A girl. How quaint. (Not a girl.)
Computer intelligence, 10Qs with Dr. Erin Mac, and links to meld with
I’m supposed to be in London right now.
We had a big family trip planned. We were scheduled to leave last Saturday and be there all week. As I write this, we should be visiting Stonehenge.
None of that happened, of course, so here I am thinking about Star Trek. But come on, when am I not thinking about Star Trek?
One of the primary functions of this newsletter is to share the Trek references that just seem to cross my path in any given week. This week’s reference popped up in an article about sitcom characters.
A GIRL. HOW QUAINT. (NOT A GIRL.)
If you don’t know the name, you know his work.
Mike Schur was a writer and producer of The Office (and also played Dwight’s cousin Mose). He went on to run Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Good Place.
In a recent article on The Ringer, Schur talked about creating some of the most iconic characters from these shows. This section stood out for me as he began discussing The Good Place:
Janet was going to be a data center, a Star Trek computer-type thing. That was my original conception of her, and then it was like, “Hey, this would be funnier if a human being would portray it…”
…we started defining Janet based on what she wasn’t, which is why she says all the time, “Not a girl,” “Not a robot,” not a whatever.
If you’re unfamiliar with the show, Janet is some kind of sentient not-robot who knows everything. As you can gather from the quote, she was not so much defined as any specific thing - a Data-like android, say - but was instead defined by what she was not.
Anyway, it was really the first part of the quote that stuck with me. Janet as a Star Trek computer. I’ve thought about 23rd century computers a lot and mostly because we are so far away from them. I mean, then Enterprise computer understands everything you ask it.
Unlike Siri.
I don’t know about you, but I have too often found myself practically screaming at my phone because IT COULD NOT UNDERSTAND what I was asking it to do.
I have an older car, with no bluetooth capability, so when I want to make a call or play some music, I need to use voice commands - so I’m not, you know, endangering myself and others.
“Call Ma.” I’d say. (I started calling my parents Ma and Pa because I watched entirely too much Bonanza in college.) “Did you say Bob?” my phone would reply. “No!” I would shout. “Call MA.” “Calling Bob.” NOOOOO!!!!! (I ultimately renamed Ma as Mom in my phone just so I could avoid this problem.)
Music selection is no less complicated. Especially when, like me, you have a preference for listening to music from TV shows and movies.
“Play Star Trek - The Motion Picture” I say to Siri, and Siri replies “I can’t find Star Trek - The Motion Picture in your library” because Siri has opened up Movies and not Music. So, yes, I suppose it’s user error. I have to specify every time (and at this point I am usually shrieking at it): “Play MUSIC - Star Trek - The Motion Picture.” But shouldn’t my phone know that by now? I mean it’s been years, and I have never, ever wanted it to play an actual movie - I have never even HAD any actual movies on my phone. So why hasn’t it figured out that when I ask it to play Captain America or The Living Daylights I want to hear THE MUSIC.
Captain Kirk never had this problem. When he wanted a chicken sandwich and coffee, he GOT a chicken sandwich and coffee.
Oh, wait.
Well, nobody’s perfect, I guess.
Except M-5.
Erm…
Nomad?
Well, maybe by the 24th century…?
TEN QUESTIONS
With Dr. Erin Macdonald
In which we get to know someone just a little bit better.
Today we talk to Dr. Erin Macdonald, astrophysicist, science consultant for the Star Trek franchise, and author of the fun and informative new audiobook The Science of Sci-Fi.
What’s your first Star Trek memory?
My very first Star Trek memory was from visiting a childhood friend's house and they are classic TOS Trek fans, so they had an autographed picture of Leonard Nimoy as Spock up in their living room. I was not raised with science fiction so I had never seen any Star Trek. It wasn't until much later when I was in college that my fellow physics majors exposed me to much more Trek. We would have parties and watch TNG, along with drinking games and I grew to understand the appeal. My first memory that resulted in me diving headfirst to Star Trek fandom was the night that we graduated college which happened to be the same night the 2009 Star Trek film was released. We all went to the evening release party and that was my first exposure to Star Trek fandom. I loved the atmosphere and the people and never looked back.
The Kelvin Timeline movies were your gateway - do you think they're generally underrated or overrated?
