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Tag: Star Trek

  • Shatner Returns to Earth After Successful Blue Origin Flight

    Shatner Returns to Earth After Successful Blue Origin Flight

    Blue Origin’s record-breaking flight was a resounding success as the crew, including William Shatner, have returned to Earth.

    William Shatner, at 90 years-old, is now officially the oldest person to go to space. Shatner is well-known for portraying Star Trek’s Captain Kirk, one of the most iconic sci-fi characters in history.

    Going to space was a dream come true for the actor, and he was visibly moved by the experience.

    “In a way, it’s indescribable,” Shatner told the Jeff Bezos, according to International Business Times.

    “Everybody in the world needs to do this. Everybody in the world needs to see it,” Shatner continued.

    “It was unbelievable. The little things – the weightless – but to see the blue color (of the sky) whip by you and now you’re staring into blackness. … And then it’s gone. It was so moving. This experience did something unbelievable.”

  • William Shatner Will ‘Boldly Go’ to Space on the Next Blue Origin Flight

    William Shatner is slated to go to space on Blue Origin’s next flight, ‘boldly going’ where his Captain Kirk character has gone since 1966.

    William Shatner is an icon, largely for his portray of Star Trek’sCaptain Kirk. Since 1966, Shatner has portrayed the character in the original series, as well as seven movies. He’s been a constant feature in the Star Trek community ever since. In addition, Shatner is an accomplished writer, horseman, recording artist and director.

    Blue Origin’s next flight is scheduled for October 12, and Shatner will be joining Audrey Powers, Blue Origin’s Vice President of Mission & Flight Operations, on the flight. At 90 years-old, Shatner will become the oldest person to go to space.

    “I’ve heard about space for a long time now. I’m taking the opportunity to see it for myself. What a miracle,” said William Shatner.

  • Move Over Data: Tesla Looking to Create Humanoid Robot

    Move Over Data: Tesla Looking to Create Humanoid Robot

    Tesla is looking to create a humanoid robot that is sure to draw comparisons to Star Trek’s beloved android Data.

    Elon Musk has been a major critic of artificial intelligence, leading him to cofound OpenAI in an effort to ensure AI research and development is done in a responsible way. Tesla is working to build on that research with the Tesla Bot.

    The company’s describes the project’s goal:

    Develop the next generation of automation, including a general purpose, bi-pedal, humanoid robot capable of performing tasks that are unsafe, repetitive or boring. We’re seeking mechanical, electrical, controls and software engineers to help us leverage our AI expertise beyond our vehicle fleet.

    Tesla Bot Standing - Credit Tesla
    Tesla Bot Standing – Credit Tesla

    Recognizing the potential danger such a robot could pose (think I, Robot), Musk has said the robot is “intended to be friendly.” In addition, Tesla is designing the robot so that at “at a mechanical level, a physical level, you can run away from it [its top speed is 5 MPG] and most likely overpower it.”

    In the presentation announcing the company’s plans, Musk drew a direct comparison to Tesla’s vehicles, saying the company was already one of the biggest robotics makers on the planet. Taking its existing advancements and applying them to a humanoid robot was the next evolution of the company’s ambitions.

  • New Star Trek Series Will Be a CBS Streaming Exclusive

    New Star Trek Series Will Be a CBS Streaming Exclusive

    Star Trek fans, you’re getting a new series. That’s the good news. The bad news is that it’s going to stream exclusively on a platform that you probably don’t use.

    CBS All Access, the network’s on-demand streaming platform, will be the exclusive home to the new Star Trek TV series. It’s set to debut in January, 2017.

    CBS All Access is $5.99 per month.

    No specific plot details have been announced, but CBS says “the brand-new Star Trek will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966.”

    “There is no better time to give Star Trek fans a new series than on the heels of the original show’s 50th anniversary celebration,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios. “Everyone here has great respect for this storied franchise, and we’re excited to launch its next television chapter in the creative mind and skilled hands of Alex Kurtzman, someone who knows this world and its audience intimately.”

