Monday 3 October 2016

Two Year anniversary of The Engage Podcast!




Hi guys and welcome to The Engage Podcast Two Year anniversary! 

Image result for 2 year anniversary

We can't believe it's already been this long since we launched back in 2014, on October 3rd! If it wasn't for you guys, our followers and fellow podcasters we still wouldn't be here. So we just wanted to thank you all for the continued support and advice! We really appreciate it!


Image result for thank you images

Whereas for last year's Podcast anniversary blog, you heard the thoughts of me, Simon and Phil, this year, Simon thought we should do something different and instead ask for you guys to help celebrate by expressing your thoughts! So below you will find a small piece written from some of you guys! Enjoy!

Neil Green 
Neil Green – Convention Presenter/Honouree member of The Engage Podcast.

Podcasts, the final frontier. These are the episodes of the Engage Podcast. It's two year anniversary: they've explored strange new worlds, they've interviewed new guests and new debated trivia. They have boldly gone where no one else dare go.

As Star Trek celebrates it's 50th anniversary with events across the world, lets take a few minutes to celebrate what the guys have achieved. For the past two years now Simon, Phil and Jamie have been exploring their very own final frontier and taken us along for the ride. Soon they will be celebrating their own fiftieth anniversary with a total of 50 episodes, (I'm sure they are saving me for that one!).

As I write this, I am looking forward to meeting up with the boys at Destination Star Trek Europe, where I am sure we will have our reunion celebration.

Dan Houston – Follower and future guest blogger on The Engage Podcast Blog! 
@TrekCave on Twitter

So as we head into the final months of Star Treks 50th anniversary we reach another cause for celebration, it's the Engage Podcasts 2nd year Anniversary!

I originally found The Engage Podcast by chance as Simon, Jamie and Phil were attending Destination Star Trek and were tweeting from the event which I had been following on Twitter, after avoiding social media for many years treating it as something that wasn't for me I had decided to give it a try to see what it was all about.

I have always said, being a early 90s Trek fan I always found the interest to be a very solitary one, not having any of my friends growing up being particularly interested in the franchise, I always imagined what it would be like to just chat Trek with some pals and be able to mention a Excelsior class refit and people actually understand what I was on about.

That is exactly what I enjoy about the podcast, it really is three best friends casually chatting about Star Trek (and other interests!) Being able to enjoy the banter between then really makes the Engage Podcast a warm and friendly place to sit back and chill.

The podcast has had a fantastic line up of guest appearances in its 2 year journey (head to SoundCloud to see the full list!) and Simon, Jamie and Phil have also headed out on away missions to cover various conventions such as DST and FCD.

I certainly look forward to further episodes and seeing what aspects of Star Trek the boys decide to tackle next in their own unique Engage Podcast style, certainly with the new series Discovery on the horizon there will be plenty of new topics to chew on as well as Star Treks 50 years of history to mine for subjects, just don’t mention the USS Defiant...

So lets all raise a glass for the Podcast and express our thanks to Simon, Jamie and Phil for taking the time and effort into putting this Podcast together and doing a great job. I have a great deal of thanks to give as it was the podcast that kept me sane during the first weeks of fatherhood, getting me through those late nights and early mornings!

Now head over to the Playlist and pick a episode new or old and hit that play button, Engage!

A STO Admiral on Deck logo
Vance – STO Admiral on Deck
A STO Admiral on Deck (@AdmiralonDeck on Twitter)

So are we already about completed another trip around the sol system again? Where has the time gone? Time sure flies when your having fun and/or busy. I hope you three are doing well with both the blog, podcast and life. You guys are a great example of how the Star Trek Fandom should act. Keep on trekking forward you guys and don't look for reverse, you don't need it. You're doing great. I look forward to taking another trip around the sol system again with you guys.  

Live Long and Prosper
Vance
A STO Admiral on Deck


Lizzie - Follower.

Hello Guys!
How did I get into The Engage Podcast?

It was around the time of the last Destination Star Trek. I had just finished rewatching TNG season 7 and was feeling very enthusiastic. That led me to search on Twitter, where I found the podcast. Listening to you talk about DSTE, I realised there were other people as trekkie as me and more so! At that time I’d never been to a convention, but it sounded so much fun. When this year’s DSTE begins, very soon, I will be there too! :D

Something I really like about the podcast is that it’s interesting to hear other people’s viewpoints on things; ideas you never thought of yourself. I also enjoy the quizzes, and fairly often can be found shouting out answers at home.

