Daily Bits

Star Trek

Klingon Monopoly

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Klingon Star Trek
Klingon Star Trek

Finding the perfect gift for the geek in your life may be a difficult task, especially if that geek has everything he needs or wants. But if your geek can’t get enough of Star Trek (in spite of the several costumes he or she has in the closet for special occasions), then here is the best thing that you can get. Even if his or her birthday is not coming up any time soon, giving a gift for no reason at all is always a good idea.

Enter the new limited edition of the classic board game Monopoly. Star Trek Klingon edition. It really can’t get any better than that for Trekkies, can it? [Read more…] about Klingon Monopoly

Star Trek Theme Park in Jordan Will Make Scotty Proud

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Star Trek Theme Park
Star Trek Theme Park

Trekkies, I have a trivia question for you. Which Jordanian king appeared for a short bit in a Star Trek episode 15 years ago? Not being a Trekkie, I honestly wouldn’t know the answer to that, but with the Internet, everything has an answer. ((Answer: King Abdullah II)) Here’s another clue: obviously, this king is a big Star Trek fan. ((Duh.))

If you are a Jordanian king, you are a Star Trek fan, and you have some money to throw away spare, what would you do? (The answer is so obvious that I shake my head even as I ask the question in writing.) Build a Star Trek theme park, what else? [Read more…] about Star Trek Theme Park in Jordan Will Make Scotty Proud

This Is What Leonard Nimoy Does These Days

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Ever wondered what the famous Leonard Nimoy has been doing in the past years? Many of us know him as Spock and nothing else, but some of you may not know that he is also a photographer. In fact, last year, he held an exhibit called Secret Selves at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.

A lot can happen within a year, though, and it seems that the venerable Spock has had another career change in the recent months. That is, if Bruno Mars and his recording label can be believed. Now I have nothing against Bruno Mars, but let’s just say that he is not part of my daily playlist. (If you are averse to his music, bear with me. You won’t regret it.)

Anyhow, his song title “The Lazy Song” has an official alternate video, which will make the day of Spock-lovers (both my hands raised). Then again, if you have no sense of humor, you just might want to send Bruno Mars a death threat for daring to portray your idol in such a way. If you feel that way, think again. Vulcans may not experience emotions like we do, but Leonard Nimoy is very much human.

Enjoy!

Mr. Potato Head Takes On Star Trek

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Star Trek Potato Heads

Mark your calendars, Mr. Potato Head lovers. The guys behind these adorably hilarious toy figures have come up with a brilliant idea – Star Trek Mr. Potato Heads. Everyone loves Mr. Potato Head. I think that’s why some of my friends have decided to “drop their interest” in them, actually. You know those kind of people who decide not to like something because everyone else likes it?

Anyhow, this development is something that one really cannot help but get excited about. A mash up of your favorite Star Trek characters and Mr. Potato Head. Pardon me, but it is an epic win! The series is going to kick off with none other than Captain Kirk and his original Klingon nemesis, Kor. This first set is going to hit the shelves in August of this year, but they are accepting pre-orders to cater to those who want to make sure that they are among the first to receive Potato Head Kirk and Potato Head Kor. For $30 – which will only be charged on your credit card once the delivery details have been confirmed – you can be among the first to receive this signature line.

I have to be honest and say that the first time I saw the image above, I was not sure how to react. One part of me was thinking “Hilarious!” while another part was saying “Oh, Kirk. That is so NOT you.” Then again, this is NOT Kirk. It is Potato Head Kirk. I guess the designers actually did justice to both brands.

Star Trek fans: what are your thoughts?

Starship Edelweiss: Trekkies Considered Yourselves Warned

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starship
I am serious about that warning for hardcore Star Trek fans out there. I saw this video YouTube, and the word starship caught my eye. Of course, I just had to watch the video. Then again, I should have heeded the red flags that were going up all over the place because of the “electronica” tag associated with it.

Now I don’t know if it’s just me, but there is something not right about the whole concept. Mr. Spock must be turning in his grave right now! Just take a look at the video and tell me if I am overreacting or what.

So what do you think of Edelweiss’s spin on starships, space, and science fiction in general?

Anyhow, the song has been around for a while – since the early 90s. The band Edelweiss is from Austria and it seems that they are not together anymore today. (I wonder if Trekkies had anything to do with that?)

To be fair to the musicians, the line about beaming up to the stars is on repeat in my head. Maybe there is something wrong with me!

Tricorder in Real Life

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If you think Star Trek’s tricorder is still just a figment of imagination, then you are definitely wrong. Things sci-fi are fast becoming reality everyday, and the medical tricorder is one of those things. (Yup, I can’t help but write about something eerily reminiscent of those good old Star Trek days.)

In Star Trek, all the doctor has to do to diagnose diseases is to hold the medical tricorder in front of a person, wave it around as if doing voodoo, and wait for the diagnosis.

GE’s Vscan, which came out early this year, is an ultrasound-imaging device that is only the size of a smartphone. The handheld device obviously will not diagnose all kinds of disease, but it is a step towards handheld diagnostic equipment. It can help measure and analyse data relating to abdominal issues and even more critical things, like cardiac issues.

Physicians are quite enthusiastic about the device, since it does help a lot in early diagnosis. Instead of having to schedule their patients for ultrasound, they can already perform it wherever they may be, whether that be in a clinic or in an accident site. It is also very handy, weighing less than 3 pounds, and has a battery life of more than 1 hour. It has its own battery charging station and can be connected to a printer and other add-ons via its USB port.

The VScan is available in the market for only $7,900. (Yeah right, ONLY!) Definitely not a toy to be bought for mere amusement, but well worth it for doctors, especially those that are part of emergency response teams and those located in remote areas.