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Your Inner Klingon

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By Alexander Mark

We Are Klingons!
We Are Klingons!

Klingon Mania

What in the world possesses Star Trek fans to dress up in Klingon warrior garb and drive to conventions, movies and gatherings of similarly minded people where they only speak Klingon? There was even a story about a couple that raised their kids to speak only Klingon. That is definitely over the edge unless they expected their kids to become pirates, but even then there's no way they could gather the resources they needed to become pirates. And who would marry them? They would never fit in and will probably suffer from a host of psychological disorders for the rest of their lives. This is an extreme example, but it is somewhat symptomatic of the mania Star Trek engenders with many fans.

There is a hysteria involved in being a Star Trek fan. It seems that it always comes down to complex in-depth discussions about how the producers and writers made a certain mistake because the direction they might have taken in a particular episode didn't fit with the historical lore, or a certain character wouldn't behave that way. Endless discussions ensue these sorts of topics in the Star Trek community.

How unhealthy is this? Is it unhealthy? It seems almost a religious zeal that grips us fans. It isn't quite there, but it is one more thing that can fill our lives to the point that we don't miss relationships with people and religious influence in our lives. I draw the line at wearing uniforms and Vulcan ears. Going to conventions more than 15 years ago, I saw lots of people dressing up as Star Fleet officers and Klingons. There was one Klingon in particular who went to every convention in the United States. The person who pointed this out to me had a scrapbook filled with pictures from every single convention and this particular Klingon was always in it.

I'd say that's unhealthy. There are many good things that come out of Star Trek: cross cultural tolerance, the golden rule, the vision of a future utopia, seeking all possible routes to peace with your enemies before shoving a torpedo up their shuttle bay... But there is no doubt that the most visible fans are socially awkward geeky types who model their lives after particular aliens in Star Trek or as officers in the Federation's Starfleet. Maybe that's good, because on the opening day of the latest movie, I saw a lot of slightly overweight but seemingly happy couples file in from the parking lot. Their allegiance to Star Trek was evident by the stickers on their car, hats on their head or Star Fleet logos on their t-shirts. Can we argue that Star Trek may be having a negative effect on people when it can bring together people who lack social skills but have a lot of heart?

Okay, admittedly, there are positives. But for those who dress up as Klingons and stage mock battles at movie events, I will say that they need to re-evaluate their lives. Some of these people have Klingon weddings for goodness sake! What makes this behavior questionable is the fact that they are completely immersed in their characters to the point that they even identify themselves as Klingon, and yet do not actually live as Klingons. What I mean is that they do not actually take their bat'leths, (a Klingon sword for lack of a better analogy), and fight each other for real. They are unwilling to take that step into the extreme and really experience life as a Klingon.

I am not proposing that fans of Klingons become violent and stage real battles with other Klingons or humans so they can live the life they think they love. But if they really want to show their commitment and truly embody the essence of being Klingon, that's one of the things they would have to do. There are other ways they can live as Klingons that do not have to be so destructive. One of the biggest of these is hard discipline, and closely related is the denial of comforts. But that would be a big problem, because most human Klingons are overweight. It's the kind of fat you also might see on an adult that eats a lot of comfort food. These are people who do not want to deal with reality. I know, I have that same tendency. And Star Trek was a big escape for me in high school.

From time to time I think about that every-convention Klingon, and I always remember his face. In all the pictures I saw of him, he never smiled. He wandered around alone, looking at vendor tables, maybe buying something, maybe not. But who knew him? I could be totally off the mark, but I think he led a sad life.

This is the problem with Klingon mania. They are a group of people who emulate the fiercest, toughest people in the Star Trek galaxy, and they are very much the opposite of that ideal themselves. They lack something great in their lives, and being a Klingon and being a part of the Star Trek community fills that hole and makes them feel special for a little while.

I think it's better to get off the holodeck, and start living in the real world, and deal with real people, and most of all, deal with the real you. If there is a Klingon inside you, scratching and biting to get out, find out why he or she is there. Maybe you'll find that you feel like a walking carpet in real life and you're afraid to confront mean people, or maybe you need to go river rafting, or maybe you need to join the Navy and live that life for real.