PS: I can’t believe one of you (Jamie or Phil?) didn’t know it was Troi who crashed the ship! Although I’m glad in a way, because she gets a lot of bad rep for that. To be honest, it would probably have happened whoever was at the conn. Farewell, Enterprise D. :( But the voyages go on. :)

Through connecting with the podcast I met other people in the Trek community and quickly felt included. Since then new friendships have formed, and life is richer.

So Thank You, and Happy Second Anniversary! Raise your Romulan ale, or even prune juice – Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. LLAP
(Hmm, Vulcans have the good sayings)



Steven Hesse

Steve Hesse - Geek Apocalypse.
Geek Apocalypse FacebookGeek Apocalypse Website
(@Geek_Apocalypse on Twitter)

'A long time, in a galaxy far far away, a bunch of guys got together, and realised they had the wrong franchise.....so they boldly got together and engaged into the dangerous world of podcasting talking all things Star Trek. Now, they have got passed the dreaded second album syndrome in their second year and they now celebrate that journey,as well as the continued adventure to go where no man has gone before. They asked me, which I'm humbled, to talk a little about that feat and the show they have done the past couple of years!

As a person podcasting for a while over at Geek Apocalypse, I met Jamie,Simon and Phillip on my travels, meeting in person at FCD this year, and what's great is the genuine passion they have for what they are talking about and doing. It is fun for them and they are clearly friends first, which helps when they do their show as its not an act, nor do they make up arguments just for the sake of it. Having done a lot of interviews and shows, you meet sometimes people who do not care about fans, or do not care about opportunity and think podcasting is easy, not realising it looks easy if your good at it and have put the effort in. Its a privilege to talk about what matters to you and it's sad meeting people getting involved with podcasting with bad intentions, but equally as good to meet guys like the Engage guys who care the right way and are grateful to be part of a great art form.

When you are paying to do something to be able to do it just for free, you have to be passionate and you have to be committed to the craft. These guys are, I have said to them before they are doing their show in my eyes the right way in being genuine.

The UK podcasting scene needs people like this if we are going to make it a viable alternative to radio and TV etc. Its been a pleasure to be involved in a small way and be part of the extended family of podcasters and I wish them continued success, lets just hope Paramount honor us by having a series worth talking about in future years!

Live long and prosper
Steven Hesse
Geek Apocalypse

Sarah

Sarah - The Original TiT (Trekkie in Training) /Trekkie Girls.
(@TheOriginalTiT, @SarahKnowsEyes, @TrekkieGirls - Twitter)
Sarah Knows EyesTrekkie Girls WebsiteTrekkie Girls Facebook

Dear Simon, Jamie and Phil,
You guys have literally been with me since I very first started my journey as The Original Trekkie in Training, and have truly been an integral part of my experience.

You have always supported me and made me feel like my opinion genuinely mattered, by including me in your podcasts: (the epic) TNG Season 1 & 2 reviews, and Star Trek "Tropes". And we had great fun this year when you came down to Portsmouth to record with the TrekkieGirls!

Since first meeting you at DST3 (can't believe we're on the verge of rocking DSTE together?!), The Engage Podcast has gone from strength to strength and recorded some absolutely cracking episodes. You are genuinely lovely guys who really know their Trek, and do what you do because of your shared love of the franchise.I wish every success in the future and can't wait to work with you again! Here's wishing The Engage Podcast a very Happy 2nd Anniversary, and to many more to come!

Lots of love from your favourite TiT x x x

So that's it everyone, thanks for all who contributed, both to this blog and supporting us! We look forward to our third year where will be starting in Birmingham at Destination Star Trek Europe later this week! We'll see you there!

Until then, this is Jamie from the Engage Podcast warping off into the unknown! Punch it!
  






Thursday 8 September 2016

Simon: Star Trek 50th Anniversary Year Challenge (with question templates)


Hi guys
Before I start I just want to say that, I know that I've already done something similar to this six months ago (in March). So this must seem like a bit of a 'cope out' from me.
I admit it kind of is...but I think Star Trek's 50th Anniversary's only going to come around once, so I might as well make the most of it!
I'd also like to say that I've got two other Blog posts in 'the works', one that I'm going finish after this (My Personal Heroes- Freedom and Peace).
The other, is one I think you'll like as it's a follow up to another one of my (more popular) Blog posts!

