wMy Adventures in ...
This blog started when I came to Ukraine to do an internship in September 2002. It is a collection of notes on the time I spend in Ukraine. Now, after I have left Kyiv, I am writing stories of my other adventures.


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wWednesday, July 16, 2003


On Geeks and Trekkers

Or Once you Have Their Money, Never Give it Back
Rule #1 of The Ferengi Rules of Acquisition

I have been whining about never having a chance to go to any of my beloved anime conventions. So, my husband sneakily pointed out that there is a Star Trek Convention happening in Toronto. I think he was trying to kill two birds with one stone: (1) to remove me from home so he can get some quiet study time and (2) to be able to say “See, you’ve gone to a convention before” next time I try to whine about not going to some other convention. In any case, he just wanted to make me happy.

Well, after first “Nah” reaction, by the end of Friday the 11th I decided that I have to do something drastic to uplift my developing depression. And what can be more drastic in peaceful Toronto than a Star Trek Convention? So, after getting home from work I was dropped off at Regal Constellation Hotel near the airport. I could not persuade my husband to join me, but he still did not mind spending more than an hour to drive me to the convention place. Another thirty minutes standing in a line up for registration, and I was off to the first panel discussion on Gundam Saga. I think it is a first time in my life I found other adult people (I do consider myself an adult, though it has been questioned) discussing subject of Japanese anime series with serious faces and passion.

Few more anime-related discussions later I was off for dinner. The open café at the hotel featured a variety of Vulkan, Klingon, Ferengi, and other assorted races. As I was sitting alone, I was joined by a nice member of a Klingon society of Montreal who gave me an enlightening overview of Klingon pronunciation and writing. He also informed me that Klingon is very close language to Welsh and demonstrated that with series of phrases.

From him I found, and later conformed by visiting a Klingon literature booths in the dealers' room, that there is indeed The Klingon Dictionary: Klingon – English, English – Klingon. I remember laughing at this guy in Fraser TV series whose aim in life was to write that dictionary. Apparently, someone named Marc Okrand already did.

Checking Amazon provided this description:
[The Klingon Dictionary is the first comprehensive sourcebook for Klingon language and syntax, including fundamental rules of grammar as well as words and expressions that illustrate the complex nature of Klingon culture. It features a precise pronunciation guide, rules for proper use of affixes and suffixes, and a small phrasebook with Klingon translations for essential expressions such as "Activate the transport beam," "Always trust your instincts," and the ever-popular "Surrender or die!"]

Another book that attracted my attention at the dealers’ room was The Klingon Hamlet. I think the poor Shakespeare is turning in his grave at this Amazon.com editorial:

[“For too long, readers throughout the Federation have been exposed to The Tragedy of Khamlet, Son of the Emperor of Qo'nos, that classic work of Klingon™ literature, only through inadequate and misleading English translations. Now at last, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Klingon Language Institute, this powerful drama by the legendary Klingon playwright, Wil'yam Shex'pir, can be appreciated in the elegance and glory of its original tongue.”
...
“For non-Klingon speakers, there is Shakespeare's original text, an English-language introduction, and detailed endnotes, very wittily presented. These put forward the case that Shakespeare himself was a Klingon, and underline the essentially Klingon nature of this famous play, with its themes of honor and revenge. In creating the tragic figure of Hamlet, with his very un-Klingon propensity for brooding and procrastination, Shakespeare is believed to have been commenting on a culture becoming alienated from its traditional warlike virtues, and we are told that most Klingons find it a deeply disturbing play.”] Disturbing indeed. Though I found more disturbing the fact of publishing a book of Shakespeare in Klingon.

After such an enlightening dinner I attended few profound discussions of concepts of romance in Buffy series. It is amazing just how many people remember all the names and episodes of this and many, many other sci-fi series. The Buffy heckling party was immensely popular. You know how sometimes you watch a movie and you really want to say what you think about one scene or the other? Well, during this show you can. And lots of people did.

I did not stay for the full length of Klingon karaoke, though I think I can appreciate some songs better after listening them in Klingon language. I wish the original singers heard that too.

Anyhow, leaving the hotel I found my husband engrossed in a lively discussion with couple of blue haired Sailor Moons. For those who don’t know who Sailor Moon is – it is a character from a Japanese cartoon.

I did not attend the following two days of the convention. One day was sufficient. I have to admit it is a great pleasure to know that there are many geeks in the world and many of them are a lot geekier than I.


posted by Lidia at 8:31 AM