Star Trek Dreaming

I know I mentioned last time that I am watching Star Trek the Original Series from episode one. The thing that I always forget is how much I love these characters. Captain Kirk with his cowboy diplomacy (which is my ultimate favorite diplomacy) to Spock with his unflappable logic and stoicism, except when he thinks he killed Jim and then finds out he’s actually alive. Bones with his dry wit and sarcasm, when he allows his facade to crack, a southern accent that would do Kellie Rasberry proud. Scotty with his love and loyalty to the ship, the Enterprise might be Captain Kirk’s wife, but she is Scotty’s true love. Lieutenant Uhura, one of my first role models, a woman, on the bridge of a starship. One who carried herself with confidence and also a hint of humor.

I love all of them, a lot of life lessons can be learned from watching these shows. From issues with your parents not approving of your life choices, Sarek not approving of Spock joining Star Fleet, the age old I want you to be like me. It seems no planet is immune from that age old struggle.

Captain Jame T. Kirk, a chick magnet, I know that is not PC, but that is what he was. He had a different woman in every port, on every planet and in-between. We loved watching his swagger, his confidence, his commanding presence. Who didn’t want to be one of those women? Not me because I was only 4 when the show came out.

I wanted Spock to be my dad, I was positive when I was mischievous I would be dealt a healthy dose of logic. Not the sit in your chair and you can’t watch television for an evening punishment.

As I grew older I wanted to grow up to travel on a starship, I don’t know if I will ever get to achieve that dream. I feel we are getting closer, perhaps Tess will see it in her lifetime.

I wanted to meet an alien life form, I wanted to be the first to greet them on earth.

I have always been drawn to strong characters, I wanted to be them, Uhura, Sheena Queen of the Jungle, the first girl Musketeer, protector of a king in the form of a dora milaje, Mata Hari girl spy, saving the day. I wanted to be a singer, a dancer, a writer, Star Trek started all of that.

The show taught me I could dream, I could reach for the moon and land among the stars. It taught me logic, it taught me tolerance, it taught me unification, lessons this earth desperately needs. Perhaps a healthy dose of Star Trek is in the cards for everyone.

Make is mandatory watching in every pre-school, while the special effects are dated. I mean it premiered in 1968, the stories are solid, the ideas are enduring and Captain Kirk is still a chick magnate.

Once I am done with this series I will move on and re-watch Star Trek the Next Generation. Where we have a captain that is more refined, a first officer that has more swagger and bravado than should be legal, and rocks a beard magnificently.

I highly recommend Star Trek for everyone, of all ages. As usual you can leave any comments, questions or criticisms here or send them to angie@angieworld.com. I would love to know who your favorite character is and if any of them influenced your life.

Discombobulated

I have a confession to make, I love yoga pants, before you judge me, I don’t wear them anywhere but to work out and at home. I gotta tell ya, these are the most comfortable things I have ever put on. I LOVE them; once again will NEVER wear them to the store or anywhere but to work out and at home.

As I sit here, watching Star Trek (J.J. Abrams version) I am reminded how much I love the character of Spock, and all of them. I know a lot of original fans of TOS (for those of you not in the know, that stands for The Original Series) they abhor this carnation of the universe that they are so fond of.

As for me, I take it for what it is, a version, someone else’s vision of what this would look like if something catastrophic happened. It is a different timeline, the personalities are there, however different happenings have shaped them and the trajectory of their lives. Please note though, they all come together, they are all still on board the Enterprise. Seeing it, seeing the two Spock’s is like wrapping ones self in a warm fuzzy blanket.

This entry will be filled with randomness as I am feeling discombobulated, I feel as if I have lost a friend, someone who gave me hope through out a rough middle childhood. So my thoughts are a bit scattered at the moment.

