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The details you never noticed in Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation wasn’t just a TV show—it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined science fiction on screen.

Premiering in 1987, it boldly went where no series had gone before, blending the intellect of Shakespearean drama with the wonder of interstellar exploration.

With its finale in 1994 drawing over 30 million viewers, TNG cemented itself as the gold standard for sci-fi storytelling. But beyond its gripping plots and unforgettable characters, the series holds secrets and surprises even die-hard fans might not know.

Became life-long friends

For those unfamiliar, Star Trek: The Next Generation followed the adventures of the starship Enterprise-D as its diverse crew explored uncharted worlds, solved intergalactic mysteries, and tackled moral dilemmas. Set 100 years after the original Star Trek, it introduced new characters, advanced technology, and thought-provoking stories.

But did you know that many of the Star Trek: The Next Generation cast members became lifelong friends after the series wrapped. Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard) and Jonathan Frakes (Riker) are known for their hilarious camaraderie, often sharing laughs at conventions. They stay in close touch, frequently meet up for dinners, and their incredible chemistry is always evident whenever they’re together.

When LeVar Burton tied the knot in 1992, Brent Spiner stood by his side as best man, while Sir Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, and Michael Dorn took on the roles of ushers.

Martina Sirtis hated Michael Dorn

Among the many friendships that grew from the cast of The Next Generation, one of the most heartwarming is the connection between Michael Dorn, known for his portrayal of the stoic Lt. Worf, and Marina Sirtis, who brought the empathetic Counselor Troi to life.

”I’ve always been attracted to very strong women,” Dorn shared with Buzzfeed.

”I don’t know why. I was just very attracted to our sort of chemistry. We’re just crazy about each other.”

Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

But even though their friendship has endured for over three decades, it didn’t start off smoothly. In fact, as Sirtis openly admits, the two couldn’t stand each other during the show’s first season. Over time, however, their undeniable chemistry brought them closer, sparking rumors that they might secretly be dating.

Despite the speculation, Sirtis and Dorn have always been clear — they weren’t romantically involved then, and they aren’t now.

The Starfleet uniform was very uncomfortable

The Star Trek cast often gets bombarded with questions about their makeup, costumes, and those iconic masks — it’s clearly what fascinates fans the most.

Did you know that the original Starfleet uniform was so uncomfortable that Sir Patrick Stewart’s agent had to step in? He even threatened to sue Paramount if Stewart ended up with muscle or joint damage from wearing the one-piece spandex suit.

That little scare was enough to prompt a wardrobe upgrade, and by season three, the crew traded the stretchy spandex for a much comfier two-piece polyester design.

The unlikely casting of Captain Picard

Believe it or not, Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, wasn’t exactly thrilled about casting Sir Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard. He had his heart set on a younger captain with a full head of hair. But producer Robert H. Justman was so blown away by Stewart’s talent that he campaigned hard to get him the role.

After auditioning plenty of other actors and finding none of them came close, Roddenberry finally gave in.

Here’s where it gets hilarious: for his first meeting with Paramount execs, Stewart wore a hairpiece — on the producers’ suggestion. They were worried the studio might reject him for being bald. The twist? After the meeting, the execs agreed to cast him, but only on one condition: he had to lose the “ridiculous toupee.”

When the cast of the show was first revealed, some media outlets referred to Sir Patrick Stewart as an ”unknown British Shakespearean actor.” To have a little fun with it, Brent Spiner created a poster for Stewart’s dressing room that read, ”Beware: Unknown British Shakespearean actor!”

Worf’s forehead was stolen

Michael Dorn, who brought the fierce Klingon Worf to life, endured a grueling two-hour makeup process each time he suited up for the role. But things weren’t always smooth sailing for Worf’s iconic look. In Season 2, disaster struck when the original prosthetic forehead was stolen!

George Rose/Getty Images

This unexpected setback left the crew in a panic, racing against the clock to create a replacement. The result? A subtly different forehead piece that gave Dorn’s character a slightly altered appearance.

Wheaton’s priceless response

When the cast decided to push for a salary increase, Wil Wheaton was initially offered a promotion for his character, Wesley Crusher, instead of a pay raise.