    Kurtzman produced and co-wrote the most recent Star Trek films.

    According to CBS, the premiere episode will air on CBS, but then it’s going online-only. The rest of the series will stream exclusively on CBS All Access.

    “This new series will premiere to the national CBS audience, then boldly go where no first-run Star Trek series has gone before – directly to its millions of fans through CBS All Access,” said Marc DeBevoise, Executive Vice President/General Manager – CBS Digital Media. “We’ve experienced terrific growth for CBS All Access, expanding the service across affiliates and devices in a very short time. We now have an incredible opportunity to accelerate this growth with the iconic Star Trek, and its devoted and passionate fan base, as our first original series.”

  • Yvonne Craig, Best-Known as Batgirl in the 1960s ‘Batman’ Series, Has Died At 78

    Yvonne Craig, who played the sexy, crime-fighting Batgirl in the 1960s iconic television series Batman, has died at the age of 78.

    According to her family, Yvonne Craig died Monday at her Los Angeles home from complications from breast cancer.

    Craig began her career as the youngest ballet dancer of The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, with which she toured for three years.

    Venturing to Hollywood, she appeared in a 1958 episode of Perry Mason, followed by a role in the 1959 feature The Young Land.

    Craig became a familiar face to television, taking on a variety of television roles as well as co-starring in two 1960s Elvis Presley films, It Happened at the World’s Fair and Kissin’ Cousins.

    But it was Craig’s portrayal of Batgirl, and her alter ego Barbara Gordon, Commissioner Gordon’s daughter, that has defied time. What may come as a surprise to some old school Batman aficionados is that she only appeared in the 1967-68 season of the ABC hit.

    She also appeared in an episode of the original Star Trek series, in which she played the green Orion Slave Girl who wanted to kill Captain Kirk.

    Her many other TV appearances included Dobie Gillis, ’77 Sunset Strip, Dr. Kildare, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Mod Squad, Love, American Style, Kojak and The Six Million Dollar Man.

    Yvonne Craig’s most recent gig was lending her voice to the role of Grandma in the recent Nickelodeon cartoon series Olivia.

  • George Takei Talks ‘Star Trek’ Costar William Shatner, Doesn’t Need to Forgive Him

    George Takei and William Shatner starred together in Star Trek, but the two haven’t gotten along in years. For the first time since their rift, George Takei is speaking out about the supposed feud, saying it is over.

    Takei claims William Shatner uses their non-friendship for publicity purposes.

    “It’s not tension, it’s all coming from Bill,” the 78-year-old said in a recent interview with The New York Times Magazine. “Whenever he needs a little publicity for a project, he pumps up the so-called controversy between us.”

    William Shatner made waves in 2008, saying he wasn’t invited to George Takei’s wedding. Takei begs to differ.

    “Two months after my wedding, he went on YouTube and ranted and raved about our not sending him an invitation,” George Takei said. “We had. If he had an issue, he could have easily just phoned us before the wedding, simple as that. But he didn’t. And the reason he raised that fuss two months later is because he was premiering his new talk show Raw Nerve.”

    Takei says Shatner, known for his role as Captain James Kirk, is a great actor, but not a team player.

    “It’s difficult working with someone who is not a team player,” he said. “The rest of the cast all understand what makes a scene work–it’s everybody contributing to it. But Bill is a wonderful actor, and he knows it, and he likes to have the camera on him all the time.”

    Any feud between William Shatner and George Takei is over–at least according to George Takei.

    “I don’t need to forgive him,” Takei said. “I’ve already invited him to the opening night of Allegiance.”

    George Takei is presently working on the Broadway musical.

    Do you think William Shatner will accept the invitation?

  • Nichelle Nichols, Uhura of ‘Star Trek,’ Suffers Mild Stroke, Is ‘Resting Comfortably’

    Nichelle Nichols, who starred in the original Star Trek series as Lieutenant Uhura, has reportedly suffered a mild stroke.

    According to Nichelle Nichols’ rep Michael Conley, the 82-year-old actress has been hospitalized and is stable.