As you know today marks the fiftieth Anniversary of the Star Trek franchise, when on September 8th 1966 Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) aired for the first time (“The Man Trap”).

Starting a franchise which (currently) features 726 episodes (excluding Star Trek Discovery), 13 films and 100’s of books (and comics).
Obviously, this opens up an awful lot of ‘friendly debates’ between Trekkers or Trekkies alike. Each fan with their own personal story behind why they’ve become a lifelong devotee of the franchise.

Here’s my ‘current’ (as most change frequently) answers below. Anything written in a bold font is an answer I’ll always give the same response to!


Why not have a go at answering the questions (challenge) below via the two templates I've made available over at our Dropbox account.
The templates consist of an 'original version' (found on social media) and 'my edited version'. Both are fundamentality the same...but I've made a few slight tweaks (or improvements). Which I think covers the franchises 50th Anniversary better!
Once you've chosen which one you want to use, share it with your Trekker/Trekkie friends so that we can help the franchise celebrate the big 5-0!!!

Who or what is your Favourite;
My answers
 
 

1. Overall Favourite series: Star Trek: The Next Generation
 
I consider Star Trek: The Next Generation my overall favourite series, because it's the series that got me into the franchise originally. Meaning that it's a show very close to my heart, both sentimentally and nostalgically.
A ship, and crew I will always love!
 
 
2. Overall Favourite episode: “All Good Things…” (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
 
I consider "All Good Things..." to be my overall favourite episode, because it's a really fitting send off for the Star Trek: The Next Generation cast.
As it manages to combine some the series greatest hits, including John De Lancie's Q perfectly. Who they manage to neatly interweave into the main Time Travel plot brilliantly (as it links back to the series pilot episode).
Talking of which, the three time periods used ("Encounter at Farpoint", the present day and 25 years into the future) are faithfully created, bringing back some familiar faces including Denise Crosby's Lieutenant Tasha Yar & Colm Meaney's Chief Miles O'Brien.
Quite simply a masterpiece of an episode, and definitely well worth a watch!
 
 
3. Favourite Mirror universe episode: “In a Mirror Darkly” (Star Trek: Enterprise)
 
When your talking about the Mirror universe, you can not forget to mention Star Trek's only episode to take place entirely in that universe...“In a Mirror Darkly”.
As from the word go (special modified opening titles sequence) they take you into that 'world'. An incredible episode, with a clever piece of continuity with the U.S.S. Defiant (Constitution Class). Linking “In a Mirror Darkly” with the Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) episode "The Tholian Web".
 
 
4. Favourite Time travel episode: Time’s Arrow (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
 
Time's Arrow has always been an episode I've looked on favourably, as I think the Predestination Paradox works perfectly.
I love the way that the crew is sent back in time to 19th Century San Francisco, putting them in the 'fish out of water' scenario. It's also brilliant episode as on top of that we get a glimpse into the mysterious Picard/Guinan relationship/friendship.
Which is never gone into too much detail, making you curious just how far it went!   


 
5. Favourite Federation starship: Post Nemesis U.S.S. Enterprise-E NCC 1701-E 
6. Favourite starship class: Sovereign Class
 
Being a 'ship geek' I found these very difficult questions to answer, mainly as there are so many iconic starships in Star Trek history.
But for me the Sovereign Class Enterprise-E best incorporates Starfleet 24th century design. Melding design and functionality, making it a thing of beauty.   

 
7. Favourite small spaceship (auxiliary craft): Type 11 shuttle
 
Similarly to the Sovereign Class Enterprise-E, the Type 11 shuttle is my favourite auxiliary craft as it seamlessly combines the functionality and design required in a shuttle.
A shuttle which completely suits the look (and feel) of the Enterprise-E...even though the cockpit set is (one of the numerous) redresses of the (Danube class) Runabout set, I still love it!
 
 
8. Favourite alien starship: Gomtuu
 
Just like many other questions in this challenge, This was a very difficult question to answer. As there are so many well designed alien starships created throughout Star Trek's run.
But for me nothing could be more 'alien' than the beautifully designed mysterious Gomtuu. An alive sentient starship capable of immense power, and able to support a (humanoid) crew.

