's move into consumer electronics - well, I have my doubts. It's neat - and I do want one - but I can't afford that price.

So, What Exactly Are Your Criteria?

Okay, I took the Geek and Goth tests...

I AM 53% GEEK.

Nerd, Freak, Geek, Dweeb. Sound familiar?
That's okay, cause I will be the richest
person at my 15th year high-school reunion.
If a "con" isn't happening that weekend.

Take the GEEK Test at Fuali.com!

I AM 49% GOTH.

Oh My Goth! You Goth, Girl. There is a
good chance I am bi. Freakiness pumps
through my viens, but I can still laugh
at myself.

Take the GOTH Test at Fuali.com!

Now, I answered just about every question in the "goth" test no... my few "yes" answers must have counted a LOT.

Also, the goth test keeps calling me girl... Hmmmmmmmmmm. ;)