Tone Parsons

My sister and brother-in-law invited me out last night.

They were celebrating David’s (the brother-in-law) 35th birthday. I met up with them and their friend Joe at a karioke bar (I’m not going to say which one for a reason.. but that comes later) around 8:45.

First and foremost… I hate karioke. I was a club DJ for a number of years when I was younger and we did karioke in the club on Wednesday nights. After a few drinks, people would think they were a regular Neil Diamond, grab the mic, and butcher perfectly good songs. Seriously, if I ever hear some drunk sing “Mack the Knife” again…. I’m going to kill myself.

But I digress…

We were sitting there and I saw someone who looked familar to me. I turned to my sister’s friend, Joe, and asked if he knew who it was. “Brent Spiner” was Joe’s reply.

For those who don’t know… Brent Spiner played the character “Data” on Star Trek – The Next Generation. He also played the part of Bob Wheeler, the father of the “Potato Sack Family” on the TV show Night Court.

Apparently, Brent has family in the area and comes to town a couple times every year. He likes this particular bar because people don’t recognize him (those rabbid trekies can get a little annoying). It’s not a fancy place, but it someplace that he can go and have a good time (which is why I won’t tell you where it is).

I’m a fan, but not that kind of fan. I don’t speak Klingon, have a Star Fleet uniform, and cant do that vulcan thing with my fingers. I do, however, use soap (which, from my experience of seeing Star Trek conventions, is rare among fans). I’m the kind of fan who’s seen all the shows, likes them, but also leads a normal life.

I didn’t want to bother him, but apparently, Joe knows him pretty well (Joe knows EVERYONE) and got me an autograph.

Brent smiled and waved to me, I smiled and waved back.

Sure… not very exciting… but I thought it was cool 🙂