    “Nichelle Nichols is resting comfortably and undergoing tests. We do not have a prognosis yet but everyone’s prayers and well wishes are appreciated,” he told ABC News.

    A statement was also posted to Nichelle Nichols’ Facebook page on Thursday.

    “Last night while at her home in LA, Nichelle Nichols suffered from a mild stroke. She is currently undergoing testing to determine how severe the stroke was. Please keep her in your thoughts,” it read, signed by Zach McGinnis from Galactic Productions.

    Nichelle Nichols, who has worked well into her 80s, was most recently featured in the show Heroes and feature films including The White Orchid opposite Jennifer Beals and Omaha Street with Dennis Haysbert. . She is also much admired for her groundbreaking work on the Star Trek television series, as well a feature films, including The Wrath of Khan and The Search for Spock.

    According to ABC, “her role in Star Trek was groundbreaking in the late 1960’s as one of the first black women featured in a role of authority. She also kissed show star William Shatner during one episode, which is thought to be one of the first interracial kiss on TV.”

    Some of her former co-stars have posted words words of encouragement on social media, including George Takei.

    “We understand #NichelleNichols has been rushed to the hospital. We don’t have any diagnosis on her condition but our thoughts are with her,” he tweeted.

    We understand Nichelle Nichols has been rushed to the hospital. We don't have any diagnosis on her condition but our thoughts are with her.

    Posted by George Takei on Thursday, June 4, 2015

  • Kate Mulgrew Was Born With Teeth, Gave Up a Baby

    Kate Mulgrew is seeing a career resurgence as Red with Orange is the New Black, but to millions she will always be Captain Katherine Janeway of the U.S.S. Voyager.

    Kate Mulgrew is more than just the two roles she happens to be best known for. And now she is telling that story in a new memoir titled Born With Teeth.

    Yes, Kate Mulgrew was indeed born with teeth

    Determined to pursue her own no matter the cost, at 18 she left her small Midwestern town for New York, where, studying with the legendary Stella Adler, she learned the lesson that would define her as an actress: “Use it,” Adler told her. Whatever disappointment, pain, or anger life throws in your path, channel it into the work.

    Kate Mulgrew’s career was just taking off when she became pregnant at age 22. She gave the baby up for adoption. Later in life, she would spend another 22 years looking for her daughter.

    Finally, Kate Mulgrew got a phone call from Danielle, the daughter she had given up for adoption all those years before.

    “Time stopped,” she told People Magazine. “I remembered the notes dancing in the first light of dawn in the Venetian blinds. There was this voice, unrecognizable, but I knew it was her.”

    Mulgrew and Danielle did meet while she was filming her famous Star Trek series. Kate Mulgrew said she was so nervous talking to her daughter for the first time that she asked her a series of odd questions, just to keep her on the phone.

    “I remember three questions came from her,” Damielle recalled. The first one was, ‘Are you pretty?’ And then the second one was, ‘Are you happy?’ And then the third one was, ‘Do you believe in God?’ That is Kate in a nutshell.”

    “I wasn’t thinking,” Kate Mulgrew explained. “I was just desperate to keep my daughter on the line, and the fact that I asked her if she was pretty – let alone if she believed in God – shows how out of it I was. I have no recollection of asking Danielle these questions and find it fascinating that Danielle remembers them so clearly.”

  • Want to Learn Klingon? Duolingo’s Working on It

    Popular language tutorial app Duolingo has just added a new language. No, it’s not Japanese (as people have been clamoring over for some time). In fact, this language didn’t even exist 40 years ago.

    Duolingo wants to teach you Klingon.

    Yep, the language of the Klingons, which first appeared in 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture, will soon be an option on the app. Lest you think this is a joke, do remember that Klingon isn’t a “fictional” language. Sure, it was spawned from a work of fiction – but it’s a real language created by linguist Marc Okrand.

