We’d like to wish William Shatner a VERY Happy Birthday, today on his 80th birthday!! Happy Birthday Bill, thanks for all the fun and laughs over the years!

Unless you’ve been in Rura Penthe for the last 100 years you would know that William Shatner has done it all. From actor to director to producer to writer, he has worn just about every hat in Hollywood a person could wear. However, it’s his acting that most of us remember. During his galaxy-sized career he has portrayed such memorable characters as Denny Crane, The Big Giant Head, Bob Wilson, T.J. Hooker and none other than our venerable, lovable, unforgettable…Captain James Tiberius Kirk.

So, we've talked a lot about "Shatner's Raw Nerve" over the past couple of months. What's not to talk about, right? I mean, Scott Bakula, LeVar Burton, & Walter Koenig have all been guests on the intimate talk show. If you're like us and have missed a few episodes here & there, you can now get caught with the help of Amazon Instant Video.

Thanks to Miles from the Scifi Diner Podcast for giving us the heads-up on this. Tomorrow night (March 14th) Bio Channel's "Shatner's Raw Nerve" is serving up a Star Trek double header, starting off with TNG's LeVar Burton at 10pm / 9pm Central. In the preview clip for the episode, LeVar describes his time on the set of "Roots" and discusses his most difficult scene while filming the mini-series.

"For me 'Roots' is all about... family. It's about who we are, why we are the way we are" Says LeVar. "When I read those first sides for Kunta, I know exactly who this kid was. I had no problem putting myself in all of those situations." LeVar then goes into detail about his most difficult moment on the series.

Check out the LeVar Burton episode preview video here. 

Then if that wasn't enough, Star Trek's Walter Koenig joins The Shat to discuss, among other things, his time after Star Trek's cancelation.

This Thursday, March 10th in Ottawa, Ontario Canada, The Shat will host the 31st Annual Genie Awards. The Genie Awards seem similar to The Academy Awards in many ways, except The Genies are given out by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Apparently there is a first come, first serve primo section of the red carpet called the Fan Zone where, at this year’s awards, The Shat will do his magic.

The Genie Awards 'Fan Zone' is a coveted and prime celeb-spotting position near the red carpet. Host, William Shatner will hand pick two lucky fans from the 'Fan Zone' to cross the red carpet and attend the Awards.

What do you think the 2 lucky fans will be more excited about? Getting to attend the Awards, or getting to hold The Shat’s hand?  We vote for the hand.  I mean, come on, it's the same hand the killed the Gorn, almost.

(sources: genieawards.com)

As we reported last week, the crew of the space shuttle Discovery woke up this morning to the sweet sounds of the Star Trek Theme (by Alexander Courage, ST:TOS). In a surprise twist, the wake up call included a pre-recorded message from the big man himself, William Shatner. In a modified version of the TOS prologue, The Shat bid tribute to Discovery's 30 year mission. Check out a transcript below.

"Space, the final frontier, These have been the voyages of the space shuttle Discovery. Her 30-year mission: to seek out new science, to build new outposts, to bring nations together on the final frontier, to boldly go and do what no spacecraft has done before."

In case you missed the wake up call this morning, you can check out the Youtube version below.

Two captains, one show. William Shatner is set to host Star Trek: Enterprise's Captain Archer, or Scott Backula as he's known in the 21st century, on Shatner's Raw Nerve. The 30 minute talk show on The Biography channel is another link in the vast Shat empire and see's the man himself sitting down with celebrity guests to talk about their hot button issues. The show is set to air Monday, February 28th at 10pm ET. Check out the description below with links to the show's website.

Golden Globe-winner Scott Bakula sits down with host William Shatner for a personal conversation. Shatner talks to Bakula about what it was like to break into the business at a young age, his time as a Broadway singer, and what an honor it was for him to play a role on the Star Trek: Enterprise series. Bakula speaks about his healthy lifestyle and how he's implemented his philosophies into the raising of his sons.

"Shatner's Raw Nerver" official website.

We're not exactly sure how this slipped passed our radar, but it would seem that The Shat was on last night's episode of "American Pickers". Not familiar with the show? "American Pickers" follows the exploits of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they scour the country for hidden gems in junkyards, basements, garages and barns, meeting quirky characters and hearing their amazing stories. If you think the antique business is all about upscale boutiques and buttoned-up dealers, this show may change your mind--and teach you a thing or two about American history along the way.

The Emerald City Comicon is upon us once again and is providing Seattle with a heavy dose of Trek, Geek, & Comic goodness. This year's roster is proving to be a full one with the likes of The Shat, Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, & Wil Wheaton. Not that those are the only guests scheduled, but we know Trek fans like the good news up front.  Just as a quick note, Shatner will be there Sunday only, with Frakes & Spiner all three days, & Wil Wheaton's alter ego on Friday & Saturday. Ya see, he's sporting a beard now, so he must be from the mirror universe. Check out below for the full list of media guests and event time & place.

9th Annual ECCC
March 4th - 6th, 2011
Washington State Convention Center
Seattle, WA
Website

William Shatner's "Star Trek: Ashes of Eden", originally published in 1995 has just been released in audiobook form with the big man taking on the role of narrator. Written by Shatner, Judith Reeves-Stevens, and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, the story is set six months before the fateful launch of the Enterprise-B where Admiral Kirk ultimately meets his fate. The place: Earth, where the galaxy’s most renowned hero must face the spectre of retirement. But Kirk’s path takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious woman offers him an irresistible adventure – a voyage to an uncharted planet where he will confront the ultimate threat to the peace between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, and the ultimate temptation – a chance to recapture his youth.