Star Trek Review & My Summer Reading

I don't go to the movies that often, I think the prices are ridiculous. However, I grew up during a time when the original Star Trek TV series was considered cutting edge...so I just had to see the new Star Trek movie. I went with a healthy ounce of skepticism, expecting to be underwhelmed. I am a huge movie nut, and I tend to watch with a critical eye, especially if the movie is a remake of some kind. Well I can sum up my experience in one, elongated, hyphenated word: UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE!!

I was not just pleasantly surprised, I was downright impressed. I knew the premise going in, but was worried how they would provide a back story for a franchise that has reached every corner of the TV and Movie world (both for better and for worse). I was happy that they pretty much maintained the known history of the original crew. Even things that were changed were done so in a way as to acknowledge they were changed, and in a plausible way to be believable. The movie is just peppered with nostalgic references to both the series and some of the movies. Of course I found myself and a few others being the only ones laughing a few times, but that was because we got the inside joke...that just made it even funnier. I won't include any examples, so as not to spoil it for those of you that have yet to see the movie.

I particularly appreciated the fact that this film did not rely on the Klingons to play any role whatsoever. Instead, the villains were Romulans, and they were portrayed in a way that was very creative, albeit a little contrived. Special effects were plentiful and impressive, even if they were poorly edited at times. I thought it was interesting how they tried to update the technology of the late 60's sci-fi genre, while clearly making it interesting and flashy. I also like how some of the things they left to look exactly how they were back then (shuttle craft and transporter for example).

The best part of the movie was the cast, as it should be in all films. The producers hit a home run with these people. Usually, I am not a big fan of actors imitating the original characters from other movies. I prefer they find their own voice and create their own version of the character. But in the case of this movie, imitation WAS the sincerest form of flattery!! This cast did a superb job of mimicking their counterparts, and still were able to put their own signatures on the performance. The original series was so campy and the cast so over dramatic, that a remake that did not include that would have been disappointing I think! Exceptional performances were put in by the actors that portrayed Spock and McCoy, simply incredible. The only disappointment was the dude that played Chekhov...although his accent was hysterically funny.

Overall - Great Job!! I will be very disappointed (and shocked) if there are not at least 2 or 3 movies in the making. This is clearly the birth of yet another Star Trek franchise.

SUMMER READING

I used to read books like they were going out of style. As I got older and busier, and with the growth of the Internet, I have barely picked up a book in recent years (maybe 1 or 2 a year). I am devoting this summer to reading as much as I can. I love reading, it allows me to immerse myself in a story, or to let me feed my passion for history. So, if anybody really cares, here is my summer reading list:

Simple Genius - David Baldacci (In progress)

The Associate - John Grisham

Heinrich Himmler
(The Sinister Life of the Head of the SS and Gestapo) - Manvell/Fraenkel

Hidden Heroism (Black Soldiers in America's Wars) - Robert B. Edgerton

Twilight of the Long-ball Gods
(Dispatches from the Disappearing Heart of Baseball) - John Schulian

That should keep me busy...

Buzz Buzz...It's a Spelling Bee!

Flipping between the Red Sox and Magic games, I happened to come across the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee. First of all, why is it on ESPN2...is this a sport?? Sameer Mishra was the 2008 winner, and yet still no Gatorade commercials?? Bring back Australian Rules Football!! Sorry I digress...

Anyhoooo...what is the real benefit to these things? OK, so these kids can spell circles around the average person, but do they even know what the words mean? Obviously, the answer is no, since every kids asks the definition of the word! Personally, I don't need to know how to spell words whose meaning I don't know...because chances are I'll never use them in a sentence!! Then there is the geek factor. There is certainly nothing wrong with being a geek, but these poor kids are on track to being super-geeks! I think I actually saw one with a pocket protector!

What kind of life are the parents of these kids allowing them to have? They spend every waking moment for years studying the spelling of words. In Sameer's case, his sister is also a past winner, and between the two of them it was 7 years of studying spelling words! Sheesh...let a kid be a kid why don't you. The pressure is immense, and yet, these kids just keep plugging away, all the while the eyes of their parents boring into them from the side of the stage.

But there is one thing that puzzles me more than anything else. Why is it that despite all the things I noted above, when they finally announce a winner, I get a little choked up seeing the smile on his or her face? Hmmm...guess I'm just a big softy!!

(But it still shouldn't be on ESPN2!!)

Memorial Day - Remembering Heroes

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. We all know what that means to the majority of America these days...cookouts, campfires and carnivals. It's considered the unofficial start of summer and a time to start heading to the shore for some sun and fun. Isn't that just a shame? There is nothing wrong with any of those things, in fact I've been known to enjoy a hot dog or two myself. However, does anybody really put any thought into what this day is really all about? If you take out people over 50 (which I am not) and veterans (which I am), the rest of American society probably doesn't give this day a second thought.

When I drive by a cemetery and see hundreds of American flags, I don't think how pretty it looks. I recognize that they mark the graves of men and women that gave their lives for ME! These men and women died so that I can have the freedom to think and say just about whatever I want, and so that 10 other people could have the freedom to disagree with me 10 different ways. I don't think I personally know anybody that has died in war, and they certainly did not know me...but still, they laid down their life FOR me.