    “Klingon is the constructed language spoken by the fictional extraterrestrial Klingon species in the Star Trek universe. Created by Marc Okrand, the language itself is centered around spacecraft, warfare, and weaponry — but it also reflects the directness and sense of humor of the Klingon culture. For example, the closest word you can use to express ‘hello’ is ‘nuqneH,’ which actually means ‘What do you want?’. There are also plenty of insults, as it is considered an art form. The mastery of Klingon is extremely uncommon on Earth. Join the galactic elite and start learning this fascinating language,” says Duolingo.

    According to the company, one user is creating the entire course.

    On Thursday, Duolingo co-founder Luis von Ahn said the company had “started building a course to learn Klingon”, so the timeframe for the course’s release is uncertain. If you want to be notified when the Klingon course is ready, head here.

    Are you excited to learn Klingon? Well, some people aren’t. Comments on reddit and Twitter show many are miffed about Duolingo’s decision to build a Klingon course before, oh let’s say, Japanese (or many other widely-spoken languages).

    “Why Klingon, as opposed to another real-world language that you don’t already cover? Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s awesome and I’m not trying to harsh your groove, but I am curious what prompted this particular application of resources,” asks one commenter.

    “This is fucking dumb. Put your effort into real languages. What next, Elvish? Where’s the Greek?” says another.

    Can’t please everyone, it seems.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Leonard Nimoy Remembered in Poignant Tribute by ‘Big Bang Theory’

    Leonard Nimoy has been remembered since his death last week by celebrities, by Trekkies and by fans alike. However, one of the most poignant homages came from the CBS show The Big Bang Theory.

    Thursday night’s episode ended with a black-and-white portrait of Nimoy with the words, “The impact you had on our show and on our lives is everlasting.”

    Leonard Nimoy and his character, Mr. Spock, were in a way secondary “characters” on The Big Bang Theory with the number of references on them throughout the series.

    Sheldon, played by Jim Parsons, has a real connection with Leonard Nimoy. In one particular episode, Sheldon receives a gift of a lifetime — well, his anyway — a napkin used by the Star Trek actor.

    “I possess the DNA of Leonard Nimoy?!” Sheldon exclaims in the episode.

    Leonard Nimoy even made a cameo on the show during its fifth season.

  • Leonard Nimoy: ‘Star Trek’s’ Mr. Spock Laid to Rest in L.A. on Sunday

    Leonard Nimoy, best known for his Star Trek role of Mr. Spock, was laid to rest in a private funeral service in L.A. on Sunday. Nimoy died Friday at the age of 83, having suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–known as COPD.

    Being raised Jewish, Leonard Nimoy would normally have been buried 24 hours following his passing. Since Jewish tradition forbids the practice on Saturdays, he was laid to rest on Sunday instead.

    Leonard Nimoy’s costar and dear friend William Shatner was unable to attend his funeral, sending his two daughters to attend in his place. Shatner had a prior charity commitment for the Red Cross in Florida on Saturday night, and couldn’t book a flight that would get him to L.A. in time for the service. The actor known for playing Captain Kirk came under fire for not changing his plans.

    William Shatner reflected on Leonard Nimoy–his career and his friendship–during an interview with a Florida TV station, Local10.com.

    “He did a lot of things. He inspired a lot of people. He was loved by a lot of people and he loved a lot of people,” Shatner said.

    William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy starred together as Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock a total of 107 times between the Star Trek’s 1966 TV debut and the 1991 release of Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country.

    William Shatner wasn’t the only one to miss Leonard Nimoy’s funeral. Since the details were kept quiet, plans on behalf of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church, who aimed to protest at the location, were foiled. The church gave up, and tweeted to their members that the location couldn’t be found.

    The family posted their heartfelt thanks to fans, friends, and family members via Facebook following Leonard Nimoy’s funeral.

    Post by Leonard Nimoy.

  • Leonard Nimoy’s Funeral: William Shatner Under Fire for Not Attending

    Leonard Nimoy’s funeral was held on Sunday, with William Shatner noticeably absent. Shatner–known for his role as Captain Kirk alongside Leonard Nimoy’s Mr. Spock in Star Trek–made it clear ahead of time he wouldn’t be able to attend. On Saturday, Shatner tweeted his followers, saying he was in Florida doing charity work for the Red Cross, and wouldn’t be able to make it to L.A. in time for Sunday’s funeral.

