"There's a bit of magic in everything, and some loss to even things out." -Lou Reed

Monday, December 31, 2007

A New JJ Abrams Fan


OK, let me start by saying I am NOT a Star Trek fan. But, that may change soon. ;0)

If you refer back to my blog entry on November 26--"Live your Dreams--One Man's Life"-- I told a little of the story of Randy Pausch. He has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and does not have long to live, but has inspired millions with a lecture he gave at Carnegie Mellon (where he was a professor). He is just a good person, and while the whole thing is sad, following his journey also lifts my spirits and gives me hope somehow--mainly that good people doing good things DO make a difference in this life.

Now, back to the Star Trek reference. I have been trying to keep checking in on Randy's website to see how (and what) he is doing. It turns out that JJ Abrams (pictured-above), who is directing the new Star Trek movie, did a very wonderful thing.
The following is taken directly from a post on Randy's website:

*****
This is, by far, the coolest thing (okay, #2 behind the palliative chemo working). JJ Abrams (Hollywood producer/director who did the TV series "Lost," the movie "Mission Impossible III" and a bunch of other stuff) emailed me, out of the blue:


JJ Abrams wrote:


Dear Randy --

Hi there -- I'm JJ Abrams, director of the new Star Trek movie. I read about you and your condition, and ALSO your affinity for things Trek. So, I just wanted to put the invitation out there -- that if you had any desire to be in the film (can't promise you role as CAPTAIN, but... we could do SOMETHING!), it would be my honor and pleasure. The last thing I want to do is intrude, so feel free not to reply --but I wanted to make sure you knew that, if you are willing and able, the door is wide open. I hope that your treatments are going well and that we get to meet one day.

Best, JJ

Naturally, I presumed this was one of my friends, playing a prank. But after a little sleuthing, it was clear it was for real. Jai & I hopped a plane to LA, where I got a custom-made Star Trek uniform and my own station on the bridge, where I had lots of buttons and controls. I even got a LINE!!!!
In addition to publicly thanking JJ Abrams, I just wanted to say what an incredibly egoless and cool guy he was. We chatted a little bit between takes, and he is so tech-savvy (and I'm not saying that *just* because he knew all about Alice!). Anyway, it was a truly magical experience. Speaking of Magic, I got to fulfill a long-standing wish of taking Jai to the Magic Castle on that trip, courtesy of Peter Farquar. MK Haley, who is herself quite magical, joined Peter and his wife and Jai & me for an incredible evening.
the "Star Trek" movie will be in theaters December 2008. Don't blink or you'll miss me, but at some point a guy walked across the bridge and says "Captain, we have visual!"
I'd *love* to show you my costume (which they let me keep), but I promised JJ Abrams "no photos". They're trying to keep things a secret; in fact, even on the Paramount lot, you have to walk around in a trenchcoat if you're in a Star Trek costume. It's kind of like being at a flasher's convention!

*******

Isn't that just great? OK, so maybe I won't become a Trekkie, (is that how you spell it?) but I can tell you one thing for damn sure, I am a HUGE JJ Abrams fan.


Happy New Year!


-Kim >^..^<

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