
He played Q in three different incarnations of Star Trek, but now he's teaching students.
John de Lancie spent a few weeks recently teaching high school students in Oklahoma the art of acting.
"I roll out of bed, go and teach, have a little something to eat for lunch, go and teach, and have a little something for dinner, and listen to lectures," de Lancie told The Oklahoman's Brandy McDonnell. "So, I'm arts-immersed, just like the kids."
Believe it or not, the man who helped introduce a new generation of the U.S.S. Enterprise in the pilot episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" back in 1987, is now 61 years old. Yet, he still has energy, "just like the kids."
"When you're teaching young kids, a lot of them just haven't done this ... and they certainly haven't done it at a level with somebody like myself who is coming from the point of view of saying, 'Listen, this [is] how [it's] done and let me explain to you and show you," de Lancie said. "There's no coddling here because we're putting up a show and it's being done very quickly." -- [The Oklahoman]
Comic-Con moves to new frontier: Leave it to Lucasfilm Ltd. to never want to stick with the status quo.
The company run by George Lucas is joining cable channel G4 to make the first ever television broadcast of a presentation at San Diego Comic-Con in July.
"The Star Wars Spectacular!" will air July 25 at 2 p.m. ET on G4 and include new footage, breaking news, surprise announcements and guest stars, according to a release from both groups.
This will allow Lucasfilm to reach out to more than just the 6,500 people who cram into the main convention hall to see what's happening in the world of Lucas. The only drawback? Looks like there will be a lot of people from G4 and the various Star Wars properties, but don't expect a visit from the man himself, George Lucas. Too bad, too. -- [G4]
Bear McCreary seeks Web designer: "Battlestar Galactica" and "Caprica" composer Bear McCreary decided he needed a new Web site for his traveling Battlestar Galactica Orchestra, and instead of just hiring a Web designer like everyone else, McCreary is looking to the fan community.
McCreary is accepting submissions from Web designers around the world, and is offering some neat prizes, including some unique "Battlestar Galactica" merchandise. That includes the baton McCreary will be using for one of his BSG concerts.
Some of the other prizes include two VIP passes to "The Music Of Battlestar Galactica" concert to be held at the House of Blues in San Diego July 23 (I've already got my VIP ticket for that night, so if you win, make sure you come and say hi!), a Battlestar Galactica Orchestra signed poster, and best yet, the "eternal gratitude" of Bear McCreary himself.
And there are prizes for runners up, too. They will receive an autographed copy of the "Battlestar Galactica: Season 4" soundtrack as well as a poster signed by the orchestra.
Anyone interested in submitting their Web work for consideration should click here.
Sounds like a lot of fun, so get designing! -- [TV Squad]
Markle makes a deal for 'Fringe': This might be a little bit harder than opening a suitcase for Howie Mandell, but former "Deal or No Deal" model Meghan Markle is trying to make her mark on the Fox series "Fringe" for its second season playing an "attractive, brash and quick-witted" FBI agent.
She'll replace Kirk Acevedo, who played Charlie Francis in the first season. Reports are he was let go so that the show could focus more on the characters played by Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson.
Because of that, Markle will only be a recurring character, and is looking to expand on her work that already includes the new "90210" on The CW as well as "Knight Rider" on NBC. -- [Zap2it]
'Virtuality' explodes on takeoff: Speaking of Zap2it there, the site never decided to post overall overnight numbers for the Fox Friday airing of "Virtuality."
We'd love to get the numbers directly from Nielsen, but they always say they give them to Zap2it for a reason. That site is typically pretty good about providing numbers, but I think they're taking Fridays off for the summer or something.
In any event, based on demographic ratings that were released, no one knew "Virtuality" was even on. It probably didn't help that the first promo for the show on Fox for many people came on Friday. Not very helpful when it comes to planning ahead.
So the verdict? It looks like there won't be any more "Virtuality," and creator Ronald D. Moore can spend more time on Syfy's "Battlestar Galactica" spinoff "Caprica." -- [Airlock Alpha]
Porties continue: Don't forget that voting has opened for the 2009 Airlock Alpha Portal Awards.
You can vote once per day through July 25 in 14 categories covering television, movies and the Internet.
Don't let your opinion be ignored. Vote for The Porties today by clicking here. -- [Airlock Alpha]
Star Trek slots: Luck isn't exactly logical for Mr. Spock, but it can be profitable.
Two Seminole Hard Rock casinos in both Hollywood, Fla., and Tampa, Fla., have warped in more than a dozen slot machines based on the classic Star Trek series.
The games aren't just "drop a quarter and pull the handle." They are geared toward individual playing styles and allows people to choose one of their favorite classic characters. The more they play, the more medals they can receive, which unlock episodes of Star Trek.
Nothing like Star Trek and losing barrels of money to make a trip to the casino fun! -- [Airlock Alpha]
About the Author:
Michael Hinman is the founder and site coordinator for Airlock Alpha and the entire BlipNetwork. He owns Quantum Global Media Inc., the parent corporation of the BlipNetwork. He's a print journalist by day, and lives in Tampa, Fla.