There is one interesting group, a German-Klingon band, Kosmic Horrör, that sounds like a cross between hard metal and goth, with a Klingon attitude. I don't care for their music, but I admire that they have blended a fantasy with something real and are successful at it. I would say that what they are doing is more healthy because they actually apply an aspect of what they love to their lives. They are not fakes. Is what they are doing healthy? I'll leave that up to the reader to decide.

Beware: one picture may be a little inappropriate!


Drop Cloaking Shields

The real question is, is there a Klingon inside you clamoring to get out? My inner Klingon is the struggle between the surfer dude I want to be and the negative pessimist realist that tells me I shouldn't be spending the time and the money required for gas and maintenance on my car if I go regularly like I want. What is it that frustrates you? What conflict inside your head and heart keeps rearing its ugly head? This doesn't mean abandon all your responsibilities and fly away with a whole new persona. The trick is to merge this part of your personality with the rest of you, and in that way you will become the master chess player at the park, or a ministry leader at your church, or maybe you'll go bungee jumping or buy that classic car you've always wanted. Perhaps you'll look for a homeless person to take to Denny's and give him a hundred dollars afterward. These are the things we hold ourselves back from because of some personal, familial or social convention. But for whatever reason, we refuse to listen to that inner voice. So the questions you must ask yourself if you find yourself looking for that Star Trek uniform are, who is your inner Klingon and do you have the courage to find out?

Vicki the Biker Chick - Rose is Rose

Credit goes to Pat Brady the strip artist at http://www.nightswimming.com/rose/vicki/vicki1.html
Credit goes to Pat Brady the strip artist at http://www.nightswimming.com/rose/vicki/vicki1.html

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Gypsy Willow profile image

Gypsy Willow  says:
8 months ago

I definitely have another person inside me but not a Klingon. At the moment it's a writer! Shouldn't you live by the sea? Monterey has an airport. Interesting hub, thanks

Utrecht11  says:
8 months ago

Another great article by Alexander Mark. He paints with words.

botterguy  says:
7 months ago

Shoving a torpedo up their shuttle bay! My inner Klingon thought that was hilarious. I have an inner Ferengi too, If I let him out I'd get slapped.- "Chew my food female!"

Zollstock profile image

Zollstock  says:
7 months ago

I think you brought this concept almost full circle here, by at first questioning possession (is it?) and ending with a reference to an inner voice and personal fulfillment. The in-between gives me pause, though. Aren't movie and TV producers and writers to fault because they provide that escape from reality for such a large part of the population without offering solutions for real-life issues?

In the end, the answer may rest with the consumer. My own observation at a local showing of Star Trek shows that context may help us distinguish here: not one Star Trek outfit, not one sticker, not one Vulcan ear, not one wig were present. Instead, a rather happy bunch of people, ranging from young adolescents to early retiree …. groups, couples, singles, who rejoiced in the underlying messages if peace, courage, and friendship and who had some really, really good laughs along the way. I do, wonder, though: Are they so busy consuming entertainment and life that the need to drop their shield and find true purpose has never even entered their mind?

Alexander Mark profile image

Alexander Mark  says:
7 months ago

Oh God, you make me think. Are producers responsible for content? Simply yes. McDonalds sells crap, and puts stuff in it to entice people to come back, and they put out commercials to draw people in to eat their garbage, so McDonalds is responsible for encouraging poor health.However, the entertainment industry's responsibilities are a little more complex. Of course, I would say that all content should be Christian friendly. But in this world, speaking of pure entertainment, can we demand morality? I don't think so, because you will also be left with the question: whose morality? Looking at Star Trek as a media phenomenon that has a large and consistent following, I suppose they do have a responsibility to take care of their audience. Since they are profit motivated, and most likely also motivated by a love for what they do, they will see nothing wrong with encouraging mania. Are the fans happy? No doubt. But in the end, you are right in my opinion. Star Trek is an overwhelming experience for many people, and it distracts from a fan's true purpose in life, both in finding it and fulfilling it. This can easily said about many things we find entertaining.

