The Death of Icons

Captain America is dead.
I know, I know... he's just a comic book character. But he's kind of more than that. He's an Icon. There are certain Icons out there that embody more than the sum of their parts, be it words, ink, color, computer programing, or what ever medium was used to create them. Killing, altering, or removing them symbolizes more than "good business decisions".
Captain America stood, to me, for all that was good about our country. While Superman (even though he's an alien) has stood what is best in mankind as a whole, Cap stood for those things that made up what it meant to be an American. Bravery and courage in the face of overwhelming odds, honesty, justice tempered with mercy, equality with individuality, and most importantly, he stood for Freedom. He was the ORIGINAL American Hero. He stood for those things that you really don't see much anymore. We are now a nation of fear, encouraged into our collective paranoia by the very Government that is supposed to protect us. We say we're proud to be Americans... but I wonder. The fact that Cap is dead (most likely because he is "no longer relevant") concerns me.
I can understand if Cap wasn't profitable for them. I can understand bumping him back to the Avengers, or what not. Killing him off though... it seems to bring with it a toll of something more.
When in the movie "Superman Returns" Perry White wants to know if Superman still stands for "... truth, justice, and all that stuff", there's a reason it's in the script.
When the idea of a son enters the storyline of a movie, there's no mention that they were married in the second movie (at least for a little while), and no one remembers that Lois and Clark are married in the comic books, it seems more than an oversight.
When just a few years ago there was a huge stink about the fact that Godzilla destroyed an U.S. Army base in one of the movies, now it would seem that no one would bat an eye if it was to happen again.
When children look to heroes, it's hard to find ones you really want them idolizing. (I can find more than a few though with DD chests and bikinis as their fashion sense, though.)
When there seems to be a push to "humanize Jesus Christ", taking the Son of God to, just another man with some really good ideas that went all over the place, it seems convenient that this push happens in this time where we (the general populace) needs faith so much.
Now, is the spring of my discontent. I see Icons being destroyed. I see symbols becoming hollow. I see a downward turn towards a long dark night, where the World of Warcraft is more real to some than the real world, our children don't look towards heroes with the Stars and Stripes protecting those around him; but chains and blades, carving through Titans, drenching all around in blood and gore.
I won't lie to you and claim not to be part of the problem. I may not play W.o.W., but I play D.O.A.. I'm not innocent, not by a long shot. But I want my children to be, my niece to be, and my godchildren to be.
Our government spends more time bickering, playing head games with each other and the public, and looking for spin to forward their agendas, than actually GOVERNING. I love our nation. I love the people that are in our nation. Why do I need to fear though, that because my wife has Muslim friends that we're on a terrorist watch list? Why do we have men and women returning from war to decrepit conditions? Why are our candidates for President not running on what "will" be done, as opposed to what "should" be done? And despite how they all look, act, my personal opinions aside, they ALL seem to me to be politicians first and Americans second?
Captain America is dead... maybe the death of the icon of the American Way is just another sign of the world we're living in.
Truth, Justice, and the American Way may be dead, but like in comic books... maybe death just means it's gone for a little bit, and then comes back in a cooler looking outfit.

I shiver with antici...

Say it! Say it! Say it! Consta...
...pation!