I have taken many trips in my life, but I have visited 2 places that have left me particularly inspired, in awe and tearful. The first was Arlington National Cemetery. I defy you to visit there and not cry. Looking out over a sea of white crosses, and thinking about what each of those crosses represents took my breath away. The second place was Gettysburg National Battlefield. It is the only place in the world I have ever been where I swear I could actually hear the voices and the battles while I stood in an empty field...it gave me chills several times over. If you need to look up either of these places on wikipedia, don't be embarrassed, just do it...please know our history!

The word hero is thrown around an awful lot these days, and most of the time it is used poorly. To call a basketball player, an actor or a musician a hero is to lessen the importance of the word. Every man and woman who has ever given their life in defense of this country is a HERO! They are not heroes because they died, but because they knew they might. Did you ever wonder what went through the minds of these people as they prepared to perform the final tasks of their lives? I'd be willing to bet that most were terrified. I doubt any of them intended to die, but many knew they would, that's a hero. Many have died trying to save others who themselves died for their country, or protecting innocent people who just got caught in the middle. Again, those are heroes.

What I am asking everybody to do is very simple, and doesn't take much effort at all. Tomorrow, as you sip your beverage of choice, and you decide what condiments to put on the burger, take a few seconds to remember why you have the day off. If your favorite ball player gets a big hit in the game, correct anyone that might refer to them as a hero. If you have children, teach them about those that made our way of life possible, and if you don't know yourself...find out!!

I hope everyone enjoys the Memorial Day holiday, but keep in mind we are still fighting a war in two countries. How many more "heroes" will be created before we see the end in Iraq and Afghanistan? God bless our soldiers.

Some thoughts on golf...

As I sit here and look out over the rolling green landscape of the local golf course, I wonder why it is that so many of us are drawn to this funny little game. I know why I like other sports. I know that I am drawn to baseball for the history and the intricacies of the game; and I enjoy hockey for the pace and the grittiness of the players. Football appeals to the warrior instinct within each of us, and boxing to the aggression we all spend so much time suppressing. Even horse racing, where the animals are the real athletes, I admire for the majesty, beauty and power of the horses. But golf? I just can't figure it out.

Don't misunderstand me, I thoroughly enjoy the game, even if I am financially precluded from playing it as often as I would like. I just don't know WHY I like it. Why would anybody want to spend half the day hitting a tiny ball with a piece of metal, especially when they miss what they are aiming for more often than not? Of course, it can be good exercise...when you walk the course, but most of us prefer carts (don't lie). As I alluded t before, it is not a cheap sport to play. You need special shoes, clubs that fit you, balls, and don't forget the clothes! Oh boy the clothes. At least they are getting more stylish, you don't see too may plaid pants or knickers anymore!!

Maybe if I played more, I could come up with the definitive answer on why I enjoy it. There is a feeling of satisfaction in reading a green just right and sinking a long putt. Sometimes you drive the ball and you can tell by the sound it makes that you nailed it...that's always nice too. Even if you do poorly on a hole, you have 17 other holes to do better on. Of course if you door poorly on all of them, you're screwed!

I just looked out the window again, and I think I have it. The sun just peeked out through the clouds and there's a little more blue sky over the fairways. I just realized...for me, it's not the game itself, but where it's played! Every course is unique, and most are thing of beauty...a work of art if you will. Mot sports are contested in a confined space, but golf is spread out over a spacious area. Each hole is a different landscape. Rolling hills, beautiful trees, babbling brooks, and wildlife galore (humans excluded)...that's what does it for me. As mad as I can get after a poor shot, it goes away pretty quickly when you are in the midst of a particularly tranquil setting. Yup, that's the answer I'm going with, and I can't really think of anything better. Fore!

Interesting Sculptures

I visited a very tranquil place today...The Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, MA. It sits on 200 acres of beautiful orchards and farms, and contains, Shaker, Native American and American art exhibits. It was very quiet and just what I needed to get away for some alone time (something I am finding I need more and more each day). Although the sun was in and out, it was still a wonderful day to be outside. The artwork and exhibits are a record a mid-19th century utopian experiment, one of many such experimentsaround the country, but the only one remaining. The experiment only lasted half a year or so, but the patriarch of the founding family was none other than Louisa May Alcotts father. Interestingly enough, another famous writer spent time at this site...Henry David Thoreau.

My favorite displys at the museum, by far, were the brilliantly creative outdoor sculptures by Joseph Wheelwright. Wheelright has created a number of Tree Figures that are as inspired as they are large! From what I understand, dug up trees from his personal property in Vermont, turned them upside down, and sculpted the heads from the root bulbs of the tree...simply wonderful. It was just genius the way he used natural resources to create humanistic figures that bring you back to he natural resources...they also reminded me a lot of old fantasy and cartoon shows where the trees come to life. Here's a couple of the tree figures:

There were several more, but I think I have been able to show a good representation of his work. I encourage people in the area to check them out for yourself. I think they are there until November. (I'll post all my pics on my facebook page if you are interested. See link below)

Finally, although I did not take advantage of them this time, there are several miles of trails and plenty of possible picnic areas to enjoy. Overall, a nice day was had by me!