    Since that post, William Shatner has come under a great deal of fire for not attending Leonard Nimoy’s funeral.

    The New York Daily News even dissed the 83-year-old by running a front page headline, calling him ‘Captain Jerk.’

    William Shatner was bothered by the headline, and urged Twitter followers to talk about it, and about Leonard Nimoy, too.

    At noon on Sunday, William Shatner hosted a Twitter conversation about Leonard Nimoy, and the time the two men spent together on Star Trek–as well as some fun they had behind the scenes, too. He made it very clear that both of his daughters would be attending Leonard Nimoy’s funeral in his absence.

    Some people joined the NY Post in calling Shatner a ‘jerk’ and insisting that he could have found a flight to L.A. following Saturday night’s fundraiser, but that didn’t stop him from fielding lots of legitimate questions about his dear friend via Twitter.

    Can you believe that ‘fans’ of a TV show and movie–as well as its stars–have nothing better to do than to insult an 83-year-old man for not making it to Leonard Nimoy’s funeral? It seems so bizarre that people put such emphasis on the dead and so little thought toward those who are living.

    Do they really expect that Leonard Nimoy’s funeral was less of a celebration of his life because William Shatner wasn’t there?

  • Nichelle Nichols Remembers Star Trek Costar Leonard Nimoy, Whose Heart Was ‘Bigger Than the Universe’

    Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Nyota Uhura on the original Star Trek television series, remembered costar Leonard Nimoy Friday as “a true force of strength and his character was that of a champion.”

    “Leonard’s integrity and passion as an actor and devotion to his craft helped transport STAR TREK into television history,” Nichelle Nichols said in a statement to People magazine. “His vision and heart are bigger than the universe. I will miss him very much and send heartfelt wishes to his family.”

    The legendary Leonard Nimoy died Friday after a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

    Many of Leonard Nimoy‘s costars have said the actor has stood up for them over the years, including Nichelle Nichols.

    Post by Nichelle Nichols.

    “When it came to the attention of the cast that there was a disparity in pay in that George [Takei] and I were getting the same pay but Nichelle was not getting as much, I took it to Leonard and he took it to the front office and they corrected that,” said costar Walter Koenig.

    Leonard Nimoy confirmed the incident to TrekMovie.

    “There was also the case where George and Nichelle we’re not hired to do their voices in the animated series,” said Leonard Nimoy. “I refused to do Spock until they were hired. Mr. Roddenberry started calling me the conscience of Star Trek.”

    Nichelle Nichols’ role on Star Trek helped break barriers for the representation of people of color on television.

  • Leonard Nimoy Dead at 83, Friends, Family, And Fans React

    Leonard Nimoy died on Friday at his home in Los Angeles.

    Nimoy was victim to end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

    COPD was a disease that Leonard Nimoy wrestled with because of his years of smoking, even though he quit almost 30 years ago.

    Leonard Nimoy was most popular for his role as Mr. Spock in the Star Trek franchise, but he was also a photographer, a musician, a writer, and many other things.

    When news of Leonard Nimoy’s death began to spread on Friday, many of his family, his close friends, and his colleagues quickly paid tribute to him through social media.

    Leonard Nimoy’s granddaughter, writing on his Twitter page, announced his passing.

    She said, “Hi all, as you all know, my Grandpa passed away this morning at 8:40 from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, brother, actor, author-the list goes on- and friend. Thank you for the warm condolences. May you all LLAP. – Dani”

    Sweet words from an admiring granddaughter.

    His former co-stars and colleagues showed their love and their sadness for Leonard Nimoy’s passing.

    Of course, Patrick Stewart was kind enough to share a few words about Leonard Nimoy.

    Even President Obama took time out of his schedule to tweet his condolences.