Okay, enough with my Rocky Horror reference for the year. I am pretty excited about how things are going all in all this month. Yeah, my wife's really stressed, and her job's driving her into major fits of depression. She's looking for a new job. She passed her A+ certification, and I am so friggin' proud of her. She's got a lot more options now, to do work that she really wants to do without having to worry about people yelling at her because they won't take the steps to fix the problem. I am transferring from being a contractor here at Verio to being a full time, honest to goodness, employee here. I'm stoked! We're learning C++ in school, which makes me pretty happy. And...
I'm getting the two new D&D books for this month in the mail.
Ah, the glories of Amazon. Yes, I do need to wait a little longer to look at the two books, but I can wait, knowing at the very least that they are on their way. I'm strongly debating what to do once I get the Cormyr book. I'm very curious about this story line. I think Ang is thinking about running it. The question would be... when. Honestly, I would understand if Angie wasn't able to run it. I'm thinking of running it as my Emergency Back-Up Plan. I need to look at it though, and see. Maybe I can run it with the group, after Bob runs Expedition to Castle Ravenloft? I don't know. Bob's really getting into Ravenloft, I can tell. And he's not even started the game.
I'm a little worried at where this thing is going though... I mean... look at the titles:
Cormyr: The Tearing of the Weave
Shadowdale: The Weave Unwinding (or Shadowdale: The Scouring of the Land)
Anauroch: The Sundering of the World (Or Anauroch: The Empire of Shade)
Other things of interest just to mention.
I think the biggest thing to mention right off the bat is my opinion on the "Lost Tomb of Jesus". Wow! I'm going to say, an interesting find, at the very least. It's fascinating to see this tomb that may be the family crypt (as it were) of the family of Jesus. I think it's a little prematurely labeled, though. I think a more appropriate labeling would be something like "Lost Tomb of Mary". Here's my theory (after MUCH deliberation with my genius wife), take it for what it's worth. I'm not a scientist, archaeologist, or scholar, but here's my thinking. Let's look at what we do know. What we can be sure of, and let's look at things in a slightly different light. We have a large number of information that statistically seem to point to this being the family plot of the family of Jesus Christ. I actually find the information provided in the show to be of merit. Due to that, I am going to support the findings, for the most part, but propose an alternate possibility to the ossuary in question. That ossuary being the one marked "Jesus, son of Joseph".
What if this "coffin" is not that of the preacher, philosopher, and Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth? What if it is the resting place of His nephew?
Tradition tells us that Jesus the Christ had brothers and sisters. It would of been odd for him not to. Tradition also states that one of these brothers was named for his father, Joseph. It's not a huge stretch to surmise that this Joseph bar Joseph married, had children, and named one of his children after his older brother (a martyr, at the very least, the Savior of the World, otherwise). This name would of been a strong name, and something to remember an uncle that the child would of never of known growing up.
So, here's my proposed theory in a nut shell. The etching, "Jesus, son of Joseph" belonged not to the Jesus of Nazareth, but belonged to that Man's nephew. It's simple. It's got as much possibility as the others. Now... to determine... which Jesus does "Judah, son of Jesus" belong to? Either one would make me happy.
I am confused, though, why the Israeli Antiquities board would be so adamant about not wanting any research done on this. It's a great opportunity. So much information could be learned from the study. I really would like to know more about the Primitive Church, how it operated, who was in it, and what went on. So much has been lost due to manipulations, misunderstandings, and the errors of man, it's hard to get a clear picture. Did they have temples? We know that they met, but how was it organized? How different is it from today? Did they have a set instructor, or did they instruct each other?
I wish I understood the old tongues, Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, and the like. I look at anything that's not English, and my brain goes into math mode. Darn algebra, it ruined my ability to grasp lost languages. Of course... I'd also have to find some truly ancient manuscripts, and unless they were carved onto metal plates, the odds of them surviving are kind of slim. Look at the trouble they're having with the Gospel of Judas. (Another interesting idea... I'd like a trustworthy translation.) Ah, too be able to peer into the past, and see what it was like back then. Alas, I must make due with the faith I have now, and the fact that I know, just as the Old Saints knew, that Jesus lived and lives. Now, if only can be less selfish, and study more. I hate having this whole "must learn... but can't stay focused" thing.
Speaking of not focusing... I now can't stop thinking... where DO you take a Japanese CEO to dinner in Utah Valley? Hmm... curiouser and curiouser...

When did Washington's Birthday become Star Trek Day?

