Recently, I wrote “How to Become a Scientist” and in the story, I told about the influences that led me to that end. At the time, I forgot to mention one of the most important factors: Star Trek. As a kid, Star Trek was the coolest show ever. It made science seem like such a fun thing, and also, being smart was not something to be ashamed of, as often seems the case in today’s Hip Hop, Flip Flopped culture. Of course, Captain Kirk was the hero, but I always identified more with Mr. Spock. He was the smart one. And although he rarely got the girl, you somehow didn’t feel too sorry for him in that regard. After all, who needs girls when you have logic (hmmmm, okay, I admit that might not be all it’s cracked up to be). Anyway, Spock was my inspiration to become a scientist, and so I have him to thank/blame for so many things. Here then, is how I plan to honor Mr. Spock.

 

I will always be a Trekkie.... at heart. Please don’t expect me to wear those ridiculous ears out in public (maybe in private, if someone wants to send me some). You can be a fan, without being a fanatic, and I always try to separate those two things. Still, I don't mind watching "The Trouble with Tribbles" for the 138th time, and "Amok Time" is always special, since where else can you hear Captain Kirk say, "You are not a fish, Mr. Spock."

 

I will be more logical and less emotional. For instance, when I drop an experimental sample that represents 3 months worth of work, and it breaks on the floor, I will ask myself, "How would Mr. Spock deal with this situation?" Most likely, in my confused state I would reply, "Of course, he would coolly and logically smash the nearest breakable object he could find, while uttering a few choice Vulcan curse words." Well, to paraphrase that guy who once ran for Vice President and didn’t win, but had that really killer quote, “I know Spock, I have seen Spock many times, and I’m no Spock.”

 

I will be more diplomatic in my dealings with morons and dunderheads who task me. Instead of punching them, I will raise one eyebrow, and then use the Vulcan neck pinch. I always liked this sort of non-violent violence. Many are the times I would have liked to use this, instead of quietly seething (No, I'm not the punching type). But alas, just like Captain Kirk, I never learned how.

 

I will use the Vulcan Mind Meld when dealing with women. This form of telepathy is the only way that I know to ever figure out what is really on a woman's mind. And even then, I'm not sure it would work. As Captain Kirk once said, "Vulcan women are logical, but they are the only ones." Still, it is worth a shot.

 

Last, but not least, I will try my best to "Live long and prosper." My best tribute to Mr. Spock will be to continue being a fan, for a long, long time. And wouldn't it be nice if we could all do that.