The producers suggested that Wesley be made a Lieutenant. Wheaton’s response was priceless: ”So what should I tell my landlord when I can’t pay my rent? ‘Don’t worry, I just made Lieutenant’?”

By the way, Wil Wheaton holds a fun distinction: he is the first Star Trek actor — and the only cast member of Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) — to have been born after the franchise had begun.

Painful truth about Geordi’s VISOR

Geordi’s iconic VISOR was actually thrown together on the first day of shooting using a car air filter and a hair band, showcasing some quick improvisation.

While it was key to Geordi’s look, the VISOR wasn’t exactly a walk in the park for actor LeVar Burton. In an interview with the BBC, he revealed that wearing the prop gave him daily headaches and that it had to literally be screwed into the sides of his head. Despite the discomfort, Burton powered through, keeping the iconic device as a core part of Geordi’s identity.

Wikipedia Commons

After season two, producers had initially planned to have Geordi undergo an experimental procedure to restore his natural eyesight and eliminate the need for his iconic VISOR eyepiece.

However, realizing how important the VISOR had become as a symbol for the disabled community, they decided to scrap the idea. Geordi La Forge’s VISOR remained an integral part of his character throughout all seven seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

LeVar Burton’s secret snooze

Here’s another great little story about LeVar Burton that I just have to share.

During the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, there were long stretches where he would be sitting on the bridge set, often with little to no lines.

This led to some pretty boring moments, and LeVar would sometimes nod off or even fall asleep completely. The best part? His eyes were hidden behind the VISOR, so no one really noticed!

”They’re lying through their teeth..”

In the ’90s, Marina Sirtis was undeniably one of the most beautiful women to grace the sci-fi world. Famous for her British accent, she actually has Greek roots and speaks the language fluently.

Marina Sirtis, who played Counselor Troi, is often showered with compliments about how well-preserved she looks, even today.

Whenever photos of her pop up on social media, fans can’t help but flood the comments with praise, saying she hasn’t changed a bit since her Star Trek days.

”I have a picture on my wall of all of us. It’s the actual photo that Entertainment Weekly had on their cover, and it’s on the wall in my living room. It reminds me of my best friends. And, you know what? I think we all look exactly the same. All the boys have less hair. Michael Dorn is much thinner now than he ever was before. Patrick (Stewart), I think, looks the same. And people always come up to me and said, “You haven’t changed a bit.” They’re lying through their teeth, of course, because 25 years later, that’s not possible. But I think we all still look pretty good. So it’s not too disheartening to watch myself in the early episodes,” she said.

Initially, it was Denise Crosby who was set to play Counselor Troi, while Sirtis was cast as Lieutenant Macha Hernandez, the security chief. However, just before filming the pilot, the two roles were swapped. And we’re glad for that!

Behind the wig: The hair drama on TNG

If you take a closer look at Star Trek: The Next Generation, you might notice a fun behind-the-scenes detail that many fans missed: Marina Sirtis, who played Counselor Troi, actually wore a wig for most of the series! Her real hair was styled around the wig to give her those signature flowing locks that fans loved.

Meanwhile, Gates McFadden, who portrayed Dr. Beverly Crusher, wore a full wig during the first few seasons too. The wig game was definitely strong in the ’80s and ’90s!

Screenshot / Facebook (Sirtis was 37 years old here)

Gates McFadden’s own hair caused quite a bit of trouble in Season 1. Her fine red hair was constantly affected by the studio lights, leading to a lot of time spent washing and resetting it to match continuity. By Season 3, the solution was to use a collection of expensive, real-hair wigs. And while Gates was rocking these luxurious wigs, Marina couldn’t help but feel a bit envious! At conventions, Marina has confessed how she was a little jealous of Gates’ wig collection, since she had to make do with a cheaper, nylon fall. But no worries — by Season 4, Marina finally got her own real-hair fall. Talk about a hair upgrade…

So, next time you’re rewatching, keep an eye out for these iconic hair tricks — it’s a fun little nugget of TNG trivia!

From unknown to icon

Marina Sirtis wasn’t a major star when she was offered a role in Star Trek. She admits that she had never watched the original series. ”I admit, I never saw the show but I knew it was popular,” she once said.