    The world lost a great man, for sure. But, Leonard Nimoy gave us the gift of Mr. Spock, and that gift will keep giving to generations of young nerds to come.

    What is your favorite Spock quote?

  • Leonard Nimoy, ‘Star Trek’s’ Spock, Dies at 83

    Leonard Nimoy, ‘Star Trek’s’ Spock, Dies at 83

    Leonard Nimoy, the iconic Mr. Spock in the Star Trek TV show and films, died Friday at the age of 83. He had end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, better known as COPD. His wife, Susan Bay Nimoy, confirmed the actor’s passing.

    More than just an actor, Leonard Nimoy made a name for himself in the many of the art worlds. He excelled at poetry, photography, and music, too. It was his role as Mr. Spock, however, and the phrase he coined while playing that role that remained his biggest claim to fame.

    “Live long and prosper,” Spock, a ‘cerebral, unflappable, pointy-eared Vulcan,’ said as he bid his fellow Star Trek characters adieu.

    Leonard Nimoy began acting as an eight-year-old boy. Later, he won roles in high school and community college productions. Following the completion of a summer acting course at Boston College, Nimoy headed for Hollywood, where he won small roles in the films Queen for a Day and Rhubarb. Following a stint in the Army, he returned to Hollywood and appeared in small roles on Perry Mason, Wagon Train, and Rawhide. Shortly after that, he became Mr. Spock on Star Trek. The rest, as they say, is history.

    That history included two books for Leonard Nimoy. His first, I Am Not Spock, was published in 1977.

    “In Spock, I finally found the best of both worlds: to be widely accepted in public approval and yet be able to continue to play the insulated alien through the Vulcan character,” he wrote in his first book.

    In 1995, Leonard Nimoy penned I Am Spock.

    William Shatner, Star Trek’s illustrious Captain Kirk, spoke of Leonard Nimoy’s passing via Facebook.

    Post by William Shatner.

    George Takei remembered Nimoy, too.

    Post by George Takei.

    Leonard Nimoy lived long and he prospered. More than that, he left an indelible mark on the world. He, and his character Spock, won’t soon–if ever–be forgotten.

  • Leonard Nimoy’s Last Tweet Is Beautiful

    Leonard Nimoy’s Last Tweet Is Beautiful

    You’ve probably already heard the sad news coming out of Los Angeles today, that Star Trek‘s Mr. Spock, Leonard Nimoy, has died.

    Nimoy, logical on screen and off, died at his home on Friday at the age of 83.

    Nimoy’s wife Susan confirmed that the actor died of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, an illness Nimoy had been battling for years.

    Even through illness, Nimoy was a prolific tweeter. And his very last tweet is painfully beautiful.

    “A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP.”

    “Hi all, as you all know, my Grandpa passed away this morning at 8:40 from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, brother, actor, author-the list goes on- and friend. Thank you for the warm condolences. May you all LLAP,” said Nimoy’s grandchild in a tweet.

    This famous scene, both touching and saddening, is being passed around the internet today:

    His Star Trek co-star, William Shatner, has issued a statement saying “I loved him like a brother. We will all miss his humor, his talent, and his capacity to love.”

    RIP, Leonard Nimoy. You lived long and prospered.

    Image via Leonard Nimoy, Twitter

  • Zoe Saldana Svelte, Sexy Weeks After Babies Born

    Zoe Saldana is looking rather svelte and quite sexy just over ten weeks after giving birth to twins. The Book of Life star wore a knee-length black dress, featuring a polka-dot bodice to the 2015 VES Awards in Beverly Hills last week. She complemented her look with black patent leather pumps and bright red lipstick.

    Saldana and husband Marco Perego welcomed twin boys Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio into the world on Thanksgiving Day. This was her first public appearance since giving birth, and everyone was stunned at how amazing she looked.

    Zoe Saldana was a presenter at the VES Awards, presenting Star Trek director J.J. Abrams with a very special award. Zoe actually appeared in two of the Star Trek films–Star Trek in 2009 and Star Trek Into Darkness in 2013. She shared word of her presentation via Twitter.

