Professor

Silly Trek Tidbits

/ Therese / 2 Comments

So… I got a couple of fun things for today.

First, I was watching the news recently and one of my favorite commentators was on. It’s Professor Jason Johnson, who is an associate professor of communication and journalism at Morgan State University as well as a regular political contributor to MSNBC and CNN.

Now in the past, I’ve noticed his Green Lantern Figure on his shelves, but he occasionally switches out his background art, and I was happy to see that on this day, he had the famous cover of Ebony from January of 1967 with Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura! That was a nice surprise! Live Long and Prosper Professor Johnson!

And just yesterday on one of my favorite fashion websites, TomandLorenzo.com, the guys featured these bizarre fashion “Four-Toed- Boots” by AVAVAV. It was categorized under their Yay or Nay section, and I’d have to say Nay! I think the only advantage of these is if someone steps on your toes, you won’t feel it! (But Great for cosplay, I’m sure)

Uh Huh…

Now WHY anyone would wear these is beyond me, but hey, I know someone who’d really be into it…

Need I say more?? Hoping you’re warm and cozy wherever you are! <3 -Therese

No Dance Tonight — Bruce Hyde 1941-2015

/ Therese / Leave a comment

So sad to report that another Star Trek original has passed.  The wonderful Bruce Hyde, who will forever be the excitable Lt. Kevin Thomas Riley to Trek fans, passed away from throat cancer on October 13th.  He was 74.   🙁

thenakedtimehd0398220px-Bruceheadshot2sm_000

The character of Riley was featured in two of the the best original series episodes:  The Naked Time and The Conscience of the King.  Although he took a dramatic turn as the would-be assassin of the evil Kodos in  Conscience… Hyde brought the character a likability beyond adorable.  His navigator might have been bored in engineering, but no doubt was loyal and a favorite among the crew.  One would love to be pals with the proud Irishman– especially if he could swing you some ice cream in a bowling alley!      😉   The little touches Hyde added to the drunken Riley  — posing like a cowboy in the elevator, silently commanding a door to open as he left sickbay– were brilliant. I wish Riley could have been featured in more episodes, but two was probably enough for Hyde, who was surprised and delighted that his fame in this little role was still recognized nearly 50 years later.thenakedtimehd0495

I remember seeing Hyde at the BiCentennial-10 Star Trek Convention in NYC in 1976 — I was late to his appearance and just got there in time to see him sing Riley’s drunken ode I’ll take you home again, Kathleen to the crowd –they ate it up!thenakedtimehd0801

Bruce Wily Loman 2006

Bruce as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman on Broadway in 2006.

But I hope Trek fans will also recall that Hyde was more than an actor, but also an author and  beloved professor emeritus of communication studies at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, as well as an acting coach.   He also appeared  on Dr. Kildare and That Girl, as well as in Death of a Salesman on Broadway.  You can read more about brilliant Bruce here.

Another wonderful Trek soul is beamed up, he’ll be missed but never forgotten.  Thanks for the laughs Mr. Riley, there will be a dance for you tonight in the bowling alley of heaven!  And as for Kathleen? I have to say “One…More…TIME!”

“No dance tonight!” I’d dance with you, Riley. <3

Farewell Professor! Russell Johnson dies at 89.

/ Therese / 1 Comment

ssrussell3

Actor Russel Johnson in his most famous role: Professor Roy Hinkley on Gilligan’s Island.

Another familiar face from my childhood passed away today — actor Russell Johnson, best known as “The Professor” on Gilligan’s Island passed away today at the age of 89.

We watched “Gilligan” all the time when I was growing up, and yeah it was pretty silly, but often it had some sly underlying humor.  I always had a little crush on The Professor too;(so handsome!) Russell was a peach and I wanted him and Ginger to run off together.   My favorite scenes on the show were whenever  dream sequences were played out, taking the castaways out of their island dilemma.(He’s so funny as the old man here)

Here he discusses Gilligan:

But Russell Johnson did more than Gilligan; in the 50’s he co-starred in the classic sci-fi film, This Island Earth, and  was a wonderful character actor who guest starred on many TV shows throughout his career, as well as Marshall Gib Scott on the western Black Saddle.  He was always friendly and grateful for his fans, and never forgot them. He was also a loving family man and AIDS activist. He will be missed. 🙁