The FedCon convention in Germany has a long and distinguished history. Thousands of avid European fans turn out every year, offering up thundering ovations for the scores of top-notch Star Trek and other genre guests.

This year, in a bold experiment, FedCon licensed its brand to a US-based offshoot, which promised a similar (but smaller) line up of guests and activities for fans who braved the spring heat and ventured to Dallas, Texas.  Sadly, the outcome would not be up to FedCon standards.

There were opening ceremonies and a few actor Q&A sessions on Friday the 13th (perhaps a bad omen in itself). On Saturday morning the program began with Star Trek: Enterprise cast member John Billingsley and his wife, Bonita Friedericy (a guest-star on Enterprise) appearing on stage and answering questions from the audience. When they concluded their early-morning hour upon the stage, the Master of Ceremonies took the stage. He announced to the small crowd that the convention was over, effective immediately, due to lack of ticket sales.

Other Star Trek guests slated to appear on stage included Garrett Wang (who was backstage when the announcement was made), Anthony Montgomery, Connor Trinneer. Battlestar: Galactica was to be represented by Richard Hatch, James Callis and Aaron Douglas.

Convention organizers promised fans that their ticket fees would be refunded. The FedCon team in Germany was not involved in the production of the USA event, aside from licensing their prestigious name for a one-time use.

Remastered Trivia

James Daly ("Flint" in "Requiem for Methuselah") was the father of actors Tim Daly (Wings, Grey's Anatomy) and Tyne Daly (Cagney and Lacey, Judging Amy). Thanks to Danny Lee Mullins for sending in the correct answer, with the comment, "I guess my wife was right: I'm a total Trekkie and watch way too much TV!"

A new Web site suggests it can "read your mind by asking questions" about Star Trek trivia.

One of the newest Star Trek licensees is 20Q.net, and their game 20Q has a growing database of trivia. By asking questions, it attempts to narrow down options until it determines the "sentient being, place or thing" that you are thinking about. Click here to try it out!