    PerezHilton.com just announced that Zoe Saldana will also be a presenter at the 2015 Oscars later this month. She joins stars including Scarlett Johansson, Jack Black, Octavia Spencer, Josh Hutcherson, and more as presenters for the big event.

    Congratulations are definitely in order for Zoe Saldana–not only for presenting J.J. Abrams with his VES Award and being asked to present at the Oscars, but also for how incredible she looks just a little more than ten weeks since giving birth to her twins. She is no doubt the envy of new moms everywhere. They would no doubt love to look as trim as Zoe Saldana.

  • Zoe Saldana and Husband Marco Perego Welcome Twin Boys, a ‘Dream Come True For Both of Them’

    Zoe Saldana and her husband, Marco Perego, are the proud parents of twin boys.

    According to a source for E! News, mother and baby boys are happy and healthy.

    “She had her twins,” a source told the website, adding that the new parents “are both so excited.”

    “They are surrounded by family and friends. All that matters now to Zoe and her husband is that the babies are healthy,” said the source.

    The Mirror was the first to break the news that the babies had arrived.

    “This a dream come true for both of them, they are absolutely delighted,” a source told the British tabloid. “They have been looking forward this day for the last nine months.”

    Designer Prabal Gurung Instagrammed his congratulations to his “muse” on Friday.

    According to E!, this is a dream come true for the Guardians of the Galaxy actress, who has said on numerous occasions that she wants a large family.

    “I’m Latin—we start young, honey!” Saldana admitted on Lifetime’s The Conversation With Amanda de Cadenet in April 2012.

    At the time, she said she might like to have “two or three” kids. “Or four or five! I don’t care,” she added. “They’re just so delicious. I love the anxiety, the pressure of the loud room full of yapping kids. But I’m a kid myself. I get along very well with animals and children. I dig them. I get them. They make perfect sense to me. A child makes perfect sense to me. A child speaks more sense than an adult half of the time.”

    Two newborns to care for is a lot for anyone, but Saldana is excited about juggling career and family and doesn’t seem to be concerned about the challenges she is sure to face with two little ones.

    “I know that we will work everything out,” Saldana told Entertainment Weekly in October. “I have to say, I’m very lucky. The great thing is that all the producers and creators involved in the projects that I’ve done — Avatar, Star Trek and Guardians of the Galaxy — they’re very good people. So, they’ve been very understanding, especially with what’s happening in my personal life. I’ve gotten nothing but support. To know that we are getting to that place where women can have that support from male driven workforces is—I have to say, it’s very inspiring.”

    She then thought about it pragmatically and added with a laugh, “They don’t have a choice! I’m not going to rip my child off my tit to go work. And if I do that, then maybe you shouldn’t hire me because I am willing to sell anything.

    “The good thing is that half of the people you work with are all parents, and they get it. They probably have strong wives at home that are probably going to look at them going, ‘Are you out of your mind?!’ See, it’s having strong women around you! Once we all come together, it’s perfect.”

  • Stephen Hawking: I’d Like To Play A Bond Villain

    When you think of James Bond villains, you usually have an image in your head of some stern looking bald guy in a chair petting a white Turkish Angora cat, or a short man that throws a razor brimmed bowler hat. That’s not meant to rhyme.

    Professor Stephen Hawking, the world-renowned theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author of A Brief History of Time, said that he would love to play the bad guy in a James Bond movie.

    Hawking, who suffers from motor neuron disease, which bounds him paralyzed and in a wheelchair, communicates through a computerized speech synthesizer, and joked at the idea that his unique appearance parallels with a Bond villain.

    Hawking said in an interview with Wired Magazine:

    “My ideal role would be a baddie in a James Bond film. I think the wheelchair and the computer voice would fit the part.”

    Hawking is the subject for The Theory of Everything, an Oscar-tipped part-biographical part-love story which features Eddie Redmayne starring as a younger version of

    The Theory of Everything, an Oscar-tipped part-biographical part-love story stars Eddie Redmayne as a younger version of Hawking, and tells about the physicist’s life from the 1960s to 1980s.