 
9. Favourite Klingon character: General Martok (J.G. Hertzler)
 
Another difficult question here, as there are so many amazing Klingons. But for me Martok is such a great character, all down to J.G. Hertzler's portrayal of him.
I think out of all the Klingons we get to encounter throughout Star Trek's history Martok is the most stereotypically 'Klingon'...and it's that what makes him so great.
He reacts to things as a Klingon should, and manages to get Worf to 'come out of his shell' something no one else was able to do it!

 
10. Favourite Vulcan character: Ambassador Spock (Leonard Nimoy)
 
When your talking about Vulcans, there's only one person you can really be talking about...Ambassador Spock.
Played by Leonard Nimoy, who not only embraced the character...but embodied it. He made the character (and Vulcan race) his own, building on this Jewish upbringing.
Inventing the universally famous Vulcan Nerve Pinch, Vulcan Salute and the equally famous Vulcan Mind Meld.  

 
11. Favourite Romulan character: Commander Toreth (Carolyn Seymour)
 
For this choice I've had to go a bit 'left field', as Jamie rightly pointed out to me (when we were talking about the challenge) "there aren't that many [Romulans] to choose from".

So I've chosen a Carolyn Seymour's portrayal of Commander Toreth seen in "Face of the Enemy" as opposed to her other Romulan appearance as Sub-Commander Taris in "Contagion".
Because I feel that Commander Toreth is one of the most stereotypical Romulans we ever encountered.
Cold, suspicious and deceitful are some of her better qualities (at least by Romulan standards)...but it are these traits which make her fantastic to watch!


 
12. Favourite Ferengi character: Rom (Max Grodénchik)
 
As I said in our Star Trek Role Model episodes, I'm a big fan of Rom...as he always reminds me of me. Mainly because he has his very clever moments, but he also has his very stupid moments.
He's also a character who evolved (and developed) throughout the series, becoming quite a powerful figure in the Star Trek universe!

 
 
13. Favourite Bajorian character: Vedek Bareil Antos (Philip Anglim)
 

Vedek Bareil has been someone I've always liked, as he's just good honest man. Attempting to do the right thing in impossible situations. I thought his relationship with Major Kira was a great way to integrate him into some episodes.
He also had an interesting relationship with Kai Winn, effectively countering her personality. Making some great viewing! 

 
14. Favourite Cardassian character: Tora Ziyal (Cyia Batten, Tracy Middendorf & Melanie Smith)
 
Ziyal's always been an interesting character to me, as (like many other characters) she's "trapped between two worlds" (Bajor & Cardassia). That couldn't have been further apart from one another.
On top of that she's also the daughter of Gul Dukat, which obviously complicates matters.
Her internal optimism and joy of life makes her a fun character to watch.

 
15. Favourite Andorian character: Commander Thy'lek Shran (Jeffery Combs)
 
Just like with the Romulans, there are a handful of Andorians to choose from. So Once again I've had to choose the most obvious choice. Partly because of the lack of candidates...but also because Thy'lek Shran (and Jeffery Combs by extension) is amazing!

 
16. Favourite Planet: Risa
 
This is a typically obvious answer from me...but who can really say no to a pleasure planet!?
The planet that's got everything you could possible want for Shore Leave, the perfect place to go for hardworking Captains.
So it can't be a bad place to visit for the likes of me!

 
17. Favourite Captain: Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart)
 
I chose Captain Jean-Luc Picard, because I think he's such a great role model. Who's so multifaceted...which means he's got so many different 'edges' and 'quirks' to him. That just makes him the most interesting captain of the lot!

 
18. Favourite First officer: Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes)

As you may expect, I have of course gone for Commander William Riker. This is because he's always been a bit of a Role Model for me. Mostly likely because Riker knows how to "woo" the ladies, someone I'd like to become a Padawan learner to!
A great guy, who I'd like to spend time getting to know...most likely on Shore Leave learning from the master becoming his wingman!!!

 
 
19. Favourite Helmsman: Lieutenant Commander Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell)
 
Ahhh lovely Dax, a women you'd be happy to put at the helm of any starship. Due to her symbiont's lifetime of experiences, which make her wise behind her years.
A fantastically fun personality, making her a laugh to be around. Definitely someone you want on your ship!