”I had no idea what I was getting into. They said it would be a year’s work, the ten months promised was the longest job I’ve ever had. The next six years were a bonus.”

Sirtis also mentioned how devastated she was when the show came to an end.

How Riker’s iconic beard was born

When Jonathan Frakes arrived for second-season rehearsals, he sported a beard he’d grown during the 1988 writers’ strike, planning to shave it off before filming began. However, the producers were immediately taken by the new look and asked him to keep it. Just like that, Riker’s iconic beard was born, and it became a defining feature for the rest of the series.

The beard became so iconic that when Frakes finally shaved it off for Star Trek: Insurrection in 1998, fans were quick to notice. Even Q couldn’t resist making a playful jab, quipping, “Riker was more fun before the beard!” Classic Q.

Around the same time, there was a meeting with Gene Roddenberry, producer Rick Berman, and another producer, Hurley. Roddenberry, intrigued by Frakes’ new facial hair, remarked that it gave off a “nautical” vibe. This comment sparked an impromptu executive beard trimming contest, proving that even the smallest details could lead to quirky behind-the-scenes moments. The beard, of course, became just as legendary as Riker himself!

Robin Williams almost joined Star Trek

Star Trek: The Next Generation attracted plenty of celebrities and public figures who were huge fans of the original Star Trek series and jumped at the chance to make guest appearances.

One of the standouts was, of course, Whoopi Goldberg, who became a fan favorite with her recurring role as Guinan. Goldberg actually reached out about being on the series even before it premiered. However, it took nearly a year for her to get a response, as the producers initially didn’t take her inquiry seriously.

Unfortunately, not every request could be granted. Robin Williams, for instance, was eager to join the cast, but because he was busy filming Hook (1991), he had to pass on a role in Season 5, Episode 9, “A Matter of Time.” Instead, Matt Frewer stepped in to fill the spot.

Didn’t bother unpacking his suitcases

Sir Patrick Stewart was so sure Star Trek: The Next Generation would be a flop that he didn’t even bother unpacking his suitcases for the first six weeks of shooting. But by the end of the first season, the show proved him wrong in a big way —Paramount was raking in $1 million per episode in advertising revenue.

By 1992, each episode’s budget had skyrocketed to nearly $2 million, with the studio pulling in a staggering $90 million annually from advertising alone. Each 30-second commercial was fetching between $115,000 and $150,000. With 178 episodes spread across seven seasons, from 1987 to 1994, Star Trek: The Next Generation was not just a cultural phenomenon — it was a financial powerhouse, leaving its mark on television history.

Star Trek really was an amazing series, wasn’t it? Do you have any fun memories or hidden facts about the show you’d like to share? Feel free to share, and don’t forget to spread the word by sharing this article!

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Whiten Your Teeth – Home Remedy with Ginger & Salt

Want instantly brighter teeth? This quick and natural ginger and salt remedy lifts stains, eliminates bacteria, and enhances your smile

Why Ginger & Salt Work for Whitening Teeth

✔ Removes Yellow Stains – Salt works as a natural exfoliant to cleanse and polish the enamel.
✔ K-ills Bacteria & Plaque – Ginger is packed with antibacterial properties to fight bad breath
✔ Strengthens Gums – Helps to reduce gum inflammation and sensitivity
✔ Fast & Effective – Works in just one use for a brighter smile

How to Make & Use the Ginger & Salt Whitening Treatment

Ingredients:

½ teaspoon fresh ginger (grated or powdered)
¼ teaspoon salt (fine sea salt or Himalayan salt)
A few drops of water (to form a paste)

Instructions:

– Step 1: Grate fresh ginger or use powdered ginger.
– Step 2: Mix it with salt in a small bowl.
– Step 3: Add a few drops of water to create a thick paste.
– Step 4; Apply the paste to your toothbrush and gently brush for 2 minutes.
– Step 5: Rinse well with warm water and enjoy your whiter teeth!

💡 Use this method only 2-3 times a week to avoid enamel damage.

