Over the years, we've all heard stories about certain actors who were up for roles on "Star Trek: The Next Generation", but for one reason or other didn't want or get the part.  Now, thanks to Sliceofscifi.com (via Lettersofnote.com), we have an April 1987 dated Paramount studio memo that sheds light on the actually prospects for the TNG crew.  

Among the many names listed, Yaphet Kotto was up for the role of Captain Picard, Ben Murphy (Alias Smith & Jones) was a candidate for Riker (spelled Ryker in the memo), Denise Crosby was considered to play Troi, & kid's game show host J.D. Roth was the only actor listed for Wesley.  Here's something that we learned at Vegas Khhaaan (that the memo confirms, Eric Menyuk (aka The Traveler from TNG) was a possibility for our lovable android, Data.

As we draw closer to the end of the shuttle program, we are really closing a chapter on American space flight. From the first missions of the Mercury program and it's seven brave astronauts, through Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, & the Shuttle missions that have spanned the last 29 years, NASA has been making headlong strides toward a better future. Not only for Americans, but the world as a whole. Star Trek & Gene Roddenberry have played a very important role in the modern day space program.. Most notably, being the inspiration for generations of Astronauts to boldly go where no one has gone before.  In fact, Deforest Kelley & Nichelle Nichols took on roles as astronaut recruiters for NASA in the mid-70s and the very first Space Shuttle Orbiter was named "Enterprise" thanks to a Trek fan write-in campaign.

The Shat is everywhere, man! He seems to be more popular in his 80th decade than ever before. From starting in two new television series this year alone to appearing at almost every convention this side of Ceti Alpha V (This IS CETI ALPHA V!), The Shat is a hot commodity. In preparation for his upcoming appearance at the Chicago Comic-con, Bill sat down for a phone interview with the Chicago Sun-Times to discuss his new show as well as his convention appearance.

Another Khhaaan! that’s sure to please! The Hollywood Xpo/Trek Xpo, October 15-17 in, (where else?), …Hollywood. If we weren’t still totally wiped out from Vegas Khhaaan! we might be attending. Sadly since we aren’t going to be there personally we decree that all of you must go and tell us all about it. This Xpo has not only Star Trek stars, but Scifi, Film/TV, and Comic celebrities as well.

This year’s lineup is fantastic… Stars o’ plenty!

Who's scheduled to attend thus far:

Two of our favorite Trek / scifi related podcasts have just launched new episodes that are totally worth a listen.  If you're not already subscribed, you should be.... was that too forceful?  Anyway, Geek Fights, hosted by our good friend Damon Shaw & a cast of thousands (well, maybe not thousands), plus our other good buddies Scott & Miles from the SciFi Diner Podcast.

First up is the brand new episode of Geek Fights - The Greatest SciFi Show of All Time.

I would ask the readers for their forgiveness in getting this back so late. I’m working again and had to go away for some training. However, I’m now able to give a report on my experience at the Shore Leave 32 convention. If any of you have the DVD of “Trekkies 2” (2004), you can see a short presentation where Shore Leave takes place. And it’s still at the same hotel today. .

If you plan on going next year, Shore Leave is held at the Hotel Marriot in Hunt Valley, MD. Hunt Valley is minutes away from Baltimore. .

Like many of you, I’m suffering from PCD or Post Convention Depression. We had an absolute blast getting to meet all of you and it’s especially cool that we can now call you friends. Not only did we get to hang with our fans, we also had the privilege to rock out with our buddies from Trekcast.  Darren, Jerad, Damon, David, & Alicia were in attendance. Plus John & Mary from DVD Geeks. Oh, and how could I forget all of our twitter friends and the Amazing Larry Nemecek. It was all epic!

Day 4 of our live coverage of 2010 Vegas Khhaaan!  We're looking forward to hanging with all of the Trek fans that have made the pilgrimage to Vegas for Creation Entertainment's Trek fest.  We'll be delivering live blogging, pictures and video from all 4 days of the event and you can watch the day 4 coverage below.  Stay tuned and Live Long and Prosper.

Day 3 of our live coverage of 2010 Vegas Khhaaan!  We're looking forward to hanging with all of the Trek fans that have made the pilgrimage to Vegas for Creation Entertainment's Trek fest.  We'll be delivering live blogging, pictures and video from all 4 days of the event and you can watch the day 3 coverage below.  Stay tuned and Live Long and Prosper.