 
20. Favourite Science officer: Lieutenant Commander Data (Brent Spiner)
 
This is another difficult question, as there quite a few good choices (Jadzia Dax & Mr Spock). But for me it's got to be everyone's favourite android Data.
As to put it simply...he's just awesome!


 
21. Favourite Chief engineer: Lieutenant Commander Scott “Scotty” (James Doohan)
 
Maybe it's because I've just watched a lot of Star Trek: The Original Series recently, but I really like Scotty's approach to engineering...and life in general (happy go lucky).
I think it's this is what makes him different to all the other Engineers we see, as they take everything too seriously. Scotty (obviously) wants to explore the universe...but he wants to have fun doing it!


 
22. Favourite Doctor: Doctor Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden)
 
I've always like Doctor Crusher's style of medicine. As I think she's got a great bedside manner, which I believe helps her patients feel better quicker. She's always tries to do the right, even if it puts her in a dangerous situation.
A lovely doctor with a big heart, who's just trying to help people!  

 
23. Favourite Security chief: Lieutenant Worf Rozhenko (Michael Dorn)
 
If your talking about Security officers, you can only really be talking about Lieutenant Worf...the one man army!
 
The man who will always have your back, thanks to amount of weaponry casually displayed all around his quarters.
He'll always fight for the matter of honour, making him a threat to anyone willing to face him!


 
24. Favourite Communications officer: Ensign Hoshi Sato (Linda Park)
 
This was a tough question to answer, but I thought it was about time to give Hoshi a bit of the limelight. As I've always felt as though she's always been underappreciated.
A lovely, sweet girl who really knows her area of expertise. Someone you can always rely on!
 
 
25. Favourite Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) episode: “The Doomsday Machine”
 
Honestly whenever I think about Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) episodes this (“The Doomsday Machine”) will always be my first choice, as in my mind (at least) it's a perfect episode!
 
Brilliant acting, fantastic concept and a real thought provoking Morals, Messages & Meanings concerning the Cold War Arms Race (Mutually Assured Destruction).
 
 
26. Favourite Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) episode: “Yesteryear”
 
From Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) I've chosen the most famous episode from the twenty two episode run...“Yesteryear”.
Which gives us glimpse at Spock's childhood on Vulcan, thanks to the re-introduction of The Guardian of Forever. First encountered in the Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) episode "The City on the Edge of Forever".

 
 
27. Favourite Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) episode: “Contagion”
 
This was a very difficult question to answer, but after much consideration I decided on the second Season episode “Contagion”.
As it nicely combines drama (destruction of the U.S.S. Yamato) and mystery (Iconians), which is helped by some well interspersed moments of humour! 
 
 
28. Favourite Star Trek: Deep Space 9 (DS9) episode: “Destiny”
 
I've always enjoyed "Destiny", mainly because I love the temporal nature of the episode.
Revolving mainly around the Bajorian prophesy, which strangely enough gets fulfilled...due to what else a well crafted predestination paradox.
A fantastic episode that blends Bajorian spirituality and Starfleet needs beautifully!
 
 
29. Favourite Star Trek: Voyager (VOY) episode: “Blink of an Eye”
 
"Blink of an Eye" is an episode of Voyager I've always had a fondness for as I think it's a fantastic concept concerning mythology and spirituality.
As it always makes me wonder how we'd act if something like this happened in real life...or if it already has?!
Which ultimately might have lead onto the foundations for Greek mythology (a la Apollo in "Who Mourns for Adonais?). 

 
30. Star Trek: Enterprise (ENT) episode: “Detained”
 
Now this is another thought provoking episode I just had to choose. Mainly as it deals with so many important Morals, Messages & Meanings.
Concerning predigest, misconceptions & radicalisation all major problems we're still dealing with fourteen years after (at the time that I write this) the original broadcast of the episode (2002).

 
31. Favourite uniform: Starfleet Dress uniform 2370’s
 
I chose the 2370's Starfleet Dress uniform because I think it's so stylish, and just so Star Trek!
I think it manages to combine the elements of the standard uniform in such a way that it's something unique.
I don't think it'd be out of place being worn for a modern day concert. Which probably means that it's a pain to wear, but like I say...o so stylish!!!