I think the first 2009 film is brilliant, and I know very few people who dislike that film. Unless you went in wanting to hate it, it's a thoroughly enjoyable story with mindblowing casting. I was deeply disappointed in Star Trek Into Darkness and feel like if they had just not named the villain Khan, it would have been much better. It was trying to remake one of the most perfect Star Trek movies of all time, and shouldn't have gone there. I think the most underrated one is Star Trek Beyond. I remember hearing that they hired the director specifically because the script was too "Star Trek-y" which made me so upset, until I watched the film. It could easily be a story from The Original Series about an away mission. I also felt that they really nailed the banter between Spock and McCoy, which is one of my favorite things about TOS.
Which series feels most grounded in actual science?
For whatever reason, I feel like Voyager is the most "science-based" of all the Star Trek series, and I'm biased towards astrophysics. This might be because Captain Janeway's origin story was as a science officer, but most likely because they were stranded in a new part of the galaxy and were discovering many new phenomena. There are great stories and references to astrophysics which makes me happy. I do know my friend and colleague, Professor Mohamed Noor, would argue for Enterprise because it has a lot of biology and genetics content.
What fun or obscure science fact would you love to see utilized as a plot device?
My PhD was in general relativity, which we see a lot in Star Trek through playing with spacetime but I will fangirl over any reference to gravitational waves specifically. We got one in TNG which I love, but I would love to see more!
Who is your favorite Vulcan?
For sure my favorite Vulcan is Mr Spock as portrayed by Leonard Nimoy. His presence commands a screen and he has such a stoic wonderful air about him, I've loved him from day one. Losing Leonard Nimoy was really hard for me, much more than I expected it to be and he holds a big part of my heart. I do however have to give an honorary shout to Tuvok. He's one of my favorite crewmembers of Voyager, and definitely a great security officer. I would want him on my ship any day.
Which alien species do you most wish you could meet in person?
Definitely the Klingons. I always go for the raucous, fiercely loyal crowd. Every fan group has something like Klingons, pirates or vikings. I've always loved the Klingon groups at conventions and know that if you're ever in need of help, they are great groups to turn to. I absolutely love Martok and was chanting his name right along the rest of the crew when I watched Deep Space Nine.
What Star Trek quote have you found yourself using in conversation?
"You have been, and always shall be, my friend." and in a less-profound way, I do quote Ferengi episodes quite a bit.
What Star Trek quote would you have embroidered on a pillow (or made into a giant inspirational poster or tattooed on your body)?
I already have "Live long and prosper" in Vulcan script tattooed on my arm in honor of Leonard Nimoy, so I guess I have to go with that one!
Favorite Star Trek related item you own?
My friend Chris, when she retired, was clearing out her house before beginning a few years of travel. She was kind enough to gift me her collection of Star Trek plates as well as a Ferengi coin bank, which is terrifying but hilarious. She also gifted me a paperback copy of "A Stitch in Time" as a thank you present. It's my favorite Star Trek book and notoriously difficult to find copies of as it's out of print. I got it signed by Andrew Robinson himself and hold it pretty dear. I know I didn't choose just one, but I have so many that are precious to me!
What questions would you ask Admiral Janeway if you had a chance to spend an hour with her?
I would LOVE to have an hour with Admiral Janeway and would just want to share a drink and a laugh. However if I had one question, I would want to know what she turns to to keep her going when she's dissuaded or ready to give up. We all have those moments and for me, it's turning to Janeway herself for inspiration.
You can find out more about Erin at her website.
Keep up with her on Twitter: @drerinmac
DIRECTIVES
This amused me: Next Gen bloopers added back into the original scenes.
Lovely story by Laurie Ulster about the time she met James Doohan.
Mozart opera staged in the Star Trek universe.
I really love these pins at FanSets.
LaLaLand Records is offering 30% off your entire order through the end of the month. They have some unbelievably great Star Trek releases, which I listen to all the danged time. If only Siri could figure that out.
Thanks for reading. I’d love to hear your thoughts about how I’m using my phone incorrectly. (I’ve turned Siri off. That’ll teach it.)
Please share this newsletter with other folks who might enjoy melding with it.
If you’re not already a subscriber, now would be a logical time to correct that error.
I’m on Twitter way too often.
And until next time, remember that it’s okay to just sit around and watch TV and yell at your phone. I won’t judge you.