Korvas  says:
7 months ago

While I believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion; it would seem that you have not done the necessary research for this article. Those who "dress up" in funny costumes such as Klingons do it for entertainment purposes. They are entertaining folks just as a clown entertains children. I am one of those who dresses up as a Klingon to entertain folks. I am a part of a larger group who engages in fundraisers for charities (Cancer research, MS, CF, food drives for the needy etc), blood drives, and collecting toys for tots just to name a few. I served and was permanently disabled in the US Navy. I have put my life in danger many times and as such I can say that I have lived and my life has purpose. Just so you know, out of the larger group that I belong to there are several Vets, successful business men and women, law enforcement officers, nurses, doctors and paramedics. I have been married for 20 years and have two children. I worked in the medical field until I was disabled and I also help run a food closet.

I also belong to other groups such as the Masons, Shriners, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion to just name a few. I will agree with you that there might be some folks who have psychological issues and use their fandom to compensate, but that can be found in any group of people that gather together for a common purpose. If we judged all folks by the actions of a few, no group of people would be spared including religious groups. Maybe instead of looking for something lacking in people who engage in these kind of activities; you might look to see why they do what they do and realize that they are just having fun. I would be interested to see what you have to say about renaissance fairs and those who dress up for them. How about those who dress up as clowns to entertain children?How about the Shriners Keystone Cops or the folks who where kilts and go to Scottish games?

Alexander Mark profile image

Alexander Mark  says:
7 months ago

I'm not sure if you read or understood the entire article, but I applauded the German Klingon band that went all the way with the Klingon style and adapted their music to reflect it. That's why I put a video up. The same applies to you. I applaud your efforts, you are doing something productive with your love, obviously "dressing up" means more to you than supressing "your inner Klingon". Thank you for your military service and thank you for your comment. I am also flattered you joined just to comment!

By the way, I love Scottish fairs and games, that is a celebration of a notable culture and for many, a heritage.

Korvas  says:
7 months ago

I did read the whole article and I did understand it. In the paragraph that you talk about the German Klingon band you do say " I would say that what they are doing is more healthy because they actually apply an aspect of what they love to their lives." You qualify their actions by using the words more healthy which indicate that there is still some kind of deficit.

I still stand by my statement that you did not do the necessary research in order to draw the conclusion that you have tried to present. I have given you examples of the kind of work those that dress up as Klingons and why they do it. I explained that there are folks from across the societal lines that engage in this roll playing activity. They are far from weak willed people who cannot confront mean people, or who do not engage in other activities such as rafting, or serving in the military.

My dressing up is fun to me. If it ceased being fun I would quit doing it. I like to entertain folks and I use my love of this genre to help other people and do good works. The question is can I do it without dressing up? Yes I could and I have done it. Do I have more fun when I dress up and entertain folks while I do good works? You bet. It seems to me that you, based on what you wrote, have this idea that folks who dress as Klingons are overweight 40 y.o's sleeping in their mothers basement watching old vids of Star Trek and wasting their lives away or that those who do this have some kind of mental illness. I wanted to point out that you were incorrect.

Well, I am glad that you love Scottish fairs and games. What do you think of those who have no Scottish ancestry and yet rent or even buy an $800.00 kilt so they can play being a Scott for a day?

You are most welcome in regards to my Naval service and my comment. I joined to point out what I saw as a flaw in your post.

Thank you for your post in response. I still have yet to hear what you think of the other groups who dress up and do charity works, i.e. Shriners, Clowns etc.

Alexander Mark profile image

Alexander Mark  says:
7 months ago

Yes, I think that dressing up as someone else to compensate for a lack of character does indicate a problem. This article required no research because these are my observations. You are the one who said "40 year olds in their mother's basements", not me - so obviously because we both recognize that statement and the painful truth behind it, it must have come from somewhere, (before Shatner said it on SNL).