10 Minutes That Made My Week

I feel the need to share a special10 minutes of my day with those that are interested:

For those that don't know, I work for a non-profit agency at a juvenile justice program for adolescent girls. Teenage girls can be very difficult to work with, and many people ask me how I do it. Usually I respond by saying that my heart has always been about youth services...I've been doing it for over 10 years (20 if you count coaching kids!). However, I always have those days that just make me feel angry or dejected or downright hopeless. The stories I could tell are full of heartbreak, trauma, turmoil, poverty, abuse, neglect..the list goes on. I am looked at as the paternal figure of the program, and for many of the girls, the only positive male figure they have.

Every once in a while, even this stern "tough" guy breaks down and sheds a tear or two. Usually it is while listening to the stories of the girls we work with, but every once in a while it is because of what the girls accomplish. Today I watched 5 of "my" girls put on an African drumming presentation to a visiting Kenyan Bishop. These are girls that generally can't do much for any length of time without distraction/disruption, and yet they created this wonderful presentation on their own and presented it to a group of perfect strangers. The girls had less than 2 hours of practice oer 2 days, and were nervous as all heck! When it was time to perform, they nervously set up their drums in the middle of a 25 person circle, and proceeded to play the most inspired and wonderful drum beats you can imagine.

When they finished their 2 songs, everyone present demanded an encore...and were rewarded with one. The looks on the faces of these girls during and especially after they placed was priceless. The sense of accomplishment and pride in what they had done, although minor to most, was priceless to them. In their world of constant failure and low self-esteem, they not only tasted success, but also realized they liked what they tasted.

I admit, my eyes welled up a little. Even though things are not great in the program right now, and the girls will always be a challenge...during that 10 minutes I was reassured. I knew I was doing what I needed to do in this world. Those 10 minutes, and the looks on those girls' faces, are why I do what I do!

Why?

I saw a little girl lost in the store yesterday,

I thought "Why doesn't somebody help that child?"

I passed a group of teens doing drugs in the park last week,

I thought "Why doesn't somebody help those kids?"

I read about a group of kids who lost their youth center last year,

I thought "Why doesn't somebody help those children?"

I looked at myself in the mirror this morning,

I thought "Why didn't I help?"

Have you helped a child lately?

Boston Sports Fans - A Special Breed

Being a Boston Sports fan, I expect to take a lot of grief...especially from New Yorkers. But isn't that what it is all about? Only fans from New York, or Chicago, or L.A. and maybe a few other places can really understand why we are how we are. The thrill of the game PLUS the "us vs. the world" attitude is what elevates the average fan into a parochial fanatic. Boston fans are not satisfied with a win, we need to make a statement. We relish when one of our rivals loses, even when we lose ourselves. Our rivalries carry over into everyday life...in schools, at work even at department stores. What Sox fan hasn't gotten pissed when they see a Yankees hat on the same display rack with anything Red Sox!

I know the rest of the country gets upset when ESPN shows their 22nd Sox/Yankees game, but why do you think they do that? You never know what is going to happen, but it is a good bet it won't be boring! I'm sorry if they don't show enough Kansas City Royals games. Let's face it, you could walk around Boston AND New York and probably not find 100 Oakland A's fans. But when the Sox are in Oakland, it seems like a third of the stadium is filled with Sox fans! It's the same across the Major Leagues...Sox fans can still sound louder than Tampa fans and they made it to the Series last year!!

The best thing about being a Boston fan is sometimes we just get spoiled. Last night I sat in a pub with 18 TV screens going...6 had the Bruins game, 6 had the Celtics and 5 had the Sox (1 had VH-1 on...don't ask!!!). The Boston sports gods have blessed us with 2 teams in the playoffs and another starting to hit their stride into the season. Let me tell you that every possible emotion known to exist was exhibited in that pub last night. From the way the Bruins took the 'canes to school, to Jason Bay doing it once again for the Sox, and of course, the last second clutch shot by Big Baby that showed that the Celtics weren't just going to roll over...it was electric.

Last night was just something your average fan from Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Raleigh, Seattle or most other places around the country could not possibly experience. And if you can't experience it, I can certainly see why you can't understand it. It really is quite special being a Boston sports fan. (By the way, the Celtics should have won by about 12 pts....see - never satisfied!!)

My Favorite Quote

To laugh often, and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To gain the appreciation of honest critics
and to endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a little better;
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Greetings...

This is the first of what I hope will be many periodic posts. I have reached a point in life where I have done much, helped many, and yet don't really know what I have to show for it. Hopefully this blog will help as I search for clarity. I also want to use this space to share what I find to be interesting tidbits from my travels around the web. I hope visitors will find this blog at least interesting. Please comment and join me in my quest...

As my first contribution, I want to share what I consider to be the true meaning of heroism and insperation:

http://www.philpacker.com/index.php