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Star Trek

Replicators Coming Soon?

I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to science and science fiction. My favorite TV show is Star Trek: The Next Generation. Often times science fiction can give us a glimpse into the future. What is fiction today might be the scientific innovations of tomorrow. Take for example the Star Trek replicator. A replicator can create any inanimate object, as long as the desired molecular structure is on file. Just tell the computer what you want and the replicator will make a copy for you.

The Star Trek replicator was all I could think of when I recently read a story about the Makerbot Thing-o-matic. A Thing-o-matic is basically a printer, but rather than printing with ink, the Thing-o-matic prints with melted plastic. The plastic is printed in layers, which allows the user to make 3D objects. A person can design just about anything using 3D software, feed the design into the printer and print out a copy. Once a design is created, it can be shared via the internet and someone on the other side of the planet can print out the object. This could eventually eliminate stores and shipping. You just order a file online and print out your thingy. It would be like having your own little factory.

Makerbot Industries has sold 2,600 of these printers and has an active online community that shares their designs via Thingiverse. I have a feeling that this could be the beginning of something BIG.

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Boston SUPER Megafest 2009

Boston Super Megafest or SMF is the largest gathering of celebrities, fans and memorabilia dealers in the New England area. This weekend event, which took place on Nov 21 & 22, 2009 at the Sheraton in Framingham, MA is lots of fun for only $20.

The people attending are often more interesting than the celebrities. People come dressed in all kinds of elaborate costumes and really get into the fantasy of being a super hero or sci-fi character. The most popular costumes tend to be from Star Wars and Star Trek, but Batman and the Joker are also popular.

Parked outside the hotel was the Batmobile from the original TV show. I was a big fan of the TV show when I was a kid. It is so funny to watch those episodes now. If you are too young to remember the show, there are lots of episodes and clips on youtube.

The vast majority of people who attend these events are geeks, nerds, and dorks, with a few typical folks along to ‘people watch’ the geeks, nerds and dorks. All together it’s a nice bunch of folks just having a good time. For me, it’s a fun escape from everyday life; add that to the nostalgia thrown in and it’s a blast!

The highlight of this years event for me was meeting Brent Spiner (Data from Star Trek: TNG). OK, so I’m a bit of a Star Trek geek. I’ve enjoyed the TV shows and movies since the original, but my favorite Star Trek is the Next Generation (TNG). For movies, Star Trek IV has always been my favorite, but the new 2009 movie, is pretty darn good. Brent Spiner is a friendly guy and very funny.

I also got to meet Larry Storch (Corporal Agarn on F Troop). F Troop was another of my favorite shows in the 60’s and Larry still looks pretty darn good in his 80’s!

Also at the Megafest were two of the Monkees, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork. I met both of them and saw them preform on Saturday night. Peter played “Day Dream Believer” solo with his guitar, which I really enjoyed. Micky is still quite an entertainer.

Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz

 

There was a whole lot more going on at the Megafest, but these were a few of my favorites. More photos on Flickr.

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Star Trek Movie Review

I took Aaron to see the new Star Trek movie this weekend and was blown away. What an awesome movie! Long time Trek fans will love this movie because of the nostalgia. They did an excellent job with the background stories of the original crew. But even if you are not a Star Trek fan, there is plenty to like about this movie. It’s definitely one to see on the BIG screen. Don’t wait for the DVD.

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