My "research" comes from years of reading news stories about Klingons who get together to speak the Klingon language and do nothing, watching anti-social people become a little social because they feel safer in a Star Trek environment does little to inspire anyone. I do research when it comes to subjects that need research such as Nationalized Healthcare, another one of my articles for which I have 14 sources. An obvious phenomenon such as Star Trek mania doesn't need that kind of research. You and perhaps a growing number of people, are the unusual ones, and instead of getting mad at a justified perception, be happy that you are a part of something good, and perhaps even write about it. I might do it myself, and then I will come to you first because you seem to know a great deal about it.

I think you took all this personally, but I was not talking about people like you who turn it into something more than putting on the garb and sitting at home or going to conventions. Yes I think that dressing up for an event is a bit silly. I wanted a kilt years ago, but finally decided I am not Scottish, I wasn't involved in the games and it would be silly for me to get one just to walk around in, (they're $800 now???). My point is that if you're going to do something, do it all the way. I believe that the majority "dress up" fans do not do more than this, and people like you are the exception. What about that dentist whose office looks like a starship, or the lady who went to court as a juror dressed in a Star Fleet uniform? Or the person who redecorated their entire apartment as a set from Star Trek? There are better things to do with our time than roleplay our lives away. Like I said, you are doing something constructive with your love.

To answer the last question, I think I already answered. Basically, dressing up for charity events is helpful and probably a good thing because the focus is not on the individual, but on the event. There is purpose there beyond dressing up. You are very focused on the charity aspect, but what about fan movies? I also think that is a good time to dress up.

I love Star Trek. The Next Generation has had a huge impact on my life, but at some point I recognized that the characters onboard the Enterprise actually represented people who went through a tough academy to get their position. If it wasn't for Picard, Riker would never have ended up on the Enterprise because of his integrity. The equivalent is military service here on Earth, so when an overweight comic book store clerk dresses up as a tough Klingon or a Star Fleet officer, I roll my eyes. Those people want to be someone they lack the courage and fortitude to be themselves in the real world. But because this is an expression of an inner desire, I wrote this article with the point of saying that one should start living out their hidden desires in the real world, not as a fake.

On a separate subject, you write eloquently, and you have lots of life experience, why don't you do a little writing here? Hubpages is the best place I have found so far. It gives you complete freedom to make an entire web page to write anything you want with links, pictures and more.

Moira Jane  says:
6 months ago

This is not aimed at those in support of having a passion for being silly. I'm not so crazy that we speak only Klingon to our children. But it saddens me that so many rip on a fan base that is more than just a bunch of people with no lives. Those out there complaining about we who dress up funny and go to cons, if you don't like it. don't do it.

I kind of pity you for not having something in your life like dressing Klingon. It's not only fun, but is more than just dressing up. The charity work we participate in gets much more attention when in costumes. This increases the ammounts we raise, donate, etc.

But in the end it's just plain fun. I've been doing it for over 10 years now. I'm by no means the loser in my moms basement. I have a degree, two well rounded children, a sucessful husband. Another of my group members had a nurosurgeon husband and shes successful as an artist. We are more than just computer geeks and loser nerds.

We are smart people who are not afraid to have fun and do the world a little good in the process.

Keep in mind while tearing down the costumed geeks of the world, that most of these people have more confidence than anyone you know will ever have. Can you really say you would be able to wear a leather vest, metal bra, and forehead ridge prosthetics with the same confidence you think you have now ? I know I can.

So if you hate the trek Idea, build up your own type of fan group to have fun with, or hey, just hang out with normal human friends. I don't really worry what you do as long as it's not declaring war on the Empire.

Moira Jane  says:
6 months ago

You do realize that no matter the topic theres always extremes.