Extra Tips for Brighter Teeth

✔ for extra whitening power, Brush with baking soda once a week
✔ Rinse with coconut oil (oil pulling) for deep cleaning and freshness
✔ Eat crunchy fruits like apples and carrots to naturally clean enamel
✔ Avoid tea, coffee, and smoking, which stain teeth over time

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Inside the hectic life of Australia’s biggest family

When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she was certain of one thing — she never wanted children.

“Ray wanted at least four kids. I thought that was crazy. Like, who has that many children?” Jeni told Mamamia.

Now, over three decades later, they are the proud parents of 16 children.

$600 every week on groceries

If you’re from Australia, you might have heard of them, but for me, it was a real shock when I first started reading about The Bonell Family.

Life for the Bonell family, who are raising 16 kids in Australia, is anything but ordinary. From feeding their large brood to coordinating the chaos of daily life, Jeni and Ray Bonell have mastered the art of juggling it all — and with a healthy dose of humor, too.

The Bonell family, from Queensland’s Toowoomba, is made up of nine boys and seven girls – Jesse, 35, Brooke, 34, Claire, 31, Natalie, 30, Karl, 28, Samuel, 26, Cameron, 25, Sabrina, 24, Tim, 22, Brandon, 20, Eve, 19, Nate, 17, Rachel, 16, Eric, 15, Damian, 14 and Katelyn, 10.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan once joked, “You know what it’s like having a fourth kid? Imagine you’re drowning, then someone hands you a baby.” So what’s it like to have sixteen kids?

Jeni, the mother at the helm, spends a staggering $600 every week on groceries just to keep their pantry stocked. With inflation hitting hard, that budget has crept up by $50. For a family of 18 (with 8 kids still living at home), it takes a lot to keep everyone well-fed.

The weekly grocery list is nothing short of impressive: 17 three-litre bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and a whopping four dozen eggs.

“We go through 50 litres of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” says Jeni.

Getting a good family photo is difficult

It’s a logistical nightmare for anyone, but for the Bonells, it’s all part of the rhythm of life. The Bonell family’s home life is a carefully choreographed routine.

“Getting a good family photo is difficult,” says Jeni, laughing. “You need an extra-wide lens, and there’s always someone looking away, pulling a funny face, or with their eyes closed. But we enjoy those little quirks in the photos. They’re not picture perfect, but that’s part of the fun.”

With 16 kids, it’s not just about taking photos — it’s about keeping up with the whirlwind of daily life.

Imagine having 16 kids, a full-time job, part-time jobs, and a household to run. That’s the reality for Jeni and Ray.

“I used to think life was busy with little kids,” says Jeni, “but I’m certainly busier these days with older children.” Between coordinating three different schools, sporting activities, part-time jobs, and the older kids’ studies, it’s a juggling act. And yet, Jeni wouldn’t have it any other way. “Life is very hectic – but it’s good.”

The evening routine in their home is a perfect reflection of the Bonell family dynamic. “Take an average-sized family and multiply it by eight, and that’s what our evening routine is like,” Jeni laughs.

Stretching every dollar

Some nights it’s total chaos; other nights, everything falls into place like a well-oiled machine. But regardless of how the evening unfolds, one thing is always consistent: dinner time. “Dinner is always great,” Jeni explains. “Some nights we have eight people at the table, other nights we have more than 20!”

The Bonells are pros at stretching every dollar. Jeni is known for her budget-friendly meals that cost between $2 and $10. She often shares her grocery trips on YouTube to help others manage their food costs.

“It’s a struggle for everyone at the moment,” says Jeni, “We’re all feeling that pinch with the budget.” To stay organized, Jeni uses a chore chart to divide household responsibilities, making sure everyone from age eight upwards pitches in. The kids are also taught to cook from a young age. “Our 12-year-old can put a roast dinner on for 20 people with almost no supervision,” Jeni says with pride.

The laundry load in a house like theirs is equally immense. Jeni does three full loads of laundry every day, which amounts to about six average-sized loads. And when it comes to grocery shopping, Jeni fills up two trolleys each week. “I always need one of the kids to help with the load,” she says.