    Hawking made guest appearances before on shows like The Simpsons, Futurama, and Star Trek: The Next Generation (where he plays poker with Data, Albert Einstein, and Sir Isaac Newton.) Hawking would also be referenced in countless TV shows like Dexter’s Lab, The Critic, and Pinky and the Brain.

    Despite being diagnosed at the age of 21 with motor neuron disease, Hawking, 72, said his new synthesized voice gave him a chance to connect with others:

    “I was able to speak with a speech synthesizer, though it gave me an American accent. I have kept that voice, because it’s now my trademark.”

    Hawkings noted that his trademark voice garnered him more attention when teaching:

    “Before I lost my voice, it was slurred, so only those close to me could understand, but with the computer voice, I found I could give popular lectures.

    “I enjoy communicating science. It is important that the public understands basic science, if they are not to leave vital decisions to others.”

     

  • Jeri Ryan Heads to ‘NCIS’ As Gibbs’ Ex-Wife

    Jeri Ryan Heads to ‘NCIS’ As Gibbs’ Ex-Wife

    Jeri Ryan of Body of Proof, Leverage, Boston Public, and Star Trek fame is headed for NCIS where she will play the “missing” second ex-wife of Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon). She will be introduced to the hit CBS show in January of 2015.

    Showrunner Gary Glasberg revealed the heightening storyline several months back.

    “I can promise you that it is probably going to get touched on in Season 12,” he said, adding that the introduction of the character is akin to “storyline gold.”

    “After 12 seasons there was still one ex-wife to cast opposite Gibbs and we found her in the beautiful and talented Jeri Ryan,” Glasberg added. “We’re all very excited to have Jeri join us for a storyline that’s chock full of surprises.”

    Entertainment Weekly reports that Jeri Ryan’s character’s name is Rebecca. Gibbs has been married four times–with three marriages ending in divorce and one in the death of his wife and child. Only two of the wives have ever appeared on NCIS.

    While it will certainly be exciting to see a new character added to NCIS, it will be even more intriguing to see not only how she plays opposite Jethro Gibbs as well as his team.

    NCIS airs on Tuesday evenings at 8 P.M. on CBS, but fans will have a while to wait before they get to meet Jeri Ryan in her new role.

    Do you think once Gibbs’ second ex-wife is no longer missing that a romance might be rekindled between the two? Fans have long wanted to see the handsome NCIS director fall in love. A good romance for Gibbs even might rival that of Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo (as Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David). Theirs was a romance that delighted fans in a previous season of the show.

  • Star Trek’s Uhura Stopped in LAX for Meth

    Nichelle Nichols is 81 years old. So when meth fell out of her suitcase at LAX airport, it stands to reason that security was a bit shocked. Talk about “boldly going.” But, as there usually is, there is more to the story.

    According to a report from TMZ, Nichols, famous for playing Lieutenant Uhura on the original Star Trek television show and films, was catching a flight at LAX. Nichols was in a wheelchair, and she had an assistant accompanying her, a male in his 20s. One of the suitcases with Nichols’ name tag on it fell to the ground, came open, and law enforcement saw a bag of meth and drug scales fall out.

    After looking deeper into the situation, officials determined that the bag did not belong to Nichols, but had been attached to hers and tagged with her name. It actually belonged to her companion. Apparently Nichols had no knowledge of the meth. Her companion was detained. Nichols was allowed to board her plane and continue on her way.

    Nichols’ rep contacted TMZ to tell them that the only thing that LAX officials found in the man’s luggage was an e-cigarette. But TMZ claims that’s not what LAX officials say.

    Nichols most famous role as Uhura also landed her in the history books along with William Shatner for the First Interracial Kiss on Television.

    Even at 81 years of age, Nichols is still a regular at Trek conventions and events across the country. She also appeared in the television series Heroes, playing Nana. Fellow Trek veteran George Takei also appeared on the show, as did Zachary Quinto, years before he would be cast as Spock in the Trek reboot films.