Guy who drinks wine with dinner.....Alcoholic Maniac

Guy who spanks his kids.......Abusive parenGuy who doesn't do the dishes on weekends.....total unwashed slob

Guy who DVRs a TV show.........Guy who never turns off the TV

Guy who like to surf the internet.......Guy who lives in the internet

Guy who plays video games.........guy who doesn't unplug from video games

Of course there are unhealthy obsessions with startrek, but I have yet to meet anyone in any of the Klingon groups I have been part of that fits that mold. In fact, most of us also do Renaissance Faires. But we also don't show for everything if it conflicts with something more important.

You cant really say that everyone who is into dressing as a Klingon for Cons is obsessed an unhealthy anymore than you can say everyone from Germany must be a Nazi.

Alexander Mark profile image

Alexander Mark  says:
6 months ago

Thank you for sharing Moira Jane. I think it's great you do charity events - that has a purpose. There's nothing wrong with being a fan of Star Trek, I am a big one. But there's a line there. Getting together for fan parties? That could be healthy or unhealthy. But when people start dressing up, transforming themselves, it tells you that they desire something else in life. I think these fantasies are out of hand.

Let me turn your examples around. Getting together to watch some Star Trek movies and talk about Star Trek could be considered normal. Getting so excited that you dress up and even implement some Klingon values (or any other character's), is obsessive.

It's certainly your right to do as you wish, you're not hurting anyone outside of your family, but is there nothing better to do with your time? You don't have to feel sorry for me, I am working on bringing my "inner Klingon" out by doing the things I want to do - not wrapping myself into a world that doesn't exist.

I think you and Korvas need to accept this perception that people have about your group. Perhaps the tide is turning and your culture is becoming something more, I could accept that. And that's my biggest problem with this mania, if you're going to dress up, go all the way with it, start acting and living like a Klingon, you obviously want to. If I was going to slap on all that gear, I'd either fully integrate it into my life or it would be because I am doing a movie.

I still say you are compensating for something. I do not mean to offend you, that was not my aim, but I have and I will have to stand by that. But I sincerely hope you find what you are really looking for.

Ande Moore profile image

Ande Moore  says:
6 months ago

Wow, the comments were as entertaining as the hub. Having seen many different costumes at comiccon and the likes the Star Trek fans amazed me the most. My best friend has an Indy fedora that he wears to the flicks, I've also got some S.W. friends that have some wonderful costumes. I've been seeing the extreme side of S.W. but Star Trek fans. They are devoted. My friend Gary Barclay (true Star Trek fans will know exactly who he is!) for one. Living the life I guess can be good, but I believe a touch extreme. The stereotype of anything is there for a reason. Living at home in the basement or your room with them made up like certain vessels in your mid 30's + is a little scary to me. Of course on the flip side of that coin, maybe they are happier than the rest of us. D&D, video games, movies, playing dress up, or living the life, where is the point that we become "crazy". I would love nothing more than to dress up like Venom and run around with my kids shooting imaginary web from my wrists. Sadly, we didn't have the wrist launchers when I was a child. But will my neighbors call cps because I've lost it, being a grown adult playing make believe? My role is not to question or wonder why, I guess I'm saying if you've got the guts and the scratch. Do what you want, but realize that outside your starship is the real world. My "inner Cylon" says we're all a little fraked up, some may be just a little more than others.

Alexander Mark profile image

Alexander Mark  says:
6 months ago

I'm not so obsessed, (that's frakked with 2 k's by the way) :-).

Like your comment, and have to agree with the sentiment, "outside your starship is the real world." With anything, when we really get into something, it's hard to see if we are into it too much.

Coming from my side of it, I can say that this is a whole lot better than running in a gang or abusing drugs.

Moira  says:
6 months ago

I really do feel sorry for you now.

Obsessed ? Not really. Though I suppose it's because you are ignorant to the use of the word.

Dressing up for a convention is no more obsessed than a person who buys a team jacket and goes to a football game.

Or having ice-cream three times a week from baskinrobbins.

Though I do draw the line at the guy who made his whole house look like the inside of the USS Voyager.

I encourage my children to have an imagination. Those of you that think that you have to not have any imagination or fun with something you enjoy, worry me. I can't imagine growing up to be repressed and so self concious that you pick apart other people for having a bit of fun. You have no idea what you are missing.