It's a ponderance. A question. One of seriousness, I believe. This last weekend was Presidents Day weekend. (Since we magically manage to have the "Federal Holidays" fall on either Monday or Friday, I call them weekends, because that's what they are.) I love Presidents Day, it's a day that should be steeped in history. Looking back at where we've come from. Remembering our great leaders of the past and what they taught us, as well as learning from the mistakes of the foolish few. I see the office of President to be a noble, ordained, and almost holy calling. A man (or woman) is called upon by the people, for the people, to lead us, guide us to a better and brighter future. These men are not perfect, but then, neither are we as a nation perfect. We, as a nation, have been fortunate, though. Through our darkest moments, we have been lead out, back into the light of a new era by our elected officials. These people deserve a day of remembrance. But I think we've forgotten that.
I can understand, slightly, when we have a current administration that we all are currently praying we survive, much less that we are tolerating. It is one thing to be thought a fool, it is another thing to open your mouth and prove everyone right. Unfortunately, that is what this President seems to be doing. I do not know what the history books will say of the time of G.W. Bush. I know that time is forgiving, and looks back oft with rose colored glasses. That being the case, maybe much of the childish antics of this President and his officers can be seen as just one trial that we endured and made us as a nation stronger.
I doubt he will be remembered as Washington, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, or FDR. Sadly, though, it's been brought to my attention that there are too many of the nation that don't know who Washington, Lincoln, Teddy, or FDR were, much less Polk, Adams (either of them), or Jackson. This is inexcusable. Presidents Day has become not a day of respect, ponderances, remembrances, and introspection on the nation. It's become a day of car sales, movies, and now... Star Trek? Let's get back to that. Let me explain a little about Presidents Day.
When Ronald Reagan (Yes, the former actor who became President, and died recently. I cried when I heard he died. I didn't cry when Ford died, but then, I don't remember his Presidency. Still, I felt loss when he died. When ever a great man dies, one should feel at least some loss.)... anyways... when President Reagan combined the holidays of Washington's and Lincoln's Birthdays into one day, it was to serve two purposes (I believe).
First, instead of focusing on just two of our great leaders from the past, we would have one day to honor all the Presidents. This was a day to look back, see where we've come, and where we are going. A day to understand that (most) of these men were not seeking greatness. To remember that the office of the President is not a dictatorship or elected kingship, but that the President was a servant of the People. President John Kennedy said, "Ask not what you country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." While poignant, and meaningful, I believe now days it is misunderstood. Yes, we should not be asking to be coddled by the State but neither should the State should not be coddled by us. We are all in it together. The President should be an extension of the People. He (or she) should be working as our voice, our representative to the world. He should embody the best of what the People want. He should not be a self-serving greedy potentate, that seeks to keep power above all else. Sadly, we have had these Presidents. G.W. is not the first, and I fear he will not be the last. I look forward and see too many candidates that do not speak for the People, but that speak for themselves, for their special interests, and for the "status quo". There are reasons I wore "Lex Luthor for President" buttons a few elections ago. It's become a vote for a lesser evil, and I don't see that changing. This is sad because the second reason for the combination of holidays was meant to mark change.
The Second Reason, to allow for the nation to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The sacrifice of one holiday was meant to provide the opportunity for the Nation to come together in the spirit of brotherhood, and unity. Now, sadly, not every state has adopted the holiday as their own. Or they have named it differently. That's okay. I'm fine with that. The point is, that they take a day and remember that we are all brothers and sisters, children of Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty. It doesn't matter if you are white, black, tan, red. Have we, as a nation, done some terrible things? Yes. Have there been crimes committed against our fellow man? Yes. Have we seen past our errors, and looked towards that green valley of brotherly love that Dr. King spoke of? I would hope so. We are still human, though. We need reminders. We need to remember that which we did not live through. We must learn from the mistakes of those who strode here before us, or we will be doomed to repeat it again and again. If I'm wrong in my understandings, let me know.
Do we take these opportunities that have been provided for us? The fact that the History Channel aired "The Presidents" in conjunction with "UFO Files" and had "The Final Frontier" Star Trek 40th anniversary shows in place of... oh... I don't know.... HISTORY! Rassellfrassel... I love Star Trek, maybe not as much as Firefly and Star Wars, but I don't think pop culture is history.
I come before you a sinner. I will admit it. I spent most of Presidents Day weekend watching things about the Majestic 12, the Star Trek auction, and how William Shattner changed the world (That was rather funny.). Still, there really wasn't much else to watch until Heroes came on later that night. That isn't fair. I should of been able to watch something, somewhere about the Presidents of the United States. On the Discovery Channel? Nope... Futureweapons (Though they did have some cool booms) Biography, History International, even? Nope, nope... How about a Law & Order marathon? Oh... no... wait... every one's gone out shopping, or apparently abducted by aliens. There are times I wish I would be abducted by aliens. If only to escape the idiocy of Corporate America. Of course, they'd have to abduct my wife with me. Oh! And Kieth Olberman and Joe Scarborough... two of the few sane news show types out there. I think they could use a break from all the madness as well. The guy from Hardball I don't think I want on my interstellar abduction vehicle... he seems to get a bit of the OCD of the mouth at times, but that's my personal opinion. I have OCD of the keyboard at times (looking back on this segment of rant that is just waaay too long...).
Needless to say, I think we should get back to roots at times. Maybe that's just because I'm a storyteller at heart. I think it'd be great to sit around the fire at night and listen to stories, as opposed to sitting around the TV and wondering if Donna is ever going to win James back from Kelly... Blach! That's not storytelling... that's drivel.
What is storytelling, though, is Heroes! OMFG! Oh, my frelling goram!!!! If you did not see it last night, you are reading this blog in error! Repent ye, repent ye, and get thee to thy freinds or neighbors DVR, Tivo, or other some such contraption (does anyone other than my Father still use VHS?). That's all I can say about it right now... still trembling from shock when I think about the guns... and the bullets... and the dying of the... WOW! And the Ando and Hiro... and the time thingy... and I think Ando does have a power. I think he's got Luck, karma, joss, fortune... really good juju. That's my speculation.
Take a deep breath. Mantra time... restore balance.... Ooohhhmmmm what a loon I am....
Much better.
Anyways, so since this last weekend was Star Trek weekend (apparently, since the history of the United States is so not good for the ratings). It's gotten me thinking. I think I know why the Star Trek franchise has gone kaput. I think they lost Gene Rodenberry's vision. I know the world's going to hell in a hand basket. I've said it myself more than once. That being the case, I don't think that means that Star Trek should. When I turned on Star Trek I wanted to see humanity overcoming that which is worse in our natures... not reveling, filtering back and forth, in those aspects of things. I think that what Star Trek fans want to see is "Hope". Hope for the future. Hope that no matter how bad things get, there is always a chance that things can get better, and that things will get better. I don't know about anyone else... but I like seeing a light at the end of a tunnel. Isn't that we join a faith?
Lately, TV has tried to hard to create the grim and gritty future... and those shows fail. (Well, except for Battlestar Galactica... which was supposed to be grim and gritty from the beginning.) Sci-Fi needs to go back to hope.
We need to go back to hope. As a people. We had hope when we remembered where we came from. Where we really came from. No offense, Mr. Shattner, but yes, you changed the world... but those changes are being... used... for evil... purposes.
Now... how do I write to Paramount? I have a story I want to pitch...