The Bonell Family religion

When it comes to their finances, the Bonells have learned to make sacrifices. While they pay off their home mortgage, the financial pressures are still real. “It’s expensive and you definitely have to make sacrifices with your budget,” says Jeni. “But we all work, and our family doesn’t live off the taxpayer. However, we do get a lot of criticism for having so many kids.”

Although the Bonells are deeply religious and regularly attend church, Jeni insists that their large family isn’t solely the result of their strong faith.

“God has a funny sense of humour,” says Jeni. They have no regrets, though. ”It just feels right for us,” says Ray, who works as an electrician. ”People have to do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids is not for everyone, but it’s what works for us.”

Despite their busy lives, Jeni and Ray find moments for themselves. “Do I get alone time with my wife? Of course, I do. We make time for each other,” says Ray with a smile. “It’s important to look after each other.”

Their two older children have now left home and are married, adding to the family dynamic as Jeni and Ray become grandparents to two grandchildren. It’s proof that the Bonell family just keeps growing. But with each addition, the love, laughter, and sense of togetherness only deepen.

Inside their roster system

In a family where organization is key, the Bonells have developed a solid routine. From prepping school uniforms and lunches the night before to creating a rotation system for chores, the Bonells make it work.

“We have a roster system, so when a kid turns eight, they get put on the roster,” says Jeni. “They rotate through chores like sweeping, mopping the floor, packing up the table, and helping with meal prep.”

When it comes to snacks, Jeni has a few favorites she shares with fans on YouTube, including air fryer egg cups and air fryer pizza bites. Both snacks are simple to prepare, freeze well, and are perfect for school lunches.

For the Bonells, it’s all about creating a system that allows everyone to pitch in and contribute. And despite the chaos of managing a household of 16, it’s clear that love, teamwork, and humor keep the Bonell family thriving.

Whether it’s feeding the kids, running a household, or finding time for a quick coffee date, the Bonells make it all work — and they do it with a smile.

At the end of the day, the Bonell family proves that with a little creativity, a lot of organization, and plenty of love, you can make just about anything work. Sure, raising 16 kids isn’t easy, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s all part of the adventure.

Whether it’s sharing tips on how to feed a crowd on a budget, keeping up with the endless laundry, or just enjoying the chaos of family life, the Bonells know how to make it happen. And through it all, they’re creating a home full of memories, laughter, and endless love. If there’s one thing we can all take away from this, it’s that family, no matter how big, is always worth it.

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Tiger Woods posts an emotional message on social media announcing the death of his mother, Kultida, saying, “My Mom Was Force Of Nature

In a heartfelt social media statement, Tiger Woods revealed that his mother, Kultida Woods, has passed away at the age of 78. She is his “biggest fan” and a “force of nature,” according to the 15-time major champion.

“I want to share with you my deepest sorrow that my beloved mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Tiger wrote in his touching letter. My mother’s spirit was just indisputable; she was a force of nature all her own.

She laughed and used the needle quickly. “She was my biggest supporter and fan, and without her, none of my personal accomplishments would have been possible,” he continued. Her two grandsons, Sam and Charlie, adored her more than anyone else. I appreciate everyone’s prayers, support, and privacy at this trying time for my family and myself. I adore you, Mom.

Kultida, who is originally from Thailand, met Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, in the late 1960s when he was serving with the US military in Bangkok, according to Fox News. After being married in 1969, the pair moved to Brooklyn, New York, and finally settled in Cypress, California, where their only child, Tiger-born Eldrick Woods, was born.

Eldrick was given his parents’ names, K for Kultida and E for Earl. Tiger Phong, his father’s lost companion in Vietnam, inspired the golf champion’s nickname. At the age of 74, Earl passed away in 2006.

During one of the golfer’s darkest moments, Kultida supported her son. In a widely reported news appearance in 2010, he admitted to having several extramarital affairs. Tiger’s mother, who was seated in the front row of the public confession, acknowledged that he had “stopped living by the core values” that his parents had taught him and that his behaviour was unacceptable.

penultimate year, Tiger Woods said on The Tonight Show that his mother was the reason he was able to don the now-famous red and black ensemble that he donned on the penultimate day of golf competitions. Published at 10:45 AM IST on Wednesday, February 5, 2025

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