Most of us are multi fandom players, renaissance faire actors. I also do stage and movie makeup which is what draws me to a fun place to act as a character, and play with my makeup skills outside of a set.

Perhaps if you are worried about any of this being obsessive, you should get friends who don't care if you love something and do whatever it is you are trashing because you wont admit to wanting to be part of it.

How do you feel about renaissance faires ? Do you feel thats obsessive as well ? Did you celebrate Halloween as a kid ?

I've yet to see, meet, or hear about anyone raising their child as if they were really a different species. Thats not obsessive by the way, thats called mentaly ill. But feel free to post a link to a story about something like that.

I hope one of these days you are less embaressed to have fun.

Alexander Mark profile image

Alexander Mark  says:
6 months ago

I'm trying to be nice. You have yet to prove to me that role playing is normal. I do think that buying a team jacket is obsessive. People are way too crazy when it comes to sports. Yes, I think Renaissance fairs are obsessive in the way in the way that people want to become something they're not.

Yes, I celebrated Halloween when I was young. When I was YOUNG. Children role play to find their place in this world. And this alludes to my point doesn't it? People who dress up are at some level trying to establish or find their true identity. This was the point of my article, it was not about geek bashing. I do not need to dress up as a Klingon or any other Star Trek, Star Wars, Renaissance, LOTR or whatever else character. I think I am more comfortable in my skin than you are in yours. That is all. It's my opinion, but in protesting so vehemently against it, you have revealed a level of desperation for validation that the world at large will never give you.

Why aren't you comfortable with your values enough to ignore someone whom you pity? Your reaction and that of Korvas is the same reaction as from one who is religious or politically biased in the extreme.

By the way, I just finished and enjoyed watching Star Trek 3 again. I don't feel the need to put on Spock ears or a Star Fleet uniform, I take it as it is and put it back on the shelf for another year or two. What you guys do is akin to drinking too many beers, going past your limit.

I have to stand by my assertion, people like you are seeking to fulfill something missing in your life, and you think you've found it in a fantasy world. This is why you go to Renaissance fairs and dress up as noble lords and dukes and what have you. You prefer escapism over reality.

Remember Broccoli? My challenge to you is to try going without Star Trek for a while. Don't dress up. Can you do it? I doubt it. You're obsessed, and I am trying to save you.

Do you think Roddenberry's intent was to create a fantasy world for real people to inhabit? No way, he was making commentary on the politics of the day, and trying to teach us new values of tolerance and looking for answers instead of jumping to conclusions. I don't agree with all of his intentions and values, but growing up on Star Trek has taught me much about faith and love.

Warped  says:
6 months ago

Cross cultural tolerance is not exercised here, freedom of speech is. This argument reminds me so much of the Atheist and Christian discussing creation. Both opinions are firm and both persons un-wavering. The hub in question is based on opinion and personal observances, the writer doesn't know anyone who is involved as much as Moira & Korvas.

Let us seek all possible routes to peace before shoving a torpedo up someone's shuttle bay. What would Picard do. In Chess sometimes you must back off, re-group and even change your strategy to win. You Klingon types never back off, and that is your weakness. As I see it, Alexander Mark has shown tolerance and praise, trying to make peace as a good Captain should. Yet the Klingons repeatedly fire insults and Alexander Mark's shields are beginning to waiver.

Once you insult a Klingon as Alexander Mark has with this phrase " They are a group of people who emulate the fiercest, toughest people in the Star Trek galaxy, and they are very much the opposite of that ideal themselves". He has unknowingly declared war on the Empire. This fight can only be resolved through diplomatic means, or total annihilation of the opponent.

I'll be watching this Hub comment section for a while. It's like two Klingon birds of prey taking turns firing green bolts of obscure reason upon a single Starfleet Frigate at full shields trying to hold its ground (or.. space) occasionally firing back some blue beams of logic.