It's such a favourite of mine, that on Star Trek Online my 'main' character wears it.
As I was so proud for completing the Diplomatic reputation system, and for promoting him to the rank of Ambassador.

 
32. Favourite quote: “Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. It’s continuing mission to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before…”
 
What could better embody fifty years of the franchise, than the opening monologue from Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG)!
Need a say more!!!

 
 
33. Favourite Drink: Romulan Ale
 
Having enjoyed a couple of glasses of Romulan Ale (Blue Lagoon cocktail) at the Destination Star Trek 3's (DST3) Friday night Risa party. Which is evident from the (unfortunate) picture Sarah took of me from that night.
In light of this I really can't say anything else in answer to this question!

Read the want to be an intergalactic bartender...but don't know how?! Blog post to find out more!!!


 
34. Favourite Theme tune: Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG)
 
Maybe it could just be the nostalgia talking, but for me my favourite opening titles sequence has got to be Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG).

 
As I think it's a rousing piece of music which gets you pempted up for the episode. I also really enjoy the Observation Lounge 'Easter egg' featured in every opening titles sequence.
With the animated crewmembers (possibly bridge crew?) walking around the Observation Lounge!

 
35. Favourite “Prime Universe” film: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
36. Favourite soundtrack: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

 
A film I've always enjoyed, so it wasn't a hard decision choosing it as my favourite “Prime Universe” film. As I think it's got a fantastic plot, which were influenced by events of the time (Chernobyl & the fall of the Berlin Wall).


I've also got to say that part of the reason I chose it is because of the magnificent soundtrack of the film. I especially like the score when the Enterprise is leaving the Spacedock, as it's as though the Enterprise is a bird taking flight going out into the openness of the great unknown!
A great (and fitting) send off for the original cast!!!
 

 
37. Favourite actor in a leading role: Patrick Stewart (Captain Jean-Luc Picard)
 
When your talking about the fantastic actors Star Trek's had over the years, you cannot forget to mention the stupendous work of Patrick Stewart.
It's his brilliant acting (and fantastic writing) that brought Captain Jean-Luc Picard to life . As I said earlier he managed to make Picard such a "multifaceted" believable character!

 
38. Favourite actress in a leading role: Whoopi Goldberg (Guinan)
 
As Gene Roddenberry said in a 1988 interview "I needed one hell of a bartender/hostess, and were thinking of getting the most beautiful girl in creation to play the part...and thank god Whoopi Goldberg called".
I completely agree, Whoopi Goldberg is one hell of an actress and she made one hell of a bartender playing Guinan throughout Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG).

 
39. Favourite supporting actor: Tom Hardy (Shinzon, Star Trek Nemesis)
 
I chose Tom Hardy's portrayal as Skinzon, because I've always thought that he'd done a really good job of playing a particularly hard role (playing a young & twisted Picard).
Which if you think about it, is more complicated than you think!
As you've got to appreciate that Patrick Stewart's a hard act to follow, when your 'attempting' to play a younger (hurt) version of his older character. 

 
40. Favourite supporting actress: Kirstie Alley (Saavik, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)
 
For this question, I've decided upon Kirstie Alley's portrayal of Saavik from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. As it's a character I've always liked and enjoyed watching.
That being said, I agree with 'everyone else' as I much prefer Kirstie Alley's portrayal of Saavik. Over that of Robin Curtis's from Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.
As I feel that Kirstie Alley embraced the character...and made it her own!

 
41. Favourite Federation weapon: Type-II Hand “Dolphin” Phaser 2378
 
I think I chose the "Dolphin" phaser for similar reasons as the Type-11 shuttle, Post Nemesis U.S.S. Enterprise-E and the Sovereign Class earlier on in this challenge [see mentioned question answers for more details].
But put simply...I love late 24th century design!  

 
42. Favourite alien weapon: Varon-T disruptor
 
I chose this particular weapon as in the whole of Star Trek history there has never been a weapon quite like it.
The Varon-T disruptor is the most violent disruptor ever seen, meaning that it was subsequently banned by the Federation.

 
43. Favourite Federation technology: Warp Drive

 
In terms of Federation technology, I think that Starfleet would (quite literary) be no where without Warp Drive!
Making it's a necessity, one of the Federation's main 'bread and butter' technologies alongside that of the Phaser, the Transporter, and Replicator.
But in my opinion all of those are meaningless, as they can't take you around the universe to "explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations".

