I must apologize for not being up last week with a regular column...being in Vegas has changed things up for us just a bit. To make up for that, I'm going to be posting a series of articles about the happenings at the big Star Trek Creation Con this past week. Look for a number of postings from me this week, and I'll get back to comics next week. Now, on to the important stuff...Viva Las Vegas!

As everyone knows, Vegas is famous for gambling, shows, and parties. Well, while I have not gambled yet (although I am planning to spend some quality time at the Star Trek slot machine at some point), I have gotten to experience some shows and parties. Monday night, as the convention had not started yet, my husband Dennis and I had the opportunity to see Wayne Brady's show, “Making %@it Up”. If you visit Vegas, that is a must for any Wayne Brady fan, as it is an excellent show. Be advised that children under the age of 13 are not allowed to attend.

Now, while my next memory I want to share is not really a show, it is close. Last year, we rode both the Klingon Encounter and the Borg Invasion 4-D, and had the natural curiosity that everyone has about how they do the wonderful things they do at the Experience. This year, we made time to take the Behind the Scenes Tour, and it was outstanding. I say it was a like a show because the tour guide was a true showman, giving us not only background information but making jokes and interacting with both us and the actors we encountered backstage. One thing they do ask when you take the tour is that you don't reveal the secrets you learn, but I can say that you will find out how they do some of the special effects you encounter, you learn about the technology and mechanisms that make the rides happen, and background about the design, building, and operation of the rides. One tidbit I was told I can reveal...as you know, sometimes props and set parts get reused in the TV/movie industry, and that extends to the Experience as well. Many of the things on display in the “History of the Future Museum” and used in the rides are either from the various ST shows and movies or were created especially for the Experience by the original show designers. However, in one corridor in the ride, if you look closely, there are a couple of barrel set pieces that were actually used in Babylon 5. Talk about a crossover! All in all, a great experience, and one I recommend for anyone who is getting one last chance to visit the Experience before it closes at the end of the month.

Regular roddenberry.com visitors will have seen the invitation to the Roddenberry Revolution Party which was held last night at the Revolution night club at The Mirage. It was definitely a party not to be missed, and was well attended by quite a cross section of the universe. Naturally, some folks opted for more traditional nightlife attire, but there were several folks in ST uniforms, and other costumes included a Klingon and Cyrano Jones. Even the Revolution employees got into the act, with many wearing classic ST t-shirts (yes, the same ones for sale at the roddenberry.com online store), really making us feel right at home. The DJ kicked off the night with the original series theme, and then to the horror of some of the attendees, he played Shatner “singing” his version of “Mr. Tambourine Man”. After that, he settled into mostly 80's dance mix music, which was well received. A number of guests were in attendance, including George Takei, Robert Picardo, Chase Masterson, Garret Wang, and Michael and Denise Okuda. There was a special performance by Anthony Montgomery, which I'll talk more about later this weekend, and later in the evening The Spazmatics (also wearing the classic ST t-shirts) performed covers of numerous 80s tunes with their signature comedy as well as talent. It was a great night, and everyone I talked to who attended the party had a wonderful time and there were several comments made by party-goers hoping that Roddenberry Productions will do this party again in the future.

With so much happening at the convention, it is way too much to put into one posting. Look for more articles from me this week, including information from the panel that Rod, Trevor, and Majel held, the final Creation party at the Experience, and the Gala Celebration, featuring the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra and guest composer Ron Jones.