Alexander Mark profile image

Alexander Mark  says:
6 months ago

Thank you Warped, that was one of the most interesting comments I have read on my hubs so far I think. I really love your analogies since I am a Star Trek geek at heart, (it's a disease, I can't help it). I think you are like the mediator, much like the Federation, and perhaps I am the Vulcans or the Andorians because I won't back down and I piss everyone off ;-). Alright Ambassador, I will come to the peace table, how about the honorable Klingons? I'm going to go ahead and mentally dress up as a Vulcan to come halfway and meet the Klingons Moira and Korvas, and as a Vulcan I also represent a people who piss the Klingons off. I think non-emotion may be the way to go here.

Warped  says:
6 months ago

Captain! My sensors show that the Klingons have retreated.

We lost our lock on them when they went into the Neutral Zone.

Let's be on the alert, they may be cloaked.

I, i Captain

Alexander Mark profile image

Alexander Mark  says:
6 months ago

I hate to say this, but this proves my point, they like to pretend to be warriors, people who face a fight, but in the end, they're all peace loving humans. Ptachs! (If you Klingons are out there and cloaked - that last insult was just a joke, please don't go crazy, but the rest of the insult stands).

Gary Barclay  says:
5 months ago

If you truly want to know anything about Star Trek from the TV shows and movies, the official Star Trek club Starfleet Command @ http://www.starfleet-command.com, Star Trek bands, Star Trek conventions, to all other Star Trek related groups, then you will want to check out my MySpace page @ http://www.myspace.com/garyfitness

I am on the top friends list of the official MySpace page for the new Star Trek movie which has over 24,000 friends. I am on the top friends list on Zachary Quinto's official MySpace page and he has over 28,000 friends. I have over 7,500 friends on MySpace. It is always great to go to a convention and meet these people in person. They are very smart and pleasant along with being fun to hang out with.

I was a U.S. Navy scientist dealing with oceanography. One surprised crew mate exclaimed "I can't believe that you are one of them because you are so cool"! He was trying to compliment me on being in a field where I was using my brain and not my brawn without being condescending to the workers in the other fields known as rates. My legs were crippled and I was medevaced from the United Kingdom to the Bethesda Naval Medical Center. I was hospitalized for 2 months along with 6 months in medical hold in DC. The U.S. Navy didn't want me to reenlist so they placed me out after 4 years with a small disability payment. The VA wanted to cut off one of my legs that had locked up, turned blue and had a week pulse. So I took my life into my own hands and became a healthy vegetarian which led to me walking again after much physical therapy.

All of my experience has taught me that it is important in life to work on being healthy and being funny. I can go around at a convention as the stoic Vulcan Mr. Spock. Then I will perform in a costume/masquerade contest with slapstick humor. One little girl put it best after my friend Mark, AKA Kirk, and I, Gary (a.k.a.), Mr. Spock had put on a show at InConJunction in Indianapolis. She said "They were soooo funny"!

People will paint themselves and dress up in weird costumes and go to their favorite athletic game. They may even wear a jumpsuit and pretend to be one of the drivers at a race. My friend from Brazil told me that he would always wear a rain coat to the football, (soccer), games because people would drink beer and pee in their cup and throw it onto the crowd of spectators.

So if you only want to see skinny beautiful people, then you need to go to a fashion show. However, you can go to a Star Trek convention and meet a cross cultural convergence of unique individuals. My Star Trek club Starfleet Command has a number of people with a doctorate degree running it. The cartoon show American Dad put it best when Stan Smith went to a convention with his son and his friends. They entered the convention and Stan exclaimed "My God! Who's running the internet!"

Live long and prosper \\//,

FCAPT Gary Barclay Chief Security Officer USS Endeavour @ http://www.ussendeavour.net

Starbase 06 CO @ http://sb06.starfleet-command.com

Starfleet Command Q1 Deputy Chief Of Public Affairs @ http://www.starfleet-command.com

http://www.myspace.com/garyfitness

http://www.walterkoenigsite.com/waltersstar.html

http://www.starbaseindy.com

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