Interesting news item from IEEE Spectrum reports on the first prototype of a Tricorder medical scanning device. I was unaware that a Tricorder X Prize competition (in the same family as Space X for commercial space flights) was in progress.
I love this kind of news because I enjoy thinking about how science fiction, and particularly Star Trek, inspires real life technical advances.
Leonard Nimoy passed away yesterday at the age of 83. I could think of no better way to mark his passing than re-watching Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan. The film is a remarkably poignant and moving eulogy for arguably the most iconic TV character of all time.
Source: IMDb.com
From the film…
Kirk: We are assembled here today to pay final respects to our honored dead. And yet it should be noted that in the midst of our sorrow, this death takes place in the shadow of new life, the sunrise of a new world; a world that our beloved comrade gave his life to protect and nourish. He did not feel this sacrifice a vain or empty one, and we will not debate his profound wisdom at these proceedings. Of my friend, I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most… human.
and also…
McCoy: He’s not really dead. As long as we remember him.
Nimoy’s Spock is a giant among Science Fiction characters, and as an integral part of Star Trek’s legacy, he inspired us to look forward, to imagine (and create) a brighter future. He was also a good guy.
I remember the story that has made its viral rounds on the Internet recently, about Nimoy’s touching response to a biracial girl in a teen magazine in 1968: Spock Responds to a Young Fan
I also remember the story of Nimoy holding out from signing on to one of the Star Trek movies until Nichelle Nichols and George Takei got better deals. Nichols and Takei were offered considerably less than the other members of the cast.
Rest in peace, Leonard.
Dork Helmet 