James Doohan Not In A Coma and Likely To Survive

ThreeHamsWillKillHim writes "Apparently, it's rumored that actor James Doohan, from Star Trek fame, is in a coma." The article notes that he's not likely to come out of it. James Doohan is 82 and is known best for his role as Engineer Lt. Commander Montgomery Scott on Star Trek. CD: Update, he's home undergoing rehab for his bout of pneunomia.

Slashdot: News for Nerds. Rumors to agitate them

[CaptCosmic]

Is it such a slow news day that the Slashdot editors see fit to post *rumors* on the front page? They even state that it is a rumor. If it's a fact, then fine, post it since many Slashdot members think its important. But there is no need to engage in baseless rumor mongering.

Makes you think ...

[binaryDigit]

If you're an old phart like me, it's kinofa bummer when actors that you knew and loved growing up start to die. We can remember the "young" versions of these actors and to even think of them being 82 is mind blowing.

Heck, next thing you know companies like DEC and Pan-Am won't exist anymo... Damn, I'm really feeling old now.

P.S. If this is true, and he doesn't pull through, condolences to his family.

Ignorance.

[JanusFury]

Doohan maintained a healthy showbiz career despite the fact he was missing the middle finger of his right hand, a piece of trivia few fans are even aware of. Doohan lost the finger during D-Day of World War II when he was part of the Royal Canadian Artillery.

He later received an honorary engineering degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering after it was learned through a poll that more than half the students said they pursued engineering as a career thanks to watching Scotty in the original "Star Trek."

If that's not a damned role model, I don't know what is. He fought in damned World War 2, and he also inspired a lot of people. If that's not worth recognizing, what is? Actors serve as much a role in society as others, they just have to remember it. They're role models to children and teenagers, and they also help to express ideas and to bring awareness to a generally ignorant public.

Re:Slashdot: News for Nerds. Rumors to agitate the

[NanoGator]

Is it a slow enough news day that you'd oversimplify a situation just so you could get modded up for griping? Never mind that you'd prefer we say 'goodbye' tomorrow than say 'get well' today.

Re:Priorities on /.

[pgrote]

I know you got modded off topic, but damn, I agree with you.

Slashdot is more than willing to post his stuff all the time, but when he shares what happens and discusses his plans for fixing it they don't do it.

Hell, I am sure that with everyone who visits slashdot that a solution to the problem he posted is within our means.

Re:Priorities on /.

[sunspot42]

Mod this one up. I agree completely - way too much fluff here at /. these days. This Cringely article is exactly the kind of stuff that /. needs to be making us aware of - not the non-coma that Scotty isn't in.

Re:Priorities on /.

[Tenebrious1]

Yes, SIDS is tragic and all. Is it more important to us than a hollywood star that is near and dear to many people? Well, it shouldn't be, but let's face it, it's not an ideal world were talking about.

How much do we spend on internet access a year? How much do we spend on cable? How much on going to the movies? And compare that to charitable donations? No, it's definitely not an ideal world.

I donate money monthly, and I manage to convince myself that "it's enough" or "all I can afford". Posts like those these bring up those "I should be doing more" feelings; and who of us really wants to be reminded that we're not ideal humanitarians? If every site I visited had only "important" stories like that... I'd give up surfing altogether, there's only so much guilt I can live with.

But telling /. editors to change their priorites? Why not just mirror PBS and let the PBS crew decide what matters? Then obviously we'd see the Cringley post. Why not mirror E! and we'd see the Doohan post. Just mirror CNN?

I come here for the news that "doesn't really matter in my life but is pretty interesting". To find out what's coming down the line from MS that I'm not going to bother touching until SP1. To see how other enthusiasts are using their time building lego DAT changers. To learn how to use an electronic flash to detonate nanotube structures. To see a hundred posts that say it's a little known fact that he's missing a finger.

If you expect more from the editors, well, maybe you should just go to Salon.com or post at the Well. I don't think /. editors are doing too bad a job, they keep me entertained and mildly informed, which is why I come here.

Re:This "Rumor" is completely FALSE

[wowbagger]

As somebody else above said, you should use your powers for good - see if you can get James to consent to a /. interview.