I lost an uncle last week,

While, as an adult, I didn’t know him that well, I will admit that, when I was very young he was one of my favorites and he is the father of my favorite male cousin. My uncle was the one who influenced the trajectory of my life when I made the decision to take my Aunt Odela (who became my mother) up on her offer to “visit” her and my Uncle Foy (who became my father) in Owasso. Please see that story here http://www.angieworld.com/2012/08/my-life-story-sorta/, I have a lot to thank him for as it was the single best decision that I ever made.

It gave me Owasso, it gave me the best friend a person could ever have, it gave me the best parents, the best church to grow up in, it gave me the most amazing children a person has ever been privileged enough to have. I owe a lot to that Uncle and I will be going to his memorial next weekend to say a proper thank you and goodbye to him. After all it’s only logical, sorry had to throw that in.

Last week I also had to go to the doctor, I had a cyst on the top of my head; yes you read that correctly. It was painful and disgusting, however the doctor was able to get the whole thing and I do not have to go to a surgeon. Now I have to go to a doctor for my hurting elbow, I don’t even know what is going on; I am supposed to be getting stronger, not falling apart!

 

Star Trek Thoughts

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, with those words we are taken into the darkness. I have been in love with Star Trek since I was four years old, the characters spoke to me, and the storylines held my interest and fired my imagination. There were times I wanted Spock to be my dad, I wanted to grow up and marry Captain Kirk and Scotty was like a loveable Uncle. Bones was the grumpy old neighbor and I wanted to be Lieutenant Uhura. She was on the bridge, confident, self assured and looked good doing it.
I have watched all of the incarnations of Star Trek, I have stuck with them even when it seemed that they had lost their way. I was not overly fond of Deep Space Nine towards the end; I loved Voyager and was hopeful during the reign of Captain Archer.
When the first “new” movie was announced, and I heard J.J. Abrams was at the helm, I was reserved, although I love him, this was my beloved Star Trek. I have to be honest, he has not disappointed, he has taken Gene Rodenberry’s vision and stayed the course. He has given us a whole new lease on the franchise, by rebooting it and taking it down a different timeline he has opened a slew of opportunity for new stories. New takes on old stories, he is staying true to the concepts of good Science Fiction, tell a good story, give us some gadgets and interweave a moral.
This latest installment did not disappoint me; I am not going to give anything away, no spoilers here. I am going to just say that the characters are true to themselves, the humor, the intensity, the loyalty are all there.
I am still in love with Kirk, I still want Spock as a dad, Scotty is looking less like an Uncle as Simon Pegg has done an outstanding job in adding layers to this character. I still want to be like Uhura, she is a force to be reckoned with, and I love the relationship between her and Spock with the new timeline.
All in all, J.J. Abrams has been respectful to the long time loyalist all the while bringing in a new generation to enjoy this amazing franchise.
I will not get into a debate regarding Star Trek vs. Star Wars, they each have their own merits, personally I enjoy both for what they are. Although, let’s be honest, Star Trek paved the way for Star Wars.
The television show opened avenues for other aspiring Science Fiction storytellers; Star Trek brought it to the mainstream like none other before it had. I feel very comfortable telling everyone, everywhere, I am a Trekker; I will be applying for my honorary status as a Star Fleet Officer.

Total Geek Happenings

I am going to admit to a major geeky thing I am going to do, I am so excited! On May 3, the Irishman and I, starting at noon, will be at the movie theater watching all of the Avenger movies, Iron Man I and II, Thor, The Hulk and Captain America, culminating at midnight with the showing of The Avengers, so freakin excited! I am going to totally geek out!
I love the Avengers and I love Joss Whedon, I cannot wait to see what he has done with this franchise. Expect live tweeting, if you are not following me on twitter, now is the time. I will not be tweeting any spoilers of the new movie, no fears on that end, probably a lot of O.M.G and Wow and Joss Rocks, will be on the menu of tweets.
Does anyone out there have a total geekfest coming up? I know Jess does. If not what is your favorite geek out moment in your life? I have too many to really mention, however, my very first total geek out was at Star Trek the Motion Picture, it was when Spock walked onto the bridge wearing all black. An epic moment indeed.
so I confessed mine, your turn, confess yours.