"I'm Givin' Her All She's Got..."

Alzheimers is slowly dimming another bright light. Not a political light, but rather one of those entertainers who will always make a true geek smile.

The five-day tribute, "Beam Me Up Scotty ... One Last Time," had been in the planning stages for more than a year before it was revealed, earlier this summer, that the 84-year-old [James] Doohan, who lives in Redmond, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Coming so soon after the death of the similarly afflicted former president, Ronald Reagan, the family's announcement added greater urgency — and no small degree of poignancy — to preparations.

Instead of going ahead with a purely festive "retirement party" for the beloved actor, Planet XPO elected to join forces with the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation to raise awareness of the disease. With the cooperation of Doohan's family, representatives of both groups quickly were able to refocus the event's theme, turning Saturday night's banquet into a benefit.

Doohan's final formal public appearance is expected tomorrow morning, when his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is unveiled, in front of the Hollywood Entertainment Museum.

Lieutenant Montgomery Scott has been a part of my life since I can remember. It appears that he will no longer remember the love of science or the love of engineering he inspired in so many children and adults. But those memories will remain, spread out like stars in the night, in the minds and imaginations of generations of Star Trek fans throughout the world.