 
44. Favourite alien technology: Iconian gateways
 
Now this is a question I spend a lot of time pondering an answer to!
At one point I considered putting Transwarp technology, as it's the next level up from Warp Drive. But I though "that's just a bit to obvious for my liking".
Then out of the blue I thought about the 'magic door' of Star Trek...the Iconian gateways.
A piece of ancient technology which completely negates the use of transporters, starships, Warp Drive & Transwarp!
An incredible piece of technology too powerful for just one faction to control.
 

 
45. Favourite “Kelvin Timeline” film: Star Trek Beyond
 
Out of the three “Kelvin Timeline” films released, I've got to say that Star Trek Beyond is my favourite.
As I think it best reinterprets the Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) characters, and storyline. Whilst simultaneously being a 'love note' to the franchise at the same time, something it had to do in celebration of this pivotal year (50th Anniversary).

 
46. Favourite “Kelvin Timeline” character: Doctor Carol Marcus (Alice Eve)
 
 
I know what your all thinking "there's only two reasons he's picked her!"...but on this occasion you'd be completely wrong!
I actually really like her character, and I think she's got the potential of becoming a major part of the Enterprise crew in future "Kelvin Timeline" films.
I just think that in Star trek Into Darkness, she got 'undersold' and (along with Uhura) unfairly (and unjustifiably) stereotyped. 

 
47. Favourite battle scene: The Battle of the Bassen Rift (Star Trek Nemesis) & The Siege of AR-558 (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
 
There are so many good battles in Star Trek history (both in space, and on the ground). That's made it difficult to choose one particular battle, so I've chosen one for space, and one for the ground.
  
My favourite space battle is The Battle of the Bassen Rift seen in Star Trek Nemesis, as it's such an action packed battle between the Enterprise-E (with it's Romulan allies) and the Scimitar.
So much happens during the fight, that it results in the Romulan vessels (Valdore Class) being heavy damaged. Affectively disabling them, the Enterprise-E doesn't fair any better


 
48. Favourite book (story): Star Trek: First Contact Novelisation (by J.M. Dillard)
 
Being Dyslexic (and Dyspraxic) I don't tend to read an awful lot, meaning that I've already read non-fiction books over fictional books.
Which obviously extends to Star Trek literature, so I've not read many fiction books to choose from (non fiction books are another matter!).
So I've chosen the first one I ever read, the novelisation of  Star Trek: First Contact.
A book worthy of a read if you're a fan of the film!

 
49. Favourite book (technology): Mr. Scott's Guide to the Enterprise
 
A nice easy introduction into Star Trek Technical Manuals, if (like me) you struggle to get through it's Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) counterpart.
It's simple descriptions, and detailed diagrams make it a book you can read easily and quickly!

 
50. Favourite comic/graphic novel: Khan Ruling in Hell (by David & Scott Tipton)

I chose Khan Ruling in Hell graphic novel because I thought it was interesting to see what had happened to Khan & Lieutenant Marla McGivers between the events seen in "Space Seed" and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. 

 
 51. Favourite author: Mike & Denise Okuda or Larry Nemecek
 
I know I've kind of 'cheated' with this particular question, but I find it hard to choose between them. Both the [Mike & Denise] Okuda's and Larry [Nemecek] have played pivotal roles in my young 'Star Trek life'.
As I'm a big fan of all of their [non fiction] books (collectively), I've read the Star Trek Encyclopaedia more times than I care to mention. Making it one of the foundations for my Star Trek knowledge.
The same can be said for Larry's publish works, specifically the Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion. Which I've read over and over again!

 
52. Favourite celebrity encounter: Marina Sirtis, Destination Star Trek Germany (DSTG) 2014
 
I chose this 'encounter' as out of the many celebrities I've met Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi) has meant the most to me. Because (as most of you know) when I was younger first getting to Star Trek, Deanna Troi was my first crush.
So it was just amazing to finally get to meet (and chat) with Marina. Who I thought was just lovely, and just down to earth!
An amazing 'encounter'...and an incredible convention!!!
 
Copy and paste to complete your own!
 
This is Simon from The Engage Podcast signing out!